DefiantPilot“Timeless”Written By Adam Holmberg

TEASER

BLACK

SLOW FADE TO

The right corner of a vidscreen. We pan up to reveal James Wilmette, about ten years older than the man we know now. His face shows a few more lines, but his hair is still dark and his eyes still hold their intensity.

WILMETTEIn retrospect, it was a necessarily humbling experience for all of us. Now, I don’t mean to say that it was a good thing – we lost a lot of good people. (quietly, almost a wince)Some of our dearest friends.(sincere)But, in the end it might just have saved the U.E.O.

Below Wilmette appear the titles “James Wilmette, Secretary General of the U.E.O.” and the star and circle logo of the United Earth Oceans News Network. Wilmette is seated behind an oak desk in a posh office done in blue – his office.

The picture shifts to a lovely brunette, almost sixty. She radiates an air of professionalism and experience. Her name is Greta Williams.

WILLIAMS(leaning forward, interested)How so?

WILMETTEWell, back then the Carolinian War was not quite two-and-a-half years-old, and we had won that by a fairly wide margin. And, of course, the Macs were our allies – Bourne was long dead, and so was his dream.

WILLIAMSThe U.E.O. was getting. . .pride?

WILMETTE(a nod)We almost seemed unstoppable. We took down the biggest empire in the history of man, and we seemed to be growing into its replacement pretty fast. But, we were too smug. Even when Ford died and the Carolinians came out of nowhere, we refused to come down off our pedestal – refused to acknowledge our own mortality – our vulnerability.

WILLIAMSAnd the PMR changed that?

WILMETTEWell, that came a little later, but we did begin to see that we were making a very fast transition from a peacekeeper to a government and

the PMR helped us to realize that we just might not be ready for that change.

Williams leans forward in her chair toward Wilmette, her eyes piercing him.

WILLIAMSYour crusade against the PMR was more than just duty. It was also motivated by very personal reasons.

Wilmette is looking slightly thoughtful and slightly. . .uncomfortable? If he is, he’s hidden it well. Williams carefully phrases her next statement.

WILLIAMS(con’t)When they reemerged in late 2051, it was quite a shock to all of us.

WILMETTEEspecially me. I had always figured that Correy had been caught in the explosion at Ganges Colony in 2046. I never once thought he would be back. . .and that I would get a rematch.

WILLIAMSWould you tell us how that rematch began?

Wilmette sits back in his deep chair and sighs, recalling. As he tells his story, we move in towards his Maryland mug sitting on the desk near a stack of reports.

WILMETTEIt was in June of 2051 that I took command of Defiant, but Correy didn’t show his face until October of that year. It had been mostly quiet for some time. . .

MATCH CUT

THE MARYLAND MUG

Sitting on Wilmette’s desk near a stack of reports bearing the Defiant sword and diamond. A hand swoops in from off screen and grabs the mug.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Captain James Wilmette is seated behind his desk reading a report as he brings the mug to his lips and takes a drink.

SUPERIMPOSE: Defiant DSV, On Patrol In The PacificNEW LINE: October 21, 2051

WILMETTE(VO)But, in the first few weeks of the month, harassment of U.E.O. shipping had increased about tenfold. In June, right after Defiant had launched, we encountered two vessels – one similar to a Macronesian Pegasus class warship and one that had been clearly influenced by the seaQuest design. We didn’t yet realize the two incidents were related.

There is a knock at Wilmette’s door.

WILMETTE(without looking up)Come in.

Commander John Peck enters holding a couple reports. He approaches the desk, plopping down in the visitor’s chair waiting for Wilmette to finish.

WILMETTE(signing a report)Got a couple more for me?

PECKFrom Piper. He said they’re those engine performance specs that Portland wanted. I’m not going to comment on the possible reasons why Headquarters feels the need to check on the power output of every ship in the fleet.

WILMETTE(reading over and scribbling his name on another report)I asked George about it, and he told me that some environmentalist group is making trouble. Claimed that we’re mining too much plutonium to keep the fusion reactors going, and they started shooting numbers at Hitchcock. (setting the pen down and looking at Peck)Apparently she couldn’t fire back.

Peck sets the reports on top of the others.

PECKBet she didn’t like that one bit.

WILMETTETo tell the truth, neither would I. Part of being a good commander is knowing your command inside and out. (leaning back in his chair)Has it been quiet?

PECKSo far. Three hours and not a peep. I’d consider that good, but the day is still young.(shaking his head)Sixteen attacks in three weeks and we’re not at war with anyone. That must be some kind of record.

WILMETTELast time that happened was in mid December of 2044. Two weeks later the PMR popped up.

PECKBut we knew where the PMR was getting its goods. One of Bourne’s top generals ran off with a quarter of what was left of the Marconesian navy. If anyone is behind these attacks – and they’re too focused to be random – then who’s giving them their firepower?

WILMETTEUnfortunately, these attacks have been surgical – in and out. No one’s gotten a clear picture of them – not even a stray coded radio

communication.

PECKThey could be related to those ships we faced in June.

WILMETTEBut without a clear picture all we can do is guess.

PECKAnd guesswork is nothing to be proud of.

WILMETTE(a slight smile)Do you think quoting me will earn you brownie points?

PECK(grinning)No, but it’ll sure make me look smarter.

Before Wilmette can respond, the intercom beeps. Wilmette punches the switch.

WILMETTEYes?

ALRIDGE(filtered)Sir, we’re getting a message from Admiral Easton, Priority White.

WILMETTE(rising suddenly)Send it in.

ALRIDGE(filtered)Aye sir.

Wilmette and Peck trade slightly nervous looks, and Wilmette comes around the desk to stand right in front of the visitor’s chairs facing the viewer on the wall. Peck joins him.

ANGLE ON VIEWER

The Pearl Harbor crest appears only to be replaced by Admiral George Easton who looks quite grim.

EASTONJames. Commander Peck.

PECK(a nod)Admiral Easton.

WILMETTEWhat’s wrong George?

EASTONI thought I should be the one to tell you. Nine minutes ago we got a Priority White transmission from Rubicon Colony requesting immediate

assistance. Apparently they were attacked.

WILMETTEHow bad?

EASTONBad enough. About a dozen people killed, hundreds wounded. The main dome almost ruptured. We’ve diverted the Juneau and the Quincy to assist, and we’re sending you.

Easton hesitates, and Wilmette steps toward him.

WILMETTEThere’s more.

EASTONThe enemy submarines tried to take out the colony’s sensors, but that portion of the colony was too heavily armed. They got a whole picture of the battle. The ships were identical to the ones you faced in June – one of the seaQuest-looking ones and three of the others.

Wilmette exhales, and he and Peck trade a look as they absorb the news.

EASTON(con’t)That’s not all. The ships – we analyzed their attacked pattern. It’s an old one. No one really uses it anymore – we haven’t seen it since 2046.

WILMETTE(in shock – anticipating)It was the Flaming Arrow.

EASTON(a nod)The colony attack pattern invented by General Lee Correy, Commander-and-Chief of the Party For Macronesian Rebirth.

Wilmette exhales, turning slightly white as we

FADE TO BLACK

END TEASER

OPENING SEQUENCE

ACT ONE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Moving through the water at top speed.

INT. MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM – DEFIANT DSV

The command crew is assembled as Wilmette, holding a few sheets of paper, strides in. They come to attention and Wilmette motions them to sit.

WILMETTEO.K. Here’s what we know. At 1051 hours this morning Rubicon Colony was attacked by a hostile force. The ships that made up this force were very similar to those we faced on June 14 earlier this year. There were three of the Macronesian-looking ones, and one of the black seaQuest type vessels, which command has dubbed Black Arrows.

Wilmette gives the crew a few seconds to absorb this before continuing.

WILMETTE(con’t)That’s not all, unfortunately. It appears that the Black Arrow was more powerful than the one we encountered before.

PIPERHow much more powerful?

Wilmette and Piper trade a look of mutual unease.

WILMETTEBased on estimates which were based on the sensor readings for Rubicon, which were quite good by the way, the Black Arrow encountered by the colony is as powerful as we are.

WONG(under his breath)Holy crap.

WILMETTE(a smile)That was basically Command’s reaction.

The Weapons Officer, Lt. Carolyn Rusch - a pretty 24 year-old blonde – leans forward.

RUSCHThis is the most powerful ship the U.E.O. has. How are we supposed to beat them?

ALRIDGEI imagine we stand a fairly good chance against one, from a tactical point of view.(Wilmette nods)So the question is not “How do we beat one?” but “How do we beat more than one?”

MARTINDo we even know they have more than one?

PECKWe don’t even know who they are, much less how many ships they have.

WILMETTEBut we intend to find out. The Juneau and the Quincy will handle the repair work on the colony and any medical problems they have, and the Halifax will run interference later. We’re going to get to the bottom of this attack and hopefully all the other attacks in the past few weeks.

PECK(lightly)So, what’s the plan boss?

Despite himself, Wilmette smiles as do most of the others.

WILMETTEWe’re going to try and get a bead on where the enemy vessels might have gone – we know their general path, but the specifics will be tougher. If that doesn’t work – and no one is kidding themselves and saying that it will work – then we’ll go back to the colony and wait.

ALRIDGEThis sounds familiar.

PECKWhat do you mean?

Before Alridge can answer,

WILMETTE(recalling a very bad memory)She’s talking about the last mission the Maryland was on. The PMR had been silent for a couple weeks – they’d hit Renclaire to the north and New Astoria to the southwest of Pearl. We were at Pearl waiting for the call – the call that they were on the move. It came at 0323, June 14, 2046.

RUSCH(recalling)They hit Rubicon Colony.

Wilmette’s mouth drops – he’s just remembered something. Peck notices, then the others.

PECKWhat is it?

WILMETTE(moving for the door)They hit Rubicon Colony, then Ganges.

ALRIDGEThat was the PMR. These people aren’t the PMR. . .(hesitant)Are they?

Wilmette, standing with his hand on the door, turns back to look over his crew.

WILMETTE(quietly)The attackers used an attack pattern called the Flaming Arrow. It was invented by Lee Correy and was the primary PMR method of attack. They tried to use it at Ganges Colony, but I knew how to break it up.

Not letting this sink in, Wilmette opens the door and strides out, turning down the hall toward the Bridge. The Command Crew remains in their chairs, stunned. Finally, Peck rises from his seat, looking at

the door and at the crew and back.

PECKWell, uh. . .I guess we’re dismissed.

The others simply nod and slowly begin to rise. After all of them have left, Peck and Alridge stand together near the closed door.

ALRIDGE(angry)John, what the hell just happened?

PECKI have no idea. I got that the PMR may be involved, and if they are, they might be following the same pattern that they did in 2046, and then he stormed off without even dismissing us.

ALRIDGEAnd what the hell are we going to do?

PECKI don’t know. He’s the captain – what can we do?

ALRIDGETalk to him, at least. Tell him that he just totally freaked out his crew because he got a hunch.

PECKI’m. . .I’m not sure I can do that.

ALRIDGECome on John!!! Haven’t you ever disagreed with your captain before?

PECKDisagreed, yes!! Told him flat out that he was wrong, no!! That’s not exactly what I would call job security.

Alridge exhales, turning a bit red.

ALRIDGEDamn it John! You ever hear of standing up for what’s right.

PECKNot if you want to get promoted, you don’t.

ALRIDGEPart of sitting in that captain’s chair is taking risks to do what’s right. Now, if you aren’t going to pound some sense into him, I will.

With this she storms out, leaving Peck a bit angry and still a bit shocked.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette is seated behind his desk, Easton on the viewer. We are catching the end of their conversation.

WILMETTEI just can’t believe that I didn’t think of it sooner.

EASTONDon’t beat yourself up James. How many people in U.E.O. Tactical missed it?

WILMETTEBut it isn’t personal to them. To me it is, but not to them.

EASTONIt’s the worst day of your life James. You lost your ship, most of your crew, and your fiancé. That’s not something that you like to dredge up – especially since you’ve gotten that new ship.

Wilmette leans back in his chair and slowly sighs.

WILMETTEThat’s the thing George. This is a beautiful ship. Every morning when I wake up, I think of the Captain’s Cabin as my cabin aboard my ship. When I pass people while I’m jogging, I think of them as my crew. But. . .

EASTONYou scuttled the Maryland. Never mind that she was almost totally irradiated, most of the crew dead or dying. Never mind that you wouldn’t have gotten a mile away from Ganges Colony before the engines shut down or the life support gave out. You made the decision – sink her. It’ll be a mercy for whoever isn’t dead. And it was, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

WILMETTEAnd I never faced them. Faced him.

EASTONCorrey was a slippery little bastard. We don’t even know if he was at Ganges. That was his flagship, but that’s all we know.

WILMETTEIt was his style. The whole damned thing.

Wilmette rises from his chair and begins to pace behind his desk.

WILMETTE(con’t)He cornered me, and when I finally got free to go after him he blew that reactor. A thousand lives down the toilet in under six seconds. My fault for underestimating him.

EASTONJames, we’ve been over this. . .

WILMETTEBeen over this a thousand times. Yes, I know. I couldn’t have known that the first wave was a distraction. Couldn’t have known that he snuck that Pegasus in behind me. (looking straight at Easton)I couldn’t have known that he would kill almost everyone I cared about with a single torpedo.

EASTON

But that doesn’t make it any easier. (the air hangs silent before he continues, gently)James, I’m sixty-seven years-old. God knows I have a list of regrets longer than your ship, and I know better than to tell you that it will all feel better if you don’t think about it because it won’t. There is pain that stays just as sharp as the day you first felt it. (he leans toward Wilmette)I know that nothing I can say will make it any easier to bear, but I can tell you the truth – I have never met a finer man, and if anyone can bear this cross, you can.

Wilmette retakes his seat, thoughtful. He is silent for a few seconds. Finally,

WILMETTEThe same goes for me George. I just. . .I needed to let that out.

EASTONI understand. Now, I’m sure your crew will need you.

WILMETTE(grinning)I did walk out on them rather abruptly. I assume you’ll call me when you get a response from Command on this.

EASTONOf course. Now, you take care and relax. We don’t even know if it’s them. (Wilmette nods)Easton out.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE’S FACE

As the light of the viewer disappears. His mouth tightens, and his eyes betray his pain. Suddenly he turns to face the Maryland Command Crew picture behind his desk.

NEW ANGLE – CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Moving toward his eyes.

WILMETTE(staring at the image of his crew, his lover, his friends)And if it is them, I will make them pay. They won’t escape justice this time. I swear that to you.

A single tear runs out of Wilmette’s eye.

CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE CORRIDOR – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette emerges from his office looking calmer and more focused. Alridge almost literally runs into him.

WILMETTE(a nod)Ms. Alridge.

ALRIDGE(icy)We need to talk.

WILMETTE(nodding toward his office)Let’s go inside.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette and Alridge enter, standing near the door.

ALRIDGE(angry)What the Hell was that in the Conference Room?

WILMETTE(tolerant)Excuse me?

ALRIDGEYou walked out on your command crew in a daze, scaring the hell out of them, and you spent seventeen minutes in your office doing God knows what.

WILMETTEYou’re all professionals – I’m sure you don’t me to hold you hand every second.

ALRIDGENo we don’t, but we don’t need you acting like you’re on crack every single time you have a revelation. (Wilmette opens his mouth to ream her, but she cuts in, lowering her voice)I want them too. If it is the PMR, I want all their heads on a pike, but we won’t get that by being rash. (Wilmette nods – “continue”)You got my sister killed, but they pulled the trigger. For my sake as well as yours, don’t let them get away.

Wilmette is silent as he lets this sink in. Finally, he nods slowly in noncommittal agreement.

WILMETTEThank you Commander. Now, shouldn’t we get to the Bridge?

ALRIDGEYes sir.

Wilmette opens the door and holds it for Alridge. As she exits, he watches her go and sighs, long and deep.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Slowing as she cuts through the water, toward us, the light of Rubicon Colony reflecting off the deep blue bioskin.

PAN AROUND

As the submarine approaches a large, very damaged colony. There are three domes – one very tall central dome, half caved in and blackened, and two other smaller domes to each side, the one on the right severely cracked. Two Havasu class submarines, the Juneau and the Quincy, float near the colony, shuttles passing between each.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

All the command crew are in their correct positions, with Wilmette standing in front of the Command Plex, watching the colony on the main viewer.

WILMETTE(to himself)Hell of a mess.

PIPERYes sir. It’ll take weeks to clean up, much less get the colony back into shape.

WILMETTE(a shadow falling over him)At least they still can.

Off screen, a console beeps lightly as Wilmette turns and walks back to the Command Plex, retaking his seat.

PECKWe going to hail the Juneau?

WILMETTE(surprised)Should we?

PECKI thought it would be courteous.

WILMETTE(sharp)We’re not here to be courteous – we’re here to figure out who took out this colony.

PECK(taken aback)Sorry sir. Captain Matthews always would, so I. . .

WILMETTE(hard, looking Peck straight in the eye)I’m not Captain Matthews, and this is not seaQuest. Remember that.

The Bridge is dead silent as Peck, turning crimson, looks away from Wilmette.

PECK(weak)Yes sir.

The silence is broken by the beeping of the Communications console. After a few seconds, Martin speaks up.

MARTINSir, it’s seaShark. Vice Admiral Leia Riva-Davis.

Wilmette and Alridge trade a surprised glance, and Alridge checks her readings.

ALRIDGE(answering Wilmette’s unspoken question)They’re on approach. ETA. . .

WILMETTE(after she doesn’t answer)ETA?

ALRIDGEAbout fifteen minutes, give or take.(facing Wilmette)That sensor spoofing system they have throws the SoftScan off pretty well. We can see them just because we have the most powerful imaging array in the world.

WILMETTE(wry)Glad to see our tax dollars at work.(rising from his chair)Put her on screen.

As Wilmette walks in front of and away from the Command Plex, near the edge of the Bridge stations, the image of Vice Admiral Leia Riva-Davis appears on the screen.

DAVIS(grinning)Hello James. Good to see you.

WILMETTEI thought you were stuck in a desk somewhere in Portland.

DAVISI was, but I decided I needed a break. Happened to be aboard when we got the call.

WILMETTECall?

DAVIS(puzzled)You’re running an investigation of the attack here, aren’t you?

WILMETTEThat’s right.

DAVISWe’re here to help you.

WILMETTE(slightly suspicious, and a bit annoyed)When did this come about?

DAVISHitchcock called us about an hour after the attack – we were in the area. She told us to come and assist you.(regarding Wilmette)You didn’t know?

WILMETTE(letting his annoyance show)No, I didn’t. You here to take over or just assist?

DAVIS(smiling warmly, trying to smooth things over)We’re here to help you. You should know that.

WILMETTE(staring her down)Should I?

DAVISWe’re not the enemy James, no matter what you think of Section 7. Have you forgotten so quickly?

WILMETTE(darkly)Not forgotten - just remembered.(lighting up)When you arrive pull along side and we’ll discuss strategy.

DAVIS(grinning)O.K. My place or yours?

WILMETTE(returning the smile)Mine.

DAVISSee you in thirty.

As the screen goes dead, Wilmette makes his way around the Command Plex and back to his chair.

DISSOLVE TO

THE INTERVIEW

Wilmette and Williams facing each other as before.

WILLIAMSIf I may digress for a moment, did your animosity of Section 7 come from personal experience or from the common distrust?

WILMETTEWell, I have to point out first that I was mad because Hitchcock sent them to watchdog me, but I’ll get to that in a minute. I never really had any problem with Section 7, to tell the truth, until the Macronesian War started. I had heard the rumors, of course, but they were just that – rumors. When I took over the Maryland though, I

started to learn the rumors were true. They were McGath’s pets primarily, and Ford scaled them back. It was far too late then, but he tried. But under McGath they just got in the way.

WILLIAMSYou had friends in Section 7.

WILMETTEOn seaShark. Unfortunately, that was a rather unique situation – most of the people aboard were pretty on the level for Section 7 at that time. And, there is no denying that they were good at what they did. (rubbing the bridge of his nose before continuing)No, my time aboard seaShark was positive on the whole. And we would need them on this mission.

WILLIAMS(leaning forward, meeting his eyes)It was truly a long haul for you.

WILMETTEYes, it was. For all of us. (a reflective beat)For all of us who survived.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Floating near the damaged colony.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

We hold on the empty office a beat before the door swings open to admit Wilmette who strides behind the desk, punching his comm switch.

WILMETTEWilmette to Bridge. Get me Admiral Easton.

MARTIN(after a few seconds, filtered)Patching you through.

The screen in Wilmette’s office comes alive with the Pearl Harbor seal, and Wilmette comes around the desk to stand between the visitor’s chairs. After a few seconds Easton appears.

EASTON(gruff)I just heard about it. Reede sent the order, and I assume he did it on Hitchcock’s behalf.

WILMETTEWhat the hell does she think she’s doing?

EASTON

Watching you. You knew that was part of the deal when you put those captain’s bars back on.

WILMETTE But Section 7?

EASTONSeaShark is the exception to the rule. You’ve said that yourself. I might treat them like crap every time they show up at my base with a half a day’s notice, but I do respect the good they’ve done. We could have been stuck with worse.(a beat)But, that doesn’t change that they dropped this on you without even telling me. That pisses me off. If she wants to watchdog one of her best officers, that’s her business, but tell his commanding office first.

WILMETTE(a slight smile)I’m sure you’ll take care of it George.

EASTONYou’re damned right I’m going to take care of it. I’ve been in the U.E.O. almost forty years – no one – not even Katie Hitchcock – steps on my toes without catching hell for it.(calming his voice)I trust you’ll handle the situation from your end?

WILMETTELeia Davis is aboard – she was apparently visiting when they got the call. We may have our differences, but she is still my friend, and she’ll let me run my show my way.

EASTONGood. I’ll let you go then. Talk later.

WILMETTEYep. Defiant out.

As Easton disappears, Wilmette comes around the desk and plops down in his chair. He runs his hands through his hair, sighs tiredly, and sets his hands on the desk. Spotting a report sitting alone near his stack, he picks it up as the intercom beeps.

WILMETTE(punching the button and flipping through the report)Yes?

PECK(filtered)Sir, seaShark just arrived. They’re assuming position next to us, and Admiral Riva-Davis asked me to inform you that she’ll be over in about five minutes.

WILMETTEVery well. Did you put this inventory report on my desk?

PECKYes sir. Mr. Higgins in Ship’s Stores reminded me that the furniture

for the Rec Room hasn’t arrived yet, and he put in the requisition a couple days after we launched.

WILMETTETell him I’ll get on it as soon as possible. I sent the req as soon as I got it - Portland probably has it tied up somewhere. I’ll raise some hell with the supply people.

PECK(filtered)He’ll be pleased about that.

WILMETTESo will I. I know the crew need a place to unwind, and they can’t very well do that if it doesn’t have furniture.(Wilmette sets the report to the side and scribbles something on a note pad)Route the shuttle from seaShark to Docking Bay Six. I’ll meet the admiral down there.

PECK(filtered)Will do. Peck out.

Wilmette caps the pen he just used and rises, grabbing the report and moving for the door and off screen.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

A Dragonfly bearing the seaShark seal approaches Docking Bay Six.

INT. DOCKING BAY SIX – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette stands near one of the airlocks looking over the report. Various crew members coming from and going to the colony pass him, giving him plenty of space. After a few seconds there is a “whoosh” as the airlock cycles, and the light above it turns green from red.

Wilmette slips the report under his arm as the door opens to allow Riva-Davis and Brisbane Farenheit to exit. He salutes the vice admiral, which she returns with a frown, and shakes Farenheit’s hand.

DAVIS(reserved)James, it’s good to see you.

WILMETTEYou too Leia.(giving Farenheit a warm smile, shaking his hand firmly)How are you Bryce?

FARENHEITTired. I was up late last night – we’ve had a couple crew members that have lost family in the past couple days. One lieutenant’s brother died in a car accident, and the other lost his father and uncle in a boating accident.

WILMETTEThe joys of being a psychologist.

FARENHEITOn one hand, I agree, but on the other hand, I like it better than security. I went to school to be psychologist, after all, and I got a PhD.

WILMETTEAnd it’s nice to be using it. I know what you mean.

FARENHEITI’m sure you do.(waving around the docking bay)This is an impressive ship you have.

WILMETTE(fixing him with a look)Bryce, you’ve seen the outside of the airlock and Docking Bay Six. How the hell do you know?

FARENHEIT(an almost playful shrug) I was trying to be complimentary. Thought you’d appreciate it.

Wilmette chuckles, but Davis looks slightly awkward as she realizes that she’s been totally left out of the conversation.

DAVIS(almost hesitant)So, do we get a tour, or do we have to imagine?

WILMETTE(turning toward her, noticing her discomfort)You’ll have to imagine for now. I don’t want to be stationary for too long – there are at least three of them and two of us, and we know from the past few weeks that they won’t sit and wait for us to find them.

They begin to move toward the door, Wilmette and Davis walking side-by-side, Farenheit right behind.

DAVISIf anything, this attack proves that they’re escalating their efforts.

WILMETTEAnd it can only get worse from here.

The door cycles open, and the three step out into the corridor.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette, Davis, and Farenheit are seated around the table. The two seaShark crew members look over various reports bearing the Defiant sword and diamond as Wilmette sips a cup of coffee.

DAVIS(looking up from the report, a bit shocked)I’ve been out of the loop. I heard that pirating in the Pacific had increased in the past couple weeks, but I had no idea.

FARENHEITNeither did I, but that’s not surprising. Section 7 usually lets the submariners take care of these types of problems.

WILMETTE(biting)We do like it that way.

DAVIS(dropping the report, leveling her gaze at him)What’s your problem James?

WILMETTEIt’s nothing personal – I just don’t trust Section 7. Never have, never will.

DAVISseaShark is part of Section 7. We’re part of Section 7 – when have we ever been your enemy?

WILMETTEI don’t blame you personally Leia – you can’t help what Section 7 is, and you and seaShark has done a lot of good – but every time Section 7 has been assigned to my investigation, it ceased to be my investigation soon after.

DAVISI told you, that’s not what we’re here for. I’m glad I was aboard when Katie called – I’d be afraid that Anya would get in your way.

WILMETTE(angry)How kind of you.

DAVIS(turning red)You son of a bitch! If it wasn’t for me you’d be stuck in Section 7 swabbing decks with a toothbrush. I went to bat with you. I told Katie Hitchcock you were right for this command. I got you your second chance. (thrusting her finger in his face)I made you.

FARENHEIT(desperately)Leia, James, please.

They ignore him.

WILMETTE(almost laughing)You made me? While you were hiding in shadows, making a pitiful attempt to take down the empire of Macronesia, I led the U.E.O. McGath cut our funding in half and gave it all to you, and what did you do? You missed the target.(Davis’ eyes go wide with shock)Don’t look so surprised Leia. Ford told me a hell of a lot more than he let on. While you were stuck in a stasis tube missing out the rest of

the war, I was sending hundreds of thousands of men and women to die. Have you ever watched your crew’s faces – these poor soldiers, no older than twenty, barely men and women – as you tell them that they have to raid this base or attack this ship, and by the way, they will never come home again? Have you ever looked them in the eyes as they prepared for their last mission? You know what those eyes say? Why?

DAVIS(angry)Did Jennifer ask why?

Everyone freezes. Wilmette. Davis. Farenheit. Neither of them can believe that she said that. A shadow falls over Wilmette’s face.

WILMETTE(deadly)Officially you outrank me, but if you ever say her name again, I will tear your heart out.

Davis gropes for words – she knows that she should definitely not have said that. However, anything she might say is interrupted by the intercom. Never taking his eyes of Davis, Wilmette presses the button.

WILMETTEYes?

PECK(filtered)You might want to get up here, sir.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Peck sits in the command chair, looking grimly down toward Alridge’s screen.

PECKWe’ve got some movement to the east.

INT. MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette’s mouth turns down in a frown.

WILMETTEI’ll be right up. Wilmette out.(he presses the button and quickly rises, facing Davis and Farenheit)You can come if you want, or you can go back to seaShark.

Davis looks toward Farenheit, and he answers for both of them.

FARENHEITWe wouldn’t miss it.

Wilmette simply nods and turns, striding toward the door.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette strides onto the Bridge, Farenheit and Davis right behind. Peck vacates Wilmette’s seat, moving around to stand on Alridge’s left, where Davis stands. Farenheit takes position between Wilmette and

Alridge.

WILMETTEWhat are we looking at?

CLOSE ON ALRIDGE’S MONITOR

Displaying a SoftScan map of the area around the ship. Marked on the map is Defiant, near the left edge of the map, Near the right edge of the map is a large white mass of circles labeled “Ganges Colony,” and to the northwest a large red unlabeled border.

ALRIDGE(OS)This is a map of movement around Ganges Colony during the past ten minutes. I didn’t even notice – the computer flagged it down for me.

WILMETTE(OS)What down?

ALRIDGE(OS)Let me put it into motion.

The map goes into motion, and Defiant moves off toward the south. During this time, twice, there are three quick flashes, vaguely seaQuest in profile. Finally, the map freezes – a time index of ten minutes has played in about ten seconds.

WIDE ON COMMAND PLEX

As Wilmette’s brow creases.

WILMETTECan we ID the blips?

ALRIDGE(shaking her head)Visually, they could be Black Arrows, but why would they flash like that?

DAVISCould it be a sensor error – a whale or something?

ALRIDGENegative. Our equipment screens that out, and I already checked – it’s working just fine.

Wilmette rises thoughtfully from his seat, moving away from the Command Plex.

WILMETTEBarry. . .

PIPERI checked the SoftScan Array, and the Graphica. Both are working just fine.

FARENHEITGraphica?

WILMETTE(thoughtfully)Our imaging array. (turning toward the Command Plex, walking over to his chair but not sitting down)Ms. Martin, call seaShark and tell them we’re going to Ganges Colony.

MARTINThe new one?

Wilmette shoots her a look that would melt steel.

WILMETTEWhere else?

MARTIN(OS)Aye sir.

WILMETTEMr. Wong, set a course for Ganges Colony.

WONGSpeed sir?

Wilmette looks at Alridge.

ALRIDGECruising speed.

WILMETTEYou heard her.

WONGAye sir.

Wilmette retakes his seat, turning toward Davis and Farenheit.

WILMETTEYou staying or going?

Farenheit glances at Davis, and she faces Wilmette.

DAVISWe’ll stay. Anya can handle things just fine in my absence.

WILMETTEVery well then. I’ll have Ms. Martin inform seaShark that you’ll be staying with us for the time being. (with a hint of amusement)I’d tell you to use our Rec Room, but it doesn’t have any furniture right now, so if you don’t mind hard chairs, the Mess Hall is on Deck Two off the Central Corridor toward the aft.

FARENHEITWill you be here?

WILMETTE(a grin)Holding my ship together.

FARENHEIT(returning his friend’s smile)As always.(patting Wilmette on the shoulder)Call us if anything interesting happens.

Farenheit and Davis move toward the exit. Before Wilmette can say anything, Peck turns toward Farenheit.

PECKMr. Farenheit, you can tell you haven’t be on this ship before.

FARENHEITHow’s that?

PECKOn this ship, it isn’t a matter of if anything will happen. It’s when.

Wilmette and Farenheit both grin.

FARENHEITI’ll keep that in mind Commander Peck.

As Farenheit and Davis move through the Bridge exit, we

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Cutting through the water at cruising speed.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Davis stands near the painting of the Maryland above Wilmette’s couch, almost as if she is counting the brushstrokes. After a few seconds we hear the door open off screen, though she doesn’t seem to notice.

WILMETTE(OS, deadpan)This isn’t the Mess Hall.

Davis isn’t startled, but she turns toward Wilmette who stands behind his desk holding a report.

DAVISI got a little bored down there, and Bryce was busy talking with your Security Chief, Mr. Landing. . .

WILMETTELanders.

DAVIS(moving toward the desk, taking one of the visitor’s chairs)Landers. So, I decided to come up here – maybe find a window or

something.

WILMETTE(taking his chair, setting the report on top of the stack)They were in the plans, but when the ship was rushed to completion. . .

DAVISI know – they forgot to put them on. Are they going to refit you, get everything finished?

WILMETTEWell, no one’s said anything about it, and I’m not sure that we’re on the top of the priority list right now – you might have heard me tell Bryce we don’t have any furniture for the Rec Room.

DAVISI did.

WILMETTEI suppose when the current crisis is past I could mention it to George. He’d at least kick up some Hell in Portland.

DAVIS(with a grin)He seems to be good at that. Like you.

WILMETTEI don’t kick up Hell – at least, not as much as George.

DAVISYou two have a special bond.

WILMETTEHe’s my best friend.

DAVISMore than that. He’s your best friend, but you two are also cut from the same cloth, as the old adage goes. (leaning forward)I envy that.

WILMETTEDon’t you have any friends like that?

DAVIS(she abruptly rises, pacing behind the chair)I have some very deep friendships, yes, but not like that.(standing behind a visitor’s chair, looking straight into Wilmette’s eyes)I thought you were one once.

WILMETTE(unreadable)Is that why you said what you did?

Davis turns a bright red, and her eyes dart away from Wilmette’s.

DAVISJames I’m so deeply sorry that I said that to you. I was totally out of

line, but. . .

Davis turns away from Wilmette, and he rises and comes around the desk, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

DAVIS(a tear coming to her eye)You hurt me James.

WILMETTELeia, I’m sorry too. . .

DAVIS(turning to face Wilmette)I don’t mean that. I mean, how you’re acting toward seaShark – toward me. I thought I was your friend.

WILMETTEYou are.

DAVISThen why doesn’t it feel like it?

Wilmette smiles slightly, his eyes meeting the Maryland painting behind Davis.

WILMETTEWhen I met you, I was a very. . .different person. I was in pain, trapped by a sin which I refused to forgive myself for. I got my crew killed. (he meets Davis’ eyes)Everyone hated me for what I did, but I hated myself for what I lost, and you were the only one who understood that. Even Mel. . .she had trouble understanding why I had nightmares, why I couldn’t stand to look at myself for too long.(moving toward Davis)I still haven’t forgiven myself. The nightmares are the same – the same intensity, the same clarity – but I’m not the man you met. When Mel. . .when she was gone and I left, I went to some very dark places, in reality and in my own mind. Places where no one could follow – not even George. He helped me out of them, but even he couldn’t follow.

ANGLE ON DAVIS

She is staring right into Wilmette’s eyes, her own blazing. She simply nods.

WILMETTE(con’t)I hit bottom, four years after. When I was there, I remembered who I was – the Captain James Wilmette that had led the U.E.O. through the Macronesian War. Captain James Wilmette, Commanding Officer, Maryland Defensive Submergence Vehicle. That man is gone – as dead as his fiancé and his ship – but I am his shadow, and as much as I owe it to the crew of the Maryland to honor them, I owe it to Captain James Wilmette of the Maryland to honor him.

DAVISThat’s the trouble James – you don’t realize it yet. I’ve tried to tell

you – I tried to tell you when you sunk into that depression in April. You are that man – he isn’t dead. He’s just locked behind a very high wall, and you refuse to let him out again. You refuse to forgive yourself.

WILMETTE(with a smile)Yes I do.

Davis takes Wilmette’s hand, squeezing it.

DAVISOh James, I don’t understand you anymore. There is such a chasm between us. You are a great man – you were a great man and you still are, and yet you insist on torturing yourself over a mistake that you seek everyday to atone for.

WILMETTEIt’s all I have. Don’t you understand that? I have no home, no wife, no family, no legacy but a thousand people dead on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. My pain is all I have.

DAVIS(quietly)You have us. You have your friends.

The silence hangs thick for a moment, then the intercom beeps lightly. Wilmette silently moves for the desk, punches the button.

WILMETTEYes?

MARTIN(filtered)Sorry to bother you sir, but the Secretary General is on the line for you.

Wilmette’s brow creases as he glances at Davis who shrugs.

WILMETTEWait until Admiral Davis gets to the Bridge, then send it in.

MARTIN(filtered)Aye sir.

Davis moves for the door, standing near Wilmette.

DAVISI have no idea. Did you complain?

WILMETTE(remembering, grinning)To Easton. While we were at each other’s throats, he was probably raising some hell in Portland.

DAVIS(smiling)He’s good at that.

WILMETTE(returning the grin)So I’ve heard. I’ll see you later?

DAVISYou can bet on it. I’ll be on the Bridge seeing if they’ve found anything.

Wilmette nods as Davis departs, leaning over his desk thoughtfully watching her go. Behind him the screen clicks on unnoticed.

HITCHCOCK(OS)Mr. Wilmette, I’m over here.

Wilmette about-faces and comes to attention, and Hitchcock waves him down.

HITCHCOCKI’ve never believed in those formalities over the Communications Vid.

Wilmette relaxes, leaning on his desk.

HITCHCOCK(con’t)I heard from Admiral Easton that you were not happy by my addition to your team.

WILMETTE(grinning despite himself)How loud did George yell?

HITCHCOCK(to her surprise, grinning too)I’m surprised you didn’t hear him from there, actually. Are you still mad?

WILMETTEMay I speak freely?

HITCHCOCKDidn’t I just ask for that?

WILMETTEI don’t mind help, but I don’t appreciate being watchdogged.

HITCHCOCK(leaning forward in her chair)When did I send her Mr. Wilmette?

WILMETTERight after we were dispatched.

HITCHCOCKWhen after you were dispatched?

WILMETTEWell. . .I don’t know.

HITCHCOCKI dispatched seaShark right after we learned that the attackers are using PMR tactics. (she folds her hands on the top of her desk)Let’s cut the crap Mr. Wilmette. You don’t like me, and I certainly don’t like you. You think I’m a politician – weak and indecisive.

Wilmette nods.

HITCHCOCKI think you’ve overstayed your welcome by about five years, and let’s face it – your Tactical abilities were just what we needed during the Mac War, but this is a whole different ballgame now. Your time has passed. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t respect you a whole lot. I respect your abilities Mr. Wilmette, as a captain and as a soldier. You and Jonathan saved the U.E.O.

Move in on Wilmette – his mind is somewhere in the past, buried in memory.

HITCHCOCK(OS)And, somewhere deep down inside me that I’d rather not admit exists, I respect you because you are a good man. Whether you realize it or not, Jonathan Ford respected you deeply. You were one of his heroes, right along with Nathan Bridger and Michael Devaine.

A tear forms in Wilmette’s eye, though Hitchcock doesn’t seem to notice.

HITCHCOCKI remember when Devaine died, right after we won the war. It shook Jonathan so much – he didn’t know who could fill that spot. A lot of people recommended George Easton, but Jonathan wanted you. He told me that you were glued to your command chair – no one could get you out of it, even when you were dead. (she notices Wilmette is not listening)Mr. Wilmette?

Wilmette realizes she is speaking to him, and he shakes himself out of his memories.

WILMETTESorry – just in the past for a moment. Where were we?

HITCHCOCKMr. Wilmette, this is a very personal mission. You know it and I know it. Leia is there to help you – I know that you two have drifted, but she still is your friend, and she will still listen. (leaning forward)And remember – I wouldn’t have you on this mission if I didn’t believe you could do it. (before he can respond)Hitchcock out.

The screen goes blank, and Wilmette stands motionless in front of it, his mind somewhere else. Finally, there is a knock at the door.

WILMETTE

(turning, moving for the desk)Come in.

Davis hurries into the office, and when she sees it is clear, she motions for James to come with her.

DAVISWe’ve detected a coded transmission, and we were able to unscramble it. James – it’s the PMR. They’re after Maryland’s nuclear weapons.

WILMETTE(enraged)What?

DAVISCome to the Bridge and listen.

Wilmette nods, striding ahead of her out of the office.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Moving through the water.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

We pan from the powerful supports on the ceiling of the Bridge to the Command Plex where Wilmette, Peck, and Alridge sit, Davis standing on Wilmette’s left. We can hear a very noisy, crackled transmission from the Bridge speakers.

MALE VOICE(filtered, distorted)Thi. . .Party Recon S. . . 1A4 to Sta. . .house. Conti. . .scan for wreckage. . .peat, continuing scan.

MALE VOICE 2(filtered, distorted but clearer)Recon 1A4, General Correy would like to know how much longer you expect.

With the mention of the name “Correy,” Wilmette’s mouth tightens. MALE VOICE(filtered, distorted)Tell. . .m tha. . .he radiation is. . .king the search extremely difficult. . . .of distortion on the. . .sors. Repeat, lot of disto. . .the sensors.

MALE VOICE 2(filtered, distorted but clearer)Understood 1A4. Just find that ship. He wants it found and wants those nukes before the U.E.O. catches wind. . .

The transmission fades into static.

MARTIN(OS)That’s it sir.

WILMETTEWhy could we hear that, and why haven’t we been able to detect their transmissions before this?

ALRIDGEWell sir, without being too long-winded about it, we’re skimming the edge of the dead zone around Ganges Colony. They – the PMR, if we want to call them that – probably use a tightbeam relay for their communications. It’s extremely narrow and difficult to find – impossible if it’s also scrambled.

WILMETTE(anticipating)The radiation interferes with it?

MARTINThe type of radiation from the explosion of the Ganges Colony reactor actually makes the tightbeam visible.

ALRIDGEThe effect is not easy to detect – a tightbeam is, as the name implies, very small anyhow – but with our sensors, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

WILMETTEIf they had been using this in the past few months. . .

ALRIDGEIt is extremely unlikely we would have detected it – even if we knew what to look for.

DAVISSo you couldn’t have known James.

Davis glances at Alridge for support, which she gets.

ALRIDGEThis kind of tightbeam technology didn’t exist during 2045 and 2046. It really only got developed for practical use at the end of the Carolinian War.

DAVISEven Section 7 doesn’t use it widely yet.

Wilmette is silent for a moment. Everyone backs off – they all have served with him long enough to know not to interrupt him. Finally he looks up at Martin and rises from his chair.

WILMETTEWe have to act quickly. Ms. Martin, get me Admiral Easton, Priority White.

MARTIN

(OS)Aye sir.

WILMETTEGo to General Quarters, and have weapons on standby. If the PMR is in the area, I want to be ready for them. Mr. Peck, you have the Bridge.

PECKAye sir. Ms. Martin, General Quarters.

As the klaxon sounds and Martin announces General Quarters over the intercom, Wilmette begins moving for the doors when Davis stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

DAVISWant me to come along?

WILMETTE(a warm smile, shaking his head)No thanks. I’ll be out soon.

Davis nods, and Wilmette strides from the Bridge as we

DISSOLVE TO

THE INTERVIEW

WILMETTEIntercepting that transmission was pure luck on our part. We had a lot of that early on – sometimes I think we ran it all out then.

WILLIAMS(a smile)You were once quoted as saying “It was either by luck or the grace of God that we made it.” That was in a World News Network interview with me right after you took command of Defiant, and you were talking about the first PMR conflict.(a beat)Do you still believe that?

WILMETTEWell, I can tell you that it was by the grace of God. He and I weren’t talking at that time – a mistake on my part. (a cryptic smile)To answer the question, we came real close to the edge a few times.

WILLIAMSDefiant?

WILMETTEAnd the U.E.O. (he pauses for a moment, swallows, and looks back at Williams)Once we knew that it was the PMR we were up against and what they were after, Admiral Easton made a few calls, and the Pacific fleet was on its way.

DISSOLVE TO

A BATTLE

Fierce. Four of the Black Arrows and five of the other ships versus a fleet of four U.E.O. vessels – two Havasus, an Aquatica, and seaShark. While the seaShark is able to cut through one of the Black Arrows, another cuts into its stern with a series of solid hits.

No one is losing the battle, but no one is winning either.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Cutting through the water at cruising speed. As it moves away from us, it slows.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Everyone is at their usual positions, and Davis is on Wilmette’s right and Farenheit on Alridge’s left.

WONGWe’ve slowed to 10% maximum speed, as ordered.

WILMETTEThank you Mr. Wong.(turning toward Alridge)Does that help?

ALRIDGEYes sir, it does, though everything is still quite hazy. Radiation levels in the area are at seventy-six percent – that does throw off even our sensors, and as we get closer to the colony, it gets worse.(her console beeps)Wait a minute. . .(she presses a few buttons, leaning closer to her display)We’re picking up an object ahead.

WILMETTEAn object?

ALRIDGEIt’s on or near the bottom of the ocean. I can’t make it out - it’s too fuzzy – but it doesn’t seem too big.

PECKCan’t you use sonar?

ALRIDGEOne sonar pulse and every PMR ship in the area would know where we are. Anyway, it’s clearing up as we get. . .

As Alridge’s voice trails off, Wilmette, Peck, and Davis all look toward her.

DAVISMs. Alridge?

ALRIDGEIt’s a shuttle.(Wilmette goes white as she continues to read her display)A Copernicus class Trans One type shuttle, back when they used Trans

designations.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

As he closes his eyes and drops his head.

ALRIDGE(OS)The vehicle is heavily irradiated. . .

DAVIS(OS)It’s in the Dead Zone.

Wilmette opens his eyes again, now wet, and, as he runs his hands through his hair and sighs long and deep, he looks toward the main viewer.

ALRIDGE(OS)I mean, it’s really hot. . .

DAVIS(OS)Like it took a direct dose of radiation?

Wilmette dips his head again.

ALRIDGE(OS)That’s what it looks like.

WILMETTEThat’s because it did.

WIDE ANGLE – COMMAND PLEX

All eyes are on Wilmette, and Davis, standing on Alridge’s right, turns toward him. Before she can speak he rises from his chair and we follow him as he moves in front of the Command Plex. His shoulder are hunched, and his eyes are overflowing with the pain of memory.

WILMETTE(quietly)Mr. Wong, bring us about to 272 mark 4. Increase to 50% full speed.

Silence. Wilmette’s gaze shifts to the row of consoles on his right, and we follow it as it moves over each of his crew. Piper gives Wilmette a supportive half-smile. Rusch looks almost concerned. On the other side of the Bridge, Martin is thoughtfully impassive. We return to Wilmette who looks forward.

ANGLE ON WONG

Sitting in the Starboard Helm pod. He trades a puzzled expression with the extra in the Port Helm Pod and turns his attention to his controls.

WILMETTE(OS)

Mr. Wong?

WONGAye sir. Bringing us about.

As he relays the acknowledgement, Wong moves the stick and the submarine tips slightly as she comes around.

ANGLE ON WILMETTE

As he turns and moves back to his seat. At this point, all eyes are on him as he leans back in his chair, wiping his eyes clean of moisture and sighing. After he is done, he looks around the Bridge at his crew – he knows they deserve an answer.

WILMETTE(simply, painfully)It’s her shuttle.(looking all of them over)It’s Jennifer’s.

Looking at Peck, who is silent, he rises from his chair and moves behind the Command Plex.

WILMETTE(louder)We’ll arrive at the Maryland in about eight minutes. I’ll be in my office until then. Mr. Peck, you have the Bridge.

PECK(not moving)Aye sir.

Wilmette’s eyes meet Davis’, then Farenheit’s. He shakes his head almost imperceptibly and moves for the exit, leaving the Bridge in silence.

QUICK CUT

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

As he moves behind his desk, plopping in the chair. We see every line on his face – every one of his forty-two years. Head in his hands, he rests on his desk.

QUICK FLASH

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV – B&W

As massive explosion rocks the structure. Consoles spark and finally everything goes dead, only to kick on again a few seconds later.

Wilmette, in his chair in the center of the cavernous structure, leaps to his feet as alarms sound all over the Bridge.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Close on Wilmette’s face, his eyes shut tight, a couple tears escaping.

WILMETTE(VO, distorted)What the hell just happened?

MALE SENSORS OFFICER(VO, distorted)There was a massive nuclear explosion from the colony, sir.

A beat, then

WILMETTE(VO, distorted, angry)They torpedoed the reactor!

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV – B&W

Commander Stuart Pierce, a bulky dark-haired man in his early thirties, stands near Wilmette who is standing in front of the command chair.

PIERCEJames, the ship is gone. Everything below Deck Four is totally irradiated, half of the Engine Room is gone, and most of our circuits were fried by the EMP in the blast. We have to evacuate while we still can.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Close on Wilmette’s eyes, tears dripping out of the closed eyelids and onto his hand which his head rests on.

WILMETTE(VO, distorted)Jenny, I’m so sorry I did this to you. I should have. . .

JENNIFER PERKINS(VO, distorted, weak)James, I don’t blame you.

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV – B&W

CLOSE ON VIEWER

It is a small viewer on one side of the lower Bridge level. On it is the image of Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins – thirty-five, dark brown hair, an impish smile, beautiful. Sweat runs down her face and across her brow, and she is very gray. She tries to look calm and brave, but her eyes betray fear and pain. She’s dying, and she knows it.

PERKINSCorrey snuck up behind you – even you can’t predict every single move your opponent will make.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Kneeling in front of the viewer, arms on the console in front of it. His head rests on his arms, his eyes wet.

WILMETTEI didn’t think that he would blow that reactor – that was suicide.

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

PERKINS(a weak smile)Well then, you can be happy that’s he roasting in hell in a big radioactive cloud right now.

WILMETTEThat doesn’t save you.

PERKINS(smiling)Nothing can save me now James. (before Wilmette can speak)No James. You have to let that sink in. There’s nothing you could have done, and there’s nothing you can do now. You took a risk – made a gamble – and it wasn’t the right move. Next time you’ll do better.

WILMETTENext time I won’t have you.

PERKINSNo you won’t, but I refuse to believe that will stop you. (a pause as she winces)James, you’re the strongest man I’ve ever met. If anyone can survive this, you can. (a beat)As for me, I die with only one regret – that I will never marry you. This isn’t such a bad way to die – even if we failed, I die knowing that I did my duty. I stabilized that reactor, saved those colonists, if only for a few moments. My death means something – I didn’t go in some senseless chaotic battle, but I went trying to help the innocent.

WILMETTE(tears flowing)Jennifer, I. . .I love you.(sobbing heavily)I’ll love you until the end of the world.

PERKINSI will always be with you James. Always.

WILMETTEGoodb. . .

PERKINSNo James. Never say goodbye.

Her weak hand touches the viewer, and Wilmette reaches out and places his hand over the image, sobs racking him. Perkins gives him one last smile – a warm, full, beautiful smile, and the screen goes dead.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Tears flowing down his face from his eyes. We hold for a second until we

MATCH CUT TO

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette stands behind his desk, tears running down his cheeks.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL DAVIS

Standing behind Wilmette, grimly watching him. After a few seconds she strides over to him, wrapping her arms around him, letting him cry.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Cutting through the water. As she moves past us, she begins to slow.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette, Davis, and Farenheit stand in front of the Command Plex watching the main viewer. We can tell Wilmette has just been crying – his eyes are bloodshot and still moist – but he seems more composed. Davis has her hand around his shoulder as they take in the image before them.

FARENHEITShe sure got beat to hell.

WILMETTE(a nod)Being too close to a nuclear blast will tend to do that. (he and Farenheit trade a quick smile)It still amazes me that we made it this far from the colony. We were running on backups – the EMP fried most of the primaries – and most of those were shot too. And we were torn up by Correy’s last three Pegasuses besides.

DAVISShe was a tough ship.

WILMETTEAll of them were. That’s why we’re still using the Aquaticas today.

CLOSE ON MAIN VIEWER

Defiant’s lights illuminate a battered submarine lying on the ocean floor – the Maryland. Long and thin with sharp yet graceful curves – a deadly knife that subtly recalls the seaQuest shape.

She is indeed torn to hell – black scars and streaks pepper the aft end, the result of a great nuclear blast, and the hull is pockmarked by torpedo blasts and laser scars. Docking Bay Two on the starboard side, which faces us, is opened forever to the waters of the Pacific – obviously, the crew made their escape from here.

WILMETTE(OS)How is she Ms. Alridge?

ANGLE ON ALRIDGE

Looking over her displays.

ALRIDGEDecks One and Two remain dry, while the rest of the vessel is mostly flooded, except for a couple areas on Decks Five and Six. (looking toward Wilmette)Just as you left her.

WILMETTE(after a thoughtful beat)Let’s go aboard.

SMASH CUT TO

DARKNESS

We are surrounded by total darkness. Suddenly we hear a loud, unpleasant metallic scraping - metal on metal, and a shaft of light illuminates the metal plates of a deck. We pan to reveal a thick metal door being swung open – the door of an airlock – and Wilmette enters, a light attached to his wrist.

As he enters, his eyes scan the deck, as if searching, and he raises his PCR to his mouth and presses a switch.

WILMETTEPhoenix One to Phoenix Four, come in.

PIPER(filtered)Phoenix Four here sir.

WILMETTEPhoenix Four, how’s my power coming?

INT. DECK TWO CORRIDOR – MARYLAND DSV

A corner of the deck is bathed in light from a lighting rig erected in the center of the deck. Panels in the wall have been opened, and a large generator-like device is hooked into it with various cables.

As Piper enters our view, he glances at the device and raises his PCR.

PIPERAlmost there sir. Got the batteries hooked in – just about ready to pull the switch.

INT. DECK ONE CORRIDOR – MARYLAND DSV

WILMETTEJust stand back when you do – the Secondary Power Grid hasn’t been running in over five years, and I’m still not sure how intact it is.

PIPER(filtered)Don’t worry sir – the worst that can happen is a feedback from any lines underwater that we didn’t isolate, and we can’t help if the cutoff doesn’t work.

WILMETTE(grinning)Still, be careful.

PIPER(filtered)I will sir. Will call you when everything is running again. Piper out.

As Wilmette lowers the PCR, Davis joins him at his side.

DAVISYou O.K. James?

WILMETTE(still looking around, nodding)I never thought I’d be back, but now that I am. . .(a beat, then he looks at her)I feel this terrible emptiness – like something is missing.

DAVIS(a nod)Your crew.

WILMETTEAnd yet I feel their presence. It’s not that most of their bodies are sealed below us. . .(a beat)It’s almost like this ship still lives. She’s frozen in time on the bottom of the ocean. Yes, she’s empty and dead, but. . .

DAVISYour world shattered here James. Of course you feel empty – you wouldn’t be a human being if you didn’t.

Before Wilmette can respond, the lights suddenly snap on, and Wilmette glances around. As we follow his gaze, we find a long, narrow utilitarian deck untouched since the day she was abandoned. A couple papers here and there litter the deck plates, and a few of the electrical panels are charred, but no water has touched the corridor.

Alridge, Farenheit, and a couple security guys stand near the airlock, looking about. Alridge takes a few steps, taking it all in, and Wilmette moves to her side.

ALRIDGESo, this is where Ali died.

Wilmette swallows and flinches, but he stands his ground.

WILMETTEThree decks down, just aft of Docking Bay Six.

ALRIDGE(staring straight into his eyes, fire roaring)How does it feel to stand on their graves?

WILMETTE(almost a whisper)It hurts as much as it did when I got them killed.

ALRIDGEGood.

Alridge walks away, and Wilmette watches her go, his eyes glazed. After a few seconds his PCR suddenly beeps.

WILMETTEYes?

PIPER(filtered)Sir, you aren’t going to believe this.

INT. DECK TWO – MARYLAND DSV

Piper glances over at one of his technicians who is bent over an open panel.

PIPERWe’re getting a signal from someone who claims to be General Lee Correy.

INT. DECK ONE – MARYLAND DSV

Everyone tenses – especially Wilmette.

PIPER(filtered)Apparently the emergency communications antenna still works.

WILMETTE(a nod)The communications array was mostly fried – we used it to contact Pearl, and we left it up when we abandoned ship. (a thoughtful beat)Give me a minute, then patch it through to my office.

PIPER(filtered)Aye sir.

As he lowers his PCR, Wilmette thoughtfully gazes at Davis and Alridge, both of whom look at his expectantly.

WILMETTEIt’s just down the corridor.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – MARYLAND DSV

Smaller than his office aboard Defiant, the desk opposite the door is cluttered like Wilmette’s Defiant desk, except the reports bear the Maryland sword and diamond. Two visitors chairs sit in front of the desk, and not far behind is a couch along the wall – a fallen painting on it - with a small coffee table in front cluttered with battered paperbacks, some of which have spilled on the floor. In five years, Wilmette hasn’t changed his decorating sense.

The metal door of the office swings open to admit Wilmette, followed by

Davis, Farenheit, Alridge, and the security men. Wilmette strides over to the desk and, shifting some papers, presses the communications panel on top.

The screen opposite the desk comes to life with the Maryland sword and diamond, followed by the image of General Lee Correy of the Party For Macronesian Rebirth. Almost fifty, bald, with intense eyes and a salty beard, Correy looks calculatingly cold and just a bit insane.

CORREYCaptain Wilmette. It’s been awhile.

Wilmette’s face is a mask of tension and calculation in equal measure. Correy is his worst enemy, but Wilmette respects his ability.

WILMETTEFive years. I thought you were dead.

CORREYI’m afraid not James. I escaped that explosion, while my flagship did not. You see, I was in the third ship – the ruse. I was willing to sacrifice to kill you – you turned my nation into an abomination – a corpse of former glory – but I was not willing to die until I knew for certain you were dead. You have an uncanny ability to stay alive Captain.

WILMETTEToo bad I can say the same for you.

CORREYI’m sure it is. Unfortunately for you, I am back. You broke our backs in 2046, but you couldn’t kill our spirits. Some of us survived – a handful really, but enough. Over the years we plotted in the shadows, at risk of being cliché, recruiting those who had reason to hate the U.E.O. We’ve been able to build a substantial force, and we’ve acquired technology to match your own. You’ve already been introduced to our Ragnaroks.

WILMETTEThe black ships?

CORREYThe same. I thought it was ironic when they were delivered to us and we found that they resemble your own seaQuest class so much. Too bad for you they’re much deadlier. They’re called Ragnaroks, and they’ve been doing an incredibly good job at harassing your shipping for the past month.

WILMETTEThat was you?

CORREYSurprised Captain?

WILMETTENot really. Too many civilian targets were being hit – all those scientific and recreational colonies, that passenger liner. It’s just your style – punish the civilians for the “sins” of the government.

CORREYThat’s the paradox of democracy Captain – the civilians choose that government. Few spoke in protest when your United States and your European Union sponsored the U.E.O.’s mission to pillage and loot my country, and fewer still remained when it became illegal to support the rightful government of Macronesia after their neighbors started burning down their houses. Where was your democracy then?

WILMETTEThe U.E.O. made mistakes, but that doesn’t make you right. That doesn’t make the slaughter of thousands of civilians just.

CORREYAnd are you righteous James Wilmette? Are you just? A thousand people lay dead in the colony to your west – dead because you chose your fiancé over your duty. You threw away a thousand lives for one, and in the end you couldn’t even save the one.

WILMETTE(fiery, eyes burning with rage)I made a mistake that I pay for every night. You slaughter for what? A dictator? Bourne didn’t even care about the world – he did it for his own ego. Thought he built an invincible military, and even that was a delusion. I might respect you Correy, if only you had a cause worth fighting for.

CORREYMy only question Captain is, was she a screamer or a squealer?

Wilmette almost lunges at the screen, but Farenheit and one of the security men catch him.

WILMETTEYou son of a bitch! I swear to God that you’ll burn in hell before this day is through.

CORREY(smug)You can try Captain, but I have the upper hand. Your defenses have proven rather effective against my Ragnaroks, but we are gaining the upper hand, and Maryland’s nuclear weapons will be mine very soon.

WILMETTE(deadly)We’ll see about that General. Maryland out.

Correy’s smirking visage disappears from the screen, and the two men release Wilmette who straightens his uniform, eyes burning.

FARENHEITSorry about that James, but I don’t think it would have been very productive had you put your hand through the viewer.

Wilmette, seething, is silent for a few seconds as he looks around his office and over his people and Farenheit and Davis. Finally, he slowly exhales and relaxes just a bit.

WILMETTE(quietly, deadly)

This is my ship. She might be on the bottom of the ocean, but she’s still my ship, and no one – not Correy, not anyone – will ever take her.

DAVISYou have a plan James?

WILMETTE(a nod)I have a plan. Time is short, so we’ve got to act fast. Let’s go to the Bridge – I’ll explain there.

Wilmette strides from the room, his people following right behind.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN

EXT. MARYLAND DSV

The lights are on in the first two decks.

PECK(VO, filtered)The fleet fell back five miles. seaShark is helping hold the line, and the Virginia is leading the fight, but. . .they’re losing it.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – MARYLAND DSV

The size is, again, slightly smaller than Defiant. Metal walls decorated with various pictures of U.E.O. ships from the Macronesian War period surround a metal and wood table at which Wilmette sits at the head, a viewer turned off behind him. To his right are Davis and Farenheit, and to his left Piper and Alridge with the Security guys and Engineering techs occupying the rest of the seats.

Peck’s voice comes through the room’s intercom system which still apparently functions.

PECK(filtered)Admiral Easton has approved of your plan – he said “we’ll worry about Hitchcock later” – and he wishes you luck. He’s going to order the fleet to disperse in ten minutes – that gives us twenty-five before the PMR fleet arrives. (a pause)It was bad sir. There are six of them headed straight for you, and they cut through four Havasus, two Aquaticas, seaShark, and us like nothing.

WILMETTEI can imagine. Correy was right about one thing – those Ragnaroks are quite deadly. We’ll just have to hope the ships on their way are the main part of his fleet.(a beat)What’s your ETA?

PECK

(filtered)Twelve minutes. We’re going to help the Vermont get out of here and then we’ll be back.

WILMETTEVery well. We’ll be waiting for you. Maryland out.(he presses a button on the tabletop)Are we ready Mr. Piper?

PIPERI have Parker and Yueh looking over the relay one more time, but we should be.

FARENHEITHotwiring the detonation commands for two nuclear missiles into the communications array in seven minutes, fifty-six seconds. That must be a record.

PIPERI imagine it is by virtue that we’re the only ones crazy enough to try it.

DAVISI’m still worried about the ecological damage. Can’t we just use one?

WILMETTEI hate using them at all, but it’s the only way we’re ever going to have a chance to cripple Correy’s fleet, and it makes sure that no one can ever get the rest of the missiles. As for ecological damage, I think we can agree that the area is already damaged beyond repair – it’ll be like dropping a bomb into the rubble of a building.

ALRIDGEI’m not a scientist, but I do have to agree. These bombs, like the ones on U.E.O. ships today, are designed to focus the radiation into one concentrated area, and this area is already surrounded by ridges. Radiation can’t escape – that’s the reason it’s still so concentrated today.

DAVISI know all of that. It’s just. . .(a sigh)I don’t like the idea of bringing nuclear weapons into this. Look what happened during the Macronesian War.

WILMETTEThat was a necessary evil Leia. I don’t like it either, but look at it from my perspective – we’ve got a PMR fleet bearing down on us, and there isn’t a damned thing we can do to stop it. We’ve got eighteen nuclear weapons aboard this submarine, and in just over twenty-five minutes they’ll belong to the PMR if we don’t do something about them. We can’t move them, so we have to make them inaccessible to that fleet. This way not only will they never fall into the wrong hands – they’ll never fall into anyone’s hands, and we can take a few of Correy’s people with us.

The room is silent for a moment. Finally, Davis nods.

DAVIS

What do we do for the next twelve minutes?

CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV

In a word – big. Much bigger than Defiant’s Bridge, her ceiling curves fourteen feet above the deck at its highest point, about nine near the edges. An upper ring of dead stations circles the entire structure, two Helm Pods at each end, an immense viewer between. There is no Command Plex, but a Captain’s Station does sit in the center toward the aft, behind it a large Tactical station between the ramps down from the upper level. The impression is one of power and grandeur.

We hold on the rear right door of the Bridge as it cycles aside to allow Wilmette to enter.

FOLLOW WILMETTE

He’s been here today already but not alone. As such, he takes in the full measure of his Bridge, looking over every detail – every seat and console for the first time in five years.

WILMETTE’S POV

He looks over the main viewer and the Helm Pods, running along the upper right row of stations, finally falling upon the Captain’s Chair. We approach it slowly.

ON WILMETTE

With a heavy sigh he takes the chair, running his hands over the console. Voices come to him in flashes.

McGATH(VO)I give you Captain James Wilmette of our flagship, U.E.O. Maryland Defensive Submergence Vehicle.

SMASH CUT TO

INT. PRESS ROOM - U.E.O. HEADQUARTERS – NEW CAPE QUEST – B&W

It is 2039, and everyone’s age should reflect this. Wilmette steps behind the podium as McGath relinquishes it. The applause dies down as he begins to speak.

Suddenly all flashbacks become color.

The image shifts closer to Wilmette, further into his speech in the same manner as a soundbyte on the news.

WILMETTEThis ship will stand as a beacon, not just in seaQuest’s memory, but in the memory of everyone who has died in the name of freedom. On the day he died, the American President John Kennedy was to deliver a speech in Dallas, Texas. Even undelivered, his words reach out to us today.(a beat)“We in this country, in this generation, are by destiny, rather than

choice, the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.”(a beat)We are those watchmen, and we will send a clear, decisive message to Alexander Bourne that he is not welcome on our walls of world freedom. (Wilmette lowers his head, as if thinking, and finally raises it, his voice steely)This war has only begun and yet we are already weary of it. I will not lie – our enemy outnumbers us two to one, but we will defeat him. It may take six days or six months or six years, but Alexander Bourne will fall, and he will be called to account for what he has done – for the lives he has taken.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV - PRESENT

As we hear the words in VO, Wilmette mouths them.

WILMETTEThe days ahead will be bleak, but I can assure everyone who depends on us for protection – we will stand as your guardian until this man is gone. No matter how long it takes, we will stand between freedom and tyranny, between the darkness and the light, even if it takes us to our last breath, and we will never yield.

SMASH CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV

Still color. A few panels smoke a bit, but the Bridge seems relatively untouched by the chaos of battle. Wilmette faces away from us, conferring with his Tactical officer near the back of the Bridge. Suddenly, there is a great flash and rumble, and the room goes dead.

Emergency lights flicker on, and Wilmette abruptly turns toward us, looking about.

WILMETTEWhat the hell just happened?

The young brown-haired man at Sensors, Lt. Sam Kiester, hastily checks his readings.

KIESTERThere was a massive nuclear explosion from the colony, sir.

Maryland’s Assistant Chief of Engineering, Lt. Commander Heather Rowan, is frantically pressing controls and reading her screen.

ROWANSir, it appears that our primary computer and electrical systems were fried by a massive EMP blast radiating from Ganges Colony.

Wilmette almost jumps out of his chair, moving in front of the Main Viewer.

WILMETTECan you put the colony on the viewer?

A beat.

MALE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER(OS)Yes sir.

WILMETTE Do it.

As the image appears on the viewer, Wilmette’s mouth drops in horror, as does everyone else’s.

ANGLE ON VIEWER

Ganges Colony is a crater. The domed colony layout is a funhouse mirror perversion of its former self – the main dome is mostly collapsed, and the smaller surrounding domes are dark, many cracked and badly damaged.

A beat, then

WILMETTE(angry)They torpedoed the reactor!

KIESTER(matter of fact)That’s what it looks like, sir.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV

In the present, tears pour from Wilmette’s eyes as he relives the Incident.

ROWAN(VO, clear as a bell)Sir, that seems to be the least of our worries.

TIME DISSOLVE TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV

We begin at the front, panning over the stations as we hear the dialogue. Everyone we pass looks grim.

ROWAN(OS)We’re still getting readings on Deck Three and Four. One is one of the Engineering people still alive and trying to patch a conduit. We’re not getting any actual communications from him, but we can detect from the fluctuations in the conduit that he’s still trying to fix it.

We finally arrive at Wilmette pacing before his chair, his face a mask of concern. He glances at Sensors.

WILMETTEStill no activity on the Sensors?

KIESTERNegative sir. It appears that the three PMR vessels were wiped out in the blast, and our shuttle is still sitting on the. . .(there is a slight beeping and he checks his equipment)Sir, we’re getting a signal from the shuttle.

WILMETTE(urgent)What kind of signal? Is it her?

Kiester checks, double checks, and triple checks his readings as Wilmette begins pacing again. Finally,

KIESTERIt’s a communications signal.

Wilmette’s gaze falls on the man at Communications.

MALE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERConfirmed sir. We’re getting a communications signal from the shuttle, emergency frequency, audio and video.

WILMETTEPut it on. . .(he pauses, considers)Put it on the Auxiliary Viewer One.

MALE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER(OS)It’ll take just a minute to cut through the interference.

Wilmette strides over to a small viewer to the right of his chair, nestled right below the stations. As Wilmette kneels in front of it, we see Pierce rush onto the Bridge behind him. He quietly confers with Kiester, and the way his gaze falls on Wilmette, he seems to understand what Wilmette is doing and gives him distance.

Wilmette glances at Pierce and nods, and the commander flashes him a reassuring smile.

MALE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERSir, I’ve got the signal.

WILMETTEPatch it through.

We don’t see the screen come on at first, but we see Wilmette’s reaction – pained joy. We pan around to reveal

CLOSE ON VIEWER

The image of Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins – thirty-five, dark brown hair, an impish smile, beautiful. Sweat runs down her face and across her brow, and she is very gray. She tries to look calm and brave, but her eyes betray fear and pain. She’s dying, and she knows it.

PERKINSJames, what happened?

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

WILMETTECorrey torpedoed Ganges Colony’s reactor. It melted down, and we got a pretty bad radiation bath. So did you.

PERKINS(a nod)I figured as much. How’s the ship? You look O.K.

WILMETTEThe EMP fried the primary power grid and some of the computers, but the backups are more-or-less working. (a long sigh)However, everything under Deck Two is radioactive – I’m told that it’s a small miracle we aren’t. We’ve lost contact with all but Decks Three and Four, and most of the messages we’re still getting are from your people, working until the end.

PERKINS(beaming)That doesn’t surprise me.(she swallows, winces)How. . .uh. . .how did this happen?

Wilmette looks at the deck a long moment before responding.

WILMETTEWhen I went back to free you, I took a risk. I knew Correy would slip a ship in behind me, but I didn’t. . .didn’t think he would do this. Two of the Pegasuses – including his flagship – made a beeline for Tigris Colony, and I tried to intercept them. Suddenly, they did a one-eighty and went after us. They apparently had no idea the other was going to torpedo the reactor, because they actually ran from us toward the colony. In any case, the colony is gone and. . .(tears well in his eyes)Jenny, I’m so sorry I did this to you. I should have. . .

PERKINS(weak)James, I don’t blame you. Correy snuck up behind you – even you can’t predict every single move your opponent will make.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Kneeling in front of the viewer, arms on the console in front of it. His head rests on his arms, his eyes wet.

WILMETTEI didn’t think that he would blow that reactor – that was suicide.

PERKINS(a weak smile)Well then, you can be happy that’s he roasting in hell in a big radioactive cloud right now.

WILMETTEThat doesn’t save you.

PERKINS(smiling)Nothing can save me now James. (before Wilmette can speak)No James. You have to let that sink in. There’s nothing you could have done, and there’s nothing you can do now. You took a risk – made a gamble – and it wasn’t the right move. Next time you’ll do better.

WILMETTENext time I won’t have you.

PERKINSNo you won’t, but I refuse to believe that will stop you. (a pause as she winces)James, you’re the strongest man I’ve ever met. If anyone can survive this, you can. (a beat)As for me, I die with only one regret – that I will never marry you. This isn’t such a bad way to die – even if we failed, I die knowing that I did my duty. I stabilized that reactor, saved those colonists, if only for a few moments. My death means something – I didn’t go in some senseless chaotic battle, but I went trying to help the innocent.

WILMETTE(tears flowing)Jennifer, I. . .I love you.(sobbing heavily)I’ll love you until the end of the world.

PERKINSI will always be with you James. Always.

WILMETTEGoodb. . .

PERKINSNo James. Never say goodbye.

Her weak hand touches the viewer, and Wilmette reaches out and places his hand over the image, sobs racking him. Perkins gives him one last smile – a warm, full, beautiful smile, and the screen goes dead.

MATCH CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE – MARYLAND DSV – PRESENT

Wilmette’s hand on that same viewer, tears running from his eyes. After a few seconds, someone behind him places a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he spins around, a bit startled, to find Davis standing over him. He rises, wiping the tears from his eyes and searching for words.

DAVIS(meeting his eyes)I understand.

She takes him in her arms, and he sobs for a moment more before breaking contact and moving to sit in his old chair.

WILMETTE(taking his chair, silent for a moment before speaking)This place – it’s had an effect on me that I couldn’t have predicted. It came alive to me, and I’m not sure if that’s a bad thing.

Davis grins.

WILMETTE(con’t)I’ve been reliving the Incident from the moment I stepped on this Bridge, and it’s hard, but. . .

DAVISThis is your ship James – your first command. From this Bridge you became a legend, helped save the U.E.O., and met your fiancé. Of course it’s hard, but being back here is also a kind of gift. You never thought you would see this place again – sit in that chair again – and here you are. Even if it is only for a little while, this ship lives again, and you’re right back in the captain’s chair.

WILMETTE(running his hand over the console)There are so many ghosts here. . .and so many demons, but for the first time in awhile, I’ve been facing them. Memories I wasn’t sure I still had, and pain I had forgotten.

They are silent for a moment, and Davis looks straight into Wilmette’s eyes.

DAVISI’m sorry.

WILMETTEWhy?

DAVISYou’ve come back here, and you have to destroy it to prevent it from falling into the enemy’s hands – the enemy that took it from you.

WILMETTE(a sad, reflective grin)It’s O.K. I had to come back here, and I have to leave now. That’s what I was supposed to learn.(Davis gives him a look of confusion)This ship is just a wreck on the ocean floor – a monument of a sort to past glories gone forever. But, it lives forever in memory. In memory, it’s timeless.

Wilmette looks around the Bridge reflectively, and Davis follows his gaze.

DAVISShe was a beautiful ship. Powerful, sleek, and deadly.

WILMETTEThe Grand Warhorses – that’s what they called the Aquaticas. I think the refitted ones have lost some of their charm, but there’s a reason why we still use these twelve year-old ships.

Davis nods.

DAVIS The PMR will be here soon, and Defiant and seaShark should be back now.

Wilmette rises and wordlessly follows her toward the exit. At the open door he pauses, turns, gives it one last long look. Never lifting his gaze, he comes to attention and salutes the silent room. Finally, he reaches into a panel near the door and, with one last reflective look, he turns off the lights.

CUT TO

EXT. MARYLAND DSV

The Dragonfly rapidly peels away from the wreck, making a beeline for Defiant which floats next to seaShark, both slightly battered.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Abuzz with activity as Wilmette strides in, Davis and Farenheit right behind. Peck vacates Wilmette’s chair and Wilmette takes it.

WILMETTEStatus?

PECKCorrey is on his way. ETA – six minutes.

WILMETTEIs the linkup established?

ALRIDGEYes sir. Once we push the button, we have two minutes to get clear.(almost under her breath)Destroying the evidence.

Wilmette flinches, but turns toward her.

WILMETTE(quiet)Perhaps. . .(looking toward the viewer)Signal seaShark we’re ready to depart. (to Alridge)ETA for Correy?

ALRIDGEFive minutes.

WILMETTEBattlestations.

As Peck counts down, the alarm sounds.

RUSCHWeapons hot.

PIPER

Damage control check.

The clamshell doors close.

PECKBridge is secure.

MARTIN(OS)seaShark has signaled ready.

WILMETTEMr. Wong, plot an intercept course with the PMR fleet and take us away at maximum speed. Report when we’re minimum safe distance away.

WONG(OS)Aye sir.

WILMETTENow we wait to play our hand.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Cutting through the water, seaShark right beside.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Tense. Wilmette thoughtfully strums his fingers on his console, Farenheit on his left. Davis paces near the Navigation Table behind the Command Plex, looking over the image on the tabletop.

Suddenly, Alridge’s console begins beeping.

ALRIDGESir, PMR ships one minute away.

WONGWe’re just outside the minimum safe distance.

Wilmette glances at Peck as Davis rushes to his side.

WILMETTEActivate the weapon.

CLOSE ON ALRIDGE’S CONSOLE

A window opens on her screen – a two minute countdown which begins ticking away.

ANGLE ON WILMETTE

Rising from his seat.

WILMETTEPut them on the screen.

ANGLE ON VIEWER

Two Ragnaroks appear, followed by two ships of a vaguely Macronesian design we have seen before.

MARTIN(OS)Correy is hailing us.

WILMETTEMr. Piper, you have the switch configured?

PIPERYes sir.

WILMETTE(his eyes fiery)Put the countdown on the viewer, and put Correy on.

As Correy’s image appears, the counter which reads 1:42 appears in the bottom right corner of his image.

CORREYIt seems we have you outnumbered. Two Ragnaroks and two Valhallas – that is what we call our modified Pegasus design – against your two seaQuests. I have more behind me – your fleet was an effective distraction for my forces, but it was by far not enough to stop us.

WILMETTE(a wry smile)We’ll see.

The timer reads 1:32.

CORREYOh, you have some elaborate tactical maneuver to outwit me Captain? Or maybe some ace up your sleeve – a hidden fleet somewhere?

WILMETTEPerhaps.

CORREYI don’t think so Captain. Face it – you’re outnumbered and outgunned. Those nuclear weapons will soon be mine, and I don’t think even you can stop a nuclear missile in midair. Even if you could, you couldn’t stop more than one.

The timer reads 0:58.

WILMETTEI’m afraid General Correy that your time was up a long time ago.

CORREYWhy do you say that?

WILMETTEI’ve already kicked your ass. Sure, you may tell everybody that you spent the last five years rebuilding your forces, but you were really hiding with your tail between your legs because you knew the terrible truth – you’re a fraud General. Lee Correy is a fraud.

The timer reads 0:23.

CORREY(he smiles – it is an unpleasant smile)Nice try Captain, but you’re just baiting me.. (glancing off screen)In fact, I can see right now you and seaShark are ducking behind that ridge. You’re just trying to keep me right where I am.

The time reads 0:07

WILMETTE(a deadly grin)Yes General. I am. See you in hell.

Wilmette makes a cutting motion and strides back to his chair as the Bridge suddenly goes dead. Everyone grabs their consoles.

PIPEREverything is off sir.

WILMETTE(tense, holding)Brace for impact.

EXT. OCEAN

The two Ragnaroks and two Valhallas pass over the ridge behind which Defiant and seaShark hide. Suddenly, there is an enormous flash from the direction of the Maryland, as if as sun has appeared in the ocean. A shock wave devastates one of the Valhallas, and the other three PMR ships go dead, sinking to the bottom.

PAN TO DEFIANT DSV AND SEASHARK

Safe under the ridge. After a few seconds, they come back to life and rise from the bottom of the ocean.

INT. BRIDGE – DEFIANT DSV

Everyone begins to relax, checking systems, making sure everything is still working. Some of them give Wilmette strange looks – almost as if they can’t quite believe he instigated what just happened.

WILMETTEStatus?

PIPER(checking his consoles)We’re fine sir. Got a little shook up, but nothing shook loose. The upper bioskin received a stronger-than-normal dose of radiation, but it shouldn’t really affect us.

MARTINseaShark reports everything is normal. Captain Dvorak wants to speak with Admiral Riva-Davis ASAP.

Davis grins.

DAVISShe probably wants to know why the hell I let your captain detonate a nuclear weapon off her stern. (to Wilmette)Can I use your office.

WILMETTEI need my office – use the Main Conference Room. I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.

DAVISThanks.

FARENHEITI’d better go too – see that she doesn’t start throwing things at the vid or something unproductive like that.

Wilmette and Davis grin, and Davis and Farenheit move toward the rear of the Bridge.

WILMETTE(leaning back in his chair)Stand down from Battlestations.(behind him the clamshell doors slide aside to allow Davis and Farenheit to exit)Status of PMR fleet?

ALRIDGEOne of the Valhallas, as Correy called them, has been destroyed. The other three are dead in the water, their systems fried by the EMP. (pressing a few buttons)The main PMR fleet is stationary – they’re probably a little spooked.

PECKWe just set off a nuclear weapon – I’d be a little spooked. (glancing at Wilmette who is not listening)Sir?

Wilmette is quiet – thoughtfully quiet. Finally he looks over at Peck.

WILMETTEDid you say something Mr. Peck?

PECKSir, are you all right?

Wilmette doesn’t respond for a few seconds. Finally, he nods.

WILMETTEMr. Peck, is this my ship?

Peck slowly nods, looking confused.

PECKUh, last time I checked sir, yes it was.

WILMETTEAnd is this my crew?

PECKYes sir, it is.

Wilmette nods, smiles, and rises from his chair.

WILMETTEMr. Wong, set a course for Pearl Harbor. Cruising speed please – we’re not in a hurry right now.

WONG(OS)Aye sir.

WILMETTE(to Peck)I need to call Admiral Easton. I’ll be in my office – call me if anything comes up.

PECK(still slightly puzzled)Aye sir.(a beat)Sir. . .are you O.K.?

Wilmette looks at the viewer, smiles, and meets Peck’s eyes.

WILMETTEYes John. I wasn’t, but I’m better now.

With this he strides toward the back of the Bridge, leaving a puzzled Peck to take the Command Chair.

END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Cutting through the water, seaShark beside.

SUPERIMPOSE: Defiant DSV, On Patrol In The PacificNEW LINE: One day later.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

We pan over the empty chair and the desk cluttered with stacks of reports, over the empty visitor’s chairs to the couch where Wilmette lays, asleep. We find that he holds a photograph – his Maryland command crew photograph – as a child would hold a teddy bear.

MOVE ON WILMETTE

We come closer and closer to his eyes, which remain still. As we come even closer, they remain still until we hear a knock at the door. Wilmette groggily pulls himself up, setting the photograph on the table as rubbing his eyes.

WILMETTECome in.

Davis and Farenheit enter, moving toward Wilmette who pushes himself off the couch and walks toward his desk.

FARENHEITDid we wake you up?

WILMETTEYeah – what time is it?

DAVISAlmost supper time. Commander Peck was going to call, but we decided we’d tell you.

WILMETTEI slept all day?

FARENHEITYou’ve been in here since ten. Mr. Peck came in about 1430 to check up on you, but he decided to let you sleep.

Wilmette nods, moving around his desk.

WILMETTE(sitting in his chair)You staying or leaving?

FARENHEITLeaving. seaShark has to go investigate some pirate activity near the Mac Border – seaQuest is busy in the Atlantic, and it’s up to us.

WILMETTEIs it PMR?

FARENHEITCommand doubts it, and so does U.E.O. Tactical, but everyone’s a little jumpy now – after all, no one expected Correy to come back, much less strong enough to pose a threat.

WILMETTEDoesn’t surprise me – he was always too resourceful for his own good - or ours. (he searches for something, and Davis moves back to the table to retrieve the picture)In any case, it seems that Defiant will be needed after all.

FARENHEITSome of the politicians in the Senate are none to happy – it was by a very narrow margin that they decided to keep Defiant a warship, and it really puts a chink in DuCanti and Albert’s disarmament program. The whole incident does.

WILMETTEWell, as George said when we talked yesterday at Pearl, no one is ready to rev up our forces – two wars in the past ten years are two more than anyone wants, but even if it takes him a little while, Correy will be back. He’s got some big guns now, and he’s proven more than willing to

use them. (Davis hands back the picture, and he nods a thanks)Anyway, you two should be going.(rising, extending his hand and shaking Farenheit’s and Davis’)It was good seeing you two again.

FARENHEITYou too James.

Davis and Wilmette trade nods, and Davis and Farenheit exit the office. After they are gone, Wilmette retakes his chair just as the intercom beeps.

WILMETTEYes?

MARTIN(filtered)Sir, Admiral Easton is on the line for you.

WILMETTE(perking up a little)Patch him through.

Easton appears on Wilmette’s viewer, though Wilmette stays seated.

EASTONJames. You look tired.

WILMETTEI am George. Slept most of the afternoon – Leia and Bryce just left, and they woke me up to say goodbye. (he yawns)The funny thing is – I haven’t had a nightmare yet.

EASTONYou surprised?

WILMETTENot really. Just. . .pleased. (a beat)How’s it been today?

EASTONQuiet on all fronts. A couple hours ago a freighter in the South Pacific exploded, but while we’re not taking any chances, we think it’s just pirates. It seems Correy is pulling back, laying low.

WILMETTEDid the Roanoke find anything near the Maryland?

EASTONOne of the PMR ships had been abandoned – all that they left was a crater – but it seems the other two were towed away, or they were able to get them out under power. In any case, it seems Correy escaped.

WILMETTEI was hoping he would. We kill him, his cause has a martyr, which is one of the most dangerous things in the world to give a fanatic, and

there are still plenty of pro-Bourne fanatics still out there. And, I know him. I’ve fought him before, and I know his tactics – what he will and won’t do.

EASTONI just want to know where he got his technology.

WILMETTEI think we all would, though during the past five years I’m sure he’s run into more than enough pro-Bourne groups to finance him. In any case, he’s going to be a fly in the proverbial ointment for the next few months at least. Whether they like it or not, the Senate has another problem on its hands. The two men are silent for a moment until Easton leans forward over his desk.

EASTONYou sure you’re O.K. James? You look drained.

WILMETTEYes George, I am. Being back on Maryland was. . .difficult. Refreshing, but difficult.

EASTONFor the first time in five years, you came to your demons – they didn’t come to you. And you learned that you could face them.

WILMETTEI can face them, but I can’t let them go. Can’t let myself. . .

EASTONLet yourself what?

Wilmette sighs and leans back in his chair.

WILMETTEI got her killed George. I left that colony wide open. I knew better George.

EASTONYou’re the best Tactician we’ve got and ever had. Of course you knew, but you took a risk anyhow. What Correy did was insane – torpedoing a nuclear reactor is not in any sane man’s book of tactics, and Correy is, if anything, a very sane man.

WILMETTEThat doesn’t mean. . .

EASTON(rising from his desk)Damn it James! What the hell do you think Jennifer would think if she saw you torturing yourself this way. She forgave you James. You remember that – she forgave you!

Tears flow from Wilmette’s eyes, and his gaze hits his desk.

WILMETTEThat doesn’t change the fact she’s dead.

EASTONShe’s not the only one James. (calm, cold, like a shot to the heart)James Wilmette, you’re dead too.

Wilmette’s tear-filled eyes snap up and meet Easton’s.

EASTON(con’t)You’re dead too, as long as you let yourself keep going like this. She forgave you, and damn it, as your best friend I forgive you too. I forgive you for letting your crew down, and for letting the U.E.O. down, and I forgive you for letting me down. I forgive you for letting me watch my best friend tear himself apart for five years when he should have been moving on. (Easton’s voice falters, and Wilmette is dumbfounded)I forgive him for letting me wish he would die so I wouldn’t have to watch him suffer. (Easton almost collapses in his chair, wiping a tear from his eye)Damn it James. Why couldn’t I be as fine a man as you?

Wilmette lets the tears flow – both his and Easton’s – before he wipes them from his eyes and makes his way around his desk.

WILMETTEGeorge, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without you.

EASTONThen why don’t you let this thing go? Why do you insist on holding onto shame?

WILMETTEIt’s all I have.

EASTONYou have Defiant, you have your crew, and you have me. And you have your honor – last time I checked no one else was still carrying a torch for the crew of the Maryland. Sure, plenty of people pass blame around, but no one spends their day trying to atone for the mistake that got them killed.

Wilmette is silent – he knows Easton is right. Finally, he moves behind the desk again and takes the chair.

WILMETTE(tears again)George, I. . .I’m so sorry. I. . .George. . .

EASTON(gentle)James, I forgive you. Anyway, your friendship means more than a thousand apologies. Just forgive yourself – it’s time for that. Lee Correy and the PMR are back – we don’t need James Wilmette, former Captain of the Maryland. We need James Wilmette, Captain of the Defiant and our best Tactician. We need the man who cleaved the Macronesian fleet in half in eleven days, the man that took down the greatest empire in human history. We need you James.

Wilmette can hardly speak – he speaks through the tears.

WILMETTEGeorge. . .I’ll call you back.

Easton smiles a deep, warm smile and cuts the channel. As soon as he is gone, Wilmette lays his head on the desk, weeping.

PULL BACK

On Wilmette loudly sobbing on his desk.

QUICK FLASH

Ganges Colony erupting in a nuclear fireball.

Jennifer Perkins’ last smile.

PERKINS(VO, filtered)I will always be with you James. Always.

WILMETTE(VO, filtered)Goodb. . .

PERKINS(VO, filtered)No James. Never say goodbye.

INT. WILMETTE’S OFFICE – DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette raises his head from the desk, his face wet, his hair mussed, his eyes bloodshot.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

He sniffles and sighs deeply, painfully.

WILMETTEGoodbye Jennifer.

FADE IN AND OUT

Jennifer Perkins’ last smile.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

WILMETTEGoodbye Jennifer. Goodnight and God bless.

Wilmette closes his eyes as tears run from them.

EASTON(VO, filtered)I forgive you.

Wilmette opens his eyes again and mouths the words.

WILMETTE/EASTONI forgive you.

Tears stream from Wilmette’s eyes.

WILMETTEI forgive you James Wilmette.

Pull back as he repeats the words, almost in wonder.

WILMETTEI forgive you James Wilmette. I forgive you.

We continue to pull back as he wipes his eyes and repeats the words again, this time mouthing them. He looks as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders.

FADE TO BLACK

WILMETTE(quietly)I forgive you James Wilmette.

THE END

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