========================================================================== 04 - HOMECOMING I. 2047 Team ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest 2047 Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact) ========================================================================== seaQuest 2047 "Homecoming" Story by Rachel Brody & Victoria Morgan Hyde Script by Rachel Brody Wednesday, September 18, 1996 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032" ========================= PART 0 - TEASER =============================== TEASER OPEN ON WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Captain Lucas Wolenczak and Commander Jason Hunter are both present. Wolenczak is sitting at his desk, while Hunter stands on the other side. Wolenczak is passing Hunter a SEAPOC. WOLENCZAK (off SEAPOC) The orders are all there, Commander. Hunter nods, finishing his once-over. He looks up. HUNTER (slightly skeptical) A Carolinan offensive on Cuba? (beat) That's ridiculous. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Ridiculous or not, the UEO thinks there's danger of an invasion. (beat, with a mocking tone) And who are we to second-guess the thoughts of the UEO. HUNTER (a hint of a smile) Rare as they are, Sir. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Exactly. (beat, mildly annoyed) I want your shuttle in and out, understood? Don't give them time to react to your presence. (beat, gestures to SEAPOC, off orders) God only knows how Ross would react to _those_. HUNTER (without cracking a smile) God and President Ross, sir. Wolenczak stifles a chuckle and shakes his head. WOLENCZAK I suppose that's true. He stands and walks around the desk. He picks up another SEAPOC, one that's lying on the corner of his desk, and tries not to look _too_ interested through his next line. WOLENCZAK You'll want to take along someone who's good with computers. Any ideas? There's the barest trace of wistfulness in his voice. Hunter notices it. HUNTER (amused) Missing the old days? Wolenczak looks up, not having realized the root of his behavior is so obvious. WOLENCZAK (caught off-guard) What? No, of course not. I'd rather be the captain of the flagship than the science officer, any day. Hunter isn't convinced, but drops the subject. HUNTER In that case, sir, I have just the person in mind. Uneasy due to his "slip", Wolenczak would just as soon get this meeting over with ASAP. WOLENCZAK Good. We'll be in position at 1145 hours. I want your team in the launch bay and ready to go. Hunter nods. WOLENCZAK Dismissed. Hunter leaves. Wolenczak closes the door behind him, then stares at the desk for a minute. His eyes fall on a book that's on the shelf behind his desk, cover up. "The Red Badge Of Courage". WOLENCZAK (seemingly to thin air, almost aggravated/sarcastic) You're loving every minute of this, aren't you. (beat) Well, I'm glad someone's getting some enjoyment out of my life. CUT TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS The angle is over the top of the vidlink. Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell is talking to Leslie Percell, her sister. To begin with, on Percell's part at least, the conversation seems somewhat forced. PERCELL Look, Les, I'm not saying I'm not having a nice time. (beat) I just... Well, now that we're on the brink of war again, it doesn't seem like it was worth it. The camera swings around to give the audience a view of Leslie. She's about 29 years old, and gives an observer the impression of someone who's fun, whimsical, and humorous-- but it's all buried deep under a layer of sensibility that looks like it'd be impossible to get by. LESLIE (evenly) Sara, you've got to be kidding. You were ecstatic when you landed this assignment. Remember? (quoting) "It's finally my turn to do something important"? PERCELL (sighs, frustrated) But that's just it! We _aren't_ doing anything! (more so) All shift long, we jump through the UEO's hoops, praying that we don't step on our toes and give the Carrots something _else_ to yell about! (nearly to the point of yelling) Leslie, it's gotten to the point where you don't dare _breathe_, because you're too damn scared about Ross shoving it through her propaganda machine and having it come out and make the UEO look bad! She pauses, realizing her volume. She calms herself. PERCELL (normal volume) I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. But everybody's been so on edge lately, I can't-- LESLIE (gently breaking in) I understand. (beat) Mom and Dad miss you, though. We all do. Maybe you could get shore leave soon? Percell shakes her head. PERCELL (sarcastically) Yeah, right. With the whole world on the edge of their seats, wanting to see us screw up? That'd look great. (mimicking a news anchor) "In the face of boredom, CPO Sara Percell takes off for the shores of Cape Cod to visit her family." Leslie can tell she's overreacting. LESLIE You're being melodramatic. PERCELL (wryly) Moi? Melodramatic? Since when? LESLIE Since-- She is cut off by a faint chirping. PERCELL (also breaking in) Les, hold on a sec. She flips a switch on the vidlink, muting it, and stretches an arm out to barely reach her PAL, which is lying on her bed. The chair she's sitting in tips, balancing for the barest of instants on one leg, before she grabs the PAL and pushes herself back up. She turns on the PAL. PERCELL Percell here. HUNTER (over PAL) Percell, I need you for a mission. I'll debrief you on the shuttle. Be in the launch bay at 1140. Percell nods. PERCELL Yes, sir. I'll be there. HUNTER (over PAL, pleased) Great. He disconnects. Percell turns back to the vidlink and flips the switch again, un-muting it. LESLIE Well? What was that all about? Got a boyfriend yet? PERCELL (rolls her eyes) Don't start with me. Mom's bad enough. (mimicking) "Honey, your _sister_ has three kids. When are you going to find a nice man and settle down? I don't like having you out there all the time..." (beat, sarcastically without the edge) Thanks _so_ much for giving her a standard to hold me up to, sis. What _shall_ I do to repay you? LESLIE Well, you _could_ give me permission to clear out your room at-- Percell's eyes widen in horror. PERCELL (interrupting) Don't even _try_ it, Leslie Anne Harrison! If I've told you once, I've told you a million times, _you may not clear out my room_. Where do you think I'm planning on staying when I come up there to visit? LESLIE (deadpan) The couch. PERCELL You wish. (grins) Tell mom I said hi. I gotta go. New assignment. Leslie nods. LESLIE I will. Oh-- and Terry says he wants you to come soon. He misses his aunt. Isn't that sweet? Leslie looks like she's about to pull out baby pictures... PERCELL (wryly) Terry can't say he has to go to the bathroom. (beat) He's a cute kid, Les. Tell his sisters I said hi, too. (beat) Really, though, I've gotta get a move on. Leslie opens her mouth to say something else, but Percell reaches out and shuts off the vidlink before she can. The screen goes dark. Percell leans back in her seat for a moment, eyes shut, collecting herself. PERCELL (amused) Clear out my room... (chuckles) What a card. She opens her eyes, stands, and shakes her head as she begins picking up some scattered belongings. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END TEASER =========================== PART 1 ===================================== ACT ONE FADE IN TO LAUNCH BAY There is a minimal crew on duty. Percell is standing by a shuttle airlock. She's in uniform, getting more antsy by the second. She checks her watch. 1135. She looks around the bay. Her gaze falls on the door as Hunter enters, carrying a SEAPOC. He crosses the bay and walks up to her. He passes her the SEAPOC. HUNTER You're early, Chief. She nods. HUNTER Glad to see you're taking the mission seriously. (beat) Let's go. She nods, and follows him into the shuttle. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE President Eileen Ross of the Carolinan Confederation is talking, via vidlink, to the Cuban President, a small man in his late 50s. She's got the charm turned all the way up. ROSS (too sympathetically) Mr. President, I understand that you're concerned for your country's autonomy if and when you sign the treaty. But really, there's nothing to worry about! Surely you've been keeping up-to-date with the WNN newscasts, and you've got to see that my confederation is, at worst, the lesser of two evils. By becoming the first official ally of the Carolinans, you'll be guaranteeing yourself a place in the history books. (beat) But if you remain with the UEO, they'll suffocate you with their hypocrisy. (beat) Just turn the situation over in your head for a few more days. There's certainly no pressure. (beat) Of course, if another country were to sign a treaty with us first, _their_ leader would be the one who'd be in every grade-school history book by the end of the decade. There's a silent beat as the Cuban President thinks it over. CUBAN PRESIDENT (with a tad of reluctance) When put that way...you have a point. Ross smiles. He's bought her spiel, hook, line, and sinker. ROSS (cordially, smiles) Wonderful then. I'll have our representatives flown in tonight. Until then, it was nice talking. CUBAN PRESIDENT Likewise. He severs the channel. Ross' screen goes blank. She frowns and presses an intercom key. ROSS (into intercom) Gary? A moment, then her secretary, Gary DeLano, responds. DELANO (over intercom) Yes? ROSS (_very_ annoyed) When the hell is that insignia going to come on-line?! A moment of uneasy silence. DELANO (carefully) They're testing it on focus groups now, Madame President. (beat) PR just wants to make sure it has a good impression on the public before they start releasing it. ROSS (thinly) Oh. (beat) I see. She cuts the channel and sits back in her chair, eyes closed as she rubs the bridge of her nose. She reaches out with her other hand and presses the intercom key again. ROSS Gary, could you get me some aspirin? She releases the key without waiting for a response. CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE -- CGI Hunter and Percell's shuttle, going through the water. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE Percell is piloting, Hunter is in the co-pilot's seat. Hunter is finishing a communication with _seaQuest_. HUNTER (into com) We'll be in their water within the next few minutes. TRUEMAN (over com) Will you be initiating a com-blackout, Sir? HUNTER (shakes head) No, Ensign. (beat) Shuttle BL-5 out. He cuts the channel, then turns to Percell, who has been trying not to pay too close attention to his conversation with Trueman. HUNTER ETA? Percell checks her boards. PERCELL Two minutes, 33 seconds. Hunter nods. PERCELL I'm receiving a request for authorization before we approach the border. Hunter nods, pulling a small data clip out of his uniform pocket. He slips it into the drive of his console. HUNTER Transmit on my mark. He punches a few keys. HUNTER Is the virus ready? Percell nods. PERCELL Ready. Her hands are poised over her console, Hunter's over his. HUNTER (staring intently at his console) And... (beat) ...Mark! Both push their keys. A few lights go off. Percell begins typing. PERCELL The virus has been accepted as part of the message... (beat) They're replying... (beat) The codes you sent have been verified. We're in! However, she continues typing furiously. Hunter looks concerned. HUNTER Something wrong? Percell shakes her head. She finishes typing with a flourish, and sits back, a slow grin spreading across her face. PERCELL (smiling) Nope. (beat) For a minute, I was afraid they were going to reject the signal. But they didn't. She waits a moment, then looks at Hunter, still grinning. PERCELL So, Commander, where to? CUT TO SCIENCE LABS ON _SEAQUEST_ Morgan is unpacking a large crate of science equipment. She places a few pieces of equipment on a counter, then turns back to the crate. Instead, her eyes land on the door, where Reede is standing. MORGAN (annoyed) Have you been watching me or something? Reede shakes his head, entering the lab. REEDE Not at all. (beat) Just coming by to deliver something. He reaches into a pocket and pulls out a data disk. He passes it to her. REEDE (as she accepts it) It's some information I found while I was surfin' the net this morning. Thought you might think it was interesting. Morgan raises an eyebrow and looks at the disk a bit more intently. REEDE (near-sarcasm) You hafta put it in a drive to see what's on it. Morgan looks up at him. MORGAN I know that, thank you. There's a silent, tension-filled moment. Morgan sets down the disk on the counter and walks back to unloading her equipment. She pulls out a really high-tech microscope thing. Reede watches her for a moment, then his gaze goes back to the disk, then back up at her. REEDE So...are you? MORGAN Am I what? REEDE Are you going to put it in a drive? MORGAN (somewhat annoyed) I'm sorry, Mr. Reede; I'm quite busy right now. She nods toward the door. Reede follows her gaze and realizes what she means. He's a tad offended. REEDE Oh. I see. (beat) Well, see ya around. With one final look at the disk, he walks out. CUT TO SHUTTLE Percell and Hunter are still sitting, but they are both a bit more relaxed. Hunter stands. HUNTER You hungry? Percell shakes her head. PERCELL No. Hunter nods and stands, and walks to the rear of the shuttle. He pulls out some prepackaged rations and walks back up to the co- pilot's seat, and sits again. He opens it. HUNTER Anything on sensors? Percell shakes her head. Hunter takes a bite of his ration, and makes a face. Percell stifles a giggle. HUNTER What? PERCELL (off his expression) It's just... (beat) You reminded me of Aaron for a minute there. (beat) My cousin. (beat, explaining, amused) He was in the Navy, too. But he was allergic to the rations, so... She trails off and shrugs, realizing she's hit on something she doesn't feel like sharing. HUNTER (prodding) So? PERCELL (shakes her head) Never mind. Hunter nods. HUNTER Oh. (beat) You talk about your family a lot. Are there a lot of you? Percell shrugs. PERCELL I guess you could say that. There's me, my sister Leslie... Then there's Frankie, and Sam, and Heidi... (beat) And probably a few I've forgotten somewhere along the way. (beat) Like I told you, my mom and my brother Paul were stuck in Pearl for a while. They wound up coming home when the war ended. Hunter nods. HUNTER You're from Cape Cod? Percell looks over at him, slightly surprised. PERCELL How do you know that? HUNTER I didn't become XO of _seaQuest_ by ignoring the histories of my officers. He smiles. There's a few more quiet moments. Then he looks up, an expression of general perplexion on his face. HUNTER So... If I could ask you a question-- your record says you joined up right outta high school? Percell nods. PERCELL Yeah. Right after the war broke out. She looks back down at her console and hits a few keys. HUNTER I assume you were drafted? Percell looks up at him suddenly, as though he's just said something profane. PERCELL (almost hostile) I don't _think_ so. (beat) I wouldn't wait around for some computer to pull up my birth records. (beat, proudly) I enlisted almost the minute they gave me my diploma. Hunter looks a bit confused by this. HUNTER (lost) Why? Percell shrugs. PERCELL (simply, this makes perfect sense to her) It was the UEO Navy. We were at war. What do you think I was gonna do? Sit around and wait for somebody else to take responsibility? Hunter looks her over, then shakes his head. HUNTER No... I suppose not. Percell nods at his understanding. PERCELL Anyway, I was assigned to the-- She is cut off as a dull thump is heard. The shuttle rocks. Some of the lights go out. CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE -- CGI The shuttle begins to sink rapidly. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE An alarm has gone off. Hunter hits a key that shuts it off. Percell madly hits keys, and one of the lights flickers back on. HUNTER What the hell?! PERCELL (off console) We're sinking! We must have hit a thermocline or something! (beat) I can't get control of the engines-- something's taken them out! CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE -- CGI The shuttle hits bottom, ramming into the side of a small ridge. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE Hunter and Percell have both been knocked out of their seats. Percell stands, shakily. She has a cut on her forehead, and it's bleeding, but not seriously. Somewhere, water is dripping. She moves back to her seat and hits a few keys as Hunter moves to stand behind her, looking over her shoulder. Hunter looks a little worse for the wear, but nothing serious. PERCELL (quietly) Running a level-one diagnostic... There is a silent moment as she waits for the results. Hunter's brow creases, troubled. HUNTER The computer's running slow. Percell nods. The results come up. PERCELL (reading the screen) It wasn't a thermocline. We hit what looks like an old mine... She indicates a point on the screen-- a diagram of the shuttle. There's a light red blip over one of the engines. PERCELL (thinking aloud) I must have missed it while we were talking... (reading again) We've lost propulsion...main power is off line, and auxiliary only has four hours left. Life support is off-line... She trails off, and looks up at him. PERCELL And we're losing oxygen. A lot of it. (beat) I'd estimate about two hours left, on the outside. She looks back at the screen. PERCELL But communications is still on-line. (beat) Barely. (beat) Not enough to call _seaQuest_. Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER That wouldn't matter-- the Carolinans would pick up the signal. Percell throws herself back in her seat. PERCELL (almost to herself) Great. So we're going to suffocate. My mom always told me this job would kill me. But did I listen to her? No. Why would I do a stupid thing like listen to the woman who brought me into the world? HUNTER (gently) Chief. She ignores him. PERCELL (continuing) You know, this is gonna sound really dumb, but I never thought I'd go out like this. You know. When you live through a war and everything, you kinda figure you'll live through it all. But here we go. I'm gonna suffocate with the boat's XO in enemy water. HUNTER (still somewhat gently) Percell. PERCELL (_still_ not paying him any attention) If I had been paying attention to the monitor, this wouldn't have happened. God, I am such an idiot. What's the first thing they taught us? "Pay attention when you're in the pilot's seat." But again, I didn't list-- HUNTER (cutting her off, forcefully) Sara! She looks up. PERCELL (getting more depressed by the second) Sir? Hunter is amused by her sudden defeated attitude, but doing a decent job of not showing it. HUNTER (calmly, slowly, and deliberately) You missed the readings. But that is not the end of the world. We will simply call for help. Percell's jaw drops. PERCELL Sir? (beat) Uh...maybe you didn't notice, but, um, we're kind of in enemy water. HUNTER That doesn't mean they can ignore a call for assistance. Percell shakes her head, edgily. PERCELL That's not what I meant, Commander. We're in _enemy water_. They'll arrest us for trespassing! Hunter shakes his head. Percell stands. HUNTER (frustrated) I don't see that we have much of a choice! If we don't say a word, we're stuck here until the oxygen runs out! Percell stares at him for a moment, then sinks back into her seat. She looks down, then back at him. PERCELL Commander... Can I ask you a question? She's pretty shaken. Hunter realizes it. He nods. HUNTER Go ahead. PERCELL (edgily) This isn't... This isn't some kind of weird psych test, is it? (beat) Like what you told me about a few weeks ago? With that battle simulation? Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER I really doubt it. (beat) But if it is, Wolenczak's going to have a hell of a lot of explaining to do. FADE TO BLACK END ACT ONE =========================== PART 2 ===================================== ACT TWO FADE IN TO BRIDGE Everything is running smoothly. Matthews is in command. Reede, Trueman, and Riller are also on-duty, and at their appropriate stations. Morgan wanders on from the rear of the bridge, and walks to the science station, which is next to the sensors area. She stares at the console, confused. After a moment, the confusion takes on a more concerned/troubled edge. Matthews looks over at her. MATTHEWS (tersely) Ensign, is something wrong? Morgan is jerked out of her thoughts. MORGAN Uh... No, Commander. (beat) I just... (beat) I'm sorry, I don't think I'm supposed to be here. Reede stifles a chuckle. Morgan shoots him a dirty look. MATTHEWS Not as far as I know. Matthews inclines her head ever-so-slightly toward the door, indicating that Morgan should...oh...leave. MORGAN Oh. (beat) I hate to ask, but... Could you give me directions back to science lab "C"? Matthews stares at her, not quite believing what she's hearing. MATTHEWS (blankly) Directions? Morgan nods. MORGAN (somewhat embarrased) I seem to have...forgotten. Matthews nods. MATTHEWS I see. (beat) Walk off the bridge, take the stairs up to "C" deck, then go down the corridor and to your left. Once you get to the mess hall, it's the fourth door on the right. Morgan flushes, embarrassed. Reede looks back toward her. He calls as she turns to leave the bridge REEDE Or you could get on the MagLev and punch in "C" deck. Then follow the arrows. She turns an even brighter red, obviously exceedingly embarrassed. MORGAN Oh. She leaves the bridge. Reede turns to Trueman. REEDE So... That's a scientist for you. (beat) They can navigate the oceans by the stars, but put `em on a sub and they're lost. (beat, chuckles) How stupid can you get? Trueman looks over at him. TRUEMAN (under her breath) You should talk. Reede hears her and feigns an injured expression. REEDE (calmly, hitting a few keys) Hey, watch your mouth. You can learn a lot from a dummy. Trueman gives him a sideways glance. He flashes her a smile. She goes back to her work. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE Ross is sitting at her desk. She appears to be in an ill humor. There's a knock at the door. ROSS Come in. The door opens. Gary DeLano, about 30 years old, enters. He's her assistant. He's on the thin side, with sandy brown hair, and gives off the impression of being even more obsessed with public relations than Ross is. Definitely prime politician material. DELANO (entering) Well, I wanted to tell you-- Captain Anderson just called. He says that the signal has been received, and his people are moving to intercept the UEO shuttle. (beat) Our operative is in place. Ross smiles. ROSS (dryly, but in good humor) That's some of the best news I've had all day. She stands. ROSS What's their ETA? She begins gathering several papers from her desk. DELANO He says it will be about six hours, and they're bringing the officers to New Cape Quest. Ross stops and looks up at him. ROSS (suddenly a bit ticked) New Cape Quest? DeLano realizes he just made a mistake. DELANO My apologies, Madame President. The officers are being brought to Cape Newbern. Ross nods. ROSS Keep in mind, Gary-- no traces of the old. _Especially_ not New Cape Quest. He nods. ROSS (back in a good humor) When does my plane leave? DeLano is caught off-guard by this question. DELANO Your plane? ROSS I want to be there to welcome our friend back to...civilization. DeLano smiles. DELANO Of course, I apologize. I'll arrange a flight. Ross nods. DeLano exits. CUT TO SHUTTLE Hunter is sitting up, awake. Percell has fallen asleep in the pilot's seat. A light goes off on her console. Hunter reaches across her and flips the switch, being careful not to wake her up. HUNTER Yes? ANDERSON (over com) This is Captain Don Anderson of the _CCS Saratoga_. Please identify yourself. HUNTER Shuttle BL-5, Commander Jason Hunter, first officer of the _seaQuest_. There is a silent beat. ANDERSON I see. (beat) You are advised not to alter your position. Any attempt to do so will force my ship to take action to stop you. Understood? HUNTER Perfectly. Anderson cuts the channel. CUT TO SCIENCE LAB ON _SEAQUEST_ Morgan is standing by a microscope, staring through it. She hits several keys, adjusting the focus. Then she stands and walks over to the other side of the room. She passes the doorway to the MedBay, which adjoins the science lab. Burke sees her, and walks over. She stands in the door while Morgan ignores her. BURKE Ensign Morgan? Morgan looks up and smiles, but there's something not quite welcoming about it. MORGAN Doctor. BURKE Mind if I come in? Morgan shakes her head. MORGAN Why would I? It's not like I own the place. Burke sighs and walks in. She leans against one counter. BURKE You know, that's such a refreshing attitude. (beat) Just between you and me, this ship is one of the most aggravating places I've ever had to work. MORGAN (uninterested) Oh? Burke doesn't notice that Morgan is trying to brush her off. BURKE Mm-hm. You've been here a few weeks-- don't tell me you haven't noticed how ridiculous the Navy staff is. (beat) Even Captain Wolenczak-- and he's a scientist himself. (beat) Or so he says. MORGAN (tightly) Well... I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but technically, both of us are Navy staff, too. Burke shakes her head. BURKE Nah. I'm only here because I owe the Navy for Med School. As soon as I've served my time, I'm leaving. A friend of mine just got a residency at a civilian hospital on San Francisco Island, and he's got the ear of the CEO. He says that if he can move up in the ranks over there, he might be able to help me take advantage of any openings they might have. (beat) So. What're you doing here? Morgan doesn't want to talk about it right now, that's obvious. MORGAN (dryly) I'm setting up my lab. Burke takes this as an attempt at humor, which it's not. BURKE I can see that. (beat) I mean, why are you in the Navy? I mean, it's not the best place for a scientist. Lord knows we both know that. Morgan looks over at Burke, her expression and manner suddenly cooler. She obviously doesn't feel like her reasons for joining the Navy are any of Burke's business, but she's _trying_ to be polite. MORGAN (exasperated) I'm here because I want to do marine research. And the _seaQuest_ is about as good as it gets. (beat) Now, if you'll excuse me, I really have a lot to do. Burke is a bit surprised by Morgan's response to her attempt at conversation. She nods. BURKE (a bit coldly) I understand. (beat) It was nice talking to you. I won't take up any more of your time. She turns and walks out. Morgan turns away as she leaves, and tries to concentrate on her work. After a few silent seconds, she slams her palm on the table. MORGAN (to herself, frustrated) Dammit, Anne, can't you at least _try_?! CUT TO MESS HALL Reede is sitting, eating. He has a sandwich on his plate, and some chips, and a soda that's about half full. Trueman walks by, carrying a tray with her lunch on it. She pauses a moment, debating whether or not to sit with him. He pays no attention. She decides to sit, and does so, directly across the table from him. He finally looks up, and acts somewhat surprised. It's faked. REEDE Becca? You're sitting with _moi_? Trueman has a bowl of chicken noodle soup in a bowl on her tray, and a glass of juice. She eats a spoonful of soup. TRUEMAN (dryly) Don't flatter yourself. REEDE (shrugs) Hey, somebody has to. He takes a bite of his sandwich. TRUEMAN So... Do you have any idea what's going on with that shuttle Hunter and Percell went out in? REEDE Not really. I haven't been thinking about it. Trueman raises an eyebrow. TRUEMAN You haven't? REEDE I don't see a point. Whatever's going on is going on. Trueman nods. TRUEMAN I suppose. Fulton from engineering said that they're checking out some kind of top secret Carrot weapon. (beat) You think it's possible? REEDE (confused) Carrot? TRUEMAN (nods) The Carolinans. Something the lower decks started. REEDE Fulton tell you that, too? There's the _slightest_ hint of _barely_ noticeable jealousy in his voice. Nonetheless, Trueman catches it and looks at him. When she sees his expression, she stifles a chuckle. REEDE What? TRUEMAN Don't waste your time, Reede. He could snap you like a twig. Reede picks up his glass and takes a sip, thinking it over. REEDE (nonchalantly) I suppose you'd know about that, wouldn't you. His comment turns Trueman suddenly hostile. TRUEMAN Who told you that? REEDE Keith MacIssac. TRUEMAN He's an idiot. REEDE I suppose he'd have to be. Trueman watches Reede for a moment, but he doesn't seem to think he's said anything out of line. She forgives him. TRUEMAN So... You didn't hear any rumors? Reede shakes his head. REEDE Nope. TRUEMAN (a bit disappointed) Oh. (beat) I got a question for you. REEDE Yeah? Trueman nods. REEDE Shoot. TRUEMAN (a little uncomfortably) Hypothetically speaking, what do you think would happen if, say...a shuttle went out and didn't report in for...oh... Well, let's just say they were...kinda quiet since they crossed some border. (beat) And...say the com officer decided that since they hadn't set any kind of check-in time, there wasn't any reason to really panic. She trails off, a near-desperate expression on her face. She's quite distressed. Reede considers her question for a moment. REEDE I... (beat) I'd say that com officer had better make a full report to the Captain before someone decided that she'd screwed up. Trueman's expression falls even lower. TRUEMAN Really? REEDE Becca, let me give you some advice. Don't try to second-guess the brass. They're so willing to screw you over it's sick. Trueman is a bit perplexed by this remark, but nods. TRUEMAN Oh. REEDE (indicates her plate) You want me to take care of that? She nods. TRUEMAN Yeah. Thanks. She stands and walks out. Reede watches her go and shakes his head, amused. After a moment, he stands, picks up both his tray and hers, neither of which is empty, and moves toward the garbage chute. He dumps the contents of both trays down the chute, then walks back to the table he was at and sits, and rests his head in his hands. CUT TO EXTERIOR SHUTTLE -- CGI Caption reads: "90 minutes later" There is an air leak in the rear of the shuttle. Slowly, a shadow comes over the shuttle. The camera pans upwards. The _Saratoga_, a Carolinan ship, looms overhead. The _Saratoga_ shoots a grapnel torpedo. The torpedo catches the top of the shuttle and begins to reel it in. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE Hunter and Percell are both awake, but not entirely coherent-- the oxygen level is pretty low. The shuttle shudders as it is pulled. CUT TO _SARATOGA_ BAY Percell and Hunter are being "escorted" off their shuttle by armed Carolinan guards. Neither has completely recovered, but both look a bit better. Both are handcuffed. Captain Don Anderson, a dark-haired man in his mid-40s, watches from the doorway. Percell is taken out of the room by two guards. She's fighting as best as possible, considering the circumstances. Once she's gone, Hunter's guards walk him to Anderson. Anderson and Hunter look at each other for a moment. HUNTER You might want to tell them to get these (indicates handcuffs) off. (beat) I'm sure you'd prefer I not give Ross a...bad report. Anderson nods to one of the guards, who looks perplexed, but complies. Hunter smiles and rubs his wrists briefly. HUNTER Thank you, Captain. (beat) I assume we're headed for Cape Newbern? There's a certain strain between Anderson and Hunter-- like Anderson knows that Hunter has the power to do something he won't like, and doesn't want to acknowledge it. ANDERSON (stiffly) Sorry, Commander, but I'm not authorized to give you that information. Hunter doesn't look happy. HUNTER Really? ANDERSON (tightly) Yes, Commander, really. He looks at the other "guard," a lieutenant. ANDERSON Lieutenant Kline, please escort the commander to his quarters. HUNTER Captain, I assure you-- ANDERSON (interrupting) I don't care, Hunter. (beat) Ross may trust you, but I'm not that stupid. Before Hunter can object, Kline gestures to the door. KLINE This way, commander. Hunter shoots Anderson a dirty look as he goes, but Anderson isn't fazed. FADE TO BLACK END ACT TWO =========================== PART 3 ===================================== ACT THREE FADE IN TO CAPE NEWBERN Cape Newbern, formerly New Cape Quest, is a large city. The _Saratoga_ is docked. The camera slowly pulls in toward a white skyscraper. CUT TO INTERIOR, PERCELL'S "CELL" A room in the skyscraper, near the top. It's set up like a hotel room. Nice furniture, a TV, etc. Percell is asleep on the bed, still in her uniform, probably sedated. She is still for several moments, then stirs. She slowly wakes and sits up. She looks around and realizes that she's not in Kansas anymore. She stands and walks to the door, and tries to open the knob. It's locked. It dawns on her. PERCELL (to herself) I'm locked in... She considers this for a brief moment, then rattles the knob again. PERCELL (yelling) Somebody unlock the door! She gives the knob one last hard tug, then strikes out at the door in frustration. The silence that follows the whack merely emphasizes the fact that she's trapped. She turns, back to the wall, and surveys the room. Her gaze lingers on several pieces of furniture, the corners where the ceiling and walls meet, a picture of a seascape that's hanging on the wall, etc. She sees the window and looks out. She sees the city, stretching out below. CUT TO EXTERIOR BUILDING We see Percell's reaction as she realizes where she is. CUT TO INTERIOR PERCELL'S "CELL" She turns from the window. PERCELL (angry) You goddamned Carrot sonsabitches can _forget_ about me-- She's cut off as we... CUT TO SECURITY CAMERA VIEW Percell is still yelling, but now it can no longer be heard-- the camera doesn't have audio capabilities. She hits the door a couple times, jiggles the knob, etc. The angle of the camera shot indicates that it's in a corner of the room, opposite the door. CUT TO ROSS'S OFFICE The camera pulls back, slowly. We see Ross, mesmerized by the monitor and by the image of Percell, stalking back and forth. There is a hint of a smile on her face, but her overall expression is troubled. ROSS (seemingly to herself) Jason, I swear I'm going to kill you for this... How on earth am I supposed to come up with a cover story for _her_?! The camera pulls back a bit more, and we realize that there is someone else in the room with her. Hunter is standing on the other side of her desk, slightly off to one side, and he's not in the best of humor. HUNTER Hand it over to DeLano. He seems to be doing pretty well. Ross looks up at him, and regards him as one might regard a small bug. ROSS (gestures at the screen) And what do we do with _her_ in the meantime? Hunter looks at the screen and shrugs. HUNTER (nonchalantly) That's not my problem. He reaches out and takes the monitor, then swivels it to face himself. He watches Percell for a few moments. HUNTER (under his breath) Sara, when _will_ you learn.... (beat, to Ross) She's too naive to be a threat, and she knows a hell of a lot about the UEO. ROSS (flatly) That's what you're here for. HUNTER She's good with computers... And she knows enough about the UEO's sensors to help us put a wrench in their projects... ROSS The problem is, I didn't hire her, and she hasn't been reporting back to me for the past five months. (beat) I don't have any use for her. She's a liability. HUNTER And? ROSS One officer is easy enough to brush off. The UEO loses its people right and left. (beat) And they won't go to war over a "defection". She nods at the screen, and Percell. ROSS (off Percell) But let the press get wind of a POW, and... She trails off, leaving the rest of her sentence to the imagination. She thinks for a moment. Hunter doesn't say a word. Ross looks up. ROSS (sarcastically) The mighty UEO, persecuting us for wanting to exercise our right to self-determination, sending cruisers into our water, harassing us at every turn... (beat) It's not an easy image to maintain, Jason. (beat) And _she_ (indicates Percell) is not going to make it any easier. (beat, shakes head) What the hell was Wolenczak thinking?! The leaks made it _clear_ that the rumors were _only_ rumors! (beat) He didn't _need_ to send anyone else along, much less _her_. Hunter looks decidedly uncomfortable. Ross catches on in an instant. Her eyes narrow in suspicion. ROSS (not a question) What happened. Hunter is trying to make his discomfort less obvious, and not doing the best of jobs. He shakes his head. HUNTER Bringing Percell was my decision. I needed someone who could handle computers. Ross begins to get angry-- they fire dialogue back and forth at each other. ROSS You had the codes. HUNTER The UEO would have known something was wrong if I'd been able to get in immediately. They would have sent someone after me. ROSS (furious) And _I_ could have claimed that they were invading our waters! (beat) We would have had a _legitimate_ reason for a counter-attack! (beat) What the _hell_ is wrong with you?! Hunter tones his manner down, so as not to tick Ross off even more. He is now calm and rational. HUNTER (slowly and deliberately) Madame President. While I know the _seaQuest_'s design specs inside and out, there _are_ certain aspects of her design that we altered during our launch. The crew is made of people from all over the UEO. And I don't know all of them. (beat) As first officer, I wasn't given the opportunity to review all the changes. However, Percell worked parallel to the engineering department-- she's aware of most of the technical alterations, as well as the mentality of the crew. (beat) I realize that you want to cover your tracks, but there's no reason to get bent out of shape due to this...hitch. (beat) Give me twenty minutes alone with her. I'll convince her whose side she should be on. Ross watches him for a moment, their eyes locked in a silent staring match. Finally, Ross nods. ROSS (_barely_ reluctant) Fine. (beat) But if she makes the wrong decision, she's dead. (beat) I refuse to let everything I've worked for be ruined because of _your_ bad judgement. (beat) The _Saratoga_ is preparing to destroy the shuttle you used. DeLano's department is preparing her death report. Hunter nods. ROSS As far as I'm concerned, either she's with us, or she died in the initial crash. Hunter nods again. ROSS Dismissed. Hunter goes. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The _seaQuest_ is still in the water, near the border of the Carolinan Confederation. The ship comes over a coral reef as we watch. CUT TO BRIDGE Trueman is on duty. Matthews has command. Wolenczak walks onto the bridge to relieve her. WOLENCZAK Commander. Matthews stands and moves to walk off the bridge. Trueman watches from her station, then stands. TRUEMAN Captain, may I speak with you? Wolenczak raises an eyebrow. Trueman gestures off the bridge. TRUEMAN In private, sir? Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Of course. (beat) Commander, if you could hold down the fort for a few more minutes? MATTHEWS Yes, sir. She sits again. Trueman follows Wolenczak off the bridge. CUT TO CORRIDOR OFF BRIDGE Wolenczak and Trueman walk off the bridge. Wolenczak stops, and looks back toward the bridge, then to Trueman. WOLENCZAK Is this private enough? Trueman nods. TRUEMAN Mm-hm. (beat) Commander Hunter and Chief Percell haven't reported in since they crossed the border. Wolenczak stares for a moment. Trueman thinks he's angry. TRUEMAN (rushing to explain) Captain, I didn't realize that there was cause for concern until-- WOLENCZAK (with a glimpse at his watch, angry) Ensign, do you realize that was _over six hours ago_? (just short of condescending) _My_ understanding of this mission was that you had been informed it would _not_ performed under a communications-blackout. His volume is rising. A noncom passes by, and gives the two of them a look. Wolenczak realizes that he's nearly shouting, and immediately lowers his voice, but is still angry. WOLENCZAK (quieter, nearly hissing) Was I mistaken?! Trueman shakes her head, forcing herself to remain composed. TRUEMAN (somewhat cowed) No, sir. Wolenczak takes a deep breath. He turns, shakes his head, and looks over his shoulder back at her. Then he looks away, back at the bulkhead, shaking his head in disbelief. Trueman is getting edgier and edgier by the second. Finally, Wolenczak turns back to her. WOLENCZAK (reining in anger) Ensign, I have served under captains who would keelhaul you for such a gross dereliction of duty. (beat) And God help you if either Hunter or Percell is in trouble. (beat) But quite frankly, I'm sure you're going to be _very_ careful before you "forget" to make another report like this one. (beat) And at the risk of sounding like a grade school teacher, I'm sure you've learned your lesson. Trueman is beginning to relax as she realizes that Wolenczak is _not_ going to kill her. WOLENCZAK (continuing) On the other hand, I'm sure you'll understand if I ask you to get someone to fill in for you for the remainder of the shift. I need to know that I can count on the person stationed at communications not to leave _vital information_ out of their reports. (beat) You're suspended from active duty for the remainer of the shift. And confined to quarters as well. (beat) And I'm putting a written report on your service jacket. Trueman's eyes widen in horror. TRUEMAN (panicking) Sir, you-- I-- WOLENCZAK (reining in anger) That will be all, _Ensign_. Trueman fights to shove her words back down her throat, but is obviously quite distressed. She may not get killed as a result of her mistake, but Wolenczak's not going to let her have a freebie. TRUEMAN (tightly) Yes, sir. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (tightly) Dismissed. Trueman salutes, turns, and walks away. The camera is on Wolenczak as he walks back to the bridge. CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak enters. He walks to Matthews. WOLENCZAK (quietly) Commander, I'd like you to take a Stinger out on recon in Carolinan waters. MATTHEWS (confused, quietly) A Stinger? WOLENCZAK (nods, quietly) A Marauder would be too easy to "mistake" as a provocation. MATTHEWS (quietly) On recon? What am I looking for? Wolenczak glances toward the door, then nods. WOLENCZAK (quietly) Commander Hunter's shuttle. A look of horrified comprehension takes over Matthew's expression. She nods. MATTHEWS (quietly) Yes, sir. She stands and walks off the bridge. Wolenczak sits down in the command chair. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI A Stinger leaves the launch bay and takes off for Carolinan waters. CUT TO MAGLEV Trueman is sitting on the MagLev. The doors open. Reede walks in. He sees her, and checks his watch. REEDE Aren't you on-shift right now? Trueman looks up, just noticing him. TRUEMAN Hm? (beat) I was. There's a note in her voice that clues Reede into the fact that her life is not sunshine and lollipops at the moment. He sits next to her as the MagLev begins to move again. REEDE So... You told him? She nods. REEDE What did he say? TRUEMAN (trying to shrug it off) He relieved me of duty. (beat) And I'm confined to quarters for the rest of the shift. Reede looks up at the ceiling of the MagLev, and shakes his head. REEDE Yeah, well, you got off easy. TRUEMAN (continuing) And he's putting me _on report_! Reede looks at her for a moment. REEDE (surprised) On _report_? Trueman nods, just this side of miserable. Reede wants to say something, but can't bring himself to do so. REEDE Well... That's a little harsh, but at least he's not transferring you off ship or something. The MagLev stops. Without offering further explanation, Reede stands and walks off. CUT TO INTERIOR STINGER Matthews is piloting. She has a channel open to the _seaQuest_. MATTHEWS I'm... (checks readouts) Half a kilometer over the border. She is silent for several seconds. Then she spots something on sensors. She looks somewhat confused and a bit concerned. MATTHEWS (into com) I'm reading a Carolinan attack sub, Seltar- Class. (beat) Their position is two kilometers north of my current position. WOLENCZAK (over com) Go in for a closer look. See if you can figure out what they're looking at. Matthews nods. MATTHEWS Yes sir. Moving to investigate. CUT TO EXTERIOR STINGER The Stinger turns and goes off in another direction. CUT TO RIDGE The _Saratoga_ is positioned over the place where Hunter and Percell's shuttle went down. CUT TO _SARATOGA_ BRIDGE Captain Anderson is in command. The officer at sensors, a young man, looks up. SENSOR OFFICER Captain... I'm reading a UEO Stinger in the vicinity. (beat) Readings suggest its location to be approximately two hundred meters to the south. Anderson looks to the tactical officer, a woman in her thirties. ANDERSON Go to red-alert. She nods and hits the appropriate keys. ANDERSON Sound general quarters. Load all torpedoes. The first officer looks a bit confused. FIRST OFFICER _All_ torpedoes? For one Stinger? Anderson shoots him a withering glare. ANDERSON Prepare to fire on my mark. The tactical officer nods. CUT TO PERCELL'S CELL Percell is pacing, getting jumpy. She's obviously scared to death, but doesn't want to let anyone watching whatever security cameras she knows are there know it. The door opens. Hunter is shoved in by two guards. One is Lieutenant Kline from the _Saratoga_. KLINE (to Hunter) Ten minutes. Hunter nods. He looks at Percell. She's shocked to see him. HUNTER Percell? Are you okay? She gets over her shock and looks at him closely. PERCELL Commander... (relieved) Thank God you're alive. Do you have any idea of what's going on? I haven't seen anyone since those bastards locked me in here. Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER Sara, I have bad news. Percell looks at him. Worse news is something she doesn't need right now. HUNTER Ross is preparing to release a death report for you. Percell's eyes widen and her jaw drops. PERCELL (in shock) Death report?! Are you kidding?! HUNTER No. PERCELL My parents'll _kill_ me! Hunter shakes his head as Percell sinks to the floor. HUNTER I had a time and a half getting in here. Percell looks up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. PERCELL (barely a squeak) They're gonna _execute_ me?! Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER No. (beat, reluctantly) We have another option. But you won't like it. CUT TO STINGER All is as before. MATTHEWS (into com, edgy) Captain, I think they've picked me up. (beat) I've got the shuttle on sensors, though. It has a hull breach. WOLENCZAK (over com) Can you see anything else? MATTHEWS No, sir. She reacts to something on her sensor display. MATTHEWS (with an edge of concern) Captain, they've altered their course. They're headed right at me! WOLENCZAK (concerned, over com) Get the hell outta there, Matthews. MATTHEWS (all too happy to comply) Yes _sir_. She hits a few keys. CUT TO EXTERIOR STINGER -- CGI Matthews veers off, back on a course to UEO waters. CUT TO PERCELL'S CELL All is as before. PERCELL A way out of it? It dawns on her: a jailbreak. She breaths a sigh of relief. PERCELL Oh. She gestures toward the door. PERCELL I _should_ be able to short out the-- Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER That's not what I meant. PERCELL (confused) It's not? HUNTER No. Percell stares at him for a moment. PERCELL Then what? HUNTER We can stay here. A look of shock dawns over Percell's face. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE =========================== PART 4 ===================================== ACT FOUR OPEN IN PERCELL'S CELL All is as before. Her expression is still one of utter shock. Hunter's expression and manner are serene-- as though he hasn't realized what he's just said. Percell looks at him for a moment, hoping she's misheard him. PERCELL (quietly) Commander? Hunter doesn't respond. PERCELL Stay here? (beat) In _jail_?! Hunter shakes his head. HUNTER (almost pleading) Sara, please, you've got to look at the bigger picture here. We were tresspassing in Carolinan waters. We don't have a position. Percell reacts almost as though his words pained her. PERCELL No position?! (beat, near desperate) Can't we...put a letter through to the UEO embassy or something?! Hunter stifles a chuckle. HUNTER UEO Embassy? (beat) The UEO doesn't _have_ an embassy here. We're not on speaking terms. PERCELL But that's ridiculous! There's got to be a way we can-- Her words have the effect of making Hunter very, very angry. HUNTER (exploding) Dammit, Sara, I'm _trying_ to help you! But if you don't take this way out, we'll bury you so deep in red tape that _no one_ will _ever_ find you again! He realizes he slipped, but it's too late. The expression on Percell's face changes to one of dawning comprehension. PERCELL (repeating) "We"? She sounds as though she's trying not to believe what she knows is true. Hunter tries to talk his way out of it, as though it's not too late. HUNTER (backpedaling) They. Sara, these people are-- Percell's manner grows cold as she realizes that there's only one way that she can interpret everything, only one direction in which all the evidence points. PERCELL (coldly) You sold us out. HUNTER (still attempting innocence) Me? Sell out? As if lying wasn't enough, the sonofabitch is gonna try and fake his way out of it! This doesn't sit well with Percell, who begins to get angry. PERCELL (furious) You sold out the UEO! Hunter grabs her by the shoulders and shakes her, violently. He's dropped the act, accepting the fact that it isn't going to work. HUNTER (yelling angrily) That is _none_ of your business! Percell jerks herself out of his grasp. PERCELL (furious) You son of a bitch. (beat) Go to Hell. Hunter is livid-- about half a millimeter from completely losing it. He takes a step back. Percell makes no move to stop him. He composes himself, takes a deep breath, etc. Then he looks at her coolly and shakes his head. HUNTER Not quite, Sara. (beat) Florida. Almost as hot, but nicer beaches. (beat) And I think President Ross mentioned some...plans for you. If you decided not to go along with her proposal... (beat) ...I'll have to tell her to put the wheels in motion. Without giving her a chance to respond, he walks out. The door locks automatically behind him. Percell stares for a moment before sinking to the floor, leaning against the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to get a handle on her fury. CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak, Riller, Trueman, and Reede are on duty and at their appropriate stations. All are on edge, waiting for the recon stinger to get back. The young man at sensors, Seaman Hassleback, looks up. HASSLEBACK Captain... Wolenczak looks up. WOLENCZAK Report? HASSLEBACK I'm getting the Stinger back on WSKRS. A communal sigh of relief. TRUEMAN (repeating from her headset) Commander Matthews says she finally got the sensor readings off the shuttle. She was able to double back. (beat) But... Trueman pauses, recieving some _bad_ information. She looks up to Wolenczak. TRUEMAN She says the shuttle's been destroyed. (beat) And she isn't picking up any lifesigns. Silence descends over the bridge. A moment passes. WOLENCZAK Lieutenant Riller, you have the bridge. (beat) Tell the commander I want a full report when she gets back. Riller nods. Wolenczak walks off the bridge. Riller and Trueman exchange glances. Then Trueman looks back at her console. TRUEMAN Lieutenant...we're being hailed. It's a secured channel. (beat) Directly from Raleigh. Riller doesn't look too happy about this. Truth be told, neither does anyone else. RILLER (tightly) Put it up. Trueman nods. The screen goes black. After a moment, a logo flickers, but it doesn't look quite finished. Next, DeLano appears on screen, looking at a small screen, annoyed. We can barely see the screen, but it's the same bad pic of the logo that our people were looking at. DeLano realizes he's got an open channel. He turns on the charm. Our people will have nothing of it. RILLER (not wanting to be helpful) I'm Lieutenant Justin Riller of the _seaQuest_. (beat) Can I help you? After a moment of shuffling papers so he looks important, DeLano looks at Riller and fakes a brief smile. DELANO Yes. I'm President Ross' personal assistant. She'd like to speak with Captain Wolenczak. RILLER (without missing a beat) Oh, would she? (beat) He's not available. DeLano can see _right_ through this-- Riller's not too good at faking his authority. DELANO (not amused) Oh, isn't he. (beat) She wanted to discuss the recent...incursion of our waters. RILLER She'd have to go to the UEO board. Okay, that's it, DeLano isn't going to humor Riller any longer. DELANO (seriously impatient/ticked off) Lieutenant, unless you'd like me to explain to the President just who made this communication so difficult, you'd better put the channel through. Now. (beat) Because, just between you, me, and the wall, she could make your life a living hell. Riller raises an eyebrow. He's not scared, but has the feeling that DeLano _could_ make him pretty miserable if he really, really tried. RILLER (to Trueman) Put him thorugh. Trueman nods and hits a few keys. DeLano disappears from the screen. Reede turns around to face Riller for a moment, still sitting. REEDE Well, Lieutenant... Congratulations on a job...imaginatively done. Riller shoots Reede a _look_. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is pacing, by himself and trying to recover from the news of the shuttle. His com beeps. He takes it out and activates it. TRUEMAN (over PAL, somewhat hesitant) Captain... (beat, musters up the guts to say it) ...President Ross would like to speak with you. On a secured channel. Oh. So things _can_ get worse. Wolenczak nods reluctantly. WOLENCZAK (into com) Put her through. He disconnects and walks to his desk. He sits in front of the monitor. Ross is waiting. She's obviously itching to rub _something_ in his face-- he just doesn't know exactly what it is yet. ROSS (cordially, but fakely) Captain Wolenczak. It's an honor to finally speak with you. I've heard so much about your efforts on behalf of the UEO. (beat) I've also been...fortunate enough...to have had several run-ins with a former commanding officer of yours. (beat) A shame he had to...depart like that. Her veiled referance to Hudson makes Wolenczak's temper become that much shorter. He's barely able to force himself to be civil. He looks down at the desk and shuffles some papers of his own. WOLENCZAK (tightly) Well, Madame President, I'm glad you think so. (beat) As much as I'd like to talk, I have several pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps if-- ROSS (interrupting) One of which, I'm sure, is the condition of the UEO shuttle BL-5. Wolenczak's intrest has been grabbed. His head snaps up to the screen. Ross knows she's got him hooked. ROSS We picked up trace amounts of residue from a power core in the vicinity of the south- eastern border of Florida. It's been confirmed with the trace code of UEO shuttle BL-5. (beat) And just a few minutes ago, one of the border patrols picked up a UEO Stinger in our water. Wolenczak debates disputing this, then realizes it's pointless. He decides that the direct approach would be the best. WOLENCZAK Do you have any information on the crew members in BL-5? ROSS (simply, remorselessly) They're both dead. Wolenczak stares, in shock. Ross is enjoying his reaction immensely. She reaches out for a switch. But before she cuts the channel, she has one last twist of the knife to make. ROSS And Captain, please make sure that your crew keeps to _your_ side of the border in the future. Since no harm was done _this_ time, I'm willing to forgive and forget. I won't be next time. She flips off the channel. Wolenczak stares at the blank screen in shock. CUT TO PERCELL'S CELL Percell is still sitting where we left her, by the bed. There is a rattling noise at the door. She looks up. After a moment or so, the door opens. Two Carolinan guards walk in. PERCELL (angry, a bit scared) Who are you? Neither answers. Percell struggles as they yank her to her feet and handcuff her. PERCELL (more so) What the-- They take her out of the room, still struggling. CUT TO LAUNCH BAY ON _SEAQUEST_ Matthews walks out of the door to the Stinger's launch area. She's in a flight suit, taking off her helmet. She walks to her storage area, and hangs the helmet on a hook. Then her PAL chirps. She pulls it out and turns it on. MATTHEWS Yes? TRUEMAN (over PAL) Commander, Captain Wolenczak said he wanted a full report when you got back. He's in his office. MATTHEWS I'll be there as soon as I can. Trueman nods. TRUEMAN (over PAL) I'll let him know. CUT TO INTERROGATION ROOM A classic interrogation room. Badly lit, but for a single chair in the center of the room, which is bathed in a strong light. That's where Percell is sitting, handcuffed. Hunter is watching from the doorway as Percell is questioned. A guard stands to either side; the interrogator in front of her. INTERROGATOR What was your mission in Carolinan waters? Without so much as a blink, Percell responds. PERCELL Name: Percell, Sara. Rank: Chief Petty Officer. Serial number-- She is cut off as the interrogator backhands her across the jaw. She glares up at him. INTERROGATOR (losing his patience) Chief Percell, we've been through this at least a dozen times. (beat) If you don't answer the question, we'll be forced to take more..._drastic_ measures. Percell doesn't make a sound, just keeps glaring. The interrogator shakes his head. INTERROGATOR Have it your-- HUNTER (breaking in) Hold it. The interrogator, guards, and Percell all looks to where Hunter is standing. He walks forward from the door a bit. Without taking his eyes off Percell, he speaks to the interrogator and the guards. HUNTER Give me the room. The interrogator opens his mouth to argue. HUNTER (angrily) _Do it_. The others leave. Percell glares at Hunter as the door closes, leaving the two of them alone. PERCELL (stifling her fury) I don't need special favors, Hunter. HUNTER That's _Commander_ Hunter, Chief. Percell shakes her head coldly. PERCELL Not after what you did. (beat) So, how long has this been going on? (beat) Since the bombing? Or maybe even before then? Hunter regards her for a moment, then slowly walks around behind her. She cranes her neck to keep him in sight, but can't. HUNTER (from behind her) Sara, don't try to judge me. You have _no idea_ what _real_ life is like. (beat) You've spent all _your_ life sheltered in the loving arms of the UEO Navy. He walks back around in front of her. HUNTER So you think I made a mistake? Percell doesn't respond. Hunter is angered by her lack of fear. He glares at her. HUNTER Well, I don't give a _damn_ what you think of me or what I'm doing. He turns his back to her as he walks to the door. PERCELL You're lucky I'm cuffed to this chair, or you'd be dead now. Hunter glances back at her. HUNTER I don't think so, Sara. I really don't think so. He hits the com key on the wall by the door. HUNTER You can come back in. The door opens. The guards and the interrogator re-enter the room. INTERROGATOR (aside, to Hunter) Get anything out of her? Hunter shoots a glance back to Percell, then looks at the guard. HUNTER Nothing. He leaves. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is sitting, reading "The Red Badge of Courage". There is a knock at the door. He looks up. WOLENCZAK Come in. He marks his place as the door opens. Matthews, back in her regular uniform, enters. She shuts the door behind her. She's holding a SEAPOC, which she puts on Wolenczak's desk. MATTHEWS My report, Captain. Woenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Commander... (beat) I have some...bad news from President Ross. (beat) The shuttle was destroyed with all hands. Matthews is shocked. She's upset, but doing a decent job of hiding it. MATTHEWS (shaken) I...see. (beat) Does the rest of the crew know? Wolenczak shakes his head. MATTHEWS I see. Wolenczak struggles to find the words he wants to use. What he has to say isn't easy. WOLENCZAK And... (beat) I know that you and Chief Percell were friends. (beat) And I'm sure she'd want you to be the one who... Matthews nods, understanding and wanting to spare Wolenczak the difficulty of saying the words aloud. MATTHEWS I understand, sir. (beat) I'll do it as soon as I'm off-shift. Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No. Do it now. MATTHEWS (a bit confused) Sir? Wolenczak glances at his book, sitting on his desk. WOLENCZAK (difficultly) These things... You shouldn't put them off. (beat) Do it now. Matthews glances at the book. She understands and nods. WOLENCZAK Thank you, Commander. MATTHEWS (having problems holding it in) Of course, sir. WOLENCZAK Dismissed. She nods and backs to the door, then turns and leaves. Wolenczak picks up the book and opens it to the front cover. He stares at Hudson's signature, takes a deep breath, and shuts the book. FADE TO BLACK END ACT FOUR =========================== PART 5 ===================================== ACT FIVE FADE IN TO PERCELL'S QUARTERS The camera begins with a shot through the door of Percell's quarters. The sound of someone shuffling through Percell's personal effects can be heard. The camera slowly PULLS IN through the door, and we see Matthews. She is crouched in a corner, and sorting through Percell's things. At the moment, she's working with the videodisc collection. Stacks of old Disney and Paramount vids are piled up around her. She's concentrating hard on what she's doing, but having a difficult time of it. She stops for a moment, seeing something she hadn't expected. It's in behind the vids. She reaches back and pulls it out. It's a small com disk. She looks at it for a moment, and reads the label: "sQ/CC com". She takes a deep breath, steels herself, and pops it into the com drive. She hits the "play" key. The screen comes to life. There is a Carolinan officer on the screen. Matthews swears under her breath. MATTHEWS (whispered) What the hell... OFFICER (on screen) Senator Ross has received your latest report. We've decided on a course of action. The treaty signing is planned for this Thursday. (beat) I've been notified by your...contacts...that our excuse will present itself. Matthews' expression becomes more and more shocked as she realizes what she's seeing. She leaves the com running as she drops back to the floor and begins sifting through the remaining vids. She comes back up with a handful of the com disks. She pulls out her PAL. MATTHEWS (into PAL, rushed) Captain, I think you should call a briefing of the senior staff. WOLENCZAK (over PAL) What for? Matthews responds, but is still staring at the disks. MATTHEWS (into PAL) I...found something in Percell's quarters that I think you should see. Momentary silence. WOLENCZAK (over PAL) Understood. Notify everyone. We'll meet in the Wardroom at 1430 hours. He cuts the channel. Matthews pops the com disk out of the slot, and puts it in her hand with the other ones. CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE Hitchcock is sitting at her desk, talking with Ross via the vidlink. Neither is in a very good mood. HITCHCOCK President Ross, I have a _confirmed_ report from Captain Wolenczak that a UEO shuttle was found destroyed in Carolinan waters. He also tells me that-- ROSS (on vidlink) Madame Secretary, I'd tell you that Captain Wolenczak is an inexperienced child who has no business being in command of your flagship, but it's not my place to instruct you on how to run your navy. (beat) Off the record, I think you made one of the biggest mistakes you ever could have, and to myself and the rest of the world, it smacks of nepotism. I understand that shipmates stick together, but it was enough of an insult to any skills he might _once_ have had that Hudson took it on himself to be Wolenczak's...advocate. Hitchcock is smoldering. Ross is cool as can be. ROSS (continuing) Quite frankly, I'm insulted that you'd even _consider_ criticizing _my_ methods and _my_ confederation, when your troubles are obviously so much deeper than mine. (beat) And in case you've forgotten, Katherine, I have international law on my side. As well as popular opinion. (beat, smugly) As well as the report of a Stinger in my water less than two hours ago. Ross finishes her speech without flourish, and looks at Hitchcock, who is nearly floored. She smiles. ROSS At any rate, I'm sure we'll have opportunity to speak again soon. I'm looking forward to it. (beat) Have a nice day. Ross reaches out and turns off her end of the channel. The screen goes dark. Hitchcock leans back in her chair, pushes her hair back, and shakes her head in frustration. CUT TO BRIDGE Morgan is at the science station. The rest of the bridge is manned by extras. Burke walks on from the rear of the bridge and looks around. She sees there's a lieutenant in command, and walks over to Morgan, trying to remain inconspicuous. It's obvious that she feels a bit out-of-place up here. She leans ever-so-slightly on the console next to Morgan's, which is WSKRS, and faces the rest of the bridge as she speaks. BURKE (sideways, whispering, to Morgan) Where's the captain? Morgan shrugs, not taking her eyes off her console. MORGAN They called some sort of meeting in the wardroom. Burke raises an eyebrow. BURKE Excuse me? (beat) A briefing? Morgan shrugs. MORGAN (untroubled) I haven't the slightest idea. I wasn't invited. Burke is getting more-than-slightly ticked off. BURKE (under her breath) That egotistical... (beat) Come on. She takes Morgan by the arm and pulls her up. MORGAN (pulling away) What are you doing?! The bridge people look up. The lieutenant in the command chair doesn't look at all happy with the situation. LIEUTENANT Doctor? Is there a problem? Burke flashes a thin smile. BURKE (very annoyed) Yes, there is. Nothing you need to concern yourself with. The ensign and I will be going now. She indicates that Morgan is to come with her. Morgan flashes the lieutenant an apologetic look as she's dragged off. CUT TO WARDROOM Wolenczak, Matthews, Callan, Riller, Trueman, and Reede are seated around the table. Matthews is talking. The com log that she viewed earlier is playing on the screen. OFFICER (on screen, finishing) I've been notified by your...contacts...that our excuse will present itself. Matthews reaches out and turns off the screen. Then she looks at Wolenczak. MATTHEWS Captain... I don't know what to say about this, but... She trails off. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (deeply troubled) This is a problem... Matthews nods. TRUEMAN So... You think those are Percell's? Matthews raises an eyebrow, confused. MATTHEWS Who else's could they be? I found them in her quarters. Wolenczak's expression falls. The other members of the staff, except for Matthews and Wolenczak, exchange confused glances. There's a question here that no one wants to ask. Finally, Reede works up the nerve. REEDE You were...in her quarters? (beat, exchanges glances with rest of crew) May I ask why? Wolenczak takes a deep breath and stands before Matthews can say anything. WOLENCZAK (reluctantly) President Ross has informed me that-- He's cut off as the door slams open. In marches a _very_ ticked off Burke, followed by a more subdued Morgan. Burke goes _straight_ to Wolenczak, stopping mere inches in front of him. She's more than ticked off. She's ready to rip Wolenczak limb from limb. BURKE (a la Westphalen to Ford) Captain, I don't suppose you'd care to explain why Ensign Morgan and I were left out of this briefing, which _obviously_ includes the rest of the senior staff! Wolenczak shoots a glance at Matthews. She shrugs. Burke sees it and zeros in on Matthews. She walks to a point across the table from the lieutenant commander, and glares at her, arms folded across her chest. BURKE (barely reining in anger) Lieutenant Commander, do you have something you'd like to say? Matthews stands. MATTHEWS (coolly) I apologize, doctor. I wasn't aware that this briefing required taking away from your valuable time. (beat, off Wolenczak) I had some news that Captain Wolenczak needed to be made aware of. BURKE (livid) Yet you had the _rest_ of the senior-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) Doctor, Ensign, we're glad you could make it. BURKE (under her breath) Like hell. Wolenczak chooses to ignore her remark. WOLENCZAK Please... He indicates two of the empty seats. WOLENCZAK ...Have a seat. Both of you. They sit. Burke is still fuming, but has realized that there's no point in pursuing the argument. Wolenczak directs his attention back to Matthews. The rest of the staff tries not to pay attention to the...interruption. Everyone settles down. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) Where was I? MATTHEWS (uncomfortably) Hunter and Percell, sir. Ah yes... Wolenczak nods slowly as he attempts to re-connect with his train of thought. WOLENCZAK (resuming) Ah. (beat, uncomfortably) President Ross informed me earlier today that both Commander Hunter and Chief Percell are... (beat) The shuttle was destroyed with all hands. A stunned silence falls over the other officers. Matthews just looks at the table top. CALLAN Sir... Is that confirmed? Wolenczak shakes his head. WOLENCZAK No. (beat) And I'm not willing to take Ross' word for it. (beat) I'm also not going to accept that-- (gestures to the com disk) --without a little more proof. Nods all around. A sudden thought occurs to Wolenczak. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) Commander, were you able to verify the origin of those messages? Matthews shakes her head. MATTHEWS Normally, I'd ask Percell to trace them. But she's not here, and by the looks of things, it wouldn't exactly be an unbiased opinion. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK (holding out a hand) Pass it here. Matthews does so. Wolenczak looks over the disk, then back up at her. WOLENCZAK I'll handle this. Matthews nods. WOLENCZAK The rest of you-- He's interrupted by a com chirp. He presses the button that activates audio-only transmission. WOLENCZAK (into com) Yes? It's the person manning com in Trueman's absence. COM OFFICER Captain, I have a hail from UEOHQ. It's the Secretary General. Wolenczak nods. WOLENCZAK Put her through. There's a moment of silence, then Hitchcock appears on the screen, not looking at all happy. Wolenczak disconnects the line to the bridge, and looks at the screen. He forces a smile. WOLENCZAK Madame Secretary. Nice to see you-- HITCHCOCK (tersely) Captain Wolenczak, clear the room. We need to talk. Wolenczak raises an eyebrow and turns back to the other officers. WOLENCZAK (nods) Dismissed. He watches them leave. Burke flashes him a not-quite-subdued "we're talking later" look. He smiles politely. HITCHCOCK Captain. He turns back to face her. The smile leaves his face. WOLENCZAK Katie? HITCHCOCK (ticked off) What's this I hear about you sending a Stinger into Carolinan water? Wolenczak realizes he's in it _deep_. His expression reflects the knowledge. WOLENCZAK I couldn't just leave it like-- Hitchcock cuts him off, almost yelling. HITCHCOCK Lucas, I understand that you felt responsible for what happened to your crew. And I know you have some skeletons in the closet regarding abandonment. (beat, somewhat subdued) But you have to understand that this is _not_ the world you grew up in anymore, and we are _not_ in the position the UEO was in when Bridger and Hudson pulled their stunts. Wolenczak stares at her, unable to believe she's saying what she's saying. WOLENCZAK I apologize if anything I've done has made your life more difficult, Katie, but I _refuse_ to accept that Hunter and Percell are dead. And I'm not going to-- HITCHCOCK (cutting him off) Captain, maybe you haven't noticed this yet-- I am the _Secretary General_ now. Not the second officer, and not the engineer. You're walking the thin line between making your opinions known and insubordination. And if you think you're going to get any slack because we worked together and we're friends during off-duty hours, you're-- WOLENCZAK (interrupting) Slack? In case you hadn't noticed, I like to work on my own merits-- it's bad enough that Hudson was pulling strings behind my back without you doing the same. (beat) If you don't think I'm fit to command this ship, then by all means take me off it and-- Hitchcock cuts him off, but has realized that she's being unreasonably confrontational. HITCHCOCK I didn't say that, Lucas. (beat) But you are _not_ making matters easier for me. And I'm going to have to order you away from the Carolinan border. Wolenczak's jaw drops. WOLENCZAK _What_?! HITCHCOCK Your past puts you too close to this situation to be able to make command decisions regarding Hunter or Percell. And I'm not ready to risk war with the Confederation to soothe your conscience. (beat) Ross already has enough material to make us look bad. You are _not_ going to make it worse. Wolenczak looks to the door, then back at Hitchcock. WOLENCZAK Katie-- HITCHCOCK (interrupting) Lucas, don't-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off, nearly pleading) Just answer one question: am I doing or have I done _anything_ you wouldn't do in the same situation? Hitchcock falls silent. After a moment, she shakes her head. HITCHCOCK That's not the issue. Wolenczak opens his mouth to object. HITCHCOCK (before he can speak) Don't argue with me. (beat) _seaQuest_ will receive orders to depart the Caribbean within the hour. She pauses for a moment, then sighs. HITCHCOCK Promise me you'll obey them. (before he can argue) _Promise me_. He looks to the floor, then up at her. This is one of the hardest things he's ever had to do. WOLENCZAK I promise. Hitchcock know she shouldn't have made him give her his word. But he'll keep the promise. HITCHCOCK (seriously) Thank you. (beat) Hitchcock out. Wolenczak nods as she reaches out and turns off the channel. He looks positively lost as he sinks into his chair, still staring at the screen. CUT TO ROSS' OFFICE A WNN news crew is setting up as Ross checks her hair for the last time. A reporter, Andrew Baxter, is running over the questions with her. He's in his late 20s, and has an air of Clark-Kentishness about him. DeLano is standing to one side of the door. BAXTER So, Madame President, you don't have problems with any of those questions? Ross smiles. She has her "southern belle" persona turned on, and is playing it up. ROSS (smiling pleasantly) No problems at all. Baxter grins. BAXTER Great. The director comes over. DIRECTOR Andy, we're ready to film. Baxter nods and looks at Ross. BAXTER You should probably have a seat. We'll fix up the footage once we've finished, and you'll have the chance to go over the final cut. Ross nods. DeLano shoots her a "thumbs-up" from where he stands. He's noticed by one of the press people, and "escorted" out (i.e. shoved out the door against his will). Ross covers her agitation at this as she turns to look at Baxter, who has seated himself across the desk and made himself comfortable. The director waves. DIRECTOR And three...two...one... Go! CUT TO CAMERA VIEW The camera guy is looking through the eyepiece of his video camera, and watching as the scene progresses. We begin with a shot of Baxter. BAXTER Hello, everyone. This is Andrew Baxter, coming to you from Raleigh, North Carolina, where I have the honor of speaking with President Eileen Ross of the Carolinan Confederation. The camera angle widens to include Ross, who's sitting calmly and pretty as a picture. Baxter turns to her. BAXTER Madame President, I suppose the question I should begin with is the one that's on everyone's lips. Rumors have been circling as to the possibility that your Confederation is responsible for the deaths of Commander Jason Hunter and Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell of the _seaQuest_. Is there any merit to this? Ross shakes her head. ROSS My Confederation would never attempt to provoke the UEO. As I've said on so many occasions, we're searching only for a peaceful co-existence with the people who've held a virtual monopoly on the government for thirty years. Baxter nods. ROSS (continuing) Commander Hunter is in good health. BAXTER But Captain Wolenczak of the _seaQuest_ has already been quoted as saying that you were responsible for their deaths. Ross chuckles lightly. BAXTER (somewhat confused) Madame President? ROSS No offense to Captain Wolenczak, but he's not the most..._organized_ man I've ever had the...pleasure...of speaking with. (beat) I wouldn't put too much trust in his words. Baxter smells a rat, but Ross is being so charming and personable that it couldn't _possibly_ be her! He nods, somewhat unsettled, but covering it well. BAXTER I see. So, Commander Hunter is alive and well? Ross smiles. ROSS Commander Hunter, (significant dramatic pause) is _home_. Off the reactions of the news crew, we... FADE TO BLACK The words "To Be Continued..." scroll across the screen, then fade to black. END PART ONE ========================================================================== Copyright 1996 seaQuest 2047 Staff