==========================================================================
                           WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS
                        Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie
==========================================================================
   Timeline: After "SeaQuest 2032" (after 3rd season)
   Author's E-Mail: bi185@freenet.buffalo.edu
==========================================================================

AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I wasn't supposed to post this until I posted "Parallax", but I'm missing
a few scenes to that and I wanna get this out ASAP. It's a bridger
story!  (sorta)

Tkaes place 3rd season, after all the other stuff Mel and i've written. :)

Copyright 1996 Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie


==========================================================================
=========================  PART 0 - TEASER ===============================


seaQuest 2032
"When the Bough Breaks"
By Rachel Brody and Melissa Beattie
Thursday, July 4, 1996
Second Draft

TEASER

FADE IN TO RECEPTION

There are easily a couple hundred people in the room.
Bridger and Hudson are standing, talking. All military
personnel are in dress uniform. Bridger is not in dress
uniform.

BRIDGER
(enthusiastic)
It's really amazing, Oliver. The
potential this place has...

He trails off, letting the statement finish itself. Hudson
nods indulgently, but it's clear that he doesn't exactly 
agree with what Bridger is saying.

HUDSON
(shaking head)
I still can't believe that Larry Deon 
would fund a _scientific research 
institute_.

Bridger shakes his head. This isn't the first time Hudson
has brought this up, and he's not exactly sure why the fact 
that Deon is funding the institute is such an issue.

BRIDGER
(close to exasperation)
I told you. He may not be a saint, but
Deon knows a good investment when he
sees one.
(beat, looks around appreciatively)
And this place is the best investment 
I've seen since I designed the 
_seaQuest_.

Hudson raises an eyebrow.

HUDSON
(skeptically)
Nathan, this is an aquarium.

Bridger isn't about to let Hudson's mood get him down.

BRIDGER
(nonchalantly)
Then it's the best-equipped aquarium 
I've ever had the pleasure of being in 
charge of.
(beat, shrugs)
It's also the only aquarium I've ever 
been in charge of.

Hudson nods.

HUDSON
(seriously teasing)
And I suppose it was worth leaving the 
Navy. Again.

Bridger nods as he takes a drink.

BRIDGER
(enthusiastically)
Absolutely. No doubt about it. This
place is dedicated to _life_, Oliver.
The discoveries we're going to make 
alone will increase our understanding of 
the oceans exponentially.

Hudson isn't quite convinced. Lucas walks up behind
Bridger. Hudson sees him and opens his mouth. Lucas holds a
finger to his lips, "warning" Hudson not to give him away.
Hudson shuts his mouth. Lucas tries to disguise his voice
as he speaks.

LUCAS
(in a falsely low voice)
Dr. Bridger?

Bridger turns, his mouth half open to reply to what he 
thinks is another annoying scientist (he's had a few run-
ins...). When he sees Lucas, he stops in shock. His face
lights up.

BRIDGER
(in shock)
Lucas?!?

Lucas looks very satisfied with the reaction he's provoked.
He and Bridger shake hands, then Bridger shakes his head in 
disbelief.

BRIDGER
(mildly taken aback)
My God... Lucas...

He trails off, speechless, grinning like an idiot. Lucas is
grinning, too. Bridger holds him at arms' length, looking
him over.

BRIDGER
I like the new uniform. It looks good on you.

HUDSON
(amused, kidding)
You didn't say anything about _my_ uniform.

Bridger tears his eyes off Lucas for a moment to give Hudson 
a humored look.

BRIDGER
(kidding)
That's because it looks terrible on you.

Hudson gives him a mock-indignant look. Bridger looks back
to Lucas.

BRIDGER
(still a bit shocked)
It's been... How long?

Lucas shakes his head.

LUCAS
Months, at least.

BRIDGER
(smiling)
Seems like longer.

Lucas nods in agreement. Bridger shakes his head, still not
quite able to reconcile the Lucas he remembers with the 
Lucas standing in front of him.

BRIDGER
(indicates room)
So, what the hell are you doing here?
(to Hudson)
I thought Deon made it clear that he 
didn't want civilians around.

Lucas and Hudson exchange glances. Lucas looks back at
Bridger.

LUCAS
(half- reluctantly)
I'm the representative scientist for the UEO.

Bridger stares, unable to believe his ears-- whatever
happened to the smart-ass kid who gave him a hard time about 
using handsignals with dolphins?

HUDSON
(pointing out Bridger's mistake)
And he's not a civilian anymore, Nathan.
He's the science officer of the UEO's
flagship.

Bridger nods, finding his voice.

BRIDGER
(sputtering)
I--  I know that, dammit. I'm just...
(beat, simply)
...surprised.

This is a tad awkward, but Lucas gets through it with humor.
He shakes his head and looks from Hudson to Bridger.

LUCAS
(humorously, to Bridger)
You just can't believe they'd trust me
that much.

Bridger nods, smiling but preoccupied. A woman walks up to
them. She's Bridger's Assistant Director, Dr. Leah Westlake.
She's from 30-35 years old, with short, black hair, wearing 
a one-piece jumpsuit. She has reading glasses folded,
hanging off her pocket.

WESTLAKE
(grinning)
Dr. Bridger, congratulations. After all
that's happened, we finally got this 
place up and running.

Bridger nods. Both Lucas and Hudson are a bit perplexed by
what she means.

LUCAS
(a touch confused)
"All that's happened"?

Bridger shakes his head and indicates Westlake.

BRIDGER
Lucas, this is Dr. Leah Westlake. Leah,
this is Lucas.

Lucas raises an eyebrow at the way the names sound-- Luke 
and Leia from "Star Wars". He shakes Westlake's hand.

LUCAS
(lightly)
May the Force be with you.

Westlake smiles, appreciating the joke. She shakes Hudson's
hand, then looks back at Lucas. She looks at him like she
recognizes him-- the reason for which becomes evident in a
few short moments...

WESTLAKE
(to Lucas)
It's great to finally meet you.
(to Bridger)
Somehow, I expected him to be...younger.

Bridger's expression:  "So did I."  Lucas looks at Bridger
quizzically.

WESTLAKE
(explaining)
He hasn't stopped talking about you
since he joined us a few months ago.

This surprises Lucas-- what on earth could Bridger be saying 
about him?

LUCAS
(humorously, yet somehow unsure)
Good, I hope.

WESTLAKE
(nods, humorously)
Most of it.
(to Bridger)
There are some people you need to talk 
to. From the standard places.
(beat)
Nice how they wouldn't pay any attention
to us earlier, but now that we've gone
on-line, they're beating down our doors.

Bridger nods, grinning devilishly, yet reluctant.

BRIDGER
(almost reluctantly)
I suppose they're all going to want 
access to our equipment.

Westlake nods.

BRIDGER
And I suppose I'm probably going to have 
to give it to them.

Westlake nods again. Bridger sighs deeply. Although he's
trying to act as though this is a pain in the neck, it's 
clear that he's having the time of his life. Lucas picks up
on this, and is a bit hurt by it.

BRIDGER
Oh well...
(to Lucas)
We'll talk later. For now...
(indicates scientists across the room)
I'm afraid I'm going to have to play host.
(to Westlake)
Leah, rescue me in exactly twenty 
minutes. Think up an emergency.

Westlake nods. Bridger leaves. Lucas looks after him,
semi-wistfully. Westlake notices this.

WESTLAKE
(to Lucas)
He'll have more time tomorrow.

Lucas nods.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END TEASER

Opinions, please?


===========================  PART 1  =====================================


ACT ONE

FADE IN TO INSTITUTE GROUNDS

It's late morning, the next day. Lucas and Bridger are on a
walk. The grounds are well-kept, with a small path running
along the edge of a man-made pond. Bridger has been telling
him how he got the job as Director of the institute.
However, the conversation is going about as well as would a
conversation with someone you hadn't seen for a few years 
would go-- they simply have no idea of what to talk about, 
so the "conversation" is actually a wide assortment of 
awkward silences and nervous words.

BRIDGER
...Next thing I knew, Deon's people 
wouldn't leave me alone. One day, I
remember, I got something like ten calls 
in as many hours. Finally, they 
convinced me to come out here and see 
what they were doing.
(beat)
I liked what I saw, so I stayed.

Lucas nods.

LUCAS
And the fact that you're on Deon's 
payroll doesn't bother you?

Bridger stops.

BRIDGER
(near exasperation)
Why does the crew keep asking me that?
(beat)
He's keeping himself out of the way on 
this. All he does is authorize the 
paychecks. Everything else, we do 
ourselves.

He continues walking. Lucas raises an eyebrow and catches
up.

LUCAS
(unconvinced)
If you say so, sir.

Bridger gives him an odd look.

BRIDGER
(changing the subject)
So, how's Darwin?

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
(tossing off an answer)
He's okay, I guess.

BRIDGER
You guess?

LUCAS
I'm pretty busy now. Dagwood's been
taking care of him, mostly.

Bridger is surprised by this.

BRIDGER
(flat)
Dagwood?

He realizes how he sounds, and tries to make amends.

BRIDGER
The two of you used to be inseparable!

Lucas shrugs again.

LUCAS
Yeah, and it was great, but...
(beat)
I'm an _officer_ now. I've got too much
to do to spend more than a few hours a 
week entertaining a dolphin.

He sees Bridger's incredulous expression, and realizes that 
he's just "insulted" "The Captain's Dolphin".

LUCAS
(quickly)
Not that I don't think Darwin's not 
terrific, 'cause he is.
(reluctantly)
But, well... You know how it is.

They walk for a moment in silence. Both are racking their
brains for something to discuss. Finally, Bridger pulls the
most ridiculous, mundane, obviously-small-talk thing out of 
his head.

BRIDGER
(conversationally)
So, how's everything on _seaQuest_?

Lucas leaps at the chance to talk.

LUCAS
(enthusiastically)
It's great. It's--  Last week, we were
up in Hawaii, and we--

He cuts himself off and looks away.

BRIDGER
(leading)
And you...

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
Nothing.

BRIDGER
Nothing?

Lucas clears his throat uncomfortably.

LUCAS
It's kinda, well...
(beat)
Classified.

Bridger nods in understanding, although he's mildly put off.

LUCAS
(explaining, trying to rationalize)
And, I mean, you're a civilian now, and--

Bridger holds up a hand.

BRIDGER
Don't worry, Lucas. I understand.

They walk for a few more moments.

BRIDGER
But you're enjoying yourself.

Lucas nods.

BRIDGER
Well... That's something, I suppose.

Lucas looks at him. There's an awkward silence. Lucas
tries to think of something to say.

LUCAS
This place is really great.

Bridger looks at him.

BRIDGER
You think so?

Lucas nods.

LUCAS
Yeah.

BRIDGER
You could always come for a while.

Lucas raises an eyebrow.

LUCAS
What?

BRIDGER
Why not?

Lucas sputters.

LUCAS
I--  I--  I've got responsibilities!  
How can you ask me that?!?

BRIDGER
(a little put off)
Well, I certainly didn't mean to put you 
on the spot.

LUCAS
Put me on the spot?!?
(beat)
What am I supposed to say?

BRIDGER
Just think about it, okay?  We don't see 
each other nearly enough anymore.

Lucas stares, shocked.

LUCAS
Uh... Yeah. Whatever.

Bridger is a bit taken aback by Lucas' reaction. They stare
at each other for a moment, then Bridger turns and walks 
away. Lucas watches him go. Then he turns and walks off in
the opposite direction.

CUT TO INSTITUTE GROUNDS

A different part of the grounds, and a little while later.
Lucas is standing, looking at an empty tank, leaning on the 
railing. Westlake walks up behind him from across the 
compound.

WESTLAKE
Lucas?

Lucas turns and looks at her. Then he looks back at the
tank. Westlake arrives at his side and stands next to him.
Lucas is a bit confused about Bridger's request.

WESTLAKE
You okay?

Lucas looks at her.

LUCAS
(hostilely)
Yeah. What do you care?

Westlake shrugs.

WESTLAKE
You look a little upset. Something
wrong?

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
I guess so...

He trails off. Westlake looks at him, expecting him to
continue. When he doesn't, she looks at the tank.

WESTLAKE
We're gonna have dolphins in there.

Lucas is uninterested.

WESTLAKE
Nathan is going to implement your AI 
program into our research facilities.

This grabs Lucas' attention. He stares at her in shock.

LUCAS
He _what_?!?

Westlake is a bit surprised by his reaction.

WESTLAKE
He and Deon had a long conversation 
about it, and--

LUCAS
(cutting her off)
Captain Bridger told _Deon_ about my--

He cuts himself off.

LUCAS
He--  That's classified!  How did 
_Deon_, of all people--
He stops, getting it:  Deon would want it, and what Deon 
wants, Deon gets. Westlake nods, with a trace of
uncharacteristic bitterness.

WESTLAKE
Exactly.
(beat)
But Nathan is right. Having the ability
to directly communicate with the 
subjects of our research will allow us
to obtain more information than we ever 
would have though possible.
(beat)
And we'll make sure it stays 
inconspicuous.

Lucas nods, unconvinced,  Westlake turns, her back to the 
tank but still leaning on the rail.

WESTLAKE
So, have you seen the institute yet?

Lucas looks over at her.

LUCAS
Nah. I've gotta go on the tour tomorrow.

WESTLAKE
Oh. Well, there are a few things that
we don't have on that tour.
(beat, indicates tank)
This tank is one of them.
(beat)
And I'm sure there are a few others that
Nathan would want you to see.

Lucas shrugs.

WESTLAKE
What do you say?

LUCAS
(shrugs)
Sure. Sounds like fun.

WESTLAKE
Let's go.

Lucas looks at her in semi-disbelief. 

LUCAS
You mean..._now_?

WESTLAKE
(nods)
Yes, now. When did you think I meant?

She begins walking away. Lucas takes a look at the tank,
then catches up.

CUT TO INSTITUTE LOBBY

Lucas and Westlake walk into the room. There are fish tanks
in the walls, etc, and at first glance this is no more than 
your ordinary aquarium. But Westlake leads Lucas through
the lobby and down a short flight of stairs.

CUT TO LOWER LAB

Westlake and Lucas walk down the stairs. This is what
they're here for: the room is packed with scientific 
equipment and computers, as well as... Well, you get the
idea. Lucas is in awe.

LUCAS
Wow.

Westlake nods.

WESTLAKE
This is what you can get when you're 
being financed by one of the biggest 
multi-billion-dollar corporations in the 
world.

Lucas walks around to a tank, in which sea urchins are 
clinging to all four walls. He looks at Westlake, who nods.
He reaches in and pulls one out, holding it gingerly in his 
hand. Westlake joins him.

WESTLAKE
These are some of the specimens we're 
going to be studying.
(beat)
They're also some of the only animals 
we've been able to get ahold of.

Lucas looks up at her quizzically.

WESTLAKE
We were supposed to get a few mantas 
from Sea World in Cleveland. But there
were complications involved with 
transporting them.
(beat)
And then they died.

Lucas looks at her as he places the urchin back into the 
tank and sits, leaning against it.

LUCAS
Died?

WESTLAKE
Without warning. They're still trying
to figure out what happened.
(beat)
Hopefully, with what we'll learn here,
we'll be able to make sure that doesn't
happen again.

She walks away a bit, then turns back to Lucas.

WESTLAKE
(almost shocked)
I still can't believe we're actually
going to open next week. So much has
gone wrong...
(beat)
Do you know how many directors we've
gone through?

Lucas shakes his head.

WESTLAKE
Four. In the past ten months.
(beat)
Our original financier pulled out, and 
we had to scramble to get more money.
That's when Deon decided to step in.
(beat)
Then there was that idiot from an Animal 
Activist's group... Someone had been
spreading rumors that we were going to 
do _testing_ on the animals we were 
going to get! Can you believe that?!?
(beat)
He raised a fuss, and we had to have 
this long string of--  Well, let's just 
say it was a good thing that Deon is as 
powerful as he is, and that he wants 
this to work so much.
(beat)
Then half the original staff was bought 
out by Harpe Enterprises. Then their
replacements. Then _their_ replacements.

LUCAS
Geoffery Harpe has a problem with what 
you're doing?

WESTLAKE
(sardonically)
Not what we're doing, as much as that 
he's not involved.
(beat)
Bastard had his chance, though. He
said, and I _quote_, "I have more 
important things to do than humor your 
childish fantasies of understanding the 
animals."
(beat)
When he found out that Deon had picked 
us up, he was livid. Before we knew
what had happened, he'd lured away most 
of the staff.

LUCAS
Is that why Captain Bridger wanted me to 
come out here?

Westlake stops and looks at him, his question not exactly 
registeing.

WESTLAKE
(confused)
What?

Lucas wonders if he should have not mentioned it.

LUCAS
(uneasily dismissive)
Oh, nothing... He asked me, earlier, if
I wanted to leave _seaQuest_.

Westlake looks mildly concerned by this, but brushes it off
and shrugs.

WESTLAKE
He never said anything to me. Who knows?

Lucas nods and stands. He grabs the side of the tank,
mildly dizzy.

WESTLAKE
(concerned)
You okay?

Lucas blinks several times, and rubs the bridge of his nose. 

LUCAS
Yeah... Head rush, that's all.

He closes his eyes for a moment, pained.

LUCAS
(finishing)
And a headache.

Westlake looks concerned.

WESTLAKE
Are you okay?

Lucas nods and takes a step away from the tank, rubbing his
temples.

LUCAS
Yeah... I--  I think I'd better go back
to the hotel.
(beat)
I feel like I'm coming down with something.

Westlake raises an eyebrow, but doesn't object.

WESTLAKE
Well, see you tomorrow.

Lucas nods and leaves.

CUT TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

Westlake walks in. Bridger is sitting at his desk, reading
a large book.

WESTLAKE
He's a charming kid, you know. 

Bridger looks up, mildly surprised by her presence.

BRIDGER
Hm?

WESTLAKE
(smiling)
Lucas. I just had the loveliest
conversation with him...
(beat, barely hesitating)
He mentioned that you...invited him to 
the institute.

Bridger shrugs.

BRIDGER
(dismissively)
I suppose. It was just an idea.
(beat, slightly disappointed)
He's got better things to do.

Westlake nods as she rummages through a file cabinet. She
finds the files she needs and takes it out.

BRIDGER
See you tomorrow.

Westlake is already reading the file.

WESTLAKE
Mm-hm.
She continues reading it as she exits.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie

***

Opinions?  Critisisms?  Death threats???  ;)
R


===========================  PART 2  =====================================


Well, things start going awry in this act!  Have fun!  *duck Lucas!*
Kidding. ;)

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO HOTEL LOBBY

Lucas enters. He looks around the room, and sees Ford and
Henderson just entering. They are dressed up, having just
been out on the town.

CUT TO ELEVATOR

Lucas boards the elevator, and holds the door open for them.
They notice him for the first time.

HENDERSON
Hi, Lucas.

LUCAS
Hi. How was the ballet?

FORD
(unenthusiastic)
It was okay. But the orchestra conductor...
(shakes head)
He wasn't so great.

HENDERSON
What was his name again?
(beat, thinks)
Sam...Something?

Ford shrugs.

FORD
(trying to remember)
...Raymond?  Remmy?  Remo?
(beat)
Something.
(beat)
He was _awful_.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

The door to Lucas' hotel room opens. A maid pushes her
housekeeping cart out. She tucks a bottle of aspirin under
a pillow, and walks to the elevator. She pushes the
elevator button. She waits a moment, then the doors open.
Lucas, Henderson, and Ford step off, not paying her any 
attention. She gets on the elevator, and the doors close.
Lucas, Henderson, and Ford walk down the hall. At the first
door, Ford and Henderson stop.

FORD
(uncomfortably)
Uh, here we are.

HENDERSON
(just as uncomfortably)
Yeah.

Lucas looks from one to the other. He is confused, but has
an idea of what's going on.

LUCAS
(confused)
Are you two--

FORD
(cutting him off)
Yes. So?

LUCAS
(backing off, quickly)
Nothing.

Henderson and Ford look significantly at him. They want him
to leave. He "gets it" after a few minutes.

LUCAS
(uncomfortably)
Uh...Good night.

Lucas retreats. Ford opens the door, and holds it open for
Henderson. She smiles at him and enters. He follows.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Lucas enters, massaging his temples. He walks to his
suitcase, which is lying open on the floor next to his bed.

LUCAS
(confused, off suitcase)
Thought I closed that...

He flops onto the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment.
Then he stands and lifts the suitcase onto the bed. He
starts digging through it, finally finding his aspirin-- 
except it's not his aspirin. It was switched by the maid.
He opens the bottle and spills a few "aspirins" into his 
hand, then swallows them quickly.

CUT TO HOTEL DINING ROOM

The next morning. Lucas, Piccolo, and Dagwood are at the
buffet, getting breakfast. They sit. Lucas has a
_mountain_ of food on his plate, and is eating it 
voraciously. Piccolo and Dagwood exchange glances, then eat
their stuff. After several mouthfuls, Lucas rubs the bridge
of his nose.

PICCOLO
(concerned)
You okay?

Lucas nods, already going for the "aspirin". He takes out
the bottle and downs a few with a sip of water.

LUCAS
(unconcerned)
Just a headache.

Piccolo has an odd expression on his face-- he's got a bad 
feeling about the "aspirin", but can't put his finger on it.
He watches Lucas put the "aspirin" back in a pocket.

PICCOLO
(concerned)
A headache?

LUCAS
Yeah. Why?

Piccolo opens his mouth to speak, but Lucas continues.

LUCAS
Are you guys going anywhere near the 
institute today?

Dagwood nods.

DAGWOOD
We're going sightseeing.

PICCOLO
There's a street fair down by the--

LUCAS
(interrupting)
Do you think you could give me a ride 
over? I've gotta go an a VIP tour of the 
facilities with the other reps.

Piccolo and Dagwood nod. Piccolo is clearly preoccupied.

PICCOLO
(traces of concern)
Yeah. Sure.

Lucas finishes off a piece of toast, then pushes the plate 
away a bit. There's still a huge pile of food on it. He
stands.

PICCOLO
Where're you goin'?

Lucas is already walking away as he replies.

LUCAS
Back up to my room. I've got to get a
couple things. I'll meet you outside in
twenty minutes.

Piccolo nods as Lucas leaves. He and Dagwood exchange
glances.

CUT TO WESTLAKE'S OFFICE

Westlake is talking to a woman-- who is actually the maid
from the hotel!

WESTLAKE
Did you put it in his suitcase?

The maid nods and reaches into her pocket, and pulls out 
Lucas' aspirin, which she hands to Westlake.

MAID
Here's his aspirin.
(beat)
I wasn't sure what you wanted me to do 
with it.

Westlake nods and puts Lucas' aspirin in her pocket.

WESTLAKE
That's fine.
(beat)
Now, get out of here, before someone
sees you.
(beat)
I have a tour to give.

The maid nods and leaves.

CUT TO INSTITUTE DRIVEWAY

Piccolo and Dagwood are in the front seats of the car-- 
Piccolo is driving. The car is a standard model, on loan
from the UEO. They pull up, and Lucas hops out of the back
seat. 

LUCAS
(calling)
Thanks for the ride!

He jogs into the building. Piccolo waits a moment, then
pulls away.

CUT TO INSTITUTE LOBBY

Lucas enters. There are 20 or 30 scientists in the lobby,
milling around as they wait for the tour to begin. Westlake
is standing by the main aquarium. Lucas looks around for a
moment, then walks up to her.

LUCAS
(softly)
Where's Captain Bridger?

Westlake shakes her head.

WESTLAKE
He had to take care of some problems 
we've been having.
(beat)
He won't be available for the next few hours.

Lucas nods, disappointed, then walks away.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

The door opens. Piccolo and Dagwood enter quietly. Piccolo
turns on the light and looks around. Dagwood is mildly
confused.

DAGWOOD
Why did we come back?

Piccolo isn't paying attention to him as he begins opening 
drawers and going through Lucas' various items, scattered 
around the room.

PICCOLO
`Cause--  You remember that stuff he was 
takin'?

Dagwood nods. Piccolo continues his search as he talks.

PICCOLO
It wasn't aspirin.

Dagwood frowns.

DAGWOOD
How do you know?

Piccolo moves on and starts rooting through Lucas' suitcase.
He's not being careful about where he puts what he takes out 
of it, and it's flying around the room like you wouldn't 
believe.

PICCOLO
`Cause I've seen it before.

He finds the bottle of aspirin that Lucas left behind, and 
pops the lid. He spills a few of the pills into his hand,
and looks at them. His concern grows in intensity.

PICCOLO
(to himself)
Damn.

He looks at Dagwood.

PICCOLO
You think he's still at the institute?

Dagwood shrugs. Piccolo walks to the door. He opens it.
O'Neill is standing, arms crossed, on the other side. 

O'NEILL
Tony?  What are you doing in Lucas' room?

Piccolo holds up the bottle of pills.

PICCOLO
You ever seen these?

O'Neill takes the bottle and looks it over, then passes it 
back.

O'NEILL
("spelling it out")
Yes, Tony. It's plain, generic aspirin.

Piccolo shakes his head and walks into the room. O'Neill
follows, gaping slightly at the mess.

O'NEILL
(to himself)
Lucas is gonna love this...

Piccolo ignores him and dumps the contents of the bottle out 
onto the table that's near the window. He scoops a few of
the pills up and passes them to O'Neill.

PICCOLO
Aspirin is smaller than those are. 
(beat)
An' aspirin won't kill you.

O'Neill looks up.

O'NEILL
(shocked, concerned)
What?

PICCOLO
(indicates pills)
These... I saw a lot of `em in prison.
(beat)
An' Lucas was takin' `em like you 
wouldn't believe.

He looks up at O'Neill, and shakes his head. He slowly puts
the pills back into the bottle.

PICCOLO
This is a _problem_, Tim.
(beat)
A _big_ problem.

CUT TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

After the tour. Bridger is working. Lucas walks up to the
door, and knocks, even though it's open. Bridger looks up.
After Lucas' behavior the other day, he's mildly surprised 
to see him there.

BRIDGER
Lucas?

Lucas looks mildly uncomfortable.

LUCAS
Um... Sir, I just wanted to, um,
apologize for how I reacted the other 
day.
(beat)
I, uh... I didn't mean it.
(beat)
I'm sorry.

He looks at his watch, then up at Bridger.

LUCAS
And since it's about lunchtime, I 
wondered if you wanted to grab a bite.

Bridger smiles, but shakes his head,

BRIDGER
(regretfully)
I'd love to, Lucas, but I can't. I'm
waiting for a few phone calls.

Lucas is downcast. Bridger is still working as he speaks,
not looking at Lucas.

BRIDGER
But there's a place around the corner 
that has take-out Chinese, and I'm 
pretty sure they deliver. Sound good?

Lucas looks at the floor, then up at Bridger.

LUCAS
It would, sir...if I ate Chinese.

Bridger looks up, surprised.

BRIDGER
I thought you loved it!

LUCAS
(smiling uncomfortably)
Operative term is "love_d_".
(beat)
Ever since we got back from Hyperion,
for some reason, I can't stomach the
stuff.

Bridger looks at Lucas, nodding slowly. He goes back to his
work. Lucas stands for a moment, then has an idea.

LUCAS
How about that deli down the street?
Dagwood and Tony and I drove by there 
this morning when they dropped me off.

Bridger nods without looking up from his work.

BRIDGER
(not paying attention)
Sounds good. The phone's right there.

He indicates the phone.

BRIDGER
Leah and I order their stuff sometimes.
The number should be in the rolodex.

Lucas flips through, locating the number and calling.

LUCAS
(to guy on other end of the phone)
Hi... I'd like to order a couple of
subs...

Westlake walks in the door.

WESTLAKE
(to Bridger, though Lucas)
Doctor, I just got rid of the 
scientists. I'll be in the labs for a
few hours if you need me.

Bridger nods, not paying attention. Westlake leaves. Lucas
hangs up the phone and looks at Bridger. Through the
following bunch of lines, Bridger isn't paying Lucas 
attention. Not because he doesn't care, but because he's
just really busy and he doesn't have time for chit-chat.

LUCAS
They said it'd be here in about twenty 
minutes.

BRIDGER
Mm-hm.

LUCAS
So, how've you been?

BRIDGER
Fine. You?

LUCAS
I've been okay, I guess. Like I told
you the other day, it's cool.
Everybody's great, and...

He breaks off, realizing that Bridger's not paying him the
slightest bit of attention.

LUCAS
Sir?

Bridger looks up.

BRIDGER
Yes?

LUCAS
Are you paying any attention to what I 
just said?

BRIDGER
Of course I am!

LUCAS
(unconvinced)
No, you're not.

Bridger sighs and puts down what he's working on.

BRIDGER
(apologetically, but mildly annoyed)
Lucas, I've got a lot to do here. I
really can't talk.
(beat)
Gimme a few hours to sort this out, and--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, traces of anger)
And you'll have a few more hours of work 
to do.
(beat)
I'm going for a walk. I'll be back when
the food arrives.

He exits. Bridger looks after him for a moment or two, then
goes back to his work.


FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO
 

===========================  PART 3  =====================================


ACT THREE

FADE IN TO LOWER LAB

Westlake is working at a microscope. Lucas walks in.

LUCAS
Dr. Westlake?

She looks up and smiles.

WESTLAKE
Come here a minute.

She waves him over, he comes. She moves away from the
microscope, and indicates that he should looks through it.

WESTLAKE
(breathtaken)
Incredible, isn't it?

LUCAS
(flatly)
It's a paramecium. Big deal.

Westlake shakes her head.

WESTLAKE
Not _just_ a paramecium. It's a--

LUCAS
(cutting her off)
It's a paramecium.
(beat)
So what?

He walks away. She catches up with him and grabs him by the
sleeve.

WESTLAKE
What's wrong?

Lucas shrugs her off.

LUCAS
I dunno... I've got a headache.

WESTLAKE
Another one?

Lucas nods. She reaches into a pocket and pulls out a
bottle of aspirin-- or at least, it's _supposed_ to be 
aspirin. It's the same stuff Lucas' _real_ aspirin was
supplemented with!  She hands him a few.

WESTLAKE
Here. Try these.
 
Lucas looks at her appreciatively and is about to swallow 
them, when her pager beeps. He looks at her as she pulls it
out of another pocket and checks the number.

WESTLAKE
(to herself)
Damn.
(to Lucas)
I've got to go. There's something wrong
over in the compound, and they need me.
(beat)
Take it easy, kid.

She jogs up the steps and out of the room. Lucas stands for
a moment, then checks his watch and leaves the room.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIDGER'S OFFICE

Lucas is walking down the corridor. He arrives at Bridger's
office just as Bridger is leaving.

BRIDGER
Lucas, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have 
to cancel. There's an emergency in the--

LUCAS
Yeah. Dr. Westlake told me.

BRIDGER
The stuff came a minute or two ago.
Don't bother waiting for me, I don't
know how long this is going to take.

Before Lucas can respond, Bridger has left.

CUT TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

Lucas enters and looks at the subs on the desk, then at the 
door, then at a hastily scrawled note that Bridger was going 
to leave for him. He bites his lip as he crumples it up and
throws it out--just in time remembering the "aspirin" in his 
hand, and not throwing the aspirin out. He swallows it,
then grabs a can of soda off the desk and opens it. He
takes a long drink, then sets the can on the desk and
leaves.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Piccolo and O'Neill are inside, pacing. The door opens, and
Lucas enters. He is surprised to see them.

LUCAS
(confused, slightly suspicious)
What are you guys doing here?

Piccolo holds up the "aspirin" bottle. Lucas doesn't get
it.

LUCAS
(perplexed)
My aspirin?

O'NEILL
(carefully)
Lucas...that bottle is half-empty.

LUCAS
(defensively)
I've been getting headaches!  What's the 
big deal?

O'NEILL
If you haven't been feeling well--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, defensive)
It's _stress_.

PICCOLO
(seriously)
Lucas, where did you get the pills?

Lucas doesn't answer, thrown off by the question. He still
doesn't know how he got them. Piccolo moves closer, and
grabs him by the upper arms.

PICCOLO
(insistently)
Where?

Lucas pulls away. As he speaks his next few lines, he
inches toward the door. Neither Piccolo nor O'Neill notice.

LUCAS
(angrily)
Where'd _you_ get them?

Piccolo realizes he's been caught. However, he's doing this
for Lucas' own good, so he isn't fazed.

PICCOLO
In your suitcase.

LUCAS
(angrily)
How could you do that to me?!?

O'NEILL
(trying to calm Lucas)
We were worried--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, incredulous)
And that gives you the right to go 
through my stuff?!?

Lucas has about reached the door by this time. He reaches
behind him and grabs the knob.

PICCOLO
(defensive)
Dammit, Lucas, I'm tryin' to help--

LUCAS
(cutting him off)
I don't _need_ any help.

He yanks open the door and runs out of the room. Piccolo
and O'Neill follow him.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Piccolo and O'Neill finish exiting Lucas' room. Lucas is
all ready gone by this time.

PICCOLO
(frustrated)
Damn it!  Where the hell'd he go so fast?
(to O'Neill)
We'd better go find him.

CUT TO INSTITUTE GROUNDS

It's dark out. Lucas is tromping across the grass.
Westlake sees him, and jogs to catch up.

WESTLAKE
Lucas?  Isn't it a little late for you 
to be--

LUCAS
(cutting her off)
No, it's not.

Westlake looks a bit taken aback by his response, but 
doesn't make an issue of it.

WESTLAKE
If you say so.
(beat)
So, did you and Nathan get to have 
lunch?

LUCAS
(bitterly)
No.
(beat, angrily)
He was too busy. Some damn emergency.
He had to go.
(beat, tries to shrug it off)
Then again, they always do.

He looks at Westlake, who isn't exactly sure what to make of 
his "outburst".

LUCAS
(hopeful)
He talked about me a lot?

Westlake nods.

WESTLAKE
(fondly)
Yes, he did. He still does.
(beat)
You're the world to him, Lucas. You
really are.

Lucas rolls his eyes, unconvinced.

LUCAS
Yeah, right.
(beat)
That's what my dad said, too.

Westlake doesn't have a clue as to what he's talking about.
Lucas is, in fact, using her more as a sounding board than 
anything else, bouncing his ideas off her as they come to 
him.

LUCAS
(disgusted)
At first it was, "No, son, I'm afraid I 
can't make that chorus concert". Then
it moved on, and it got to be "You can't 
have a birthday party this year, because 
there won't be any grown-ups around to 
watch you and your little friends."
(chuckles derisively)
Like I was gonna have friends. Being
shuttled between boarding schools and 
college dorms doesn't leave much room 
for friendship.
(beat)
Then he pulls me out of Stanford and 
sends me to _seaQuest_. And I was like
"Yeah right. More adults who are gonna 
brush me off for their work."  
(beat)
But after a while, you know, you start 
trusting people. You start thinking,
stupidly, that you can count on them to 
be there for you.
(beat)
Then your ship blows up and half of them 
leave.
(beat)
But hell, what're a couple of best 
friends, more or less. At least you've
still got a couple people you can count 
on.
(beat)
Of course, after you spend ten years in 
stasis, perspectives change.

He looks up at her.

LUCAS
Did he ever tell you why he left the 
_seaQuest_?

She shakes her head.

LUCAS
(disgusted)
To raise his grandson.
(beat)
I haven't seen Michael anywhere 
recently. Have you?

He doesn't really expect her to answer. She doesn't.

LUCAS
(indicates grounds)
And now he's got this.
(beat, bitterly, indicating institute building)
His _project_.
(beat)
And he doesn't give two damns about me 
anymore.
(beat, almost wistfully)
I looked up to him, you know. He was
like a...second father.
(beat, disgusted)
In more ways than one, looks like.

He looks away. Westlake puts a hand on his arm and pats it
gently.

WESTLAKE
(gently)
He does love you, you know. A lot.
(beat)
It's just the job.

LUCAS
(objecting)
But it's _always_ "just the job"!  Don't 
you understand?!?  _He doesn't care_!  
In the entire time _seaQuest_ has been 
docked here, do you know how many times 
I've seen him?
(beat)
_Six_!
(beat)
And I've been here for over a week!  I 
didn't even get to _talk_ to him until 
that reception!

He reaches into his pocket.

LUCAS
Not that I expect him to put his life on 
hold, but he won't even sit down and 
have _lunch_ with me!
(beat)
We can't even make _small talk_!

By now, Lucas looks almost on the verge of tears. Westlake
holds him at arms' length.

WESTLAKE
(calmly)
Lucas, both you and I know that's not
true. Nathan loves you very much.
You're just tired.

Lucas pushes her away.

LUCAS
(angrily, almost shouting)
I am _not_ tired!
(beat)
I'm sick of him treating me like I'm--

WESTLAKE
(cutting him off, forcefully)
_You are tired_.
(beat)
Now, I suggest you go back to your 
hotel. Catch some z's. Stop by his
office tomorrow and see if he's got some 
free time, or tell him how you feel.
(beat)
He can't do a damn thing if you don't
tell him something's bugging you.
(beat)
Understood?

Lucas nods miserably.

WESTLAKE
Good.

Lucas pulls his hand out of his pocket. The bottle of
aspirin is in it. He opens it, and tries to dump a couple
into his hand. The bottle is empty.

LUCAS
(exasperated)
This just isn't my day.

Westlake pulls out a bottle of "aspirin" and puts it in his 
hand. He looks up at her, somewhat thrown off.

WESTLAKE
Here. Keep them. I've got plenty.

Lucas nods.

WESTLAKE
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's almost
midnight. I'm going to go back to my
office--I've got some paperwork to do-- 
and I suggest you go back to your hotel.
(beat)
Okay?

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
(apathetic) I dunno. I think I'll just
hang out around here for a few hours.

Westlake chuckles, not taking him seriously.

WESTLAKE
(not serious)
You do that.
(beat)
Have a nice day, Lucas. Or night.
Whatever you want to call it.

She walks away. Lucas stares after her, putting the
"aspirin" in his pocket.


CUT TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

No one is there. There is a knock on the door. The door
then opens, revealing O'Neill. He enters, looks around,
then closes the door and exits.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF BRIDGER'S OFFICE
O'Neill is walking away from Bridger's office just as 
Bridger walks up from the other direction. O'Neill turns as
he hears the footsteps.

BRIDGER
Lieutenant O'Neill?

O'NEILL
(relieved, yet urgent)
Captain. Am I glad to see you!  Have--

BRIDGER
(cutting him off, not noticing O'Neill's urgency)
It's good to see you too. So, how've
you been?  Painted anything lately?

O'NEILL
(trying to be polite)
Uh...No, sir. I haven't been too
inspired. But, I was wondering, have you 
seen--

Bridger is lost in thought, not listening to O'Neill's 
question.

BRIDGER
(cutting him off)
Ever tried it with your eyes closed?

This throws O'Neill off.

O'NEILL
(confused)
Sir?

BRIDGER
(explaining)
Painting. With your eyes closed. I
understand that's how...
(beat, thinks, comes up short)
I forget his name. Some famous painter,
anyway--

O'NEILL
(incredulous, a bit desperate, cutting in)
I'll keep it in mind...
(rushed)
Captain, have you seen Lucas lately?

BRIDGER
(confused)
No. He left after lunch...about one o'clock.
(beat)
Why?

O'NEILL
(trying to be dismissive, failing)
Uh...No reason.

Bridger gives him a "don't-lie-to-_me_" type glance.
O'Neill gives in. 

O'NEILL
(confessing)
Tony found something in Lucas' suitcase, 
and--

BRIDGER
(concerned, confused)
Why was Piccolo in Lucas' suitcase?

O'NEILL
(uncomfortably)
Well...we were worried.

BRIDGER
(confused, a bit angry)
About what?

O'NEILL
(uncomfortably)
Lucas has been acting a little strange 
lately, and--

Bridger chuckles fondly.

BRIDGER
(just this side of condescending)
O'Neill. Lucas is a teenager. They all
act a little strange. Robert was the
same way.
(beat)
When you're a parent, you'll understand.

O'NEILL
(disbelieving)
Uh...If you say so, sir.

There is silence for several seconds. It's clear that the
conversation is over, but O'Neill is waiting for Bridger to 
"dismiss" him. Bridger doesn't realize this, and walks into
his office. Finally, O'Neill clears his throat gently and
indicates that he's in kind of a hurry.

O'NEILL
(uneasily)
If you don't mind, though, sir, I'd like 
to go and look for him, anyway.

Bridger smiles and waves a dismissing hand. O'Neill nods
his thanks and leaves.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie

***
Well??????  Opinions and comments, pleeze????

R


===========================  PART 4  =====================================


Sorry this one has taken so long!

All disclaimers apply. :)

ACT FOUR

FADE IN TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

A few minutes later. Bridger is sitting at his desk,
filling out forms. He's wearing his glasses. He's
concentrating intently on his work. Lucas walks in the
door, checking over his shoulder. Bridger doesn't notice 
him. Lucas clears his throat. Bridger looks up.

BRIDGER
(confused, mildly annoyed)
Lucas, what are you doing up?
(checks watch)
It's three in the morning!  What are you 
doing here?

Lucas shrugs and sits down. He sighs deeply.

LUCAS
(flatly, disinterested)
I dunno. I wanted to see you.

Bridger looks back at his papers.

BRIDGER
(as he works)
This is a bad time.

Lucas nods.

LUCAS
(semi-depressed)
Yeah, I figured.

Bridger looks up, taken aback.

BRIDGER
Excuse me?

LUCAS
(shrugs)
You're always busy. Everyone's always
busy. Or else they're yelling at me.

Bridger notices that Lucas isn't exactly himself. He stands
and walks to the door.

BRIDGER
Lucas, do you need a ride back to your hotel?
(looks down hall)
Leah's light is still on. She--

LUCAS
(cutting him off)
Why not you?

Bridger looks from his desk-- stacked with papers-- to 
Westlake's office down the hall, to Lucas.

BRIDGER
(confused)
I've got work to do.

Lucas stands, shrugs again, shakes his head.

LUCAS
Yeah, well... Whatever.

He walks past Bridger and looks at Westlake's office, then 
walks back to Bridger's desk and looks at the papers for a 
moment.

LUCAS
You're busy?

Bridger nods.

BRIDGER
Yes. I'm busy.

Lucas turns back to the desk and sweeps the papers onto the 
floor. He looks back at Bridger.

LUCAS
(brightly)
There. You're not busy anymore.

Bridger is shocked. He stares. His gaze shifts from the
desk to the papers to Lucas, several times.

BRIDGER
(incredulous)
Is there something you'd like to talk 
about?

LUCAS
(shrugs)
Not really...

Bridger is completely floored. He has no idea of what to
do. This has gone beyond the "Where's the sweet kid I used
to know" stage, to the "What the hell is this monster in the 
guise of that sweet little kid I knew" stage.

BRIDGER
I'm gonna call you a cab.

He moves to his phone and picks it up.

LUCAS
(apathetic)
Yeah... Sure... Hand me off to
somebody else... Don't worry. I'm used
to it.

Bridger looks at him, putting the phone back on the hook.

LUCAS
(almost bitter)
Guess I shoulda known.

He walks out without further ado. Bridger stares after him
for a moment, then begins picking up his papers.

BRIDGER
(sighs, annoyed, "why me")
Kids.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Lucas steps off the elevator. Hudson is standing by the
door to Lucas' room. Lucas ignores him and pulls out a key.
He unlocks and opens the door. He enters his room.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Hudson follows Lucas into his room.

HUDSON
Where the hell have you been?

Lucas gives him a rueful glance.

LUCAS
(brushing him off)
Out.

HUDSON
Where?

Lucas whirls on him. He's still upset about Bridger, and
doesn't much care what Hudson says.

LUCAS
(angrily, quickly)
What the hell is this?  The third
degree? You're not my father, leave me 
alone!

Hudson is incensed. Lucas _never_ talks to him like that.

HUDSON
(icily)
No.
(beat)
I am _not_ your father.
(beat)
I am your _commanding officer_, and you 
will _not_ address me in that tone. Is
that clear, _Ensign_?!?

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
(sarcastic, mocking)
Yes sir, whatever you say, sir.
(beat, angrily)
God forbid I should ever offend the 
almighty Commanding Officer, sir.

Lucas is changing moods faster than Kirk picked up alien 
babes.

LUCAS
(coldly)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a headache.

He pulls out the bottle of pills that Westlake gave him, 
pops the top, and dumps several into his hand (four or 
five). Hudson stares as he swallows them. Lucas glares
back up at him.

LUCAS
(hostile)
Now what?

HUDSON
Where have you been?

Lucas is much calmer as he says his next line.

LUCAS
(shrugs)
I went to see Captain Bridger.

HUDSON
(incredulous)
At three a.m.?

Again. Lucas changes moods.

LUCAS
(yelling, exasperated)
Yes, at three a.m.!  Why do you care?

Hudson's straining not to throttle the little twerp.

HUDSON
You're one of my officers. When you--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, angrily, frustrated)
I'm one of your officers?  That's a hell 
of an excuse. What you mean is, I'm a
kid and you don't trust me to take care 
of myself.

Hudson is reallyreallyreally trying not to blow up. But
it's late, he's tired, and he's sick of dealing with pain-
in-the-ass crew members.

HUDSON
(reining in fury)
Mr. Wolenczak. Your behavior is
unacceptable. You will not leave your 
room without my authorization for the
remainder of the ceremonies. Is that
understood?

Lucas' jaw drops.

LUCAS
(incredulous)
You're grounding me?

HUDSON
(barely even)
I am restricting your activities until 
you show me that you can act 
responsibly.

LUCAS
(tinge of disbelief)
You're grounding me.

HUDSON
Whatever you want to call it.

He turns and leaves, shutting the door on his way out.
Lucas waits a moment, sits down on the bed, and starts 
rubbing his temples. His "headache" is back. He turns on
the TV. He turns the TV off, disgusted, and walks to the
pills, which are sitting on the dresser. He takes several
more.

CUT TO FORD AND HENDERSON'S HOTEL ROOM

It is before dawn. Ford is still in bed, asleep.
Henderson, however, is awake, dressed, and carrying a small 
cloth sack. As she walks past the bed, Ford reveals that he
is awake, by:

FORD
(eyes still closed)
Going somewhere?

Henderson freezes. Ford rises from the bed, and walks to
her.

HENDERSON
(guiltily)
I was going to go down to the beach. 

FORD
(skeptically)
Before dawn?

HENDERSON
(lying)
I-- I wanted to see the sunrise.

Ford looks at her, plainly disbelieving. Henderson gives
in.

HENDERSON
(quietly)
There's something I promised myself I'd 
do. I've tried to do it a couple of 
other times, but...something would 
always come up.

Ford believes her.

FORD 
Do you want me to come?

Henderson considers, after all, another person might help 
her deal with whatever had stopped her before, right?  After 
a beat, she nods.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LUCAS' HOTEL

It is the next morning, maybe nine-thirty or ten. The door
to Lucas' room opens. Lucas pokes his head out and checks
to make sure no one is in the hall. It's empty. He steps
out, wearing civvies-- a windbreaker, jeans, t-shirt, etc.
The "aspirin" is in his windbreaker pocket. He quickly goes
over to the elevator and pushes the button.

LUCAS
(under his breath)
Hurry up already...

After a long moment, the elevator door opens. Lucas steps
into the elevator.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HOTEL DINING ROOM

Henderson and Ford walk out of the dining room and approach 
the elevator. Henderson is carrying a bag, which appears
moderately heavy, but not overwhelmingly so. Ford pushes
one of the elevator buttons, then steps back, next to her.
He puts an arm around her.

FORD
Lonnie, are you sure about this?

Henderson nods.

HENDERSON
(distracted)
Mm-hm.

The elevator door opens. Lucas is inside it. Ford and
Henderson step in.

CUT TO ELEVATOR

Lucas, Ford, and Henderson are standing quietly. Lucas
makes a point of not meeting anyone elses' eyes for a 
moment. Ford and Henderson exchange glances. Ford clears
his throat.

FORD
Lucas?

Lucas looks up. He's nervous, but trying not to show it.

LUCAS
Commander?

FORD
Where are you going?

LUCAS
(plainly)
Out.

FORD
Where?

LUCAS
(dismissively)
Nowhere in particular.

Ford is a little...not exactly uneasy, but he'd rather not
make this an issue.

FORD
Did you clear it with Captain Hudson?
Lucas looks up at him, angry.

LUCAS
(almost shouting)
So he's going around telling _everyone_?!?

He falls immediately silent, realizing that this is _not_ 
how to get someone on your side.

LUCAS
(apologetically)
I'm sorry, Commander.  I...
(beat)
I'm not going far, and I'll be back soon.
(beat)
Are you gonna tell him?

Ford is uncomfortable with the situation-- he doesn't want 
to tell Lucas yes, but an order is an order, no matter how 
odd it might seem.

FORD
Lucas, he restricted you to quarters.
You're not supposed to be out.

Lucas wants to go out, and he doesn't want to clear it with 
_anybody_.

LUCAS
Come on. It's not gonna kill anybody if
I just go for a walk, will it?

HENDERSON
You're just going for a walk?

Ford shoots her a "keep out of this" glance. Lucas realizes
he's got a sympathizer.

LUCAS
(to Henderson)
Mm-hm. Just a walk.
(to Ford)
Commander, I'll be back within the hour.
I promise.

He's lying through his teeth. Neither Ford nor Henderson
notices.

LUCAS
(prodding)
I'm going to go _nuts_ if I have to stay 
up there much longer.
(beat, almost whining)
This hotel doesn't even have a computer 
facility!
Ford is beginning to cave.

LUCAS
(rationalizing)
Besides, Hudson won't notice I'm gone.
He's not going to be checking in on me, 
or anything like that.

Ford is _very_ uncomfortable with this, but finally his 
trust of Lucas wins out.

FORD
Fine. I won't say anything.
(beat, warning)
But if he asks, I'm not lying for you.

The elevator door opens.

CUT TO LOBBY

They exit the elevator. Lucas looks at Henderson.

LUCAS
(expectantly)
Lieutenant?

HENDERSON
(seriously)
Me neither.
(smiles)
My lips are sealed.

Lucas grins and leaves. Henderson and Ford exchange
glances. Ford is a bit less than ecstatic about what just
happened, but Henderson isn't bothered.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR

***

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody and Melissa Beatte


===========================  PART 5  =====================================


All disclaimers apply./

ACT FIVE

FADE IN TO HUDSON'S HOTEL ROOM

Hudson is playing his violin. A string breaks. He stares
at it for a moment, then puts it in its case, disgusted. He
shuts the case. The wall-mounted hotel vidlink beeps. He
looks up, and pushes a button next to the screen. The hotel
logo flashes on the monitor. Hudson rolls his eyes.
Bridger's picture replaces the logo. Bridger is worried.

BRIDGER
(concerned)
Oliver, have you seen Lucas?

Hudson is a tad annoyed.

HUDSON
(stiffly)
Mr. Wolenczak is currently confined to 
quarters, unless given my authorization 
to leave.

BRIDGER
(confused)
Lucas?  What did he do?

HUDSON
The Ensign was out. All night.

BRIDGER
(rolls eyes)
You're punishing him for _that_?  He's a--

HUDSON
(exasperated)
Nathan, we're not here to debate how I 
deal with my crew.
(beat)
Part of his problem now is that you 
never made him deal with the 
consequences of his actions.
(beat)
My time is limited. Don't waste it.

Bridger is a bit put off, but his concern overrides it.

BRIDGER
He's not in his room. I've been trying
to get through to him all morning.

Hudson is pretty exasperated, so he doesn't quite pick up on 
Lucas' being gone.

BRIDGER
(continuing)
We had a...
(beat)
Problem.

Hudson doesn't have the time to put up with this kind of 
interruption.

HUDSON
(brushing him off)
Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure
you'll--
(breaks off, realizing something)
He's not in his room?

BRIDGER
("what-are-you-- _deaf_?")
I just said that.
(beat)
And I need to talk to him. I thought
maybe you sent him somewhere for
something.

HUDSON
(shakes head)
I haven't seen him since four a.m.

Bridger nods, uneasy.

BRIDGER
(disappointed)
Oh. If you see him, tell him to contact
me.
(beat)
If I'm not here, Leah will take a message.

Bridger shuts off the channel. The image reverts to an ad
for the hotel. Hudson shuts the monitor off in disgust.
 
CUT TO HOTEL LOBBY

Hudson exits the elevator into the lobby. He is still
_very_ angry. At this point, Piccolo and O'Neill, both
extremely tired, enter the lobby. Hudson sees them, and
walks over to them.

HUDSON
(to O'Neill and Piccolo, angrily)
Would you like to tell me what the hell 
you think you're doing?

Piccolo and O'Neill exchange "You-tell-him-I-don't-wanna-
tell-him" glances.

O'NEILL
(uneasily)
Uh, well, sir, we were just about to get 
some sleep--

HUDSON
(cutting him off, furious)
It's 0630, and you are only _now_ going 
to sleep?!?  

PICCOLO
(trying to explain)
We were out all night--

His attempts only infuriate Hudson more.

HUDSON
(cutting him off, furiously)
I have already restricted Ensign 
Wolenczak to -

The mention of Lucas surprises both O'Neill and Piccolo.

PICCOLO
(cutting him off, surprised)
He's here?!?

HUDSON
(coldly furious at the interruption)
No, the ensign is missing.

O'NEILL
(urgently)
But he was here earlier?

HUDSON
(perplexed, angrily)
Yes. Why?

O'NEILL
(to Piccolo)
No wonder we couldn't find him.

They turn toward the elevator door, Hudson calls after them.

HUDSON
(warning)
If I were either of you, I'd think twice 
before walking away from a superior 
officer without being dismissed.

Both Piccolo and O'Neill freeze. Slowly they turn back to
face Hudson.

HUDSON
(more calmly)
Now, I suggest that we leave and search 
for Wolenczak.

PICCOLO
(protesting)
But that's what we did last night!

Hudson merely looks at him, folding his arms across his 
chest.

PICCOLO
(sighs)
Okay, okay.

They begin to walk away.

O'NEILL
(as they walk)
Sir, has anyone told Ford and Henderson?

HUDSON
They're being informed.

CUT TO BEACH

Ford and Henderson are walking along the water's edge. They
are talking softly. Henderson is holding a cloth sack in
her hand.

FORD
(off object)
Are you sure about this, Lonnie?

HENDERSON 
(nods, determined)
I need to do this.

Henderson opens the sack to reveal the object inside it. It
is a Greco-Roman bronze shield.

HENDERSON
(to Ford, eyes on shield)
I found it in a shop on Perseid... It's
just a replica, but--

She breaks off, not entirely steady.

HENDERSON
(resuming story)
We'd passed by it a few times...he 
commented on how beautiful it was... He
said he'd always liked ancient 
history...
(beat, lost in memory)
The way he looked at it...
(shrugs)
I-- When we were eating, I excused 
myself, and bought it for him. I
thought it would make a great birthday 
present.
(beat, chuckles without humor)
Guess I'll never know.

She takes the shield, and throws it into the ocean like a 
discus. It hits the surface, and sinks. As it does, Kimura
is seen observing them.

HENDERSON
(whispered)
Good-bye, Jim.

Ford puts his arm around her shoulders.

FORD
(trying to comfort)
He'd appreciate it, Lonnie.

HENDERSON
(looking up at him)
I hope so.

They stare into each other's eyes for a moment, then move to 
kiss each other. Just as they do, Kimura walks over.

KIMURA
(all business)
Commander, Lieutenant, I was sent by the 
captain to inform you that Ensign 
Wolenczak is missing, and that you are 
to report back to the hotel at once.

Kimura turns and walks away. Ford and Henderson exchange
glances. They then quickly walk away.

FADE TO BLACK

The words "To Be Continued..." fade onto the screen. They
slowly fade to black.

THE END
==========================================================================


Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie

***
Hm...is everyone on the edge of their seats???

R