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

AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Sorry if I've posted this one already, but I doubt that I have...
Anyway, NOTHING for a few more days, if I can stand it... Which I won't
be able to...

Wait'll THIS part ends...
All disclaimers apply.


ACT ONE

FADE IN TO STREET 

All is as before. Piccolo shakes his head.

PICCOLO
No, sir.

The cop looks at Lucas.

COP
Are these two bothering you, son?

Lucas glares from Piccolo to O'Neill.

LUCAS
(resentfully)
You could say that, yeah.

The cop turns to O'Neill.

COP
(seriously)
Let him go.

O'Neill lets go.

O'NEILL
(to cop)
Officer, you don't understand. He's--

COP
(cutting him off)
Perhaps you'd rather discuss this at the 
station.

Piccolo and O'Neill exchange glances.

PICCOLO
No, officer, what he means is that--

O'NEILL
(cutting in)
We're from _seaQuest_.

The cop looks from one to the other. Both are in civvies,
and obviously exhausted. Neither looks like your standard
Naval Officer.

COP
(skeptically)
Yeah. I'm sure you are.
(beat, seriously)
Now, are the two of you--

O'NEILL
(indicating Lucas)
And that's Lucas Wolenczak.

The cop raises an eyebrow.

COP
That's supposed to mean something to me?

PICCOLO
(explaining)
We reported him missing this morning.

COP
(shakes his head)
It takes twenty-four hours to be 
officially "missing".
(beat)
I think the three of you should come 
with me down to the station.

Piccolo is getting decidedly uneasy.

PICCOLO
(breaking in)
I don't think that's necessary.

He reaches into his back pocket. The cop's hand moves to
his gun. Piccolo slowly pulls out his wallet and checks the 
cop's nametag.

PICCOLO
(continuing, pulling out bills)
Do you, Officer Whitmore?

The cop looks at the bills for a few moments, and shakes his 
head.

COP
You know, I _could_ charge you with 
attempted bribery.

Piccolo pulls out a few more bills-- twenties. The cop
looks at Lucas.

COP
Get lost, kid.

O'Neill closes his eyes, almost pained. Lucas tries to walk
away. O'Neill grabs him by the arm. The cop clears his
throat. O'Neill sighs.

O'NEILL
(to Lucas)
The captain's really upset.

Lucas doesn't believe him.

LUCAS
(sarcastically)
Sure he is.

Piccolo and the cop have concluded their "business". The
cop looks at Lucas.

COP
I told you to get lost.
(beat)
Now.

Lucas nods, but gets a warning glance from both O'Neill and 
Piccolo. The cop shrugs, writing them off, and leaves. As
soon as he's a few meters away, and no longer paying 
attention, Piccolo grabs Lucas by the arm again. He pulls
him to the wall of a nearby building, and pins him against 
it. He is most certainly _not_ in a good mood.

PICCOLO
(failing to rein in his anger)
Where are they?

Lucas struggles, but doesn't say anything. O'Neill has
backed off, thinking that Piccolo is bluffing for Lucas' 
sake.

PICCOLO
(yelling)
Dammit, Lucas, this is for your own
good. Where the hell did you put `em?

Lucas tries to jerk away.

LUCAS
(yelling back)
Get the hell away from me.

Before Piccolo realizes what he's doing, he slaps Lucas 
across the face. Both O'Neill and Lucas are shocked.
Piccolo is incensed by now, doesn't realize he's done what 
he's done, and wouldn't even care if he did-- he's doing 
this for Lucas' good, and whatever it takes is what he'll 
do.

PICCOLO
(dangerously, but a hint of desperation as well)
Look, kid, if you don't tell me where 
you put `em, I promise I'll kill you 
before the drugs have a chance.

O'Neill is beginning to get worried, unsure of exactly how 
serious Piccolo is.

O'NEILL
(calming)
Look, Tony--

PICCOLO
(cutting him off, furious)
Shut up, Tim. You don't know what these
things can do.
(to Lucas)
You think I haven't seen `em before?  
(beat)
You think I haven't _tried_ `em?

O'Neill is shocked. Lucas is too busy struggling to be so.

PICCOLO
(continuing)
You can't get away from `em, in prison--
they're the cheapest to buy, and the 
easiest to get ahold of.
(beat)
I was pretty down for a while. A friend
said they'd cheer me up.
(beat)
Cheered me all the way up to the roof.
(beat, going on from there)
My "friend" got a little upset when I 
couldn't make a payment. His thugs had
a thing for heights.
(beat, disgusted)
Cost me four-and-a-half grand, and six
months of my life. Not to mention that
bein' up there scared the living hell 
outta me.
(beat, angrily again)
So where did you put them?

Lucas still won't say anything. Piccolo is about to lose it
again. O'Neill notes this and puts a hand on his arm.

O'NEILL
Tony, put him down.

Piccolo is about to argue, then nods. He lets Lucas go.
O'Neill grabs Lucas by the arm.

O'NEILL
(flatly)
You're coming back to the hotel.

Lucas opens his mouth to protest.

O'NEILL
(reining in anger)
That is an _order_, _Ensign_.

Lucas considers running, but doesn't. Piccolo and O'Neill
escort him to the car. Piccolo gets in the driver's seat.
O'Neill opens up the rear door and shoves Lucas in, then 
gets in beside him. They pull away from the curb.

CUT TO HOTEL LOBBY

Bridger and Westlake are still waiting. Everyone else is
out looking for Lucas. Bridger has a PAL with him, and is
pacing.

WESTLAKE
Nathan, I'm sure they'll find him. Sit
down, will you?
(beat, attempting humor)
You're making me nervous.

Bridger whirls on her. He's upset to the point where he's a
walking time bomb.

BRIDGER
Nervous?!?
(beat)
You barely _know_ him!
(beat, quickly)
Leah, if something happens to that kid, 
I don't know what I'll do. 
(beat, almost to himself)
What the hell was he thinking?  How 
could he do this to me?  Where on Earth 
could he be? Damn you, Oliver, for 
making me stay here.
(to Westlake)
How long has it been?

WESTLAKE
(borderline annoyance)
Well, the last time you asked, it had 
been two hours. That was forty-five
seconds ago. That means it's been--

Bridger cuts her off with a withering glare.

BRIDGER
Leah, don't joke about this.
(beat, coming out in a rush)
You're not a parent. You don't know
what it's like to know your kid is 
somewhere out there and you don't have--

Bridger cuts himself off as the lobby door opens. Piccolo
enters. O'Neill follows, half-dragging Lucas, who is very 
reluctant to come in. Bridger catches sight of them, and
runs toward them. He is very relieved.

BRIDGER
(to Lucas, sincere)
Thank God they found you.
(to Piccolo, and O'Neill)
Where was he?

Piccolo and O'Neill exchange glances.

PICCOLO
(stiffly)
Downtown.

Lucas tries to jerk out of O'Neill's grasp.

LUCAS
(resentfully)
Why won't you people just leave me alone?

BRIDGER
(almost condescending)
Because we care about you, and that means--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, finishing, angrily)
That means you leave me behind when
something better comes along.

Bridger has had it up to _here_ with Lucas' attitude, 
worried or not.

BRIDGER
(to Piccolo)
Contact Oliver. Tell him Lucas is here.
(to Lucas)
They've been out looking for you for--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, hurt)
They?

Bridger is a bit confused, then he realizes what Lucas 
means.

BRIDGER
(making excuses)
I had to stay here in case you turned up.

LUCAS
You mean in case I came back, you'd be 
waiting for me.
(beat)
So, once again, _I_ had to come to _you_.
(beat)
I'm sick of doing all the work.
(beat, coldly)
Excuse me.

He rips away from O'Neill and storms to the elevator, which 
is open. He steps inside, and presses a button. They watch
after him for a moment, as the doors close. Westlake walks
up to them and puts a hand on Bridger's shoulder.

WESTLAKE
(quietly)
Nathan, we should probably get going.
There's still a ton of work to do back 
at the--

PICCOLO
(interrupting, to Bridger)
You can't go.

Bridger looks at him, confused.

BRIDGER
What?

PICCOLO
He needs you, sir.
(beat)
You gotta show him that you care.

Bridger shakes his head.

BRIDGER
(dismissively)
He knows that.

PICCOLO
(sarcastically)
And he knew his dad loved him, too.
(beat, shakes head)
Sir, you don't get it. He ain't
psychic. He can't tell these things.
You gotta go up and tell him.

Bridger shakes his head.

BRIDGER
(explaining, almost condescending)
Piccolo, he's sulking. He'll get over it.

PICCOLO
(shakes head, reining in anger)
Sir, he ain't gonna get over it. Not by
himself.

Bridger appears ready to dismiss his suggestion, but catches 
O'Neill's eye. O'Neill gives a barely perceptible shake of
the head, agreeing with Piccolo. Bridger takes a deep
breath.

BRIDGER
(almost reluctantly)
Fine. I'll go up and talk to him.

Piccolo nods. Bridger starts toward the elevator. Piccolo
and O'Neill follow him.

BRIDGER
(as they board the elevator)
Leah, wait here for the others, and fill 
them in.

She nods.

CUT TO ELEVATOR

Piccolo gets in first, and pushes the button. O'Neill rolls
his eyes. Bridger stands off to one side a bit. He looks
down, and sees the bottle of "aspirin", lying on the floor.
He bends down, and picks it up. It's empty. He doesn't
think anything of it. The door opens.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ELEVATOR

There's a wastebasket to one side of the elevator door, into 
which Bridger tosses the bottle as they leave. Neither
Piccolo nor O'Neill notices. They walk a bit down the hall,
and arrive at Lucas' hotel room door. Bridger knocks.
There's no response from inside the room.

BRIDGER
(calling)
Lucas?  Open the door.

There is silence for a few moments. Then Piccolo whacks the
door a couple of times.

PICCOLO
(yelling, angry and frustrated)
Lucas, this ain't funny. If you don't
open the door, I'm gonna--

BRIDGER
(cutting him off)
What are you going to do?  Kick the door 
down?

Piccolo glares at him.

PICCOLO
(angrily)
With all due respect, sir, you ain't in 
a position to be tellin' me how to
handle this situation. You didn't do a
terrific job of it.
(beat)
But you're the only one he's gonna 
trust, if he's gonna trust _any_ of us.
So I guess I'm gonna hafta live with 
that.

They're about to go at it. O'Neill steps in.

O'NEILL
Tony, Captain, cool it. We've got more
important things to do.

Piccolo and Bridger glare at each other. Bridger turns back
to the door. He knocks again.

BRIDGER
(impatiently)
Lucas, open the door.

Nothing happens. Bridger turns to Piccolo.

BRIDGER
Your turn.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

The door opens. Piccolo walks in first, then O'Neill and
Bridger.

O'NEILL
Tony, you didn't have to pick the lock.

Piccolo and Bridger ignore him as they quickly go through
the room.

PICCOLO
He ain't here.

All is silent for a moment. Then, something dawns on
O'Neill.

O'NEILL
(hesitantly)
Tony...

Piccolo shakes his head.

PICCOLO
Not now, Tim. We gotta figure out where--

O'NEILL
(cutting him off, urgently)
The roof. You said they took you _all
the way up to the roof_.

Piccolo makes the connection. He turns ashen.

PICCOLO
Damn.
(beat)
Figures he'd pick _now_ to start 
listenin' to me.

Bridger is very confused.

BRIDGER
(to O'Neill)
Are you saying he's on the roof?

O'Neill and Piccolo exchange glances. Bridger gets the
idea.

CUT TO ROOF OF HOTEL

The door to the roof opens, and Bridger dashes out. Lucas
is standing across the roof, near the edge. It's night, and
windy.

BRIDGER
(shouting)
Lucas!

Lucas doesn't look at him. He's staring over the edge of
the building, at the street. 

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE
 
Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie


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


I meant to send this last nite, but my computer was being silly. :I
I'm not laughing.

All disclaimers apply.

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO ROOF OF HOTEL

All is as before. Bridger takes a few steps toward him.

BRIDGER
("command" tone)
Lucas, get the hell away from there!

Lucas doesn't respond in any way. Bridger begins to take
another step toward him. Lucas looks up, bitter sarcasm in
his expression.

LUCAS
(angry)
Like I'm actually going to listen to _you_.

He looks back at the street, and slowly steps onto the 
ledge. Bridger is too worried about Lucas' welfare to be 
upset by what he says.

BRIDGER
(panic/concern/anger)
What the hell do you think you're 
doing?!? You're gonna get hurt up there!

Lucas shrugs.

LUCAS
(looking over the edge)
Why do you care?

He starts walking away, on the ledge, arms out, balancing.
Bridger is horrified by this. He takes a step toward Lucas.
Lucas moves away.

LUCAS
(bitterly, angrily)
Get away from me.

He tosses a quick glance over the side of the building.

LUCAS
(taunting)
You're making me nervous, you know. I
might lose my concentration.
(looks up, grins)
That'd be fun, doncha think?

Bridger stares for a moment, completely blown away by Lucas' 
actions.

BRIDGER
Lucas, this has gone beyond a stupid
teenage stunt. Get off that ledge,
_now_.

Lucas pretends to slip. Bridger looks like he's going to
have a heart attack. Lucas recovers, looks up at him, and
grins.

LUCAS
(devilishly)
Gotcha.

If Lucas wasn't so far away, Bridger would _strangle_ him.

BRIDGER
Lucas, this isn't a game. You need help.

LUCAS
(quickly, bitterly)
I don't need _your_ help.
(beat, with mock politeness)
I've had quite enough of that, thank 
you. So if you don't mind, I'd like to
be alone.

BRIDGER
(incredulous)
I mind.

Lucas doesn't believe him.

LUCAS
Really?  Coulda fooled me.
(beat, scathingly)
So, how's the institute?
(beat, sarcastically, but with an edge)
I hope it hasn't fallen apart in the 
thirty seconds you've been up here.
After all, you _are_ the _director_ of 
the damn place.

Bridger rolls his eyes.

BRIDGER
Lucas, I am not having this conversation 
with you while you're standing--

Lucas hops off the ledge, all-to-happy to oblige.

LUCAS
There. Better?  Let's have the damn
conversation, then.

Bridger is speechless. He hadn't expected it to be that
easy.

LUCAS
(knowingly, but overdoing it)
Ah. Nothing to say. Never mind, then.

He moves to get back on the ledge. Bridger takes a step
forward. Lucas holds out a hand, warning him back.

LUCAS
I wouldn't do that if I were you.
(beat)
Of course, if I were you, we wouldn't be 
in this predicament, would we?
(beat, angrily but hurt)
Because if _I_ were _you_, we would all 
be back on _seaQuest_. _I_ wouldn't
have gone off to "raise my grandson".
I'd have stayed where I _belonged_.
With the people who _cared_ about me.
(beat)
But I'm not you. And you're not me.
And we're here, so we might as well make 
the best of a bad situation.
(beat, almost chuckles)
After all, we can't afford to get 
negative, can we?

He steps back onto the ledge.

BRIDGER
(almost condescending)
Lucas, this is ridiculous. Now, get down.

His tone makes Lucas angry.

LUCAS
(emphatically)
_Stop treating me like I'm a kid_!
(beat, trying to hurt him)
We already know you do a lousy job with _kids_.

This _really_ hurts Bridger. Lucas reacts with approval.

LUCAS
(mock sympathetically)
Aw, what's the matter. Did I hurt your
feelings?
(sarcastically)
Poor thing.
(beat)
What can I say. Payback's a bitch.

He looks out over the street again.

LUCAS
You know in the movies, whenever 
somebody's gonna jump off a building, 
there're people. Watching. And they say
really stupid stuff. Like "don't jump".
He chuckles sarcastically.

LUCAS
(amused)
Like that's gonna change anybody's mind.
(beat, to Bridger)
Did you know there's nobody down there?

Bridger is getting really freaked out. Lucas doesn't
notice, and wouldn't care if he did.

LUCAS
(curious)
How long do you think it'd take to hit?

BRIDGER
(deliberately)
Lucas, _get off that ledge_.

Lucas looks at Bridger, surprised.

LUCAS
(incredulous)
You think I was--

He breaks off, _very_ amused, almost chuckling.

LUCAS
(skeptical but light)
Yeah, right!

Bridger breaths a sigh of relief. Lucas stuffs his hands in
his pockets and rocks on his heels. Again, Bridger is about
to have a heart attack.

LUCAS
(conversationally)
So. What did you want to talk about?

BRIDGER
We've all been worried.

LUCAS
We? Who's included in "we"?

BRIDGER
Lucas, this isn't the time for you to 
start acting like this.

LUCAS
(mock surprised)
And when would be a good time?

BRIDGER
(sarcastically)
Five minutes after _never_.

He holds out a hand.

BRIDGER
(seriously)
Now come on. Get down. We'll go
inside. You can get some rest, and
we'll talk in the morning.

Somebody oughta tell Bridger that was _not_ a good thing to 
say.

LUCAS
Why not now?  Why does everything have 
to be on _your_ terms?  What about me?
(beat)
Why do you get to decide?
(beat)
I'd rather we talked _now_.

Bridger shakes his head. He realizes he's not getting
anywhere.

BRIDGER
We are not talking now. I'm not going
to shout across a roof. Either you want
to talk or you don't. When you decide,
I'll be inside, waiting with everyone
else.

He turns and takes another step toward the door.

LUCAS
(shouting, with a tinge of panic)
So you're just gonna leave me again?

Bridger turns back to him and shakes his head.

BRIDGER
I am not leaving you. I'm leaving _the roof_.
(beat)
I'll be inside.

He opens the roof door. Lucas glances back at the street,
then hops off the ledge, onto the roof. His "attitude" has
vanished.

LUCAS
(scared)
Don't leave me.

He blinks back a tear and bites his lip as Bridger shakes 
his head.

BRIDGER
I told you. I'm not discussing this out
here. If you want to come inside, I'll 
be glad to talk to you for as long as 
you want. But not out here.

He walks through the door. Lucas watches, incredulous.

CUT TO STAIRWELL BY ROOF DOOR

Hudson, Ford, O'Neill, Henderson, Piccolo, Dagwood, and 
Kimura watch as Bridger enters. All speak at once.

PICCOLO
Where is he?

HENDERSON
Is he okay?

FORD
(incredulous)
You _left_ him up there?

O'NEILL
Why didn't he come with you?

DAGWOOD
Where's Lucas?

HUDSON
What the hell does that kid think he's 
doing?

BRIDGER
All of you, _quiet_.

All fall silent.

HUDSON
Nathan, where is he?

Bridger tosses a glance toward the roof. Piccolo starts
toward it. Bridger grabs him by the arm and pushes him back 
from the door.

BRIDGER
(forcefully)
Don't.

Piccolo looks at him in disbelief.

BRIDGER
(continuing)
I told him that if he wanted to talk, he
had to come in.
(beat)
And no one is going out there until he 
stops acting like a spoiled child.

Piccolo yanks away from Bridger and pushes past him.

PICCOLO
(to Bridger)
With all due respect, sir, I ain't waitin'.

He pushes the door open and goes out onto the roof.
Everyone stares in shock as the door slams shut.

HUDSON
(angrily, to Bridger)
He's not the one acting like a spoiled child.

Hudson moves to open the door.

PICCOLO
(yelling, from roof)
Somebody call an ambulance!

Everyone exchanges glances and pushes past Bridger.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO
 
******************************

Yikes!  What did Lucas go and do?!

We'll see if I have time to post the next act today. If not... Well,
let's just call this an _extended_ commercial break. <vbeg>...
R


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


Becuase Vicky said i was being mean, here's the next act...

All disclaimers apply.

ACT THREE

FADE IN TO ROOF

Piccolo is kneeling next to Lucas, checking his pulse, etc.
Lucas is lying on the roof, unconscious. Everyone goes over
to them.

HUDSON
What the hell happened?

Piccolo looks up from Lucas.

PICCOLO
He--  He was lyin' here when I found him.
(beat, almost to himself)
It's the drugs. It's gotta be. He'd
been takin' a lotta it.

HUDSON
(shocked)
What?

Piccolo shakes his head. One gets the feeling he's in a
"why-couldn't-I-stop-this-from-happening" mood.

PICCOLO
(concerned)
I dunno how he got so many of 'em...
Said they were aspirin. That's how a
lotta guys'd get 'em smuggled in.

He looks up, and looks around the roof.

PICCOLO
(urgently)
Where the hell's that ambulance?
(beat)
If we don't get him to a hospital, he's 
gonna die!

Hudson whips out his PAL and turns it on, dialing the
equivalent of 911.

HUDSON
(into PAL)
I need a medevac on the roof of the 
Radisson Hotel...
(beat, exasperated)
Yes, the one at 42nd and Richter.

He hangs up and looks at Piccolo, who is still at Lucas' 
side. Hudson turns and walks to the door.

CUT TO STAIRWELL BY ROOF DOOR

Bridger is not there. Kimura, however, is. Hudson glares
at her.

HUDSON
(stiffly)
Where's Bridger?

KIMURA
He left.

Hudson can't believe Bridger's audacity.

KIMURA
(continuing)
The institute paged him. There was an
emergency.

Hudson nods, with ever-so-slightly less disbelief-- it's 
been replaced by anger.

HUDSON
(nearly furious)
Contact him and tell him that I don't
give a damn about his institute, and if
he's not at the hospital within thirty
minutes,
(pauses dramatically)
I'm coming to get him, and I'll bring
him there _myself_.

KIMURA
Aye, sir.

She turns and leaves. Hudson stares after her icily.

CUT TO HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM

All but Bridger and Kimura are waiting in the room. Bridger
enters the room, almost at a dead run, Westlake trailing 
behind him. Bridger has been informed of Lucas' predicament.

BRIDGER
(to Hudson)
Where is he?

Hudson gestures to the ICU.

BRIDGER
How is he?

HUDSON
(stiffly)
The doctor said he was critical, but 
stable.
(beat)
They won't release any more details to 
anyone other than his family.
There is a sobering silence.

BRIDGER
(cautiously)
He--  He doesn't have any.

Hudson nods.

HUDSON
We know.
(beat)
You're listed as his legal guardian.

Every eye in the room falls on Bridger. He is clearly
uncomfortable about the situation.

BRIDGER
(carefully)
I see.

The room is silent for several seconds. Then the door from
the ICU opens. The doctor walks out.

DOCTOR
(to Hudson)
He's going in and out of consciousness.
(beat)
There's not much else I can do.
(beat)
With the amount of cocaine he was 
taking, he's lucky to have made it this 
far.
(beat)
We can barely keep him under.

Bridger looks away and clears his throat. The doctor turns
to him.

DOCTOR
Who are you?

BRIDGER
Dr. Nathan Bridger.

He glances toward Hudson, who gives him a prodding nod.

BRIDGER
(hesitantly)
His...guardian.

The doctor nods.

DOCTOR
His parents are unavailable?

BRIDGER
(pained)
In a manner of speaking.

The doctor nods carefully, realizing the stickiness of the 
situation.

DOCTOR
I see.
(beat)
Perhaps you'd prefer to discuss this in 
private?

Bridger glances at the rest of the crew, and Westlake, then 
nods.

BRIDGER
That might be best.

CUT TO CONSULTATION ROOM

The doctor and Bridger enter. There are several chairs
lining the room. Neither sit.

DOCTOR
Your...ward...has a serious problem.
(beat, holds up pills)
How long has he been taking these?

Bridger shakes his head.

BRIDGER
I don't know.

The doctor misunderstands, assuming that he's trying to 
"protect" Lucas.

DOCTOR
(gently)
I know this is hard, but it's for his 
own good. His problem is only going to
get worse.

BRIDGER
He doesn't have a problem!

The doctor mistakes this for denial.

DOCTOR
(gently)
I've seen dozens of cases like this, and 
denying that the problem exists will 
only make it worse. The hospital has an
excellent drug treatment program, and we 
can recommend a counselor.

BRIDGER
("spelling it out")
No. You don't understand. There is no
problem. Lucas has been on a military
vessel for the past thirteen years!

The doctor is confused, and looks Bridger over.

DOCTOR
(carefully)
Dr. Bridger, you've got to understand 
that all we want to do is help him.
(beat, shakes head)
I know this is all very sudden.
(beat)
Maybe you should take some time to 
assimilate all that's happened.
(beat)
After that, we'll see if we can work 
something out.

Bridger is a bit shocked at what's going on, and can only
nod. The doctor leaves.

CUT TO LUCAS' ROOM IN THE ICU

Piccolo enters. Lucas is on life support, but is conscious,
though incoherent, and sometimes irrational. He remains
this way throughout the entire scene.

PICCOLO
(as he approaches)
Lucas?  You awake?

Lucas moans. Piccolo interprets that as an affirmative
response. He moves over to a seat by the bed.

PICCOLO
(conversationally)
So...how've you been?

LUCAS
(coldly)
Don't pretend like you care.

Piccolo is taken aback by this.

LUCAS
(continuing, almost to himself)
No one cares about me. It's so obvious,
I don't know why I never saw it 
before...

PICCOLO
(slightly recovered, but not much)
How can you say that?

LUCAS
I mean, you all leave me. If you cared,
you'd stay.
(contemplative)
I thought that maybe Captain Bridger
cared.
(bitter)
But he doesn't. He doesn't have _time_
for me. Always working.
(self-mocking)
You'd think I'd've learned by now,
wouldn't you?

PICCOLO
Lucas, you're bein' paranoid!  We all 
care--

LUCAS
(cutting him off, challenging)
If you all care so much, then why are 
you the only one who's been in here to 
see me?

PICCOLO
(frustrated)
_`Cause we can't_!  I had to promise the 
nurse--
(cuts self off, embarrassed)
Well...never mind that. We'd all be in
here if we could. But they'll only let
Captain Bridger in--

LUCAS
(bitterly furious)
I don't want to see him.

PICCOLO
Lucas--

LUCAS
(nearly shouting)
I _said_: _I don't want to see him_!

The sound of Lucas yelling has attracted the doctor's
attention. He enters, and sees Piccolo. The doctor isn't
happy.

DOCTOR
(to Piccolo)
Excuse me.

Piccolo turns.

DOCTOR
(continuing)
You'll have to leave. It's time for his
sedative.

PICCOLO 
(nods)
Yeah. I'm going.
(to Lucas)
Take care, Lucas.

Lucas doesn't respond. Piccolo turns to the doctor.

PICCOLO
(to doctor)
Could I talk to you outside?

The doctor nods.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE LUCAS' ROOM IN THE ICU

Piccolo and the doctor finish exiting Lucas' room. They
stop and face each other.

PICCOLO
(semi-apologetically)
Look, I'm sorry for sneakin' in, but--

DOCTOR
(cutting him off)
I understand. I just received the lab
reports on those cocaine tablets.

PICCOLO
And?

DOCTOR
(bluntly)
They aren't cocaine.

PICCOLO
(confused)
What?

DOCTOR
It's a derivative, one that's far more 
potent than the standard dosage. It
amplifies the paranoia, while minimizing
the amount of pain that it stops. In
other words, this has no medicinal value
at all.
(beat)
I've already informed the others.
They're in the waiting room.

The doctor starts to walk away, but Piccolo grabs his arm.

PICCOLO
(concerned)
What about withdrawal?

DOCTOR
That's why I sedated him. He's going to
go through Hell over the next few days.
Most of the time, he won't even know
what he's saying.

Piccolo stares, thinking this over, as the doctor turns and
goes.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie


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


Okay, so I've waited as long as I can and I'm gonna post the rest of the
script now. One act after this. And you people OWE me comments!  Big
comments!  Lots of them!

All disclaimers apply.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN TO WAITING ROOM

Hudson, Henderson, Ford, Piccolo, Dagwood, and O'Neill are 
sitting. Piccolo is next to O'Neill. Dagwood is on the
other side of Piccolo. Henderson has fallen asleep on
Ford's shoulder. Ford is trying to figure out how to move
without waking her up. She smiles.

HENDERSON
(in her sleep)
Mmm...Tim...

Ford looks up sharply at O'Neill, who shrugs.

HENDERSON
(in her sleep)
But darling, what if Jonathan finds out?

Ford reacts again. She snuggles against him.

HENDERSON
(in her sleep)
Speak French again...

FORD
(to O'Neill, almost suspiciously)
What is she talking about?

O'Neill shrugs.

HENDERSON
(en francais)
Cuir encore?

O'Neill's eyes widen in shock. Ford doesn't know what she's
said ("leather again?"), but he knows he doesn't like the 
look on O'Neill's face. He gently shakes her awake. She
looks up at him adoringly.

HENDERSON
(sleepily, smiling)
G'morning, Jonathan. Have a nice sleep?

She realizes that they're in front of the rest of the senior 
staff. Ford isn't amused. She immediately straightens up
and flushes.

HENDERSON
Um... Good morning, Commander.

Ford nods stiffly.

FORD
(uneasy)
Hi.

Henderson waves tentatively to the other members of the 
crew. She sees Hudson.

HENDERSON
(very embarrassed)
Captain.

Hudson gives her a courtesy nod.

PICCOLO
(quietly)
Leather?

O'Neill shoots him a glare. Ford realizes what this means,
and follows suit. Piccolo stands from his seat, and moves
next to Hudson.

HENDERSON
(uncomfortably)
So... Did I miss something?

Piccolo looks from her to Ford, and realizes that he's in 
something of a pickle. His solution to this predicament?
He's by Hudson, he's safe now.

PICCOLO
You could say that.

Henderson raises an eyebrow.

HENDERSON
What?

FORD
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nothing
has happened. It's been very, very
boring. You haven't missed a single
thing.
(pointedly)
Right Tim?

O'Neill nods.

O'NEILL
(rushed)
Absolutely. Not a single thing at all.
Nothing at all. Nothing whatsoever.

They glare at Piccolo.

PICCOLO
(unsurely)
Uh... Yeah. Not a thing.

Henderson looks at Hudson.

HENDERSON
Captain?

HUDSON
(amused, "innocent")
Far be it from me to disagree with my 
senior officers.

HENDERSON
Dagwood?

Dagwood looks at Piccolo, who shakes his head. Dagwood
looks at Henderson.

DAGWOOD
(nods)
You missed something...
(lying)
But I do not remember what it was.

Henderson looks at Ford out of the corner of her eye. He,
O'Neill, and Piccolo give her innocent looks. Dagwood
tries. She doesn't buy it. She doesn't press it, either.
Instead, she puts her head on his shoulder.

HENDERSON
You know something, Jonathan?  

FORD
What?

HENDERSON
If you don't mind, I think I'm going to 
go back to...

She trails off, already asleep. Ford looks at O'Neill, who
shrugs. 

CUT TO LUCAS' HOSPITAL ROOM

Lucas is on life support and sedated-- barely. He's also
restrained. Bridger is standing in the room, leaning
against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

BRIDGER
(apologetically)
Lucas, I... I don't know what to say.
(beat)
I feel like this is somehow my fault.

He pauses for a moment, then looks at Lucas.

BRIDGER
(almost angrily)
What did you think you were doing?
(beat)
And if you were having some kind of 
problem, why didn't you say so?

He shakes his head and looks away from Lucas.

BRIDGER
(almost to himself)
Of course, maybe you tried.
(beat)
You probably did, and I brushed you off 
for the damn institute.
(shaking head)
You've got to understand. if I'd known 
it was this serious-- if I'd known you 
were having a problem with drugs...
(beat, almost angrily)
Why the hell did you--

Lucas moans, barely perceptibly. Bridger hears it, however,
and immediately stops talking. Lucas moves slightly,
straining a bit against the restraints.

BRIDGER
(carefully)
Lucas?

Lucas' head moves from side to side, slowly. He's sort of
sedated, so he's not monitoring what he's saying. He's also
not aware of Bridger. His voice is soft, mildly slurred,
and a bit sluggish--all results of the sedatives.

LUCAS
(incoherent)
No... I don't want to lose you... Captain...

Bridger moves to Lucas' bedside, and takes his hand.

BRIDGER
Lucas?

Lucas doesn't notice him.

LUCAS
(continuing)
Why'd you hafta leave?
(beat)
Stuff was starting to make...sense. 
(beat)
And now you're gonna leave me again and 
I'm not gonna have anybody left...
(beat)
I missed you so much... I thought I was
gonna die... `Cause you left.
(beat)
And now you're not gonna have `nuff time 
to even _talk_ to me. I wanted to tell
you the other day that I missed you.
But you had to go away.
(beat)
It's like I'm losing my dad all over 
again...

Bridger rubs Lucas' hand between his own. Lucas' words are
having a profound effect on him.

LUCAS
(continuing)
And I wanted you to know how much it was 
hurting me. It isn't fair. Why do you
get to leave me behind, and I've gotta 
stay on _seaQuest_?  I never wanted to 
be on _seaQuest_ in the first place.
And I didn't want to leave my dad, and 
my mom, even if they fought a lot.
(beat)
You guys never fought. That's something
I liked about _seaQuest_. You and Dr.
Westphalen never fought...
(beat)
Not like Ben and Hitchcock. They did a
lot of fighting. But I think they loved
each other...
(beat)
I love you, you know... But I can't
tell you that, `cause it'd sound so 
stupid...

Bridger swallows hard and shakes his head.

LUCAS
(continuing)
So stupid...

His voice trails off, almost wistful. The he inhales
sharply, and shakes his head.

LUCAS
(regretfully)
...And I wanted you to be proud of me...

Bridger's eyes are brimming with tears.

BRIDGER
(near-whispering)
God, Lucas...
(fondly, shakes head)
I am, you dumb kid.

Lucas is still to out of it to pay Bridger any coherent 
attention.

LUCAS
(continuing)
I dunno... It all seemed so...stupid...
Why couldn't I just figure out that you 
didn't want me anymore and that you were 
gonna leave me alone again...
(beat)
Nobody wants me anymore. I just need
some place to go. I want to come help
you. I want to be with you. I can't
leave _seaQuest_. Can't leave my 
friends...
(beat)
But if I don't come, I'm gonna lose you.
And I can't lose you...
(beat)
Wish I didn't...didn't hafta go back...
(beat)
Dr. Westlake said you loved me...
(beat)
Why couldn't you just _say_ that...

He trails off, going under again. Bridger waits a moment.
There's a soft knock at the door. He doesn't answer. The
door opens slowly and softly, and Westlake backs in, then 
shuts the door behind her. She doesn't notice Bridger. He
looks up and sees her.

BRIDGER
(trying to get a handle on his emotions)
Leah?

Westlake jumps, surprised, and turns.

WESTLAKE
(stammering)
Na--  Nathan?  What are you--  They said 
you were--

She takes a quick breath, composing herself, and looks at 
Lucas.

WESTLAKE
How is he?

Bridger looks back at Lucas, blinking away the tears in his
eyes.

BRIDGER
(difficultly)
I... They aren't sure yet.
(beat)
They know he's going to live, but the 
doctor isn't sure how much--
He breaks off and looks away from Lucas. Westlake has
recovered by now.

WESTLAKE
(gently)
Nathan, you can tell me.

He swallows hard, and looks up at her, his expression 
haunted and tortured.

BRIDGER
(softly, difficultly)
There may be brain damage.

There is a silent moment. Bridger takes a quick breath and
looks up to the ceiling, then back at Lucas.

BRIDGER
(shakily)
And I--  I can't decide if I should have 
seen it coming--

He breaks off again.

BRIDGER
(barely steady)
God... This must have been going on for
so long...

Westlake puts a reassuring hand over Bridger's and Lucas'.
She shakes her head slowly, looking at Lucas.

WESTLAKE
Nathan, no matter what happened, this is 
not your fault.
(beat)
Lucas...
(beat)
He's a wonderful boy.
(Beat)
But just a boy. And it's not your fault
that you were here, instead of on 
_seaQuest_.

She glances at Bridger out of the corner of her eye. He is
so fixated on Lucas that he doesn't notice.

WESTLAKE
(carefully)
But... If something _does_ happen to him...
(beat)
He'll need...

She trails off and looks at Bridger. He looks up at her.

WESTLAKE
(finishing)
...Help.
(beat, almost hinting)
And everyone will understand if you 
decide to leave the institute.

And she'd like that, wouldn't she... Bridger looks away,
blinking rapidly. A flicker of a smile passes over
Westlake's face, then leaves almost before one realizes it 
was there. Bridger's is too distraught to notice it.

BRIDGER
(choked)
I...know.
(beat)
But--
(breaks off, shakes head)
If that happens...

He trails off, unable to continue. He slowly takes his hand
away from Lucas' and takes a step away. He's close to
falling apart.

BRIDGER
(very shakily, choked)
I'm sorry, Leah. I--

He is quickly losing his composure. He covers something
that could be a sob by coughing into his hand, which he 
holds over his mouth for a moment.

BRIDGER
(choked)
I'll--  I'll be in the waiting room.

He rapidly exits. The door swings shut. At the sudden
noise. Lucas moans softly. Westlake drops his hand
abruptly.

WESTLAKE
(rolls eyes)
Poor child.
(beat)
And poor Nathan.
(beat)
He should have known better, though.
(sighs)
Harpe _warned_ him not to accept the job.

She reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small bottle of 
clear fluid, along with a syringe. She gives Lucas a semi-
regretful glance.

WESTLAKE
(to Lucas, uncaring)
I'm sorry you had to be put in the
middle of this, Lucas.
(beat)
But you're the one who means the most to 
him, so...

She trails off, and sets the bottle on the bedside tray.
She pulls the plastic wrap off the needle, and sets the 
syringe on the tray. She picks up the bottle and unscrews 
the lid. She carefully fills the syringe. Once it's full,
she sets the bottle down.

WESTLAKE
(almost sincerely)
I really am sorry, though.
(beat)
You don't deserve this.
(beat)
Then again, all's fair in love and 
corporate competition.
(beat)
And after you're dead, Nathan will 
leave. Then, Deon will simply _have_ to 
give up.
(beat)
If not, well...

She trails off and shrugs. She holds the syringe in one
hand and takes the IV tube in the other. Slowly, she
empties the contents of the syringe into the tube. Then she
gives Lucas a pat on the arm and turns to the door. Kimura
is standing in the doorway, gun drawn.

KIMURA
(evenly)
Step away from him.

Westlake turns, drops the IV tube, and attempts to run past 
Kimura. Kimura grabs and restrains her. Kimura then presses
the wall intercom.

KIMURA
(into intercom, calmly)
I need a doctor and security in the ICU. 
Immediately.

Almost before she finishes speaking, the doctor enters. He
rushes over to Lucas, checks his vital signs, which are 
beginning to race. The doctor turns to Kimura.

DOCTOR
(confused, concerned)
What's going on here?

KIMURA
(still restraining Westlake, indicating her)
Ask her. I found her in here, putting
some fluid into the ensign's IV.

At this point, hospital security guards arrive, as does an 
emergency team. Kimura lets Westlake go, the guards grab
her. The emergency staff begins to work on Lucas.  Westlake
glares at the doctor and Kimura. The guards take her out.
The doctor turns to the others.

DOCTOR
We'll have to try and filter his 
bloodstream. This much could kill him.
(to Kimura)
Would you go and tell the others about 
this?

Kimura nods, and silently leaves. The doctor returns to his
work.

CUT TO CORRIDOR

Kimura leaves Lucas' room. Westlake and her guards are
still in the corridor. Kimura approarchs them, stopping
only an inch or two short of Westlake.

KIMURA
What did you give him?

Westlake doesn't respond. Before she knows what's happened,
Kimura grabs her by the collar and yanks her forward. The
guards don't interfere.

KIMURA
(pointedly)
Dr. Westlake, I ask you a question.
Unless you'd like me to demonstrate some 
of the techniques I learned under the 
Chaodai, I suggest you answer it.

She shoves Westlak back. Westlake steadies herself.

WESTLAKE
(coolly)
A nearly pure form of the derivative.
(beat)
He doesn't have a chance.

KIMURA
(just as coolly)
For your sake, he'd better.

She turns and walks away without further ado.

CUT TO WAITING ROOM

The crew, including Bridger, but excluding Kimura, are still 
in the waiting room. Kimura enters, and goes up to Hudson.
He looks up at her warily. When she enters the room, the
tension level rises a Hundredfold.

KIMURA
(calmly)
Captain, I am here to inform you that I 
caught Dr. Westlake putting an 
unauthorized substance into Ensign
Wolenczak's IV.

All react.

KIMURA
(continuing)
She said that it was an almost pure
solution of her cocaine derivative.

All are stunned, but Bridger is more so than the rest.

BRIDGER
(shocked)
Leah...she tried to...

He trails off, unable to finish.

PICCOLO
(concerned)
What about Lucas?

KIMURA
(calmly)
When I left him, his vital signs were 
racing. The doctor was trying to sedate 
him.

BRIDGER
(standing)
I've got to go in there.

HUDSON
Nathan, they'll never let you!

Bridger doesn't pay him any mind, just leaves. Hudson sighs 
in exasperation, then follows him. All look after him for a
moment, then turn back to Kimura.

FORD
(puzzled)
I don't see how you knew it was Westlake?

Kimura doesn't think what she did is anything special.

KIMURA
I don't see how you missed it.
(beat)
It was obvious.

There is an uncomfortable silence.

FORD
(uncomfortably)
I'm gonna go see if they'll tell me anything.

He quickly rises and leaves. O'Neill shoots Henderson a
"get-out-of-here-I-want-to-talk-to-her" glance. Henderson
nods faintly and stands.

HENDERSON
(to Piccolo)
Let's go get something to drink.

Piccolo glances at O'Neill and Kimura, nods, and rises.
With a couple of last uneasy glances at Kimura, they leave.
O'Neill walks up to her. His manner is very cold.

O'NEILL
(coldly)
Why?
(beat)
Why did you help him? Why did you care?

KIMURA
(stiffly)
It's my duty.

Beat. O'Neill stares into her eyes.

O'NEILL
You're lying.
(beat, chuckles without humor, looks away)
Status quo.

KIMURA
Maybe I am.

O'Neill looks back at her, surprised.

KIMURA
(continuing)
Maybe I _am_ lying.
(beat, "supposing")
Or maybe I feel a bond to him, orphan-
to-orphan.
(beat, a bit more emotionally committed)
Or maybe I see a little of myself in him.

She pulls herself "out of it" and tries to put up a cold
front, almost completely successful.

KIMURA
(coolly)
But whatever my reasons, they are none 
of your concern.

She turns and begins to leave the waiting room.

O'NEILL
(addressing)
Kimura.

She turns.

O'NEILL
(stiffly)
I suppose I should thank you.

Kimura regards him coolly. There's a certain degree of
tension between them, and she wants to say something. So
does he, for that matter. But neither is willing to
emotionally invest themselves in the situation, for fear of 
exposing too much of themselves to each other.

KIMURA
(coolly)
I suppose so.
(beat)
But we both know you won't.

Then, she leaves. He looks after her.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OF HOTEL

As Kimura stalks out of the waiting room, toward the ICU.
After her little...thing...with O'Neill, she's not in the 
greatest of moods. She walks down the hall a short
distance. She hears voices around a turn in the corridor:
Bridger and a nurse.

BRIDGER
(O.S.)
Can I see him?

NURSE
(O.S.)
Not yet. We'll tell you as soon as he's
in stable condition.

Kimura rounds the corner just in time to see the nurse leave 
through a set of doors. Bridger watches the doors swing
shut. Kimura takes a step back, as if to leave, but Bridger 
turns and sees her before she can. They stare at each other
for a moment, neither sure of how to react to the other.
Finally,

BRIDGER
Thank you, Lieutenant Commander.

Kimura takes his thanks in much the same way she took Ford's
reaction. Bridger offers her a hand, which she takes,
albeit uneasily. They shake.

BRIDGER
I...
(beat)
There's not much I can say, I'm afraid.
(beat)
We haven't met. I'm Captain Bridger.

Kimura nods.

KIMURA
Tim told me about you.
(beat)
Lieutenant Commander Heiko Kimura.
(almost with a touch of humor, but not quite)
I'm new.

She looks toward the ICU, then back at Bridger.

KIMURA
He's lucky to have you, you know.

Bridger looks up and shakes his head.

BRIDGER
(back off the ICU doors)
Hm?  I don't think so... I ignored him
when he needed me.
(beat)
Just like his father.

KIMURA
But you cared. He'll appreciate that
when he comes around.

Bridger looks back at her.

BRIDGER
What makes you think that?

KIMURA
(simply)
I would have.

Before Bridger can reply, the doors to the ICU open. The
doctor walks out. Bridger immediately refocuses his
attention on the ICU doors. Kimura takes the oppertunity to
leave.

DOCTOR
You can come in now, if you'd like.

Bridger nods and turns to say bye to Kimura, but she's gone.

CUT TO ICU CORRIDOR

Bridger and the doctor walk through the doors, into the ICU.
As they walk, they talk.

DOCTOR
Captain Bridger, there's something I 
think you should know.
(beat)
Lucas might suffer some 
residual...problems. Even after he 
leaves.

BRIDGER
(confused)
Problems?  How so?

The doctor is obviously quite uncomfortable with the 
situation.

DOCTOR
Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, 
since we've established that he was only 
taking the derivative for several days.
If it was actual cocaine, he wouldn't 
have had time to form a psychological, 
as well as physical, addiction to the 
substance.
(beat)
However, since the derivative _isn't_ 
pure cocaine, whoever engineered it made 
sure that an addict wouldn't be able to 
kick the habit easily. So even though
he might not need it, he'll want it.
(beat)
I'm just not sure how badly.

Bridger accepts this in silence.

DOCTOR
He's been sedated now, but you can wait 
with him if you'd like.

Bridger nods.

CUT TO LUCAS' ROOM IN THE ICU

Lucas is restrained, lying motionless on the bed. Bridger
and the doctor are talking softly by the door. Suddenly,
Lucas moans. Both turn to him.

BRIDGER
(half hopeful, half fearful)
Lucas?

Lucas moans again, then starts shifting in the bed. Bridger
quickly goes over to his side. Lucas starts violently
jerking around in bed, having a hallucination, though it's 
more like a nightmare in his current state. The doctor
moves to grab a syringe. Bridger looks up at him.

BRIDGER
(to Doctor)
Can you give him another sedative?

DOCTOR
The last one should've kept him under 
for two more hours!

Bridger looks at the syringe, then back at Lucas.
Hesitantly, Bridger reaches out to Lucas' thrashing body, 
puts Lucas' hand in his, and strokes Lucas' hair paternally.
After a moment, Lucas calms. The doctor looks at him.
Bridger is no longer aware of him, completely focused on 
Lucas.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie


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


All disclaimers apply. Get out your hankies... :)

ACT FIVE

FADE IN TO HOSPITAL CORRIDOR

Hudson is talking to a police officer.

OFFICER
We're holding Dr. Westlake for attempted 
murder.

Hudson shakes his head.

HUDSON
Have you investigated the possibility of 
a conspiracy?

The officer doesn't take this seriously.

OFFICER
(skeptically)
Captain, he's a nineteen-year-old kid. 
Exactly who do you think would be 
"conspiring" against him?
(beat)
We just don't have the manpower.
(beat)
And Dr. Andrews has asked me to have you 
refrain from posting guards at his door.

HUDSON
(stiffly)
He's one of my officers. I have the
right to see to it that he--

OFFICER
(cutting him off)
Hospital security will make sure he's 
alright.

Hudson doesn't go for this.

HUDSON
(sarcastically)
Of course they will. You realize that
he was under the hospital's protection
when Westlake...

OFFICER
(cutting him off)
He'll be fine.
(beat)
And your officers are getting in the way
of hospital operations.

They glare at each other for a few moments, then the officer
breaks the stare and walks away.

CUT TO HOSPITAL CORRIDOR

Dagwood is walking down the deserted corridor, kinda 
wandering aimlessly. At the end of the hall is the
hospital's interfaith chapel. Standing in the doorway,
trying to convince himself to enter, is O'Neill. Dagwood
approaches.

DAGWOOD
Tim?

O'Neill turns, but says nothing. Dagwood indicates chapel.

DAGWOOD
What is this?

O'NEILL
(almost absently)
The hospital chapel.

Dagwood looks inside.

CUT TO CHAPEL

A pan across the room reveals several objects of worship 
from many cultures.

CUT TO HOSPITAL CORRIDOR

Dagwood looks back at O'Neill. Dagwood is confused.

DAGWOOD
What do you do here?

O'Neill shrugs, almost diffidently.

O'NEILL
People come here to pray, Dagwood.
(beat, no response)
They ask their god to help their sick 
friends.

DAGWOOD
So...you came here to ask your god to 
help Lucas.

O'Neill shrugs.

DAGWOOD
(confused)
If you ask in there...
(gestures to chapel)
Why are you out here?

O'Neill takes a beat to consider his words-- as well as to 
consider telling Dagwood it's none of his business.
Eventually:

O'NEILL
I don't know. I can't make myself go in
there.

DAGWOOD
Why?

O'NEILL
I'm not comfortable in churches.

There is a beat. Dagwood is still looking at O'Neill,
trying to understand. O'Neill sighs heavily.

O'NEILL
My parents were very religious.
(beat)
Don't get me wrong, they weren't 
fanatics or anything, but blind 
obedience was the rule.
(beat)
Joining the Navy was the only way I 
could rebel, even the slightest bit, 
without them dressing me down.
(laughs bitterly)
I still can't believe I convinced them 
to come to my graduation.

A derisive not-quite-chuckle escapes him. Dagwood is still
confused.

DAGWOOD
I don't understand.

O'Neill looks away from Dagwood, into the chapel. He is
lost in thought, not really aware of Dagwood's presence.

O'NEILL
I've always been interested in 
mythology-- but it never occured to me 
that anyone could believe in those gods.
(beat)
Then we ran into Neptune, and it got me 
thinking. If their's was real, why not
mine?
(beat)
And if he was real, I figured I'd better 
get my act together, and quick. So I
did.
(beat, ironically)
Then we all got kidnapped by the KrayTax 
and stuck in stasis for ten years.
(beat)
And I still haven't figured out what the
point was. If it was some sort of
divine joke, or retribution, or what.

O'Neill falls silent. Dagwood mulls over what O'Neill has
said.

DAGWOOD
Your god is confusing.

O'Neill chuckles slightly, again, with no humor. 

O'NEILL
_Confused_, you mean.

There is a silent beat.

DAGWOOD
Do you think your god is real?

O'NEILL
(sighs, sincerely)
I want to believe.

There is a near-audible "but..." hanging off of the edge of 
O'Neill's statement.

DAGWOOD
(simply)
Then you should believe.

O'Neill looks at him for a beat, then looks down at the 
floor.

O'NEILL
I don't know if I can.

O'Neill falls silent, then begins to walk away.

DAGWOOD
(calling)
Tim?

O'Neill turns.

DAGWOOD
Do you think Lucas will be okay?

O'NEILL
(ironically)
God willing.

O'Neill turns and walks away. Dagwood stares after him,
confused.

CUT TO HOSPITAL CAFETERIA

Hudson enters the cafeteria and looks around. It's pretty
deserted. There's a booth in the far corner. He buys a cup
of coffee at the line. As he's paying for it, someone walks
up beside him.

KIMURA
Captain Hudson?

Hudson looks up from paying the cashir, not happy to see 
her.

KIMURA
(continuing)
I hadn't realized you were still here.

Hudson regards her coolly for a moment.

HUDSON
Lieutenant Commmander, I thought I 
ordered the senior staff back to the 
hotel.

Kimura shakes her head as Hudson finishes paying and begins 
to walk to the far booth. She follows.

KIMURA
No, sir, you ordered everyone in the 
_waiting room_ back to the hotel.
(beat)
I was in the ICU.

Hudson hadn't thought she was the type to look for 
loopholes. They arrive at the booth in the corner, and
Hudson sits. Kimura slides in across from him. Hudson
doesn't really want to be spending time with her.

HUDSON
What were _you_ doing _there_?

KIMURA
Talking with Captain Bridger.

Hudson looks at her for a moment, and a sudden realization 
strikes him: she cares about what happens to Lucas. Not
that the fact changes a thing.

HUDSON
Oh.
(beat, feigning disinterest)
Is Wolenczak conscious?

Kimura shakes her head.

KIMURA
He's been sedated.

HUDSON
I see.
(beat)
Do they have any idea of when he'll be 
able to have visitors?

Something in his tone implies that his concern goes beyond 
the standard "he's my officer and I want him back on duty"-
type. Kimura picks up on this. Again, this doesn't change a
thing.

KIMURA
No, sir.

Hudson nods. Kimura stands and leaves.

CUT TO HOTEL LOBBY

Dagwood, O'Neill, Ford, and Henderson enter. None look
happy. Ford is being very careful to stay in between 
Henderson and O'Neill-- thanks to Henderson's dream.

HENDERSON
(irritated)
I still don't see why we couldn't stay.

DAGWOOD
Tony got to stay.

O'Neill and Ford shoot Dagwood a "you're-not-helping" 
glance.

FORD
Look, everybody, it's been a long day.
Why don't we all just go back to our 
rooms and get some sleep.

Everyone nods reluctantly. They board an elevator and
leave.

CUT TO HOTEL POOL

It's about 20 minutes later. The pool is outdoors, and
dimly lit. The deck is bathed in moonlight, and the sky is 
clear. There are citronella candles around the perimeter,
and several lounge chairs on the deck. A figure in a one-
piece swimsuit is swimming laps, front crawl to be specific.
The door from the hotel opens. O'Neill walks out, wearing a
t-shirt and a swimsuit, and carrying a towel. He doesn't
realize that there's someone in the pool. He pulls the door
shut, and turns to face the pool. He removes the t-shirt.
Then he sees the woman in the pool. He stares for several
seconds, not realizing who she is. She does a flip turn and
starts back toward him. She arrives at the side of the
pool, and instead of turning again, stops. She pulls
herself out of the pool. It's Kimura. As O'Neill realizes
this, he immediately stops staring. He moves to put the t-
shirt back on.

KIMURA
(half-angered)
What are you doing out here?

He looks at her through the neck hole in the t-shirt.

O'NEILL
(as he puts it on)
I could ask you the same thing.

He finishes pulling it back on. Kimura is making no move to
cover the fact that she's in a swimsuit. She quickly calms.

KIMURA
That's true.
(beat)
Well?

O'Neill also gets a grip on himself.

O'NEILL
I couldn't sleep.
(beat)
And I didn't think anyone would be here.

Kimura shrugs.

KIMURA
I'm leaving. There isn't anyone here.

O'Neill nods, unsure of how to respond to this. She begins
to walk away.

O'NEILL
(calling)
Kimura!

She turns.

KIMURA
What?

O'NEILL
You don't have to leave.

She raises an eyebrow. O'Neill doesn't quite know why he
said that-- he's still angry and hurt.

KIMURA
Yes, I do.

She moves to leave. O'Neill grabs her by the arm. She
pulls away.

O'NEILL
Why?

KIMURA
(furious)
Why do you think?

O'NEILL
(frustrated)
I don't know!  As far as I can see, all 
I did was save your life!

KIMURA
Exactly. After I'd given myself up to
save your ship.
(beat)
And you.

O'NEILL
(incredulous)
Death before dishonor?

KIMURA
Do you really need to ask?

O'NEILL
So what are you saying?  That you think 
I had an ulterior motive?

KIMURA
You wanted revenge.

O'Neill reacts.

KIMURA
(continuing)
You took it too far.

O'NEILL
(quickly, hurt)
_I_ took it too far?  It's not going too
far to break someone's heart?!?

KIMURA
(coldly)
You just don't understand.

She turns and walks back to the door.

O'NEILL
(as she's going, calling)
I understand just fine.
(beat)
I also understand that this has 
_nothing_ to do with honor.

Kimura whirls on him, and stalks back, infuriated.

KIMURA
(furious)
This has _everything_ to do with honor, Tim.
(beat)
_My_ honor, and the fact that _you_ took it away.

Without waiting for his response, she storms back to the 
door and goes inside. O'Neill watches her go.

CUT TO WAITING ROOM

Bridger walks out of the ICU. Hudson is sitting in a chair.
Piccolo is also present, but asleep in his chair. Hudson
stands, exhausted.

HUDSON
(before Bridger can ask)
They're back at the hotel.
(beat)
It was getting crowded in here.
(off Piccolo)
He wouldn't leave.

Bridger nods, only half paying attention.

BRIDGER
(sincerely)
Oliver, I feel terrible for doing this, but--

HUDSON
(breaking in)
You have to go.

Bridger nods reluctantly.

BRIDGER
(looking at door to ICU)
Take care of him for me, will you?

Hudson realizes how hard it is for Bridger to do this.

HUDSON
(kidding)
I've been doing that for a while, Nathan.
(beat)
He's a good kid.

Bridger nods and looks at Piccolo, still somewhat 
distracted.

BRIDGER
And tell Piccolo... He was right.

Hudson nods. Bridger takes a last look toward the ICU, then
leaves.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOSPITAL ROOM

Lucas is just waking up. Hudson is standing near the door,
almost as though he's standing guard. There are a few
bouquets of flowers by his bed, from various members of the
crew. Henderson brought him a medium-sized teddy bear,
which is propped up by his arm. Lucas moans softly.
Throughout the scene, he is groggy and weak.

HUDSON
Ensign?

Lucas' eyes open. He sees Hudson and attempts to salute,
but finds he's restrained.

LUCAS
What--  What happened?

HUDSON
(gently)
You have been sedated for the better
part of the past five days.

Lucas is surprised by this, and confused as well.

LUCAS
Why?

Hudson shakes his head.

HUDSON
It's a long story. And you still need
your rest.

LUCAS
What day is it?

HUDSON
It's the ninth.

Lucas nods, drifting back to sleep. Hudson waits until he's
sure Lucas is asleep, and no one's around, then moves 
forward and readjusts the blanket so that it's covering 
Lucas a bit better.

CUT TO HOSPITAL ADMISSION DESK

The caption reads Sunday, June 12, 2033. Lucas and Hudson
walk out of a corridor. Lucas is carrying the teddy bear.
They approach the desk. The receptionist hands Lucas
several papers to sign. His hands are full. He turns to
Hudson.

LUCAS
Sir, would you hold this?

Hudson takes the teddy bear and stares it in the eye for a 
moment before tucking it under one arm. Lucas looks up at
him.

LUCAS
What health coverage does the Navy use?

HUDSON
(flatly)
Just credit it to the UEO.

Lucas nods and jots down a few more words, then signs each 
form. He turns to Hudson, who passes him the teddy bear 
back. Lucas holds the bear to his ear, then looks at
Hudson, a grin on his face.

LUCAS
(grinning)
He says he likes you.

Hudson nods, not quite getting what Lucas is talking about.
The receptionist takes the papers.

RECEPTIONIST
Thank you. You can go now.

Lucas nods. He and Hudson leave.

CUT TO LUCAS' HOTEL ROOM

Lucas is packing up his things. As he does, he sees another
vial of cocaine/aspirin-- that the "maid" so thoughtfully 
left him-- on the table. He stares at it for a moment,
then, almost transfixed by it, totally focused on it, he is 
drawn to the vial. He picks it up, and stares at the
tempting ivory tablets.

CUT TO PICCOLO'S HOTEL ROOM

Piccolo is packing up his things. There is a knock at the
door. He closes the suitcase.

PICCOLO
Come in.

The door opens, and Lucas enters. He is carrying the vial.
Piccolo notices.

PICCOLO
(shocked)
Lucas, what--

Lucas shoves the vial into Piccolo's hand.

LUCAS
(cutting him off, almost frantic)
Tony, get these away from me!  I found 
them on the desk in my room, and, I 
picked them up, and, I-- I wanted to 
take them!  I thought--

Piccolo sets the vial down onto the closed suitcase.

PICCOLO
(trying to soothe)
Hey, Lucas, it's okay!

LUCAS
(insistent)
But they nearly killed me!  Why would I 
want more?!?

Piccolo smiles bitterly, having been down this particular 
road before.

PICCOLO
`Cause you're body liked the way it felt 
when you took it. I wanted `em too.
(beat)
Still do sometimes.
(beat)
What they did to you...was worse than 
just stickin' a knife in your back.
They gave you a problem that's gonna 
last your whole life.
(beat, realizing how that sounds, trying to recover)
I mean, you're not gonna be in 
withdrawal forever, or have some kinda 
crazy cravin' or something. But, in the
back of your mind, your body's gonna 
want the stuff...even though the rest of 
you doesn't.

Lucas looks down, accepting the truth. He looks up at
Piccolo after a beat.

LUCAS
(quietly)
Tony?

PICCOLO
Yeah?

LUCAS
(sincerely)
Thanks.

PICCOLO
No problem.

Lucas grins at him, then moves to the door.

LUCAS
I'm gonna go down to the institute...see 
how Captain Bridger's doing.

PICCOLO
Okay. See you back on the ship.

Lucas nods and leaves. Piccolo turns back to the suitcase--
where he'd laid the vial. He picks up the vial and stares
at it for a few beats. It is obvious he wants the cocaine.
After a moment, he forces himself to throw it into a nearby 
wastebasket. His hand shakes slightly as he does.

CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BRIDGE

Hudson walks onto the bridge. Henderson is at engineering.
Hudson stops by her.

HUDSON
(quietly)
Lieutenant.

She looks up.

HENDERSON
Yes sir?

HUDSON
A teddy bear?

Henderson shrugs.

HENDERSON
Addison suggested it. Said he wanted
some company.

HUDSON
Addison?

FORD
(from command pit)
Her teddy bear.

Henderson blushes.

FORD
(kidding)
Lonnie, sometimes I could almost swear 
you like that bear better than you like 
me.

Henderson blushes some more.

HENDERSON
(embarrassed)
Sometimes I do. He keeps his mouth shut.

Hudson is unsure of how to respond to this. He walks to the
command chair and sits down.

CUT TO _SEAQUEST_ BERTH

The _seaQuest_ is preparing to leave port. A car pulls up
and stops. Bridger gets out of the driver's side door. He
walks to the ramp that leads to seaQuest's airlock. There's
a lieutenant standing at the entrance. Bridger walks up to
him.

BRIDGER
Has Ensign Wolenczak reported for duty yet?

The lieutenant checks a SEAPOC, and shakes his head.
Bridger is a bit disappointed by this.

BRIDGER
Oh.

He turns to walk back to his car. As he opens the door, a
car pulls up alongside him from the other direction. Lucas
flings the passenger side door open.

LUCAS
Captain!

Bridger looks and sees him.

BRIDGER
(in greeting)
Lucas!

Lucas walks over. Bridger closes the door and leans against
the car as Lucas approaches. When he arrives, there is an
awkward moment. Both clearly want to embrace, but neither
is quite comfortable initiating it, especially after what 
they've been through in the past few days.

LUCAS
(uneasily)
Hi, Captain.
(beat)
I was afraid I'd miss saying goodbye.
(indicates _seaQuest_)
We're shipping out in half an hour.

BRIDGER
(sadly)
I know.
(beat, attempting humor)
Aren't you cutting it a little close?

LUCAS
(shrugs)
I had to stop somewhere.

BRIDGER
(traces of concern)
Where?

LUCAS
(reluctantly)
I stopped by the institute. To see you.
(beat)
You weren't there.

Lucas doesn't mean this in a nasty way. However, Bridger
isn't quite sure of how to take it.

BRIDGER
(sighs)
This hadn't quite worked out as I'd hoped.
(beat)
I'm sorry we didn't get to spend much 
time together, Lucas.

Lucas nods, looking at the ground.

LUCAS
Yeah. Me too.

There is another moment-long silence.

LUCAS
(uncomfortably)
Look, about all of the stuff I said...
I--I'm sorry.

Bridger is both touched and embarrassed by Lucas' apology.
He tries to avoid it.

BRIDGER
(dismissively)
It wasn't your fault. It's okay.

Lucas is unwilling to let the subject drop.

LUCAS
(shakes head vigorously)
No, it's _not_.
(sighs, trying to pull together his nerve, difficultly)
I--  I didn't mean--  I wasn't--  I--
(cuts self off, exasperated)
I wasn't trying to hurt you. I was just...
(shrugs, simply)
I missed you.

Bridger is touched-- talk about your "warm, fuzzy feeling".

BRIDGER
(roughly)
I missed you too.

Lucas realizes that Bridger really _does_ understand what 
he's trying to say. Lucas swallows hard and takes a step
forward, and throws his arms around Bridger, hugging him 
tightly. Bridger puts his arms around Lucas as well. They
hold each other for several moments.

LUCAS
(muffled, shakily)
Thanks.

He slowly pulls away, and takes a step back.

LUCAS
(reluctantly)
I guess--  I'd better go.

BRIDGER
(nods)
I guess so.

Lucas begins to walk toward the _seaQuest_ entrance.
Bridger watches forlornly. Lucas stops after a few steps,
and turns.

LUCAS
(rushed)
Look, Captain, I just want to say...
(difficultly)
...That I l--love...

Lucas is trying to force out the words "I love you."  
Bridger is watching him intently.

LUCAS
(finishing, lamely)
...I loved seeing you again.

Bridger smiles, a bit sadly, knowing what Lucas had tried-- 
and failed-- to say.

BRIDGER
Thanks.

Lucas half-smiles, and continues toward the ramp. Bridger
watches as he walks down the ramp and through the airlock.

CUT TO BRIDGER'S OFFICE

Bridger walks through the door with his new assistant 
director, Dr. Shane Hawkes. He's showing her around. She's
fairly young, and not too tactful.

HAWKES
I heard about what happened with Dr. 
Westlake - that must have been terrible 
for you.

Bridger shrugs, trying to dismiss it.

BRIDGER
I've put it behind me.
(beat)
I think that's everything.

There is a moment of silence, then Hawkes realizes he's 
done.

HAWKES
Ah.
(beat)
Well, I'll be going now.

She turns and leaves. Bridger shakes his head once she's
gone, in a "damn-she's-an-idiot" kind of way. He turns back
to his desk, and sees an envelope sitting on it-- it's the 
type that has a holiday card in it. He looks at it for a
moment, confused, then picks it up. He opens it, and
unfolds the card. The camera shows that it's a Father's day
card. Bridger opens the card. The inside is blank, with a
short handwritten message:  "Happy Father's Day, Captain."  
Below, in a teenagerish scrawl, is written "Lucas". Bridger 
slowly closes the card, and looks at it for a moment, the
hint of a smile on his face as he stands it up on his desk.

FADE TO BLACK

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


Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie