Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 17:04:17 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/"Repercussions"/Teaser To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 seaQuest 2047 "Repercussions" By Victoria Morgan Hyde Publication draft Sunday, February 22, 1998 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". TEASER OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The boat cruises slowly through the water, WSKRS preceding it. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY We're at knee-level as we see a pair of uniform-clad legs come through an open hatchway and pause as the hatch is closed. Then the legs walk quickly along the passageway. We follow, and the camera angle widens to reveal Ensign Anne Morgan walking ahead of us. Various crew members nod and greet her, but she doesn't stop to talk. CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS The room is empty for a moment, then Morgan enters. She leans against the hatch briefly, then, with obvious effort, pulls herself upright and walks over to her CD player. She slips a disc into the player, Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo." The music is mellow and soothing and we see Morgan visibly relax as she unpins her hair and lets it fall, then runs her fingers through it, massaging her temples with a sigh. Turning up the volume, Morgan then turns to the dresser and pulls out a t-shirt and shorts, tossing them on the bunk. Untying her boots, she removes them and drops them with a thud. MORGAN (to herself) That feels _soooo_ good. She unbuttons and removes her uniform shirt, leaving the _seaQuest_ t-shirt. MORGAN (rubbing her neck) What a day... She glances at her console; the camera follows her glance, tightening in on the screen and showing a flashing line: "You have four new messages." MORGAN (O.C., sighing) Wonder how much trouble I'll get in if I ignore 'em? Camera pulls back to show Morgan, now in a "Lion King" t-shirt. She flops down onto the bunk, eyes closed. MORGAN (murmuring) I'll look at them in just a minute... Or maybe not--three breaths later, she's asleep. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Over the top of his console, we see Captain Lucas Wolenczak. He looks rather serious, but not in a worried way. He appears to be talking to someone over vidlink, though we cannot see the screen. WOLENCZAK (to screen) No problem...I do sort of owe you one. I'll make sure it happens. He punches a button to end the transmission, then sits back in his seat with a sigh. CUT TO CREW'S MESS Ensign Rebecca Trueman and Lieutenant Justin Riller make their way through the dinner line. Riller appears none too happy, and Trueman is obviously trying to placate him. TRUEMAN Justin, I keep telling you--it doesn't _mean_ anything. RILLER (annoyed) I just don't understand why he's calling _you_. TRUEMAN (long-suffering) I told you...he needed a favor. Riller just grunts in response as they pick up their trays and head for a table. FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 17:04:23 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/"Repercussions"/Act 1 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT ONE OPEN ON MORGAN'S QUARTERS All is as before. There is a knock at the hatch. Morgan stirs slightly, but doesn't wake. Another knock, harder, followed by Wolenczak's voice. WOLENCZAK (O.S.) Anne? Morgan's eyes open, and she sits up. Wolenczak knocks again. MORGAN Yeah, come in. Wolenczak enters, leaving the hatch open slightly. He takes a look at Morgan, then laughs. WOLENCZAK Didn't mean to wake you. MORGAN (wryly) It's that obvious, huh? Wolenczak nods as his smile fades. WOLENCZAK (hesitantly) I can leave... MORGAN (reassuring) No, it's okay...just a quick catnap...fifteen minutes, maybe. (beat) Did you need something? WOLENCZAK A listening ear, is all... Morgan motions for him to sit in the desk chair. He does so. MORGAN What's up? WOLENCZAK It's nothing new...it's just that whole damned thing with the attack on Ross...and me not bringing Carlsen in... (beat) I feel like, after what he did to the UEO, I should have done more to catch him. (beat, wryly) What he did to Ross, I can live with. Morgan looks at him hard for a minute, quite concerned. Wolenczak notices her expression. WOLENCZAK (wryly) Don't worry, I'm not planning to fall apart any time soon. (beat, sighs) It just...bugs the hell out of me. The Carolinans got Carlsen, and then as soon as they got him, they took such damned poor care of the man that he killed himself. (beat) And now he'll never be tried for what he did to the UEO. MORGAN (cautiously) You sure you shouldn't be talking to Laura Taylor about the way you feel? WOLENCZAK I have been. (beat) But there's a lot to be said for talking to a friend, too. Smiling, Morgan nods, as we... CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Carolinan President Eileen Ross is working late once again, absorbed in reading a report on her computer screen. The intercom beeps. ROSS (punching a button) Yes? What is it, Gary? DELANO (over com) You've got a call. On the private line. He insists on speaking directly to you. ROSS Who is it? DELANO (over com) A Doctor Judson Donaldson... Ross' eyes go wide and her face pales. ROSS (tightly controlled) Put him through. She turns to her screen as we... CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS Wolenczak is at the hatch, obviously leaving. WOLENCZAK Thanks for listening, Anne. It really does help. (beat, an afterthought) Oh...are you going to watch Matson's show tonight? MORGAN I don't know...I'm pretty tired. I thought I'd just go to bed early tonight. WOLENCZAK I heard a rumor that he's doing something really special tonight. MORGAN Well...maybe I'll take a little nap and then head to the rec room later. Wolenczak nods, then leaves. Morgan lies down on her bunk again and closes her eyes, but, again, there's a knock at the hatch. MORGAN (exasperated, but not loud) Aaaagh...welcome to Grand Central Station. (beat, louder) Who's there? TRUEMAN (O.C.) Becca. (beat) I need someone to talk to. Sighing deeply, Morgan sits up and puts her head in her hands for a moment. MORGAN (looking at the hatch) Come in. Trueman enters, closing the hatch behind her. She's wearing off-duty clothing, and we can clearly see that she's pale, and her expression seems more strained than was her custom before her recent experiences in Philadelphia. MORGAN (casually) I don't think I've seen you off duty since you came back from Philadelphia. (beat) How was it, by the way? You and Tom were on leave at the same time, weren't you? TRUEMAN That's what I need to talk about... Morgan indicates for Trueman to sit as we... CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is just finishing a vidlink conversation. We see her over the top of her console. She is doing her best to suppress anger, and when she speaks, her voice is cold. ROSS (nodding) Yes, Doctor, I understand completely. There was nothing you could have done. My condolences on the loss of your people. (beat) Goodbye. She angrily punches a key to terminate the call. Her head drops into her hands for a moment, then she opens up her desk drawer and pulls out a bottle of aspirin, fumbles with the lid, then shakes two pills into her hand. She swallows them dry, grimacing. Ross then reaches for her intercom. ROSS (into com) Gary? I need you to hot-ticket a name for me...all databases, all inquiries...route through our dummy sites into the UEO bases too. (beat) The name is Stephen Foster Jackson...Stephen with a "p-h." (beat) I want to be alerted the moment _anyone_ tries to enter or retrieve data on him. DELANO (over com) Yes, Ma'am. (beat, curiosity in his voice) May I ask why this man's so important? ROSS (snapping) No, you may not. She pushes the com button again, then, once more, rests her head in her hands. ROSS Steve, I thought I'd buried you forever. (beat) You always swore I wouldn't be able to forget about you. (beat, a slight tinge of fear) I guess I should have believed you. She raises her head, staring thoughtfully into space, as we... CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS Trueman is sitting, cross-legged, on the bunk. There are traces of tears on her face, and she's clutching a wadded tissue in her hands. Morgan is sprawled in the desk chair, listening attentively, though her face also registers some confusion. MORGAN (soothingly) I can see why you'd be shaken, Becca. (beat) Have you said anything to Tom about what happened? TRUEMAN (anguished) I can barely stand to be in the same room with him! She idly runs a finger over the pale-pink burn scar on her arm. TRUEMAN (continuing, more subdued) I mean...it was him, but it wasn't _him_...or it isn't him now... (beat, agitated again) I don't know _what_ I mean! Morgan sighs and goes to sit by Trueman on the bunk, giving her a hug. MORGAN Look, Becca...if it's meant to be, it'll be. (beat, thinking about it) You said yourself, he wasn't that different from the Tom you already know... (beat) If it were me, I'd just give it time...see what happens. (beat, more certainty) He does care about you, you know...but you've got to decide for yourself if you're willing to accept that. (beat, sighing) I wish I could say something profound that would be the perfect answer...but I'm afraid that's the best I can do. Trueman sniffs, wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, and stands up. TRUEMAN Thanks, Anne. (beat) I know you can't fix it all...I didn't expect you to. It just feels better knowing that someone knows what I'm feeling right now, you know? MORGAN (nodding) Any time. (beat, mostly to herself) You're not the only one. Trueman heads for the hatch, then turns back to Morgan. TRUEMAN You watching "Face to Face" with us tonight? MORGAN (sighing) I don't know...I'll probably wander in. TRUEMAN (brightening) I'll save you a seat. She leaves. Just as the hatch closes, Morgan's vidlink beeps. MORGAN (muttering) It never rains but it pours... She heads for the console, shaking her head. CUT TO DELANO'S OFFICE Gary DeLano is working with a lot less enthusiasm than Ross is, checking his watch frequently and sighing. Apparently, it's late enough to call it a night, because he stands and starts stacking papers, laying pens straight, etc. Before he can get away, though, his console beeps. Sighing deeply, he sits back down and types quickly, reading what's on the screen. His eyebrows rise, and he reaches for the intercom. DELANO (into com) Madam President...your man just crossed the border into Virginia... ROSS (over com) Did he give immigration a destination? DELANO Yes, he did...Annapolis. ROSS (over com) Damn..._seaQuest_ is scheduled to be there tomorrow, isn't it? DELANO According to our last intelligence, yes. His tone of voice indicates that he'd just _love_ to know what on earth is going on... ROSS (over com) This just might solve all our problems... DELANO (eyebrows rising more) Ma'am? ROSS (over com, sighing) I'm not going to explain like this, Gary. Get into my office. DeLano snaps off the intercom and stands. DELANO (to himself) What the hell has this guy done...I've never seen her this upset... Shrugging his shoulders, he heads for the door. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 17:04:44 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/"Repercussions"/Act 2 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com ACT TWO OPEN ON MORGAN'S QUARTERS Morgan is seated at her console, engaged in a vidlink conversation with her son, John. JOHN (onscreen) ...So then there was this big food fight! Morgan laughs and acts shocked. MORGAN As long as you didn't start it! John looks at her, shaking his head and grinning. His expression falls, though. JOHN (mildly accusatory) I thought you'd call me a couple of hours ago. I e-mailed you. MORGAN Sorry, hon. I'm thinking of having a revolving door put on my quarters...everyone seems to want to come in and talk lately. I haven't even read my e-mail yet. JOHN (grinning) That's okay, Mom. (beat) Hey, Vince is going to take me down to Arizona for the Lasers' spring training camp during my spring break! (beat, "oh yeah") If that's okay with you, of course. MORGAN (laughs) As if I could keep you away! JOHN Thanks, Mom! (beat) You watching the show tonight? MORGAN You're only the third person to ask...you know I usually do. (beat) Though I _am_ pretty tired this evening. Just the mention of being tired makes her yawn, and she looks at John as if to say, "See what I mean?" JOHN ("pouting") Aw, come on...it's one of the things I like to do with you...even if I'm not really _with_ you. His guilt trip tactic works. MORGAN Okay! You win. I'll watch. JOHN All right! We going to play "magic word"? MORGAN I don't know...I think you cheated last time. How on earth could you have known Vince would say "halitosis" if he hadn't told you beforehand? They continue to chat as we... CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is seated at her desk, DeLano in the chair opposite. Ross' face is impassive, and DeLano is doing his businesslike chief-of-staff bit to the best of his ability. Several folders are spread out on the desk. ROSS (wrapping up) All right, then, that should cover the negotiations with Mexico. (beat) I think that's it. She looks up at DeLano, who doesn't move. ROSS (sharply) What? DELANO (neutrally) You didn't call me in here to go over the Mexican trade talks. Ross sighs and sits back in her chair. ROSS I know. (beat, with difficulty) This isn't something I want people knowing about. DELANO (reproachful) If you didn't think you could trust me, I don't think I'd have this job. ROSS (nodding) I know. (beat, big sigh) All right. She unlocks a drawer in her desk, pulls out a disk, and inserts it in her computer. She types a few commands, then angles the screen so DeLano can see it. On the screen is a photograph of a much younger Eileen Ross...radiant, in a wedding dress, next to a dashingly handsome, dark-haired man. ROSS Our families knew each other...our dads were fraternity brothers, and our mothers had gone to high school together. I never thought anything of it when both sets of parents encouraged us to marry so young. DeLano looks a bit frustrated by this oblique telling of the tale, but knows better than to interrupt. ROSS (continuing) I was 22. He was the most charming man I'd ever known...he proposed to me on the night of my debutante ball, but we didn't marry until the week after I finished college. (beat, lost in thought) He worked for his father's company; they imported stuff from all over the world, and Steve would travel, looking for new products. I was the perfect little wife, volunteering, getting involved in local politics. (beat, with irony) I still have to thank him for that...if it hadn't been for him, I probably wouldn't be here now. DeLano is obviously caught up in her tale. When he speaks, it is softly, so as not to disrupt her train of thought. DELANO What happened? Ross looks at him in surprise, as if she'd forgotten he was there. ROSS Everything was great for the first four years. Then he started traveling more. (beat) It took me a while to put it together. At first, I thought he had other women...something in his manner when he'd come home from trips...he was extra attentive... (beat) Damn, he was charming. She shakes her head, as if shaking off his influence over her. ROSS (continues, with an edge) Of course, many psychotics are. DeLano's eyes widen. Ross looks straight at him, but she's still not coming directly to the point. ROSS Did you ever hear of a guy by the name of Ted Bundy, Gary? DELANO The name rings a vague bell. ROSS The state of Florida executed him back in the 1970s or 80s. (beat) He was a serial killer. But even after he confessed to several of his crimes, a lot of people couldn't believe he had done it. They kept protesting about what a _nice_ guy he was. So charming, worked for charities... (beat) Steve was like that. DELANO (somewhat shocked) He was a...murderer? ROSS It started out when he was a kid...soon the family just stopped having pets. (beat) They thought he grew out of it. They kept him busy, and for a while, it helped. But eventually, he couldn't deny what was inside him. (beat) It started when he was touring the west coast distributors. She brings up another file on the computer screen. It's a news article, with a photograph of a bloody crime scene. The headline reads: "Seventh Victim Confirms Serial Killer's MO". ROSS (tapping the screen with a finger) That's the one that made me see... (beat) God, I felt so guilty when I first figured it out. How could I possibly suspect Steve of being a serial killer? (beat) But it all fit. I knew all his itineraries...and every murder happened when he was in that city. (beat) I finally got up enough courage to tell his dad what conclusions I'd drawn. (beat, very strained) I knew I was right when he didn't even try to make excuses. DELANO (hushed) Did the police find out? Ross gives him a long look, then slowly shakes her head. ROSS No. His dad had Steve committed to the best mental institution money could buy. DELANO And you? ROSS Quiet divorce. We paid a lot of money to keep it out of the society pages. (beat) Later, when I became even more politically active, I managed to remove pretty much every record of my ever having been married. DELANO (flatly) And now he's escaped. ROSS (wearily) He killed two orderlies and got away. (beat) He's a genius, Gary...and he's obsessed with me. He's never acknowledged our divorce. DELANO And you think he's going after _seaQuest_? ROSS I know how he thinks...as much as anyone can, I guess. (beat) And this time, I don't mind setting him loose on unsuspecting people. DeLano sits quietly, mulling over Ross's revelations. CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS Morgan is seated at her computer console, finally reading her e-mail. We see her reactions as we hear the message text in voice over. MATSON (V.O.) Be sure to watch the show tonight. I think you'll like what you see. Love, Vince. Morgan shakes her head and laughs. MORGAN What _is_ it with Vince's show tonight? She hits a few keys and another message pops up, from her parents. We hear the voice of Morgan's mother, June Baird. JUNE (V.O.) Vince wants to take John to Arizona during spring break...okay with us if it's okay with you. You watching the show tonight? Love, Mom and Dad. Morgan's expression becomes even more amused. MORGAN This show better be _awfully_ good tonight... There's a knock at the hatch. Morgan sighs. MORGAN Here we go again... She rises and walks to the hatch, opening it. Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin is standing there, holding a shirt. Without waiting for an invitation, he enters Morgan's quarters. Shrugging, she follows him in, leaving the hatch open. GOODWIN Hey, there, Ant...I thought you might like this. He holds the shirt out to her. Morgan takes it and holds it up. It unfolds to reveal a "Damn Yankees" logo. She turns it around...on the back are several autographs. GOODWIN (explaining) My mom's the choreographer on the show. I told her you collect these things, and she got the cast to sign it for you. (beat, helpful) It's permanent ink, so it's okay if you wash it. Morgan is quite obviously pleased and rather touched by his gift. MORGAN (stammering) Will...it's great. It's really great. (beat, shyly) Thank you. They stand smiling at each other for a moment. GOODWIN (a bit awkward) Well, that's all I came for. (beat) I guess I'll see you around, huh? MORGAN Yes! I'm going to watch "Face to Face" tonight! GOODWIN Huh? MORGAN (sheepish) Sorry...it's just that everyone I've talked to since I got off duty has asked if I'm watching Vince's show tonight. (beat, sighing) Just because we've been dating... Goodwin grins at her. GOODWIN It could be worse...you could be dating me. Morgan puts on a look of mock fear. MORGAN No! No! Anything but that! They dissolve into laughter. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is once again alone in her office. She appears to be wrapping up work for the day, but, before she goes, she checks her email. Over her shoulder, we scan down the list of messages, mostly bureaucratic stuff, meeting notices, etc. But one message is tagged urgent, and in the "Sender" space is merely SFJ. The camera pulls back, and we see Ross' eyes go wide as she reads it. She clicks on the message and reads it aloud. ROSS (reading) "You can't keep me locked away forever, Eileen. I don't understand why you think I could forget you. I'm really hurt by how you've treated me. But I'll give you another chance for things to be like they were." Off Ross' aghast expression, we... CUT TO REC ROOM The Rec Room is full almost to overflowing tonight. Riller and Trueman are there, as are Goodwin, Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor, Doctor Laura Taylor, Doctor Meridith Burke, and Sara Percell. They're all watching the video screen with interest. Lieutenant J.G. Tom Reede enters and makes for the empty seat next to Trueman, who looks up at him sharply. TRUEMAN Sorry...this spot's saved for Anne. REEDE (mildly confused) But the show's almost over...I don't think she'll mind. TRUEMAN (smiling in spite of herself) Trust me...she'll mind. Reede gives her a quizzical glance, then finds a chair elsewhere. Morgan enters the room and Trueman waves her over. TRUEMAN Anne...you're late. He's just finishing the last report. MORGAN (ruefully) People kept calling me...I figured I'd stop and grab a bite to eat before I came in here. (beat, grinning) Vince can always fill me in later on what I missed. Trueman returns her smile. TRUEMAN Well, at least sit down and watch the end of the show with us...that way you can tell him you saw _part_ of it, at least. Morgan sits down next to Trueman. Wolenczak rushes into the room, Commander Jessie Matthews close behind. WOLENCZAK Did we miss it? MORGAN (puzzled) Miss what? MATTHEWS Never mind...obviously, we didn't. CUT TO VID SCREEN The screen shows Vince Matson, sitting on a stool on the set of his feature news show, "Face to Face." He's doing the wrapup of the evening's show, but there's an air of subdued excitement about him. MATSON And finally this evening, many of you might remember a show I did last year about the crew of the UEO flagship _seaQuest_. I hope you do... (grinning) ...I was fortunate enough to earn a Pulitzer for that one. The camera tightens in on him. MATSON (continuing) During my week aboard _seaQuest_, I met someone very special. Over the course of the fifteen months since that show, I've come to know her pretty well. In fact... (beat) ...I've fallen in love with her. OFF MORGAN'S FACE The light is obviously beginning to dawn as Morgan begins to blush quite red. OFF VIDEO SCREEN Matson stands, motioning to the cameraman with one hand and reaching into his pocket with the other. MATSON (to cameraman) Paul, I want you to get a closeup of this, okay? Matson then goes down on one knee and holds up a diamond ring, as the camera pulls in tight on him. MATSON Anne... (long beat, clearing his throat) ...I didn't know I'd get so nervous, I've never done this before... (beat, trying again) Anne, I think you're an incredible woman...and I'd be honored if you'd marry me. CUT TO REC ROOM Wild cheering breaks out from the assembled crew as Morgan slowly rises to her feet. Off the shocked expression on her face, we... FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 17:04:26 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/"Repercussions"/Teaser To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT THREE OPEN ON REC ROOM All is as before. Morgan stands stock still, staring at the video screen as the closing credits crawl up the screen. Trueman virtually attacks her with a huge hug, shocking her back into awareness of her surroundings. TRUEMAN Anne, you have _got_ to be the luckiest person I know! Goodwin picks Morgan up in a bearhug and spins her around. GOODWIN Yee-haw! I knew somethin' was up, Ant. That guy's popular, but _everyone_ was in here tonight. (beat) Come t'think of it, how'd they all know? MORGAN (breathless) You want to put me down, now, Mad Dog? Grinning, Goodwin bends down and sets Morgan's feet back on the deck. She pulls her shirt straight and looks around her. MORGAN As for how they all knew, I have my suspicions. (looking at Trueman) Becca? Before Trueman can respond, Riller cuts in. RILLER So _that's_ the favor he wanted... WOLENCAK You, too Trueman? He called and asked me to make sure she was here tonight, too. MORGAN (mildly upset) I'm beginning to sense a conspiracy here... (beat) Well, he certainly made sure he'd have plenty of witnesses. TRUEMAN (worried) You're not mad at us, are you, Anne? Morgan sighs, making an obvious effort not to be upset. MORGAN Not at you, no. (beat) But you have to admit, he's put me in a tight spot here...if I said no, it would be pretty embarrassing now that the whole world knows he's proposed. BURKE So you're saying no then? MORGAN I'm not saying _anything_ until I talk to my family. And she turns and leaves the room, leaving her friends looking after her. CUT TO ANNAPOLIS NAVAL PORT The sky is dark, but the pier is well lit, though fairly quiet. The few people we see walk quickly, as if in a hurry to get somewhere. A distinguished looking man in a peacoat ambles along the pier. He looks perfectly at ease in his surroundings. He has dark hair, tinged with grey, and is quite handsome--an older version of the man in Ross' wedding photograph. It is Stephen Jackson, though the ID tag clipped on the lapel of his coat reads "LT. CRANE, ARTHUR T. QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE." Jackson walks up to a pile of crates, produces a handheld computer, and begins comparing what he reads on the computer with numbers on the crates. A seaman walks by. JACKSON Seaman! The man comes over and snaps off a salute, which Jackson returns. JACKSON These are the provisions for _seaQuest_, correct? SEAMAN Yes, Sir. JACKSON Is she still due in at...0900? SEAMAN No, Sir, ETA is 0700. JACKSON Thank you. That will be all. The seaman goes back on his way. JACKSON (softly) And thank you for telling me what time my ship will come in. We follow Jackson as he walks around a corner of the pile of crates. He takes off the peacoat, revealing a uniform. The collar sports the rank patch of a lieutenant commander; his nametag reads "LtCdr J Forster." An MP armband is on his right bicep; he wears a holstered gun. Keeping the computer, he returns to his previous position, stuffing the peacoat into a refuse container. He waits until a similarly dressed man, Harry Simmons, walks by rapidly. JACKSON Simmons? SIMMONS (stopping) Yeah? Jackson says nothing. SIMMONS (impatiently) Whatever it is, make it quick. I've got to be at my post in fifteen minutes, and I want a sandwich first. JACKSON (quietly) Too bad you won't make it... He grabs Simmons, placing his gun on the man's chest and squeezing off a shot, then drags him out of sight. CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS Morgan is seated in front of the vidlink, we see her over the top of her console. The look on her face is that of a trapped animal, the kind that's about to become dangerous at any moment. MORGAN Look, I told you, I'm not going to make any kind of statement. I haven't even talked to my family yet. (beat) Every time I try, another one of you calls me for an interview. I'm sorry, you'll just have to wait. She angrily disconnects the call, then punches her intercom. VOICE (over com) Yes, Ma'am? MORGAN (tightly controlled) Your shift at communications is what, about half over? VOICE (over com) Yes. MORGAN And you've put how many calls through to me in the past thirty minutes? VOICE (over com) Seventeen. MORGAN Do us both a favor. Tell them I'm AWOL or something, but under no circumstances do I want to speak to anyone right now. VOICE (over com, very subdued and respectful) Yes, Ma'am! Our POV changes to look over Morgan's shoulder as she connects to the Internex and initiates her "Phantom" character. MORGAN (to herself) Come on, John...be there... She's in luck, her character isn't active long before John's baseball-capped "Big League" approaches, giving the Phantom a hug quite similar to the one Trueman gave Morgan earlier. PHANTOM (laughs) I suppose you knew all about this? BIG LEAGUE Yeah...why do you think I had to get you to watch tonight? (beat, very serious) So...? PHANTOM I want to know what you think. BIG LEAGUE Mom, you _know_ what I think. I like Vince a lot. PHANTOM Do you think liking him is enough? BIG LEAGUE Mooooom... (beat) Okay...I love him. I'd like him to be my dad. Morgan doesn't respond, and John's character is idle for a few moments before speaking again. BIG LEAGUE Grandma and Grandpa say they love him, too. But they say you have to do what feels right to you. PHANTOM Thanks, hon...and tell them thanks, too. (beat) Now, shouldn't you be doing homework? BIG LEAGUE (laughing) Yes, Ma'am. The two characters hug once more, then Big League disappears from the screen. Morgan shuts of the computer, sighing. MORGAN Nice to know _someone's_ sure about all this... She walks over to the bunk and plops herself down. MORGAN Wish I was. CUT TO ANNAPOLIS NAVAL PORT Jackson approaches a guardpost and inserts a keycard in the lock, then enters. CUT TO GUARDPOST As Jackson enters, he is greeted by an MP at the desk. MP Where's Simmons? JACKSON (shrugging) They can't get him out of the head. Bad filling in his sandwich or something. MP I told him he should stop eating that vegetable protein crap. The MP presses a buzzer on the desk and allows Jackson through. MP (calling after him) Take good care of that stuff...all that ordnance is supposed to go on _seaQuest_ tomorrow. Robinson'll personally have your butt if anything happens to it. Jackson turns and grins. JACKSON I'll watch over it like it's my own sweetheart. And the door closes behind him. CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS It's dark; by the light of the glowing numerals on the clock we can just see Morgan, still dressed, sleeping on her bunk. The intercom chirps. Morgan groans softly. It chirps again. MORGAN Coming, coming... She sits up and shakes her head a bit, then walks over to her console, plops down in the chair, and activates the intercom. MORGAN (yawning) What?! VOICE (over com) Ma'am, there's a vidlink for you. (beat, hurried) I wouldn't disturb you, but he says he's Vince Matson. Morgan glances at the clock and groans. MORGAN Put him through. Matson appears on the screen. He takes one look at her tousled hair and bleary eyes and grins. MATSON (onscreen, "innocently") Oh...did I wake you? She glares at him. MORGAN I was up all night last night tending to an experiment. Every time I tried to take a nap today, someone dropped by to talk. Or I got a vidlink call. MATSON (wryly) I'm afraid some of that was my doing... MORGAN (smiling a bit) I kind of figured that out. MATSON So...see anything interesting on television tonight? MORGAN ("casual") Usual stuff. MATSON (teasing) Oh, you get proposed to on international television every night, do you? MORGAN Oh...that! They both laugh a little, but trail off awkwardly. MATSON (reproachful) I was kind of hoping you'd call me. MORGAN Things went a little crazy around here after your show... (beat) Half the media in the known universe must have been watching your show, because they all started calling. I had to talk to John via the 'Nex, for heaven's sake. MATSON He told me. MORGAN (smiling fondly) I suppose he also told you he's given me his approval. Matson only nods. MORGAN (continuing) Anyway, after I chatted with John, I sat down on the bunk to think for a minute before I called you...and I fell asleep. (beat, sheepish) I'm sorry. Matson still says nothing--he's not exactly going to pop the question _again_. Morgan studies his face on the screen, quite seriously, for several moments. MORGAN (softly) Vince, I just don't know. MATSON What's wrong? MORGAN I don't think I'm ready for this. MATSON Do you love me? MORGAN That's not the point, it's just... MATSON (more insistently) Do you love me? She smiles, stifling a giggle. MATSON What?! MORGAN Sorry. It's just that I keep expecting your next line to be "now that I can dance." (finishing lamely) It's an old Beatles song. MATSON I know. Silence again. MORGAN (very troubled) I do, Vince. (beat) I think. Matson picks up on what she's _not_ saying. MATSON But? MORGAN But I don't know if I'm ready for this. MATSON I don't understand. Morgan sighs, running a hand through her hair as she gathers her thoughts. MORGAN Look, I got married straight out of high school. John was born while I was still in college. Then after David died, I went into the Academy. And now, for the first time in my life, I'm my own person. I'm finally finding out who I am. (beat) I'm just not sure I'm ready to be Vince Matson's wife. (beat) You know how I felt about being in the middle of all those people at the awards banquet. I hated it. Matson nods slowly. MATSON Anne, I'm not asking you to change your whole life for me. But I love you, and I want you in _my_ life. MORGAN Vince...please. I have to think about this. (beat) Can you give me a couple of days? MATSON (nodding slowly) Okay...sure. (beat) I'll call you day after tomorrow, okay? MORGAN Okay. (beat, softly) Thanks. (beat) Vince...I _do_ love you. I just don't know if it's enough. On the screen, Matson nods once more. Then the screen goes blank. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE And, dear readers...we're going to leave you hanging off a cliff for a day or so. Will she or won't she? We'll be back with the answer! Copyright 1998 seaQuest 2047 staff. Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 23:54:34 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/ "Repercussions"/Act 4 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT FOUR OPEN ON ANNAPOLIS NAVAL PORT The sky is clear and shows the rosy glow of morning as we see _seaQuest_ docked at the pier. Forklifts are carrying crates of supplies up to the boat. CUT TO LANGSON'S OFFICE UEO Defense Minister Andrew Langson is at his desk. On his vid screen is a replay of Matson's proposal the previous evening. He finishes the replay, then starts it over again, watching it closely. In the middle of the second time through, Langson snaps the video off and turns to his computer. Our POV changes to over his shoulder, as we see that he's called up the transcript of Wolenczak's Board of Inquiry. LANGSON (to himself) Poor Ensign Morgan...she'll regret the day she came aboard _seaQuest_... CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS Morgan is stuffing clothing into a duffel bag. While she doesn't appear upset, exactly, she also doesn't appear to be completely calm. There are shadows beneath her eyes. Although she is in uniform, her hair is merely pulled back in a loose ponytail, rather than her usual on-duty bun. She finishes her packing, zips the bag shut, and leaves the room. CUT TO ANNAPOLIS NAVAL PORT Jackson, still in his MP uniform, is directing traffic as Riller enters. RILLER I'll need to check your I.D., Sir. Jackson hands Riller an I.D. card. Riller inserts it in a palm-size computer unit. A light flashes green, and he hands the card back to Jackson. He then proceeds to check off the munitions that are designated for loading on _seaQuest_. RILLER (polite curiosity) So this'll be your first time on _seaQuest_, huh? JACKSON (subdued excitement) Yeah...I was only transferred here a couple of weeks ago. I got lucky. (beat) I just wish I got to leave port on her. (beat) Still, just getting to work on her for a couple of days will be an experience to remember. (beat, grinning) I sure as hell hope your reputation for attracting trouble doesn't work while you're in port! Riller returns his smile. RILLER You and me both, pal... They return to their checklists. CUT TO MATSON'S OFFICE Matson's office isn't very large or luxurious, given his status in the news world, but his two Pulitzer plaques are prominently displayed. There is a video unit and computer, and various video disks and a notebook computer litter the desk top. CNN intern Tanisha Lloyd enters the office, knocking as she does. Matson looks up and grins. MATSON (teasing) Come in! LLOYD (sheepish) Sorry. (beat) But a courier just brought you an urgent package. Matson's eyebrows go up as she hands him a large manila envelope. MATSON Thanks, Tanisha. She leaves, and he opens the envelope. There is only a video disk inside. It is unmarked. Matson shrugs and inserts it into the player. The image on the screen shows Morgan being interviewed by Advocate Debbie Sweeney at Wolenczak's competency hearing. SWEENEY (on screen) Now, Ensign, just how familiar have you been with Captain Wolenczak? M0RGAN (on screen, hesitant) We're good friends. SWEENEY Would you say you're... (beat, deadly cold)... _Intimate_ friends? MORGAN (nervously) I don't think I'm...quite sure what you're asking. SWEENEY (scornfully) Oh come on, Ensign. You're an adult, a mother even. (beat, straight to the jugular) Have you and Captain Wolenczak had an intimate physical relationship? OFF MATSON Strong disbelief on his face, he shakes his head. MATSON To even _ask_ her that... OFF SCREEN Morgan pauses, the internal struggle evident. After a few moments, honor wins out. MORGAN (whispering) Yes. SWEENEY Excuse me? I couldn't hear you, Ensign. Speak up. MORGAN (still quiet) Yes, we have had sex. SWEENEY (triumphant) I _still_ can't hear you, Ensign. MORGAN (loudly, beginning to cry) Yes, we _had_ sex. The screen goes blank, and we pull back to show Matson's face. He is absolutely stunned. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Morgan enters the bay and joins a group of crewmembers waiting to go ashore. Matthews enters, looks around, and then approaches Morgan. MATTHEWS Anne...are you going to be okay? MORGAN (reassuring) Of course I am. I just need a couple of days to think. MATTHEWS (wryly) And sleep, from the looks of you. MORGAN Well, I didn't sleep much last night. And I was exhausted, too. (beat) I'll be at my friend's apartment. You'll be able to call me if you need anything. MATTHEWS (nodding) Okay. (beat) We just worry about you. This is a big decision, and all. MORGAN (grinning) I appreciate your concern, Jessie. But I have to make this decision all by myself. Morgan reaches out and gives Matthews' arm a squeeze, then turns and leaves. Matthews is surprised by a voice behind her. WOLENCZAK (O.C.) Did I miss her? Matthews turns to the captain. MATTHEWS Yeah, she just left. WOLENCZAK How is she? MATTHEWS She's fine. WOLENCZAK (concerned) Are you sure? Matthews pulls him to the side. MATTHEWS (carefully) If you're that worried about her, shouldn't you talk to her yourself? WOLENCZAK (emphatically) No. (beat) I...she... (beat, shaking his head) I wouldn't want to influence her decision. Matthews gives him a long look. MATTHEWS Excuse me if I'm misinterpreting, Sir...but I'm not so sure you mean that. WOLENCZAK (sighing) Sometimes, Jessie, neither am I. Off his serious expression, we... CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Jackson is directing men as munitions are uncrated and placed in their racks. All is very businesslike and he appears to be right at home. He approaches Riller. JACKSON (diffident) D'you mind if I just check the computer interfaces? (beat, "apologetic") Not that I don't think you're up to standard here...but with all the upgrades this boat has had, I'd like to make sure the launchers and the torps can talk to each other. RILLER (easily) No problem... He indicates a console. Jackson sits down at it and begins typing, then looks around the room. JACKSON Loading should be complete in about an hour. (beat) If you don't mind, I might as well be thorough here...take me about three hours, okay? RILLER (nodding) No problem. I've never been one for passing up free help when it's offered. Riller returns to his business as Jackson gets comfortable in his chair. OPEN ON APARTMENT This is the same studio apartment we saw in "Breaking Point." Morgan is making tea in the kitchen when we hear a knock at the door. Mug in hand, she goes to the door and opens it, revealing Vince Matson standing there. His expression is grim, and he enters without waiting for an invitation. MORGAN (surprised) Vince! How'd you know I was here? MATSON I tried to call you on the boat; they said you were here, so I hopped on a jet and came. MORGAN Wow...you didn't have to go to that much trouble. MATSON (flatly) I needed to ask you something. I decided it would be best to ask you in person. Morgan begins to notice there's something not quite right in his manner. She crosses to the couch and carefully sets her mug down on a table, then turns to Matson. MORGAN (subdued) Okay...what did you need to ask? Matson takes a deep breath, steps closer to her and looks down into Morgan's eyes. MATSON Is it because of Wolenczak? MORGAN Pardon me? Is _what_ because of the captain? MATSON That you don't know if you want to marry me. MORGAN (genuinely puzzled) What on earth would give you that idea? MATSON (grimly sarcastic) Oh, only the fact that you had an affair with him. MORGAN (shocked) How on earth--? (beat, angrily defending herself) I did _not_ have an affair with the captain! Matson is more agitated than we have ever seen him; his jaw is set and there 's fire in his eyes. MATSON (_very_ accusatory) Oh, so it was a one-night stand?! That makes me feel a helluva lot better! Morgan is at least as angry as he is, and probably more so. She draws herself up to her full five-foot-and-a-fraction. MORGAN That is _not_ how it was! How dare you accuse me like that... She steps toward him, then reconsiders and sits down on the sofa, angrily fighting back tears. MORGAN (continues, with irony, softly) God, and to think it happened here, too... (beat, explaining) Vince, you remember how it was for me, working with Curcio? Matson nods. MORGAN (continues) I'm not sure I ever told you this, but I tried to resign. It was back when Evans died. (beat) When we brought his body here to Annapolis...I gave Matthews my resignation letter--Lucas was ill... Matson winces at her unconscious use of the captain's first name. Morgan sees this, but presses on. MORGAN (continues) Anyway...I was here, trying to sort things out. The captain came after me to talk me out of it. (beat, very emotional) Vince, you've got to understand...we had both been alone for far too long. It wasn't like we'd planned it...but Vince, we both needed it. (beat, wryly) It was the first time I'd had a man's arms around me--except my dad's--since David died. MATSON (softly) Why didn't you tell me? MORGAN (defeated) When was I going to tell you? (beat, very sarcastic) "Oh, by the way, Vince, I slept with the captain the other night. But don't worry about it." (beat) I don't think I even realized you were getting serious about me until we were at my folks' house when _seaQuest_ was being refitted. He sits down on the sofa beside her. MATSON And Wolenczak? What's your relationship with him? MORGAN (sighs) We're good friends. I think I'm one of the few people he feels like he can really talk to. (beat) I don't think it's just that we can talk science... (beat, firmly) But Vince, we are _not_ lovers. Matson still doesn't have quite the answer he's looking for. He takes Morgan 's hand and looks steadfastly into her eyes. MATSON But do you love him? MORGAN Of course I do! (beat) He's one of my best friends. Both are still for several moments as Matson thinks about what he's heard. Finally, he speaks. MATSON (apologetic) I'm sorry I got so mad, Anne. It just...surprised me. MORGAN I'd love to get my hands on whoever sent you that video. That entire hearing was classified. (beat) I suggest you erase it. MATSON Already done. Morgan looks at him sharply. MORGAN I never meant you to get hurt like this...I'm so sorry. Matson reaches for her free hand and, holding both, looks hard at her. MATSON Anne, I never expected to feel this way about anyone. Ever. (beat) And then, the morning after I proposed, to find out... (beat, trying to shake it off) But I _do_ understand. And I still want you to be my wife. Morgan clutches his hands tightly. MORGAN (barely above a whisper) I can't, Vince. She looks up at him, to see pain on his face. MORGAN I'm only just now beginning to understand what _I_ want. I'm not trying to live up to my parents' expectations any more, or David's... (beat) What I'm doing now, I'm doing for me. And I'm afraid... (beat, gathering courage) I'm afraid of losing _me_ again if I marry you. Matson looks at her for a long beat. MATSON Anne, I love you, I'd never-- MORGAN And I love you, too. And that's why I can't marry you. (beat) Vince, you need a wife who's confident, who can stand by your side under the spotlight. (beat) I'm not that woman yet. Matson thinks this over, then nods slowly. MATSON Okay...so it's not "no" forever...just "no" for now? MORGAN (hesitantly) Yes...I think so. MATSON All right. I can still hope. (beat, smiling again) And I'll still be taking John to see the Lasers in Arizona! (beat, seriously) I'll wait, Anne...there's no one else like you. I'll wait. He leans down and gives her a long kiss. As they kiss, the window panes rattle in their casings, and the pictures on the wall jiggle. The two break apart. MATSON What the hell?! (beat) Annapolis doesn't get earthquakes... They rush to the window. The camera shows their POV as they look out over the bay. In the sky are four missile contrails, missiles slowly rising out of sight. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 23:55:24 -0800 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 11/"Repercussions"/Act 5 (end) To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT FIVE OPEN ON BRIDGE A minimal crew is on duty here, no one we recognize, with the exception of Matthews. All are frantically busy as Wolenczak rushes onto the Bridge. WOLENCZAK (urgently) Matthews! Report! MATTHEWS Sir, we just launched four cruise missiles. Wolenczak shakes his head in disbelief. WOLENCZAK But we don't _have_ any cruise missiles... (beat, realizing) Oh, God...they were on the manifest for what we took aboard today. (beat) Who's down in Weapons Bay? MATTHEWS Riller was down there all morning with the munitions expert from the port. (beat) I saw Riller at lunch...he said the guy was checking the interfaces. Wolenczak turns to the communications officer. WOLENCZAK Call Riller to the Bridge. (beat) And see if anyone's home in Weapons Bay. The communications officer bends to his work, his voice echoing over the all-call, as Wolenczak stands over Matthews' shoulder. WOLENCZAK Have we got target coordinates? Matthews pushes buttons. Her eyes go wide as she reads the information on the screen. Then she turns and looks up at Wolenczak. MATTHEWS Raleigh, North Carolina, Sir. Wolenczak groans at the news. CUT TO WEAPONS BAY We start with a close-up of a crewman lying on the deck. As we pull back, we see on his chest the marks of a plasma pistol fired at close range. Pulling back further, we see a second crewman in the same condition. Then we see Jackson still seated at a console. JACKSON Now, Eileen, perhaps you'll take me a little more seriously... CUT TO BRIDGE All is as before. Riller enters quickly. WOLENCZAK Who's down in Weapons Bay? RILLER (thinking) Swensen and Jacobsen. And Forster's the specialist they gave us. He offered to check the interfaces for us...should be done any time now. COMMUNICATIONS Sir, no one's answering down there. WOLENCZAK (to Riller) Tell me everything you know about this Forster... RILLER (shrugging) Lieutenant Commander, MP...first initial's "J", I think... (beat) Seemed friendly enough. As Riller speaks, Matthews begins typing. Once again, she looks up at Wolenczak with deep concern. MATTHEWS There's no one by that name assigned to Annapolis, Sir. (beat, checking) No one with that description in the entire UEO Navy. RILLER (protesting) His ID checked out! WOLENCZAK (over Riller's protest) I want a security team down there _now_. Riller is on the move for the hatch before he even responds. RILLER Yes, Sir. And he's gone. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) May I? She gets out of the chair as he seats himself at the weapons station and begins to type. CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Jackson is still seated before the console. We hear banging at the hatch. RILLER (O.C.) Whoever you are, you've got five seconds to open this door! JACKSON (shouting) I don't think so...your override codes won't work on the hatch any more, and it's an awfully thick hatch to cut through... CUT TO BRIDGE Matthews has donned a headset and is listening intently. MATTHEWS (relaying) Sir, Riller is reporting that Forster is still in there. The hatch is locked, the security codes won't open it. (beat, listening) He wants to know if they should start forcing the hatch, Sir. WOLENCZAK (bitter) There's no time. (beat) Get Percell in here. Matthews nods and relays the order. Wolenczak thinks for a moment, then begins a flurry of typing at the weapons console. OFF CONSOLE We see four green dots, traveling in a diamond formation, crossing a grid toward a bright red dot. OFF WOLENCZAK He is regarding the console thoughtfully. WOLENCZAK Okay...we're getting a signal from the missiles...that's good. We can use that. (beat, grimly) If we don't, we'll be at war in fifteen minutes. QUICK CUT TO PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE WEAPONS BAY Riller and his team are opening the access panel to the electronic lock system. QUICK CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is still seated at the weapons console. Percell is at her station now. Both are typing quickly, earnestly looking at their screens. Matthews is pacing between the two, frustration on her face. MATTHEWS (to no one in particular) Any luck yet? WOLENCZAK and PERCELL Nope. There's a beat as they smile slightly over their simultaneous responses. Then Percell's console emits a beep, capturing her full attention once again. PERCELL Sir! I think I've found a way to bypass his lockouts on the hatch. (beat, reading) Yeah... (tapping a few keys) Okay...this might take a minute, but I think I can get it open... QUICK CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Jackson's terminal beeps. He reads the display quickly, shaking his head angrily as he does so. JACKSON Well...you've got someone on this boat almost as good as I am... (beat) I'll just have to relocate... He pulls a chair under the ventilation grille, yanks it out of the ceiling, and stops in dismay as he sees another, electronically locked, grille. Hurriedly, he pulls a small electronic device from his pocket, places it over the security keypad, and waits a moment. The grille opens, and Jackson climbs in. QUICK CUT TO PASSAGEWAY The exposed wiring in the bulkhead sparks as the security officer working on it backs away hastily. An audible "click" follows, and Riller cautiously approaches the hatch. He motions for his team to cover him, reaches for the handle, yanks it down, shoves the hatch open, then dodges away. Nothing happens. CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Riller and his team enter, still very cautious, expecting to be fired upon, but they find nothing but the bodies of Swensen and Jacobsen. A security officer goes to them and checks for signs of life, then looks up at Riller and shakes his head. Sighing, Riller pulls out his PAL again. RILLER (into PAL) Captain...he's gone. Through the ventilation system, I think. (beat) Jacobsen and Swensen are dead. WOLENCZAK (over PAL) Understood. (beat) Look around...is the console he used still active? Riller walks over to the console. There is text on the screen. RILLER (into PAL) Yes, Sir. WOLENCZAK (over PAL) I'm on my way. CUT TO AUX CON Jackson is now seated at a console in the otherwise-deserted room. The display shows the missile-tracking we saw earlier, but the four green dots are much, much closer to the red one. Jackson types a bit, and the display is replaced by a line which reads, "VIDLINK ENGAGED. ATTEMPTING TO CONNECT." A moment later, DeLano's face appears. DELANO (onscreen, polite, but a bit stressed) Yes? May I help you? JACKSON (cordially) Tell Eileen that Stephen wants to talk to her. Ross appears immediately, over DeLano's shoulder. ROSS Stephen, what the _hell_ do you think you're doing? We've been tracking missiles from _seaQuest_! JACKSON ("admonishing") Never could wait for your surprises, could you, 'Leen? ROSS (angrily) Stop playing games and deactivate those missiles _now_! JACKSON (hurt) But honey, I'm just helping you out...helping you start the war I know you' ve been cooking up in that pretty little head of yours.. ROSS Steve, I don't want your "help". I don't want a war unless it's on my terms and I'm good and ready. (beat) And pointing missiles at me isn't going to work. I stopped being afraid of you a long time ago. JACKSON (softly) Then why are you sweating, Eileen? And he terminates the call. CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Wolenczak is now seated at the console Jackson had been using, typing furiously. He slams his hand against the console in agitation. WOLENCZAK Damn! He's got so many watchdogs around this program... (beat, running a hand through his hair) Okay...I'm getting telemetry from the missiles...maybe I can use that as a back door. He types some more. Finally, he's rewarded with a single "beep." WOLENCZAK (grinning) Okay, you sneaky bastard, whoever you are, I've got you now... QUICK CUT TO AUX CON Jackson is doing some rapid typing of his own. JACKSON Oh, no you don't, Wolenczak...you're not going to stop my little surprise _that_ easily... QUICK CUT TO WEAPONS BAY Wolenczak responds to Jackson's latest salvo with dismay as the missile telemetry readout disappears from his screen. WOLENCZAK Damn...frozen out again. (beat) Okay, try this one, Mystery Man. He types some more, and is rewarded by the reappearance of the previous display. Wasting no time, he quickly reads the codes and types a few more commands, finishing with a flourish. WOLENCZAK Let's see you break that one... (beat) I don't think you'll have time...you'll have company any moment. The green dots on the display turn red, then disappear completely. CUT TO AUX CON The room is empty, the ventilation grille on the deck, as Riller bursts in. Dismay at losing his quarry is evident on his face. CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is facing Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson's image on the main viewscreen. Both look quite sober. WOLENCZAK No, Sir, he managed to vanish completely. (beat) We had security teams searching the port for two hours. (beat, more bad news) The port has no record of him, and somehow he hacked the security cameras so that we don't, either. ROBINSON (on screen) President Ross is demanding an explanation as to why four UEO cruise missiles self-destructed over a tobacco farm outside. Wolenczak sees the humor in this and smiles. WOLENCZAK And you told her...? ROBINSON We told her the truth...someone bluffed his way onto our boat, hacked the weapons system, and fired. (beat) We also told her we'd caught the man and he would be imprisoned so long he'd have to be Methuselah to have a hope of seeing the light of day again. WOLENCZAK (nodding slowly) Best way to lie...just tell the truth, except for the parts that really matter. ROBINSON (nodding) That's about the size of it. (beat) Notify me if you learn anything. Wolenczak nods affirmation, and Robinson terminates the call. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross and DeLano are discussing the day's events. ROSS Well, Gary...the UEO did my dirty work for me. It may even be worth the loss of a good tobacco field. DeLano nods his agreement as we... CUT TO ANNAPOLIS NAVAL PORT Gangways retract as _seaQuest_ slowly begins maneuvering away. Caption reads: "The following day." CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS We begin, once again, at knee level, as Morgan is tying her bootlaces. There 's a knock at the hatch, and we follow her feet as she goes over and opens it. WOLENCZAK (O.C.) I heard you were back and just wanted to know-- (stunned) _What_ have you done? We pull back to reveal the cause of his surprise...Morgan has cut her hair. The "science officer bun" is gone; it's short--above her collar--and styled back off her face. MORGAN (wryly) I'm not sure that's quite the reaction I was hoping for... WOLENCZAK Anne...it's great, really...but... (beat) Why? MORGAN (shrugs) I realized I've been clinging to the past. I wore it long because David loved it that way. (beat, quietly but firmly) But David's been gone for more than five years, and I have my own life to live. Wolenczak notes her tone. WOLENCZAK (carefully) Does that mean...? MORGAN It means I'm not marrying Vince. I realized that just loving him isn't enough if I'm not ready to have the kind of life I'd have with him. WOLENCZAK (softly) I'm sorry, Anne... Morgan looks at him, a bit surprised. MORGAN Sorry? Why? WOLENCZAK It's just that, if anyone deserves to be happy, it's you. MORGAN (smiling) I _am_ happy, Lucas. I've got my dream job, and people who care about me. (beat) I admit, I'd be happier if I could see my son more often, but for now...this is where I need to be. Wolenczak looks hard at her, making sure she's _really_ okay with this...then nods. MORGAN (teasing now) And now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get to work. The captain on this boat can be pretty harsh when you're late. WOLENCZAK (grinning) So I've heard... Together, they turn and leave the room. FADE TO BLACK THE END Copyright 1998 seaQuest 2047 staff.