kodiak 103 welcome back

8/7/2019 KODIAK 103 Welcome Back

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KODIAK

Episode 103

“Welcome Back Miss O’Brien”by

David Polk

Contact:David Polk176 Dusty Rose CourtSimi Valley, CA [email protected]



2.

RECAP

We RECAP events from previous episodes, ending on Cord andSiobhán’s embrace at the hospital.

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. SHIP’S CABIN

Seawater rapidly FLOODS the cabin. A FISHERMAN is trapped,running out of room to breathe. From the position ofthings, it’s obvious that the cabin is seriously askew.

FISHERMAN(desperate)

Oh God, this is it! Is this is it?!He takes a deep breath and plunges underwater. He tries toforce open the cabin door. It’s jammed. He’s doomed.

Then a DIVER’S MASK appears in the door portal. Thefisherman’s eyes go wide with hope. He tries the stuckdoor again. We hear METAL BANGING from the other side.The fisherman is out of energy and out of breath. He can’thold it any longer. He drowns.

Suddenly, the door pries open and a RESCUE SWIMMER enters,grabs the man and pulls him toward the door. But the doorslams shut on the man’s foot! The swimmer tries to freehim. Now the rescue swimmer is running out of breath. Hemakes one last lung at the door with his shoulder and itworks! The man’s foot is free!

EXT. UNDERWATER

We track with them as the swimmer pulls the man along theupside down deck of what appears to be a fishing boat, and

upward toward the surface.

EXT. BERING SEA – DAY

The swimmer reaches the surface with the fisherman in tow.We see the capsized, 95-foot fishing boat next to them.Hovering above is a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter. ACoast Guard cutter and another support vessel are alsonearby as part of the rescue operation.



3.

[Note: in-flight crew & radio communications are filtered].

TOMCZAK (O.S.)Swimmer and crewman have reached thesurface...I have the ready for pickupsignal. Lowering the rescue basket.

The swimmer puts the fisherman in the basket and climbs inwith him. The basket is hoisted to the Jayhawk.

INT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT - CONTINUOUS

Petty officer Brent Tomczak pulls the fisherman into thecabin, where two other freezing fisherman are recovering.The swimmer, ALEX ORTIZ, 30s, gets out of the basket andimmediately begins CPR. He goes through two cycles of

mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions before the fishermanspits up water and returns to the living.

TOMCZAKWay to go, Ortiz! We got another liveone folks!

Ortiz smiles, relieved, sits back and catches his breath.

In the cockpit, pilot Cord McKenna and co-pilot NoahJeffries exchange a smile and a fist bump.

CORDNice job, Ortiz.

NOAHKodiak, this is Coast Guard 6739returning with three survivors.Request ambulance when we land. Allsurvivors suffering from severehypothermia and...

EXT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT – CONTINUOUSNoah continues O.S. The helicopter flies away from us,past the ships below and over the vast, forbidding,surreally beautiful Bering Sea as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER



4.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

SECOND GRADERS sit quietly at their desks, on their bestbehavior. On the whiteboard in colorful marker: “WelcomeBack Mrs. Keilar”.

The door opens and Siobhán Keilar enters. She’s lovely,with copper red hair, porcelain skin and an alluring,hourglass figure that not even Lands’ End could make dowdy.She smiles and the children smile too.

ALLISON, 7, comes to her, holding a bouquet of flowers.

ALLISONWelcome back, Mrs. Keilar.

SIOBHÀNThank you, Allison.

(to class)Thank you, children.

She kisses Allison on the forehead and the girl returns toher seat.

SIOBHÀNI was so touched to receive all of yourcards and flowers and gifts. They werevery, very appreciated. Now I want allof you to know that I’m feeling betterand I hope that we can go back to lifeas normal here in the classroom.

The children seem relieved.

SIOBHÀNEric, would you please?

ERIC comes to the front of the room and turns to face hisclassmates. He puts his right hand over his heart.

ERICI pledge allegiance, to the flag of theUnited States of America, and to therepublic...



5.

CLASSROOM – LATER

The children are going about the business being secondgraders. Siobhán moves from worktable to worktable,encouraging her students.

She stands over Ashleigh McKenna, who is figuring out amath problem.

SIOBHÀNThat’s right, Ash, always remember toraise the denominator.

Siobhán lovingly strokes Ashleigh’s hair. The girl looksup at her and they exchange a smile. Siobhán lingers nextto her a bit too long before moving to the next worktable.

INT. OASIS CAFÉ – DAY

Things are slow at the moment so waitresses Meg McKenna andAPRIL ORTIZ, late 20s, pretty, sit at a table chatting.

APRILThanksgiving was always nice when wewere stationed in Houston. We’d justtake the kids to Alex’s folks’ house.

MEGWhy don’t you come to our house?

APRILOh, I wasn’t fishing for an invite.

MEG(smiles)

I know, but you caught one anyway. Thelast three years holidays at our househave been Claire’s friends and Cord’sdad’s old Coast Guard buddies and their

wives. It’ll be nice to have some “newblood” in the house for a change.

APRILAre you sure?

MEGOf course I’m sure. Cord and I boughtthe house from his mother, so legally Ican invite anyone I want.



6.

April gives her a look.

APRILEasy girl, that shade of bitchinessclashes with your sweater.

Meg smirks. A cell phone RINGS. April pulls it from herjeans, checks caller I.D. and quickly answers.

APRILHi baby!...Oh my God, really?!

Meg reacts, covering her concern but paying close attentionas April listens.

APRILOh, thank God!

(Meg’s relieved)I’m so proud of you, Alex...I can’thelp it, I am...Okay.

(naughty smile)So I’ll whip up something special foryou when you get home tonight. AndI’ll make you something nice for dinnertoo...I love you too, baby.

MEGSo?

APRILThey rescued a crew from a capsizedtrawler up near Ketchikan.

MEG(devious smile)

Who cares about the rescue? I want tohear about the “special”.

They laugh as customers come into the diner.

MEGI’ll get this. You need to rest up forthe tonight.

She goes to greet the customers.



7.

INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR – DAY

A BELL RINGS and first and second grade children stream outof classrooms and pass Claire McKenna, who is waiting.Ashleigh comes out and smiles when she sees her.

ASHLEIGHHi, Grandma.

CLAIREHi, angel.

ASHLEIGHWhy’d you come inside to pick me up?

CLAIREI wanted to say hello to Mrs. Keilar on

her first day back.Claire takes Ashleigh’s hand and they go back into theclassroom.

INT. CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS

Siobhán is preparing to leave.

CLAIRESiobhán.

SIOBHÀN(lovely smile)

Mrs. McKenna! Hello!

Claire goes to her and they embrace.

CLAIREHow are you, dear?

SIOBHÀN

I’m doing well. Thank you so much forthe flowers and the food andeverything. You’re so thoughtful.

CLAIREOh, dear you know we’re all here foryou. Anything you need...How wastoday?

Siobhán looks down at Ashleigh and smiles.



8.

SIOBHÀNThanks to Ashleigh and the children,today was terrific. One of my bestdays in weeks.

CLAIREThat’s good to hear. I thought I’d letyou know, I spoke with your mother andI’ve invited myself to Thanksgiving atyour folks’ house.

Ashleigh reacts to this news.

SIOBHÀNOh, that will be nice. But what aboutyour family and all of Senior ChiefMac’s friends?

Claire takes Siobhán’s hands in her own.

CLAIREThey’ll be fine. This year I want tospend Thanksgiving with you, dear.

INT. MINIVAN – MOVING – DAY

Claire is driving. Ashleigh’s in the back seat next to heryounger sister, Maggie.

ASHLEIGHGrandma, are you really not havingThanksgiving at home?

CLAIREIt’s just for this year, honey.

MAGGIEWhat? Why not, Grandma?

CLAIREWell, Maggie, this will be Mrs.Keilar’s first Thanksgiving without herhusband, so it’s important that all ofher friends support her as much aspossible.

MAGGIEWhere did her husband go?



9.

ASHLEIGHHe died.

MAGGIEOh...Aren’t we her friends too,Grandma?

CLAIREWell, yes Maggie, dear, I suppose youcould say that?

MAGGIESo why can’t we all have Thanksgivingat Mrs. Keilar’s house? Wouldn’t shelike that?

ASHLEIGH

(excited)Yeah, Grandma, can we?

INT. MCKENNA HOME – DAY

Meg enters to find Ashleigh and Maggie at the dining room table doing homework. She greets them both with a kiss.

MEGWhere’s Grandma?

Claire enters from the kitchen.

CLAIREHello, Megan dear.

MEGHi Claire. Listen, I thought youshould know, I’ve invited Alex andApril Ortiz and their kids over forThanksgiving.

CLAIREThat’s perfectly fine, Megan.

ASHLEIGHBut, Grandma, I thought we were havingThanksgiving at Mrs. Keilar’s.

Meg’s reaction if not her words scream, “What the fuck?!”



10.

CLAIRENow, Ashleigh, I didn’t say we were. Isaid I was.

MAGGIEBut you said Mrs. Keilar’s friendsshould help her this Thanksgiving andwe’re her friends, right?

MEG(terse)

Claire, I think we need to talk in thekitchen. Now, please.

Not waiting, Meg marches past her mother-in-law into thekitchen. Claire sighs and follows her.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Meg is already in full meltdown mode when Claire enters.

MEGAre you insane?!

CLAIRECalm down, dear –

MEGThere is no freakin’ way I will ever,ever step foot in that whore’s house!What in God’s name possessed you totell my children that they could gothere?! It’s bad enough Ashleigh’s inher classroom!

CLAIREPlease, Megan dear, calm down. I didn’ttell the girls they could go toSiobhán’s for Thanksgiving. I simply

said that I would spend it with herfamily and that it was up to you andCord if they could go. Naturally, Ididn’t expect you to approve.

MEGYou’re goddamn right I don’t approve!I can’t believe you, Claire!



11.

CLAIREMegan, I know how you feel aboutSiobhán and I don’t blame you. I’dfeel the same way about any woman Machad an affair with. But your issueswith her aren’t my issues. I’ve beenclose to the O’Briens since the day Imoved to this island, and I don’texpect that will ever change. Nomatter who my son sleeps with.

Claire’s double entendre doesn’t go unnoticed by Meg.

INT. O’BRIEN HOME, BATHROOM – SUNSET

Siobhán relaxes in a hot bath, her thoughts far, far away.

She reacts slowly to a light KNOCK on the door.SIOBHÀN

Yes?

MRS. O’BRIEN (O.S.)Siobhán, honey, dinner’s ready if youwant to eat.

SIOBHÀNThank you, mother, I’m not hungry.

MRS. O’BRIEN (O.S.)Of course, dear. I’ll keep a platewarm for you just in case.

SIOBHÀNThank you.

HALLWAY OUTSIDE BATHROOM

MRS. O’BRIEN, mid-60s and looking as though Protestantism

sprung from her womb, turns from the door and goes down thehall. We track with her downstairs, and as she goesthrough the living and dining rooms, CAMERA STAYS on abureau full of FAMILY PHOTOS.

From the photos we learn that the O’Briens are a CoastGuard family, with at least two generations of officers andenlisted men shown with proud, lovely women by their side.Finally, we see a formal picture of a young Siobhán posingwith a U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet – Cord McKenna.



12.

INT. SIOBHÀN’S BEDROOM – SUNSET

Siobhán enters in bathroom and slippers. She slips out ofher robe {no full nudity, but enough skin to show she’s gotit going on] and puts on girlie PJs. She opens thenightstand drawer and pulls out a photobooth insta-snapshot. She settles in bed, reminiscing with the photo.

REVERSE and we see that it’s a B&W shot of her and Cord,high school sweethearts, mugging for the camera. Abittersweet smile comes to Siobhán’s face as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE



13.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE – DAY

Meg and Cord are in mid-session and things are hot.

MEGI feel like I’m locked in the ice likethose ships stuck at the South Pole!

CORDSo I’ll transfer if it’ll make youhappy. You know that, Meg.

MEG

It’s not just Kodiak, Cord!CORD

So it’s the job. You want me to leavethe Coast Guard.

MEGI didn’t say that! Why do you alwayshave to twist my words?!

CORD(exasperated)

Then what for Christ’s sake, Megan?What the hell do you want?

THERAPISTIt’s a valid question, Meg.

A long beat as she stews. Finally –

MEGI want some control over my life, notto feel like everything’s being

dictated to me.CORD

And you you’ll find that “control” in abottle and by screwing other men?

She cuts him a withering look. Beat.

MEGNo, of course not. But a good startwould be having my own home.



14.

Cord sighs. “Here we go again.”

THERAPISTCord, why that reaction?

CORDWe’ve talked about this a milliontimes. Buying my mom’s house for whatshe paid for it twenty years ago was ano-brainer. We both agreed it was theright thing to do financially.

MEGWell it was a mistake. One I shouldn’thave to keep living with.

CORD

How was it a mistake, Meg? You and mom get along great. With her volunteerwork and socializing she’s hardly everhome and when she is she’s totallydevoted to the girls, which gives youfreedom to paint.

MEG(to therapist)

At your home, who decides who’s invitedfor Thanksgiving dinner?

THERAPISTMy husband and I spend Thanksgivingwith his parents in Seattle.Christmases are usually in Vancouverwith my family.

MEGWell for the past three Thanksgivingsat “my” home not one guest was invitedby me. Why? Because for the pastfifteen years the guests have all been

regulars invited by my mother-in-law.CORD

Come on, Meg, now you’re beingridiculous. It’s not like you can’tinvite people.

MEGWell, this year I have.



15.

CORDSee.

MEGBut then your mother has decided tospend Thanksgiving elsewhere.

OFF Cord’s surprise...

INT. BASE STORE (CGX)- DAY

Eden Sayer is deciding which pair of running shoes to tryon. She glances up and notices a WASPY, twenty-somethingBLONDE WOMAN staring at her from the “Outerwear” section.Their eyes meet briefly before the woman looks away.

Eden goes back to making her shoe selection, but she knowsexactly what the look was about.

EXT. BARRACKS - DAY

Eden enters, now in her duty uniform, and is greeted withsmiles and catcalls from other Coast Guardsmen.

TOMCZAKWell, look who decided to grace us withher presence! If it ain’t Nanook of theNorth herself.

EDENNonook was a man, moron.

TOMCZAK(grins)

Really? You don’t look like a man.

NANCESo how you feelin’ Sayer?

EDENA hundred percent, Chief.

NANCEWell it’s good to have you back.

EDENIt’s good to be back.



16.

TOMCZAKBet you’ll miss lying around in yourpanties, eating bonbons and watching“Sex in the City” marathons.

EDENWhy would I, Tommy? You’ve been doingit on the job for years.

Laughter from the guys.

EXT. READY ROOM – LATER

Cord and Noah sit talking.

CORD

It’s great that you and Ashanti willmake it for Thanksgiving this year.

NOAHReally looking forward to it.

(then, disappointed)To tell you the truth, I’m a littlesurprised we haven’t been invitedbefore this year.

CORD(embarrassed)

Look, I’m sorry about that, Noah. Wewould’ve had you over sooner but it’scomplica –

Noah’s grinning. Cord catches on.

NOAHAshanti told me how Meg’s finallydeclaring her “supremacy” in theMcKenna household, starting withThanksgiving.

CORDShe did, did she?

NOAHYou know our ladies don’t keep anysecrets from each other. Look, Cord,your mom and Meg are mother-and-daughter-in-law. Doesn’t matter howgood a front they put on, they’re swornenemies, man.



17.

CORDCan I just say again that you reallywatch too much TV?

NOAHThat’s not TV, that’s nature. “Mother”nature, baby.

Cord shakes his head just as Eden enters and crosses tothem. She salutes.

CORD(returns salute)

Sayer, welcome back.

EDENThank you, Lieutenant. Good to be back.

(to Noah)Lieutenant.

NOAHSayer. Lookin’ good as new.

EDENThank you, sir. Feel it too.

CORDYou’re back just in time, Sayer. Afterthe holiday we head up north for ajoint training exercise. You wouldn’twant to miss that.

EDENNo, sir, I wouldn’t.

She hands him a piece of paper. He signs, gives it back.

EDENThank you, Lieutenant.

She turns and heads out. Noah admires her as she goes.NOAH

You know, Ortiz is a good rescueswimmer, but our little Nanook can giveme mouth-to-mouth any time.

CORDYou do know Nanook of the North was aman, don’t you?



18.

Noah looks at him. “You’re shitting me.”

INT. MINIVAN – NIGHT

Cord is behind the wheel of the minivan, parked in aneighborhood of small, working class homes. He’s lookingat one of them – a neat, pretty one across the street.

INT. KEILAR HOME – SAME

The house is as tidy inside as it is outside. Siobhàn ison the sofa drinking a cup of tea, grading students’papers. Sensing something, she gets up and goes to thewindow, parts the curtains and peers outside, sees theminivan parked across the street.

INT. MINIVAN – SAME

Cord sees Siobhàn’s silhouette appear in the window. Heshifts into gear and pulls away.

INT. KEILAR HOME – SAME

Siobhàn lets the curtains close. She stands there,thinking.

INT. MINIVAN – LATER

Cord is parked outside the Senior Center. Claire exits thebuilding, says “Goodnight” to fellow volunteers then goesto the minivan and gets in.

CLAIREThanks for picking me up, sweetheart.

CORDOf course, Mom. Thanks for letting ususe the van until Meg’s truck is out ofthe shop.

They drive off.



19.

INT. MINIVAN – MOVING – LATER

CORDMom, Meg told me you’re havingThanksgiving at the O’Brien’s.

CLAIREYes, sweetheart, that’s right. Thefirst holidays after losing a husbandare the worst times for a young widow.

CORDMom, I understand why it’s importantfor you to be supportive of Siobhàn.

CLAIREThat’s right, Cord, you do. Violet

practically moved in with us after yourfather died. And Sam was totallysupportive of her doing it. If itweren’t for them, well, I imagine Iwould’ve gone mad up here with two boysand no one to lean on.

He understands all too well, but still...

CORDI know, Mom, but you know how difficultit’s been for Meg.

CLAIREI do. And I sympathize with her. Youdid a horrible thing, Cordell, and I’vetold Megan how I feel about it. Butyour marital problems have nothing todo with my loyalty to the O’Briens.

CORDDon’t you get it, Mom? As far as Megis concerned you’ve chosen Siobhàn over

her. Again.CLAIRE

That’s nonsense. I treat Megan asthough she were my daughter, which ofcourse, she is.

CORDLook, Mom, I know you love Meg. But weall know that took time. And we allknow why.



20.

CLAIRECord, if you’re asking me not to go tothe O’Brien’s for Thanksgiving, thenthis conversation is over. Thatdecision has been made. Besides, nowMegan can finally have Thanksgiving herway.

INT. SAFEWAY – DAY

Meg and Ashanti Jeffries stare at FROZEN TURKEYS. Theirfaces tell us this is virgin territory for both of them.

ASHANTIDefinitely the ten-pounder.

MEGAre you sure? It looks so big.There’s just the eight of us.

ASHANTIEight adults, six children.

MEGBut the kids hardly eat any of theturkey.

ASHANTIThat’s your kids. Other peoples’ kidslove turkey.

MEGDid you “love” turkey when you were akid?

ASHANTI(beat)

Okay, maybe you’ve got a point. Thendefinitely, it’s the six-pounder.

Siobhàn and her mother, Mrs. O’Brien, turn into the aisle.Siobhàn stops the cart when her eyes meet Meg’s. Theystare at each other from opposite ends of the aisle.

ASHANTIWhat?

(following Meg’s gaze)Oh.



21.

Ashanti plunks the turkey into their basket and begins topush it away.

ASHANTICome on, let’s go. We’ve got a lotmore on the list.

Meg hesitates, not sure if she’s holding her ground or juststunned into submission. Ashanti discreetly tugs her arm to end the deliberation. They walk out of the aisle.

ANOTHER AISLE - LATER

Ashanti is trying to find canned cranberry sauce.

MEG(as if to herself)

You just never see it happening to you.Not in a place like this. New York,Chicago, L.A.? Sure. But Kodiak?

Ashanti ignores her, hoping to change the subject.

ASHANTIThey’ve got cranberry sauce in jars outthe whazzoo. Nothing in a can. Maybewe’re too late. Maybe they’re sold outalready because canned cranberry sauceis better.

MEG(snorts)

Too late? Don’t tell me about toolate. How about never?

(as if to herself)You know he never mentioned her.Never. He told me about the girls hedated while he was at the Academy.Even about some skank he banged on abooze cruise in Mexico. But this one?

Not a word. You’d think she would’vecome up, at least in passing, in eightyears, wouldn’t you? First crush, prom date, girl you lost your virginity to.But never. I got nothing. Less thannothing. Bupkis.

ASHANTIMaybe we don’t need cranberry sauce.

Meg looks at her with expression that says, “Ya think?”



22.

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE – SUNSET

Eden is paying the CASHIER for groceries when we hear adistinctive RINGTONE. She answers her phone.

EDENHi, baby!...No not yet. I had to stopoff for a few things.

Elsewhere in the store, unseen by Eden, Tomczak recognizesher voice and eavesdrops on her conversation.

EDEN (O.S.)I know, but thank goodness for Skype,right?...Yeah, I think it’ll be nice.

Tomczak spies on her from the aisle as she exits the store.

He waits a beat then follows.

EXT. PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS

Eden talks on the phone as she walks. Tomczak hangs back.

EDENOh, I know, Toni. I miss you too,baby. I hate not being with you forthe holidays.

She reaches her Jeep Wrangler and loads the groceries in.Tomczak lingers near parked cars, out of sight.

EDENListen, I’m at my Jeep now. I’ll seeyou on Skype when I get home....

She hangs up and is climbing in the Jeep when –

CASHIER (O.S.)(shouting)

Hey, you gonna pay for that or what?!Eden turns, surprised to see the convenience store CASHIERconfronting Tomczak over the BAG OF CHIPS he’s holding.Tomczak looks sheepishly at Eden. She grins and waves herfingers prettily before closing the door and driving away.



23.

INT. KEILAR HOME – NIGHT

Siobhàn is drinking tea and grading papers. Again shesenses Cord’s presence and goes to the window. The minivanis there, but its lights are off. And Cord’s not inside.

The DOORBELL RINGS.

Siobhàn is momentarily taken aback. Then she pulls ittogether and goes to the door, giving herself a once overin the mirror. She takes a deep breath before opening it.

SIOBHÀNCord.

CORDHi, Siobhàn. May I come in?

SIOBHÀNOf course, Cord. Please.

She lets him in. Closes the door. They stand therelooking at each other, not knowing where to begin.

CORDI’m sorry about Kirk. He was a goodman.

SIOBHÀNThank you. And thank you for yourletter. Of course I understand why youcouldn’t come to the funeral.

CORDListen, Siobhàn, I know I shouldn’t behere. But I just can’t stop thinkingabout you.

Beat.

SIOBHÀNI know. I can’t stop thinking aboutyou either, Cord.

OFF them gazing into each other’s eyes we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO



24.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. KEILAR HOME – NIGHT

Cord and Siobhàn sit next to each other on the sofa.

SIOBHÀNI never told you this – actually Inever told anyone – but I asked Kirk tomarry me.

(off his look)That’s exactly the way he looked at me.

CORDWell at least I’m not the only one who

scratched his head over you two. Imean, I never would’ve thought of youand Kirk Keilar together.

SIOBHÀNBecause he was just a commercialfisherman, not a Guardsman like Grandy,Daddy, Uncle Sean, Sammy...and you?

It would be impolite to confirm what she already knows.

CORDAll that really matters is that youloved him and you were happy together.

SIOBHÀNI did and we were.

He covers his disappointment but she knows him too well.

SIOBHÀNCole, when you left for the Academy Iexpected you to come home and marry me.

When that didn’t happen, I washeartbroken, but I survived...

He tries to speak, but she stops him.

SIOBHÀNI survived. But I died inside when Ifound out you were married, with achild, Ashleigh...I waited six months,long enough for all of our friends to

(MORE)



25.

SIOBHÀN (CONT’D.)stop tiptoeing around me, watchingtheir every word for fear of turning meinto a puddle tears. Then I asked Kirkto marry me.

CORDDid you have any feelings for him?

SIOBHÀNI knew he was a good, hardworking manwho would probably captain his own boatone day. That was enough. I didn’tneed or expect anything else from him.The only man I’d ever loved – wouldever love – was married. More coffee?

She takes his mug and goes to the kitchen. While she’saway, he looks at the PHOTOS on the mantle and around theroom. They show Siobhán and Kirk happy together.

She returns with a fresh cup of tea and his coffee.

CORD(re: home, photos)

Thank you. Kirk seems to have providedwell for you.

SIOBHÀN(pretty smile)

Why Cordell Angus McKenna, Jr., I don’tremember you being such a chauvinist.We provided well for each other.

CORDBut I remember you promising never tocall me that again.

SIOBHÀNIt’s a strong, masculine name. Your

father was proud enough of it that hegave it to you.

CORDRight, and everybody called him “Mac.”

She laughs, light and pretty and warm. Genuine.

CORDOh! Look how late it is. I should go.



26.

He’s about to stand. She stops him with a hand on his.

SIOBHÀNCord, I saw Megan at the market today.

CORD(sinking feeling)

Oh...

SIOBHÀNWe didn’t speak or anything. Still, itwas very awkward. It’s amazing thatwe’ve avoided each other this long.

CORDYeah...well, Mom’s done everything shecan to keep Meg away from you. Like

school pickups, things like that.SIOBHÀN

Yes, I figured as much...Cord, it toreme up inside to be “the other woman”.I’m so sorry Megan found out.

CORDYeah, well what’s done is done.

SIOBHÀNWhat I mean, Cord, is I’m sorry she washurt, but I don’t regret what happened.

She takes his hand, caresses it lovingly.

SIOBHÀNI believe things happen for a reason,and I don’t think it was merely acoincidence that you were at thehospital the night of Kirk’saneurism...Cord, I’m convinced that wewere meant to be together.

CORD(reacts)

Siobhán, I’m still married. I have afamily. What do expect me to do, justforget my kids? Divorce my wife?

She looks straight into his eyes. Beat.

SIOBHÀNNo...and yes.



27.

INT. MCKENNA HOME – NIGHT

Cord comes in to find Claire watching CNN, as usual.

CLAIREHello, sweetheart.

CORD(distracted)

Hi, Mom.

He’s on his way upstairs when –

CLAIRESweetheart?

CORD

Yes?She looks at him, waiting. Then he realizes. He goes backand kisses her on the cheek.

CORDGood night, Mom.

CLAIRE‘Night Cord.

Their ritual complete, she smiles.

UPSTAIRS – MOMENTS LATER

Cord peeks in on Ashleigh and Maggie. Sound asleep. Helingers longer than usual. Then he goes to the mainbedroom, KNOCKS on the door that’s cracked open.

MEG (O.S.)Yes.

INT. BEDROOM – CONTINUOUSMeg’s in bed sketching on her iPad. She’s somewhatsurprised to see Cord standing in the doorway.

MEGHi. Come in.

CORDDo you really think buying a new homeis the answer to our problems, Meg?



28.

MEG(not expecting this)

I said it’s a start, not a solution.

CORDThen what? I mean after the house?

MEGI don’t know. Isn’t that why we’reseeing a therapist, so she can help usfigure it out?

She hopes this is a sign he’s coming around.

MEGCord honey, what is it?

A long beat.CORD

Nothing. Good night.

He leaves. She looks after him, disappointed.

INT. MCKENNA FAMILY ROOM - LATER

Cord lay on the sofa, made up as a bed. OFF him staringinto the darkness...

INT. HANGAR – DAY

A medal ceremony. Wall to wall dress blues, serviceribbons, polished leather and brass.

ADMIRAL PAGE, a black woman, pins a MEDAL on Ortiz’s chest.

ADMIRALCongratulations, Chief Petty Officer

Ortiz. The Coast Guard and yourcountry are proud of you. Keep up thegood work.

ORTIZThank you, Admiral.

They exchange crisp salutes.

In the Visitor’s section, April beams with pride alongsideher three young SONS.



29.

The admiral moves to Eden and pins a MEDAL on her chest.

ADMIRALCongratulations, Airman Sayer. TheCoast Guard and your country are proudof you. Keep up the good work.

EDENYes ma’am. Thank you, Admiral.

They exchange crisp salutes.

Cord, Noah, Tomczak and Zeke Zibriski applaud for Eden.She steals a glance at them and smiles.

Seated elsewhere we FIND the WASPY blonde woman who wasadmiring Eden at the CGX. Her rank and name badge tell us

this is ENSIGN SWIFT.AFTER THE CEREMONY

Medal recipients mingle. Ortiz is congratulated by Apriland their boys. Cord and the guys approach Eden.

ZEKEThink she was high and mighty before,now she’s going to be totallyimpossible to live with.

EDENHi, senior chief. Thanks for coming.

They shake hands.

CORDSince Senior Chief Zibriske has missedthe opportunity to be the first from the crew to congratulate you sincebeing pinned, allow me. Well done.

EDENThank you, sir. Again.

A look between them hints at their growing closeness.

EXT. BARRACKS – LATER

Now in duty uniform, Eden goes about her business checkingequipment. Tomczak comes up from behind, admiring the view.



30.

TOMCZAKSayer.

EDENTommy.

TOMCZAKNow that your fan club has dispersed, Iguess I can admit that you lookedpretty good getting that medal today.

EDENThanks...Look, Tomczak, I never reallygot a chance to thank you for jumpingonto that burning tanker to save me.You know, it could easily have been youup there getting a medal.

TOMCZAKThe difference is McKenna ordered medown there; you jumped into thatinferno on your own. Twice.

EDENWell, thanks again Tommy.

She turns to go back to work.

TOMCZAKToo bad Tony couldn’t be here for yourbig day.

She looks at him, covering her anxiety.

EDENHow do you know about Toni?

TOMCZAKSorry, Sayer, I overheard you talkingto him on the phone. You remember, the

other night at the convenience store?EDEN

Oh...yeah, right.

TOMCZAKBy the way, thanks for helping me outwith Akbar. He was “this” close tocalling the shore patrol on my ass.



31.

EDENLet that be a lesson. Shoplifting andstalking don’t mix.

He smiles, touché. Then –

TOMCZAKEden...sorry if this is coming out ofleft field, but I’m just going to gofor it. I know what it’s like to be ina long-distance relationship. Itsucks. And what it’s like to spend awinter in Kodiak. It sucks more.

EDENLook, Tommy...

TOMCZAKAll I’m saying is maybe we could hangout, do dinner and a movie off baseonce in a while. No pressure.

EDENBrent, I appreciate you thinking of methat way, I do. But even if Toniweren’t in the picture, I think datingsomeone you work with is a really,really bad idea, especially in ourbusiness. So I don’t do it. Ever.

TOMCZAKOkay. I can respect that. For therecord, Sayer, I think Tony’s a prettylucky guy.

He turns and walks away. She watches him go.

INT. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETING – NIGHT

A MAN is telling his tale of woe. Meg comes in and quietlytakes a seat in the back of the room. As the man speaks[AD LIB] Meg looks around – the recovering alcoholics areordinary people, just like her.

Light APPLAUSE as the man finishes his testimonial.

HOSTThank you, Kirby. Now who wants to gonext?



32.

ZEKEI’ll go.

He makes his way to the podium. Meg is surprised to seehim at “her” meeting.

ZEKEHello, everybody. I’m Alex and I’vebeen sober for twenty-eight days.

EVERYBODYHello Alex.

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER – LATER

The AA meeting is breaking up and participants file out.

Zeke zips up his parka and lights a cigarette. Meg comesup from behind him.

MEG(a smile)

I thought it was called AlcoholicsAnonymous not Alcoholics “Aliases”.Hello, “Alex.”

Zeke turns, pleasantly surprised to see her.

ZEKEPleased to meet you, ma’am. My name isAlexander. People have called me“Zeke” since I was a kid.

Meg makes a face and shakes her head.

ZEKEWhat’s with the look?

MEGNothing really. Just seem to be

learning all sorts of new things aboutCord’s crew these days.

He shrugs but smiles too, not feeling a need to press.

ZEKEWell, I’m glad you’re here, Meg. Ithink this can really help. It’s onlybeen a few weeks for me, but themeetings have made a difference. I

(MORE)



33.

ZEKE (CONT’D.)know I can beat this to get back in theair, but it helps knowing I’ve got alittle back up.

He takes a drag of this cigarette. Meg stares at him, thentakes the cigarette and flicks it in the snow. He reacts.

MEGIt’s not just the bottle you’ve got tobeat, “Alex”.

ZEKEAll right, “Skipper”. I hear ya.

INT. MCKENNA HOME – NIGHT

Meg enters the darkened home. She goes quietly to thefamily room. Cord is on the made up sofa, not yet asleep.They look at each other for a couple of beats.

MEGAre you ever coming back to our bed?

He stares at her a moment longer, then shifts his gaze uptoward the ceiling. Meg absorbs the blow then exits.

Cord continues staring at the ceiling after she’s left.Somehow we know he’s thinking about Siobhán.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Meg stands in front of the refrigerator. After a while sheopens the top freezer.

FREEZER POV - MEG

staring inside, deliberating for what seems like a long

time. The sound of the compressor breaks the spell. Sheshuts the freezer door and we...

SMASH TO BLACK.

END OF ACT THREE



34.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

OVER BLACK we hear...

MEG (O.S.)No, I think it’s 350-degrees.

FREEZER POV – MEG

as she opens the freezer door and reaches in side.

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Meg takes out bags of frozen vegetables and takes them to

the sink. Ashanti is looking at a turkey in the oven.ASHANTI

Are you sure? It still looks a littlepale. Maybe I should turn it to 400?

MEGThe instructions say 350-degrees. It’sonly been about an hour, Ashanti.

ASHANTITrust me, girl, nobody wants to see arubber turkey on Thanksgiving.

Ashanti turns up the temperature then goes back to choppingonions for the stuffing.

MEGI really appreciate you coming over tohelp, Ashanti.

ASHANTIIt’s no problem. It seems like these

last few weeks we’ve been a bit out oftouch, so it’s nice to spend the time.

MEGI know. I’m sorry. I’ve just been soout of it lately - with Claire tellingthe girls she’s spending Thanksgivingat the O’Brien’s and then running intoher at the market. It’s been nuts.



35.

INT. O’BRIEN HOME – DAY

Fourteen GUESTS finish Thanksgiving dinner at an eleganttable. Mrs. O’Brien and her husband, retired Admiral SAMO’BRIEN, are their hosts. Claire is next to Siobhán.

ADMIRAL O’BRIENThe stuffing was especially good, Vi.

MRS. O’BRIENYou can thank Claire for the stuffingthis year, Sam.

ADMIRAL O’BRIENIt’s so nice to have you with us thisyear, Claire.

Claire smiles and puts her hand on Siobhán’s.CLAIRE

Thank you, Sam. It’s good to be hereagain, with all of you.

ADMIRAL O’BRIENMaybe we’ll get that son of yours andhis family over for the holidays.

Claire covers her reaction to that impossibility. Siobhánhas a somewhat different, more positive reaction.

SIOBHÁNWho’s ready for dessert?

WOMANHere, let me help you, dear.

ANOTHER WOMANI’ll help too.

PARLOR – LATER

The guests enjoy coffee and dessert as Siobhán plays piano.Claire and Mrs. O’Brien watch from the back of the room.

CLAIREShe’s such a lovely girl.

MRS. O’BRIENThank you. And thank you again forbeing here for her. It means so much,Claire.



36.

CLAIREI was her age when I lost Mac. Youwere there for me, Violet. I want tobe here for Siobhán.

They share a look. Mrs. O’Brien turns reminiscent.

MRS. O’BRIENKirk was good to my Siobhán. Still Ican’t help but wonder if she wouldn’thave been happier with Cord.

Claire gives her elbow an understanding squeeze.


Cord opens the door and greets Ortiz, April and their sons.CORD

Alex, April, we’re so glad you guyscould make it.

Meg greets April with a hug and leads them all to the –

DINING ROOM

The smallish room is crowded with eight adults – LACEY andREID GREENSPAN, 30s, Ortiz and April, Noah and Ashanti, andMeg and Cord, who is carving the turkey.

LACEY(to Cord re: carving)

Sure you didn’t miss your calling, Corddarling?

CORDTurkeys, hams, roasts – I got itcovered. But you’d better leave thesurgeries to Reid there.

ORTIZI don’t know, Lieutenant, you do somepretty smooth operating with a Jayhawk.That tanker explosion rescue is goingto rewrite the flying manuals.

NOAHHey, he wasn’t the only doctor in thecockpit for that one, my friend.



37.

CORDYou’ll have to excuse “Dr. No” overthere. He’s got sidekick issues. Whowants white, who wants dark?

LATER - OVER DINNER

APRILSo is it really dark all winter inAlaska?

REIDIt depends on where you live. In thispart, by mid-December the sun will comeup around 10:30 and set at around 3:30.By the end of January, we get back tosomething close to “normal”.

NOAHAbove the Arctic Circle, the sundisappears in November and doesn’t comeback until January.

APRILSo you’re going to hold those jointexercises in darkness?

ORTIZFolks need saving at nighttime too,baby.

Maggie hurriedly enters from the family room.

MAGGIEMommy, can we have dessert now?!

MEGOkay, sweetie.

Meg heads for the kitchen. Ashanti, April and Lacey

follow.IN THE KITCHEN

The women prepare dessert plates for the kids.

LACEYI have to say, you surprise me, Megandarling. Thanksgiving with all thetrimmings?



38.

MEGShould I take that as a compliment orbreak out the Pepto?

APRILDinner was just great, Meg.

MEGWell, I can’t take all the credit. Ifnot for my “sidekick” over here, we’dall be doubled over with salmonella bynow.

ASHANTI(a laugh)

Thanks, “Doc”. Glad I could help.

LACEYMeg, I’m dying to see the new painting.Can we take a look later?

BACK IN THE DINING ROOM

CORDWe’ll probably concentrate theexercises off the coast in the ChukchiSea. Coldest place I’ve ever been toin my life.

NOAHYou haven’t seen brutal cold untilyou’ve been above the Arctic Circle inDecember.

REIDFor the life of me I can’t understandwhy anybody in his right mind decidedto settle down in this part of theworld.

ORTIZSo Lieutenant, I suppose you’re glad tohave Sayer back. Can’t beat havingyour own Eskimo onboard when you go upnorth, huh?

CORDWe’ll miss you, Ortiz, but yeah, we’reglad to have her back. She’s a helluvarescue swimmer.



39.

REIDChief, I believe the preferred term isInuit.

(off his look)These days, unless you’re talking abouta tasty ice cream snack, “Eskimo” isconsidered offensive when referring tonatives of the Arctic regions.

ORTIZOh.

INT. EDEN’S APARTMENT – DAY

A candlelit dinner for one is set at a small table. Alsoopen on the table is a laptop computer. Eden enters from

the kitchen, in a pretty dress, carrying a slice of cake ona dessert plate. She sits.

TONI (V.O.)That looks delicious.

Eden takes a bite of cake and talks to her girlfriend Toni,ON THE COMPUTER via “Skype”.

EDENMmmm. It tastes as good as it looks.

TONINow you’re just teasing me.

EDENYou’ve got your own cake there.

TONIYou know that’s not what I’m talkingabout.

Eden smiles, teasing her.

EDENYou still think this was a good idea,right?

TONIAnything’s better than not seeing youat all. I miss you so much, Eden.



40.

EDENI miss you too. But thanks totechnology, here we are havingThanksgiving Dinner together!

TONI(beat)

Two years is such a long time.Sometimes I don’t think I can take it.

EDENToni, please don’t talk like that,baby. Remember the plan: talk on thephone, Skype and Facebook every day.You’ll come up in April and we’ll spendthree incredible weeks together. I’llcome back to Seattle for a week in

July. It’ll be like we were neverapart. We got this, baby. Right?

TONIRight. I know...it’s just...

EDENWhat? It’s just what, Toni?

TONIThere’s something like a hundred dikeson that base and they all want to staywarm in that long Alaskan night.

EDENIf that’s what you’re worried about,don’t. Okay, baby? For starters theremight be 30 women on the base and morethan half of them are straight forsure. Plus, you know I’d never crapwhere I eat. And most importantly, Ionly want you, Toni. It’s you I love.

TONI(smiling, relieved)Love you more.

Eden flashes a libidinous grin and takes another bite ofcake. Then she licks the crumbs from her lips enticingly.

TONIYou naughty, naughty girl.



41.

INT. MCKENNA FAMILY ROOM – SUNSET

Ashleigh, Maggie and EFFIE GREENSPAN, 8, listen closely toAshanti’s belly, hoping to feel movement from her unbornbaby. The 3 Ortiz boys stand back, unsure what to do.

APRILEnd of April, beginning of May is agood time to have a baby. At least itis in the lower 48.

ASHANTIAs long as she’s not born in the deadof winter here, I’ll be happy.

APRILSo you know the sex?

ASHANTI(smiles)

No, but I’ve got my fingers crossed.

APRILWhat about names?

ASHANTIWell, if it’s a girl, I like Genevieve.

APRILThat’s very pretty.

ASHANTIAnd if Noah gets the boy he’s hopingfor, he thinks we’ll name him Noah.

APRILYou don’t like the name?

ASHANTITrust me, one Noah Jeffries in the

house is enough.They laugh and as they do the children feel the baby kick.

INT. MEG’S STUDIO – SUNSET

ON LACEY’S FACE

she’s astonished.



42.

LACEYIt’s breathtaking, darling.

REVERSE and we see that she’s looking at the dramaticSEASCAPE that we’ve seen Meg painting in previous episodes.

MEGThank you.

LACEYI’ve been impressed with much of yourwork, Megan, but this is on an entirelynew level.

MEGSo you think it can be the centerpieceof a showing in Anchorage?

LACEYFor starters? Yes, darling.

Lacey examines the painting closely.

LACEYThere’s so much here, the texture, thebalance and nuance, the raw emotion.

She turns and looks at Meg, studying her face as closely asshe did the painting.

LACEYI know art and I know artists. A piecelike this can only come from demonslocked deep inside the soul.

MEGIt’s been a long year.

LACEY(beat)

You and Cord?Meg looks away, trying to control her emotions. Laceystares at the painting again, then back at Meg.

LACEYOh, darling.

She embraces Meg, holding her tightly.



43.

INT. O’BRIEN HOME, PARLOR - NIGHT

The evening is winding down. As the Admiral and Mrs.O’Brien say goodnight to several guests, Claire and Siobhántalk privately in the parlor.

SIOBHÀNMom and Dad have been wonderful lettingme come back and forth between my houseand theirs. Just like when I would runto their bedroom after a nightmare whenI was a little girl.

CLAIREI know it seems like the hurt willnever end, dear...In time your lifewill have meaning again. You’re young

and beautiful and – though I know itmay not seem possible now - you reallydo have so much to look forward to.Happiness, love...children.

She caresses Siobhán’s face and looks lovingly in her eyes.Siobhán gives her a warm, knowing smile in return.

SIOBHÀNYes, Mrs. McKenna. I know. And I dolook forward to those things. All ofthem.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR



44.

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

INT. BRIEFING ROOM - DAY

Aircrews listen intently as Capt. Nelson briefs them.

CAPT. NELSONOperation Polar Bear. A three-dayjoint exercise to perform air searescue operations in the U.S. sector ofthe Chukchi Sea with the Air Force,Navy, Coast Guard and elements of theRoyal Canadian Navy and Air Force...

EXT. GULF OF ALASKA – DAYTwo Coast Guard cutters leave port.

CAPT. NELSONCutters “Thetis” and “Harriet Lane”,along with the icebreaker “Northwind”,will provide the Coast Guard’s seacontingent for the exercise...

Two helicopters approach the cutters for landing astern.

CAPT. NELSONTwo Jayhawks and four crews willparticipate in the exercise...

EXT. USCGC THETIS – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

The Thetis steams in rough seas, a Jayhawk secured on itsstern deck.

CAPT. NELSON

Winds will exceed seventy knots andtemperatures will be well below zerothroughout the operation. And you willcarry out maneuvers in perpetualtwilight...

Crewmembers brave winds and waves crashing onto deck.



45.

CAPT. NELSONThis may be an exercise, but make nomistake people. Like everything elsein the Arctic, this is the real thing.

INT. USCGC THETIS, BRIDGE – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

The command crew carries out operations.

CREWMEMBER (O.S.)Admiral on deck!

Everyone comes to attention as Admiral Page enters,followed closely by her aide, Ensign Swift.

ADMIRAL PAGE

Carry on. Commander Decker, how are wedoing this evening?

COMMANDER DECKEROperations are progressing nicely,Admiral. We’ve been in contact withour RCN opposites and preparations areunderway for the next rescue operation.

ADMIRAL PAGEDowned RCAF pilot?

COMMANDER DECKERYes, ma’am. Off Cape Lisburne. Do youstill plan to go aloft for this sortie?

ADMIRAL PAGEI wouldn’t miss it. Swift, who’s ourride tonight?

ENS. SWIFT(checks a chart)

We fly with Lieutenant McKenna’s crew,

Admiral.ADMIRAL PAGE

McKenna. Very well.

She pauses to observe the crew’s operations. Satisfied –

ADMIRAL PAGECarry on, Commander.

Page and Swift exit.



46.

INT. READY ROOM

Cord, Noah, Tomczak and Eden suit up for a patrol.

NOAHThree down, one to go.

TOMCZAKAfter this, I’m definitely going to usemy priority for a rotation to Hawaii.I’ve never felt cold like this before.

EDENRemind me again how many times have yougotten wet on this exercise?

TOMCZAK

That’s why you make the big bucks,sister.

EDENYeah, right. Bite me.

He playfully ponders the possibility. She smirks.

CORDAlright, Betty and Jug Head, leave thenot-so-witty banter here. Admiral Pageis flying with us on this patrol, so Iwant everybody razor sharp.

NOAH(smiles)

That’s the only way we fly, “Doc”.

INT. JAYHAWK – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

Rotors spinning. Cord and Noah do a last-minute pre-flightcheck. Admiral Page and Ensign Swift appear at the door.

TOMCZAKAdmiral! Welcome aboard, ma’am!

Tomczak helps Admiral Page on board. Eden reaches out andtakes Ensign Swift’s hand to pull her in. Their eyes meetand Eden remembers her from the store.

ENS. SWIFTThank you, Airman Sayer.



47.

EDENYou’re welcome, ma’am.

ADMIRAL PAGEThank you for having me aboard,Lieutenant McKenna.

CORDIt’s our pleasure, Admiral.

EXT. THETIS – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

The Jayhawk lifts off and flies away from us.

INT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

The Jayhawk flies low and fast across the water. We hearlots of radio chatter.

NOAHJoint ops, Coast Guard 6739. We’retwenty minutes from extraction point.

JOINT OPS (V.O.)Roger Coast Guard 6739. Report in ten.

ADMIRAL PAGEYour father was one of the bestGuardsmen I’ve had to pleasure to servewith, Lieutenant, and I’ve served withquite a few good ones.

CORDThank you, ma’am. I appreciate hearingthat.

Suddenly a warning signal BLARES.

NOAHWe’re icing up pretty good out there.

CORDSwitch to auto-auxiliary deicing.

NOAHRoger. Auto-auxiliary deicing engaged.



48.

Ensign Swift can’t cover her anxiety over the bumpy rideand the angry sea rushing below. She glances up and seesEden staring at her.

EDENFirst time on a helicopter, ma’am?

ENS. SWIFTIn weather like this? Yes.

EDEN(comforting smile)

It takes getting used to, ma’am.

Ensign Swift tries to smile but can’t. Her eyes drift backto the sea and we can tell she’s feeling nauseous. We alsobecome aware of urgent chatter on the radio.

PILOT (V.O.)Joint ops, this is Coast Guard 6096.We have an auxiliary deicing failure.Request permission to return to HarrietLane immediately.

JOINT OPS (V.O.)Roger Coast Guard 6096, return toHarriet Lane.

PILOT (V.O.)Roger that. Alright, let’s –

(we hear a loud BAM! over theradio)

What the hell was that?!

CO-PILOT (V.O.)Engine’s out! Engine’s out!

PILOT (V.O.)Switch to secondary!

SUDDENLY chaos from the cockpit comes over the radio!CO-PILOT (V.O.)

We lost our tail rotor! We lost ourtail rotor!

PILOT (V.O.)Mayday! Mayday! –

Abrupt static.



49.

Tomczak and Eden exchange a look. Admiral Page is somber.Ensign Swift’s face is etched with worry.

JOINT OPS (V.O.)Coast Guard 6096 come in. Do you read?Coast Guard 6096 come in...Coast Guard6739, divert from exercise and pursue acourse to 155 degrees, twelve minutesnorth, 167 degrees, ten minutes west.

CORDRoger Joint ops, we read you.Diverting from exercise to Coast Guard6096.

(to crew)Alright, listen up. Those are ourpeople down there. Let’s go get ‘em.

NOAHHold on guys. Hold on.

EXT. CHUKCHI SEA – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

Fiery debris from the crash rides 20-foot waves. We hear afast-approaching Jayhawk. See the searchlight.

INT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT – ARCTIC TWILIGHT

The Jayhawk flies toward the wreckage.

CORDJoint ops this is Coast Guard 6739, wehave wreckage of 6096 in sight.Commencing surface search forsurvivors.

JOINT OPS (V.O.)Roger that, 6739. RCAF and RCN are in

vicinity and should be on scene in tenminutes.

TOMCZAKPermission to open the cabin door!

CORDOpen the cabin door.

TOMCZAKCabin door is open and locked.



50.

As Cord and crew go through their routine, Admiral Page andEnsign Swift watch. Ensign Swift looks on in utterastonishment as Eden jumps from 20 feet and disappears intothe tossing black sea. She’s even more amazed when Edenresurfaces with a survivor.

TOMCZAKSwimmer has a survivor. Lowering thebasket...

SLOW DISSOLVE TO:

INT. OASIS CAFÉ – DAY

Things are slow at the moment so Meg and April are at atable chatting.

APRILThanksgiving was really great, Meg.

MEGThanks. I’m so glad you guys couldmake it. I think Maggie’s got a crushon your little Hector.

APRILNo!

MEGShe couldn’t stop talking about him.During bath time, during story time.It was Hector this, Hector that.

They laugh.

APRILI love Ashanti. She’s so sweet. Andso funny!

MEGShe is great. She’s one of the firstpeople I met when I came to Kodiak.

APRILI’m looking forward to her maternityshower. It should be a lot of fun.

A cell phone RINGS. April checks for her phone but it’snot hers. It’s Meg’s.



51.

MEGHello?

CORD (V.O.)Megan. It’s Cord.

His tone and use of her full name tell her it’s bad news.

MEGYes...

The door of the restaurant opens and a Coast Guard OFFICERenters.

CORD (V.O.)I have something to tell you. I’m afraid it’s bad news.

Meg sees the officer, then her eyes go to April. Aprilsees him too and concern immediately clouds her face.

The officer says something to the restaurant manager, wholooks toward Meg and April.

CORD (V.O.)There was an accident during theexercise.

The officer walks to them in SLOW MOTION. As heapproaches, Meg lowers the phone from her ear. Aprilcloses her eyes in the hope that when she opens them againthis will all have been a bad dream. She knows it’s not.

Return to FULL SPEED as the officer reaches her.

OFFICERMrs. Ortiz.

April opens her eyes, looks up at him, nods “yes”.

OFFICERMrs. Ortiz, I’m Commander Nasser. I’m very sorry, but I’m afraid I haveupsetting news. Yesterday, during atraining exercise...

We watch, but don’t hear, as he delivers the devastatingnews. April breaks down in tears. Meg takes her in herarms and holds her tightly as we...

FADE OUT.



52.

FADE UP:


Meg and Cord enter and take off their overcoats. She’s ina black dress. He’s in his dress blue uniform. They’vejust returned from Alex’s funeral. They stand theremotionless for a long couple of beats.

CORDThe kids won’t be home from school foranother couple of hours. Why don’t yougo upstairs and rest for a while?

She looks at him, numb. She turns away and crosses theroom. He watches her go into the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Meg stands in front of the refrigerator. A battle ragesinside of her. She opens the freezer door, reaches insideand pulls out a foil-wrapped BOTTLE. She takes it with herto the cupboard, takes a glass out.

She peels the foil off and we see the it’s a bottle ofvodka. Meg pours herself a good shot then looks down atthe glass in her hand. Beat.

The doorbell RINGS. We hear Cord greeting a WOMAN in theliving room. Meg turns her head just as her sister, MARYJANE “MJ” ASHCROFT, late 20s, blonde, TV personality good-looks, enters.

MJMeg.

MEGMJ?

MJHi, Sis.

Meg sets down the glass to welcome MJ’s embrace. When theypart, MJ takes Meg’s face in her hands, smiles.

MEGWhat are you doing here?

MJI’m on assignment.



53.

Cord comes in behind them. MJ looks back at him.

MJIt’s been so long since I’ve seen youguys and the girls! So I jumped at thechance to come up for this story.

CORDWhat story?

OFF MJ looking at Cord we...

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE

kodiak 103 welcome back

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