==========================================================================
                                KAOS THEORY
                        Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie
==========================================================================
   Timeline: SeaQuest 2032
   Author's E-Mail: bi185@freenet.buffalo.edu
==========================================================================

AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Um... I forgot to mention this, but Mel and I have a script that takes
place before Kaos Theory (KT for short). It's titled "Fusion", and
concerns the return of 2 crew members...

However, my computer, for some reason unknown to woman or beast, is
refusing to cut-n-paste it to my file on the free-net.

As a result, I finally gave up and decided to post KT first.

Anyway, I'll post "Fusion" ASAP, after KT is done. Sorry for the
confusion...

Rachel


DISCLAIMER:  The contents of this script, other than
the "seaQuest 2032" canon material, are the property
of  Rachel Brody and Melissa Beattie. Duplication
without their  EXPRESS PERMISSION is strictly prohibited.


Send Questions, comments, and suggestions to:
bi185@freenet.buffalo.edu


This story takes place before "Weapons of War"


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


SeaQuest 2032
"Kaos Theory"
By Melissa Beattie and Rachel Brody
Friday, April 3, 1996
Fourth Draft


TEASER


FADE IN TO LUCAS' QUARTERS

Lucas is sitting at his viewscreen. The logo on the screen
is for Dr. Wolenczak's company. Lucas looks uncomfortable.
A "please wait" message is on the screen. After a moment,
the message changes to "just a moment". Lucas sits up a
little straighter. A face appears. It is Dr. Wolenczak's
secretary. Lucas' expression falls. The secretary's manner
makes one thing perfectly clear: he is more concerned with
following the rules than getting things done, a bureaucrat
in the "finest" sense of the word.

SECRETARY
May I help you?

LUCAS
(hesitantly)
I, um--  I had asked to be put through
directly to Dr. Wolenczak.

The secretary nods patronizingly, mildly annoyed.

SECRETARY
So did--
(checks file)
486 other people.

LUCAS
(frustrated)
But you don't get it!  I'm _Lucas
Wolenczak_. His _kid_!

The secretary looks bored.

SECRETARY
(unconvinced)
I'm sure you are.
(beat, indulgently)
Is this some sort of emergency?

Lucas' eyes widen. This is a kid who was told since _way_
back not to disturb his parents at work unless it was an
emergency.

LUCAS
(flustered, quickly)
No!  I just want to _talk_ to him!

The secretary looks at him, not quite believing him.

SECRETARY
(skeptical) Well, _Ensign_, Dr.
Wolenczak's a very busy man.

Lucas gives him a "you-think-I-don't-know-that" kind of
look.

SECRETARY
(continuing)
And I'm sure you're aware of the fact
that you need an _appointment_ to talk
with the doctor.

Lucas' jaw drops.

LUCAS
(incredulous)
An appointment?!?  To talk to my own
_father_?!?

The secretary continues, unimpressed.

SECRETARY
(continuing)
If you'd like, I can put you through to
scheduling--

LUCAS
(cuts him off, barely containing himself, annoyed)
No. Forget it.
(beat)
Look, just tell him I called. And I'm
still on _seaQuest_. Okay?
(beat)
And tell him my number is--

SECRETARY
(cuts in)
The doctor doesn't make calls to
persons--

LUCAS
(cutting in)
Just _tell him_, will you?

The secretary looks him over, then finally sighs and nods.

SECRETARY
Fine. But--

Lucas shuts off the terminal and turns around. Darwin is in
the tubes. Lucas glares at him.

LUCAS
(angry and hurt)
You don't have to look so smug.

Darwin doesn't respond.

LUCAS
Sorry.
(beat)
But I woulda thought he'd've...I don't
know..._wondered_ about me, or
something.

Darwin is silent.

LUCAS
(put off)
Jeez. And I felt guilty about waiting
so long to call him.

Darwin swims away.

LUCAS
(frustrated)
Serves me right, confiding in a dolphin.
(picks up PAL, dials)
Tony, you busy?

Piccolo voice is slightly annoyed and groggy.

PICCOLO
(over PAL)
Lucas?  What're you doin' up?

LUCAS
(suddenly defensive)
I was...um...placing a call.
(beat, less so)
To my dad.

PICCOLO
(not "getting" it)
At four am?  Ain't it a little early--

LUCAS
(clipped)
He's in Buffalo. It's 0900 there.

PICCOLO
(not getting the significance of this)
Oh. Well, I _was_ with a friend of
mine, but that didn't `zactly work out.
I'll meet you in the mess hall in five.

The channel closes abruptly, and Lucas puts his PAL away.
He leaves.


CUT TO HUDSON'S QUARTERS

The lights are out. Hudson is sleeping. His intercom
chirps. He wakes up. He activates the intercom without
sitting up.

O'NEILL
(over com)
Sir, you have a call on a code-six
security frequency, direct from UEO
Headquarters.

Hudson stands and turns on the light, then groggily stumbles
to his monitor.

HUDSON
Secure my terminal and patch it through.

He cuts contact with O'Neill as McGath's image appears on
the screen. Hudson is in a very irritated state.

HUDSON
Secretary, do you have any--

MCGATH
Captain, I realize that my timing may
not be the best, but--

HUDSON
(interrupting, dryly)
You won't hear any objections from me.

MCGATH
(ignoring him)
Are we on a secure channel?

HUDSON
Yes.

MCGATH
Good. Then I need to talk to you.

HUDSON
(dryly)
Obviously.

MCGATH
About...
(checks file)
...Warrant Officer Anthony Piccolo.

Hudson looks up, surprised.


CUT TO MESS HALL

Lucas and Piccolo are sitting at a table. Piccolo has a
coffee cup in front of him, while Lucas has several empty
ones, stacked, in front of him, and is holding another in
his hands, which is shaking from the caffeine. In his other
hand is a SEAPOC. Lucas is paying only nominal attention to
Piccolo as he speaks. Piccolo doesn't notice Lucas'
inattention. His tone is one of a person who's going on and
on and on...

PICCOLO
I swear, Lucas, never get involved with
a doctor. I mean, there I am, trying
to...you know...and she's talkin' about
blood an' guts, an' it's really more
than I think any guy should be s'pected
ta take!

LUCAS
(to SEAPOC, ignoring Piccolo)
Come on, you stupid piece of archaic
tinfoil!

He hits the SEAPOC on the side, then drops it on table,
frustrated. Piccolo stops talking.

PICCOLO
You say somethin'?

LUCAS
(indicates)
It's this program!
(beat)
I can't get past the--

He is interrupted by Piccolo's PAL chirping. Piccolo pulls
out his PAL.

PICCOLO
Yeah?

HUDSON
(over PAL)
Mr. Piccolo, report to my office.

Lucas raises an eyebrow as Piccolo shuts off his PAL. Lucas
checks his watch.

LUCAS
(mildly puzzled)
What's he doing up?  It's 4:30 am!

Piccolo stands. Lucas looks at him inquisitively, as if
Piccolo should clue him in.

PICCOLO
I'll fill you in.

He stands. Lucas drinks the rest of his coffee, then also
stands. Piccolo looks at him oddly.

LUCAS
(explaining, off SEAPOC)
I've gotta finish this program.
(beat, Piccolo is blank)
I need another cappuccino or I'll never
be able to stay up.

Piccolo looks at Lucas' hands-- shaking heavily-- and the
dark circles under his eyes. He takes Lucas by the arm and
walks him towards the door. Before they leave, he speaks.

PICCOLO
(gently)
Get some sleep, Lucas. You'll be a
wreck in the morning.

LUCAS
(kidding)
You're sending me to bed?

PICCOLO
(in spirit)
Yeah. I'll be by in 20 minutes to tuck
you in.

LUCAS
(mock serious)
But Tony, what about the monster in my
closet?

PICCOLO
(grins)
Very funny.
(beat, serious)
By the way, about your dad. Have you
guys talked since we got back?

Lucas instantly sobers.

LUCAS
(shakes head)
No. He's busy.
(beat)
He's always busy.

He shakes off Piccolo's arm and leaves, upset.


FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END TEASER


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


ACT ONE

FADE IN TO HUDSON'S OFFICE

Piccolo walks in and stands by the door. Hudson is sitting at his desk,
going over the orders that McGath gave him. Piccolo waits several minutes
for him to notice his presence, then clears his throat. Hudson looks up.
His mood is still somewhat sour. He has changed into uniform. Throughout
the scene, one is given the impression that he's not telling Piccolo "the
whole story".

HUDSON
At ease, Mr. Piccolo.

Piccolo relaxes. Hudson stands and walks around the desk, then hands him a
SEAPOC. Piccolo reads it, struggling for a moment before pulling out his
glasses and putting them on. As he reads, his expression becomes disturbed.
Hudson's expression reflects Piccolo's as he watches. Finally, Piccolo
looks up.

PICCOLO
(troubled)
These are, um...

He trails off.

HUDSON
(flatly)
Direct orders from the Secretary General.

PICCOLO
(confused)
But, uh, why me?

Hudson pulls up an image of Maxwell Adams on the monitor. Text scrolls down
one side of the screen, opposite the picture. Piccolo reacts to the picture
with mild surprise.

HUDSON
Apparently, that record of your has caught McGath's attention.
(beat, indicates picture)
Maxwell Adams was one of the candidates for the hemosponge implant.

PICCOLO
(remembering, continuing from Hudson)
He got turned down.
(beat)
The `sponge's a delicate piece of equipment. The doc said he'd have `nuff
of a problem integratin' it into somebody's normal biochemistry without
worryin' about nicotine poisoning.

Hudson looks at him, confused.

HUDSON
Nicotine?

Piccolo nods.

PICCOLO
It's what he was in for in the first place--dealing and possession.
Lucky stiff. He was only there six months.
(beat, regards orders)
How'm I s'posed t'git off the _seaQuest_?

Hudson thinks on this.

HUDSON
Normally, I'd say you should sign out on leave. But that would seem
a bit obvious.
(beat)
You'll have to come up with something yourself.

Piccolo thinks, then an odd expression crosses his face. He nods.

HUDSON
(not noticing)
Good luck, Mr. Piccolo.
Dismissed.

Piccolo goes, leaving the SEAPOC on the desk. Once he's out of earshot,
Hudson picks it up. He also pulls another SEAPOC out of a drawer. Camera
shot reveals that the text is nearly identical to the copy Piccolo read,
except that Hudson's is a bit more detailed. Hudson looks them over and
shakes his head regretfully.

CUT TO BRIDGE

Piccolo storms onto the bridge nearly colliding with Ford. He then
continues past him silently.

FORD
(amused, slightly annoyed)
Hey, Tony, watch it, will you?

Piccolo turns to face him, a pained expression flitting across his face
before he completes the turn to face Ford.

PICCOLO
("angrily")
Why should I? It was your fault.

Ford looks confused, then looks as though he's going to speak, then is cut
off before he can.

PICCOLO
(falsely apologetic)
But, uh, I s'pose, it's prob'ly mine, officially.
(beat)
After all, you're the one with the stripes.

FORD
(half-confused)
What's that supposed to mean?

Piccolo forces an angry expression onto his face.

PICCOLO
(moving directly in Ford's face, furious)
You know damn well what it means. You're my superior, that makes everthin'
my fault.
(beat, takes a deep breath)
It also means that I've gotta back off.

FORD
Tony, what the hell are you talking about? Back off from what?

PICCOLO
Not what, Commander.
(beat)
_Who_.

FORD
(getting it)
Look, what do you think you're talking about! She's not my property--

PICCOLO
(cutting him off, volume rising as he speaks)
She might as well be. Everybody's afraid to go near her 'cause they know
that you'll get 'em busted if they do!

FORD
(loudly)
That's not true!

Head jerk up around the bridge. Ford and Piccolo are too caught up in their
argument to notice.

PICCOLO
(sarcastically)
Right. That's why you nearly bit my head off for comin' outta her
quarters. An' you weren't even datin' her then!

FORD
(objecting, as though Piccolo's nuts)
That was different--

PICCOLO
("yeah right" tone)
Sure it was.
(beat, significantly)
An' I'll bet that _Perseid_ was different, too.

FORD
(caught off-guard)
Perseid?

PICCOLO
(moves in closer)
Come on, Commander, why didn't you stop `er then?
(beat)
Or didja _know_ that nothin' would happen between `em?

For a moment, Ford is silent, stricken. Once he recovers,

FORD
(dangerously)
Do you know what you're implying, Mister? I hope not, because if you
do--

PICCOLO
(abruptly)
What. You'll make sure that _I_ take the shot this time?

Ford is all but shaking with rage. O'Neill notices this, and attempts to
intervene.

O'NEILL
(to Piccolo)
Tony, cool it! We all know that--

PICCOLO
(cutting him off)
Mind your own business, four-eyes!

O'Neill backs off, more confused than hurt.

PICCOLO
(continuing, off Ford)
This between him an' me.
(to Ford) So,
Commander, you gonna take cara me yourself?
(beat)
Or are you gonna let the Macronesians--

Ford reaches his breaking point and throws a punch at Piccolo, catching him
in the jaw. Piccolo responds, and the two of them begin throwing wild
punches. O'Neill and several extras attempt to pull them apart.

O'NEILL
(to bridge in general as he grabs Ford's arm)
Call security!

After a brief struggle, O'Neill manages to pull Ford off of Piccolo. He and
an extra hold Ford back, while two others hold Piccolo. Hudson walks up to
the door to the bridge just in time to see this.

HUDSON
(from the door of the bridge)
What is going on?!?

FORD
(angrily)
He just accused me of--

Ford cuts himself off, glaring furiously at Piccolo.

PICCOLO
(jeering)
What? Can't tell him? Guess that means it's true, huh?

Ford tries again to break free of O'Neill's grip, but O'Neill holds fast.
Hudson walks down and between the two of them.

HUDSON
(to Piccolo)
Mister...

He trails off, realizing that this is part of Piccolo's "plan", and turns
to O'Neill.

HUDSON
(continuing)
...O'Neill.
(beat, indicated Ford and Piccolo)
Explain.

O'NEILL
(hesitating, difficultly)
Well, sir, Tony--
(beat, thinks of how to put it)
He provoked Commander Ford into a fight.

HUDSON
(forced)
How so?

O'NEILL
(hesitating, uncomfortably)
He-- He accused the commander of...
(trails off, then continues with difficulty)
...Engineering a murder out of jealousy, sir.

HUDSON
(to Piccolo)
Is that true?

Piccolo nods, seemingly proud of what he's done.

HUDSON
(to security personnel, gestures to Piccolo)
Take him to the brig.
(to O'Neill, on Ford)
You can let him go.

O'Neill releases Ford and returns to his station, glancing to Piccolo as
he's led off the bridge.

HUDSON
(quietly, to Ford)
Commander, do you need to go to the medbay?

FORD
(heavily)
No, sir.

He turns away. Hudson looks concerned.

HUDSON
(quietly)
Are you sure?

Ford whirls angrily.

FORD
(loudly, angrily)
_Yes_, I'm sure! Is that alright with _you_, _Captain_?

Ford turns and storms away, across the bridge. Hudson watches him go. For a
moment, he appears ready to go after him, then stops and sits, reluctantly,
in the command chair.

CUT TO BRIG

Piccolo is standing inside the brig, near the forcefield boundary. Lucas
walks in, and goes up to the door.

LUCAS
(attempting and failing neutrality)
I just heard.
(angrily)
What were you thinking?!?

Piccolo turns away. He remains silent. Lucas abruptly switches tactics.

LUCAS
(continuing, pleading)
Tony, talk to me! Please!

Piccolo turns back slightly and opens his mouth. Before he can speak, the
lights go out, as does the forcefield covering the opening to Piccolo's
cell. Grabbing the opportunity, Piccolo comes out of the cell at a run.
Lucas is, at first, frozen. By the time Piccolo has knocked out the guard,
he is over his sudden inability to move. He rushes to intercept Piccolo as
he runs for the door. Lucas grabs Piccolo as he runs by, tackling him.
Lucas is trying to hold Piccolo down, failing.

PICCOLO
(almost exasperated)
Lucas, c'mon--

LUCAS
Tony--

He cuts himself off as Piccolo forces him to break his hold by shoving him
against the wall and grabbing the unconscious guard's gun. He aims the gun
at Lucas, who freezes.

PICCOLO
(apologetically)
Damn it, Lucas... Why'd ya hafta come?
(beat)
I'm real sorry `bout this, but I gotta.

LUCAS
("freaked out")
Tony--

Piccolo fires, and Lucas collapses, stunned. Piccolo holsters the gun and
leaves with a last, regretful glance at Lucas.

CUT TO BRIDGE

The bridge has returned to normal. All are at the appropriate stations,
with the exceptions of Piccolo and Lucas. Lucas' station is manned by
Shanahan, and Piccolo's by an extra.

O'NEILL
(to Hudson)
Sir, I'm getting a report from the brig.
(beat, repeating from headphones)
Warrant Officer Piccolo has escaped.
(beat, O'Neill listens to headset)
He's been spotted in the tubes, sir.

HUDSON
(to Shanahan)
Close the tubes.

SHANAHAN
Aye, sir.

Shanahan works her boards for a few moments.

SHANAHAN
(frustrated, as she works)
They're not responding, sir. They've locked open.

FORD
(to O'Neill)
Get Lucas up here.

O'Neill punches buttons.

O'NEILL
No response, Commander.
(beat)
Wait a minute.
(beat, works boards)
Got him, sir.

HUDSON
Ensign, get up here, we've got a problem.

CUT TO BRIG

Lucas is just waking up from the light stun that Piccolo inflicted on him.
He has his PAL out and to his lips, responding to O'Neill's call.

LUCAS
Sir, Tony just escaped--


CUT TO BRIDGE

All is as before. Dialogue is quickly paced, as in a battle situation.

HUDSON
We know. He's in the tubes.

SHANAHAN
(through him)
There's a glitch in the system.

HUDSON
(continuing)
They've locked open.

LUCAS
(over PAL)
I don't know if I can make it up there before he gets out,
sir. He just shot me--

FORD
(breaking in quickly)
Are you all right?

LUCAS
(over PAL)
Fine, Commander. I'm on my way now--

SHANAHAN
(to Hudson)
Sir, he's out.
(beat)
It looks like he's headed for...
(checks readings)
San Francisco, sir.

HUDSON
(surprised, to Ford)
That's a long way. Can he make it?

FORD
(not really caring)
I don't know, sir.

Hudson shoots him an odd expression. He doesn't notice it, or doesn't care.


CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO PORT

It is dark, about 8:30 at night. The water is calm. Suddenly, Piccolo's
head breaks the surface of the water. He looks around cautiously, then
climbs out of the water and onto the dock. He looks at himself, shivers as
though cold, then walks away.


CUT TO SAN FRANCISCO HARD ROCK CAFE

Music is playing in the background. The camera pans around, off several
tables, dwells on the gift counter for a moment, then moves to the door.
There is a long line. Piccolo makes his way through the other people, now
wearing civvies. Several people shoot him dirty looks, which he ignores. He
walks to the gift counter, which he leans on as he pulls a credit card of a
pocket. The clock over the counter reads 9:00. After several moments, the
girl behind the counter notices him. She is in her late teens to early
twenties, obviously sick to death of her job and the clientele. She's quite
jaded.

GIRL
(bored)
Can I help you?

Piccolo takes a moment to looks over the selection. His gaze lingers on
some of the cheaper items-- lighters, pens, pins, etc. He taps the glass
counter over the lighter.

PICCOLO
Ten bucks? Ain't that a little steep?

GIRL
(shrugs)
That's what it costs.

Piccolo thinks this over.

PICCOLO
(attempting humor)
An' ain't smoking illegal?

GIRL
(humorlessly)
It's the cigarettes that get you in trouble. Not the lighters.
(beat, she looks him over)
Besides, you don't look like a smoker.

PICCOLO
It's for a friend.

GIRL
(indulgently)
Of course it is.

She pulls out the lighter and sets it on the counter.

GIRL
Anything else?

PICCOLO
How much for the t-shirt?

The girl points at the price sticker: $50. Piccolo winces and shakes his
head.

PICCOLO
That one's a little over my price range.
(beat)
I'll just take the lighter.

She nods and takes his credit card, which she runs through the cash
register.

GIRL
(looking up, suddenly interested)
Piccolo? You in a band or something?
(beat)
`Cause I've got this friend who--

PICCOLO
(cutting her off)
Sorry.

He tucks the lighter into a pocket, takes the card back, and walks to the
bar. He sits. A bartender approaches.

TENDER
What'll it be?

PICCOLO
Screwdriver.

The bartender nods. Piccolo passes him the credit card. The shot pans away
to a dark-haired young woman sitting a few tables away. She is watching
Piccolo intently. After a few seconds, she stands and saunters over to the
bar as the bartender gives Piccolo his drink and leaves. She sits down in
the seat next to Piccolo. Her manner is more-than-mildly flirtatious. She
is the classic mystery woman, in everything from her posture to her tone of
voice.

JENNA
Hiya, sailor. Buy me a drink?

Piccolo turns to her, a half-grin on his face.

PICCOLO
What makes you think I'm a sailor?

JENNA
(mysteriously)
I know lots of things.

PICCOLO
(getting into the role)
Oh, really?
(beat)
You know a guy named Max? I been lookin' for 'im.

JENNA
He wants you to meet him on pier 86 at midnight, tonight.

PICCOLO
Why?

JENNA
(getting up)
He heard about your falling out with the Navy. He thinks
he may have a place for you in his organization.

Piccolo appears hesitant, but then nods, agreeing.

PICCOLO
I'll be there.

JENNA
(over shoulder, as she leaves)
We'll be waiting.


CUT TO PIER 86

It is a few minutes before midnight. Piccolo walks out onto the pier,
looking around suspiciously. The pier is badly lit, with containers
everywhere.

PICCOLO
Hey! Anybody here?

Jenna steps out of the shadows.

JENNA
(softly)
Over here.

Piccolo goes towards her. Before he takes more than a few steps, a large
black-haired man sneaks up behind him, and hits him over the back of the
head with his clasped fists. Piccolo falls to the ground, unconscious.
Jenna goes up to the man.

JENNA
(to the attacker)
Good work.
(beat, looking around)
Now, let's get him to the hotel.


CUT TO HOTEL ROOM

Piccolo is just waking up from the blow he took. Jenna is there with a
large brown-haired man-- Max Adams-- who pulls Piccolo to a sitting
position. Both are armed, not bothering to try and hide that fact.

PICCOLO
(dazed)
What?

JENNA
(indicates other man)
Tony. This is Max Adams.

ADAMS
(with a slight wave)
Long time no see.

Piccolo finally realizes that he's in the "right" place.

PICCOLO
(mildly edgy, regarding guns)
Just who I was comin' to see.
(beat)
You didn't hafta club me, I woulda come.

ADAMS
(shrugs dismissively)
Yeah, but this way if you don't accept my
offer, I don't have to kill you.

PICCOLO
(acting confused, even though he has a good idea)
What offer?

JENNA
(smiling)
We want you, Piccolo. For a lot of different reasons. With
your knowledge of Naval operations,you'd be invaluable to us.

ADAMS
That, and I remembered you from prison. You didn't spill the fact
that I kinda started that riot. I figured you'd be a guy I wanted in my
operation.

PICCOLO
What kinda operation?

JENNA
Let's just say that we deal in a little bit of everything--

ADAMS
(cutting in) Guns, Piccolo, guns. We're arms merchants.

Jenna glares at him: he spilled the beans.

PICCOLO
So, you guys are the ones who--

ADAMS
(proudly, cutting him off) If it happened in this hemisphere, it was
us that gave them the gun.

Piccolo is searching for a valid reason to stay with them. He says the
first thing he comes up with.

PICCOLO
(soberly, to Adams)
I guess I still owe you for tossin' out that valium...

He trails off. Jenna looks at Adams, who gives her an "I'll-explain-later"
look. They both look to Piccolo. Adams grins.

ADAMS
So, you're in?

PICCOLO
(sighing quietly)
Yeah. I'm in.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE


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


ACT TWO


FADE IN TO WARDROOM

Everyone is there, with the exception of Piccolo and Hudson.
They are waiting. The door opens, Hudson enters. Lucas
regards him resentfully, O'Neill gives him a warning glance.
Lucas looks away.

HUDSON
We have new orders.

Everyone looks up, surprised.

LUCAS
What about Tony?

Hudson ignores him, continuing. No one takes notice of his
comment, with the exception of Henderson-- everyone else is
too angry at him or too loyal to Hudson.

HUDSON
We're being redirected to the Aleutian
border. The Confederacy has reported an
increase in seismic activity.
(with some humor)
In the interests of regional safety, the
UEO decided to call in the cavalry.
(to Fredricks)
Lieutenant, you'll take tactical.

Lucas blanches. Fredricks nods.

HUDSON
(to others)
We'll be patrolling the area for the
duration of the mission. With the
exception of those affiliated with the
science department, it should be a
relaxing change.
(beat)
Questions?

Lucas looks around at the others, waiting for someone to
object. When no one does, he shifts uncomfortably.

HUDSON
Ensign Wolenczak?

Lucas takes a deep breath, looks around, then to Hudson.

LUCAS
It just seems, to me at least, that we
should spend a few days looking for
Piccolo.

Hudson doesn't appreciate this comment. He feels bad enough
about Piccolo's departure as it is.

HUDSON
(exasperated)
Ensign, is there a problem pertaining to
the science department's ability to
perform it's duty on this mission.

LUCAS
(objecting)
No. But--

HUDSON
(cutting him off)
Then deal with it on your own.
(to all)
Dismissed.

Everyone but Lucas and Hudson leaves.

LUCAS
Captain--

HUDSON
Ensign, you're dismissed.

Lucas stands and approaches Hudson.

LUCAS
(stiffly)
Permission to speak freely, Captain.

Hudson eyes him for a moment, then folds his arms across his
chest and nods indulgently.

HUDSON
Granted.

LUCAS
Sir, this sucks.

Hudson raises an eyebrow.

HUDSON
(flatly)
Sucks?

LUCAS
You can't write Tony off like that.

This provokes a strong negative reaction from Hudson, as
he's not happy to be reminded about Piccolo yet _again_.

HUDSON
(annoyed)
And what would you like me to do?  It's
a big ocean.

LUCAS
But--

HUDSON
(cutting him off)
That's enough, Ensign. You're dismissed.

Lucas looks at Hudson for a moment, his expression one of
disbelief, before stalking out of the room.


CUT TO SMUGGLER BASE

The base is a small, cramped warehouse near Fisherman's
Wharf. It is used primarily as a meeting place, as opposed
to actual storage. Piccolo, Adams, and Jenna are there, as
are a young brunette woman and an older grey-haired man.
The are only identified as Clark and Jones, respectively.
Their interactions are somewhat comical, although they
aren't conscious of that fact.

JONES
(pointing at Piccolo)
Who's that?!?

ADAMS
(introducing them)
This is Piccolo. He's new.

CLARK
(to all)
It doesn't matter. We've got the goods.
(beat)
And we've sold them to--

JONES
(to Clark)
Shut up!  Not even I'm supposed to know
who you sold it to!

CLARK
(rolling eyes)
Fine. In any case, these are the
coordinates for the rendezvous point.

Clark hands a slip of paper to Adams, who nods.

ADAMS
We'll head out right away.
(pulls out PAL-type device)
Get the _Orca_ ready.
(puts PAL away, to Piccolo)
Piccolo, you're coming with me.

PICCOLO
(trying to cover surprise)
Sure.

JENNA
I'll come too.

ADAMS
Jen--

JENNA
(cutting him off)
The _Orca_'s mine, after all. I can go
out on her whenever I want.
(looking at Piccolo, to Adams)
Besides, it could be fun.

Jenna gets up and exits. Piccolo watches her go. Clark and
Jones also leave. Piccolo and Adams are alone.

ADAMS
(warning)
Whatever you're thinking, don't.

PICCOLO
(genuinely innocent)
What?

ADAMS
(leaning close to Piccolo, seriously)
She's _mine_.
(beat)
The last guy I caught with her, I'm
using as my anchor.
(beat)
Got it?

Adams gets up and exits.

PICCOLO
(to Adams' back, startled)
Got it.


CUT TO MESS HALL

Lucas and O'Neill are sitting, eating. Henderson and
Fredricks enter.

O'NEILL
(to them)
Hey!

Henderson and Fredricks look towards them, Lucas looks down
at his food.

O'NEILL
Want to join us?

Henderson and Fredricks exchange glances. Lucas starts, as
though surprised and/or dismayed that O'Neill is asking
them.

HENDERSON
Sure.

They sit, Henderson next to O'Neill, Fredricks next to
Lucas. Lucas waits a moment, then gathers his tray and
stands.

O'NEILL
(confused)
Lucas?  Where are you going?

LUCAS
(mildly angry, indicates far side of the room)
There's an empty table over there.

HENDERSON
(confused)
What's wrong with this table?

LUCAS
(quickly)
Nothing. I feel like being alone.

As he says this, he shoots a glare at Fredricks. Henderson
doesn't notice.

O'NEILL
(trying to help)
Lucas, you just said that you wanted to
talk!

LUCAS
(stiffly)
I lied.

FREDRICKS
(regards Lucas like a "moody teenager")
Guys, let him go.

As she speaks, Lucas' anger grows in intensity, until it is
clear that she is the one he's angry at.

LUCAS
(almost conversationally, with
undertones of fury)
Did you get that from Hudson?

Fredricks looks confused.

LUCAS
(sarcastically)
You seem _really_ broken up over your
new position.

FREDRICKS
(confused, mildly offended)
Excuse me?

LUCAS
(brushing her off)
Never mind. You can't understand.
(under his breath, as he turns to go)
I guess fear isn't all that chip blocks
out.

FREDRICKS
(overhearing)
_Excuse me_?

LUCAS
(angrily dismissively)
Oh, nothing.

O'NEILL
Lucas, cool it.

LUCAS
(angrily)
Cool it?  Don't _you_ care?
(to both)
Either of you?  Am I the only person on
this ship who gives a damn?

He has stepped over the line. Henderson's expression
shifts. She's somewhat disturbed by his behavior.

HENDERSON
Lucas, you're outta line.

This is the last straw. Lucas explodes in fury at Henderson
and O'Neill.

LUCAS
(yelling)
So now you're pulling rank?
(disgusted, excluding Fredricks, lower volume)
Well, I've got news for the two of you.
_I_ don't discount my _friends_ that
easily.

He stalks away. The three exchange glances.


CUT TO _ORCA_ BRIDGE

The bridge is small, cramped, and dim. Piccolo, Jenna, and
Adams enter. Adams sits in the command chair, Jenna goes to
the helm\sensors station. Adams gestures to the
weapons\comm station.

ADAMS
Piccolo, take weapons.

Piccolo starts in surprise, then nods and takes the
indicated station.


CUT TO EXT _ORCA_

The ship is seen leaving port.


CUT TO _ORCA_ BRIDGE

All is as before.

PICCOLO
(forcibly casual)
So... Where're we headed?

ADAMS
(flatly)
The Aleutian Confederacy.

PICCOLO
(confused)
Why?  There's nothin' up there.

ADAMS
(mildly annoyed)
Delivery.

JENNA
(over her shoulder)
Max, he knows that.

ADAMS
(not "getting it")
Then why'd he ask?

JENNA
(rolls eyes)
I think he's asking what the delivery is.

ADAMS
Oh.
(to Piccolo)
We're hauling some canisters of tabun.

PICCOLO
(blank)
Tabun?

ADAMS
Nerve gas.

Piccolo reacts with shock.

PICCOLO
(horrified)
What?!?

JENNA
(over her shoulder, casually to Piccolo)
It causes vomiting, confusion, coma and
death.
(beat)
There's a dissident group up there
that's paying a small fortune for it.

PICCOLO
(shocked)
But...why would anybody want that stuff?

ADAMS
(shrugs, not caring)
Who knows?

JENNA
(to Piccolo, explaining)
We generally find that it's better for
all concerned if we don't ask.
(beat, shrugs)
Makes the clients feel more...secure.

PICCOLO
(uncomfortably)
Oh.


CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS

Lucas is sitting at his communications terminal.


LUCAS
(to screen)
Come on, Mom...

His mother appears on the screen. His face lights up, not
realizing that it is a recording.

LUCAS
(joyfully)
Mom!  Oh my god!  I--

MOM
(through him)
Hi. You've reached 716-538-4210. I'm
on extended vacation in Aruba, and I
won't be able to return any calls for a
few weeks. But leave me a number and
where you can be reached, and my
secretary will get back to you as soon
as possible.

Lucas snorts, disgusted, and turns off the terminal,
crushed. There's a knock at the door. Lucas doesn't
respond. The door opens. O'Neill enters.

O'NEILL
Lucas?

Lucas turns to face O'Neill.

LUCAS
("stiff upper lip")
Yeah?

O'NEILL
You know, you really hurt Fredricks'
feelings.

Lucas gives him a look.

LUCAS
(not caring)
And?

O'Neill realizes that this isn't the best time to be
criticizing him.

O'NEILL
(indicates monitor)
What're you doing?

LUCAS
(depressed, but with an angry edge)
_Trying_ to call my mom.

O'Neill realizes-- or he _thinks_ he realizes-- why Lucas is
so upset. He nods sympathetically.

O'NEILL
Oh. Jeez, Lucas, I'm sorry.
(beat)
Are you okay?

Lucas nods vigorously, yet unconvincingly.

LUCAS
(lying)
Yeah. I'm fine. Really.

O'Neill is unconvinced. Lucas sighs deeply, acceding.

LUCAS
She wasn't there.

His tone says it all. O'Neill nods understandingly.

O'NEILL
(sympathetically)
A lot people have problems with their
parents, Lucas.

Lucas looks up. His gaze is questioning.

O'NEILL
I was never close to mine, either.

Lucas looks up, as though surprised.

O'NEILL
The last time I saw them was at my
Academy graduation.

LUCAS
But that was--

O'NEILL
(interrupting, as though it's too painful)
A long time ago. And that was even a
struggle. They never approved of the
military.
(beat)
Or me.

LUCAS
(sighs)
Yeah. Tell me about it.


CUT TO CORRIDOR

Several hours later. Lucas is walking down the corridor.
Dagwood is coming from the opposite direction, looking
worried. As they near each other, Dagwood stops. Lucas
does not.

DAGWOOD
Mm...Lucas?

LUCAS
(not stopping)
Yeah?

DAGWOOD
I need to talk.

LUCAS
(shakes head)
Sorry, Dagwood, but I'm in kind of a hurry.

He tries to go by. Dagwood steps in front of him.

DAGWOOD
It is important.

Lucas again tries to sidestep him, again he fails.

LUCAS
I've gotta go. I'll talk to you--

DAGWOOD
Where is Tony?

Lucas stops cold.

LUCAS
(uncomfortably)
Tony?

Dagwood nods. Lucas looks decidedly uncomfortable.

LUCAS
He's...um...not here.

DAGWOOD
Where is he?

LUCAS
I don't know.

Dagwood looks confused. Lucas pushes past him before he can
say anything else, and leaves.


FADE TO COMMERCIAL


END ACT TWO


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


ACT THREE

FADE IN TO FORD'S QUARTERS

Ford is sitting at his desk, reading. There is a knock at the door. Ford
looks up.

FORD
Who is it?

HENDERSON
(O.S.)
Jonathan, it's me.

FORD
(unenthusiastically)
Come in.

The door opens, and Henderson enters the room. Ford stands, she goes and
stands next to him.

HENDERSON
Is something wrong?
(beat, no response)
You've been avoiding me.

Ford edges away. She grabs his arm.

FORD
(lying)
No I haven't.

HENDERSON
(insistently)
Yes, you have. Ever since Tony--

She cuts herself off as Ford reacts to the mention of Piccolo's name.

HENDERSON
It's got something to do with you and Tony, doesn't it?
(beat, no response)
With that fight.
(beat, no response)
The one you wouldn't tell me about.
(folds arms across chest)
The one that you're _going_ to tell me about.

FORD
I--
(cuts self off, pained)
I can't.

HENDERSON
(warningly)
Jonathan...

FORD
It's too...
(searches for the right word)
...painful.

Henderson considers this.

HENDERSON
(searchingly)
Too painful for me, or for _you_?

Ford looks at the deck. Henderson relaxes her hold on his arm.

HENDERSON
(probing)
What happened, Jonathan?

FORD
(quietly)
He... He said a couple of things that really hurt.

Henderson looks like she's about to press the point, but Ford pulls her
close and kisses her. When they finish, she looks confused.

HENDERSON
What was that for?

FORD
("dodging the question")
Um...
(beat)
Lonnie, remember that time we docked at Perseid?

She nods.

FORD
You went to lunch with Dagwood...and Jim. Right?

Henderson nods, unsure of where he's going.

FORD
So...
(uncomfortable)
Lonnie...I know that this is probably none of my business, but... did you
and he...uh...

HENDERSON
(smiling faintly)
He was a perfect gentleman with me, Jonathan. Nothing happened.

Ford is visibly reassured.

CUT TO MOONPOOL

Hudson enters. Darwin surfaces. Hudson walks to the side of the pool.

HUDSON
(angrily)
Is there _some_ reason why you've been following me around for the past day
and a half?!?

DARWIN
Hudson sad.

Hudson looks wary.

HUDSON
I am _not_.

He turns to leave and takes a step away.

DARWIN
Yes. Hudson miss Tony.

Hudson stops short and turns back. He puts his hands on the sides of the
moonpool and leans slightly over the edge.

HUDSON
(slowly, "spelling it out")
_I do not_.

Darwin ducks underwater for a moment. Hudson looks mildly confused. Darwin
resurfaces and blow water out through his blowhole, soaking Hudson, who
fumes for a moment. When he speaks, his speech is very deliberate. He's
about _this far away_ from blowing up.

HUDSON
Did I ever tell you about the year and a half I spent on duty in Japan?
(beat, no response)
They have an interesting dish there. It's called _sushi_. I developed quite
a taste for it.
(beat)
In fact, it's been a _very long time_ since last I've had it.
(beat)
And if you _ever_ splash me like that again, I will _personally assist_ the
kitchen staff in preparing it.

Darwin does not respond. A thought strikes Hudson-- does Darwin even know
what he's talking about?

HUDSON
(checking)
Do you know what sushi is made out of?
(beat)
Fish.

Darwin is quiet for a moment. Hudson, thinking he's made his point, turns
to go.

DARWIN
(as Hudson walks out)
Tony?

Hudson stops, turns again, and warily walks back to the tank.

HUDSON
No. Not Mr. Piccolo.
(beat)
_You_.

He turns and leaves.

CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS

Lucas is sitting at his terminal. He is hacking the computer to find out
what Piccolo and Hudson talked about. Darwin is hovering in the aquatubes.

LUCAS
(to himself)
You'd think they'd design some new security lockouts in ten years, wouldn't
you? But _no_. Why bother? After all, _I_ wasn't around to keep 'em on
their toes... But I guess it's a good--

He pauses as the screen changes. It now contains the orders that McGath
gave Hudson-- _not_ the ones that Piccolo read.

LUCAS
Holy--
(beat, reads over screen, quickly)
Warrant Officer Anthony Piccolo...ordered to infiltrate...Western-Pacific
Weapons Cartel... Aleutian Confederacy--

He breaks off, shocked and angry.

LUCAS
(to Darwin and rest of room)
He sent Tony out to die!

Darwin doesn't react. Lucas turns to terminal. He types furiously. A
printer begins. He moves to the printer output tray.

LUCAS
Come on, come on, come on already! For God's sake, get moving!

He reaches out and tears the paper out of the printer, then dashes out of
the room.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OFF BRIDGE

The camera is focused on the door to the maglev. It stops. Lucas pushes
through the doors before they get the chance to open all the way. He is
still holding the piece of paper.

CUT TO BRIDGE

As Lucas enters. Everything is okay. Hudson is in command. Shanahan is at
sensors. Lieutenant Alyssa Hanley is at helm. Fredricks is at tactical.
Everyone else is at appropriate stations.

LUCAS
(from rear of bridge, to Hudson)
How could you?!?

Hudson turns, a questioning expression on his face.

HUDSON
Ensign?

Lucas approaches Hudson. Stops only inches away, furious. Shoves paper at
Hudson, who takes it.

LUCAS
You sent him out to die! Did he even know? Did you bother telling him that
he wouldn't come back alive? Did you even give a damn? How could--

HUDSON
(cutting him off)
Ensign, did you have something to discuss?

LUCAS
Damn right I've got something to discuss! Where the hell do you get off--

HUDSON
(cutting him off)
You're out of line, mister.

LUCAS
So--

HUDSON
Maybe I didn't make myself clear. You are _out of line_.

Lucas opens his mouth to object. Hudson grabs him by the arm and drags him
off the bridge. Crew shoots glances back and fourth as they leave. O'Neill
stands, as if to follow, but Ford gently pushes him back into his seat,
shooting him a warning glance. O'Neill sits, reluctantly.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIDGE

Lucas jerks his arm away from Hudson, still glaring. Hudson is angry, but
trying to contain his anger.

LUCAS
What-- don't they deserve to know that they're serving under a captain who
doesn't think twice about sending one of his most dedicated officers to
his--

HUDSON
(holding up sheet)
Where'd you get this information?

LUCAS
None of your damn--

HUDSON
I asked you a question, _Ensign_.

LUCAS
(through teeth)
Off the computer.

HUDSON
(demanding)
You hacked the computer?

LUCAS
(making an excuse)
I--

HUDSON
Answering my questions isn't optional.

LUCAS
Yes.

Hudson thinks about this for a moment, then shakes his head. He is trying
very hard not to let his anger get control of him.

HUDSON
(thinly)
Ensign, while that type of behavior might have been tolerated or encouraged
under the previous command of this boat, it is no longer acceptable. Is
that understood?

LUCAS
(reining in anger)
Yes, _sir_.

HUDSON
(tersely)
You're confined to quarters.

Lucas stares, blank. Hudson leans closer, fuming.

HUDSON
As of _now_.

LUCAS
(bitterly)
Fine. You confine me to quarters, and that way, nobody'll even have to know
what you did. You can just ignore it. At least I know I tried.

He turns and walks into the maglev.

LUCAS
E-deck.

The doors close, and Hudson stares after them.

CUT TO HUDSON'S OFFICE

Several hours later. Hudson is sitting at his desk. The door is open.
O'Neill comes to the door. He knocks. Hudson looks up. O'Neill salutes.
Hudson returns the salute and looks back to his work (i.e.-- the old
"I'm-in-command-you're-not" game). O'Neill clears his throat.

HUDSON
Did you have something to say, Lieutenant?

O'Neill is uncomfortable. He loses the "attention" stance.

O'NEILL
(hesitantly)
Um... Sir--

Hudson shoots him a glare. O'Neill resumes "attention" stance.

O'NEILL
(edgily)
You said you wanted to see me.
(beat, afterthought)
Sir.

HUDSON
As you may or may not know, you've been offered a promotion.
(beat)
As second officer on the _Andromeda_.

O'Neill looks shocked. He attempts to assimilate this.

O'NEILL
(overwhelmed)
Sir? _Me_? _Second officer_?!?

Hudson nods.

O'NEILL
(still recovering)
Wow. I-- I don't know what to say.

Hudson locks gazes with O'Neill as he passes him the request. O'Neill reads
it over quickly, his expression becoming troubled as he reaches the end of
the document. He looks up.

O'NEILL
(mildly angry, mostly confused)
Sir? You denied the--

HUDSON
(bluntly)
I don't think you're ready for it.

O'NEILL
(shocked in a bad way)
What?!?

HUDSON
(deliberately)
You're not ready for it.

O'NEILL
(outraged)
Is this some kind of sick joke? You tell me I'm getting offered a
promotion, and then you--
(cuts himself off, beat)
That was completely uncalled for.

HUDSON
(ticked off)
I don't recall asking your opinion, mister.

O'NEILL
(rising in intensity)
What gives you the right to--

HUDSON
(interrupting, deliberately)
I am your captain--

O'NEILL
(cutting him off, sarcastically)
Well, that's-- that's just great.

He turns to leave.

HUDSON
I have not dismissed you yet.

O'NEILL
(disgusted)
I know.

He leaves.

CUT TO MAGLEV

O'Neill is on the maglev, sitting. He is still fighting a battle to control
his emotions. The maglev stops, the doors open, and Ford walks on. O'Neill
doesn't notice him.

FORD
Tim?

O'NEILL
(looks up, notices Ford)
Commander?

From here on in, O'Neill is completely flat and unemotional, repressing
literally everything. Ford doesn't notice this.

FORD
(grins, offers hand)
Congratulations.

O'NEILL
(ignoring hand)
For what?

FORD
I was looking over the promotions... I saw the letter from Captain
Morrison. Full lieutenant. Wow.
(beat)
Good luck.

O'Neill looks down.

O'NEILL
(softly)
I'm, um, not taking that.

At first, this doesn't register with Ford.

FORD
The Andromeda great ship. The first officer's a friend of mine. He's--

O'NEILL
(cutting him off, louder)
Commander, I'm not leaving.
Ford stops talking, startled.

FORD
Not--

O'NEILL
I'm not, um, ready.

FORD
(shocked)
Ready?

O'NEILL
For the promotion. For the post.

Ford looks incredulous.

FORD
(incredulous)
You're going to refuse a position like that because you're a little
insecure?

O'Neill doesn't respond. Ford takes this as meaning that O'Neill is unsure
of himself, when he's actually trying to hold his emotions in.

FORD
(trying to encourage him)
Tim, nobody's ever ready for a promotion like that.
(beat)
Do you think I was ready when they offered me XO of seaQuest? Of course
not! It scared the hell out of me!
(beat)
But there're some things you've gotta do!

The maglev stops. The doors open. O'Neill stands.

O'NEILL
My stop. See you later.

He leaves. Ford sits as the doors shut.


CUT TO ORCA BRIDGE

Piccolo is in the weapons/com station. Adams is in command. Jenna is
"perching". Extra is at helm/sensors. Adams checks a display.

ADAMS
(to self)
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Aleutians...

Piccolo looks uneasy. Jenna looks at him.

PICCOLO
(hesitantly)
So, how 'zactly does this work?"

Jenna and Adams stare. The extra at tactical does nothing.

PICCOLO
I ain't really up to speed on smugglin' techniques.

Jenna and Adams exchange glances. Adams opens his mouth to explain. As he
does, tactical looks up, shocked.

TACTICAL
Max!

Adams looks up.

ADAMS
(half-annoyed)
What?

Tactical points to the sensors. There is a large "blip" on the readout--
seaQuest. Piccolo's jaw drops.

PICCOLO
(surprised, shocked, etc.)
SeaQuest.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE


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


ACT FOUR

FADE IN TO BRIDGE

All are at appropriate stations, with Shanahan at sensors, Fredricks at
tactical, and Hanley at helm. Suddenly, Shanahan looks surprised as she
looks at her boards.

SHANAHAN
(to Hudson)
Sir!
Hudson turns.

SHANAHAN
(continuing)
Sensors have picked up an unidentified vessel.
(beat, examines boards)
Not any known military design. It could be a passenger vessel--

HUDSON
(cutting her off)
Or they're who we're looking for.
(to O'Neill)
Mr. O'Neill, open a channel.

O'Neill does so.

HUDSON
This is Captain Oliver Hudson of the seaQuest. Identify yourself.

There is no reply.

SHANAHAN
They're powering up weapons, sir.

HUDSON
Power down your weapons, or we will be forced to open fire.

He gestures to Fredricks at tactical. She nods and presses buttons.


CUT TO ORCA

Piccolo, at sensors/tactical station, looks down at boards.

PICCOLO
'Ey, Max. They're powerin' up their weapons. They're gonna fire if we don'
answer 'em.

ADAMS
(reluctantly)
Open a channel.

Piccolo does so.

JENNA
Uh, Max, maybe I should handle this?
(beat)
I don't have a record.

ADAMS
Don't worry.
(to Piccolo)
Is it ready?

Piccolo nods.

ADAMS
This is Captain Adam Maxwell of the Orca. We are on a mission of...mercy.
To the Aleutians.


CUT TO BRIDGE

All is as before, except that Adams is on the screen. His image dominates
the screen, so no one sees Piccolo, Jenna, or anyone else, clearly.

HUDSON
(disbelieving)
And what mission of mercy would that be? I didn't hear of any disasters in
the Aleutian Confederacy.

ADAMS
(on-screen)
Uh...An earthquake just hit Kodiak. A big one.

HUDSON
(to Shanahan, quietly)
Did our sensors pick anything up?

Shanahan shakes her head.

HUDSON
(to Adams, exasperated)
What are you really doing here?

ADAMS
Uh...
(to Piccolo, still on Orca)
Arm all weapons.

PICCOLO
What?!?

All react to Piccolo's voice.

HUDSON
(hearing Piccolo's voice, to self)
The smugglers. Damn.
(to Fredricks)
Are weapons still up?

FREDRICKS
Yes sir.

ADAMS
Look, if you don't stand down, I'm gonna start firin'.

HUDSON
You have five minutes to power down your weapons, or we fire.

He gestures to O'Neill, who closes the channel.

HUDSON
(to Fredricks)
Flood the tubes.

Hearing this, O'Neill turns. He looks at Hudson, his expression one of
mixed fury and disbelief.

O'NEILL
(incredulous)
You're not serious, are you? About firing on them?

Hudson turns toward him, fed up with anyone challenging his authority.

HUDSON
Very serious.

O'Neill tenses and rises, and storms to Hudson's position.

O'NEILL
(enraged, loudly)
But Tony's aboard that ship! You heard him. We can't just--

HUDSON
(cutting him off, forced calm)
Mr. O'Neill, that is an arms smuggler out there. It's our duty to stop
them.
(beat)
And if Piccolo's decided to join them, then he'll have to face the
consequences.

Hudson turns away and starts to walk away. O'Neill is about to follow, but
Ford intervenes, pushing him gently but firmly back and into his chair,
shooting him a warning glance. Meanwhile, Hudson and Fredricks have begun
discussing O'Neill's point. Their discussion is hushed-- Fredricks isn't
about to create a scene.

FREDRICKS
I don't know if I agree with you, sir. I realize that the warrant officer
seems to be part of the smuggling group, but since he was acting so oddly
before--

HUDSON
Lieutenant, I appreciate the sentiment. However, we have a job to do, and
we're going to do it.

FREDRICKS
(softer)
But, sir, why is it necessary to destroy the ship?

HUDSON
("caught in the act")
What?

FREDRICKS
You ordered the torpedoes readied. If we use them and get a direct hit,
then the ship is sure to be destroyed. If we use the--

HUDSON
Lieutenant, I can't explain why, but, I'm under orders to destroy this
ship.

FREDRICKS
I take it that the mission is classified?
(beat, Hudson nods)
I still don't like it sir.

HUDSON
(sighing)
Neither do I, Lieutenant.


CUT TO ORCA BRIDGE

Piccolo is at sensors/tactical has left. Jenna is at the helm. Piccolo and
Adams haven't moved.

ADAMS
Jen, looks like those UEO bastards aren't in the mood to be conned. Open--

PICCOLO
(interrupting)
Wait!

Both turn and stare.

PICCOLO
That's seaQuest! You can't get this ship involved in a firefight with the
UEO!

Adams looks at him.

ADAMS
Excuse me?

PICCOLO
(hesitantly)
We...don't have a chance?

Adams looks disgusted.

ADAMS
You're kidding.
(beat)
The great Tony Piccolo has finally turned chicken?

Piccolo is about to object, but Adams doesn't give him the chance.

ADAMS
(stands)
Or isn't this as recent a development as I'd be tempted to think?
(beat)
Tell me, Tony, why is it that you never get into a fight you know you can't
win?

PICCOLO
It's kinda hard to explain...see, I find it improves my quality of life
when I'm not in a full-body cast.

ADAMS
Well, for god's sake, live a little!

PICCOLO
Live a little? How is gettin' killed s'posed ta help me do that?

ADAMS
Tony, you've got to take a chance to know that you're really alive! After
all, you can't spend your entire life sheltered by--

He breaks off.

ADAMS
(suspecting)
Or can you?
(beat)
Why're you so hesitant to attack the seaQuest?

Piccolo goes blank, thinking that Adams has realized that he's a spy. But
that isn't on Adam's mind. Then;

PICCOLO
You implyin' somethin'?

ADAMS
(challenging)
I might be.

The two of them glare each other in a stand-off. Jenna finally breaks the
silence. Her hand has moved to her gun.

JENNA
Tony, Max, we don't have time for this. SeaQuest's out there, and Hudson's
not going to be happy about being held waiting.

Adams turns on her, angry.

ADAMS
So you're siding with him?

She takes a deep breath.

JENNA
(calmly)
No, Max.

ADAMS
Are you sure? If I remember correctly, you--

He doesn't get to finish. Jenna shoots him. He is dead before he hits the
floor. Piccolo looks up, shocked.

PICCOLO
(stuttering)
You...you...

JENNA
(cooley)
He was getting annoying.

She sits back at her console. Piccolo looks blank.

JENNA
(exasperated)
We don't have all day, Tony. Take the damned station.


CUT TO BRIDGE

All is as before. Hudson moves over to O'Neill.

HUDSON
(to O'Neill)

Raise them.

O'Neill pushes buttons. After a moment, Jenna appears on-screen. She is
still holding her gun, the one that she just killed Adams with.

HUDSON
Where's Maxwell?

JENNA
He's not available right now, Captain. However, I am able to speak for him.
We are going to the Aleutian Confederacy. With or without your permission.

She cuts channel. Hudson turns to Fredricks.

HUDSON
Lieutenant, ready torpedo.

Fredricks pushes buttons.

FREDRICKS
(to Hudson)
Done, sir.
(beat)
I still would prefer--

HUDSON
(cutting her off)
Aim for their bridge, Lieutenant.

O'Neill turns to Hudson, and opens his mouth to speak, but Ford glances at
him and shakes his head. O'Neill's expression remains angry, but he stays
silent.

HUDSON
(to Fredricks)
Fire.

Fredricks presses buttons.


CUT TO EXT. SEAQUEST

A torpedo is seen streaking toward the Orca. It hits the Orca's bridge,
destroying the ship.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR


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


ACT FIVE

FADE IN TO EXT. SEAQUEST

Caption reads 6 hours later.

CUT TO MEDBAY

Ford enters. Perry is standing, reviewing several files.

FORD
(angrily)
Where is he?

Perry points at an ICU room, without looking up. Ford follows her
directions.

CUT TO ICU ROOM

Piccolo is lying in the bed, recovering from his recent brush with death.
Ford enters. He is still annoyed. He walks to Piccolo's bedside, leans
over, close to Piccolo's ear. Piccolo is asleep.

FORD
(loudly)
Wake up, Piccolo!

Piccolo awakes with a start. He sees Ford and gulps.

PICCOLO
(voice breaking)
Commander! Uh-- Long time, no see?

Laughs nervously. Ford glares, silencing him. Ford leans forward.

FORD
You owe me an explanation.

Piccolo grins.

PICCOLO
Uh...if you say so.

Ford folds arms across his chest and nods.

FORD
Go on.

PICCOLO
I didn't mean it? Any of it? An' I'm real sorry if I hurt your feelin's?

Ford looks unimpressed.

PICCOLO
An' I'm sorry for what I implied-- for what I said. I know you didn't have
anythin' to do with it. I mean, how could you? You were back on the ship!

He stops, realizing the backhanded compliment. Ford's expression darkens.

FORD
I understand you were under orders, Piccolo, and at the moment, that's
about all that's saving you. But what you said hurt. A lot. In ways you
couldn't possibly know of.
(beat)
And I know you and Lonnie are friends. That's fine with me. If I ever gave
you the feeling that I didn't want you in her life, I apologize.

PICCOLO
(trying to help)
You don't have to.
(beat)
She's in love with you. I don't have a problem with that.

There is silence for several seconds. Ford takes a deep breath.

FORD
(uncomfortably)
I've got to go up to the bridge. I just stopped in to see if you were okay.
He leaves. Piccolo watches him go.


CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS

Lucas is sitting on his bed, a worried expression on his face. He is
fidgeting nervously, picking up, then discarding several items: a CD, a
SEAPOC, an old sock, etc. There is a knock at the door. Lucas immediately
jumps up and rushes to it, flinging it wide open. It is Hudson. Lucas
straightens as Hudson enters the room, a stoic expression on his face.
Hudson looks around, regarding the mess. Lucas is nervous about Piccolo's
condition, since he's been in his quarters the entire time. He waits
several seconds for Hudson to begin, then asks him anyway.

LUCAS
Captain? Is Tony okay? Tim stopped by--

HUDSON
(cuts him off, coldly)
Piccolo is in the medbay. He'll be back on duty in a few days.

LUCAS
(conversationally)
I guess it's a good thing he's got those gills.
(beat, Hudson glares)
Because...otherwise he would have drowned--

HUDSON
(cutting him off)
Ensign, I'm putting you on report for your outburst on the bridge.
Lucas' expression falls.

LUCAS
You're kidding. Captain, I realize I was out of line, but--

HUDSON
Insubordination is insubordination, no matter how sorry you are for it
afterward. I took into account that yourself and the rest of the crew were
working under extremely strained circumstances, and that's why you're not
in the brig awaiting a court-martial.

Lucas looks shocked. Finally, he takes a deep breath and nods.

LUCAS
But Tony's going to be okay?

Hudson nods, finally relenting.

HUDSON
Yes. He had a few scratches, and Dr. Perry shut him in the decompression
chamber for an hour or so, but he's recovering rapidly.

LUCAS
(hinting)
I wish I could've gone to see him.

HUDSON
(gets the hint)
Consider your confinement over with. I think you've learned your lesson.

Lucas nods and stands.

LUCAS
I'm going to go down to the medbay and see--

He is cut off by the chirp of his wall communication set. He rushes to the
unit and slaps it on.

LUCAS
(expectantly)
Yeah?

It is O'Neill. His voice sounds strangely tight. Lucas doesn't notice this.

O'NEILL
Lucas...you've got a call on a civilian line...

Lucas' face lights up.

LUCAS
(expectantly, happily)
Great! Patch it through to my quarters!

He crashes back across the room to his terminal. Hudson watches.

LUCAS
(as he turns on his terminal, to Hudson)
Sorry, sir. I've been expecting this call. It's important.

He types quickly, and a face appears: Tyler Rand, a lawyer. His expression
is one of sympathy. Lucas is caught off-guard, and doesn't recognize him.
He was expecting one of his parents. Rand is having a difficult time
talking to Lucas.

RAND
(carefully)
Lucas Wolenczak?

Lucas nods unsurely, on his guard.

LUCAS
Yeah. Who's asking?

RAND
Tyler Rand. I'm Dr. Wolenczak's lawyer.

LUCAS
(not understanding)
Yeah? Why do you want to talk to me?

Rand shifts uncomfortably and takes a deep breath.

RAND
I apologize. I hadn't realized... Your mother was informed via the doctor's
personal assistant...

Lucas' anxiety rises. He nods, hurrying Rand on.

LUCAS
Tell me what? What's going on?

RAND
(difficultly)
The doctor was on a business trip to Sydney, Australia.

Hudson raises an eyebrow.

RAND
(continuing)
There was a problem with the landing gear.

Lucas' expression is getting more troubled.

RAND
(continuing)
I'm very, very sorry to have to tell you this way, Lucas, but...the plane
crashed on the runway. It exploded.

Lucas' jaw drops.

RAND
(continuing)
Everyone aboard was killed instantly.
(trying to help)
He didn't feel anything.
(beat)
I'm contacting you because you're listed as the sole benefactor in your
father's will--

Lucas looks stricken and angry.

LUCAS
Sole benefactor?!?

Rand stops.

LUCAS
(outraged)
That's why you're calling me?!?

Hudson slowly approaches Lucas' side. Although Lucas is furious, or trying
to appear so, it is clear that he is having a difficult time keeping
himself from bursting into tears.

LUCAS
(to Rand, angrily)
Look, "pal", for all I care, you can shove that--

HUDSON
(interrupting, gently but forcefully)
Ensign.

Lucas turns slowly and looks at him. Hudson looks at Rand.

RAND
(to Hudson)
Who are you?

HUDSON
I'm Captain Hudson. Ensign Wolenczak's commanding officer. He'll get back
to you.

He reaches out and turns off the terminal before Rand can object. He looks
at Lucas, who is staring through the dark screen in shock, not making any
motion as though he's noticed Hudson's presence.

LUCAS
(disbelieving)
He didn't even call me back...

HUDSON
(sympathetically)
Ensign...

LUCAS
(continuing)
The jerk didn't even--

Hudson turns Lucas' chair around and crouches down to be on eye-level with
him.

HUDSON
(carefully)
Ensign Wolenczak?

Lucas doesn't pay attention to him, instead staring off into space. He is
trembling, his eyes brimming with tears as he shakes his head slowly, not
quite in sync with himself.

LUCAS
(softly, to himself, through tears)
I should have called him earlier...

HUDSON
I know this is--

LUCAS
(to Hudson, choked)
Get out. Leave me alone.

HUDSON
(confused)
Lucas?

Lucas looks up, eyes now overflowing with tears. He is desperately trying
not to fall into pieces in front of Hudson, and is failing miserably.

LUCAS
(tearfully, resentfully)
Fine. Then I'll leave.

He stands. Hudson tries to stop him, but he dodges and walks quickly out of
the room in tears.


CUT TO CORRIDOR

Ford is walking down the corridor. He passes a side corridor, and hears
muffled sobs. He slows down, concerned, and looks around the corner. He
sees Lucas, who is sitting against a bulkhead in a little-used corridor,
hugging his knees, head in his lap, sobbing to himself. Lucas doesn't
notice Ford until he speaks.

FORD
(concerned)
Lucas?

Lucas stops and looks up. He is visibly devastated. He obviously tries to
force himself to speak, but is unable to.

FORD
(continuing)
What's wrong?

LUCAS
(haunted)
My-- my dad...

He chokes on a sob, then takes a deep breath and shakes his head, putting
it back in his lap.

LUCAS
(tearfully, badly muffled)
He's gone--

He breaks off again, his sobs muffled by his arms. Ford looks confused. He
crouches down next to Lucas and puts a hand on his back.

FORD
(confused)
Gone?
(beat)
Where?

LUCAS
(very quietly, muffled, choking back sobs)
There was a plane crash...I just found out...
(beat, more so)
I never even got to say good-bye...

Before his last line is fully finished, Lucas completely breaks down. Ford
realizes what happened. He is shocked, but realizes that Lucas needs his
help. However, he's not entirely sure of what to say.

FORD
(regretfully)
Oh, God... Lucas, I--

He breaks off, not knowing if he's making things better or worse. There is
an uncomfortable silence. Lucas looks up at Ford, his face tear-streaked.

LUCAS
(through sobs)
Why is this happening, Commander?
(beat)
Why am I losing everyone?

Ford closes his eyes, looking pained. He sits next to Lucas.

FORD
I don't know, Lucas.

Ford lets Lucas cry in his embrace, trying to comfort him.

FORD
(continuing, ad-libbing comforting words)
It's okay, Lucas.

FADE TO BLACK

THE END


==========================  EPILOGUE  ==================================


DISCLAIMER:  What's mine is mine, and what belongs to TPTB is
theirs, so don't mess any of it up.

Note-- a bunch of people have asked me for this, so rather than
send it to them personally, I'm posting it. And okay,
fine...Lucas cries in this one. I think it's okay, though.


==========================================================================


"Kaos Theory: Epilogue"
("Kaos Theory" by Rachel Brody & Melissa Beattie)
By Rachel Brody


	"Dad," Lucas said, speaking to the coffin that he knew was
as good as empty, "I don't quite know what to say. I mean, you
were never there for me."
	He glanced back at the door, not able to believe that he was
being this petty. His father was dead, after all. After all
this time, why couldn't he just shut up and forgive the bastard
for ruining his life?
	Because he'd ruined his life.
	"And I hated you for it. I hated the way you were never
around when I needed you. You could have taken a few days off
once in a while, and I'm sure the world wouldn't have come to an
end if you had. And I would have liked to see you.
	"Then there was you and Mom."  His mother was waiting 
outside the door. "I guess I'm glad that you guys finally broke
up, but I wish you'd've done it earlier. You didn't have to make
me live through it. And I think that's all I've got to say."
	In truth, it wasn't anywhere close. But there weren't words
for the rage Lucas felt at his father for what he'd done-- 
rejected him. And he couldn't think of a way to say it that
didn't sound stupid and childish.
	After all, his dad had never done anything terribly cruel to 
him. He hadn't abused him, and he'd always made sure that Lucas
had the best of everything. Except family. So Lucas turned to
the door and prepared to leave his father's corpse where it was.
But as he reached up to the doorknob, ready to go, a sudden 
bubble of anger burst inside him. He whirled back to the casket.
	"Damn you, anyway!  I never _wanted_ to go to _seaQuest_ in 
the first place!  And now I'm losing _everybody_ I _ever_ cared 
about, and it's _all your fault_!  If you hadn't decided I was 
too much of a pain to take care of, I wouldn't have made the 
friends I made, and I wouldn't be hurting so much now that
they're dead!" How was he supposed to cope with what he'd been 
put through? "Teenagers aren't supposed to grow up like this!  I 
wasn't supposed to spend three years not knowing if I was gonna 
live to see the next day!  I wasn't supposed to spend ten years 
in stasis and come back and find out that the world had gotten 
terminally screwed up! And I sure as hell wasn't supposed to have 
guns put to my head every time I left the ship!
	"But that wasn't enough for you, was it," he said bitterly. 
"It wasn't enough for you not to care that I was living through
hell. You had to go and _die_, on top of it."
	He waited a moment, as though he could make the words sink 
in on someone other than himself. Then, in a much quieter, much
more subdued voice, "And you had to leave everything to me."
	He walked back to the ebony casket (it reminded him of a 
torpedo casing), and placed a shaking hand on its cover. "All
it'll be is a reminder of you."
	He felt a single tear begin to trickle down his cheek.
	"And even though I wish things could have been better 
between us, all I want is to forget you ever existed."
	Before the flood of tears could begin anew, Lucas withdrew
his hand from the casket, and left.

Copyright 1996
Rachel Brody