==========================================================================
                              16 - GLASS HOUSES
                                  2047 Team
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   Timeline: SeaQuest 2047
   Author's E-Mail: schiller@mgl.ca (E-Mail contact)
==========================================================================


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

seaQuest 2047
"Glass Houses"
Story by Don Speirs
Written by Don Speirs and Victoria Morgan Hyde
Publication Draft
Sunday, June 1, 1997

TEASER

OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI

We see the _seaQuest_ travel from left to right, trailed by three
WSKRS in a triangular formation about 300 yards behind. On the
seafloor below are a series of runway lights, along the course she
is travelling.

Caption reads: "UEO Sensor Calibration Run".
New Line: "Aberdeen Proving Grounds".

CUT TO BRIDGE

Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller has the conn, with Ensign Rebecca
Trueman at communications, Ensign Tom Reede at the helm station
and Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell manning the sensor station.
Engineering and tactical stations are manned by extras. Percell is
humming to herself, a very butchered version of "I Hear A
Symphony," as she concentrates on the data appearing on her
screens.

PERCELL
(badly off key)
Whenever you're near me, I hear a symphony...la dee de dee dee
dum...it make me so excited...ever righted...

The others on the Bridge are glancing at her with varied
expressions of pain, wincing a bit at the end of each phrase, as
she's deluding herself to think she can hit any of those notes.
Finally, just as she is about to hit a long note, a low-pitched
tone is emitted from the helm console, followed by three high-
pitched beeps at the sensor station.

REEDE
(relief in his voice)
Third run's done. Everything fine.
(checks his boards)
Course corrections nominal.
(beat, looks over at Percell)
Just the way you wanted, Chief.

Riller looks over at Reede, his manner almost icy. It's clear he
doesn't enjoy talking with Reede, even when necessary.

RILLER
(formally, with a curt nod)
Thank you, Mister Reede.
(under his breath)
Let's hope the third time was the charm.
(to Percell, the hope visible on his face)
Well, Chief. How's the data from the WSKRS look?

Percell, checking her monitors, makes a few last keystrokes, and
then nods.

PERCELL
On line and nominal.
(beat)
But...

Reede and Trueman exchange glances. Riller sees this, putting him
into an even worse mood than before.

RILLER
(annoyed)
But what, Chief?

It isn't a question; he knows what's coming. But some small part
holds out a glimmer of hope that it's something else. Percell
picks up that the rest of the Bridge crew isn't happy with her,
but there isn't anything she can do about that now.

PERCELL
Well, WSKR Three shows a three-point-eight percent variance. It's
within acceptable limits, but I think I can adjust it even closer.
(beat)
Of course, that means I need just one more calibration run...

Trueman lets out an annoyed sigh as she sinks back into her seat.
Reede grins, shaking his head at her response and starts setting
up the commands on his console. Riller sees Reede's reaction, and
for a moment looks as if he's going to throttle him. He takes a
deep breath, and looks over at Percell.

RILLER
(doesn't like it)
One more run it is, Chief.

Reede is still shaking his head, smiling.

RILLER
(walking down to Reede's helm station)
Bring her around for another pass, Mister Reede. You know the
drill.

Reede's smile gets bigger as he finishes punching the sequence
into the console.

REEDE
Aye, Sir. Once more into the breach.

Reede smiles as he turns the control yoke. Riller looks down once,
and turns back to head to the conn. As he does so, Reede starts to
hum a song--"I Hear A Symphony", just like Percell earlier. Riller
stops, back to Reede, his fists clenching and unclenching as he tries
not to lose control.

OFF TRUEMAN as she sees Riller's reaction and realizes the reason
for it. She clearly isn't happy with his butting in on her life,
and becomes determined to show him who's in charge of that. She
flashes Riller a devious smile, then leans in toward Reede. It's
clear she's trying to tick Riller off.

TRUEMAN
Another milk run?
(beat, sighing)
I never thought _I'd_ say this, but--

Knowing what Trueman is trying to do, Riller crosses down to stand
between their two stations. He shoots a _look_ at Reede and then
turns to Trueman.

RILLER
(almost sarcastically)
Lemme guess.
(beat, overly dramatic)
You wish "something, anything, would happen."
(beat, accusing)
Like what, Rebecca?

Reede looks like he doesn't quite get all of what's going on here--
all he knows is that there is something going on between Riller
and Trueman, and he's about to be at ground zero. He hunkers down
in his chair, still humming. Trueman plays innocent.

TRUEMAN
I don't know.
(beat)
A Carrot attack, maybe?

A disapproving stare is Riller's only response. Despite herself,
Trueman starts to squirm.

TRUEMAN
Come on, Justin. I know it sounds like a bad cliche, but even
_you've_ got to be tired with these stupid sensor runs by now!

At this point, her voice has risen to a level that the rest of the
crew can't help but hear. Percell notes that the situation needs
diffusing, and fast.

PERCELL
(keeping eyes on her station as she replies)
You know, my uncle always said be careful what you wish for...

Riller, Trueman and Reede look up at the sensor station, none
having realized that Percell--and the rest of the Bridge--has been
able to hear the entire conversation. Trueman blushes slightly, if
only because she doesn't want the rest of the crew to see that she
and Riller are arguing.

TRUEMAN
(trying to shift attention)
I know, I know!
(beat)
It's just been too qui--

Her console emits a series of tones, cutting Trueman off and
capturing her attention. She looks at the console for a moment,
reading the message information displayed there, and then turns to
Riller. Both have their "game" faces on now, and have filed away
the argument for later, not wanting to make an issue of it in
front of the crew.

TRUEMAN
_Lieutenant_, we have incoming message traffic from UEO HQ. Coded
Op-Immediate, Priority Alpha-Three.

Or perhaps, not _quite_ forgotten. Trueman's subtle emphasis on
his rank lets Riller know that his behavior is _not_ all right
with her, and she will _not_ let him continue to police her
friendships. Riller decides not to acknowledge the slight,
although he is very aware of it.

RILLER
(all business)
Call the captain to the Bridge.

TRUEMAN
(nods once)
Aye-aye, Sir.

Trueman touches the proper controls on the console, activating the
ship's call.

TRUEMAN
(into headset)
Captain to the Bridge. Captain to the Bridge.

This said, she returns her attention to her board, her manner
entirely professional. Riller, his frustration pent up, gets up
and crosses over to her station. He looks down at the console.

RILLER
(out of curiosity)
So, _Ensign_, where's the call coming in from?

Trueman looks at the readouts at her station.

TRUEMAN
Admiral Wallace Robinson...

She looks up at Riller, a trace of confusion on her face.

TRUEMAN
(continues, concerned)
...Chief of Naval Operations.

Riller is appropriately thrown off by this--_seaQuest_ has never
dealt with Admiral Robinson officially up to now. He tries to hide
his surprise, without much success.

RILLER
On screen.

The main data screen image changes to that of Admiral Wallace
Robinson, UEO Chief of Naval Operations. He doesn't look happy.

RILLER
(professionally, but pleasant)
Good afternoon, Admiral. Can I--

ROBINSON
(cutting him off, sharply)
Lieutenant, identify yourself.

Riller is thrown off by this. He hasn't heard a tone of voice like
that since he was in boot camp. He snaps to attention by reflex,
facing the screen. Percell, Trueman and Reede all sit up straighter,
not daring to look around.

RILLER
Lieutenant J.G. Justin Riller, Sir. Current Officer of the Deck
for _seaQuest_.

Robinson looks out from the screen at Riller, just nodding. The
silence goes on for a few seconds. Robinson finally realizes Riller
isn't going to say anything more.

ROBINSON
At ease, Lieutenant. I was just curious why a junior officer was
answering a Priority Alpha Three message from the CNO himself.

Riller has not relaxed, and is still at attention facing the
screen. He realizes he has overstepped his authority as Officer of
the Deck, and is now in trouble. He clears his throat.

RILLER
Well, Sir--
(coughs, nervously)
I was just trying to be courteous to you, Sir.
(beat)
While you waited for the Captain, Sir.

Robinson nods at this. In his position, he's used to seeing junior
officers trip themselves up trying to be courteous to him. Inside,
he secretly is amused by this, but the smile only reaches his
eyes.

ROBINSON
Very well, Lieutenant. Thank you.
(a very awkward beat)
Lieutenant, I said, "at ease." That means you can relax.

RILLER
Yes, Sir.

Riller deflates a little as he lets himself breathe.

ROBINSON
Now then, Lieutenant Riller, I want you to call your XO to the
Bridge as well. What I have to say is for both her and your
skipper.

As he says that, the look on Robinson's face darkens again, as he
is reminded of the reason for this call. Riller's expression
indicates this is not a run-of-the-mill request.

RILLER
Yes, Sir.

Riller turns to Trueman, and quietly speaks to her.

RILLER
Call Commander Matthews, and tell her to get to the Bridge.
(beat)
Now.

Trueman looks up at him with an expression that silently asks him
why. Riller just shakes his head, imperceptibly. In the background,
Percell and Reede share a look of "what's going on?!"

TRUEMAN
(into headset, echoed on the ship's call)
Commander Matthews to the Bridge. Commander Matthews to the Bridge.

Trueman cuts off the com channel and looks back up at Riller. He
nods, and turns back to the main vidlink screen.

RILLER
The XO is on her way, Admiral.
(beat)
Anything else, Sir?

ROBINSON
(nods)
Yes, Lieutenant. What's the _seaQuest's_ current position?

He expects Riller to look over at the navigation console for an
answer. Instead, Riller surprises him with an immediate answer.

RILLER
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Sir. We're just starting our fourth
sensor calibration run--

ROBINSON
(cutting him off)
Abandon it and stand by for new orders.

RILLER
Aye, Sir.

Riller looks over at Reede, who just nods as his fingers fly over
the helm station. After several seconds of trying, Percell manages
to catch Trueman's eye. "Still bored?" she mouths. Trueman just
raises one eyebrow and stares at her. Seconds later, Captain Lucas
Wolenczak enters the Bridge, followed closely by Lieutenant
Commander Jessie Matthews. Wolenczak immediately sees and
recognizes Robinson on the screen and addresses the vidlink as he
walks up to it.

WOLENCZAK
(a greeting)
Admiral.
(beat)
What can we do for you?

Robinson nods, seeing Matthews in the background.

ROBINSON
Captain.
(beat)
Commander Matthews?

Wolenczak and Matthews exchange a confused glance at each other as
she steps forward.

MATTHEWS
Sir?

ROBINSON
Captain, you are to abandon your current orders, and proceed at
best possible speed to the UEO base at New Brunswick. What's your
ETA?

Wolenczak flashes a look at Reede, who has already started the
calculations. Reede finishes and then looks back at Wolenczak.

REEDE
Eight and a half hours, if we push her.

Wolenczak nods and sighs, then looks at the Bridge chronometer.

WOLENCZAK
(to Robinson)
We can be there by 2200 if we maintain flank speed.
(beat)
But my chief engineer--

ROBINSON
(cutting him off)
Commander Callan will have time for his engines to recover.
_seaQuest_ is going to be in port for a week, minimum.

WOLENCZAK
(raising an eyebrow at that)
Oh?

Robinson nods, but doesn't volunteer any more information.
Finally, Matthews' curiosity gets the better of her. She steps
forward and clears her throat gently, getting Robinson's attention.

ROBINSON
(looks at her)
Commander?

MATTHEWS
What's going on, Admiral?  Why are you putting us on the beach?

ROBINSON
(shakes his head)
That, Commander, is between Captain Wolenczak and myself.
(beat, to Wolenczak)
Trust me when I say it can wait.

Something in Robinson's expression says Wolenczak would be wise to
wait. But Wolenczak is not taking it well.

WOLENCZAK
"It can wait?"
(shakes his head)
No, Admiral.
(beat)
I'm getting the feeling this is a "personal matter"--and anything
of a personal nature that you have to say about me...
(beat, gestures around him)
...You can say in front of my crew.

Grins are exchanged by various junior members of the Bridge crew.
Robinson, on the other hand, isn't happy about this at all.

ROBINSON
(sighs, forced into something he wanted to avoid)
Have it your way, Captain.
(standing taller, steel in his voice)
Commander Matthews, you are to relieve Captain Wolenczak of his
command of _seaQuest_. You are to deliver both to the New
Brunswick UEO base, where there will be convened a Board of
Inquiry into Captain Wolenczak's fitness to continue in command of
_seaQuest_.
(beat)
You have your orders, Commander.
(beat, sighs)
Robinson out.

The viewscreen switches to a UEO Logo. Around the Bridge there is
stunned silence, as all eyes are on Captain Wolenczak. No one had
thought it was something this serious. After a few seconds,
Matthews realizes the attention has silently moved to her. She
braces herself, then speaks up, still looking at him.

MATTHEWS
(doing her duty, nothing more)
Captain Wolenczak, you are relieved.

Wolenczak turns and stares at her for a few long seconds, then
walks off the Bridge. Matthews is visibly upset, but controlling
herself. She turns to the rest of the Bridge crew. Percell starts
to say something, but closes her mouth when she sees the look on
Matthews' face.

MATTHEWS
Helm, lay in a course for New Brunswick, flank speed.
(beat)
Lieutenant Riller, you have the conn. I'll be in my quarters if
you need me.

Matthews turns and exits the Bridge quickly.

FADE TO OPENING

END TEASER


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


ACT ONE

FADE IN TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI

_seaQuest_ is obviously in a hurry to reach port. She passes our
POV at a rapid rate of speed.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak is seated at his desk, drumming his fingers on it as he
stares at a vidlink. The screen has the UEO logo on it and the
Secretary General's Office banner at the bottom, as well as the
words "Please Hold."

WOLENCZAK
(to himself)
Come on, Katie, pick up the phone.

The image changes on the vidlink screen to a picture of Lieutenant
Tendrament, from the secretary general's office. He obviously has
some news he is not happy to be delivering.

TENDRAMENT
I'm sorry, Captain.
(beat)
She's in conference right now and has made it clear she is not to
be disturbed.

Tendrament hesitates, as if deciding whether or not to drop the
other shoe. After a long pause, he sighs and continues.

TENDRAMENT
You should also know, Captain, there is a new standing order.
(beat)
Any calls from military units or personnel are to be routed
directly to the CNO's office

Wolenczak nods. He knew it was coming.

WOLENCZAK
I understand, Lieutenant.
(looks down at his desk, and then back up at the screen)
Can you at least pass her a message to call me as soon as
possible?

TENDRAMENT
(hesitates, then answers)
I'll try, Captain.
(beat)
But I can't guarantee anything.

Wolenczak is starting to feel like he's being stonewalled.
Panicking a bit, he moves toward the screen.

WOLENCZAK
(starting to lose control)
Then _try_, dammit!

Tendrament looks a bit surprised at the outburst, and Wolenczak
realizes he's over-reacted.

WOLENCZAK
(sighs, getting a grip)
I'm sorry, Lieutenant.
(beat)
Just let her know it's urgent.

TENDRAMENT
(nodding)
Yes, Captain.
(beat)
Do you still want to talk to Admiral Robinson?

Wolenczak realizes there is no way he is going to get through to
Hitchcock. He rubs his face with his hands and sighs.

WOLENCZAK
Sure.
(beat)
And Lieutenant, thanks.

TENDARMENT
(smiles)
All part of the service, Sir.
(beat)
Oh, and Captain? Good luck.

The image changes to the hold screen, then just a couple of
seconds later switches again to Admiral Robinson's office.
Robinson is there, in a shirtsleeve uniform, looking grim as he
turns to the screen.

ROBINSON
(gruffly)
Well, it took you bloody long enough to call.

Wolenczak gets angry at that remark. He turns to the screen, ready
to vent his frustration over his removal, and about the stonewalling
at HQ. He feels Robinson is involved, and isn't telling him everything.

WOLENCZAK
(heavily sarcastic)
And hello to you, too.
(beat)
Sorry, I was just trying to talk to a friend, but someone's put up
a stone wall.

Wolenczak takes a deep breath, and turns away from the screen,
composing himself. He gets his anger under control and looks back
to the vidlink.

WOLENCZAK
Okay, Wally. What's this really about?

CUT TO CNO'S OFFICE

It's a fairly large sized office, dark in color, with walnut
paneling and a deep blue carpet. The large wooden executive desk
has a vidlink panel built into the right side console, while the
left has the traditional in and out baskets. Behind the admiral we
see a credenza with a series of pictures, showing him at various
stages of his career, as well as with his family. One fairly large
picture shows them recently, including his wife, son and daughter.
Above the credenza is a fairly large window. The drapes are open
and a breeze from the building's ventilation system is rustling
the sheers a bit in the background. Robinson is leaning back in
his chair, his large hands steepled in front of him, as he
converses with Wolenczak.

ROBINSON
(sharply)
Wallace!
(beat, sighs)
It's out of my hands, Lucas.
(reading from a printout on his desk)
Your former CMO--Mark Curcio--filed a complaint with the Defense
Minister's office...

Wolenczak hears Curcio's name and freezes, a shocked look on his
face. Robinson sees that and stops talking.

WOLENCZAK
(shaking his head)
This is a joke, right? Check your calendar. April Fool's Day was
a couple of months ago--
 
ROBINSON
(cutting him off)
It's no joke.
(beat, reading from the printout)
He's alleged that your recent actions are indicative of irrational
behavior.
(beat, looks at Wolenczak's image)
He also says they indicate a relapse of some psychological stress
that affected you recently.

Wolenczak just stares back from the vidlink. After a few seconds,
he shakes his head again.

WOLENCZAK
You're kidding, right?
(getting angry)
Wallace, you know the story. Curcio was destroying the morale of
my crew.
(beat, biting off the words as he speaks)
I probably saved his life by kicking him off before someone decided 
they'd had enough of the "good doctor."

Robinson nods. He's sympathetic with Wolenczak's position, but his
hands are tied.

ROBINSON
You know it's true. I know it's true. Hell, Curcio's been a
bastard for years.
(beat, deadly serious)
But he's a _well connected_ bastard. And he's using those connections 
now.

Robinson puts down the printout. Wolenczak is still pacing in his
office, trying to keep his temper under control. Robinson considers
his next sentence carefully before he says it.

ROBINSON
Lucas...on the surface, his case appears to have merit.

Those words bring Wolenczak up short. He turns slowly, looks at
the screen, an expression of disbelief on his face.

WOLENCZAK
(blinks)
What?
(beat, disbelieving)
I'm sorry, we must have a bad connection here. It sounded like you
said his case has merit.

ROBINSON
(softly, measuring his words)
I did.

The words hang there between them. Wolenczak starts to feel a
little paranoia. He just stares at Robinson on the vidlink. After
a pause, Robinson continues.

ROBINSON
Curcio took his case to the defense minister's office the moment
he arrived in port here. In light of some recent incidents aboard
_seaQuest_, it just became a matter of when the hearing would be
held.
(beat)
Langson decided he wanted it done right away, and he ordered your
recall.
(beat)
At least I was able to get it moved to the closest base, instead
of back here at headquarters.

Robinson sighs, his shoulders sagging. He's obviously not happy
with events either.

ROBINSON
My hands are tied on this one, Lucas. Langson's on top of this
case and is watching it _very_ carefully.
 
Wolenczak nods, and sits down heavily in his chair. He sees the
inevitability of this now, and is now trying to find the good side
of it. He nods at Robinson.

WOLENCZAK
Okay, I'll cooperate.
(beat, in denial)
It's just there's too much to do out here for the whole crew to be
beached for that long.

Robinson becomes alarmed at Wolenczak's casual tone. He leans in
toward the vidlink, his eyes blazing.

ROBINSON
(sharply)
No, I _don't_ think you understand, Captain.
(beat, angrily to Lucas)
This has all the looks of a feeding frenzy, with you starring as
lunch.

Wolenczak gets a look of confusion on his face. Robinson sighs and
looks again, trying to get it through. His tone is similar to
someone lecturing a child.

ROBINSON
Look, Katie botched it when she named you captain of the _seaQuest_.

Wolenczak stands up, angry at Robinson for the attack.

WOLENCZAK
(angrily)
_What_?! That's not true--

ROBINSON
(shouting back)
Sit down, shut up, and listen for once!
(beat, gathering composure)
You're currently the youngest CO in the fleet, and you ended up
with the flagship to boot.
(beat, thoughtfully)
_I_ think you are perfectly suited to her, Lucas, but the way
Katie gave you the ship ruffled more than a few feathers on the
promotion list.
(beat)
Especially those who were near the top.

Wolenczak sits back down, listening and nodding as Robinson ticks
off his points.

ROBINSON
(counting off each point)
The highest profile defector to the Carolinans comes off _your_
boat.
(beat)
And it didn't help either you or Katie that Hunter was the prospective
CO of _seaQuest_ before Katie made her move.
(beat)
Madame Secretary has basically shut out the entire chain of
command around here, so you seem to be her private boat, not the
fleet's flagship.
(beat)
You've been temporarily relieved twice for medical reasons...
(beat)
...You lost a sailor in an accident that still hasn't been fully
explained, and now you've kicked your CMO off the boat.
(beat)
Heck, if I didn't know you, I'd be tempted to keelhaul you myself.

Wolenczak sits back, stunned at the list. He runs one hand through
his hair, nervously.

WOLENCZAK
(thoughtfully, almost to himself)
I never even wanted the job. She _forced_ me into it.
(beat, sighing)
Okay, Professor, what do I do now?

Robinson smiles, like a predator looking over a meal. It's not a
very pleasant sight.

ROBINSON
You fight.
(beat)
But be ready for some rough seas, Lucas. Your best bet is to find
someone to fight for you. A good sea lawyer, who knows their way
around these waters.
(beat)
Got anybody in mind?

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak thinks for a moment, then nods as he remembers a name.
His spirit seems to be returning as he realizes there is something
he _can_ do.

WOLENCZAK
Yeah. I do...
(beat)
...If I can find her. Thanks, Wally.
(beat)
For being honest with me.

On the vidlink, we see Robinson nod, relieved to see Wolenczak
ready to fight for his career.

ROBINSON
No charge, Wolenczak.
(beat, smiling)
This time.
(beat)
Oh, and Lucas?
(beat, seriously)
Call me "Wally" again and you'll spend the next six months escorting 
garbage scows.
(beat, smiling)
Robinson out.

The vidlink screen changes to the UEO logo. Wolenczak stares at it
for a moment, then sighs and gets up. He walks purposefully over
to his bookshelf and pulls out a volume of UEO regs. As he does,
he looks at a picture there of himself and Piccolo. He remembers
the bar it was taken in, and the problems he got into that night
getting back late to _seaQuest_. He stares at it for a second,
then sighs.

WOLENCZAK
(to himself)
In trouble again.
(to picture)
Looks like I'm picking up your bad habits, Tony.

CUT TO CREW'S MESS

Percell, Reede, Trueman and Riller are at their usual table. Reede
and Trueman are discussing some technical subject, very much into
their talk. Riller is just sitting there, stewing. He's obviously
upset that Reede and Trueman are getting along, but there's
nothing he can do about it now. Except sit and pout. Lieutenant
Commander Greg Callan and Ensign Anne Morgan enter, also in an
animated discussion. From Callan's gestures, it appears they are
talking about him building something.

MORGAN
(shaking her head)
I know carbon molybdenum composites are tough to work with, but
it's the only way to get enough rigidity in the frame without
raising the weight requirements.

Morgan and Callan sit down at the table, next to Riller. He's now
sandwiched between two discussions he's not interested in, and
trapped there. His mood is getting darker. Percell sees Riller's
expression and tried to defuse the situation.

PERCELL
(to Riller)
So what's got these four so absorbed? The story about the captain?

Riller isn't thrilled it's Percell rescuing him, but he's happy
someone will talk to him.

RILLER
(slightly bitter)
These four? Not likely. Probably some equivalent to glowing fish
poop.

Percell starts to laugh at that, then stops when she sees Riller's
face. She's not sure now how serious he was. Riller's remark
succeeds in getting Callan's attention, however.

CALLAN
(slightly annoyed)
Try again, Lieutenant. _seaQuest_ is to be used as a test platform
for a new generation of deployable craft.
(beat, pulling out his SEAPOC)
The problem is that UEO, in their infinite wisdom, forgot to set
the specs properly. The contractor's design doesn't quite match
up with the current docking ports in the launch bays.

Riller listens, warming up to the topic. Deployable craft, weapons... 
these are things he knows and is comfortable with. He takes a bite of 
his food, and talks around it while chewing.

RILLER
(shrugging)
So what's the problem? Just use the flexible docking collars. The
annealing circuits will make the collar seal around the irregular
shape.

Callan shakes his head. He's already thought of that.

CALLAN
Nice try. According to the specs, the outer hull is a carbon
molybdenum composite.

Riller looks at Callan as if to say "and that means...?" Callan
sighs again.

CALLAN
(explaining)
The annealing circuits won't bond to it.
(beat)
That's why I brought Morgan in. Her report on that glowing seaweed--

Morgan clears her throat audibly, and breaks in on the conversation.

MORGAN
That's _bioluminscent aquatic plantlife_.

Callan rolls his eyes; he's been through this argument before too.
Not wanting to start it up again, he turns to Morgan.

CALLAN
(slightly sarcastic)
All right, all right!
(beat, to Riller)
Her "bioluminescent aquatic plantlife" report showed that this
stuff _clings_ to just about anything. No roots, no suction, just
pure adhesion.
(beat)
Morgan thinks it's an electrochecmical bonding process. I figure
if we can find a way to duplicate that, we can incorporate it into
the flex-docks, and keep everybody high, dry and happy.

Reede and Trueman have listened in on the last bit of the
conversation and decide to join in.

REEDE
Well, I don't know what all that meant, but it sure _sounded_
impressive.

Riller looks over at Reede, glowering. Reede's intruding into his
life. Again. He turns, fists clenched, ready to do something about
it. Trueman jumps in quickly to deflect Riller's attention.

TRUEMAN
(lightly)
Well, when we get to New Brunswick, Greg, talk to the shipyard people. 
They'll figure something out.

Callan starts to say something, then looks up, confused. He realizes 
he's out of the loop on something here.

CALLAN
(carefully)
New Brunswick?
(beat)
I thought we were just doing a high speed run for sensor calibration.

The others at the table exchange glances. It dawns on them that
Callan and Morgan haven't heard yet.

RILLER
(incredulous)
What planet have you been on?  We've been on course for a while now.

CALLAN
(bristling)
Ensign Morgan and I were working on the docking ring problem for the 
past eight hours, _Lieutenant_.
(beat, calming down)
But I thought we were to finish the calibration runs, then patrol
the Grand Banks for the next couple of weeks.

REEDE
(matter of factly)
We were, until the captain got relieved.

There is a stunned silence at the table. Callan and Morgan both
look like fish struggling to breathe, as they try to say something
without any sounds coming out. Morgan recovers first.
 
MORGAN
(upset)
Relieved? But why?

Riller sees this as a chance to assert himself. Before Reede can
answer, he jumps in to respond.

RILLER
(smugly)
Well, seems like the captain has upset someone high up on the food
chain.
(beat)
Anyway, Matthews was ordered to relieve him, and we're headed to
New Brunswick for the hearing. In fact, we should be there in...
(looks at the wall chronometer)
...Oh, about four hours.

Morgan, already upset, is even more disheartened by Riller's tone.
To her, he sounds like he's happy for what happened to the
captain. She starts to retreat slightly into her "Ice Princess"
shell.

MORGAN
(concerned)
What about Captain Wolenczak? Is he okay?

RILLER
(shrugs)
Who knows? He headed for his quarters, and nobody's seen him since.

Callan sits there, one hand rubbing his chin, pondering the
implications of what has happened.

CALLAN
Well, I can't say I'm surprised.
(beat, thoughtfully)
But I wonder why they chose now...

MATTHEWS
(O.C.)
It doesn't matter _why_. It just matters that it _is_ happening.

Everyone turns to see Matthews enter the Crew's Mess. Her
expression is completely business-like, but the strain of this is
starting to tell on her. She is carrying two envelopes as she
approaches the table. She tosses one onto the table, in front of
Riller. He looks down at it, noting the UEO Judge Advocate's seal
on the envelope.

MATTHEWS
These just came in.

Riller looks down at it as if it were a deadly snake, with no
intention of touching it.

RILLER
(cautiously)
Is this what I think it is?
 
Matthews nods at him.

MATTHEWS
Subpoena.
(beat)
The Board wants to hear from certain officers on _seaQuest_ about
the captain's performance.

RILLER
So why me?

MATTHEWS
(shrugs)
Who knows? But don't worry, you won't be alone.

Matthews turns to Morgan, her expression a cross between annoyance
and curiosity.

MATTHEWS
Ensign, they also seem to have an interest in you.

Matthews hands a similar document to Morgan, who eyes the subpoena
with growing fear. Matthews, seeing Morgan's reaction, frowns. It
seems like an overreaction to the events. Callan also sees this
and tries to lighten the mood.

CALLAN
(playfully)
So where's mine? I want to play, too!

Matthews hold up her hands to show them empty.

MATTHEWS
Sorry, Greg. Only Riller and Morgan have attracted the board's
interest.
(beat)
The rest of us are officially _beached_ for two weeks, while the
board is in progress...

Callan perks up at this, his mind already racing ahead to the chance
to be with his wife. Matthews doesn't see this as she continues.

MATTHEWS
And while _seaQuest_ undergoes some repairs.

Callan deflates at the mention of repairs. His visions of a
romantic rendezvous go up in smoke, and he sighs heavily. Matthews
looks over at him and smiles slightly, knowing she's got Callan
hooked.

MATTHEWS
(a little mischievously)
Oh, and Commander, one last thing...
(beat, seriously)
How much experience does your staff have in supervising system
upgrades?

Callan starts to think it over, and consults his SEAPOC.

CALLAN
(reading)
Well, Morales is senior, but he's still a little green. O'Malley
has previous experience...

Matthews is grinning, as her joke is going completely over
Callan's head. She decides to play out the line a little more.

MATTHEWS
So you're saying your junior folks need more experience?

Callan looks up, confused for a second. He nods, not sure where
this is leading.

MATTHEWS
(seriously)
That just won't do.
(beat, turns to Reede)
I think we need some junior engineers to get the experience.
(beat, to Callan)
_Without_ you there, meddling.

CALLAN
Without me _meddling_?!

Callan starts to protest, then realizes what she means.

CALLAN
(the real message dawning on him)
Oh...
(mock serious)
Well, I suppose they have to learn the job _sometime_.
(beat)
Commander, if you'll excuse me, I have to make some arrangements.
(beat, standing up)
After all, don't want these folks taking the boat apart while I'm
gone.

Callan takes three dignified steps toward the exit, then rushes
out, his mind already racing to figure out where he and Kelly are
going to stay. Matthews smiles at that, then turns back to see
Morgan, still staring at her subpoena. It shakes slightly in her
trembling hands. Percell notices this and tries to cheer her up.

PERCELL
(whistles)
Earth to Morgan...
(beat)
Anne? You okay?

Matthews, concerned by Morgan's reaction, walks around to her and
puts a hand on her shoulder.

MATTHEWS
Anne?

Morgan looks up at Matthews. The shock is still visible in her eyes.
 
MORGAN
(very controlled)
Why? Why the captain?
(beat)
And why me?

Matthews shakes her head a little, and squeezes Morgan's shoulder.

MATTHEWS
I don't know, Anne.
(beat, thoughtful)
But maybe someone can fill us in. Come on.

Morgan gets up and follows Matthews out. Reede, Riller and Trueman
all look at each other with varied expressions of perplexion.

CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S QUARTERS

Wolenczak is at his desk. He has a volume of regulations open, his
SEAPOC listing another page of information, and is making notes.
His expression is the same absorbed one he gets when he is working
a tough programming question, extremely focused. There is a knock
on the hatch to his quarters. He sighs, slightly annoyed at the
interruption, but sees Matthews through the glass. He waves her
in.

WOLENCZAK
Come in.

The hatch opens and Matthews walks in, followed by Morgan. They
both take note of Wolenczak's work as he puts down his pencil and
stretches.

WOLENCZAK
(wryly)
What can I do for you?

MATTHEWS
Just thought you should know, Sir. Subpoenas came in about a half
hour ago.
(beat, trying to be encouraging)
Only two. One for Lieutenant Riller.
(beat)
And one for Ensign Morgan.

Matthews is waiting for some sort of reaction to this. However,
Wolenczak just nods and jots down the names on his notepad. His
calm acceptance is starting to bother Matthews.

WOLENCZAK
I see.

Matthews angrily crosses to the desk. She slams her hands down on
it, directly in front of Wolenczak. Morgan remains at the
hatchway, unsure of what to do next.

MATTHEWS
(disturbed)
Well, I _don't_ see, Sir. Why are they doing this?

Wolenczak sighs, and gestures to a pair of chairs in front of the
desk. Matthews and Morgan sit down, and look at Wolenczak. He gets
up and circles around the desk as he talks.

WOLENCZAK
Our _dear departed_ doctor has filed a formal complaint about his
dismissal, and raised questions about my fitness to command.
(beat, chuckling)
In a nutshell, he thinks I'm a couple of sandwiches short of a
picnic.
 
Wolenczak is still chuckling at his own joke, but Morgan and
Matthews are not. Matthews is still worked up over the whole
incident on the Bridge, and this is her first chance to say
anything.

MATTHEWS
(angrily)
Curcio? That little--
(beat)
I _should_ have shot him out a torpedo tube while I had the chance.

She gets thoughtful for a moment, then looks over at Morgan as she
continues to talk to Wolenczak.

MATTHEWS
(confused)
But then why are Riller and Morgan involved?

Wolenczak ponders for a moment, then leans across his desk and pulls 
over the notepad. He checks it briefly, then nods.

WOLENCZAK
The nearest I can figure, they are going to throw the
assassination attempt on the secretary general into this.
(beat)
You know, questions like "How could you have let an assassin get
that close?"
(beat)
Ensign Morgan here is getting called to show how it took a complete 
newcomer to keep us from falling flat on our faces.

Morgan listens, getting angrier as she hears the events twisted. She 
struggles not to lose control as she responds.

MORGAN
(quickly)
But that's not how it happened. The assassin had forged UEO
credentials--

WOLENCZAK
(cutting her off)
Relax, Ensign. We know what really happened.
(beat)
Look, the board's a formality. Considering all we've been through
in the past year, it's a wonder they took this long.

MATTHEWS
(sighs)
Politics.
(beat)
So what do _we_ do now?

Wolenczak smiles, and looks at the paperwork on his desk. Then he
turns back to Matthews.

WOLENCZAK
_I_ trust the system to do its job right. It's not the first BOI
I've ever stood before, and it probably won't be the last. But the
system has always worked before...
(beat)
And I trust it to work now.
(beat, upbeat)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do to be ready
for this.

Wolenczak indicates the hatch. Morgan and Matthews get up and
start to leave. Morgan exchanges one last look with Matthews
before she exits, still upset. Matthews waits at the hatch a
second, then closes it behind Morgan. She turns angrily on
Wolenczak, and marches angrily to him.
 
MATTHEWS
(hotly)
That's a load of bull and you know it, Captain. Someone's pushing
on this one.

Wolenczak nods, then circles around behind his desk. He points down at 
the paperwork there as he speaks.

WOLENCZAK
Look, I know what they're trying to do. And frankly, I've given
them plenty of rope to hang me with.
(beat)
My best bet is to get a good lawyer, and just tell the truth.

Matthews nods and takes a deep breath. She turns away, as the real
cause for her being upset comes to the surface.

MATTHEWS
(angrily)
I hope so. _I_ don't want this job.
(beat, to him)
I've never wanted it. And now I have it, because I had to _relieve_ you.
(beat, subdued)
Do you know how hard that was? And how close I came to quitting,
right then and there?

Wolenczak nods, watching. His respect for her shows on his face. He 
comes around the desk to Matthews.

WOLENCZAK
(gently)
You had a job to do, and you did it well, Jessie.
(beat)
We may not always like what we have to do in this uniform, but our
ability to do it is what sets us apart. You did the right thing.
Stop beating yourself up for it.

Matthews looks over at Wolenczak. She realizes how much losing him
as a CO would mean to her if it happens.

MATTHEWS
Listen to me. I should be there for you, and instead you're cheering 
_me_ up.
(beat, back to business)
Okay, so who's the lawyer?

Wolenczak smiles and returns to the matter at hand.

WOLENCZAK
Well, I had Debbie Sweeney in mind.

Matthews is trying to remember a face to go with the name...

MATTHEWS
(incredulously)
The _Argus_ investigation?  "Jugular" Sweeney?

Wolenczak chuckles at the nickname.

WOLENCZAK
Yep, that was her. Of course, _I've_ never called her that...
(beat)
To her face, at least...
(beat)
Anyway, we got to know each other while I was standing HQ duty
after my...injuries during the war.

Matthews hears a little more in Wolenczak's tone than he hoped to
let on. Now she's curious about this relationship during the war.

MATTHEWS
(probing)
How well?

Wolenczak sees the implied question behind the question. He
doesn't want to deal with explaining another failed relationship.

WOLENCZAK
(innocently, shrugging)
Well enough.

Matthews has a look of disbelief on her face. Wolenczak looks at
it, sighs, and continues.

WOLENCZAK
(defensively)
All right, so it didn't end well.
(beat)
I'm hoping she'll let bygones be bygones, and take the case.

Matthews shakes her had, seeing the minefield ahead that Wolenczak
is going to have to negotiate.

MATTHEWS
Well, I'll be there, one way or another.
(beat)
After all, I have a vested interest.
(beat)
I need to know if I'll have to break in another CO.

Wolenczak and Matthews look at each other, and then break down
laughing.

CUT TO EXTERIOR, UEO HQ

It is evening here. Lights are on in various offices of the building,
as we see people strolling in and out.

Caption reads: "UEO Headquarters."

CUT TO LANGSON'S OFFICE

Defense Minister Andrew Langson is seated behind his desk, reading
a report. He's an older, distinguished man, mid 50's, gray hair,
wire frame glasses. As we watch him, we are aware we are looking
over the shoulder of someone in the bottom left of the picture.
Langson is looking over a report, reading sections aloud and shaking
his head.

LANGSON
(reading from the report)
"Relieved for medical reasons."
(beat, flips page)
"Hallucinations."
(beat, moving finger down page)
"Captured during negotiations with the Carolinan Confederation."
(beat)
"Death of a seaman under his command."

Langson puts down the report, a predatory smile on his face. He
obviously figures he's in the driver's seat on this issue.

LANGSON
This is the kind of person Hitchcock wants commanding our flagship?
(launches into a speech)
This is just another example. That poor girl is way over her head.
She just doesn't have the leadership skills to do the job, or to
choose others to do the job either. I just hope we can survive
until the next election.

The shoulder we are looking over turns away, so we see the back of
her head. She has blond, shoulder length hair.

FEMALE VOICE
(impatient)
What does that have to do with this case?

Langson's predatory grin gets a little wider.

LANGSON
Just look at it as a chance for some early housecleaning, Commander.

Langson's face loses all trace of that smile. It's a deadly serious 
man we face now.

LANGSON
It's simple. Wolenczak is a danger to the _seaQuest_ and to UEO.
(beat, deadly cold)
Bury him.

FADE TO COMERCIAL

END ACT ONE


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


ACT TWO

FADE IN ON EXTERIOR MILITARY OFFICE BUILDING

We see various people in uniform walking into and out of the
building.

Caption reads: "UEO Seabase, New Brunswick."

CUT TO INTERIOR OFFICE

This is a standard issue military lawyer's office. There is a
desk, piled high with folders and various reports. There is a
bookshelf to one side, with a variety of legal books (UEO Regs,
UEO Code of Military Justice, etc.). Seated at the desk, typing
into a terminal, is a blond female. Her shoulder patches indicate
she is a commander. The camera travels behind her from left to
right; we see the wall and door of her office are made of frosted
glass. On the door, we see the following stenciled: "CDR D.
SWEENEY, JAG".

We see a silhouette walk up to the door, hesitate for a moment,
then knock. Sweeney doesn't acknowledge the knock. The door opens,
and Wolenczak peeks in.

WOLENCZAK
Commander Sweeney?

Sweeney grunts an acknowledgment, and continues typing.

WOLENCZAK
Debbie? It's me.
(beat, no acknowledgement)
Lucas Wolenczak.
(beat, no acknowledgement)
You remember? Headquarters duty, 2043? I was in the tactics office, you
were here?

SWEENEY
(not looking up)
I remember.

Wolenczak is thrown off a bit by the cool reception, but continues on.

WOLENCZAK
(awkwardly)
Yes. Well, it's nice to see you. Again, that is.

There is still no response from Sweeney. Wolenczak's next words come
out in a rush.

WOLENCZAK
(nervously)
I came by for two reasons. First, I wanted to apologize for the way 
things went the last time. I shouldn't have left on those orders
without saying goodbye.
(beat)
In person.
(beat)
Anyway...the other reason I'm here...that is, the reason I came to
see you...

Sweeney turns around, and gets up. She's a very attractive lady,
about the same height as Wolenczak. She stares at him for a minute,
as Wolenczak trails off into silence. Their gazes meet for a few 
seconds, and then she looks upward toward the ceiling, as if
searching her memory for something.

SWEENEY
(pointedly)
The reason you're here is that the UEO has relieved you of your
command and ordered you to stand before a BOI, to settle the matter
of your competency as captain of the _seaQuest_.
(beat)
How am I doing so far?

She looks back at Wolenczak, and walks toward him as she talks. Her 
voice is sweetness and light, but her expression is that of a predator 
preparing to strike.

SWEENEY
(bitterly sweet)
And the reason you came here is you figured you could just waltz right 
back in and li'l ol' Debbie'd drop everything and help save your 
precious career. Is that right, Lucas?

Wolenczak, realizing he has made a grave error, but having to play
the hand through, looks at Sweeney, and nods slowly. By this point, we 
realize Sweeney's voice was the one we heard in Langson's office. 
Sweeney closes in so her face is only a couple of inches from his.

SWEENEY
(grins, shaking her head)
Help you?
(chuckles dryly)
Lucas, I have a little secret for you.

She leans a little closer and lowers her voice to a stage whisper.

SWEENEY
(continues)
I'm the lead inquiry officer on this board.

Wolenczak's eyes go wide as he realizes what this means. She sees
that and laughs as she walks back to her desk.

SWEENEY
(venomously)
Not only am I not going to help you, I'm going to take exquisite
pleasure in making sure you never command anything larger than a
rowboat.
(beat)
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a board to prepare for. And as you
know, I like to be _very_ prepared.
(beat, deadly cold)
Get out.

Wolenczak starts to say something, but Sweeney holds up a finger
and wags it at him. He sighs, deflated, and turns, closing the
door behind him.

CUT TO HALLWAY OUTSIDE SWEENEY'S OFFICE

Matthews is waiting for Wolenczak. As he exits the office, she
walks up to him.

MATTHEWS
(hopefully)
So how did it go?

Wolenczak lets out a deep breath, and turns to her. His face is
pale.

WOLENCZAK
(tightly)
Not as well as I'd hoped.

Wolenczak starts to walk down the hallway. Matthews puzzles over
his words for a second, then starts to follow him, hurrying to
catch up.

CUT TO BAR EXTERIOR

It's early evening. A blue neon sign outside the bar reads "The
Lobsterman".

CUT TO BAR INTERIOR

It's a typical seaport dive. The walls are weathered wood, with
fishnets and lobster traps set up along the walls. The waitresses
wander by dressed in yellow rain gear, albeit a lot shorter than
the average downeaster would wear. Wolenczak, Matthews and Callan
are seated at a table in civvies. Wolenczak looks glum, staring
at his beer. Callan is popping peanuts into his mouth and looking
toward the front door, while Matthews is trying to cheer up
Wolenczak.

MATTHEWS
(positively)
Look, it can't be all bad.

WOLENCZAK
(morosely)
Yes it can.
(beat)
I never realized how much she hates me.

MATTHEWS
(curious)
Well, what did you ever do to her, anyway?

Wolenczak looks at her, trying to decide if telling Matthews will
hurt him even worse. He shrugs, a "what the hell" look on his face.

WOLENCZAK
Well, we got into an argument over a date, and in the course of the
argument, I called her by her nickname.

Matthews listens, and assumes a perplexed look. Callan looks back
at her and shrugs.

CALLAN
Calling her "Jugular" ended the relationship?

WOLENCZAK
(shaking his head)
No. Calling her "Jugs" ended the relationship.

Wolenczak takes a long pull on his beer. Matthews starts to say
something about the idiocy of men and their infantile attractions,
but Callan puts his hand on her shoulder and shakes his head.
Without words, he manages to communicate that Wolenczak already
learned his lesson. Matthews nods and sighs, then takes a drink of
her own beer.

MATTHEWS
Well, there have to be some other lawyers we can find to represent
you.

CALLAN
Yeah. Besides, Sweeney may go easy on you.
(beat, lightly)
Water under the bridge and all.

Wolenczak and Matthews share a look. It's obvious from his comments that 
Callan just doesn't _know_ Sweeney's reputation.

WOLENCZAK
Jugular, going easy?
(beat)
Greg, have you ever heard of the _Argus_?

Callan thinks for a second, remembering the incident.

CALLAN
(shrugs)
Who hasn't? CO disregarded XO's warning about bottom influence mines in 
the area. They set one off, lost a third of the crew, and the XO saved 
the boat while the CO was unconscious.

WOLENCZAK
(nods)
And do you remember the hearings afterward for the CO...

CALLAN
(whistles)
_Sweeney_ was the lead inquiry officer on that?

Wolenczak nods.

CALLAN
(sighs, defeated)
You're right. You're doomed.

MATTHEWS
(sarcastically, to Callan)
Thank you, Mister Optimism.

Callan looks over at the door again.

MATTHEWS
Greg, why do you keep looking over at the door?

In the door walks Kelly Callan, looking radiant. She glances around, 
sees Callan, and walks down to him. Everyone at the table stands up. 
Callan and Kelly kiss, and then turn toward Matthews and Wolenczak.

CALLAN
(grinning)
You still want an answer, XO?

MATTHEWS
(grinning back)
No...I think I figured it out.

Wolenczak offers Kelly his chair, and grabs another one from the
table behind him. They all sit back at the table, Callan and Kelly
close to each other.

WOLENCZAK
(smiling)
Well, at least _something_ good's come out of this.
(beat, politely)
Nice to see you again, Kelly. How've you been?

KELLY
(happily anxious)
Busy! But luckily, we just finished one program cycle at the institute, 
and I was able to get the next one delayed for a few days. So I won't 
miss anything while I'm gone.

WOLENCZAK
That's good.
(to Callan)
Commander, why are you still here?

CALLAN
Huh? I mean, Sir, are you sure it's okay?

MATTHEWS
(pushing him up and toward the door)
Greg, shut up and get lost.
(beat)
And take your lovely bride with you. I suggest you two find someplace 
and get lost in each other for a while.

Callan snaps to attention and throws off the goofiest looking salute he
can muster.

CALLAN
Yes, Sir.
(to Kelly, offering his arm)
Well, honey, you heard the boss. Care to get lost?

Kelly smiles, takes his arm, and starts to lead him out of the
restaurant.

MATTHEWS
(calling out after them)
Oh, and Kelly? I need him back on _seaQuest_ in ten days.
(beat)
In some sort of usable condition, please?

Callan starts to protest, but Kelly covers his mouth with her hand. She
then drags him put the door.

Matthews and Wolenczak sit back down at the table.

MATTHEWS
(lightly, looking at the door after them)
That was nice to see.

WOLENCZAK
(raising an eyebrow)
Not really.

Matthews is surprised. She looks at Wolenczak, checking to see if
he's become jealous of his engineer's happiness. Not seeing that,
she looks perplexed.

MATTHEWS
Not really? What was wrong with seeing those two together?

Wolenczak pauses significantly before answering.

WOLENCZAK
(dryly)
He stiffed _you_ for the beer.

As realization dawns, Matthews groans, and hits her head with the
heel of her hand. Wolenczak just chuckles and downs the rest of his 
beer.

OFF BAR DOOR--WOLENCZAK'S POV

We see the door to the bar open, and a man in a dark rumpled suit
enters. He's of African descent, in his early 40s, wearing horn-
rim glasses, and is carrying an overstuffed briefcase. He looks
around the room, and as he sees Wolenczak he smiles, then walks
right over to him. When he speaks, it is with a noticeable
southern accent.

PULL BACK TO FULL POV

ARLEIGH
(confident, very forward)
Captain Wolenczak? I'm Bertram Arleigh.

Arleigh holds out a hand to Wolenczak. Wolenczak stares at the
hand for a second, and then glances over at Matthews. Matthews
looks back and shrugs, just as perplexed. Wolenczak stands up
warily, and carefully shakes Arleigh's hand.

WOLENCZAK
Mister Arleigh. Have we met? What can I do for you?

ARLEIGH
(sitting down, uninvited)
That's the wrong question, Captain. It's what I can do for you. A
mutual friend of ours suggested I look you up, because you need my
help.

Arleigh puts his briefcase on the table, knocking Callan's
leftover beer bottle onto the floor. Wolenczak looks at this guy,
not sure whether to listen to him or have him bounced. He sits
warily across from Arleigh.

WOLENCZAK
Oh? What _mutual friend_?

ARLEIGH
(dismissive)
Let's just say they prefer to remain...in the shadows for now. But
they don't matter.
(beat, quickly)
You do. Someone is doing their best to railroad you, Captain. You
need _me_ to derail them.

Matthews perks up when she hears this. Her estimation of Arleigh
raises a couple of notches, from "pond scum" up to "barely tolerable."

MATTHEWS
(lightly)
It can't hurt to hear what he has to say, Captain.
(beat, humorously)
Afterwards, we can always throw him out.

ARLEIGH
(looking over at Matthews)
Cute.
(to Wolenczak, quickly again)
Look, Lucas. The fact is you need representation, and I don't
exactly see a line of legal eagles stretching out the door, begging
to take your case.

Wolenczak stiffens at the familiarity which Arleigh assumes. He
doesn't know this guy from Adam, and he's already using
Wolenczak's first name?

WOLENCZAK
(disbelieving)
But _you_ are. Why is that? And why you, Mister Arleigh?

ARLEIGH
(smilng, shaking off the question)
Bert.
(beat)
And the reason is that I hate to see anyone get ground up in the
wheels of bureaucracy. As for why me, well, let's just say my
background suits me for this kind of case.

WOLENCZAK
(getting a little tired of the exchange)
Look, _Mister_ Arleigh. It's been a rough couple of days, and
frankly I don't have the time to play twenty questions with you.
So give me a straight answer or leave.
(beat)
Why are you here, and what makes you the person I need on this case.

ARLEIGH
(insistent)
Bert.
(deadly serious)
I'm here because someone who cares about _you_ asked me to be,
Lucas. And I can help because I've fought this battle before.
(beat)
Look, I'm ex-UEO Navy, got out right after the war. I'm now a
citizen of the Carolinan Confederation, but I live and work here
in UEO territory.
(beat)
Why? Because folks who were affected by this great political game
have watched their property and assets taken by the UEO. These
were innocent folks, who didn't ask to become citizens of a new
country overnight. They need someone to watch over their stuff,
and that's where I come in.
(beat)
I know what it's like in battle, I was there for the war. I've
been in uniform, so I know what that's like. And I have fought the
bureaucrats repeatedly and won.

Matthews listens skeptically to this speech. She just doesn't trust
the guy.

MATTHEWS
(suspiciously)
How do we know you aren't working for the Carrots, Mister Arleigh?

ARLEIGH
Because Ross and her cronies are a bunch of power hungry idiots
who would love to see the UEO weakened by this case. The captain
here has thwarted her on a couple of occasions.
(beat, shaking his head)
No, she's on the sidelines this time, but you can _bet_ she's
cheering on the lions.
(beat)
Think about it, Lucas. We win, she loses.

WOLENCZAK
(nods, thoughtfully)
Okay. So what's in it for _you_?

Arleigh carefully chooses his words before he answers.

ARLEIGH
(cautiously)
Let's just say this clears up a lot of favors I've owed some people.
(beat, quickly)
Look, we're wasting time here. If you don't want me, say so, and
I'm gone. But you aren't going to find anyone better, Lucas.

Wolenczak looks at Matthews, who shrugs as if to say "What do I
know?" He sighs, and looks over at Arleigh.

WOLENCZAK
Alright, Mister Arleigh, you have a deal.

ARLEIGH
(enthusiastic)
Bert!
(laughing, thumps Wolenczak on the back)
Lucas, you won't regret this.
(rubbing his hands together)
So, let's get to work.

They sit down and start to discuss the case.

CUT TO HITCHCOCK'S OFFICE

Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock, Admiral Robinson and Minors,
a political flunky, are there. Hitchcock is pacing, frustrated and
full of nervous energy.

HITCHCOCK
So you're saying my hands are tied? I can't do anything to help
Lucas at all?

Minors looks heavenward. He's gone over this a dozen times already,
but Hitchcock won't accept the political reality of the times. He
tries one last time.

MINORS
Look, Madame Secretary, this is a no-brainer. The whole Wolenczak
case is a time bomb, waiting to go off. You intervene, and you
could set the whole thing off...and ruin any chance you might have
of a political future.

Hitchcock whirls angrily and walks toward Minors.

HITCHCOCK
(furious)
This is a friend of mine.
(beat, pointing her finger into Minors' chest)
Not a hot button issue.
(beat)
Not a political blip. A _friend_.
(beat)
And if you think I will stand by and let the bureaucrats here
crucify him...

She reaches up to grab Minors by his lapels and stops when she
realizes what she's doing. As angry with herself for overreacting
as she is with the situation, she turns away toward the window and
spends a few moment calming herself down. She turns to Robinson,
who has been waiting calmly throughout.

HITCHCOCK
(almost pleading)
Wallace, isn't there something I can do?

ROBINSON
(shaking his head)
Look, Madame Secretary, much as I hate to agree with a worm like
Minors, he's right--
(beat, before she can cut him off)
--If for all the wrong reasons.

HITCHCOCK
(confused)
What do you mean?

Robinson starts to walk away toward the window, trying to find the
right words. He stops and looks back at Hitchcock.

ROBINSON
All his career, people have been shielding Lucas. It's made him
hesitant, unsure at times of his own ability.
(beat)
We need to show him he does have the ability to command.
(beat)
So he's going to weather this storm alone, with no one rescuing him.

HITCHCOCK
(upset)
But the board may strip him of everything...

ROBINSON
(shaking his head)
That's a possibility. I've done what I can to ensure that the
makeup of the board is fair and equitable, but that's about all.
(beat, sternly)
Look, Katherine. If we _save_ him here, he's never going to mature
into the leader we both know he can be.
(beat)
The leader we _need_ at the helm of _seaQuest_.

Hitchcock just stares at him for a moment as his words ring
through the room. She turns away, and then looks out the window at
the HQ complex, bustling in the distance. Robinson walks over to
join her. Minors, forgotten, stands back and just observes,
respecting her privacy. Hitchcock's voice is heavy when she speaks
again.

HITCHCOCK
(looking at Robinson)
I just hope you're right.

ROBINSON
(staring off into the night)
So do I, Katherine. So do I.

CUT TO EXTERIOR--UEO SEABASE NEW BRUNSWICK

It is now morning. We see personnel stop and salute as the UEO flag 
is raised up the flagpole outside the building.

CUT TO INTERIOR HALLWAY

We see closed doors. A sign on the wall next to the doors reads
"119 - HEARING ROOM". There are two master-at-arms standing at
parade rest outside, next to a sign that says "QUIET - HEARING IN
PROGRESS."  Matthews, in a full dress uniform, is pacing by a
bench to the right of the room.

CUT TO HEARING ROOM

The room is laid out similar to a military court room. Two tables,
one for prosecution, one for defense. There is a raised dais where
the five-member board sits. A recorder is seated below, taking
down everything at a computer terminal. There is a gallery, but it
is empty. As each witness is called, a master-at-arms serving as
bailiff gets them from the passageway outside. Commander Sweeney
is seated a one table, dressed in a formal uniform. Arleigh and
Wolenczak are seated at the other. Wolenczak is in his dress
uniform as well, but Arleigh's outfit is a sight to behold. It's a
double-breasted suit, with a black mock turtleneck underneath, but
no one would notice that, because the suit itself is bright, fire-
engine red. To say that it stands out in the surroundings is an
understatement. A master-at-arms is standing by the panel's entrance
into the hearing room.

As the door opens, the master-at-arms snaps to attention and calls
out.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
Attention on deck!

Wolenczak, Sweeney and Arleigh all rise to attention. The panel
enters. They are various senior military officers, all captain
rank, except for the board president, an admiral. They file in and
take their positions by their respective chairs, with the president
in the middle.

BOARD PRESIDENT
At ease.

Everyone sits down. The board president opens a file in front of
him and reads from a printout.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Good morning. I call to order this formal Board of Inquiry into
the conduct of Captain Lucas Wolenczak. We are charged in the
request to determine Captain Wolenczak's fitness for duty. Are
there any questions before we begin these procedures?
(beat)
Good. Okay, people, listen up, because I will only say this once.
This is not a formal court martial, so rules of evidence do not
apply. However, I will keep this from becoming a witch hunt in any
way, shape or form. If I find either advocate's behavior out of
line, you will find yourselves in the brig...and that's where
you'll stay until the hearing is complete. Understood?

SWEENEY
Yes, Sir.

ARLEIGH
Yes, your honor.

Sweeney stands up immediately, ready to fire her first salvo. She
smiles a predatory grin as she starts to talk, looking at Arleigh.

SWEENEY
Sir, I want to bring up the fact that we may be discussing
classified material here, and Mister Arleigh is a civilian and a
citizen of the Carolinan Confederation.

Arleigh stands up, confident. He had expected this attack, and is
prepared for it.

ARLEIGH
If it please your honor, I am an honorably discharged member of
the UEO military, and because of the sensitive nature of other
cases I have argued before UEO courts, I have been cleared to a
classification level of secret. I trust I won't have to go beyond
that. If Advocate Sweeney believes we will in presenting her case,
then I'll move for a continuance until I can obtain the proper
clearances.

BOARD PRESIDENT
I see no reason for delay.
(to Sweeney)
Commander, think you can rope in what you'll talk about?

Sweeney looks over at Arleigh and smiles, like a cat looking at an
aquarium. She's not impressed with his countermove, but neither is
she surprised her first gambit didn't work.

SWEENEY
I think I can control myself, Admiral.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Then call your first witness, Commander.

SWEENEY
I call Lieutenant Justin Riller to the stand.

Master-at-arms exits out the back door, and returns a moment later, 
accompanied by Riller, who looks a little uncomfortable in his dress 
uniform. Riller walks up the witness stand, a chair on a raised platform 
halfway between the board and the advocates' tables. He waits at 
attention until the master-at-arms administers the oath.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
Do you swear that the testimony you are about to give is the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

RILLER
(confidently)
I do.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
State your name, rank and current duty assignment for the record.

RILLER
Justin Riller, Lieutenant Junior Grade, currently billeted as
Security and Tactical Officer aboard the _seaQuest_.

The master-at-arms walks away, as Sweeney gets up with a printout
in her hand. She stands by her table, just looking at Riller.

SWEENEY
(smiling at Riller)
Lieutenant, how long have you been aboard _seaQuest_?

Riller sees Sweeney, and soothed by her obvious physical attractiveness, 
relaxes. He can't see how someone that beautiful can possibly be 
dangerous in this setting.

RILLER
(matter of factly)
About two years now. I was named to the pre-commissioning crew in
2046.

SWEENEY
And when you reported, what was your position?

RILLER
Same as it is now. Security and Tactical.

Sweeney realizes her attractiveness has lulled Riller. She smiles,
and plays on that fact, weaving a web of his own words around him.

SWEENEY
I see.
(innocently)
I'm not familiar with that position, Lieutenant. What exactly does
a Security and Tactical Officer do?

RILLER
(confident, a bit puffed up)
Well, Commander, my job is basically to keep _seaQuest_ safe. I am
in charge of helping defend her whenever she is in a battle
situation, and I maintain internal security aboard her at all times.

SWEENEY
I see. Fascinating.

She knows she's got him now. She walks toward him, throwing an
extra little sway into her hips. Wolenczak, seeing this, starts to
stir, but Arleigh just puts his hand on Wolenczak's arm and shakes
his head.

SWEENEY
(vamping it up a bit)
So, if I understand you right, since you reported to _seaQuest_,
you have been solely responsible for her security. Am I correct?

RILLER
(confidently)
Yes, Ma'am.

SWEENEY
(walking away toward her table)
And who do you report to, Lieutenant?

RILLER
Well, ordinarily, I'd report to the XO, but onboard _seaQuest_, I
report directly to the captain.

Sweeney is surprised. This is an unexpected bonus for her.

SWEENEY
(turns back)
That seems strange. Why not follow the normal chain of command?

RILLER
Well, Captain Wolenczak wanted all department heads to feel free
to talk with him about anything. He felt that sometimes XOs
inadvertently filter out needed information from the captain,
information that could be vital.

SWEENEY
(smiling)
I see. And this access has helped you do your job better?

RILLER
(confidently)
I believe so, Commander.

Sweeney's eyes go cold, as the smile fades from her face. She's
got him right in the middle of his own web. Her manner becomes
colder, more attacking.

SWEENEY
Really?
(beat)
Lieutenant, does the name Commander Jason Hunter ring any bells
with you?

RILLER
(squirms a little on the stand)
Yes, Commander. He was the former XO of the _seaQuest_, who defected
to the Carr...er, to the Carolinan Confederation.

SWEENEY
And when he did so, did he just leave?

RILLER
No.

SWEENEY
What else did he do, Lieutenant?

Riller takes a deep breath, not happy about where this is leading.
He realizes he's fallen into the trap, and can't do a thing about it.

RILLER
He...he sabotaged the _seaQuest_.

SWEENEY
(mock surprise)
How fascinating.
(beat)
Lieutenant, where were _you_ when this was going on?

RILLER
I was onboard at all times.

Sweeney crosses quickly to her desk and picks up a pile of printouts. 
She grabs them and moves quickly back to Riller, waving them under his 
nose as she makes the following points.

SWEENEY
(accusatory)
You're not quite telling the whole truth, are you, Lieutenant.
Commander Hunter's sabotage started while he was still aboard the
_seaQuest_, and continued for long after he had left.
(beat)
While he was still onboard, he planted dozens of small computer
viruses. He also disabled the control systems while the _seaQuest_
was in a confrontation with the Carolinan Confederation, almost
resulting in the her loss, and the loss of all hands aboard. Isn't
that right, Lieutenant?

RILLER
(trying not to implicate anyone)
Yes, but...

SWEENEY
(overriding him)
And the reason he could do this is because you weren't there,
really, Lieutenant. Were you?
(beat, angrily)
You were in a drug induced haze the entire time, weren't you?

RILLER
(standing up)
That's _not_ true!

BOARD PRESIDENT
(banging gavel)
Sit down, Lieutenant!
(to Sweeney)
Commander, lower your tone. The lieutenant isn't on trial here.

SWEENEY
Yes, Sir.
(to Riller)
Isn't it true that you turned yourself in for rehabilitation from
Kyte addiction while Commander Hunter was still aboard?

RILLER
(quietly)
Yes.

SWEENEY
Yet you're _still_ in the same job.
(beat)
Curious. _Very_ curious.
(beat, her tone indicating what a bad choice this is)
Still, it _is_ the captain's discretion to keep you onboard while
undergoing treatment. We'll come back to that later, Lieutenant.

Sweeney goes back to her table and grabs another printout. She turns
and looks at Riller, smiling slightly.

SWEENEY
All right, Lieutenant. Let's try a different name. Jack Sutherland?

RILLER
(searching his memory)
Sutherland?
(he remembers, and wishes he hadn't)
Oh...Vortex.

SWEENEY
(sarcastic)
You remember! Very _good_, Lieutenant!
(beat, shaking her head as she reads the report)
So how _did_ Mister Sutherland slip from your grasp, Lieutenant?

RILLER
(defensively)
Commander, that's not fair. Sutherland wasn't identified by UEO
Intelligence as the man behind the Vortex weapon until much later.
When we recovered him, he was nothing more than an accident survivor.

SWEENEY
An accident survivor?
(beat)
What happened to the two people who were shuttling him back to the
mainland?

RILLER
(closing his eyes)
Sutherland killed them.
(beat, remembering)
He shot them.

SWEENEY
(biting, as if a teacher scolding a child)
And where did Sutherland _get_ the weapon?

RILLER
(quietly)
Out of the Docking Bay small arms locker.

SWEENEY
(incredulous)
A accident survivor?
(beat, savagely)
He _steals_ a pistol from your small arms locker?  And _you_ didn't
know it?

RILLER
(defeated)
No, Commander.

SWEENEY
(savagely)
Did you tell their families it was "an accident survivor?"

Riller doesn't answer, just shakes his head as he stares at the floor. 
Sweeney has his spirit whipped. She closes in for the final kill.

SWEENEY
One last question, Lieutenant.
(beat, leaning in close to him)
When Captain Wolenczak decided to let you stay aboard, what did he
tell you?

RILLER
(looking up at her)
The captain said he believed in second chances.

SWEENEY
Well, Lieutenant, you're lucky.
(beat, sarcastic)
In your case, it sounds more like nine lives.
(beat)
A better CO would have replaced someone as incompetent as you long ago.

She looks at Riller, who is just staring at the floor, defeated.
Her smile is that of a sated predator as she saunters back to her
table. Wolenczak just stares at Riller. Wolenczak's expression
shows his compassion for his crewman.
 
FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO


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


ACT THREE

FADE IN ON EXTERIOR--UEO SEABASE, NEW BRUNSWICK

Establishing shot to show it's still daylight.

CUT TO INTERIOR HEARING ROOM

Riller is still on the witness stand, deflated by everything
Sweeney has said about him and his competency. Arleigh has gotten
up, and is now walking around Riller on the witness stand. His
first thought is to get Riller more enthusiastic, less withdrawn,
so he can show him how important he has been.

ARLEIGH
(jolly, as if nothing has happened)
Okay, Lieutenant, let's clear some things up. First, who was
prospective CO of the _seaQuest_ before Captain Wolenczak came
aboard?

RILLER
(hollowly, not caring)
Commander Jason Hunter, Sir.

ARLEIGH
Now, in your reports on the sabotage, you've mentioned that
Commander Hunter did most of it during the final push to get
_seaQuest_ out of the shipyards. Wasn't this before Captain
Wolenczak reported aboard?

RILLER
Yes, Sir.

ARLEIGH
In fact, you hadn't even received notification that the Captain
was bound for your vessel, had you?

Riller looks up, puzzled. This had never occurred to him before.

RILLER
(confused)
No, Sir. The first we knew about the captain was when he reported
aboard.

Arleigh smiles. He's laid his groundwork now, and is ready to
build the bridge. He crosses close to the panel, with his back to 
Riller, talking to him while he looks directly at the board.

ARLEIGH
Isn't it kind of strange for the prospective CO of a boat to
sabotage his own ride?
(beat)
I mean, think about it, Lieutenant. If it was you, why would you
do something like that?

Arleigh's led him here. He now looks to Riller, hoping the
lieutenant has survived Sweeney's attack enough to put two and
two together. We see the look on Riller's face as he tries to
integrate that data.

RILLER
(ponders a bit)
I don't know...unless...

ARLEIGH
(jumping on the uncertainty)
Yes?

RILLER
(thinking the reasoning through, out loud)
Well, Sir, the _first_ time happened when we were still in Carolinan 
waters. Right after they had declared their independence.
(drawing the conclusion, still not sure of it himself)
Maybe we _weren't_ supposed to recover from that?

ARLEIGH
(feigning amazement)
Lieutenant, are you saying a known defector would have sabotaged a
UEO vessel so it could be hijacked and made a part of the
Carolinan Navy? Why I'm shocked! Just shocked!
(looking at Sweeney, mocking)
I'm shocked nobody saw something that _obvious_ before.

Arleigh walks back and picks up a volume of UEO regulations, and
carries it over to Riller.

ARLEIGH
Now, Lieutenant Riller, would you read to me the highlighted
passage of UEO regulations, Chapter 29, Paragraph 6, please?

RILLER
(reading it)
"Rehabilitation. UEO's stated policy is rehabilitation before
expulsion, especially in light of today's modern designer drugs.
As such, all UEO commands will encourage all members to seek
appropriate treatment for any acknowledged addictive condition. To
further encourage such rehabiliation without retaliation, service
members who volunteer for treatment will not be reduced in rank,
removed from their current position, or in any other way
retaliated against. The Commanding Officer shall make the final
determination of the applicability of this section on a case by
case basis."

ARLEIGH
(taking the book)
Thank you, Lieutenant. Sounds like the captain was following both
the letter and spirit of the law.

Riller looks over at Sweeney, and then at Arleigh. His look has
more gratitude than we've ever seen on Riller. Arleigh decides to
use that good will one last time.

ARLEIGH
Just out of curiosity, how long did your treatment last?
(beat, hastily)
You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

RILLER
(firmly, more in control)
It's all right, Sir. I'm not hiding my problem any more.
(beat, looking at Sweeney)
I'm still undergoing treatment, Sir. I'm scheduled to finish the
formal treatment program within the month.
(beat)
But with Kytes, you're never really finished.

ARLEIGH
Lieutenant, has your addiction ever been used against you?

RILLER
(mildly angered)
Yes, Sir.
(beat)
During the Janus Colony negotiations, I was ordered to stand down
from my post while an _elite_ team from UEO security was to
provide protection during the negotiations.

ARLEIGH
How did this _elite_ team do?

RILLER
Well...
(grinning)
The entire negotiating team was held hostage by the Carolinans for
48 hours.

ARLEIGH
(chuckling, looks at Sweeney)
I wonder if Commander Sweeney's assessment of _them_ will be as
harsh...

There is a silence hanging in the air now. Arleigh walks back to
his table and starts to sit, then stops and looks at Riller.

ARLEIGH
(seriously)
One last question, Lieutenant. What's it like working for Captain
Wolenczak?

Riller thinks about it for a moment, then looks over at Wolenczak
and smiles. Wolenczak is surprised at the depth of pride and
respect in that expression.

RILLER
Honestly, Sir, I've had my doubts about him. But he's always been
straight with me.
(beat, solidly)
He's the best CO I've ever worked with.

ARLEIGH
Thank you, Lieutenant. No further questions.

BOARD PRESIDENT
You may step down, Lieutenant. Please note everything said in this
room is classified.

Riller steps down, and exits.

CUT TO EXTERIOR--ROMANTIC NEW ENGLAND COUNTRY INN

It's early evening now. We see an old Cape Cod-style Bed and
Breakfast, with a gabled roof and a second floor balcony. We pan
up one of the trellises and onto the balcony, and find Greg and
Kelly Callan sitting in the overstuffed chairs there. They each
have a glass of champagne in their hands and are enjoying the view
of the lighthouse in the distance. It's quiet except for the
sounds of the waves on the shore and the occasional toll of a buoy.

KELLY
(languorously)
This is wonderful.
(sighs)
I wish it could last forever.

CALLAN
Not me.

Kelly looks up at him, not sure how to take that. Callan sees her
glance out of the corner of his eye and smiles slightly, pulling
her leg some more.

CALLAN
(wryly)
I don't have your eyes. It's too tough for me to see in the dark.

KELLY
(mock sympathetically)
Oh, poor baby. Here, take my hand and I'll let you feel your way.

Kelly takes Callan's hand and starts to pull him up toward the
railing. He pulls her back down into his arms and they kiss,
gently. She stops, smiles, and settles back against him, happily.
He smiles and closes his eyes, enjoying the moment.

KELLY
(with her eyes closed)
So how do you think he's doing?

CALLAN
Wolenczak?

Kelly nods. Callan thinks about it for a second.

CALLAN
Okay, I guess.

KELLY
(eyes open, interested)
Okay? So you think he'll win?

CALLAN
(teasing)
Depends on what the prize is.

Kelly giggles.

CALLAN
(getting serious for a second)
Wolenczak's a good CO. He's willing to listen, he's sympathetic--

Callan's eyes glaze for a second, as something occurs to him.

CALLAN
(drifting)
Sympathetic...
(the idea hits him, and he breaks the mood)
Of course! Why didn't I think of it!

He gets up, dumping Kelly off his lap. She cries out as she hits
the floor and glares up at him. But Callan is already oblivious,
his mind racing with the solution that has evaded him. He starts
to rummage though his bags and finds what he wants--his SEAPOC.
Opening it, he immediately calls up the docking ring files and
starts typing in some figures.

CALLAN
(excited)
It's so simple! All we need to do is tune the annealing circuit
to a sympathetic frequency between the superstructure and the gel
packs in the docking ring.
(beat, examining the results)
I need to call Morgan and--_Hey_!

His words are cut off as Kelly takes his SEAPOC away, closes it,
and tosses it over the balcony. It lands in a hydrangea bush
below. Callan looks up at his wife, who is standing there, hands
on her hips. She has a mischievous glint in her eye, contrasting
the stern expression on her face. It looks like she's struggling
not to laugh, though.

CALLAN
(shocked)
What was that for?

KELLY
(darkly)
You _promised_ no engineering while you were with me, Mister.
(beat, wagging a finger at him)
And _I_ plan to ensure you keep that promise.

CALLAN
But all--

He doesn't get a chance to finish, as Kelly kisses him, then drags
him off the balcony into their room. The door closes behind them and a
few seconds later the lights go out.
 
CUT TO EXTERIOR--UEO SEABASE, NEW BRUNSWICK

Standard establishing shot, indicating the passage of time. It is
now daylight.

CUT TO HEARING ROOM

It is the next morning. Arleigh has on a different suit, similar
in cut but different in color (this one is a bright green, the
same color as a well-tended golf course). The Board files in and
is seated. Sweeney, looking slightly less confident, but still
determined, looks up at the board president on the dais. He nods
at her in acknowledgement.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Nice to see you all here, again.
(beat, sardonic)
And Mister Arleigh, nice to see you've chosen a more sedate color
for today's proceedings.
(beat)
Well, let's get started. Call your next witness, Commander.

SWEENEY
Aye, Sir. I call Doctor Mark Curcio to the stand.

The door opens, and a supremely confident Curcio enters, wearing a
dress white uniform. He walks haughtily to the stand, throwing a
look toward Wolenczak as he passes him that practically drips with
contempt. He is quickly sworn in by the master-at-arms.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
Please state you name, rank and current assignment for the record.

CURCIO
Doctor Mark Curcio, Commander, UEO Medical Corps, formerly
assigned as Chief Medical Officer of _seaQuest_, now awaiting
assignment.

The master-at-arms crosses to his position, and Sweeney stands up.
She's never worked with Curcio before, but figures his testimony
should seal the case. She crosses over to him, carrying a piece of
paper. She doesn't look at him as she starts to speak.

SWEENEY
Doctor Curcio, until recently you were Chief Medical Officer aboard
the _seaQuest_, correct?

CURCIO
(off-handedly)
I already stated that.

Sweeney is a brought up sharply by the doctor's reply. Curcio, as
usual has no time for restating the obvious, but is oblivious to
the damage he's doing himself. Sweeney looks at him for a few
seconds, trying to send him the message telepathically to knock it
off on the stand. He doesn't get it.

SWEENEY
(treading carefully)
Doctor, why are you no longer in that position?

CURCIO
(coldly, with a little venom)
Captain Wolenczak had a personal dislike for my management style.
I ran my department strictly by the book, and tolerated no
mistakes. Captain Wolenczak was extremely lax, and was much too
forgiving, in my opinion.

SWEENEY
(trying to signal him not to be so vindictive)
_How_ so, Doctor?

CURCIO
(officiously)
Well, there are far too many incidents to catalog.
(beat)
When I arrived on _seaQuest_, the medical department was in an
incredibly sorry shape. Not _only_ had the latest procedures for
equipment cataloging and storage not been implemented, but one
medical bay had been turned over to a newly created _science_
department, which was conducting unauthorized experiments using
medical equipment.
(beat)
When I put a stop to that immediately, Ensign Morgan, the so-
called _scientist_, complained, and the captain allowed her to
keep the medical space.

Curcio stops. Sweeney waits a couple of beats, as if expecting him
to continue. But Curcio just stares at her, and she stares back at
him. Finally, it gets through to her that he considers what he
said sufficient. Sweeney realizes she is going to have to lead
him, however carefully, through his testimony.

SWEENEY
(prodding him)
Go on.

CURCIO
(self-satisfied at being acknowledged)
On another occasion, I was bodily attacked by an ensign in the
Medical Bay.
(beat, thinking)
I believe her name was Ensign Truehand, or something...
(beat, dismissive)
Anyway, after this ensign was removed, there were _no_
repercussions to her actions.

SWEENEY
(looking at Wolenczak, incredulous)
You mean to say there was no disciplinary action by the captain
after an ensign struck a superior officer?

CURCIO
(testily)
I believe I already said that, Commander.
(beat)
You certainly have problems picking up on the obvious.

Sweeney looks back at Curcio, bristling at the doctor's condescending 
attitude. He doesn't seem to realize they are on the same side. 
Wolenczak and Arleigh both have sudden coughing fits, covering them
from laughing out loud. Sweeney glares at them, then turns back to 
Curcio.

SWEENEY
Anything else?

CURCIO
(thinking)
Well, the final incident came after Captain Wolenczak was temporarily 
relieved of duty by Commander Matthews for medical reasons.

SWEENEY
(finally, something she can use)
Relieved?  Why?

CURCIO
(warming up to this)
After the death of Seaman Evans under mysterious circumstances,
Captain Wolenczak entered a fugue state, refusing to perform his
duties as commanding officer. To prevent any damage to the ship or
its crew, Commander Matthews and I decided he should be temporarily 
relieved of command.
 
SWEENEY
How did that incident conclude?

CURCIO
At the time, I thought he had made considerable progress in dealing 
with his depression, enough so that I believed his judgment was sound.
(beat, hesitating)
I was wrong. But it is obvious that Captain Wolenczak is a master
at masking his true emotional state.

SWEENEY
And what would that be?

CURCIO
Captain Wolenczak has been through a number of traumatic events in
his life. He never learned any positive coping skills, but rather
tends to "stuff" each incident inside himself. The problems result
from all those repressed emotional reactions. Now, as incidents
occur, he is reminded of other occurrences that he has not fully
dealt with. The end result is a fugue state, where the captain is
trapped by his indecision on how to deal with all that repressed
emotion.

SWEENEY
(nodding)
So why _is_ he in command again?

Curcio looks at her as if she has just presented him with a dead
mouse. He can't understand why this woman can't understand or see
the obvious.

CURCIO
(sharply)
He isn't _now_, is he?
(beat, shaking his head)
This man is a danger to the UEO Navy and the _seaQuest_. In my
opinion, the best course of action would be to keep him relieved
from duty.

Sweeney smiles. Curcio has brought home the point she wanted.
 
SWEENEY
One last question. Why aren't you onboard the _seaQuest_?  Why are
you awaiting reassignment?

CURCIO
(angrily)
That is Captain Wolenczak's doing.
(beat)
He _knows_ it is just a matter of time before his fugue state occurs 
again. He didn't want to take the chance that on the next occurrence I 
would relieve him again, permanently.

SWEENEY
Thank you, Doctor.
(beat, to board president)
No further questions.

She walks back to her table, relieved to be done with this witness. She 
looks over at Arleigh, convinced he's in for just as rough a time.

SWEENEY
Your witness, Advocate.

Arleigh gets up, and walks once around Curcio, examining him. It is 
obvious he's trying to compare what he's heard about the doctor with 
what he sees before him now.

ARLEIGH
(quickly)
Doctor Curcio, are you a good leader?

Curcio is completely caught off guard by the line of questioning.

CURCIO
(confused)
Excuse me?

ARLEIGH
(slowly, as if to a child)
I _asked_ if you're a good leader?

CURCIO
(bristling at the tone)
I would say so. I'm by the book, but I also believe I'm fair.

ARLEIGH
(nodding)
By the book, but fair. Hmmm.
(beat)
What book, Doctor? So far, you've been aloof, sarcastic and impatient.
I wonder, where _did_ you find your definition of _fair_?

Sweeney gets up to object, but Arleigh turns and smiles at her.

ARLEIGH
Relax, advocate. I withdraw the question.
(beat, curious)
How do we measure if someone's a good leader, Doctor? Inside UEO
Medical, anyway?

CURCIO
(thinking out loud)
Well, there are weekly proficiency reviews...

ARLEIGH
(cutting him off)
Ahh, yes, the proficiency reviews.

Arleigh heads back to his table and starts rummaging through his
briefcase as he speaks.

ARLEIGH
You know, that raises a curious question. Almost a mystery to me.
Do you like mysteries, Doctor?

CURCIO
(warily)
Sometimes.

Arleigh pulls out what he has been looking for and crosses to
Curcio, a mischievous glint in his eye.

ARLEIGH
I think you're gonna _love_ this one.
(beat)
Here's a graph of the _seaQuest_ medical proficiency reviews for
the last ten months. Now I want you to look at that spot--
(points to spot on chart)
--And tell me what the rating is.

CURCIO
(putting on reading glasses)
Well, it says the efficiency review was at 94 percent for that week.

ARLEIGH
(amazed)
Wow, 94 percent? That sounds pretty high. So, what is the date of
the review?

CURCIO
(reading)
March 23, 2048.

ARLEIGH
And is there anything special about that date?

CURCIO
It's the last review before I reported aboard.

ARLEIGH
(relaxed and folksy)
I see.
(beat)
Just for comparison's sake, what were the next four weeks' ratings?

CURCIO
(reading)
Ahhh...52, 56, 49 and 52 percent.

ARLEIGH
(whistles once)
That's quite a drop.
(beat, apologetic)
There must be an explanation...
(beat, snaps fingers)
It must have been the shock of a new doctor on board. Not used to
your system, et cetera, stuff like that.
(beat, charming)
Heck, a rating like that's not a true judge, right? Tell you
what, we'll ignore those. Instead, read out the ratings for the
last four weeks you were the CMO, please?

CURCIO
(reading, more slowly)
They were 53, 57, 44 and 49 percent.

Arleigh shakes his head, as if what he heard doesn't make any sense.

ARLEIGH
Doesn't that seem strange to you, Doctor?
(beat, mock innocently)
I mean, you're by the book, but fair. So why _did_ efficiency
become so poor under your leadership?
(beat, looking at the chart)
Just to satisfy my curiosity what were the next readings after you
left?

Curcio looks at Arleigh just as he would a weasel, but he takes
the chart and slowly reads out the last two numbers.

CURCIO
They were 92 percent...
(beat)
...and 97 percent.

ARLEIGH
(amazed)
Ninety-seven percent! That _is_ impressive, don't you agree,
Doctor?
(beat)
Can you explain this to me, Doctor? Can _you_ think of _any way_
to explain why, when you arrived, the average drop in efficiency
was 42 percent?
(beat)
And why, _when you left_, the measurements rebounded right back?

Curcio looks at the numbers, as if he's willing them to change. He
swallows hard for a moment, then regains that old Curcio composure
and plows on.

CURCIO
(dismissively)
Of course. The numbers after I left were inflated. They are
obviously falsified.

Arleigh turns around and looks at Wolenczak, grinning widely at
that. His smile turns slightly predatory as he turns back and
closes the gap between himself and Curcio.

ARLEIGH
(pointing to left ear)
Excuse me, Doctor. I'm a little deaf in this ear. Could you please
repeat that, a little louder?

CURCIO
(forcefully and a little louder)
I said they are lies. Outright falsehoods, done to justify the
captain's illegal action in dismissing me.

Arleigh smiles, knowing he's gotten to Curcio. He nods and goes
for the final verbal knockout.

ARLEIGH
So _you_ think the captain's actions were illegal?

CURCIO
Of course.

ARLEIGH
(quietly, looking directly at Curcio)
Well, think about this, Doctor...
(beat)
Is the reason you filed your complaint to help ensure UEO has the
best possible CO for the _seaQuest_, or just to gain a measure of
revenge on the first captain who called your bluff?

Curcio starts to bluster, unable to get out a coherent word.
Before he can gather and say anything, Arleigh walks away.

ARLEIGH
(dismissively)
I withdraw the question. No further questions.

CURCIO
(angrily)
Now wait a minute!  You can't just walk--

ARLEIGH
(cutting him off)
I said _no_ further questions. The witness is dismissed.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(banging gavel)
Doctor Curcio, you're dismissed.

Curcio stands up and glares at everyone on the courtroom. He
studies their faces, as if adding them to his own list of enemies.
He storms toward the exit, a cloudburst waiting to happen. The
board president, seeing his reaction, raps his gavel once on the
dais. Curcio hears it, freezes, then slowly turns toward the dais.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(gravely)
Doctor Curcio, I remind you these proceedings are sealed. You are
not to say a single word about what happened in here outside of
this hearing room.

Curcio starts to protest, but before he can get a word out, the
board president cuts him off

BOARD PRESIDENT
Not a single word. Or else you'll find yourself making small rocks
out of large ones.
(beat)
Do you understand, Doctor?

Curcio nods, frustrated, and exits.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(sighs)
After that, I think I could use a recess and a stiff drink. We'll
reconvene in one hour.

He bangs his gavel and exits, followed by the rest of the board.
Sweeney looks over at Wolenczak, none too pleased with how her
case is going so far. He doesn't acknowledge her, staring instead
at the doors to the hearing room. His expression shows he really
hadn't understood the depth of Curcio's feelings in this. Arleigh
is busy rummaging through his briefcase, looking for additional
notes, when he sees Wolenczak. He looks over at him, and waves his
hand in front of Wolenczak's face, trying to get a reaction.

ARLEIGH
Hey, Lucas, snap out of it.
(beat)
You should be happy. The damage wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.
In fact, Sweeney only has a couple of more witnesses.
(beat, looks at paper)
Doctor Summers...that'll be a little rough, but I think her own
actions make that incident suspect anyway.
(beat, flipping page)
And Ensign Morgan. That should be easy.
(beat, pretending to make a speech)
Broadening the ship's appeal, returning to the spirit of the original
_seaQuest_, stuff like that...

He puts down the papers and looks at Wolenczak, who has not acknowledged
a word he's said. Arleigh puts his hand on Wolenczak's shoulder and
gives it a squeeze.

ARLEIGH
Look, why don't you go get some fresh air, okay?
(beat, wryly)
And cheer up. We're _winning_.

WOLENCZAK
Right.

Wolenczak turns and heads up the aisle, then stops and turns back.

WOLENCZAK
Oh, and Bert--
(beat)
Thanks.

ARLEIGH
(chuckling)
Don't thank me until _after_ you've seen my bill.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE


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


ACT FOUR

FADE IN ON HALLWAY--UEO SEABASE, NEW BRUNSWICK

We see the two masters-at-arms standing at parade rest outside the
hearing room. Matthews is still pacing, but this time we see Morgan
waiting on the bench. She and Matthews share a look, as Morgan tries to
take comfort from Matthews presence. However, neither can say a word.

CUT TO HEARING ROOM

The board is already seated. The board president is looking over
some notes. He turns and looks at Sweeney.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Well, Commander, do you have any other witnesses?

Sweeney stands up, looking at her notes. She nods, having made a
decision about where to go next, and faces the dais.

SWEENEY
Yes, I do, Admiral. I call Doctor Selena Summers to testify.

The master-at-arms escorts Doctor Summers in and quickly swears
her in. She is wearing her usual dress and jacket, with her UEO
Parapsychic Institute insignia on the lapel. She sits, a relaxed
presence on the stand, as if taking in everything around her.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
For the record, please state your name and affiliation.

SUMMERS
(matter of factly)
I am Selena Summers. I am a Doctor of Psychology, currently
employed by the UEO Institute of Parapsychology in Pearl Harbor.

Sweeney gets up and walks over toward Summers.

SWEENEY
This won't take long, Doctor. You were on _seaQuest_ recently,
correct?

SUMMERS
(nodding)
That's right. At the request of other members of the Institute, I
was assigned to do the annual psychological evaluation of the
_seaQuest_ crew.

SWEENEY
(setting the stage)
Please go over what happened while you were assigned to _seaQuest_.

SUMMERS
(clinically)
Certainly. Upon my arrival, I completed a level three psychological
evaluation of the entire crew. Most, while hesitant to do it because of
my status as a Talent, cooperated fully.
(beat)
From the start, however, I found Captain Wolenczak to be defensive
and secretive. He avoided any contact with me whenever possible,
until he was the only crewmember still unevaluated. When I tried
to get him to cooperate, he ordered me out of the room.
(beat, carefully)
At this point, I used my talents to probe his mind, trying to find
the reason for his defensive attitude.

Summers looks over at Wolenczak, her expression slightly apologetic.

SUMMERS
(slightly defensive)
Unfortunately, my probing wasn't delicate enough. It triggered a
cascade memory reaction in the captain. This resulted in him
regressing into a repressed memory over an incident in his past
dealing with the traumatic loss of a close friend.
(beat)
During the regressive episode, Captain Wolenczak was disoriented
and lost track of the identities of those around him, myself
included. Unsure of what was happening, he physically threatened
me, forcing me to again use my talents, this time defensively. In
his weakened state, this time the probe triggered a physical
reaction, and the captain lapsed into a coma.

Summers looks over at Wolenczak, who is looking at her, unblinking.
His reaction is stoic, but she can feel the turmoil inside him as he
fights to deal with his feelings rather than repress them. Summers
smiles slightly, realizing that even this small step is progress for
Wolenczak. She makes a decision and turns toward Sweeney.

SUMMERS
(determined to make this point)
It was my own fault, I _pushed_ too hard.
(beat)
With the help of Doctor Tim O'Neill, another old friend of Captain
Wolenczak, we were able to bring him back to a conscious state.
(beat)
At that time, the captain and I discussed the events that triggered the
memory cascade and he has worked it out to resolution. I have every
confidence in his ability to make a full recovery.

Sweeney looks at her, incredulous. She walks up toward the witness
stand.

SWEENEY
(under her breath, almost a hiss)
That is _not_ what we discussed earlier.

SUMMERS
(looks right back at her, evenly)
No, it isn't.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Commander Sweeney, do you have a point you're trying to make here?

Sweeney looks at him, then glares back at Summers. She crosses to
her table, trying to quickly find a strategy. Suddenly, something
Summers and Curcio both said dawns on Sweeney, and she seizes on
it. She turns, quickly deciding how to get the answers she needs
from Summers.

SWEENEY
Doctor, was this an isolated event?

SUMMERS
(surprised)
Excuse me?

SWEENEY
This memory cascade. Was this a once-in-a-lifetime event?

SUMMERS
(stalling, not wanting to be pinned down)
Well...I couldn't say that for sure.

SWEENEY
(pushing)
Why is that?

SUMMERS
(trying to soften the blow)
Because a number of events in the captain's past have been traumatic,
and his coping method to date has been to repress his feelings. So,
under stress, it is possible he will trigger another cascade. However--

SWEENEY
(cutting her answer off)
Thank you, Doctor.
(beat)
In fact, it already has happened again, didn't it? When Captain
Wolenczak entered a fugue state recently over the death of Seaman
Evans, it happened all over again.

Wolenczak winces, remembering his reaction. Summers looks over at
him, and realizes that Sweeney's interpretation is possible. But
just from his general reaction, Summers sees that Wolenczak _is_
dealing with it. Summers realizes that Sweeney is wrong in her
interpretation, and looks immediately to Sweeney to see why. The
pure cold hatred she finds radiating from Sweeney shocks her for a
second.

SUMMERS
(hotly)
That isn't correct! Captain Wolenczak was dealing with--

SWEENEY
(hastily)
I withdraw the question. That's all, Doctor Summers.

Sweeney quickly heads to her table and sits down, searching
through her notes for anything else she can find to tie Summer's
and Curcio's testimony together. Wolenczak is staring at Summers,
not noticing anything around him. All of the repressed memories
are clamoring for attention inside him. He starts to panic for a
moment. Summers looks over at him, an almost questioning expression on
her face. Their eyes meet, and she smiles slightly at Wolenczak in
encouragement. As he relaxes, he allows himself to gather a measure of
peace from within. Summers watches this process play out on his face,
smiling the entire time in encouragement. Slowly, Wolenczak looks at her
and nods, starting to smile back. He's faced the demons inside and won,
this time. Arleigh crosses over to next to Summers and leans on the arm
of the witness chair.

ARLEIGH
(friendly)
Hello, Doctor. You're a Talent, right?

SUMMERS
Yes, that's true.

ARLEIGH
And the Talents of UEO work according to a code of ethics, right?

SUMMERS
(smiling)
That's right.
(beat, wryly)
Some of them are followed _better_ than others, however.

Arleigh smiles at that.

ARLEIGH
(chuckles)
Just like everywhere else.

Arleigh starts to walk away from Summers, chuckling, then stops as
if he remembered something.

ARLEIGH
Funny thing, though, I seem to remember one of those items in the
code against an unwanted intrusion into someone's mind.
(beat, shrugs)
But then, I suppose your _push_ into the captain's mind was
with his approval.
(beat, questioning)
It _was_ with his approval, wasn't it?

Summers looks at Arleigh, trying to read his emotions. When she
realizes the confidence and sense of rightous outrage Arleigh is
projecting, Summers understands where he is going with this, and
smiles.

SUMMERS
(pauses)
Well, not exactly...
(beat)
...But I _believed_ it was within the allowable parameters of my
evaluation.

ARLEIGH
So when did you make your...push?

SUMMERS
(sighing, as if caught)
In the middle of the night.
(beat)
Captain Wolenczak was suffering from a nightmare, and I believed I
could treat the cause--

ARLEIGH
(cutting her off)
At night?
(beat)
So was the captain aware of what you had done?

SUMMERS
(hesitantly)
No.

ARLEIGH
(coming close to her, pushing the point)
Doctor, if _you_ hadn't made an uninvited _intrusion_ into the
captain's mind, would the memory cascade have been triggered?

Summers considers this for a moment, then shakes her head.

SUMMERS
Honestly, I don't know.
(beat)
Probably not, but _something_ else may have triggered it.

ARLEIGH
(nods)
That's fair enough, Doctor Summers.

Arleigh starts to go back to his table, then stops and turns.

ARLEIGH
(curious)
Oh, one last thing, Doctor. What were the overall findings of your
evaluation? For the entire crew, I mean?

SUMMERS
(smiling)
They were a little lower than would have been preferred, but they
also showed a steady improvement from the baseline studies during
_seaQuest's_ commissioning.

ARLEIGH
(looking straight at her)
Considering _seaQuest's_ history, are they out of line?

SUMMERS
(considers for a moment)
No. In fact, if I remember right they are higher than the
baselines for crews from other rushed-launch craft.

Arleigh smiles. He's gotten what he wants from this witness, and
found an unexpected ally as well. He looks over at Wolenczak,
feeling confident, and nods. Wolenczak smiles back, then shifts
his gaze to Summers.

ARLEIGH
Thank you, Doctor.
(beat, to board president)
No further questions, your honor.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(nodding)
You may step down, Doctor.
(beat, remembering cautions)
Please note that these proceedings--

SUMMERS
(smiling as she pulls the information from him)
--Are sealed, and I shouldn't discuss them with anyone.
(beat, showing off a little)
Yes, _I_ saw that already, Admiral.

Summers smiles and gets up to walk out. Her smile widens a bit as
she passes Wolenczak. As he watches her leave, Wolenczak realizes
that there is a friendship there he can pursue, if he ever needs
to. As she exits, the board president just stares after her, his
mouth agape. He quickly recovers his composure.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(flustered)
Well... errr.
(beat)
Commander, are there any other witnesses left from your side?

SWEENEY
(standing)
Yes, Admiral. I call Ensign Anne Morgan to the stand.

The master-at-arms escorts Ensign Morgan in to the hearing room.
She is obviously nervous, but trying hard to cover it. She is
quickly sworn in.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
State your name, rank and assignment for the record.

MORGAN
(nervously)
Anne Morgan, Ensign Lower Grade, currently assigned as Science
Officer on _seaQuest_.

The master-at-arms returns to his spot. Sweeney looks at Morgan,
seeing her nervousness. She smiles as she realizes Morgan is going
to be easy to wring out. Picking up a listing from the table, she
walks over to Morgan.

SWEENEY
(questioning)
Science Officer?
(beat, examining the paper)
Funny, I don't see that billet description on the original Table
of Organization for the _seaQuest_.
(beat, to Morgan)
So how'd you end up on her, Ensign?

Morgan is very nervous. She has a handkerchief in her hands and is
twisting it, tightening it around her fingers. Her voice shakes
with every word, and her expression is of an animal ready to bolt
to safety. She gulps once before answering.

MORGAN
(stammering slightly)
Well, um, Commander, as I understand it, one of the conditions
Captain Wolenczak made when he assumed command was assignment of a
science officer to _seaQuest_.
(beat)
I was next up on the assignment list, so I got lucky.

SWEENEY
(turning away, looking at the board)
Don't you consider that strange, Ensign? I mean, _seaQuest_ is a
warship, isn't she? There wasn't any space available for research
on her.

Morgan relaxes. She was worried that all the questions were going
to be about when she first came aboard. These are questions about
the rightness of having _seaQuest_ do _science_. She's fought this
debate a dozen times with her crewmates on the mess deck. Her
whole manner becomes more relaxed as she speaks.

MORGAN
(confidently)
Captain Wolenczak made arrangements for that. Right now, I'm using
a converted medical bay, but plans are for the addition of a full
laboratory module near the Bridge during the next overhaul.

SWEENEY
(repeating the point)
But _why_? This _is_ a _warship_.

MORGAN
(shaking her head)
It's not so strange, if you think about it.
(beat)
The original _seaQuest_ was a ship of peace, designed to balance
both the military and the scientific aspects of undersea life.
(beat, slightly proud)
Lucas is just trying to keep that spirit alive in her latest
namesake.

Sweeney is about to give up when she hears Morgan's answer. She
blinks, ready to pounce on this mistake.

SWEENEY
(silkily smooth)
Excuse me? _Who_ did you say, Ensign?

Morgan realizes she's slipped, and tries to cover. She is quickly
becoming flustered. Arleigh looks on in alarm, then look over at
Wolenczak. He just shakes his head and watches, unable to do
anything at all to help her.
 
MORGAN
(flustered)
Errr...ummm...
(beat, recovering)
What I _meant_ to say was that Captain Wolenczak is the one behind--

SWEENEY
(swiftly cutting her off)
No, you said _Lucas_...
(beat, like a predator stalking a kill))
So tell me, Ensign. How long _have_ you and Captain Wolenczak been
on a first name basis?

MORGAN
(quietly, evasive)
Not long.

Sweeney knows she's uncovered something. She is circling Morgan
now, her questions coming in from all angles as she looks for the
final key to unlock this secret.

SWEENEY
Strange that a _junior_ ensign is on a first name basis with her
_captain_.
(beat)
Why is that, _Ensign_ Morgan?

MORGAN
(stammering)
Well, Captain Wolenczak, I mean...
(beat)
...He has encouraged familiarity between his staff.

SWEENEY
(swiftly, closing in for the kill)
How familiar?

MORGAN
(evasive)
Well...

SWEENEY
(forcefully, closing in on her)
Just how familiar _are_ you and Captain Wolenczak, Ensign?

Arleigh sees where this is heading. He tries to slow this down,
maybe give Morgan some wiggle room to escape. He jumps quickly to
his feet.

ARLEIGH
(angrily)
I object! This has no bearing on the captain's fitness for duty.

SWEENEY
(turns to the dais, countering swiftly)
Not true, Admiral. This has a _direct_ bearing on Captain Wolenczak's
conduct as an officer and a gentleman.

The board president looks down, weighing the matter. For a second,
Arleigh hopes he may be able to deflect this juggernaut. His hopes
are stillborn, however, as the board president begins to nod.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(carefully)
I'll allow the question.

Sweeney looks over at Morgan and approaches her, like a cat stalking
a mouse. Morgan is now frozen on the stand.

SWEENEY
Now, Ensign, just how familiar have you been with Captain Wolenczak?

M0RGAN
(hesitantly, trying to find _just_ the right way to put this)
We're good friends.

SWEENEY
Would you say you're...
(beat, deadly cold)
..._Intimate_ friends?

MORGAN
(nervously)
I don't think I'm... quite sure what you're asking.

SWEENEY
(scornfully)
Oh come on, Ensign. You're an adult, a mother even.
(beat, straight to the jugular)
Have you and Captain Wolenczak had an intimate physical relationship?

Morgan is torn between wanting to protect herself and Wolenczak,
and her sense of honor. After a few moments, honor wins out.

MORGAN
(whispering)
Yes.

SWEENEY
Excuse me? I couldn't hear you, Ensign. Speak up.

MORGAN
(still quiet)
Yes, we have had sex.

SWEENEY
(triumphant)
I _still_ can't hear you, Ensign.

MORGAN
(beginning to cry, loudly)
Yes, we _had_ sex.

Morgan dissolves into a welter of tears on the stand. Sweeney, in
a gesture of comfort, puts her hand on Morgan's shoulder.

SWEENEY
(falsely comforting)
It's all right, Ensign. _You_ were probably pressured into it.

She looks at Wolenczak, ready to make the final accusation. She
draws herself up, and points at him, accusing him with her words,
her tone of voice, her very appearance.

SWEENEY
(sanctimoniously)
I just know that _I_ could never serve with a commanding officer
who would take advantage of his position like _that_.
(beat)
No further questions.

MORGAN
(affronted, still crying)
It wasn't like that at all, I--

SWEENEY
No further questions.

Sweeney heads back to her table. Arleigh jumps up to start
questioning Morgan, but is restrained by Wolenczak, who puts his
hand on Arleigh's arm. Arleigh looks at him, and Wolenczak shakes
his head. Arleigh looks at him, then shakes his own head as if to
indicate he doesn't agree.

ARLEIGH
(defeated)
No questions, Sir.
(beat)
Admiral, I'd like to request a recess.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(nodding)
Granted. We'll reconvene tomorrow at 0900.

He bangs a gavel. The board stands up and exits. Sweeney stands up
and smiles over at Wolenczak, canary feathers all over her mouth.
As the hearing room clears out, Arleigh just stands, shaking his
head. Wolenczak sits at the table, his head in his hands. Morgan,
sobbing, stands up on the witness stand, and looks at Wolenczak.

MORGAN
(weakly)
I'm so sorry, Lucas.

WOLENCZAK
(not even looking at her from the seat)
It'll be all right, Anne.

Morgan walks over to the table, opposite him.

MORGAN
(trying to get through to him)
_All right_? Oh, god, Lucas, I've destroyed you! I've handed you
to them on a silver platter.

WOLENCZAK
(shaking his head)
Not really. I did that myself.
(looks up at Morgan)
Look, Anne, we can't change what's happened. But if I've learned
anything, it's no regrets. You are a special lady, Anne. Nothing
today changes that fact.
(beat)
Let's face it...you're my friend. I'd hate to lose the _seaQuest_,
but I'd hate losing your friendship even more.
(beat)
You've got to go now. But remember, one way or another, when this
is over, I'll be here for you, Anne.

Wolenczak reaches out both hands to her across the table. She
takes them for a second, clutching them tightly, then runs out of the
room. Arleigh watches her leave.

ARLEIGH
(biting)
Well, that was touching.

WOLENCZAK
(not wanting to deal with this now)
Knock it off, Bert.

Arleigh wheels angrily on Wolenczak.

ARLEIGH
No, _you_ knock it off.
(beat)
Sweet Jesus in heaven, what were you thinking? _Sleeping_ with a
junior in your own command?  Why didn't you just _shoot_ yourself
and save us all the effort of a hearing!

Arleigh takes a deep breath and walks around the table, toward the
witness stand.

WOLENCZAK
(standing up)
Look, Bert, you're overreacting.
(beat)
Yes, we had sex. But it was off duty, off the boat, and it
happened _once_.

ARLEIGH
(looking back at Wolenczak)
Once?

WOLENCZAK
(nodding, definite)
Once.

Arleigh starts to think about this, pacing in front of the witness
stand.

ARLEIGH
(weighing this)
Hmmm.
(beat, stops and looks at Wolenczak)
I can use that.
(beat starts to pace again, away from Wolenczak)
I just make it look like a _mistake_--

WOLENCZAK
(crosses room to Arleigh)
It wasn't a mistake, Bert.
(beat)
It was two people, alone, at a vulnerable moment.
(beat)
It happened, it's over, and it hasn't affected either our working
relationship or performance of our assigned duties.

ARLEIGH
(sighs, giving in again)
Okay, we'll play it your way. But when we reconvene, you're going
to be on that stand.
(beat)
I just hope the admiral and his fellow board members are more
sympathetic.
(beat)
Sure as hell, _Sweeney_ won't be!
(beat, heads back to the table)
Go get some sleep. I'll need you fresh when you're on the stand
tomorrow.

WOLENCZAK
(shrugs, crossing to the witness stand)
I'll handle it, don't worry.

ARLEIGH
(turns back, deadly serious)
Listen, this _isn't_ some sort of contest. This is a _competency
hearing_.
(beat, pointing to the dais)
You are going to get _one_ shot to prove to those people up there
that despite your mistakes, _you_ are the best we've got for the
job. Otherwise...
(beat)
Well, let's just say I hope you like being on a beach somewhere,
because you'll never be on a ship of the line again.

Arleigh grabs his briefcase and walks out, leaving Wolenczak alone
in the hearing room, looking at the witness stand.

CUT TO EXTERIOR LOBSTERMAN BAR

It is early evening. The parking lot is full, and we hear music
coming from the bar.

CUT TO INTERIOR LOBSTERMAN BAR

The bar is as popular, and as crowded, as usual. It's oldies
night tonight, and the DJ is playing vintage grunge music at
incredibly high volumes. Riller, Reede and Trueman are all
gathered here, seated at a table. Reede is alternating between
ogling the women going by, and talking to Trueman. They seem to be
enjoying each other's company, in a loose, friendly sort of way.
Riller, seated across from them, is still smoldering. He is
nursing a mineral water; from the pile of labels in front of him,
it looks like he's been drinking and peeling these labels for a
while now. He throws an occasional glance up at Trueman and
Reede, but still hasn't said much of anything to them. We see
Matthews enter the bar and search around for someone. Seeing the
other three crewmembers from _seaQuest_, she makes her way through
the crowd to them and sits down at the table.

MATTHEWS
(yelling)
Mind if I join you?

Reede and Trueman nod enthusiastically, while Riller doesn't
respond. Matthews looks at that for a second, then flags down a
passing waitress and signals an order. Soon, a large mug of beer
is delivered to her.

REEDE
(yelling back)
Heard anything from the captain?

MATTHEWS
(nodding)
Not much. He mentioned he thinks he'll be on the stand tomorrow,
so we must be getting close to the end.

Matthews winces as a particularly loud portion of the song in the
background blasts through.

MATTHEWS
(yelling to be heard)
I can't wait. I don't think my hearing can take many more nights
of this!

REEDE
(shrugging as he yells back)
Yeah, but look at the bright side.

Matthews shrugs, looking slightly perplexed. Reede smiles.

REEDE
It could be Percell singing up there!

Matthews, who was starting to take a drink, almost loses her beer
when she starts to laugh. Trueman also starts to laugh, but Riller
just sits there oblivious. Matthews notices and tries to bring him
into the conversation.

MATTHEWS
(smiling)
Justin, how about a dance?

REEDE
(enthusiastically)
That's a good idea!

He stands up and bows formally to Trueman, camping it up.

REEDE
(pretending to be Prince Charming)
May I have this dance, Miss?

TRUEMAN
(a la Southern Belle)
I do declare, that would be _simply_ wonderful!

Trueman bats her eyelashes at Reede, who breaks up when she does
that. They get up and head off toward the dance floor. Riller
watches them, his expression darkening, and he gets up and storms
out of the bar. Matthews downs her beer quickly and chases after
him.

CUT TO EXTERIOR LOBSTERMAN BAR

We see Matthews exit the bar, searching for Riller. As we pan
back, we see him leaning against the Lobsterman Bar sign. He's
looking up and has his hands clenched into fists. Matthews comes
over to him, and calls out his name.

MATTHEWS
(gently)
Justin, are you okay?

Riller jumps at the mention of his name, and turns toward her,
assuming a fighting stance for a second. When he recognizes
Matthews, he relaxes, and looks down.

RILLER
(sheepish)
Sorry, Commander.
(beat)
You, uh, startled me.

MATTHEWS
(wryly)
So I gathered.
(beat, crossing to him)
Now, you want to explain what _that_ was all about?

RILLER
(evasive)
Oh, nothing.

Matthews just stands there, her expression saying she's not buying
it. After a few seconds, Riller relents.

RILLER
(frustrated)
It's just that she can do _so_ much better than _him_. He's just
going to end up hurting her in the long run.

Matthews listens, and nods. She suspected this. She puts a hand on
his shoulder.

MATTHEWS
(sagely)
You're probably right.
(beat)
But she's a big girl, Justin. She'll be able to handle it okay.
(beat)
And _you've_ got to stop overdoing the big brother routine, before
you end up ripping somebody's head off.
(beat, chuckles a little)
You know, I always thought it was _Trueman's_ temper I had to
watch out for. You picking up her bad habits?

Riller is in no mood for a joke, and doesn't react to it. Instead
he looks out across the water at the _seaQuest_ docked in the
distance.

RILLER
(quietly)
XO, is he going to win?

Matthews follows his gaze and sees what he means. Her expression
clouds a bit.

MATTHEWS
(unsure)
You'd probably know better than I would. Or Morgan. She was there
today.
(beat, before Riller can respond)
I know, it's classified.
(beat, sighing)
My gut feeling is he'll win, but I keep wondering if that's just
wishful thinking on my part.

They both fall silent, not willing to explore what the future
holds if Matthews is wrong. After a few moments, she turns around.

MATTHEWS
(jollying him along)
Come on, let's go back inside.
(beat)
I'll even try to get Reede to dance with _me_ the rest of the
night, okay?

That finally gets a smile out of Riller as they head back to the
bar.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR


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


ACT FIVE

FADE IN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI

_seaQuest_ is shown moored. It's nighttime, as she rests on the
surface, with lights visible both through portholes on the boat
and on the pier beyond.

CUT TO MORGAN'S QUARTERS

She's just sitting on her bed, upset over the day's events. She's
done sobbing, but tears are still flowing silently as she hugs a
small gray stuffed animal. A knock on the hatch to her quarters
startles her, and she glances up at it. She sees Matthews through
the glass. She quickly jumps off her bed and sits down at her
desk, booting up the computer. As it goes through its initialization
routine for the Internex, she wipes her eyes, trying to hide any
evidence she's been crying. Finally ready, she calls out.

MORGAN
(a little unsteady)
Come in, Commander.

Matthews enters, and looks over at Morgan. She can tell something's
wrong, but she's not sure what. She crosses over and sits on the edge
of the bed, near Morgan's chair. Matthews sees the stuffed animal and
picks it up. As she looks at it closely, recognition dawns in her
expression.

MATTHEWS
(interested)
Hey, this is Eeyore!
(beat)
You know, I had a stuffed Tigger when I was a kid...

Morgan is just sitting there, not responding. Matthews puts down
the donkey and looks at Morgan, concerned.

MATTHEWS
(probing slightly)
We missed you tonight at the Lobsterman, Anne.
(beat, no reaction from Morgan)
I guessed it had something to do with your testimony today.
(beat, sees Morgan tense up)
Must have been rough, huh?

MORGAN
(innocently)
What, that? It want just fine.
(beat, starting to crumble)
Everthing was...just...just...

Morgan starts to break down, sobbing again. Matthews, alarmed by
this, goes to hug her, but Morgan shies away from her touch.
Matthews goes into the head and comes back with a damp washcloth.
She waits until Morgan slows down a little, and then quietly hands
it to her.

MATTHEWS
(gently)
It'll be okay, Anne.

She waits as Morgan wipes off her face, watching her patiently.
Morgan, grateful for the company, looks up at her.

MORGAN
(shyly)
Thank you, Jessie. I don't know what--

MATTHEWS
(calmly)
Shhhh. Don't worry. It'll be all right.

Morgan shakes her head at that, looking a little bitter.

MORGAN
(a small bitter laugh)
All right? I doubt it.
(beat, defeated)
Do you know what I told them today? Do you know what I did?

MATTHEWS
(trying to stop her)
Anne, I understand you're upset, but--

MORGAN
(angry)
_But_ nothing! _Nothing_ could be worse than what I did today!
(beat, fighting back tears)
Jessie, I _told_ them we slept together! I just sat there and told
them...
(beat)
...And killed his career.

Matthews looks at her in shock. Morgan is just winding up though,
dumping all of her frustration and anguish at once. Nothing is going
to stop her now.

MORGAN
(losing it)
I let my damned sense of honor override what I felt toward him,
Jessie. It was just one night, when we were both feeling lonely,
and I was about to resign. He didn't intend for anything to
happen...
(beat)
...It just did. And we were _fine_ with it. But _I_ had to go and
admit we did it.
(beat, sour laugh)
You know the worst part? Sweeney said it was all _his_ fault!
She used it to _attack_ him! It wasn't _his_ fault!
(beat, quietly anguished)
It was _mine_.

Morgan sits down on the bed and hugs her knees to her chest,
clamming up again. Matthews sits there for a moment, stunned by
what she's heard. She looks up at the ceiling for a moment,
composing herself, then looks at Morgan again. She knows she has
to say something, but isn't sure how to word it.

MATTHEWS
(tentatively)
Anne, was there anything you could have done?

MORGAN
(bitter)
Yes. I could have kept my mouth shut.

MATTHEWS
(a little angry)
Knock it off, Anne!
(beat)
You feeling sorry for yourself isn't solving anything.
(beat, calmer)
You didn't have a choice. You _had_ to answer the questions.
Wolenczak is an adult, just as you are. I can't say what you two
did was right, but it's over and done with.
(beat)
I know the captain well enough to be sure he won't blame you for
anything that happens because of this.

MORGAN
(looks at Matthews, despairing)
But this'll destroy him for sure--

MATTHEWS
(cutting her off sharply)
_No_ it won't!
(beat)
Wolenczak's a survivor. Somehow, he'll explain what happened, and
he'll survive.
(beat)
Anne, you've got to let it go. Otherwise, you'll be no good to us.
(beat)
Or to him.

Morgan looks at her, and nods as she wipes her eyes again. She's
utterly exhausted by everything. Matthews looks at Morgan, shaking
her head and smiles, trying to give Morgan confidence.

MORGAN
(calming down)
So what _do_ I do now?

MATTHEWS
(letting out a big breath)
Well, for one thing, you _don't_ mention a word of this to anyone
else on the crew.
(beat)
As for what else...Weren't you and Callan working on a project?
Why not throw yourself into that?
(beat)
They say work is good therapy.
(beat, positively)
And if you solve it before the captain returns...

Morgan laughs a bit at that, to her own surprise. That brings a
look of relief to Matthews' face.

MORGAN
Now you're starting to sound like my _mother_.
(beat, warmly)
Thanks, Jessie. I owe you one.

MATTHEWS
(getting up to leave)
All part of the service.
(beat, heading to the hatch)
Now get some sleep. You've got a lot of work to do tomorrow.

Morgan nods and smiles as Matthews exits the quarters and shuts the
door behind her.

CUT TO PASSAGEWAY

Matthews has exited the quarters and is leaning against a
bulkhead, slightly wrung out from dealing with Morgan. She takes a
deep breath and heads off toward her own quarters, talking quietly
to herself.

MATTHEWS
(grimly)
And when you get back, Captain, we need to have a _long_ talk...

She turns the corner in the passageway, out of sight.

CUT TO HEARING ROOM

It's daytime, as we see daylight streamining in though a window on
one wall. Sweeney and Wolenczak are in place, wearing dress
uniforms again. Arleigh has gone subtle in his clothing choices
today, choosing a muted lavender and olive plaid double breasted
suit that fairly screams "used car salesman." The board is already
seated. The board president bangs a gavel to call the hearing to
order.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Before we get started, I have something for you, Advocate Arleigh.

ARLEIGH
(puzzled)
Yes, your honor?

BOARD PRESIDENT
Yes. Come here please.

Arleigh aproaches the dais. The board president hands him a business
card, which Arleigh reads, his face turning a little pale. He looks up
at the board president.

BOARD PRESIDENT
(nodding)
Yes, it's the card for my tailor, Mister Arleigh. And I suggest
you give him a call, because if you show up again wearing any more
suits like the ones you've been wearing, I'll have you in irons
for contempt.
(beat, bangs gavel)
Now that that's done.
(beat, formally)
Advocate Arleigh, are you prepared to present your side?

ARLEIGH
(nodding)
Yes, Admiral. I call Captain Lucas Wolenczak to the stand.

Wolenczak stands up, and strides confidently to the witness stand.
He is quickly sworn in by the master-at-arms and sits down.

MASTER-AT-ARMS
For the record, state your name, rank and current assignment.

WOLENCZAK
Lucas Wolenczak, Captain, currently assigned as Commanding Officer
of the _seaQuest_.

The master-at-arms returns to his post as Arleigh stands up and
crosses to Wolenczak.

ARLEIGH
Captain, you've heard a lot of allegations about yourself and your
crew over the last few days.
(beat)
Well, now it's your turn. I'd like you to respond to those charges.

Arleigh looks at Wolenczak and nods, then returns to his table. As
Wolenczak speaks, we slowly pan around him in the witness chair,
so that we eventually see him facing the board directly.

WOLENCZAK
(smoothly, sincerely)
Thanks.
(beat)
I'm not sure where to begin. At the beginning, I guess.
(beat)
I never thought I'd be in the military when I grew up. But then,
my life has _never_ taken the turns I expected it to.
(beat, thoughtfully)
When the tragedy of last year hit, Secretary General Hitchcock
felt she needed me. I _didn't_ want the job. I _begged_ her not to
give it to me. But she insisted, and pointed out that it was my
_duty_ to serve, under my oath as an officer in the UEO.
(beat)
So I ended up with a boat I didn't want. At times, I'm still not
sure I want it. But while she's mine, I will always strive to do
my duty, both to her and the UEO, to the best of my ability.
(beat, forceful)
I've made mistakes. I should have seen that Lieutenant Riller had
a problem _long_ before it got to the level it did. And I _should_
have seen that Hunter was a traitor.
(beat, quieter)
I didn't, and as a result, Riller is still in the battle of his
life, and Hunter came within a hair's breadth of stealing the
flagship. Those happened on my watch, and they are my fault. No
one else's.
(beat)
I should have sent in additional unmanned surveillance before I
ordered Seaman Evans into that shuttle.
(subdued)
I didn't, and now his family will never share his life again. That
one decision will probably haunt me the rest of my life.
(beat)
And I should have had the strength to turn away that night, when I
tried to convince a valued member of my crew to stay. A member
that Doctor Curcio had almost chased away. Do I regret my actions
that night?
(beat, shaking his head)
Not at all. Ensign Morgan is my friend, but if need be I _will_
send her into harm's way, just as I have sent others in my
life...and watched as some of them didn't come back.
(beat, looks at board members)
All of you on this board know what that's like. You've worn the
insignia, you've sat in the chair.
(beat, quietly)
You've made the choices.
(beat)
You _know_ the truth in these words, that hindsight is the worst
torture you'll ever face, because you do it to yourself. Every day
you ask yourself the two worst words on Earth--what if.
(beat)
You know what it feels like to live in that glass house of
command, everyone examing every little action for a slip, a
mistake, a betrayal. But while I wish I'd never climbed into this
exhibit, I am here now. And I will do my duty, to the best of my
ability, for as long as I am needed.

Arleigh nods, and turns to the Board President.

ARLEIGH
No further questions.

Sweeney gets up and starts to applaud as she walks over to the
witness stand.

SWEENEY
(dripping with sarcasm)
Oh, bravo, Captain. That was a stirring performance.

WOLENCZAK
(self-assured)
It was no performance. I meant every word I said, Commander.

SWEENEY
I'm sure you did. But before we fit you for a halo and sainthood,
let's get some answers straight from you.
(beat, hard nosed)
Why is Lieutenant Riller still your Security and Tactics Officer?

WOLENCZAK
(takes a breath and relaxes as he answers)
Simple. Riller's the best officer for the job, despite his
situation. He knows the security setup of the _seaQuest_ better
than her designers, and has supervised a number of upgrades they
never envisioned. He's a hard worker, fair with his subordinates,
and I've never found him to be untrustworthy since his
rehabilitation started.
(beat)
I have trusted him with my life a number of times since then, and
he has never let me down.
(beat)
I can't say the same about UEO security. I still remember being
held at gunpoint by the Carolinans during the Janus Colony
negotiations. That security wasn't arranged by Lieutenant Riller.

Wolenczak leans in the chair toward Sweeney, emphatic.

WOLENCZAK
Just show me who _could_ do the job better than he has, Commander.

SWEENEY
(changing directions)
Why did you replace Doctor Curcio?

WOLENCZAK
The man was damaging more than he was healing. I don't deny he's a
brilliant doctor.
(beat, humorously)
And I may yet prove his diagnosis about me correct.
(beat, serious again)
But his skills at dealing with his subordinates and patients were
so poor, he was seriously affecting the morale aboard _seaQuest_.
I was in danger of losing a number of key personnel through
transfer. It was simply a matter of math. I could lose my entire
senior staff, or replace Doctor Curcio. Curcio went.

SWEENEY
And you kept your senior staff?

WOLENCZAK
Yes.

SWEENEY
(bitingly)
How? The same way you kept Ensign Morgan?

WOLENCZAK
(straight forward)
No. What happened between Ensign Morgan and myself was private,
during off-duty hours, and was a _single_ incident. It was a
chance encounter we probably should have said _no_ to, but didn't.
(beat)
But I don't regret it for a moment.

SWEENEY
(feeling she has him in a trap)
But you _do_ admit what you did was against regulations?

WOLENCZAK
(simply)
Yes, it was.

Sweeney is taken aback by this. The last thing she expected was
for Wolenczak to admit wrong-doing. This throws her off-balance
for a couple of moments as she continues asking questions.

SWEENEY
(surprised)
You admit it?

WOLENCZAK
Of course. I have nothing to hide. And I'm sure I'll be disciplined
for my lapse.
(beat)
But I hope you realize that when a person is making their best
effort, punishing them for not being perfect is counter-productive.
(beat)
I believe in second chances, Commander Sweeney. Do you?

Sweeney backs away from Wolenczak, caught completely flat-footed
by his admission. She looks quickly through her notes, and
realizes she has nothing further she can attack him with.
Defeated, she sighs and turns to the board.

SWEENEY
(dejected)
No further questions.

Wolenczak watches her as she walks back to her table. At his
table, Arleigh is leaning back, smiling broadly at Wolenczak. He
nods once to him.

BOARD PRESIDENT
You may step down, Captain.
(beat)
Advocate Arleigh, do you have any other witnesses to call?

ARLEIGH
(standing up)
No, Admiral.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Very well.

He bangs the gavel once, then looks down at the other members of
the board, who have been taking all this in, making notes, etc. He
rises and they all follow. He looks at the advocates and at
Wolenczak in turn.

BOARD PRESIDENT
The board will now deliberate the matter, and will return its
findings shortly. Until then, we stand in recess.

The board president bangs down the gavel; it echoes as the image
freezes.

FADE TO LANGSON'S OFFICE

Langson is on the vidlink with Sweeney. Sweeney looks resigned,
but Langson is livid.

LANGSON
A reprimand?  The board is reprmanding him for sleeping with that
ensign, and that's _it_?
(beat, getting really angry)
A stupid little _reprimand_?
(beat, accusing)
How did you _let_ this happen, Commander?

SWEENEY
(on vidlink, angrily)
I didn't _let_ anything happen.
(beat, calmer)
He was just better than us, this time.
(beat)
Let's face it, using Curcio's complaint as the base for this was a
bad idea.
(beat, slightly apologetic)
I did the best with the hand I was dealt here, Minister. Wolenczak
just had better cards, this time.
(beat, ready to start again)
But don't worry. I plan to watch him like a hawk. As he himself
admits, he's not perfect.
(beat chuckling evilly)
When he slips up again, he's _mine_.

LANGSON
(still angry with her)
He _better_ be, Sweeney.
(beat)
Keep me informed, Commander.

Langson cuts off the vidlink transmission and turns back to the
paperwork on his desk. As he fumes, there is a knock on his office
door. In walks Hitchcock, alone. She closes the door behind her.

LANGSON
(dryly)
Madame Secretary, what a surprise. I thought you'd be off celebrating
with your friends.

HITCHCOCK
(not taking this from him)
Langson, cut the attitude; we need to talk.
(beat, walking to his desk)
We both know the truth here. This was _never_ about Lucas
Wolenczak. This whole board was an attempt to discredit me.

LANGSON
(not admitting anything)
Really, Madame Secretary, you don't believe--

HITCHCOCK
(cutting him off)
Langson, shut up and listen.
(beat)
I'm here to strike a deal. Lay off of Lucas.
(beat)
Give him some space to do his job, and to achieve what he can,
without you or your "hounds" on his heels at all times.
(beat, menacingly)
If you want to attack me, fine. The election is in a year away,
and I'm sure you'll give me just as good a challenge as you did
Ford.
(beat, coldly)
But attack Lucas again, and you'll be running from outside this
office. Do we have a deal?

Langson considers it for a moment, and decides he needs time to
build more strength.

LANGSON
Agreed.

HITCHCCK
(patronizing)
There, that wasn't so hard.
(beat)
You know, Andrew, we should work together more often. Who knows
what we could accomplish that way?

Langson watches as Hitchcock turns and leaves, his fists clenched.
He closes his eyes and counts slowly to ten, releasing the anger.
When he opens his eyes, he appears outwardly calm... except for
the narrowing of his eyes. He then reaches over and turns on the
vidlink, smiling to himself.

LANGSON
(oily)
So Wolenczak is off limits, is he? Fine...
(beat)
Of course, you didn't say anything about the _seaQuest_ or her
crew, did you, Katie?

He touches a few controls on his vidlink and we see a secure
scrambler symbol come on line. Soon after, the vidlink image
opens, revealing a familiar face--Andrea Berger. Langson smiles as
he sees her.

LANGSON
(very smooth)
Nice to see you again, Andrea.
(beat)
I have a job for you.

We see Berger smile for a second, then the scene shifts.

CUT TO ROBINSON'S OFFICE

Admiral Robinson is working at his desk, typing something onto his
keyboard. We hear a knock on his office door and a yeoman enters.

YEOMAN
Excuse me, Admiral. Doctor Curcio is here to see you, as ordered.

ROBINSON
Good. Send him in please, and stand by in the outer office. I want
you to bring in the items when I call for you.

The yeoman smiles knowingly as she turns to exit. She opens the
door and Doctor Curcio walks in through it. He looks slightly
anxious as he approaches Robinson's desk. It's a look we've never
seen on Curcio's face before, and it's obvious it's new to him as
well. Robinson finishes what he was typing, presses the enter key
with a flourish and then sees the doctor standing there.

ROBINSON
Ahh, thank you for coming so quickly, Doctor. Have a seat.
(beat)
I understand you are still waiting for your next assignment?

Curcio is halfway in a sitting position when Robinson mentions his
assignment. He freezes, then lowers himself gently the rest of the
way, as if onto a bed of nails.

CURCIO
(hopefully)
Yes. I was hoping to get assigned to one of the major regional
medical centers, perhaps as head of surgery--

ROBINSON
(shaking his head as he cuts Curcio off)
No, Doctor. That would just be a waste of your talents, and
wouldn't fit our particular needs at this time. No, I have
someplace in mind that is just _perfect_ for you.

CURCIO
(still trying to influence his fate)
Well, I could rotate onto another vessel and serve as their CMO.
Doesn't the _Argus_ have an opening--

ROBINSON
(cutting him off again)
No, shipboard life seems to be a _little_ strenuous for you. I
have something that fits you to a "T," Doctor.
(beat)
A chance to work closely with a number of people, and yet still
keep that _wonderful_ bedside manner of yours.
(beat)
You leave in eight hours for the UEO Deep Arctic Penal Station.
Just you, fifteen guards...
(beat, grinning)
And 3000 hardened criminals.

The blood drains from Curcio's face as the reality of his new
assignment sinks in.

CURCIO
But...
(beat)
Deep Arctic is broadcast shielded. No electronics of any kind.
I'll be completely out of touch from the rest of the world...

ROBINSON
(nodding and grinning)
For the next _four_ years.

CURCIO
(weakly)
_Four_ years?

Robinson smiles and nods again. He presses a buzzer on his desk,
prompting his yeoman to enter. She is carrying a folder, an
optical disk and a parka. She hands all three to Curcio, smiling
at him and returns to the door, holding it open. Curcio just looks
at the items, his brain already numb from the visions of the cold.

ROBINSON
There are your orders, my latest service record entry on you, and
a little going-away present.
(beat, with steel in his voice)
I hope in the next few years, you think carefully before you try
to destroy another officer's career, Doctor.
(beat)
You have seven hours and fifty-six minutes, Doctor. You better get
packing.

Curcio opens his mouth to say something, but Robinson holds up a
single finger and wags it at him as a warning not to start. Sighing,
Curcio starts to carry his items to the door. Just as he reaches it,
Robinson calls out to him.

ROBINSON
Oh, and Doctor?
(beat)
I'll be sure to mail you some sunshine every once in a while.

Curcio's face darkens as he stuffs back an angry retort, then
turns and exits. Robinson sits down, looks at the computer, and
starts laughing as he punches up a vidlink.

CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ BERTH

Wolenczak, Arleigh and Robinson are walking slowly down the pier,
discussing the results of the inquiry. Wolenczak and Robinson are
in khaki working uniforms, while Arleigh is wearing a powder blue
seersucker suit and a bright red collarless shirt.

ROBINSON
(to Arleigh)
What will you do now?
(beat, chuckling)
Beside going to see the tailor, that is?

ARLEIGH
What I'm always doing...fighting.
(beat)
There's a group of UEO veterans who are having trouble getting
their benefits, since they now live in the Carolinan Confederation.
I figure they can use my help.

WOLENCZAK
(sincerely)
I can't think of anyone better suited for the job.

ARLEIGH
Thanks, Lucas.
(beat)
Well, I need to run and catch my transport. I'll see you around,
Wolenczak. Just take care of yourself.

Arleigh turns and heads back up the pier, as Robinson and
Wolenczak watch. Robinson stops and looks at the _seaQuest_.

ROBINSON
Well, you could have done a lot worse out of this.

WOLENCZAK
Yeah, but I wish I could have avoided it.

ROBINSON
(looking at him, seriously)
You needed this, Lucas.
(beat)
You needed to see that you're a leader, and that your leadership
stands up to the _worst_ scrutiny possible. It'll help make you
into the leader we need onboard _seaQuest_.
(beat)
Sweeney was right, you know.

WOLENCZAK
(raising an eyebrow)
About what?

ROBINSON
About _your_ leadership style.
(beat, very serious)
You're too passive, Lucas. You've never had to be the one making
the hard choices, because you've always felt you had someone to
pass those choices to. Hudson, Bridger, Hitchcock, San Angelo...
(beat, takes a deep breath)
...Myself. You always believed you could pass the buck.
(beat)
Not anymore. You are _it_.

WOLENCZAK
(nodding)
But after this, it feels like everyone will be watching every move
I make.

ROBINSON
(nodding)
They will be. But I promise you this. You are on the right track
with _seaQuest_. Just set a good course for her, and I'll back you
up, a hundred percent of the way.

WOLENCZAK
(reflective)
That sounds like something Hudson would say.

Wolenczak and Robinson start walking up the pier again toward the
gangway.

ROBINSON
It should.
(beat, looking at Wolenczak)
He believed in you, Wolenczak. Enough so that he _pushed_ you
every step of the way.
(beat)
Before he died, he asked me to keep an eye on you. But that's not
what you need anymore. You need to know that you can make it on
your own. That you _are_ the leader we all knew you would be.
(beat)
A lot of people believe in you, Wolenczak. Hitchcock, myself, your
crew. We all _trust_ in your judgment and leadership. Now you have
to convince just _one_ more person.
(beat)
_Yourself_.

WOLENCZAK
(nods)
Well, I better get to work.
(starts to walk away, stops and turns back)
Just one thing. You wouldn't happen to know who sent Arleigh,
would you?

ROBINSON
(smiling)
Well...let's just say someone is backing you up...
(beat)
...A hundred percent.

WOLENCZAK
(smiling back)
I know, I should trust my luck on that.
(he turns toward Robinson)
Take care, Admiral. And say hi to your family for me.

Wolenczak snaps off a smart salute to the Admiral. Robinson,
grinning, returns it in earnest. Wolenczak smiles, then turns and
heads to the gangway to board _seaQuest_. As he does, his step is
a little bouncier than we've seen, a little more definite in
purpose than before. As he boards _seaQuest_, the Officer of the
Deck salutes him. As he returns the salute, we here over the
ship's announcing circuit a bosun's whistle, followed by an
announcement: "Captain, _seaQuest_, arriving."  Wolenczak smiles
as he hears those words, and disappears into the ship as we...

FADE TO BLACK

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

Copyright 1997, seaQuest 2047 Staff.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED