========================================================================== xx - WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 9/"We Interrupt This Program"/Teaser seaQuest 2047 "We Interrupt This Program..." Story by Melissa Beattie, L.E. Beglin & Rachel Brody Script by Melissa Beattie, Rachel Brody & Victoria Morgan Hyde Publication Draft Sunday, January 11, 1998 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". TEASER OPEN ON AERIAL VIEW OF WATER The camera view rests lightly on the water's surface for a moment, following a seagull. After a moment, the camera begins to zoom in on the ocean surface, then plunges underwater. CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLES--CGI A shuttles moves through the water rapidly, flanked by assault craft. Caption Reads: "Location: Carolinan Coast". New Line: "Time: 1917 Eastern Standard Time". ROSS (V.O., social tone) So, Governor Hansen, how are things out in Texas? CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE--REAR COMPARTMENT This is obviously the presidential yacht. The decor is in muted pastels, and the standard shuttle benches have been replaced by plush sofas. President Eileen Ross, as well as several government-types, are seated on them. Among others, the people are Texas Governor Thomas Hansen and Ross' chief of staff Gary DeLano. It looks a bit like a social affair, and everyone is acting pleasant and holding drinks. HANSEN Well. We had a slight-- He breaks off as the curtain to the cockpit opens and a young man wearing the uniform and rank bars of a Carolinan lieutenant walks out. He looks slightly nervous. LIEUTENANT Madame President? Ross looks over, somewhat annoyed at the interruption, but not showing it. ROSS Yes? LIEUTENANT Ma'am, the pilot would like to speak with you. DeLano and Ross exchange glances. DELANO (standing) Lieutenant, the president is busy. Is this something I can take care of? The lieutenant looks from DeLano to Ross, then around the compartment. LIEUTENANT (stuttering slightly) Uh...I suppose so, Sir. DeLano nods, then stands. He looks around at the others. DELANO This should just take a few minutes. He leaves. CUT TO COCKPIT The curtain closes behind them as DeLano and the lieutenant enter the cockpit. Another lieutenant is sitting in the pilot's chair. DeLano walks up behind him. DELANO Is something wrong? PILOT (slight nod) In a way, Mister DeLano. (beat) One of the escort ships just notified us of a few small vessels on their way toward us. DeLano looks slightly concerned. DELANO Have they identified themselves? PILOT (shakes his head) No, Sir, they have not. (beat) Their markings and IFF signals check out, but they're not responding to our requests for verbal identification. DELANO (annoyed) Tell the escort ships that if the vessels don't give valid IDs, they are to be stopped by use of whatever means are necessary. (beat, scathing) That _is_ standard procedure, is it not? PILOT (embarrassed) Y-yes, Sir. DeLano nods, satisfied. DELANO Then I think you can handle the rest of this yourself. He walks out. The pilot and the other lieutenant, his copilot, exchange nervous glances. Sweat is evident on the pilot's brow. PILOT (shaking head) So much for my first and last chance to pilot the presidential shuttle. CUT TO REAR COMPARTMENT Ross and the others are talking as DeLano enters. All conversation pauses and glances are redirected his way. Finally, Hansen speaks. HANSEN What happened? DeLano shakes his head, sitting where he had been, next to Ross. He picks up his drink again and takes a sip. DELANO Nothing, Governor. Hansen nods, and the passengers of the shuttle look slightly relieved to hear it. CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE--CGI The two escort ships have moved in closer to the main shuttle. They all continue on their course. PILOT (V.O., finishing) --Identify themselves, you're to use your discretion to make sure the president and her guests are safe. ESCORT PILOT #1 (V.O.) Understood. ESCORT PILOT #2 (V.O.) Relaying the request... (a moment's pause) They're still not responding. ESCORT PILOT #1 (V.O., worried) They keep disappearing off my displays...I can't get a lock on them. PILOT (V.O.) Understood. Use your discret-- He breaks off as a bolt of laser fire lances out from where the camera would be, striking the main shuttle. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE--REAR COMPARTMENT Ross, DeLano, Hansen, and others are thrown about a bit by the blast. A light blows out and exclamations of surprise and pain are heard. QUICK CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE--CGI Three Mark IV Spectres come out, from behind the camera, coming after the main shuttle. The first escort fires a burst of laser at one of the Spectres, but misses. The second escort fires at another Spectre as it tries to hit the main shuttle, hitting it and blowing it up. ESCORT PILOT #2 (V.O.) They must have taken out communication. Still two of them left. The third of the Spectres fires at the second escort craft and makes a dead-on hit to the engines. In the ensuing explosion, several pieces of the wreckage hit the main shuttle, which is tossed about. ESCORT PILOT #1 (V.O., sounding slightly panicked) Aw, hell... A laser lances out from one of the Spectres and hits the main shuttle again, then the first escort fires a laser and blows up the Spectre. The final Spectre takes a couple of pot shots at both the escort and the main shuttle, before the escort finally blows it up. All is silent. FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE OPEN ON DARK ROOM The camera is tight on a digital clock, the numbers read 2:07. We hear someone breathing. A vidlink chirps. Nothing happens. Again, it chirps. We hear blankets rustling. MALE VOICE The vidlink chirps again. A light goes on. The vidlink is switched on. We leave the clock, and as the camera focuses on the owner of the voice, we see that it's Vince Matson, looking exhausted. On the line is Neal Carver, a man in his late fifties or early sixties. He also looks exhausted. MATSON (annoyed, yawns) Look, Neal, I'm on vacation. I finally got to _sightsee_ in London, dammit. Whatever's going on-- CARVER (breaks in) We've got a high-speed jet on its way to you from New York. It ought to be there in about an hour. Tris is handling things till we can get you back here. Matson looks at Carver, a bit confused. MATSON What's going on? CARVER (shakes his head) No time to explain, just get your things ready to go. Matson nods, standing. MATSON Big story? CARVER (nods) You could say that. Matson sits down on the side of his bed. MATSON What happened now? (quickly) Wait, no, let me guess. (beat, with humor) Those rumors the National Star printed are true, and Hitchcock is resigning her post as Secretary General to go raise a family of midgets. Carver doesn't find this funny. CARVER Not exactly. (beat) Reports just came in a few minutes ago. Turn on your TV. Matson isn't appreciating the amount of work Carver's making him do to get the whole story, especially not at this hour, but he nods and turns on his television set. A news program is on, and anchoring is Trista MacAllen, a blonde in her mid-thirties. MACALLEN (onscreen, in the middle of her report) --Repeat, approximately forty-five minutes ago, three unidentified Spectres attacked a shuttle convoy carrying Carolinan President Eileen Ross, Texan Governor Thomas Hansen, Georgian Vice-Governor Allister Bingham-- Her voice breaks off as Matson turns off the television and turns to stare at Carver. Carver shakes his head. CARVER Reports are still coming in. At this point, everything looks sketchy. We're not sure what condition everyone is in, but rescue crews are on their way to the shuttle. Matson just nods, still staring, in shock. CARVER Tris is holding up, but I want my top reporter on this one. Matson nods again. MATSON (sounding slightly distracted) Absolutely... CARVER Your flight will take about four hours. Be ready to get down here as soon as they drop you at the airport. I'll send a car. Matson keeps nodding, though his mind is elsewhere. The camera returns to the vidlink. Carver disconnects. We linger on the blank screen for a moment, then... CUT TO EXTERIOR OFFICE BUILDING, AERIAL VIEW Caption reads: "Location: Portland, Oregon" New line: "Time: 2317 Pacific Standard Time" It's an office building in downtown Portland. On the side of the building is the logo of CNN, with the words "Portland Bureau" beneath it. CUT TO EXTERIOR CNN OFFICE BUILDING, STREET VIEW The camera is across the street as a black car, also sporting the logo on both the hood and doors, pulls up. Vince Matson hops out, leaving his suitcase behind. He's changed into a gray suit and tie, still looking exhausted, but at the moment it's being ignored. The driver pulls the car away as Matson takes the steps...two at a time. CUT TO INTERIOR BUILDING, LOBBY Matson flashes an ID as he passes by the guard, then keeps going. He misses the elevator, and instead of waiting runs to the stairs and takes them a couple at a time. CUT TO HALL OUTSIDE STUDIO Matson rushes to the door, and waves at Carver, who is talking with a couple of tech people and an intern. Carver spots the motion, notices Matson, says a couple more words to the intern and techhies, then leaves the room and walks over to Matson. They speak in hushed tones. CARVER We're going to break in a couple minutes to go to a live feed. The monitor is showing our most up-to-date information. Matson nods through this, straightening his tie and running his fingers over his hair. Carver looks at him a moment, then waves at the intern, Tanisha Lloyd, to come over. She leaves the studio and walks over. LLOYD Mister Carver? CARVER (off Matson) Get the makeup people out here. Lloyd nods and walks back in. She goes over to the makeup people and snags one of them. MATSON (to Carver) Neal-- CARVER (interrupting, quickly) Once Trista finishes this segment, and the live feed finishes up, we're hoping to have an exclusive interview with Secretary General Hitchcock. We'll feed it over here from UEO Headquarters for a real-time satellite interview. Matson nods again. CARVER Which is where you come in. MATSON (nods) I'll have something ready. CARVER Good... Lloyd returns with a makeup guy who immediately goes to work on Matson. For his part, Matson stays still and lets the makeup guy do his work. DIRECTOR (from inside the studio) Where the hell's Matson?! Carver sees that the show has switched to a live feed from Raleigh and turns his attention to a television screen in the hallway. CLOSE UP ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN It shows what's going on in the studio. The text "Accident off Carolinan Shore" is superimposed across the bottom of the screen. The words "Video courtesy of NBC" are in the lower left corner, indicating that CNN is borrowing footage. Trista MacAllen is on the screen, reading from a monitor. MACALLEN Approximately six hours ago, a diplomatic shuttle carrying several high-ranking members of the government of the Carolinan Confederation was attacked of the coast of North Carolina. (pauses) We now have a live feed from one of the rescue shuttles; NBC was permitted to place an automated camera aboard and will be sharing the footage with other networks. CUT TO INTERIOR RESCUE SHUTTLE Bustling with activity. MACALLEN (V.O.) At exactly seven-twenty-eight Eastern Standard Time, one of the shuttles that was escorting President Ross and her guests radioed for help, stating that the president's shuttle had been attacked by unidentified Spectres of Mark IV design. She continues talking as we... CUT TO UEO HEADQUARTERS, PRESS ROOM UEO Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock is watching the newscast. She's pretty shocked herself, not resisting as a makeup person does last minute checks on her hair and general appearance. A news crew sets up, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson is talking to her in hushed tones. Defense Minister Andrew Langson is near the door, talking to one of the technicians. ROBINSON (quietly) Just be careful what you say. HITCHCOCK (rueful look) Wallace. My statement's all prepared. Don't worry. ROBINSON (shakes his head) Madame Secretary, perhaps you don't quite see the problem here-- He's cut off as the on-site director interrupts. ON-SITE DIRECTOR (yells) Everybody, we're going to a live satellite feed in ten...nine... He continues the countdown as Hitchcock moves to her desk and sits down. HITCHCOCK (to Robinson) I'm fine. Go wait with Langson. Robinson sighs, then turns and walks over to the doorway. Hitchcock takes a quick breath, settling down. CUT TO NEWS STUDIO As Matson slides into his chair and orients his gaze on the teleprompter and the screen beside it. On the second screen are the words "HITCHCOCK FEED" over a blue screen. Matson takes a few quick breaths. DIRECTOR (yelling) Three...two... CUT TO TELEVISION SCREEN The screen shows Matson sitting at his desk, the words "President Ross In Accident" superimposed over the bottom of the screen. All action takes place on screen. Matson looks directly toward the screen. MATSON Good morning, this is Vince Matson taking over for Trista MacAllen as we join UEO Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock for a live interview on her reaction to the accident that occurred off the coast of North Carolina at approximately seven-fifteen eastern time, tonight. (beat) The secretary general's press secretary read her statement on the situation approximately fifteen minutes ago, but Secretary General Hitchcock has consented to answer a few questions. The screen splits to show Hitchcock, standing at a podium, as well as Matson. MATSON Madame Secretary, I'd like to thank you for this interview. (without waiting for a reply) What was your reaction to news of President Ross' accident? Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK I learned about the accident about three hours ago. The UEO is, of course, hoping for the best. MATSON (nods) And you, personally? HITCHCOCK I'm also hoping for the best. (beat) As the official representative of the United Earth Oceans Organization, I'd just like to say that-- Matson holds up a hand, watching the news feed in front of him, then he looks up. MATSON I beg your pardon Madame Secretary, but I've just received a report that the vessels used in the attack on President Ross' shuttle are thought to be Mark IV Spectres. Isn't that a type of Spectre used by the UEO? Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK Yes, however, we've currently upgraded almost all our facilities to Marauders. MATSON What does the UEO have to gain if Preside-- He breaks off and looks at the screen again. Hitchcock waits patiently, though it's obvious from her expression that she has a fair idea of where Matson was headed with that question. MATSON According to the latest reports, all nine people aboard President Ross' shuttle have been rescued; the president is listed in critical condition. (beat, thinking on his feet) Thank you for your cooperation, Madame Secretary...we're going to cut to that reporter now. We appreciate your taking time to talk with us on this very grave matter. Hitchcock's image disappears as Matson's is adjusted to take up the whole screen. Apparently, the interview is over. MATSON (continuing) Texan Governor Thomas Hansen has at least one broken limb, and Georgian Vice-Governor Allister Bingham has a severe concussion. President Ross' assistant, Gary DeLano, is being reported as-- He breaks off as we... CUT AWAY TO PRESS ROOM She watches the screen a moment, then looks over at the on-site director. He listens to a headset for a moment, then jogs over to her. ON-SITE DIRECTOR CNN Headquarters says that's all for now, we just got a breaking report on the status of the passengers. Thanks. Hitchcock nods dazedly. ON-SITE DIRECTOR (gesturing to the equipment) Mind if we leave this set up? Might need it again. HITCHCOCK Fine. But my press secretary will handle anything else. He's got my statement. The on-site director looks slightly miffed, but nods. ON-SITE DIRECTOR Thanks for your cooperation, Ma'am. Hitchcock nods again, then walks over to Robinson as the news crew starts to pick things up. HITCHCOCK (quietly) I'll be in my office. ROBINSON (concerned) Madame Secretary-- HITCHCOCK (cuts him off, almost explosively) Wallace, _don't argue with me_! (beat, firmly) I will be in my office, using the vidlink. Robinson nods, though he doesn't look happy with the situation. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock walks into the office, shutting the door behind her. Then she walks to the vidlink and dials up the _seaQuest_. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The _seaQuest_ is moving quickly through the water. Caption reads: "Location: UEO/Carolinan Border". New line: "Time: 0307 Eastern Standard Time" CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE The full bridge crew is on-duty and at their appropriate stations. The ship is at general quarters. Captain Lucas Wolenczak is sitting in his chair, but antsy. Ensign Rebecca Trueman looks up from her console. TRUEMAN Captain, you have a call from the Secretary General. WOLENCZAK (stands) I'll take it in my office. Trueman nods and reroutes the call as Wolenczak leaves the bridge. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak enters, closing the hatch behind him. He sits down at his desk and hits the button on the vidlink. Hitchcock begins talking immediately. HITCHCOCK (onscreen) Has anything happened? WOLENCZAK (shakes his head) No, Ma'am. (beat) We've been patrolling for almost two hours. No sign of the remaining bandit. And the Carolinans are sticking to their side of the border. HITCHCOCK (nods) Good... (beat) And have you been keeping up-to-date? WOLENCZAK We have a CNN news feed running directly to the bridge; Lieutenant Commander Goodwin's been keeping an eye on things. Hitchcock looks satisfied with this. She looks away from the vidlink for a moment. HITCHCOCK (sighs) Great, now WNN wants an interview... (shakes her head, to Lucas) If anything happens-- WOLENCZAK (finishing for her) --I'll let headquarters know. Don't worry. Hitchcock sighs, and nods. WOLENCZAK Have you talked to Ben? Hitchcock shakes her head. HITCHCOCK He's on his way here. Why? WOLENCZAK Thought you might have. (shakes his head) Never mind. TRUEMAN (over com) Captain to the bridge, I repeat, Captain to the bridge. Wolenczak looks toward his com speaker. WOLENCZAK I've got to go. HITCHCOCK (nods) Keep me posted, Captain. She disconnects. Wolenczak jogs out of the room. CUT TO EXTERIOR CNN OFFICE BUILDING The streets are close to deserted, except around the news building, where there are several cars pulling up and a helicopter leaving the rooftop. Caption reads: "Time: 0018 Pacific Standard Time". CUT TO CARVER'S OFFICE MacAllen and Carver are talking as interns and tech people bustle about outside the glass-window walls. There's a television monitor in the corner of the office, showing Matson on the screen. MACALLEN (shaking her head) I don't need sleep. I need to get to Raleigh and handle the reporting on that end. (beat) You've already got Vince here. (almost pleading) Neal, please. I can do this. CARVER Trista, it's not a matter of whether or not you can do this, but eventually Vince is going to need a break. He crossed eight timezones in what, four hours? (beat, sighing) We still haven't decided if we're putting "Face to Face" on the air tonight, but either way, he's going to be on the air most of the day. (watching her) He was in London for three days, probably stayed out late last night, and I jerked him back pretty early. MacAllen nods, but doesn't look happy about this. CARVER (continuing) WNN has agreed to share its footage, so has NBC. Any interviews-- MACALLEN (quietly, but still interrupting) Vince wants to go to Raleigh. Carver raises an eyebrow. CARVER When did he say that? MACALLEN Earlier, when we cut to WNN at the hospital and he took the ten-minute break. Carver sighs. CARVER He knows I can't let him do that. MACALLEN (sighs) Neal, you've got to let one of us go. The other networks would love to have him be on the scene--you know WNN wants to get their hands on him, they'd think this was a golden opportunity to tempt him away. (beat) And if you're not going to let me go to Raleigh, then at least let me stay here and cover the story while he's en route. Carver considers this for a few seconds, then nods. CARVER Fine. (beat) I'll talk to the other network heads. Have my secretary get us a high-speed jet and a hookup with the affiliate in Raleigh. MacAllen nods and leaves, stopping to talk with Carver's secretary on the way out. Carver watches her go. CUT TO MEDBAY Doctor Laura Taylor is in her usual night shift position...at a desk, checking charts. Ensign Anne Morgan enters. Dr. Taylor looks up. DR. TAYLOR Wearing your EMT hat now? MORGAN (wryly) Every time we're called to battle stations, I get to shift gears and forget about science for a while. They're silent for a moment. DR. TAYLOR So...what do you think will happen? (beat) If Ross dies, I mean. Morgan looks questioningly at her. DR. TAYLOR (continues) To the Confederation. Think they'll rejoin the UEO? Morgan shakes her head. MORGAN I wouldn't bet on it. DR. TAYLOR But it makes sense. She takes a sip from the mug on her desk. MORGAN How so? DR. TAYLOR Think about it. Ross has been running this like some sort of television mini-series...the people down there follow the personality, not the cause. MORGAN (mutters) She has the personality of a bowl of fruit. The plastic kind your grandmother used to keep on the coffee table. The doctor smiles at this. DR. TAYLOR If it weren't for Ross, the Carolinans would never have left in the first place. Yes, they had problems with the UEO, but she provided the driving force for the secession. MORGAN (hesitantly) I don't know...Governor Hansen seems ready to carry on in her footsteps. (beat) I just don't know. Sighing, Morgan sits down beside Doctor Taylor. MORGAN And I don't know if we should hope for the chance to find out. CUT TO CARVER'S OFFICE We start tight on the television set, which is playing CNN coverage of the accident, voice over by MacAllen. The angle widens to include Carver and Matson, who are talking. MATSON (sounding more exhausted by the moment) Neal, I've been up all night. CARVER (shakes his head) You'll have a little time to sleep on the flight. Matson looks at him a moment, then comes to terms with the fact that there's no way he's going to be able to talk Carver out of this. He nods, but still sounds exhausted. MATSON Who's covering from our end? CARVER I'm handing the up-to-the-minute report over to MacAllen. Matson nods again, then yawns. MATSON You owe me for this one, Neal. When Carver nods, Matson turns and walks out. CUT TO PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT--RUNWAY A CNN-owned plane is taking off. CUT TO INTERIOR PLANE Matson is already falling asleep in his seat as the plane takes off. On a television monitor, MacAllen continues to report. Caption reads: "Time: 0108 Pacific Standard Time". MACALLEN (on TV) With CNN Reporter Vince Matson on his way to Raleigh as we speak, the entire country is waiting for more news on the condition of Carolinan President Eileen Ross and the governors of Texas and Alabama, and the Vice-Governors of Georgia and Florida. At last report, the pilot of the shuttle was reported to have died of complications in surgery. President Ross is also in surgery, and at this point in time we have only unconfirmed rumors that she's being treated for... The camera pulls in on the TV screen as MacAllen talks, then we... CUT TO TV IN CARVER'S OFFICE We see the end of her report on-screen, as Carver leaves his office and walks into the foyer. He walks over to his secretary. CARVER (leans over her desk) Monica, have someone pull up the biography on Ross. (beat) Just in case. The secretary nods and makes a note, then picks up her phone and dials a number. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO FADE IN TO EXTERIOR RALEIGH GENERAL HOSPITAL Caption Reads: "Place: Raleigh General Hospital, North Carolina". New Line: "Time: 0702 Eastern Standard Time". CUT TO INTERIOR HOSPITAL--DELANO'S ROOM There are armed guards at the doorway. DeLano is sitting up in bed. He's bruised and badly shaken, and his arm is in a cast, but otherwise he appears to be in decent condition. Lila Bryant, from the World News Net, is in the room with a camera crew, sitting in a chair alongside DeLano's bed. DeLano's basking in the attention, as much as is possible with the amount of pain he's in. Bryant is holding a microphone. BRYANT (to the camera) This is Lila Bryant, with the World News Net. I'm coming to you live from Raleigh General Hospital, where I've been allowed to speak with President Ross' chief of staff, Gary DeLano. CUT TO TELEVISION SCREEN All actions take place on a television screen unless otherwise indicated. BRYANT Mister DeLano, how would you describe what happened? DeLano starts to answer, coughs lightly for effect, then takes a breath. DELANO Our attackers came out of nowhere, and there really wasn't much time to have noticed anything. I'm sure the Carolinan Navy will send a press release as soon as is possible. Bryant isn't overly satisfied with this answer, but for now, it'll do. BRYANT There are rumors that Vice-Governor Ronald Brennen of Florida died from complications in surgery. Can you confirm this? DELANO (shakes his head) I haven't been out of the room since I regained consciousness. So no, I can't confirm any rumors. (beat) However, I doubt that there's any truth to that--the Navy was there within a reasonable amount of time; there shouldn't have been a loss of life. BRYANT (feigns confusion) I was under the impression that the pilot of the shuttle is dead? DELANO I can't confirm that. Bryant nods. CUT TO INTERIOR CNN PLANE Caption reads: "Time: 0421 Pacific Standard Time". Matson is gently shaken awake by a tech person holding a portable vidlink unit. TECH PERSON Mister Matson? MATSON (groggy, waking up) Huh? TECH PERSON You've got a call from an Ensign Anne Morgan. (beat) Of the _seaQuest_. This wakes Matson up immediately, though it's clear that he hasn't had much rest. He hits the key on the vidlink. Morgan appears onscreen, looking tired, but not as tired as Matson. MATSON Anne? MORGAN (onscreen, half-smile) Great, they finally connected me... (off his obvious confusion) I've been trying to get through to you for almost an hour. Matson nods, concern evident in his expression. MATSON Is something wrong? MORGAN (shakes her head) Not exactly. I just wondered if you know anything about what's going on. MATSON Not really...I was reporting for a while, now Carver's sending me to Raleigh to see if I can get into the hospital where they brought Ross and her cronies. Morgan nods. MORGAN Oh. (beat) I saw the interview with Hitchcock, earlier. Matson nods and waits for more. MORGAN (clearly uncomfortable, after a moment) Is there some reason you seemed to be implying that the UEO was responsible? Matson looks at her, surprised. MATSON Not at all. Morgan doesn't look completely convinced. MORGAN We're not. MATSON I know that. MORGAN (sighs) Sorry...I don't know why I'm calling. You've probably got a lot to do. MATSON (weak smile) Actually, I've been trying to get some sleep... Sudden comprehension dawns on her face. MORGAN Waitasec...aren't you supposed to be in London? (beat) You must be dying of jetlag. (beat, smiling) Talk to you later, when you've recovered? MATSON (nods) Yeah. If I can. Thanks. He tries to stifle a yawn, but fails. MATSON (continuing, grinning) Later, Anne. He flips the switch, disconnecting, then falls back into his chair and is asleep again almost immediately. CUT TO RALEIGH AIRPORT As the CNN plane lands. CUT TO RALEIGH HOSPITAL--WAITING ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 0802 Eastern Standard Time". Bryant and a WNN news crew are wrapping up a take as Matson and a few CNN techies hurry in. Matson is tired, adjusting his tie with one hand as he takes in the scene. A cup of coffee is in the other hand. There's a live broadcast running on the television set perched in one corner of the room, near the ceiling. The channel playing is WNN. Matson nods to one of the CNN techhies, who walks over and changes the channel to CNN. MacAllen is busy reporting on the current status as the WNN footage plays in the corner of the screen. Bryant notices this and scowls as the CNN crew starts setting up. She walks over behind Matson, a barely polite smile on her face. BRYANT Vince Matson? Matson turns. When he sees who it is, his expression becomes slightly less tolerant. He nods politely. MATSON Ms. Bryant. Bryant looks over to the news crew. BRYANT (almost patronizing) So, Vinny, a little late for the story? MATSON (strained politeness) I suppose it could be termed that. Lila. Bryant looks around the room, then back to him. We recieve a definite sense of competition between these two. BRYANT (examining her nails) I interviewed DeLano a couple of hours ago. MATSON (dryly) Congratulations. Bryant looks a little annoyed at Matson's apparent lack of jealousy. BRYANT Well. MATSON (upping the ante) I know I was a few minutes behind you, but I did fly all the way from London to interview Hitchcock. BRYANT (unimpressed) Yeah, I saw that. Split screen. They flew you 10,000 kilometers out of your way so you could interview her over a phone line. (beat, cruelly) Real smart, Vince. Matson is unfazed by her dig. There's a moment of silence. Then Bryant looks over at MacAllen on the television screen. BRYANT She has a certain sort of...raw talent. Matson is slightly annoyed by this comment. He looks over at the television and shakes his head. MATSON (strained) Trista's an excellent anchorwoman, and a tremendous journalist. BRYANT (shrugs) Either way. (beat) If she's that good, what are you still doing at CNN? Matson starts at this. MATSON Excuse me? BRYANT (thin smile) Well. Randall McBride is losing shares. Management's looking for someone to take his place next season...and I've heard "Face to Face" mentioned a few times around the office. Matson looks surprised by this, but tries not to give an outward signal of it. MATSON Have you really. BRYANT (nods) Mm-hm. I know CNN holds the copyright, but I'm sure if you wanted to talk to some people, I could...arrange things. Matson is slightly suspicious, but only nods. MATSON I see... Bryant's all-too-fake smile is beginning to unnerve him. MATSON (continues, a subtle dig) And how's your show...what's the name...? BRYANT (tersely) "Politics Now". Matson nods, then shakes his head. MATSON And how's it doing? BRYANT (smugly) Quite well, thank you. (beat) I'm moving opposite Kent Smythe's show for the summer. Matson chuckles. BRYANT What's so funny? Before he can answer, Matson is tapped on the shoulder by his camerawoman. CAMERAWOMAN (quietly) Vince, we're ready whenever you are. The chief surgeon is coming out of the O.R. Matson nods, then turns to Bryant. MATSON Later, Li. He turns and follows the camerawoman away, to where the the chief surgeon, an older man, is exiting. Meanwhile, Bryant smolders. CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ SCIENCE LAB Caption reads: "Time: 0958 Eastern Standard Time". Morgan is shuffling petri dishes when Trueman's voice comes over com. TRUEMAN (over com) Anne, Vince Matson's on vidlink. MORGAN Great...put him through. TRUEMAN (over com) Will do. (beat, hesitant) He doesn't look too good. Like he hasn't slept in a week. The vidlink comes to life before Morgan can respond. MATSON (onscreen) Anne...got a minute? MORGAN (wryly) Several. We're at general quarters...which means I sit here and wait for enough people to get injured in battle for my medical skills to be needed. MATSON (grinning) Well, at least you're safe and sound. (beat) What's this Ensign Trueman tells me about you being in an explosion recently? MORGAN Oh...that. (beat, hastily) It wasn't much really. I was just using some volatile chemicals, and we came under attack, and...you know. Laws of physics and all. MATSON (seriously) Be careful, Anne. (beat) You know I worry about you. MORGAN (smiling) I know, Vince. Thanks. They stare at each other in silence for a moment. Then: MATSON I'm sorry I was so short with you when you called earlier. I'd finally gotten to sleep. MORGAN No, Vince, I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have hounded you like that. I know you were only doing your job. MATSON I _have_ to ask the hard questions, Anne. I'm not giving people the whole story if I don't. MORGAN (nodding) I know. (beat, softer) Vince, you're exhausted. If you've got time to call me, you've probably got time for a nap. Go take it while you can. MATSON (smiling) Okay, okay. I will. (beat) Know where your next leave will be yet? Morgan shakes her head. MATSON When you find out, let me know. We'll have dinner. MORGAN Okay. (beat) Vince? If you find anything out about who did this... (beat, hesistant) Look, I know it's asking a lot...but it'd mean a lot to the captain if you could let us know. This is really bothering him. MATSON I'll do that. (beat) Take care, hon. And he disconnects before Morgan can reply. CUT TO WAITING ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 1237 Eastern Standard Time". Matson is sitting in a plastic chair in the waiting room, asleep. His crew is nowhere to be seen, presumably taking a break. A young woman wearing a nurse's uniform walks into the room and looks around. When she sees Matson, she walks over and shakes him gently by the shoulder. MATSON (waking up) Wha-- (sees her, straightens a little) Excuse me? YOUNG WOMAN (small smile) You're Vince Matson, aren't you. From "Face to Face"? Matson nods. The woman smiles. YOUNG WOMAN Good... She digs into a pocket and pulls out a disk, pressing it into Matson's hands. YOUNG WOMAN Take a look at that. Matson looks at the disk a moment, then looks up at her. He's taking this in stride. MATSON (nods) Okay. And can you give me your name so I can contact you after I see it? YOUNG WOMAN (shakes her head) No. (slight smile) I've got to go. Don't forget to look at the disk. She leaves. Matson spends a few seconds looking at the disk, then stands and walks to the floor nurse's desk. MATSON Excuse me? NURSE Yes? MATSON Who was that woman? NURSE What woman? MATSON (shakes his head) Never mind. (beat) Do you have a computer I could use? NURSE (scoffs) Sure, which patient's vital signs do you want me to stop monitoring so you can play Sub Adventure? Matson shakes his head, getting a little annoyed. MATSON Never mind. He moves away from the desk and pulls out a cell phone from his pocket. He dials a number. VOICE (on phone) Yeah? MATSON (into phone, quietly) We've got another few hours before the surgeon from the co-pilot's team said he could talk to us, right? VOICE (on the phone) Yeah. MATSON (nods) Good. I'm going to go take a look at something. I'll be back in a while. Without waiting for an answer, he shuts off the phone and walks out. CUT TO INTERNEX CAFE "CYBERIA" Caption reads: "Time: 1400 Eastern Standard Time". Matson walks in the door, and stops dead when he sees Bryant already in the room at a computer. He quickly gathers his composure and walks over, taking the seat next to her. BRYANT (without looking away from the screen) Get lost, Matson. MATSON (shaking his head) Let me guess. Young woman comes in, hands you a disk, and tells you to take a look? BRYANT (nods) She gave you one? MATSON (nods) Mm-hm...smart girl. Bryant looks over at him. BRYANT What's that supposed to mean? MATSON (thin smile) She knew you'd keep the information to yourself. The more people that see it, the better the chances that it'll get to whoever she wants it out to. BRYANT How do you know this wasn't a personal message? Some fan saying she loves my show? MATSON (rolls his eyes) Even _your_ ego's not that big. You know how this works. Some screwball decides they want to get something on the news, so they come to the site of a late-breaking story and expect the reporters there to wish their great-aunt Mildred a happy hundred-and-fifth. Bryant shrugs, looking back at her computer screen. BRYANT A girl can dream... A beat while Matson pops the disk into the drive and boots up the computer. MATSON So... (beat, "casually") Have you looked at it yet? BRYANT I'm just about to. We look at Matson's screen, and seen one directory labelled "Statement". He opens it...and we watch his eyes widen. MATSON (whispered, to self) Holy... BRYANT You too, huh? We glance up at her screen, and see that it's identical to Matson's. Both exchange glances, then, simultaneously grab their cell phones. CUT TO CNN STUDIO MacAllen's manning the desk. MACALLEN And this just in...correspondent Vince Matson has reported receiving a statement via computer disk... CUT TO DELANO'S HOSPITAL ROOM We watch DeLano watching the report. MACALLEN (on-screen, continuing) ...That takes credit for the attack on Carolinian President Eileen Ross and her staff last night. An angry look crosses DeLano's face as he reaches for the phone by his bedside. CUT TO STUDIO All is as before. MACALLEN The bomber-- who has not been identified... CUT TO BRIDGE The report dominates the viewscreen, backlighting the crew so that we see them as silhouettes against the screen's brightness. The room is dead quiet. MACALLEN (on-screen, continuing) ...Has also claimed responsibility for the destruction of UEO Headquarters late in 2047. In the center seat, we see Wolenczak stand suddenly, as though his chair had become electrified. His body is as tense as steel wire. MACALLEN (continuing) That explosion killed almost two hundred people, including then-Secretary General Jonathan Ford. We take a close look at Wolenczak's profile, at eyes had gone hard and steely, at the expression that has become just as cold. We pull away then, seeing him as a solid shadow against the bright screen, his right hand clenching tightly into a fist. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT THREE OPEN ON DELANO'S HOSPITAL ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 1510 Eastern Standard Time". DeLano's condition is obviously improving. He's sitting up in the bed reading a report. An aide--a twenty-something young man in a suit--sits in the chair beside the bed, taking notes. DeLano closes the report, looking thoughtful. DELANO What's the status on President Ross? AIDE Her condition's still listed as serious. The doctors won't let anyone visit her. DELANO Has anyone _tried_ to visit her? AIDE (mumbling) No, Sir. The only calls or flowers have been from political people. No personal calls at all. DELANO Security? AIDE Security has guards posted outside her room and on the grounds outside. DELANO (nodding) Right. Then I'll have to handle this myself. (beat, a rather nasty smile) We're going to make a statement to the press. Off his face we... CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ REC ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 1532 Eastern Standard Time". Various crew are gathered around the main video screen, where Matson is reporting. The caption on the vidscreen reads, "Live from Raleigh." MATSON (onscreen) In the latest development, the Carolinan Confederation is leveling charges against the government of the United Earth Oceans for, at the very least, supplying the terrorists with the weaponry used in the attack. The assembled crew look at each other uneasily as we... CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Off Hitchcock's hand as she slaps the off button on her vidscreen, we pull back to show Ben Krieg in her office with her. Hitchcock is obviously madder than hell and not bothering to cover it. KRIEG Now, Katie-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) What?! Calm down? Be logical? (indicates the door) I've just sat through a strategy meeting calmly and logically. (beat, vehemently) But this sonuvabitch killed Jonathan and nearly destroyed the UEO! (beat) And now the _Carolinans_ are trying to make it look like we _planned_ this! After a tense beat: KRIEG (quietly) And which one of those are you more upset about? Hitchcock turns on him. HITCHCOCK (dangerously) Don't play that game with me, Mister. (dead serious) This guy had better pray that I don't find him first, or I will rip his heart out. Krieg is quite taken aback by her intensity. KRIEG (_very_ carefully) Look, Katie...I know how you feel-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) Do you? Do you really? You seem to be perfectly calm and rational about all of this! KRIEG (loudly) Ford was my friend too, all right?! You didn't have a monopol on the man. If it weren't for him and the _seaQuest_, I'd still be farming an iceberg, if I wasn't dead! I owe that crew, and _our_ crew more than I can _ever_ repay. (beat, sighs) That's why I'm asking you-- I'm... (sighs) I'm _begging_ you, Katie...don't lose yourself to this. He reaches out to gently take her hand. KRIEG (continuing, quietly) I've been where it takes you. It's not pretty. Her lips set in a hard line. HITCHCOCK Fine. (beat) I'll send _seaQuest_ after him instead. Will that make you happy? KRIEG Not really. (beat) I don't want Lucas doing anything stupid either. I know he wants to. (beat) In fact, so do I. He looks over at Hitchcock again, seeing that he's not going to be able to talk her out of this. KRIEG (resigned) But...I'm sure Bridger taught him to think before he shoots. (not entirely convinced) He'll be fine. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Our first image is of the captain's hand slamming down onto his desk, next to his computer. We stay on him during his line. WOLENCZAK (frustrated) Come on...there has to be more than that! We turn to the viewscreen, and see Vince Matson's image upon it, dark circles underscoring his eyes. MATSON (helplessly) I'm sorry, Captain--that's all I could find out. (sighs) The guy's views jive with tenets of one of the newer religions-- "doto no," Japanese for "Equally Balanced." WOLENCZAK (rolls eyes) Great--another fanatic cult. Just what we needed... Matson looks slightly annoyed at the generalization. MATSON (clipped) Actually, Captain, one of my best friends is a follower of doto no, and he's a pacifist. That's another one of their tenets. (shakes head) Whoever this lunatic is, he's not in the mainstream religion. They all think he's a nut, in fact. The captain's jaw sets. WOLENCZAK Fine. (beat) Have you tried contacting the...high priest or whatever? MATSON ("innocently") Jeremiah Dylan, you mean? (beat) Been there, done that--who do you think my friend is? The captain realizes he _really_ should've known that. He sighs and holds up a hand. WOLENCZAK And this Dylan said...? MATSON (shrugs) A group split off from the main religion about three years ago-- "katsudo-teki na" sect. They felt they had to be more active in maintaining the Balance. (beat) The group tended to be a bit...unstable. Wolenczak nods, his fist visibly clenching. WOLENCZAK So that's who's responsible? This... (struggling with pronunciation) Katsudo...teki...na? MATSON I'd say so--but their leader died in a traffic accident a year and a half ago. They split up after that...the members are all scattered. WOLENCZAK (shrugs) I'll find them. Clearly, Matson's point hasn't penetrated... MATSON (more insistently) No one knows where any of them are--they never kept any records! Wolenczak only looks at Matson, flinty-eyed. WOLENCZAK (deliberately) I'll find them. (beat, hard-toned) Maybe if you'd get some sleep, you'd remember something _useful_. He flips the screen off, and turns back to his computer, where the InterNex logo is visible, along with the words "attempting to connect". WOLENCZAK (intensely, slightly desperately) Come on...come _on_... CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Caption reads: "Time: 2253 Eastern Standard Time". Chaplain Jian Lei walks down the passageway, stopping in front of the slightly-ajar hatch. He peers inside, and we see as he does--Wolenczak, staring into his computer screen, typing furiously. We go back to Lei, and see him shake his head slightly, seeming somewhat disappointed. He knocks on the hatch. WOLENCZAK (sharply, without looking up) What? Lei eases the hatch open and steps in. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak still doesn't look away from his screen, and doesn't do so until indicated. LEI (politely) Hello, Captain. I was wondering if I might speak with you. WOLENCZAK (curtly) I'm busy right now. Talk to Matthews. Lei, realizing the captain isn't going to be the best conversationalist, sighs. LEI Captain...I understand that you are feeling very helpless right now-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) I'm fine. LEI (firmly) No, Captain, you're not. A very cold expression takes hold of Wolenczak's features, and he turns around to face the chaplain. WOLENCZAK (polar chill) You realize...that's very close to insubordination. LEI (unintimidated) Captain, I can report my observations to Dr. Burke, who can make you deal with them. Or you can agree just to listen to them from me. Your call. (beat) I thought-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off, angrily) You thought what? That you could help me? (beat) Well, unless you happen to know who killed my friend, you can't do anything for me. He turns back to his computer and resumes typing. We stay on him, though in the background. Lei sighs. LEI You are familiar, of course, with my history, Captain? The captain has one nerve left, and it's fraying rapidly. WOLENCZAK (irritated) Yes. Why? LEI I want to tell you a story. Wolenczak rolls his eyes, and resumes typing during Lei's speech, until contraindicated. LEI (remembering) When I was a boy, I supported the Chaodai rule because my parents did. "The best thing to happen to our poor country since the last Great War," mother and father would say, as they'd put their uniforms on to march in the parades... (beat, a fond smile) We wore white the way your people wear black--in mourning for those who'd fallen. The parades for our fallen heroes were great parties...white of grief, red of hope and joy...the leaders all in royal yellow... (smiles fondly) It was a happy time, for all of us... (beat, smile fading) Except for my sister Ling. (sighs) She wanted to follow your comrade Kimura... The mention of Heiko Kimura causes Wolenczak to pause in his work momentarily, recalling how she came to serve aboard _seaQuest II_. Then he resumes. Lei notices the pause, however. LEI (continuing) She told me about it, of course, how she would someday run away to the West, to the UEO, or to Macronesia...I thought it was just a child's dream, and laughed at her for it. But, still, she insisted she would someday escape, and take me with her. (beat) Years passed, our parents died of illness...I got older and began to see that the Chaodai were not the "mortal gods" I'd thought they were...and then, one day... (beat, slightly bitterly) I was conscripted. He pauses a moment, anger rising to the surface for the first time. LEI (continuing) When I told Ling...she took it well. She'd stopped talking openly about escape long before. (beat) The night before I was to leave, she took me aside at a small gathering, and told me to meet her on the beach later that night. I had assumed she was planning some kind of surprise, but...I had not anticipated... He trails off a moment, his eyes turning toward the deck in sorrow. LEI (quietly) It was too late, when I arrived. The soldiers were already taking her away. (beat) She was executed publicly. I believe you are familiar with the method. Wolenczak doesn't react, but his typing has stopped and he is clearly listening. LEI (distantly) I still remember the soldier's face--the man who took her from the beach...I saw that face quite clearly in the moonlight then... (beat, significantly) ...As well as another time. WOLENCZAK (getting it) You killed him. LEI (nods) Yes. During my own flight. Wolenczak turns around, curiosity softening his hardened expression ever-so-slightly. LEI He was prepared to kill me, of course--he was border patrol. But I still remember how I felt when my blade pierced his heart... (beat) Empty. Wolenczak looks up at him, confusion beginning to set in. LEI (continuing) Thinking of Ling still hurt as much as it ever did...the anger I felt toward her killers was unabated...but, since I could not strike at the heart of the Chaodai...I had settled for venting my anger on one man. (beat, quietly) I have carried that soldier's blood on my hands for many years, Captain. It is a heavy stain that I do not wish on anyone...much less, someone who has proven himself as fine a warrior as yourself. The compliment does _not_ have the desired effect. Wolenczak's eyes and face again become stone. WOLENCZAK (bitterly) If I'm such a "fine warrior", Mister Lei, then how come I can't stop my people from dying? Lei looks at the captain for a long moment, considering his words. LEI Because you are not God, Captain. (beat) You are not...all-powerful. (beat) You are, as I am, human. Mortal and flawed. (beat) We can save life, even restore it, if the soul has not yet departed. But we cannot _keep_ life forever. It is not _ours_ to keep. WOLENCZAK (sarcastically) Right, I forgot--it's God's life, right? (beat) Well, sorry, Mister Lei, but I stopped believing in that a long time ago...right about the time I lost my first two friends, so, like I said, there's no way you can help me. (beat) Dismissed. He turns back to the computer, and resumes his work. Lei sighs. LEI Even if you do _not_ believe in God, what you are planning is against the laws of the UEO--the laws you risk your life daily to protect. Do they--or your life--really mean so little to you? Wolenczak stops suddenly. WOLENCZAK No, they don't. (beat) But the man who established them was my friend--one of the few people I had left. (beat) And _that_ means more to me than anything. He goes back to the computer, absorbing himself immediately. Lei looks at him a moment longer, sighs, and departs. CUT TO HOSPITAL CORRIDOR Caption reads: "Time: 0216 Eastern Standard Time". Matson slumps against a wall, eyes tightly closed. MATSON (moans) I haven't gone through that much information since college... He sighs, pushes off the wall, and begins walking down the hall. As he walks past one room, a guard in Carolinan uniform steps in front of him. GUARD (gruffly) What're you doing out here? Matson blinks, then realizes where he is--in front of Ross' door. MATSON (to self) I _must_ be out of it... He flashes his press ID. MATSON Vince Matson, CNN... He trails off as he sees the door is partially open. He edges closer. MATSON ("casually") So...is there a doctor in there or something? GUARD Not your concern. MATSON (nods) But...shouldn't you be in there watching him or her? GUARD Not your concern. MATSON (wryly) Do they ever let you say anything else? The guard looks annoyed for a moment, then a flicker of humor enters his expression. GUARD Not your concern. Matson opens his mouth to speak, but is stopped by the door to the president's room opening, and an older man in a white coat exits. He looks at the guards. DOCTOR You may reenter. The guards nod and walk in. Through the slightly-open door, we see that the privacy curtain has been drawn around Ross. Matson, however, looks after the doctor, who is turning away. MATSON (calling) Excuse me--Doctor? The man doesn't turn, so Matson grabs his sleeve, stopping him. MATSON Doctor--Vince Matson, CNN. I was wondering if you could update me on President Ross' condition. A slight hesitation, then: DOCTOR Her condition remains...unchanged. MATSON So, she's stablized? DOCTOR Yes. He retrieves his sleeve, and, with a clatter, a small tube falls out of it. Matson looks down, then picks it up. Unnoticed, the doctor slips away. MATSON Here, you dropped your-- He cuts himself off as he sees that it's an empty vial for a hypo. MATSON This should've been disposed of... He blinks again as he looks at the vial. MATSON (confused) Insulin? (beat) But...why would...? The answer hits him just as an alarm begins blaring from Ross' room. MATSON Uh-oh... NURSE (O.S.) Code Blue! She's crashing! Medical personnel begin rushing past. The reporter looks down at the vial he holds in his fingers...uncertainty flitting across his face for a bare moment, then: MATSON (sighs) If Hitchcock hears about this... He rushes into the room after the doctors. CUT TO HOSPITAL GROUND FLOOR We look about the bustling area for a moment, then hear an elevator ping and open. We switch angles just in time to see the "doctor" from the previous scene exit. He looks around surreptitiously as he walks, and, seeing nothing amiss, smiles slightly, and continues toward the door. We watch this for a beat, when: GUARD (O.S.) There he is! The "doctor" freezes, then takes off...only to be grabbed from behind before he runs more than a few paces by the same Carolinan guard who'd been stationed outside Ross' door. GUARD (unpityingly) You, pal, are in _such_ trouble... He begins pulling the poisoner away as we: FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR FADE IN TO HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 0237 Eastern Standard Time". Vince Matson enters the waiting room and collapses into a chair. He then sprawls across several other chairs, asleep instantly. We watch him for a moment, then... BRYANT (O.S.) Vince. From the depths of sleep, Matson moans, but doesn't awaken. We see Bryant reach over and grab his shoulder, shaking him slightly as she speaks. BRYANT Vince. (beat, shakes harder) Yoo-hoo--Vinny! After a moment: MATSON Mmf... Another moment, and his eyes open, slowly. MATSON (slurred) Whazz goin' on... He blinks and looks up, seeing Bryant. BRYANT (smirking) Tell me you still respect me... Groggily, Matson glares at her. MATSON Why're you here? (beat) Or'm I having a nightmare? BRYANT (shaking her head, mocking) Such a way for a hero to behave. (beat) After all, if you hadn't handed over that vial, they'd probably have treated Ross for a heart attack rather than hypoglycemia. You saved her life. MATSON And I might live to regret it. BRYANT Still...you saved the day. She hands Matson a piece of paper. He takes it...blinks...then blinks again. MATSON (blankly) Jay Carlsen, 32 degrees 14' 24" North; 66 degrees 33' 12" West? (beat) What? Bryant's lips thin. BRYANT Does "katsudo-teki na" ring a bell? Matson's eyes open a bit wider, the sleepiness leaving them almost at once. MATSON (incredulously) This is-- BRYANT (cutting him off) The guy everyone's looking for, and the location his lackey gave the Carolinans. (off Matson's look) I had a mike on one of the Carrot guards. (beat, shakes head) They had that guy on amytal faster than you can say "Cronkite"... (beat) And DeLano's gonna get his covert ops chief on it ASAP, so you'd better hurry and get the coordinates to your friends on _seaQuest_ pronto. The fog replaced by near-hyperactivity as the adrenaline begins to flow, Matson practically jumps out of the chairs, reaches over, and squeezes Bryant's shoulder. MATSON I take back just about everything I ever said about you. He runs out the door. We watch Bryant look after him a moment, then we switch to see her absently rubbing her left ring finger. BRYANT (softly) There's no such thing as a selfless act, Mister Matson... CUT TO DELANO'S ROOM DeLano is speaking, quite urgently, into the telephone. DELANO I know it's the middle of the night. Since when did that make a difference? (beat, listening) No, just give him the coordinates and tell him to get there yesterday. You _know_ the UEO's going to have someone in there after him as fast as they can. And they're closer than we are. (beat, listening) Whatever it takes. He hangs up the telephone, looking worried. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE The captain is still as we last saw him--intensely searching the InterNex. His eyes still burn with fevered intensity, though his face is pale, and his eyes expression taut. We spend a moment taking this in, then his intercom beeps. TRUEMAN (over com) Bridge to Wolenczak. Griotting his teeth, the captain smacks the button angrily. WOLENCZAK (snapping) What?! TRUEMAN (over com) Vince Matson for you, Sir. The screen activates and displays an image of the reporter. WOLENCZAK (dangerously) This had _better_ be important, Matson. The reporter blinks, not having expected that reaction, but, in the interests of time, presses on. MATSON Captain, I have some information for you. Wolenczak's attention becomes suddenly riveted on the reporter. MATSON (ciontinuing) The man you're looking for is named Jay Carlsen, a member of katsudo-teki na. He's on an island at the following coordinates: 32 degrees 14' 24" North, 66 degrees 33' 12" West. Wolenczak stares, and stands. WOLENCZAK This is reliable? MATSON (nods) Extremely. (beat) But the Carrots are going to send their best covert ops team in _fast_. WOLENCZAK (coldly) We'll be faster. He deactivates the screen and jabs the intercom button. WOLENCZAK (into com) Bridge. Ready me a Stinger. (beat) Now. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Caption reads: "Time: 0309 Eastern Standard Time". Wolenczak enters quickly, striding toward an airlock. Before he can enter, though, Morgan rushes in. She's in shorts and a t-short, and looks half asleep--and very worried. MORGAN (calling out) Lucas! Wolenczak stops and turns. MORGAN (continues) Vince just told me. (beat) You're going after the guy? WOLENCZAK Damn right I am. MORGAN Does the secretary general know? WOLENCZAK She knows. (beat) Vince's information gibes with some other stuff I was able to dig up on this Carlsen guy. I've got a pretty good idea of exactly where I'll find him. MORGAN (sighing) The neutral zone. It just figures that he'd hide there. With both the UEO and the Carolinans after him. (beat) And Bermuda doesn't extradite anyone. WOLENCZAK (determined) That's why we'll just have to...persuade...the guy to come along. With that, he turns and enters the airlock. MORGAN (calling after him) Lucas... (beat, softly) Be careful. But Wolenczak is already gone. CUT TO EXTERIOR ABANDONED WAREHOUSE Caption reads: "Location: Bermuda Neutral Zone". New line: "Time: 0413 Eastern Standard Time". We see Wolenczak, gun drawn, creeping along alone. As he comes to the door closest to us, he puts his ear to it. A puzzled and slightly hopeful look crosses his face, and his free hand carefully moves down and grasps the knob. We stay on his hand as it twists the knob...and the door eases open a handsbreadth. From within, the sound of flute music is heard. We look at Wolenczak...see a mixture of anticipation and rage taking over his features...and with an angry movement, he flings the door open. CUT TO INTERIOR WAREHOUSE The door leads into a short hallway, a white candle on an ornate black pike marking every half-meter, casting the room in a flickering light. Ahead, a large cleared area too is lined with candles. On a raised platform, likewise surrounded by candles, Jay Carlsen, a thin man in his early sixties, sits in a lotus position, with his eyes serenely closed. We look back at Wolenczak, standing silhouetted in the milky moonlight allowed in by the door. He stares at Carlsen for a long moment, then begins to silently creep down the corridor, gun drawn, eyes hard and focused on his target. After a moment, the other's eyes open. He looks at the weapon, then at Wolenczak. No hint of fear shows in Carlsen's eyes. CARLSEN (serenely) Welcome-- Without letting the bomber finish his greeting, Wolenczak grabs him by the shirt, and pulls him down from the dais, then throws him into a sitting position on the floor. Wolenczak then stands in a crouch, holding the gun on the other. WOLENCZAK Hold it right there, you sonuvabitch! Carlsen doesn't move, only sits there, staring up at the captain. CARLSEN Is something wrong? WOLENCZAK (ignoring the question) So, tell me, Carlsen, did you enjoy it? CARLSEN (confused) I don't und-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off, shouting) I'll bet you got a real kick out of watching Ford die, right?! Carlsen says nothing, only looks away. After a beat: WOLENCZAK (demanding) Answer me! CARLSEN (sighs) No. I didn't enjoy it, Captain. His tone and expression become very faraway...he stares off into the middle distance. CARLSEN (distantly) I was there, you know, at headquarters, just before I destroyed it. I even managed to exchange a few words with the secretary general. He seemed like a very nice man...I was sorry he was so misguided...but, I suppose he paid for that mistake. A shame, but...that, too, is part of the Balance. A high price, for one with high power, and a high position. Not an enjoyable necessity, but...a necessity, nonetheless. I'm sure, with some help, he could've understood... (beat, looking straight at Wolenczak) As I'm sure _you_ can understand. WOLENCZAK (quietly intense) I understand perfectly. CARLSEN Do you? It seems to me you have no Balance. WOLENCZAK How the hell would you know? CARLSEN Oh, I've studied you, Captain. You believe you do the right thing. But you have no concept of how to maintain things in their proper order. Wolenczak remains focused on Carlsen, his weapon unwavering, but he makes no move at present. CARLSEN (continues, mildly) All things are in Balance...Evil and Good, Darkness and Light...but even so, neither is totally separate. Every evil has its own inner goodness, every darkness carries a light. (beat, considering) The good I did with the destruction of the UEO Headquarters was balanced by the rise of the Carolinan Confederation. That is why I hired men to stop President Ross. (beat) They both became too big, too great...one surely would've swallowed the other. The UEO would've dominated the entire world, the Carolinan Confederation was on the path to do the same. (beat) This could not be allowed. So, I took it upon myself to rectify these matters. (beat, directly to Wolenczak) I regret that I was forced to take lives, and I regret the pain I've caused. But it was for the greater good--to steady the Balance. Wolenczak is fascinated, despite his disgust. WOLENCZAK You killed one of the best men I've ever known, and brought us to the brink of war, for the _greater good_? (beat, derisive) Oh yeah, that makes _perfect_ sense. CARLSEN (sighing) You see, Captain, there are no shades of grey in a perfect world-- only in an Unbalanced world. In a Balanced world, there is only Light and Dark. You see--Light and Dark must remain in Balance, lest they destroy the other growing too large. Wolenczak draws breath to speak, but Carlsen continues before he can get the words out. CARLSEN You ask: What would be the problem with living in a world of only Light? Stagnation! WOLENCZAK (angrily) Like a world in balance _isn't_ stagnant? CARLSEN (shakes head) The Balance creates some conflict which we grow from--the struggle to hold off the dark or the light--but neither destroys the other. WOLENCZAK That _doesn't_ justify what you've done. You've killed too many good people...saying you did it to make things perfect...that's just an excuse. And he tightens his finger on the trigger. WOLENCZAK (not entirely steady) And when you get to hell, you bastard, have fun explaining it to them. We focus on Carlsen's expression of mild aggravation and frustration for a moment, then suddenly, the sound of weapon fire rings out. We stay on Carlsen, whose reaction has turned to one of surprise, as we hear the sound of a falling body nearby. Carlsen looks up...and sees Carolinan Chief of Covert Operations Ty Vernon walking in from the door, weapon still at the ready. We go to Vernon's POV, and see Carlsen and a fallen Wolenczak on the floor. Going back to Vernon, we see how satisfied he appears as he all but swaggers over to the bomber, and grabs him by the collar. VERNON (to Carlsen) You piece of scum... He puts Carlsen in handcuffs, and begins to steer him out of the building. At the last moment, he looks back to Wolenczak. With a slightly derisive chuckle: VERNON (to Wolenczak) Sorry, Captain...but Mister DeLano would be disappointed if I didn't bring President Ross' get well gift. (beat, mock-sincere) Sorry about the headache you'll have when the stun blast wears off, too. He shoves Carlsen forward, and we stay on the limp Wolenczak for a beat, then: FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO HOSPITAL HALLWAY Caption reads: "Time: 0442 Eastern Standard Time". Matson is standing outside Ross' hospital room. The lights are bright on him and the cameras are on him as he speaks. For the moment, he's hiding his fatigue. At the end of the hall, Lila Bryant can be seen doing the same sort of report from the waiting room. MATSON Once again, doctors have confirmed that President Ross is awake and has suffered no lasting ill effects from the attempt on her life. We'll speak to her doctor right after the commercial break. His gaze stays fixed on the camera for a moment, then he droops against the wall. MATSON (to no one in particular) Two minutes is _not_ long enough... He stiffens and puts a hand to his ear, concentrating on what he hears through his earpiece. The cameraman is obviously hearing the same information on his headset. MATSON (to cameraman) Turn that thing on! CAMERAMAN I can't...we're still ninety seconds out! MATSON (angrily) To hell with the commercials...we're a _news_ network! CAMERAMAN (shaking his head) What can I do...we're not hot till the control room says we're hot. And they don't say we're hot. MATSON What's WNN doing? They look down the hallway at Bryant, as we zoom in on her. BRYANT I repeat, Jay Carlsen, the man responsible for both yesterday's attack on President Ross and the bombing of UEO Headquarters in 2047, is in custody... We pull back to show Matson, once more sagging against the wall, shaking his head. MATSON She scooped me...Lila Bryant scooped me, and all because of a damned _commercial_... CUT TO DELANO'S ROOM DeLano is once again on the telephone. DELANO (intensely) It's of the utmost importance that he be...brought to justice...as quickly as possible. (beat) The UEO has an interest in this case, too. (beat) You've handled it perfectly so far. Once more, he hangs up the telephone, then looks thoughtfully at the television in the corner of his room. CUT TO HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 0524 Eastern Standard Time". The room is darkened, but we can still see Bryant sitting there alone, staring fixedly at nothing in particular. After a moment, Matson walks into the room, his limbs all but dragging on the floor. He practically falls into the chair next to her. She doesn't react. MATSON Carolina got him first. BRYANT (expressionlessly) I know. (beat) Guess _seaQuest_ wasn't fast enough. MATSON Guess not. (beat) You scooped me. BRYANT (wryly) They say timing is everything. There is an umcomfortable silence. Bryant continues staring at nothing, and Matson looks from her to his hands and back again. After a moment: MATSON (sighs) Look, Lila...you did me a huge favor, one that could've landed you in major-league hot water. (beat) And I can't for the life of me figure out why. After a long moment, she slowly shrugs. BRYANT A great man once wrote that enlightened self-interest is the third component of our universe. (beat) He was right. We pull in TIGHT on her, watching as the emotionless facade cracks slightly, revealing a glimpse of pain and anger in equal measure. BRYANT Someone... (beat, difficultly) ...Very close to me... ("normally") ...Was at UEO Headquarters when it went up. (beat) I'd hoped to see a little justice done. (beat) But now... She trails off, gathering herself. After a beat: BRYANT (quietly, continuing) Carolina will never try him for HQ, we both know that. (beat, bitterly ironic) It was too helpful for them. (beat, looking right at Matson) Same old story, right? He looks down at his hands, unable to answer. She sighs and nods to herself. BRYANT (to self) Right. (beat) Now, if you'll excuse me...I have an interview with DeLano to get ready for. I have _got_ to change clothes. She rises and begins to walk away. We turn to Matson, watching her leave, an expression of genuine sadness and regret on his face. MATSON (quietly) Lila. She pauses, but doesn't turn. MATSON I'm sorry. BRYANT (shrugs) Don't be. I used you to get the UEO after the bastard. It didn't work. It happens. She exits. Matson looks after her for a moment, then collapses backward into the chair, sighing in frustration. CUT TO LEI'S QUARTERS Caption reads: "Time: 0601 Eastern Standard Time". Lei is writing at his desk. We watch him for a moment, then: MORGAN (over com) Chaplain? Lei looks up, and flips on the com. LEI Yes, Ensign? MORGAN (over com) Do you have a minute? (beat) It's about the captain. We see Lei's expression turn questioning. Then we... CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS Lei walks up to the hatch and raises his hand to knock. The hatch, however, is not securely shut and swings open at his touch. With a sigh, he pushes it the rest of the way open. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS Lei enters and his expression falls a bit. We see as he does: Wolenczak's silhouette, backlit by a vidscreen. A CNN news report plays. MACALLEN (on screen) ...Again, updating this morning's top story: Jay Carlsen, the man claiming responsibility both for the attack on Carolinan President Eileen Ross and the bombing of UEO Headquarters two years ago, has been captured by a Carolinan Confederation unit. (beat) Carlsen was taken alive, and has said only this: "I regret the pain I have caused others, but first the UEO grew too big, then Carolina did the same. They had to be made small for the Balance to survive." Wolenczak hits a button, and the vidscreen shuts off. He stands there, staring at the blank screen for a few moments. Lei gently clears his throat. LEI Forgive the intrusion, Captain, but-- WOLENCZAK (talking over him, distantly) They didn't mention me. Lei blinks in confusion. LEI I'm afriad I don't-- WOLENCZAK (talking over him) They didn't mention I lost him for the UEO. (beat, traces of irony) I'll have to thank Matson next time I see him. Lei sighs, sensing that this is going to be even harder than he'd expected. LEI Captain...what would you have done if the confederation hadn't taken him from you? WOLENCZAK (curtly) I would've killed him. LEI (quickly) Are you certain? WOLENCZAK (intensely) Yes. Lei nods. LEI As I thought. He begins to move toward the captain. LEI Since my story meant nothing to you, perhaps hearing another will help? WOLENCZAK (coolly) No. It won't. LEI (sighs) As you wish. (beat) But remember this: Jonathan Ford spent most of his formative years in inner-city Chicago--gangland, if you will--before going to live with his father, and later dedicating his life to peace. (beat) Would he really have wanted you to kill in cold blood to avenge him? We look at Wolenczak, standing alone in the foreground, still staring at the darkened screen. For a long moment, we merely watch him. CUT TO DELANO'S HOSPITAL ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 0615 Eastern Standard Time". Bryant, looking more herself than last we saw her, sits in a chair beside DeLano, who is dressed and is sitting on the edge of his bed, just finishing up his story. DELANO ...And then Carlsen was taken to our highest security prison in Macon. BRYANT (nods) I see. (beat, "casually") So...tell me, Mister DeLano, now that you have Carlsen, what are you planning on doing with him? DeLano blinks. DELANO (uncertainly) "Doing with him"? (beat) Why...we plan on trying him, of course, and then, assuming he's found guilty--which I'm certain he will be--he'll be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Our legal system really doesn't differ from the UEO's in this regard. Bryant nods. BRYANT Yes... (beat, leading) And...after he's sentenced in Carolina? Will you turn him over to the UEO for trial? DeLano's expression turns somewhat regretful, and we see Bryant brace herself ever-so-slightly, clearly knowing what's about to come. DELANO Well, since we currently have no extradition treaty with the UEO, and because we have the more recent claim to him...I'm afraid the UEO will only have the opportunity to try Mister Carlsen _after_ he's served our sentence. Bryant keeps her composure admirably, but there is a hard sadness in her eyes. BRYANT I see. (beat) And what about the death penalty? DeLano's eyebrows go up. DELANO The Carolinan Confederation... CUT TO EXTERIOR PRISON It is the dead of night. Three black-clothed figures steal into the prison through a service entrance as we hear DeLano finish his statement in a voiceover. DELANO (V.O., continuing) ...Does not condone the death penalty for any crime. CUT TO INTERIOR PRISON--CORRIDOR We stay with the dark figures as they walk silently down the hall. The lead figure gestures down the hall. The other two nod and follow. DELANO (V.O., continuing) We believe in trying to reform our criminals. (beat) We are a peace-loving confederation. The three figures come to the end of the hallway, where there is a metal door, locked electronically. The leader inputs a code, and the door opens. The three walk in as the voiceover concludes: DELANO (V.O.) I'm sure he's receiving the best of care. The third figure enters, then shuts the door. CUT TO MATSON'S HOTEL ROOM Caption reads: "Time: 0652 Eastern Standard Time". Matson lies sprawled face-down on the bed, snoring softly. After a moment, his vidlink beeps. A loud groan is heard...and then the vidlink chirps again. MATSON (muffled by bedcovers) Go away... Again it chirps...and Matson, fed up, pushes himself off the bed and drags himself over to the screen. He flicks it on. MATSON (snapping) What?! We switch to a POV shot and see Carver. Again. CARVER (over com) Vince. Good, you're awake. Matson's patience has taken a fatal blow with that remark. He opens his mouth, about to let his irritation go, when: CARVER (over com, continuing) They just found Carlsen dead in his cell in Macon. Matson's jaw drops open. MATSON (stunned) What? CARVER (nodding) Suicide, looks like. Hung himself with his own bedsheets. (beat) Looks like everyone's got their justice. MATSON (grimly) Or no one does. (beat) He killed himself before anyone else could have a chance at him. CARVER (nods) Probably. (beat) Your flight to Macon leaves in twenty minutes. The vid goes dark. Matson, standing in the dimness, sighs quietly. MATSON (quietly) Same old story... As he goes and sits on the edge of the bed, we... FADE TO BLACK -The End- ========================================================================== Copyright 1998, 2047 staff.