Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:46:03 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Act 2 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT TWO FADE IN ON COMPUTER MONITOR We see a darkened monitor. A shadow crosses it, and sits down at it out of camera range. The screen lights up, and a series of Kanji characters crosses it. We hear a few keystrokes and the screen changes, showing a network diagram. A finger reaches forward and touches the screen at one intersection point. The point glows briefly, and then expands to fill the screen. It reads “UEO NEXUS MAINTENANCE.” A few more keystrokes are heard, and then a list of UEO vessels appears. The finger traces down them, finds an entry and highlights it. We zoom in, and see the name: _seaQuest_. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The vessel sits outside the RadZone on station keeping, motionless and ready. CUT TO BRIDGE We pan around the Bridge, seeing the usual organized chaos of action in the submarine's control center. Matthews, Percell and Lieutenant (j.g.) Tom Reede at helm are on duty and the rest are extras. The camera finishes its pan on the hatch, coming to rest just as Goodwin strides onto the Bridge. His expression in determined. Nodding a greeting to several extras he knows, he moves quietly to the sensor station. Percell's pretty busy, and he has to get her attention. GOODWIN (quietly) Percell. He's said her name quietly enough not to startle her. Percell looks up. PERCELL (calmly) What can I do for you, Commander? Goodwin gets and almost embarrassed look, like he's reluctant to ask whatever he's there to ask her. GOODWIN (hesitantly) Can I see a copy of the sensor logs for my run into the RadZone, Chief? (beat) Are they available? Percell, looking up at him, gives him a questioning look. PERCELL You were there. Why do you need the logs? GOODWIN (quickly) That discrepancy in the readings is still bothering me. (beat, in a lower tone, almost secretive) And I saw a colony out there. Percell's look changes to one of surprise. PERCELL (disbelieving) In the RadZone? Goodwin shrugs slightly, expressing his agreement with her response. GOODWIN That's what I thought. PERCELL (offering her thoughts) It's probably nothing. (beat) A leftover from the war, maybe. GOODWIN (nodding) Morgan said that too. (beat, emphatically) I think this one's different, though. (beat) She probably knows what she's talking about, but... Goodwin's shrug as he trails off indicates his disbelief. Percell only looks half convinced of Goodwin's story. PERCELL (dubiously, finishing his thought) You want to make sure you're not crazy? Goodwin nods. Shrugging in dismissal of the conversation's importance, Percell loads the files into Goodwin's SEAPOC. CUT TO EXTERIOR EWS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Mid-morning sunlight streams down on the plaza and fountain, as EWS employees go about their anonymous tasks. CUT TO WALKER'S OFFICE We see the office of EWS corporate mogul Ted Walker, panning across his desk. We see a picture of Walker and Berger, smiling, and a small wood frame holding five metal balls suspended in sequence. We pan past these to see Walker, leaning back in his chair, dictating a letter. WALKER --In conclusion, I regret to inform you I will not be able to attend the yearly festivities at Christmas this year. With regards, your son, Theodore. A knock at the door is followed a moment later by the entrance of his new assistant, Leah Christensen, obviously Berger’s replacement. She is the total opposite of Berger--late 40s, graying hair, a little heavy in build, all business. The only similarity to Berger the hardness in her pale hazel eyes. She is carrying a spreadsheet printout , about three inches thick, bound in a blue cover. She walks over to Walker and drops it unceremoniously in the center of his desk. WALKER (his aplomb undisturbed) End dictation and send to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mynott of Sydney, Australia. (beat, looking up to her) Something the matter, Leah? CHRISTENSEN Perhaps. (beat, points at the spreadsheet) Take a look at these. Walker stares at them for a second, then looks up at her, his expression starting to become annoyed. WALKER R&D financial and shipment records for the last five years. (beat) And…? Christensen flips open the cover, and pages quickly to a bookmarked spot in the paperwork. As it opens, we see two entries circled in red. CHRISTENSEN (pointing to the highlighted entry) Look at this line item… (beat, pointing to another bookmark deeper in the stack) And then line item 5460..there. Walker puts on his reading glasses, and checks the print inside the red circle. He then leafs to the other bookmark, and looks at the text highlighted there. After a moment, he flips back, rereading the first entry, and then again the second. He looks up at Christensen, now very interested. WALKER (curious) What led you to look here? CHRISTENSEN (smiling) I skimmed through Saquido's files while he was in Paris last week. There were references to these line items, so I did a little digging… Walker leans back, taking off his glasses…he chews on the earpiece of one idly, spinning his chair to look out the window. As he does so, Christensen takes Berger’s picture and places it face down on the desk. After a minute, Walker speaks, his voice light. WALKER Well done, Leah. (nods, turning back) Page Phil and tell him I need to talk to him immediately. CHRISTENSEN I already checked his schedule before I came. He's out at a luncheon with some suppliers until three. WALKER Well, inform his secretary to send him to my office as soon as he's finished. CHRISTENSEN (smugly) Of course. Christensen turns and walks out of the room. Walker smiles, putting his glasses down on the spreadsheet, then pulls back the end ball on the pendulum, setting it in motion. As we here the “clack-clack” of the balls, Walker stares at it. WALKER Actions, Phil. Actions… (beat) …And reactions. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak is reading a copy of Knowles' "A Separate Peace." Or, more accurately, is attempting to read it. He begins to flip a page but instead marks his place in the book, and places it on the small bookshelf next to the chair he was sitting in. He then stands and walks over to his desk. He sits and begins to look through the files on the hackers. His movements are reminiscent of his days as _seaQuest_'s computer analyst--quick and precise. He works for a few more seconds before leaning back in his chair and sighing. WOLENCZAK You've gone over these a hundred times, Lucas. Nothing is going to magically appear. A knock sounds on the hatch. He glances up. WOLENCZAK (calling out) It's open. Percell walks in, SEAPOC in hand, and closes the hatch behind her. WOLENCZAK What can I do for you, Chief? PERCELL (holds up the SEAPOC) You wanted to see the diagnostic results on Engineering's computers. WOLENCZAK (mildly distracted) Go on. PERCELL Everything checks out. Minor directory errors, but everything else is fixed now. WOLENCZAK Good. Percell stands there for a moment longer. PERCELL Is that all, Captain? Wolenczak opens his mouth to say yes, but closes it, a realization hitting. WOLENCZAK (motions to a chair) Have a seat, Percell. Percell sits. PERCELL Is there a problem, Sir? WOLENCZAK Depends on who you are. (beat) Seems UEO's been getting visits from hackers recently. PERCELL Nothing serious? WOLENCZAK Not at all...they've been breaking in to basically read our mail. PERCELL (puzzled) Why would anyone do that? WOLENCZAK I have no idea. (beat) You? PERCELL (thinks for a minute) No, most of them have already broken into UEO if they were going to. WOLENCZAK Have you heard anything? PERCELL (shakes head) No. It was hard enough staying aware of everything going on before I joined the Navy. Now it's just impossible. (beat) But I can make a few calls if you'd like. WOLENCZAK Good idea. (beat) Dismissed. Percell stands and walks out, leaving the SEAPOC on Wolenczak's desk. CUT TO WALKER'S OFFICE Walker is checking up on EWS's stock. We see the constant updates on his computer screen, and the stock shoots up two points just as Saquido enters Walker's office. He is perturbed, presumably at being summoned by Walker like an errand boy SAQUIDO (brusquely) Make it fast, Ted. I promised Brittany I'd be home for dinner tonight. Walker closes the stock portfolio display and leans back in his chair. WALKER (smoothly) I wouldn't want to keep you away from your all-adoring family. (beat) This should be very quick. In fact, you'll probably be glad I brought this up. (beat) It seems someone signed out two R&D shipments worth forty million in your name. The rush Saquido was in disappears as all the color drains from his face. SAQUIDO (carefully) Really. WALKER Yes. (beat) If you'd like, I can have Ms. Christensen go over the payment records for you. SAQUIDO (staring at Walker) That won't be necessary. WALKER (cold as steel) I insist. Their eyes meet. SAQUIDO It's only forty million, Walker. Hardly threatening to this corporation. (beat) I'll have someone in accounting look over it tomorrow. Walker opens his mouth, but Saquido continues. SAQUIDO (smoothly) That _is_ why we pay them. (beat) Besides, I certainly wouldn't want to run the risk of boring your assistant with something as simple as a couple of mistakes in the printouts. (beat) Good evening. Saquido turns on his heels and walks out the door. Walker smiles as he leaves. After a moment, he presses the intercom button on his desk. WALKER Mrs. Cramer, tell Ms. Christensen to come to my office. Walker doesn't wait for a response as he leans back in his chair again. CUT TO CREW'S MESS Sailors are eating enthusiastically, with one notable exception. The camera pans around the room, then comes to rest on a table bearing an untouched tray of food. Next to the tray lies a SEAPOC, and as the camera pulls back slightly we see the table's occupant, Goodwin, absorbed in whatever's on his screen. His expression is slightly perplexed, and he types something into the SEAPOC, muttering unintelligibly under his breath. Morgan enters the room. Seeing Goodwin, she goes over to his table. MORGAN (indicating an empty chair) Is this seat taken? Goodwin makes no verbal reply. He just shakes his head slightly in negation, the movement barely noticeable. Morgan sits, casting a look at his food tray. MORGAN (trying to start a conversation) Mind if I eat your orange? There's still not much of a response from the preoccupied Goodwin. Morgan picks up his orange and begins to peel it. MORGAN (still trying) It still amazes me how flawless these hydroponically-grown oranges are. (beat, examining it) I guess that's what technology gets us. GOODWIN (in another world) Yeah. Giving up, Morgan sets the orange down and waves a hand between Goodwin and his SEAPOC. MORGAN (less lighthearted) Sara told me about the sensor readings, Will. Morgan's waving hand has broken Goodwin's concentration, and he glances up at her. GOODWIN (apologetic) It's not that I don't believe you, but... (beat) I know what I saw. Morgan rests her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand, looking at him. MORGAN (seriously) Well, you must have found _something_. (beat) You were sure fascinated when I came in. Eyes bright, Goodwin slides the SEAPOC over so Morgan can see it. GOODWIN (intensely) Look at this. MORGAN It’s your sensor telemetry from the Bridge. (beat, pointing) There’s the spike, just before you went offline. GOODWIN Yes. He hits a couple of keys, and a second line overlays the first. GOODWIN (continuing) And this is the download from my sensors that Percell made. It shows the same thing. MORGAN (shrugs) So? It seems to prove the point there’s nothing out there. GOODWIN True. But I went and made a second download from the Outrider. (beat, hitting another key) And it should plot…there. Morgan’s eyes wide as she sees the latest plot. She's interested immediately. FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT TWO Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:46:53 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Act 3 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT THREE FADE IN ON EXTERIOR EWS HEADQUARTERS A beautiful sunset paints the sky salmon, reflected in the mirrored glass of the tower. CUT TO SAQUIDO'S OFFICE Sitting behind his desk in the dark, Saquido stares out the window. His expression is guarded, but his eyes are haunted. He squeezes them shut, tightly, as if trying to banish something only he can see. A tone sounds from his intercom that he ignores. It sounds again, and a third time. Finally he moves to his desk, and pushes a button on his com panel. SAQIDO (heavily) Yes, what is it. SECRETARY (over com, responding) Sir? You wife has called asking if I’ve seen you. What should I tell her? SAQUIDO (trying to maintain a casual tone) Tell her I won’t be able to make dinner after all. After that, call and have the florists send the usual over. (beat) I'd appreciate it if I wasn't disturbed for a while, Margaret. SECRETARY (over com) I'll see to it, Sir. SAQUIDO Thank you. Saquido shuts off the intercom and stares off into space, thinking hard. Facing ghosts, he hits a different button and addresses the computer. SAQUIDO Computer, play back my personal diary entry for August 16, 2043. COMPUTER VOICE (dispassionate) Please enter voice code. SAQUIDO (reluctantly) Eden. The computer whirrs softly in the background, indicating that it's working, and then begins playback of the requested file. It's a personal log, and we hear a slightly earlier version of Saquido's voice. LOG I've finally managed to divert enough R&D money to finish the new radiation shield project. (beat) The Macronesians are building a post for it off of Madagascar, and as soon as they're done we'll be ready to install the shield prototype. (beat) Note to self: watch the political aspects on this one. I don't want to get caught in the middle of a struggle between the Chaodai and the Macronesians. SAQUIDO (suddenly) Halt playback. The audio stops, and Saquido leans back in his chair with a sigh and a nervous look, slouching. SAQUIDO (to himself) Great idea keeping a record of this, Phillip. How stupid can you get? He lapses into silence, thinking, then addresses the computer again. SAQUIDO Play the entry for December 13 of the same year. LOG Damn, I hate being right sometimes. (beat) We thought the Macronesians were going to use the shield prototype to keep in radiation from a nuclear waste storage site. But it turns out, the facility off Madagascar was Bourne’s idea of a bunker. A last refuge, so he could play out his final strategy and emerge to pick up the pieces. (beat, a heavy sigh) Only problem was, the Chaodai didn't figure into Bourne’s plans. Their intelligence got wind of it, and pushed the Macronesians off Madagascar. Found and realized what they had. Of course, Bourne’s retaliation… (beat) I don’t need to go into it much here. The Chaodai had almost rebuilt the original Mongol Empire, stretching from Persia to Japan. Now? Bouren’s agressive incursions on the Indian subcontinent…has toppled them just as surely as if the hand of God had wiped them from the planet. (beat) Out of all that, though, a single ray of hope. When they realized an attack was imminent, the Chaodai took measures to protect their heritage. They took the brightest kids in their culture--anywhere from six to twenty in age, and put them on boats, with Bourne’s bunker complex as their destination. (beat, with a heavy sigh) Twenty four ships….and only seven made it through. (beat, solemn) Yesterday, the UEO bombed Africa. The resultant cobalt and strontium fallout has contaminated the Indian Ocean, and most of the African subcontinent. It looks like this will end the war, as no one has heard from Bourne, and the Macronesians are surrendering left and right. But at what cost to the planet? (beat) Of course, Walker jumped right into the breach. He has our plants extruding the triple-layer rad shields we use for standard nuclear installations. We’ve sent an emergency proposal to UEO, submitting that if we drop these shield walls in and around the contaminated waters, we could attenuate the radiation outside the target zones. Of course, we’re sacrificing that area for the sake of the rest of the planet…but in a time of hard choices, what else can we do? (beat, speculative) We could use this new shielding to help others in the Radiation Zone, but...if we do, our involvement with Bourne will come out, and society will blame us for what happened. (beat) Then it wouldn’t just be the price of our stock I’d have to worry about. It’d be how to escape from a lynching. Disgusted with himself, Saquido, who's been slouching in his chair listening, makes a sudden move and hits a button on his com panel. The log stops. Saquido sighs heavily, rubbing a hand over his face, and muses aloud. SAQUIDO (brooding) Computer, open personal diary entry for today. Begin recording. (beat) Walker has found the entries on “Eden” in the accounts. I’m working on giving them some time, but don’t know how long this secret will last. (beat) The worst part is the guilt. Not only did I try to help the Macronesians, but the whole thing with the radiation shield was probably the root cause of the Chaodai's obliteration. Restless, Saquido stands and starts pacing his office. SAQUIDO (agitated) Everything from the Forbidden City to the endangered species on Madagascar--they're all gone. (beat, quieter, almost horrified) And it's my fault. (beat) I need to buy them some more time. (beat) End Recording. Log and file, Eden. Saquido stands there for a moment, not knowing what to do. He then moves back to his desk and activates his intercom. SAQUIDO Margaret, could you contact Captain Wolenczak on _seaQuest_? SECRETARY (over com) Right away, Sir. Having made a tough decision, Saquido slowly straightens. His expression is determined as we... CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI A WSKRS sweeps by as _seaQuest_ remains outside the radiation zone. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Wolenczak is stepping out of his office just as Percell turns the corner. PERCELL Captain! (beat) I'm glad I caught you. Wolenczak opens the hatch and steps in, indicating Percell should follow. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Wolenczak closes the hatch. He and Percell take seats at opposite sides of the desk. WOLENCZAK So? PERCELL Nothing that'll help us. (beat) But one of my friends is the grapevine of hacker information. He said that UEO's not the only group who has gotten their mail read recently. WOLENCZAK Are people doing anything about it? PERCELL Nope. Most corporations don't want to waste money on finding hackers unless they're doing serious damage to a mainframe. WOLENCZAK So we're-- Wolenczak is cut off as someone knocks. WOLENCZAK Come in. The hatch swings open to admit Morgan and Goodwin, both with very serious expressions. Goodwin's SEAPOC is still in his hand. Percell stands. PERCELL I should be getting back to the Bridge. WOLENCZAK (nodding) Dismissed. Percell exits, closing the hatch behind her. WOLENCZAK (expectantly) What can I do for you? Morgan and Goodwin exchange a look, then Goodwin speaks up. GOODWIN (officially) Sir, we’ve got some additional information regarding my Outrider run into the RadZone. WOLENCZAK (making a sound of recognition) Ah. (beat) How _did_ that sample run go? MORGAN (picking up) Very well, Sir. (beat, reporting) The radiation appears to be dissipating steadily. GOODWIN (getting to the point) Sir, about my run-- (beat) Something very strange happened. He hesitates, and Wolenczak gestures for him to continue. WOLENCZAK Go on. GOODWIN I decided to take the Outrider over a ridge, and my communications with _seaQuest_ cut in an area of drastically lower radiation. MORGAN (adding to his report) Except the telemetry we were getting showed the radiation was _higher_. GOODWIN (right on her heels) And that's not all, Sir. (beat) I saw a colony over that ridge. Wolenczak gives them a surprised look. WOLENCZAK In the RadZone? MORGAN (nodding) Yes, Sir. (beat) I told Will to forget about it, but he compared the sensor logs and found this. Goodwin hands Wolenczak his SEAPOC, indicating things on its screen as he speaks. GOODWIN The sensors on the Outrider showed an almost instant drop in radiation here. (pointing and continuing without pause) But _seaQuest_'s sensors show a drastic _increase_ in the same area. (beat) If you plot the data locations, there's a pretty noticeable boundary. MORGAN That line can't be natural. It's almost like-- WOLENCZAK (cutting her off) Like a fence. (beat) Or a shield. He has followed her logic exactly, and she nods approvingly. MORGAN Exactly, Sir. GOODWIN And it's right around that outpost I saw. (beat) I registered signs of activity there, in the Outrider. Looking up from the SEAPOC, Wolenczak sums up what they're implying. WOLENCZAK (in plainer terms) So, what you're saying is that this colony in the Radiation Zone is inhabited and has some kind of exotic, extremely efficient radiation-absorbing field protecting it? GOODWIN (nodding) Sounds crazy, doesn't it? WOLENCZAK I've seen far crazier, I assure you. (beat, musing) Something like this…has got to have some sort of corporate backing. MORGAN (puzzled) How so? WOLENCZAK That’s a massive R&D undertaking to create that, and both sides in the war were too busy…trying to kill each other. Who else would have the funds? MORGAN (nodding her agreement) I never thought of that. GOODWIN (also seeing the logic) Makes sense, though. Handing Goodwin's SEAPOC back to him, Wolenczak turns his chair back to his computer, typing swiftly. Morgan and Goodwin watch over his shoulders. WOLENCZAK (as he types) So we need to search for who holds the most patents on radiation sublimation technology (beat, looking back at them) A project like this would spin off a lot of subsidiary technology. Any smart corporation would patent it, and try to profit from it. Finally he finds what he is looking for. WOLENCZAK (satisfied) Aha. GOODWIN (eyeing the EWS logo on the screen) What is it? WOLENCZAK Their patent application. Wolenczak stares thoughtfully at the screen for a moment, then turns back to Goodwin. WOLENCZAK Could you find this place again? GOODWIN (enthusiastically) Of course, Sir. WOLENCZAK Good. Do it. (beat, thoughtful) But this time, don’t go alone. I want a full set of sensor readings on that colony. Take someone in the backseat. GOODWIN (turning for the hatch) Yes, Sir. (beat) I’ll call Reede and have him meet me in the Docking Bay-- WOLENCZAK (cutting him off) No. You need a scientist, not weapons on this run. (beat, turning to Morgan) Take the ensign here. Goodwin pulls up short, and looks at Morgan for a moment. She stares at Wolenczak, as the color drains from her face. MORGAN (in shock) M-me? WOLENCZAK Yes, y-you, Ensign. Get moving, I want you under way in the next 30 minutes. GOODWIN Aye aye, Sir. (beat) Meet you in the Docking Bay, Ensign. Goodwin leaves, and shuts the hatch behind him. Morgan continues to stare at Wolenczak for a moment. WOLENCZAK (pulling up a report on his screen) That’ll be all, Ensign. Dismissed. Morgan snaps out of her shock and turns red. MORGAN Sir. (beat) Permission to speak freely, Sir? WOLENCZAK (nodding but not looking at her) Granted. MORGAN Captain, I can’t. I’m no fighter. WOLENCZAK (leaning back and looking at her) Yes, you are, Anne. You just don’t give yourself credit. I have a feeling that Goodwin is going to need your talents. Just take the readings and get back. Nothing fancy. (beat) Trust in yourself, Anne…and in my judgment for once. (beat) Dismissed. MORGAN Aye aye, Captain. She heads for the hatch and looks back at him one more time before she exits. Wolenczak sighs once, and turns to his terminal. As he does, his com signals him. WOLENCZAK (annoyed) What is it, Ensign? TRUEMAN (over com) Sorry to bother you, sir, but you have an incoming vidlink call. WOLENCZAK Who is it? TRUEMAN (over com) Phillip Saquido of EWS. Wolenczak’s expression becomes one of surprise as we … FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT THREE Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:47:32 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Act 4 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT FOUR FADE IN TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE All is as before. Wolenczak looks mildly surprised. And puzzled, trying to fathom the timing of this call. WOLENCZAK (to himself) Speak of the devil and he shall appear… (beat, into com) Patch the call through, Ensign. TRUEMAN (over com) Aye, Sir. Wolenczak turns to the screen. In a moment, the statistics on the screen disappear, replaced by Phillip Saquido's face. Unlike his normally stolid expression, he seems rather agitated. WOLENCZAK Mister Saquido, what can I do for you? While Saquido's face is an open book, his voice is as cool as ever. SAQUIDO Well, Captain, rumor has it you've stumbled upon a Chaodai colony. (beat) Intact, no less. Wolenczak sits back in his chair, carefully schooling his expression. WOLENCZAK And I thought rumors spread fast onboard my boat. (beat) Any idea where you heard that rumor, Mister Saquido? Saquido smiles, his eyes hooded as he peers out from the screen. SAQUIDO Oh, let’s just say a close friend of long association…heard something from a little bird. WOLENCZAK (beat, impatient) Look, Mr. Saquido, I don’t have time to play games with you. (beat) You tell me where you got the information, and I’ll tell you whether it’s true or not. Saquido considers the information for a minute, and then shakes his head. SAQUIDO I’m not authorized, yet, to do that, Captain. (beat) But I’ll contact them and ask their position. If they agree, we’ll share information. Ageeed? WOLENCZAK (guarded) Agreed. (beat) Mister Saquido, if I’m sending my people into any danger that you know of, I’d advise you to tell me. (beat, his voice like frozen steel) You _really_ don’t want to get on my bad side. SAQUIDO (nodding) Understood, Captain. I’ll be in contact shortly. Saquido reaches forward and terminates the connection. As _seaQuest’s_ logo comes up, Wolenczak stares at the screen for a moment. He then punches up a WSKRS view of the shield wall. WOLENCZAK (thoughtfully) Just what _are_ you hiding in there? CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI We see the Docking Bay hatch iris open, and the Outrider pulls away. MATTHEWS (V.O.) Roger, Outrider. We have you on tracking. Telemetry is good. (beat) Have a nice trip, Mad Dog. And keep the Ensign dry. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT Goodwin is at the controls, a bemused smile on his face. GOODWIN (into headset) I’ll try. Just have to make sure she doesn’t touch any of the wrong buttons back there. MORGAN (over com) I heard that. MATTHEWS (over com) Just take care out there, and remember to-- GOODWIN Be careful! MORGAN and MATTHEWS (in unison, over com) Be careful! GOODWIN (into headset) Outrider, out. (beat) Ant, you’re having a bad influence over there. CUT TO OUTRIDER SENSOR STATION Morgan is strapped in tightly, and is clutching the arms of her chair tightly. She’s nervous, but is trying her best to remain calm. MORGAN Serves you right, Grasshopper. (beat) You just seem to make people care about you. There is a pause, as Goodwin considers this. As the pause lengthens, the smile on Morgan’s face grows. MORGAN Ahhh…Cat got your tongue? GOODWIN (over com, a slow drawl) I reckon not. Just trying to figure you out, Ant. (beat) Of course, if you can stop from ripping the arms off your chair there and relax, you’ll enjoy the ride a lot better. Morgan takes her arms off the chair, grinning at the camera. MORGAN Just keep your eyes on the road, Cowboy. We hear Goodwin’s chuckle over the speaker. GOODWIN Yes, Mma’am. Just leave the driving to me. (beat, a little softer) Oh, and Ant? Thanks. Morgan smiles and sits back, relaxing. CUT TO BRIDGE Percell and Matthews are both present. Percell is at her station and Matthews is sitting in the command chair. PERCELL Commander, could you come here for a moment? Matthews walks over to Percell's station. MATTHEWS What is it, Chief? Percell glances at her station, as if double-checking the readings. PERCELL I'm getting some interesting readings from the RadZone MATTHEWS What kind of readings? PERCELL I'm not quite sure... Percell glances around and lowers her voice a tad. PERCELL It’s the colony the Outrider is heading to inspect. (beat) I think the colony's defense system is coming online. Matthews looks at Percell for a moment. PERCELL (continuing) It's the only logical explanation I can come up with. MATTHEWS Doesn't surprise me. PERCELL It doesn't? MATTHEWS The station's intact. (beat) Why wouldn't a couple of the systems still be operational? Percell looks wary. MATTHEWS (thinking the matter through) Chief, you _know_ computers. (beat) How intact could the defense system be? PERCELL Depends... MATTHEWS Would the defense system pose a threat to the Outrider? PERCELL Well, if it's a colony defense system, standard practice is that someone has to be around to target weapons in the first place. (beat) Normally, the Outrider’s stealth systems could take care of the station’s systems… MATTHEWS (finishing that thought) …But Ensign Morgan doesn’t how to operate those systems. (beat) They’re heading into a trap. Matthews hit the com switch on Percell’s station MATTHEWS Captain to the Bridge. (beat, turning to Trueman) Raise the Outrider. TRUEMAN Yes, Ma’am. Trueman works her console, signaling the Outrider. In the background, Wolenczak walks briskly onto the Bridge. MATTHEWS (calling out) Captain on the Bridge. WOLENCZAK (all business) Status report, Commander. MATTHEWS Sensors have picked up some distorted weapons systems signatures. From the target area within the RadZone. The Outrider normally could handle it with it’s stealth systems, but with Ensign Morgan aboard, those systems are down. (beat) We’re trying to raise the Outrider now. Before she becomes a sitting duck. WOLENCZAK (nodding) Good call. TRUEMAN I have contact with the Outrider, Sir. WOLENCZAK (into com) Outrider, what’s your status? GOODWIN (over com) We’re about 10 kilometers from the target, Sir. Everything is normal so far. WOLENCZAK Commander, we’re picking up some anomalous readings from the target area. If we interpret these right, they may be powering up a weapons system. GOODWIN (very slowly) Powering up a defense array? (beat) That’s not a friendly thing to do. WOLENCZAK (nodding) Not at all. Let’s play it safe. I want you to do a perimeter sweep of that field you find, but stay outside it. And keep an eye out for any…reactions. GOODWIN Will do, Sir. (beat, thoughtful) Ummm, Sir, you do realize that someone has to operate those types of systems manually. WOLENCZAK (hesitant) Yes, Commander. I am aware of that. (beat) Looks like your theory is correct. So let’s find out who they are, and how they survived. He peers thoughtfully at the viewscreen as we… CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The vessel skims by and turns to the right, the camera panning with it. As we crest a rise, we see the radiation shielding around the colony. The Outrider skims close to it, travelling along the perimeter. CUT TO OUTRIDER SENSOR STATION WOLENCZAK (over com) Outrider, what’s your status? What are you finding out there? MORGAN Well, the radiation levels are over five times the normal levels within the zone. They are playing havoc with some of the readings, but even so, we’re getting some really good data here. WOLENCZAK (over com) And? MORGAN If the sensors are right, what we're looking at is the closest humanity has ever come to some sort of defense against nuclear weapons. (beat) This shield is an almost perfect gamma reflector. Put it around a city, and the radiation from a blast would never harm it. GOODWIN (over com) Of course, it could also make nuclear weapons seem more trivial and launching them could become commonplace. WOLENCZAK (over com) Belay that, Commander. Let's leave that for the politicians to debate. (beat) Because it's also a huge cover up. (beat) I _will_ give them credit, though. Whoever covered this up knew what they were doing. GOODWIN (over com, wryly) Too bad they weren't working for the U.S. Government when Roswell occurred. Morgan chuckles. MORGAN The question is, would even EWS have the resources to cover something like this up? CUT TO BRIDGE Wolenczak is at the Tactical station, monitoring the video and telemetry feeds from the Outrider. GOODWIN (over com) That doesn’t make any sense. WOLENCZAK Why? GOODWIN (over com) Think about the folks in charge up there. (beat) Can you actually see Ted Walker being able to cover up something like this? MORGAN (over com, realization in her voice) No. Definitely not the quiet type. If EWS had made a discovery like this, they wouldn't cover it up. (beat) They'd be flaunting it over the headlines, and then sell it to the highest bidder. WOLENCZAK (thoughtfully) So why is it that Saquido contacted us? Wolenczak looks up at Reede and Matthews, neither of whom have any answers for him. At that moment, Trueman’s console emits a tone indicating an incoming call. Trueman quickly answers it, and turns to Wolenczak. TRUEMAN Captain, Mister Saquido on the vidlink for you. REEDE (muttering) Interesting timing. WOLENCZAK (to Reede) Belay that, Lieutenant. (beat, quietly to Matthews) I want a recording of these findings and the conversation with Saquido encrypted and off to UEO HQ as soon as possible. (to Trueman) Put him on the main screen. The WSKRS image of the Rad walls is replaced with Philip Saquido’s face. He’s looking worse for wear, but his eyes are still alert. SAQUIDO Captain, I’m prepared to trade information with you. WOLENCZAK Good. Because someone out there has targeted my people, and I’m not very happy about it. SAQUIDO (calmly) They consider your vessel’s…intrusion…an unwelcome incursion into their sovereign territory, Captain. Wolenczak glances over at Matthews, who raises her eyebrows at that. WOLENCAK Sovereign territory? (beat) Just who is out there, Mister Saquido? Saquido stands up and leans toward the camera pickup. SAQUIDO (intensely) I have to congratulate you, Captain. You’ve uncovered one of the greatest sociological finds of this century. (beat) Allow my to introduce you to New Eden. Provincial capital of the Chaodai Hegemony. WOLENCZAK (slowly) This hidden colony is the capital of the Hegemony? SAQUIDO (ironic) No, Captain. (beat) That colony _is_ the Hegemony. The camera sweeps around the Bridge, capturing the reactions of the various members of the Bridge crew. Trueman and Reede glance at each other in amazement, Riller’s brow is creased as if he is conducting a rapid threat assessment based on known Chaodai technology. Percell shudders, then looks up at Matthews. She nods, then looks over at Wolenczak. His expression is frozen, as the memories of other encounters with the Chaodai flood back at him. Off his expression we… FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT FOUR Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:48:00 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Act 5 (end) To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT FIVE FADE IN ON EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider is continuing its slow patrol of the colony’s radiation shield, continuing to take readings. CUT TO OUTRIDER SENSOR STATION Morgan is watching the vidlink channel from _seaQuest_, riveted to the conversation. WOLENCZAK (over com) So the colony is inhabited. (beat) By the only surviving members of the Chaodai civilization? SAQUIDO (over com) That’s right, Captain. It’s a long story, but suffice to say, this is the only known pocket of Chaodai survivors after Bourne’s massive subduction attacks. MORGAN (chiming in) Pardon me, Sir, but if I may ask a question? WOLENCZAK (over com) Go ahead, Ensign Morgan. MORGAN Sir, if that was true, why would they hide? SAQUIDO Simple, really. (beat) After the attack, they didn’t trust anyone. (beat) And now the leaders there…are afraid that if they aren't left alone until they have time to begin to rebuild the Chaodai culture, they'll be lost in the UEO's hodgepodge of cultures. MATTHEWS (over com) So who’s in charge there? SAQUIDO (over com) The current leader is a rather formidable young lady by the name of Alia Tejadah- RILLER (over com) Tejadah? That’s not a Chaodai name. GOODWIN (chiming in, over com) Wrong assumption, Riller. Go back and relearn your pre-war geography. CUT TO SAQUIDO’S OFFICE He’s leaning over his desk, facing the vidlink screen on the wall. At Goodwin’s comment, he chuckles. SAQUIDO A little cruder than I’d put it, but yes, a point to remember. The Chaodai Hegemony, just before the Macronesian war, stretched all the way from Persia to the Bering Strait. Both Arabs and Orientals made up large portions of their populace. WOLENCZAK (over vidlink) That’s all well and good, Sir, but unless you have a connection, all I can do is thank you for your time and information. SAQUIDO (quickly) Not so fast, Captain. You owe me something here for this knowledge. WOLENCZAK What do you want? SAQUIDO (quickly) Two things. Silence about the colony, unless the Chaodai choose to present themselves to the world. (beat) And all technical data from your readings on the Radiation Zone and shielding. Wolenczak looks over at Matthews, puzzled by his last question. WOLENCZAK (wary) Why do you need our data? SAQUIDO (relaxing, and leaning back) Because the Chaodai there have strengthened the product we gave them…by two hundred percent. (beat) We want to learn how, and why. Wolenczak looks startled at that. He considers the point for a moment, then turns to Matthews. WOLENCZAK (to Matthews) Recall the Outrider. (beat, to Saquido) Mister Saquido, you know that I have to consult with UEO headquarters about this. SAQUIDO You’re on a deadline, Captain. One hour. If I don’t hear from you then, I’ll assume you’ve reneged, and I will take steps to ensure the colony’s safety, and the acquisition of that data. WOLENCZAK (carefully) Mister Saquido, that statement could very easily be construed as a threat. SAQUIDO (leaning forward) It’s not a threat, Captain. Merely a promise. Saquido presses a control on his desk and cuts the link. As he does, a shadow falls across his hand from someone standing behind him. The camera pans out to reveal Christensen. He gives her an extremely dirty look. SAQUIDO Wrong office, Leah. Walker is down the hall and to the left. Christensen ignores his comment. CHRISTENSEN Actually, _Mister_ Saquido, Mister Walker just wanted me to stop by and tell you that...well... (she pauses and leans in a little closer) Stealing money from a company is illegal... Saquido isn't affected in the slightest by her threat. SAQUIDO (coolly) Ms. Christensen, if I turned in Walker for every illegal thing he had ever done... Saquido stops suddenly, sits back and gives Christensen a small smile. SAQUIDO This is what he wants, isn't it? (beat) Or maybe it's what you want. One big game of blackmail. (beat) I'm not playing. When we formed EWS, we made an agreement to keep each other's skeletons out of the public eye. (beat) And I've filled my part of that agreement tenfold. CHRISTENSEN But I didn't-- SAQUIDO (cutting her off, coldly) Let me give you some advice, Leah. (beat) Right now, Walker is the only connection you've got. Any other connections were made because of your connection to him. (beat) You embarrass EWS, you embarrass him. And Ted doesn’t handle embarrassment well. Tends to shoot the messenger, if you know what I mean? (beat) You saw how he stuck by Berger when she was caught. Saquido's words have obviously hit a responsive chord with Christensen. For a moment she grips the edge of Saquido's desk, her fingers turning white from the pressure. After a moment, she visibly takes a breath and calms herself, and lets go of the desk, then continues with a level tone of voice. CHRISTENSEN I'll make you a deal, _Phillip_. (beat, moving to a cabinet on Saquido’s right) I'll tell Walker some idiot down in accounting screwed up and there is no missing cash. SAQUIDO (“innocent”) That's illegal. Christensen turns to face Saquido. CHRISTENSEN So is your little sideshow. Saquido stands, some of his cool gone. SAQUIDO I will _not_ have innocent people implicated in this. (beat, calmer) And don't tell me a simple miscalculation is the best you can come up with. (beat) That's what your job is, Ms. Christensen. You find solutions to problems. (beat) Even says so on your supposed job description. Her gaze turns on Saquido with laser-like intensity. She picks up a small vase from a shelf of the cabinet behind Saquido, and cradles it in her hands. CHRISTENSEN (through gritted teeth) Fine. Have it your way. (beat) How does charity sound to you? EWS supports so many that it will be impossible to track. SAQUIDO (smiling, knowing he’s won) And just to prove your part in our agreement, you'll make sure Walker lets you go over it personally, correct? Furious, all Christensen can do is nod. SAQUIDO Good. I'm glad we've had this little conversation, Leah. (beat) Let's make sure you stay out of my way from now on. It will make both our lives a lot easier. Christensen doesn't respond. Instead she tightens her grip on the vase for a moment, squeezing. In seconds, it shatters, the fragments ground smaller and smaller in her hands Finally, she deposits the remnants on Saquido’s desk, and leans in toward him. CHRSTENSEN (quietly menacing) Don’t _ever_ talk to me that way again. She turns on her heels, and walks out of Saquido's office quickly, closing the door just loud enough to let Saquido know he hasn't seen the last of her. Shaking his head, Saquido takes a deep breath before turning back to the vidlink. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The vessel again sits outside the radiation shield walls, as the Outrider slides back into the docking port. CUT TO WARDROOM Morgan and Goodwin rush in quickly, taking their seats at the table. The rest of the senior staff is present: Reede, Trueman, Percell and Matthews on one side. Riller, and _seaQuest’s_ Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Ed Taylor, and CMO Lieutenant Commander Meridith Burke are on the other. Wolenczak is at one end of the table, while on the viewscreen at the other end, a very tired looking Hitchcock is facing them. Behind her, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Wallace Robinson stands at the ready, immaculate as ever in his uniform knakis. A very tired Hitchcock is sitting at her desk, talking with Wolenczak over vidlink. HITCHCOCK (sighing) This was not the time to discover this colony, Captain. (beat) I'm sure someone will find some way to blame me for this cover-up. WOLENCZAK (on vidlink) They’re _children_, Madame Secretary. ROBINSON (skeptical) Are you sure about that? WOLENCZAK Pretty much…Percell did some rooting around in some old articles and found a few references… (beat, intently) Saquido let the name of one of the station’s occupants slip during the conversation. MATTHEWS A former Chaodai leader? WOLENCZAK Not quite. More like one of the future leaders. (beat) Quite a few years ago, I remember reading one of the small bits of news that made it out of the Hegemony. Seems a 12 year old girl. Alia Tejadah, had just finished her bachelor’s degree and was starting medial school that fall. (beat) She had one of the highest IQs humanity has ever seen. Wolenczak glances around the table, knowing the next question. WOLENCZAK (dryly) Including mine. ROBINSON (dryly) Nice to see your being taken down a peg hasn’t affected your… (beat, searching for the right word) …Ahhh, _self-esteem_, Captain. HITCHCOCK (intervening) Be that as it may, people, we still have to decide what to do here. REEDE (thoughtful) These kids could be the next great leaders and thinkers. (beat) Assuming we leave them alone. HITCHCOCK We may not have that choice, Lieutenant. The simple fact is, we need their minds. GOODWIN (with a slight edge) Not to mention their technology. Hitchcock nods. HITCHCOCK The two combined could give us the edge we need to bump Ross off her soapbox. This leads to a murmur of dissatisfaction among the senior staff, which Wolenczak quickly moves to cut off. Still, he doesn’t look pleased at the secretary general’s suggestions. HITCHCOCK (continuing) I don't agree with this any more than you do, Lucas. I'd be more than happy to let them live out their days on that station and occasionally break into a UEO file. They're not doing any damage, and those are the best types of people. (beat) But the truth is, we need to look at the bigger picture. WOLENCZAK So we can destroy what we didn't manage to destroy the first time around? Robinson glares at Wolenczak, for bordering on insubordination. HITCHCOCK I'll give you twenty-four hours to find me a decent excuse to continue with Saquido's cover up. (beat) Hitchcock out. As the UEO logo appears on the screen, the staff turn to look at each other. After a moment, Wolenczak sighs and addresses them. WOLENCZAK All right, you heard the lady. We have a day to figure out what to do here. RILLER Maybe I’m not following you here, Sir. (thoughtful) I mean…what’s the problem? BURKE (looking at Riller.) I see your point. These children could bring some of the greatest achievements humanity has ever witnessed. TRUEMAN But in the process, we may lose an entire culture. WOLENCZAK Exactly. (beat) The colony is secure enough to be left alone until the radiation levels are low enough to support life. RILLER I hate to be the one reminding you of this, but we are also under another deadline. (beat) We have ten minutes until Saquido’s deadline is up as well. TAYLOR (puzzled) We’re following deadlines from EWS? WOLENCZAK In this case, yes. Wolenczak touches the com console on the table. COM WATCH (over com) Bridge. WOLENCZAK (into com) This is the skipper. Contact Phillip Saquido, EWS. Private channel, commercial secure encryption. COM WATCH Aye , Sir WOLENCZAK If we’re going to decide, I want more information. COM WATCH (over com) I have Mister Saquido, Sir. WOLENCZAK Patch it through down here. The vidlink screen changes to show Saquido, still looking haunted, seated at his desk. SAQUIDO Captain, I was informed you wanted to talk to me. (beat) So what is your decision? WOLENCZAK I’m afraid we haven’t made one yet. That’s why we’re calling. Saquido checks something off-screen before continuing. SAQUIDO Are you on a secure link? Wolenczak gives Saquido a strange look, but nods. WOLENCZAK We are. (beat) My officers and I have spent the last hour online with UEO HQ, going over this... (he pauses to search for a word) ...Situation. (beat) And it is the feeling of senior leaders that these people would be a huge help to the world. Saquido gives Wolenczak a sharp look. SAQUIDO You mean, they would be a huge help to UEO. (beat) You know, Captain, I've found it best to try not to let emotions take over my professional life. WOLENCZAK I agree completely. SAQUIDO Good. (beat) Then you'll also know there is the occasional time when you need to let your emotions run things. This is obviously not what Wolenczak wanted to hear. However, he says nothing. SAQUIDO Captain, that colony needs to be left _alone_. The Chaodai are already destroyed. And up until you found this station, you thought that destruction was permanent. (beat) If you send those people off on their merry little way to achieve great feats, they're going to lose themselves. Give them time. Let them reestablish a small corner of the Chaodai civilization. Morgan, while moved, is obviously trying to go from a rational angle. MORGAN But you've said it yourself. Humanity could use their minds. Right now the only thing they're doing is sitting out there, isolated. (beat, sighing) It’s too bad Chaplain Lei is on leave...he’d have plenty to say about this. SAQUIDO (smiling wanly) Oh, they aren’t isolated. Not in the least. They know a lot more of what’s going on than any of us do. PERCELL It’s been them, hasn’t it! (beat, to Wolenczak) The hackers. The ones breaking into classified UEO files. It’s the folks from New Eden. SAQUIDO (nods) EWS files as well, Chief. And any other number of corporate and governmental systems. MORGAN (thinking aloud) Right now the only thing they can do is innocent hacking. (beat) The one major project they undertook was successful. (beat) They strengthened a shield around the colony to break radiation. UEO scientists have been trying without success to find a shield of that strength since the Chaodai were destroyed. Morgan glances at Wolenczak, who nods for her to continue. MORGAN Not only did they strengthen the shield, the shield also lowered the radiation around the colony. (beat) That's why Goodwin ran into a lower radiation area near the colony. Not only that, but it gives off the illusion that it's actually an area of higher radiation so ships will stay away. Saquido is listening and Goodwin takes advantage of it. GOODWIN One thing, though. (beat) We looked over the files you sent us and one question came up. Why didn't you use this technology to save more of the civilization? Why just an elite group of children, and a few old adults to teach them? Saquido's expression turns darker. SAQUIDO And how much beneficial genetics research was destroyed with the GELF experiments? Saquido glances at Wolenczak, deciding to play a hidden card. SAQUIDO (continuing) Who knows? Maybe an entire generation of GELFs could have been saved if certain pieces of information hadn't been destroyed. It's Wolenczak's turn to scowl, as Morgan, Matthews and Goodwin look over to him. He ignores their looks, and after a moment, they realize they aren't going to find out exactly what Saquido is getting at. Matthews, who has been extremely quiet throughout this, finally speaks up. MATTHEWS What if we gave them an option? WOLENCZAK In what way? MATTHEWS We go to the colony and give them the option of staying or leaving. Then, we take whoever wants to leave and the colony is resealed. The staff thinks it over, pondering the implications. SAQUIDO It wouldn't work. MORGAN Why not? SAQUIDO Because the colony’s weapons systems would target and destroy you the second you crossed that barrier. GOODWIN Why was there such a need for all the weapons? Saquido looks like the metaphorical cat who swallowed the canary. GOODWIN (continuing) After all, the majority of underwater craft avoid this area. Standard hulls can't take this type of radiation. Even subs that can take this level of radiation avoid this area of the ocean because the radiation levels are erratic and chances of radiation poisoning double. (beat) So, why was the money spent to make absolutely sure no one could get near the colony? Saquido shifts uncomfortably. SAQUIDO The current residents of the colony weren't the ones the station was originally intended for. WOLENCZAK Then if it wasn't the Chaodai, who built this base…? SAQUIDO Macronesia. (beat) When the war started to lean towards the UEO, Bourne siphoned money to a fund that would build a base for an elite group of his government and their families. Members of Bourne's secret service and medical personnel were also going to be brought along. (beat) He installed one of the premiere defense systems around the base. Even seven years later, it's still top of the line. Matthews has absorbed this information as a stray fact comes up in her mind. MATTHEWS Wasn't advanced colony defense systems what put EWS on the map? Saquido is getting extremely uncomfortable. SAQUIDO To make a long story short, Macronesia never made use of the base. After the Battle of Madagascar, the Chaodai moved quickly to consolidate their holdings, and found the _bunker_, as it became known later. WOLENCZAK With a slight bit of corporate help, correct? (beat) And now, years later, you're the only party still in a position to help and protect the base. Saquido merely nods, looking defeated. SAQUIDO The Chaodai knew they were defeated. They had stopped the manufacturing of major nuclear weapons in the early 2030s to concentrate more on undersea warfare. (beat) When they realized what the bunker was, and what it meant, they organized twenty-four groups of students to move in, along with their instructors. (beat) The terms “best and brightest” gets used a lot, but these kids really were. They were being trained to not only be military leaders, but also future government leaders. (beat) These children were the ideal of Chaodai civilization. Not only were they going to be efficient soldiers, they were also scholars. And very loyal to the Chaodai government. (beat) They intended to get off more of them before Bourne attacked. As it was, twenty-four boatloads left. (beat) Only seven arrived. MORGAN What about adults? SAQUIDO Other than the few teachers they had, none. Throughout his speech, how much Saquido cares for these survivors has become cle ar. There is a moment of silence. Suddenly, the Chaodai seem much more human to the assembled officers. MORGAN Why do you have a personal attachment to them? SAQUIDO I was born in Toyko, and I lived in Bet for a while before the Chaodai took over. (beat) It's one of the most beautiful and spiritual places of the world. And the inhabits of the colony are the only remainder of one of Earth's greatest civilizations. (beat) Their minds may be a great gift to today, but the heritage they have will be an even greater gift to tomorrow. Morgan and Wolenczak share a look, and Wolenczak reaches a decision. WOLENCZAK Ensign Morgan, prepare your data from this sensor run and forward it to Mister Saquido’s office. (beat) Chief, I want you to toss up a few more blocks to discourage these people from playing with our data files again, and forward the recommendations on to UEO HQ. (beat, turning to the vidlink) I see your point, Mister Saquido. I’ll make my official report state that the area around the colony is a known hot spot, and completely off limits to all vessels. (beat) But you tell your friends to stay out of my computers, and my hair. And if they do decide to look around outside, I want to know about it. SAQUIDO Agreed, Captain. (beat) Now, if you would excuse me, I have to clean up and straighten this out. Saquido leans forward and cuts off the vidlink, the UEO symbol replacing his image. Silence fills the room as Saquido's words continue to echo in minds of the assembled. After a moment, Wolenczak speaks up. WOLENCZAK All of you are dismissed. The rest of the staff files out, leaving Wolenczak alone in he Wardroom, with his own thoughts. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The boat is moving through the water, away from the radiation shield walls. WOLENCZAK (V.O.) After Mister Saquido's reasoning over a hands-off policy, Secretary General Hitchcock has decided to leave the colony alone. Of course, the transfer of EWS R&D data about the shield technology helped smooth the way for the initiative. CUT TO PASSAGEWAY Wolenczak is walking through it, his voice over continuing. WOLENCZAK (V.O.) The world is going to stay in the dark about the survivors of the Chaodai civilization, and Hitchcock is going to declare the area a Grade A RadZone. We are now leaving the former Chaodai waters and heading back over to the waters west of Africa so we can be repositioned easier in case the Carolinans start something again. (beat) While I regret not having a chance to talk with these survivors, I also feel the destruction of the Chaodai is less permanent than it seemed two weeks ago. These people will be given the chance to rebuild in peace, away from the world. I have no doubt that eventually, they will emerge from their cocoon with a strong heritage and a reminder of what the world lost. Wolenczak rounds the corner of the passageway, and passes the Science Lab. The hatch is ajar. He hears a slight commotion inside, and peeks for a moment, and then shakes his head and moves on. The camera lingers, and then moves into the hatchway to reveal… CUT TO SCIENCE LAB Goodwin and Morgan have their backs to the camera, bent over one of the lab counters, working on something together. From their tone of voice, they are obviously disagreeing about something. GOODWIN Look, Ant, you’re doing it all wrong. (beat) Thirty seconds, flip, sixty seconds, another flip, fifteen more, and it’s ready to eat. MORGAN (shaking her head) Mad Dog, I like you a lot. But you don’t know when to shut up. (beat) _You_ are the hot shot pilot. And _I’m_ the one who knows my lab, and my equipment. (beat, pointing to a stool) Now go sit down over there. Goodwin shrugs and walks over. As he looks back at Morgan, you can see a twinkle in his eye. GOODWIN (smiling) You know, you did good out there this time. How’d you like to get trained up on the Outrider Sensors…full time? MORGAN (shaking her head) On, no you don’t. You just want to get me alone out there again. (beat) This is one girl who isn’t going to fall for your charms, Mister. (beat) Now pipe down, it’s all ready. Morgan turns and deposits a specimen tray in front of Goodwin, who looks it over. He takes a pair of forceps and pokes at the item, the smiles back at Morgan. She watches that goofy gin for a second, then breaks down. MORGAN (smiling back) What? GOODWIN Two things. (beat) First, thank you for making me French toast. It looks delicious. And second… Morgan crosses close to him and arches an eyebrow. MORGAN Yes? GOODWIN (grinning widely) Where’s the syrup? Goodwin ducks as Morgan tosses a lab towel at him. She moves over next to him and the two start to eat the French toast. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The vessel speeds away, heading for its next adventure, as we… FADE TO BLACK THE END Copyright 1998 2047 staff. Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:43:14 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Teaser To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 seaQuest 2047 "Outcasts of Eden" Story by Rachel Brody & Kristy Henscheid Script by Kristy Henscheid & L.E. Beglin and Don Speirs Publication Draft Saturday, June 20, 1998 Based on "seaQuest DSV" and "seaQuest 2032". TEASER OPEN ON EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI _seaQuest_ is at station keeping on the Indian Ocean side of the RadZone. The three WSKRS weave around her, as in the distance we see the radiation shield wall marking the zone’s boundary. Caption reads: "450 kilometers southeast of Madagascar." New line: “Indian Ocean Radiation Zone." New line: "Access restricted." We follow the Outrider as it leaves _seaQuest_ and cruises toward the wall. GOODWIN (V.O.) Roger, Outrider is clear. Heading for the RadZone. CUT TO BRIDGE Commander Jessie Matthews has the conn. Ensign Rebecca Trueman is at Communications, Ensign Anne Morgan is at the science station, and Chief Petty Officer Sara Percell is at Sensors. Morgan speaks into her headset. MORGAN (seriously) Be careful out there, Will. CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider cruises past us from left to right. As the camera pans, we see the radiation shield wall looming closer. MORGAN (V.O., carrying from last scene) I don't need you getting fried just to get me some samples. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT Lieutenant Commander William Goodwin is at the Outrider's controls. He nods in response to Morgan, but he doesn't look like he means it. GOODWIN (skeptical) Don't worry, Ant, I'm not about to get radiation poisoning. (beat, proudly) Besides, Brian designed this baby to take twice as much radiation as the _seaQuest_'s bioskin can handle. (beat, shrugging) I'm not worried. (beat, sotto voce) Just because there’s enough radiation out there to make me glow like a neon sign… CUT TO BRIDGE All is as before. In the command chair, Matthews shakes her head ruefully. She's heard _that_ from Goodwin many times before. MATTHEWS (under her breath) You never are. No one overhears her comment. Morgan, Trueman, and Percell are watching the live feed from the Outrider on one of the forward screens. Goodwin's voice can be heard over the Bridge speakers as he carries on a dialogue with Morgan. GOODWIN (over com, detached, taking care of business) Entering the RadZone at two-five-zero feet, heading zero-nine-zero. Morgan gets a nod from Percell, confirming Goodwin's heading. MORGAN How's it look out there? GOODWIN (over com) Pretty dead. (beat) The scintillation off the outer wall is pretty subdued right now, so at least everything doesn’t have that yellow glow. (beat) Wish I could say that about this morning’s breakfast in the Mess. MORGAN (playful) Be nice, and when you get back, I’ll cook you some French toast in the lab. (beat, back to business) Theoretically, the radiation across the wall should be gradually decreasing,. One of the things you’ll be checking for is if the walls are just holding back the radiation, or if the decreases we’ve seen are happening inside as well. (beat, glancing down at her console) What's your reading? CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT Goodwin looks down at his panel, echoing Morgan's motions. GOODWIN Twenty-seven rem. MORGAN (over com, relieved) That's what I've got, too. GOODWIN I guess all of Percell's hard work paid off. (beat) Okay, here we go. Passing through the shield walls now. CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider moves toward an opening in the shield wall. As it does, the camera shifts upward, over the top of the wall, and we see the Outrider pass through a set of three curves. The vessel turns sharply to starboard, then to port, and then again to starboard, and emerges out of the shield wall and into the RadZone. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT GOODWIN (concentrating) Okay, I’m through. Telemetry looks good from here. Radiation level… (checks a readout) ...Forty-five rem and holding steady. MORGAN (over com) Well, so much for that theory. (beat) Give me a readout every ten kilometers in on your survey pattern. Goodwin looks up and adjusts a control, his attention elsewhere as he replies. GOODWIN Got it. Yes Ma’am. And of course… (beat, sardonic) _I’ll_ be careful. CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider is running a standard search pattern, following along a series of rock formations. As it passes out of one canyon onto a plain, we see a glowing bluish haze ahead and to the right, just beyond the horizon line. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT Goodwin looks up from his controls and sees the glow, a look of puzzlement on his face. GOODWIN (to himself) What the _hell_? (beat, into headset) _seaQuest_, come in. MORGAN (over com.) Go ahead, Outrider. GOODWIN I’m seeing something here… (beat, seeing something outside) I'm going to cruise over the ridge at bearing one-one-nine. MORGAN (over com, concerned) Okay. Just be-- Goodwin cuts her off before she can tell him to be careful again. GOODWIN (quickly, holding back annoyance) I _know_. CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider turns to starboard, toward the glow, and increases speed slightly. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT We watch over Goodwin’s shoulder seeing the ridge rise in front. As the ridge slides beneath the craft, the blue glow intensifies. Cresting the ridge, we see the glow forms a dome, shimmering in the water. As Goodwin sees it, a strange alarm we haven’t heard before sounds, and a yellow warning light starts to blink. The radiation alarm has triggered. GOODWIN What the-- (looking at readings) One hundred twenty rem? That’s impossible! CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI The Outrider continues on to the barrier, and starts to pass through it. As it hits the barrier, the Outrider visibly slows. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT A blue sheet of light slices through the Outrider, moving from fore to aft. As it passes Goodwin, the alarm cuts off. As quickly as it appears, the light passes through the aft of the Outrider, and all is dark for a second. Then systems light up again. GOODWIN (shaking head) That was _weird_... Goodwin's laid-back, hotshot pilot attitude is replaced by wide-eyed awe as he stares at his viewscreen. CUT TO EXTERIOR OUTRIDER--CGI We are looking along the hull of the Outrider, facing forward. As the camera moves along and forward, we see what Goodwin sees--an underwater settlement in the rift valley beyond. Lights and other signs indicate that it's in working order, even inhabited. CUT TO OUTRIDER COCKPIT Goodwin whistles low under his breath. GOODWIN (fascinated) Someone's living _inside_ the Zone? No way. (beat, checking a gauge) The radiation level's dropped to under five Rem. An alarm goes off in his cockpit, and Goodwin checks it. GOODWIN (disbelieving) Level Four Defense Perimeter system? And it’s armed? (beat, making a decision) Well whoever they are, they don’t have the welcome mat out. I better go tell the boss about this. Goodwin pulls the control yoke over to the left. GOODWIN (into headset) _seaQuest_, I’m breaking off the mission and returning. I found something we need to investigate further. There's no response. GOODWIN (puzzled) Morgan? (beat, punching a button) _seaQuest_, are you reading me? CUT TO BRIDGE Morgan looks up from her console as the Outrider's live feed dissolves into static. MORGAN (intrigued, slightly worried) The radiation level over there is a lot higher, Will. How're you doing? There's a long pause while everyone waits for a response from Goodwin. There is none, and Trueman gets on the problem, checking her controls. TRUEMAN Commander, I've lost contact with the Outrider. She looks up at Matthews, who stands quickly, speaking to the static-filled screen. MATTHEWS (concern in her voice) Will? (beat) _seaQuest_ to Outrider, please respond! She looks over at Morgan, who looks back at her, her brow creased with concern, as we. . . FADE TO OPENING CREDITS END TEASER Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 17:45:16 -0700 From: Vicky & Bob Subject: seaQuest 2047/season 2/episode 14/"Outcasts of Eden"/Act 1 To: seaquest_2047@midnight.postino.com X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 ACT ONE FADE IN ON EXTERIOR EWS HEADQUARTERS It’s an early afternoon, a sunny day. The steel and glass tower of EWS gleams in the sunlight, as people in the plaza below go about their business. CUT TO SAQUIDO’S OFFICE We are looking around the very well appointed office of a high-ranking businessman. Camera pans around the walls, and we see abstract art, diplomas, certificates, a small bar, an autographed photo of Phillip Saquido and the U.S. President. In fact, the name of Phillip Saquido and the EWS Global logo are prominent, and we see why as the camera pulls back to reveal Phillip Saquido at his desk. The desk is huge, in proportion with the office; it's made of mahogany, and scattered with expensive-looking knick-knacks. It also looks very lived-in, used, scattered with papers. Saquido is blazing his way through paperwork, absorbed in his task. A buzz distracts his attention, and he signs three more documents with a flourish before turning to the state-of-the-art com panel next to him. He pushes a button with one hand, picking up another paper to read with the other. SAQUIDO (absently, skimming the report) Yes? SECRETARY (over com) There's a vidlink call for you, Sir. Saquido lets out a little sigh. He was hoping he'd have time to catch up on this paperwork. SAQUIDO Who is it? SECRETARY (over com, neutrally) A young lady named Alia Tejadah. (beat) Shall I tell her you'll call her back? The secretary's tone of voice dismisses the caller as unimportant, but Saquido's attention is gotten immediately when he hears her name. He sits up straighter with a jerk. SAQUIDO (urgently) No, that won't be necessary. Put her through, please. Saquido gathers papers to one side of the desk, giving his complete attention to his vidlink as it comes on. The young woman looks about 24, with long, dark brown hair, almond-shaped eyes, and a serious expression. Her bearing is that of a leader. SAQUIDO (trying to hide his obvious concern) Alia...how are things at Eden? ALIA We're all fine here, Mister Saquido. That isn't why I called. (beat) _seaQuest_ is here. Saquido blinks hard as that sinks in. SAQUIDO (shocked) Where? ALIA (coolly) They're lurking outside our end of the Radiation Zone. SAQUIDO (searching for an explanation) Research? ALIA Probably. SAQUIDO How do you know? A look flits across Alia's face, almost as if she's been caught with her hand in the cookie jar, but she covers it quickly. ALIA We may be isolated, but we're not completely ignorant out here. (beat, changing the subject) I just thought you might want to know. (beat, finishing her thought) About _seaQuest_, I mean. Saquido nods absently, thinking things over. After a pause he looks back up at Alia. SAQUIDO If anything happens, call me immediately. ALIA Yes, Sir. I know. On the screen, we see Alia reach forward to hit a button. Her image disappears, replaced by the EWS Global logo. Forgetting his stack of paperwork, Saquido leans back in his chair, deep in thought. CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_--CGI The vessel is at station keeping, WSKRS moving around it on alert. CUT TO WOLENCZAK'S OFFICE Camera opens on a close-up of a coffee mug on the table, black with an old logo of the first _seaQuest_. A hand reaches for it, out of focus at first. We see the hand better as it picks up the mug and the camera zooms back, following the mug up, and takes in a tired-looking Captain Lucas Wolenczak drinking the coffee. He looks up over the mug, cradling it in both hands, clinging to it like a lifeline. WOLENCZAK (annoyed, to someone off-screen) What type of computer theft? The camera swings around to show Secretary General Katherine Hitchcock on the vidlink. We're coming in on the middle of their conversation. She shrugs. HITCHCOCK (unsettled) It's very strange, Lucas... (beat) Someone's been breaking into our classified files. WOLENCZAK ("what's the big deal?") So someone's reading your mail...that's not so strange. On the screen, Hitchcock leans closer. HITCHCOCK (earnestly) But that's _all_ they're doing, Lucas. (beat) We know they've been there; they haven't disabled every safety. But other than that, there's no sign of any unauthorized access to the system--no viruses, no software glitches, nothing. Just... (echoing Wolenczak's words with an ironic smile) ...Reading our mail. Wolenczak thinks about that for a minute. WOLENCZAK (musing) That _is_ strange. (beat, half to himself) I know if _I'd_ taken the trouble to hack into secure UEO files, I'd probably try to have a little fun while I was there. He raises both hands innocently at the look Hitchcock gives him. WOLENCZAK (quickly) Don't give me that look, it's not me. (beat, teasing) Although if I'd wanted to... Hitchcock smiles slightly at his playfulness, trying to relax. She's had a rough day. HITCHCOCK (getting back to business) Look, Captain, I know it's not your job any more, but...if you get the chance, I'd like you to take a look. WOLENCZAK (bristling slightly) Excuse me, Madame Secretary, but if you want me to do this, I suggest you use your chain of command. (beat) Talk with Admiral Robinson. I’m sure he can find someone else to do the job. HITCHCOCK (hackles raised) Don’t take that attitude with me, _Captain_. (beat, visibly calming herself) Look, I know you’re still mad about the Azanian incident, but you backed me into a corner there. (beat) I figured this was a chance for you to take a swing at something you enjoy. Mysteries of cyberspace and all that. (beat, smiles at him) Besides, you’ve always been _seaQuest_'s Chief Computer Analyst. (beat, seriously) We're not sure if they've hidden something in the system to take us by surprise. It wouldn’t be the first time. Wolenczak nods in agreement. WOLENCZAK And we didn’t even get rid of all Hunter’s presents until we had his...assistance. HITCHCOCK (beat) And this time, we don't even know who it was. WOLENCZAK (voicing her unspoken thought) And you wouldn't put anything beyond Ross and the Carolinians. (beat, giving in) All right, I'll see what I can do. I owe you at least that much Hitchcock smiles; Wolenczak has taken a weight off her shoulders. HITCHCOCK (easily) Thanks, Lucas. (beat, pensively) Now if only you could do something about Langson... Wolenczak smiles wryly at her tone. WOLENCZAK (dryly) What's he done this time? Hitchcock wearily passes a hand over her face. HITCHCOCK Oh, you know negative campaign commercials. (beat) Would you believe he's actually saying that I single-handedly caused the... (beat, thinking) Oh, how does he put it… (beat, quoting) "The epidemic deaths of the original generation GELF population." Shaking her head, she rolls her eyes at Wolenczak. HITCHCOCK Absurd, isn't it? Wolenczak’s expression is utterly serious. WOLENCZAK Well, if you consider the fact that the _UEO_ destroyed all records of the GELF experiments, and this massive cover-up lost valuable research that might otherwise have saved them... Hitchcock grows more and more shocked with each word. She can't believe he's saying this. Finally he shrugs. WOLENCZAK (same tone, but smiling just enough to offer comfort) Of course, all that happened long before you were even _in_ the UEO. (beat) And by the time you were made Secretary-General, there was nothing you could have done. Finally realizing he's not holding her, personally, responsible, Hitchcock relaxes. HITCHCOCK You see? (beat) I never even wanted this job in the first place, when Jonathan... (beat, sighing) But now, I can't let a guy like Langson have it. Wolenczak smiles encouragingly. WOLENCZAK (positively) Well, keep _that_ attitude, if nothing else. (beat) And don't worry about it, Katie. You know campaigning comes with more than its fair share of mudslinging. Hitchcock tentatively smiles. Off her expression we... CUT TO EXTERIOR _SEAQUEST_ -- CGI The Docking Port irises open , and the Outrider moves in to the Docking Bay, as the port irises shut behind it. CUT TO DOCKING BAY Morgan is waiting for Goodwin. As she watches, he comes through the airlock, looking around for someone. MORGAN (yelling) Will! Her call gets Goodwin's attention. He moves over to her quickly. MORGAN (concerned) What the hell happened out there? (beat) You went silent all of a sudden, the moment you entered an area of higher radiation. Goodwin gives Morgan a perplexed look. He thinks she's crazy. GOODWIN (baffled) What are you talking about? (beat, dead serious) My communications cut when I went into an area of _lower_ radiation. Morgan shrugs, trying to explain away the discrepancy in their readings. MORGAN (undaunted) Your communications cut; I wouldn't be surprised if the radiation gauges fitzed out, too. (beat, looking behind him) Where are the samples? Goodwin jerks a thumb over his shoulder. GOODWIN Still on-board. I need help moving those lead containers. (beat, disbelieving) There was nothing wrong with my instruments, Ant. (beat) I saw a colony on the other side of that ridge. (beat, over-emphasizing) _In the RadZone_. MORGAN (easily) That's not surprising, either. There were plenty of underwater settlements around here when this area was bombed. (beat, shrugging) Chaodai won this region in the Battle of Madagascar. It’s possible some weren't obliterated. GOODWIN (insisting) No, Ant. There was something different about this one. Morgan follows Goodwin into the airlock to the boarding ladder onto Outrider. The look on Morgan's face shows she still thinks Goodwin's blowing this all out of proportion. MORGAN (trying to change the subject) Look, Will, I need to get the samples to the lab quickly, before they degrade. Can we concentrate on that? (beat, not as lightly) And put whatever it was you saw out of your mind, okay? It was probably just a trick from the radiation…something fluorescing due to being irradiated.. Goodwin nods reluctantly, and Morgan disappears into the Outrider to retrieve the samples. GOODWIN (to himself) Not likely. He follows her up the ladder as we… FADE TO COMMERCIAL END ACT ONE