Defiant: 104 - Race the Past

8/14/2019 Defiant: 104 - Race the Past

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Defiant

Episode 104

Race the Past

Written By Eric Sipple

TEASER

OPEN ON SCHOOL OF FISH

In the deep ocean, a school of multicolored fish swims placidly through

the water. As they move across the screen, another fish moves up from

the bottom of the screen. This fish is not swimming, though, but

floating sideways. It is quite obviously dead. As the fish floats

past the school, a handful of the swimming fish first slow and then

stop moving entirely before joining the dead fishs ascent through the

water. The camera changes its focus, following the dead fish as they

rise slowly. Their rise is suddenly halted, though, when they hit the

underside of something massive: a submarine.

The camera pulls, back, giving us a view of the entire sub; its the

Defiant.

INT. BRIDGE DEFIANT DSV

All of the usual suspects are present and at their stations. The

atmosphere on the bridge of the Defiant is tense. Captain James

Wilmette, in particular, looks displeased.

WILMETTE

Can we tell what it is?

Ensign Brittney Bauer taps some controls on the sensors station.

BAUER

Im not sure. Something is definitely leaking from the Valhalla.

WILMMETE

(annoyed)

Obviously.

Alridge appears thoughtful, carefully considering the situation. An

idea comes to her.

ALRIDGE

Sir, perhaps we should try the infrared.

WILMETTE

(nodding)

You heard her, Ensign.

Bauer goes to work at her station.

OFF SENSOR DISPLAY

At this depth theres not much heat, and only the Valhallas quickly

cooling form gives off a glow. However, from near the center of the

Valhalla a mass of warmth can be seen, slowly spreading away from the

vessel.


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OFF BAUER

BAUER

(nervous)

Sir, I think you should see this.

INT. BRIDGE DEFIANT DSV

WILMETTE

Put it on the main viewer.

The image from the infrared scan appears at the front of the bridge,

visible to all. The image causes a disturbed ripple to move through

the bridge.

PECK

What the hell...?

WILMETTE

Ensign, what is that?

BAUERIm not sure yet, Sir.

Alridges mood is different than the rest of the crews, though.

Rather than a mild concern, Alridge looks afraid.

ALRIDGE

Sir, we need to quarantine this trench right now.

Wilmette looks at Alridge inquisitively.

WILMETTE

Go on.

ALRIDGEWhats leaking out of that Valhalla...

(frowning)

Sir, I think it might be biological. A weapon.

OFF WILMETTE

Wilmettes eyes narrow, his face now displaying the same worry that

Alridges does.

FADE TO OPENING CREDITS

END TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN

INT COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE

Doctor Rance Kindel, attempting to make himself comfortable in the

cramped seat provided on the airplane, leans back a bit. The move

doesnt do much good, but it does give his legs an extra inch or two of

space. The person sitting next to him, a young woman of about 20 named


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ANDREA, notices his squirming and smirks.

ANDREA

They make them uncomfortable on purpose, you know.

Kindel looks up and sighs.

KINDELWhy would they do that?

ANDREA

If those fat businessmen up in first class...

(she motions to the front of the plane)

...could be comfortable back here, do you think theyd pay three times

as much for those seats?

KINDEL

(frowning)

In my experience, people will pay whatever they can afford for a little

bit of extra status. Those seats could be worse and people would pay

for them, just to say theyre traveling first class.

Andrea chuckles and takes a sip from the glass of water sitting on the

tray in front of her.

ANDREA

You have a point.

Kindel grunts as if to say Of course, why else would I have spoken?

KINDEL

Anyway, I live on a submarine. This isnt much different.

ANDREA

Submarine? Military or commercial?

Kindel doesnt look to pleased to have to admit that his sub is...

KINDEL

Military. Im on leave.

ANDREA

Good for you. Always good to get a vacation.

KINDEL

This isnt exactly...

He trails off, not really feeling like delving into his personal life.

Andrea wont have any of this though.

ANDREA

Hmm, sounds like this leave is more business than pleasure.

KINDEL

You could say that.

Andrea looks over Kindel for a moment before speaking.

ANDREA


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Ok, I think you could use someone to talk to for the next...

(glancing at her watch)

...hour or so.

KINDEL

I really dont want to trouble you.

ANDREA(smiling)

Hey, Im done with my book. Consider it keeping me entertained.

Kindel cant help it; he really could use someone to talk to.

KINDEL

Well, its my son...hes getting married this week.

ANDREA

Thats fantastic.

KINDEL

(nodding)

For him.(beat)

For me...were...not on the best of terms.

Andrea nods, sips her water again and prepares to hear what Kindel has

to say.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Defiant is stationary above a narrow but deep trench. At the bottom of

the trench, obscured by some sort of dark cloud, is a crippled Valhalla.

INT. MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM DEFIANT DSV

The senior staff is gathered in the conference room, with Wilmettestanding at the head of the table. Hes motioning to the viewscreen,

which is presently showing a topographical map of the region theyre in.

WILMETTE

It looks like we got lucky that the Valhalla fell into the trench. The

features of it, as you can see, are keeping whatever is leaking out of

it contained.

PECK

What if it wasnt luck?

WILMETTE

Go on.

PECK

Well, whatever it is, the captain of the Valhalla knew what onboard.

When she was going down, they might have intentionally steered into the

trench.

Wilmette appears thoughtful for a moment before nodding.

WILMETTE

Thats a possibility I considered as well. If thats true, then we


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were lucky their captain was environmentally conscious.

LANDERS

Have we had any luck contacting their ship?

WILMETTE

No. Ive got Ms. Martin trying right now, but to no avail.

(beat, Landers looks ready to speak, but Wilmette cuts in)Before you say it, I dont want to send a team in through something

that might be dangerous. Besides, we cant get an accurate infrared

image of the Valhalla to see if anyone is alive in there with

that...cloud.

LANDERS

Good point, Sir.

WILMETTE

I contacted Admiral Easton for further instructions. Heres our

mission for now.

(he sits)

Were to stay in the area and make sure this contamination doesnt

spread from the trench. It shouldnt, so that means well mostly bemaintaining quarantine on the area. seaQuest is en route to determine

what this is, and how to deal with it. Their ETA is two days.

PECK

Were stuck here for the next two days?

WILMETTE

Im not any happier about it than you are. On the bright side, though,

this gives us a chance to do some minor repairs and run a few drills.

Alridge is only half listening to the conversation; theres definitely

something on her mind.

PIPERThatll help. Ive had some things I needed to get done for the past

couple of weeks. PMR wont give me a chance though.

WILMETTE

Add that to the list of reasons were going to hurt them when we find

them.

(beat)

Youll all receive orders as to your duties for the next two days.

Dismissed.

INT. COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE

Andrea listens intently as Kindel speaks.

KINDEL

Hes got a lot of the same views as me. Just...stronger. Neither of

us believe in violence, and his mother doesnt either.

ANDREA

And hes not happy about you being in the UEO?

KINDEL

(nodding vigorously)


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Exactly. He doesnt see that Im trying to be a positive force

_inside_ the UEO. He looks at me like Im some sort of butcher,

because I work for an organization that has a standing army. Even if I

dont kill, Im supporting them.

ANDREA

When was the last time you two spoke?

KINDEL

Two years ago. Well, a little less. I came back for his birthday and

we went out to dinner.

(beat)

Neither of us much wanted to see the other after the evening was over.

My ex-wife stormed out halfway through the meal.

ANDREA

What happened?

KINDEL

What always happens. A fight.

The fasten seatbelt light comes on, accompanied by a _ding_.

ANDREA

Looks like were landing.

KINDEL

(sighing)

Great.

ANDREA

Dont look at it that way.

(the plane begins to shake a bit as it descends)

Just try to enjoy the wedding for him. Thats all you can do.

Kindel nods, but her words dont help much. The plane shudders as ittouches down on the ground, and the brakes kick in to slow it down.

Andrea turns to Kindel.

ANDREA

Either way, good luck.

Kindel is consumed by his own worries, though and responds quietly.

KINDEL

Thanks.

Shaking her head, Andrea turns to the window.

INT. WILMETTES OFFICE DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette sits in his office, shuffling through some papers, making

notes on them occasionally. Hes interrupted by the door chime, which

causes him to look up sharply.

WILMETTE

Yes?

Lieutenant Commander Lauren Alridges voice comes through the intercom.


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alleviate any guilt we might feel if the PMR unleashes something like

this? It wont.

(beat, pointing to his papers)

Ive got reports of attacks all over this area, and if were not in

perfect form, its going to continue. The only way we can stay in

perfect form is by taking the opportunities we get, like weve got

right now. If we squander it by playing scientists, how are we going

to feel when were not able to protect the next colony they attack?

When Wilmette finishes, a silence descends on the room. Something

beyond anger is stirring inside Alridge, though; something more like

desperation. Without even looking up at him, she speaks quietly.

ALRIDGE

Do you know what I was going to be before my sister died? I only

enlisted after that happened.

(beat)

I was studying for marine biology. I was going to be a scientist.

(looking up at Wilmette)

It might have been me coming on the next ship to figure this out. But

since Alison died, Im here arguing with you instead.

The words hit Wilmette with force. Part of him knows he shouldnt take

this attitude from Alridge, but another part - the greater part - is

consumed by guilt.

WILMETTE

seaQuest arrives in 46 hours. Find out what you can find out by then.

When seaQuest arrives, were leaving. Leave the science to her.

Alridge reacts with surprise; she didnt expect him to give in at this

point.

ALRIDGE

Thank you...Sir.

WILMETTE

Ill need you for other things as well, though, so if I ask you to do

something, I expect it done as a top priority.

(Alridge nods)

You can take three people for your team, as long as no one else needs

them. Keep me updated.

Alridge rises and nods again. She doesnt say another word, but

instead just walks to the door. Once shes gone, Wilmette sits back

down with a deep exhale before diving back into reading the papers on

his desk.

INT. TAXICAB

Kindel rides in silence in the back of a taxi. While Kindel is silent.

the radio in the taxi is not; it seems insistent on playing an

obnoxious accordion tune as loudly as possible. The driver is enjoying

it, at least. Out the window, a small army base can be seen.

TAXI DRIVER

Is this yours?

KINDEL


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Yeah.

The taxi stops at the gate, and the driver turns back with a smile.

TAXI DRIVER

Thirty-five dollars.

EXT. UEO BASE

Kindel shuts the door to the cab and it quickly drives away. The guard

at the gate looks inquisitively at Kindel as he approaches.

KINDEL

Doctor Rance Kindel, Im staying on the base for the next three days.

Identification is produced before the guard can ask for it. Looking it

over carefully, the guard begins to smile.

GUARD

Youre onboard Defiant?

KINDELYeah, Im her CMO.

GUARD

Must be something. I applied for a posting there, but got turned down.

Kindel is starting to get sick of the conversation.

KINDEL

Want to trade places?

The guard, completely oblivious to Kindels displeasure, laughs.

GUARD

Wish I could, wish I could. Im no doctor though. Im more the typeto bash heads than to bandage them.

KINDEL

Uh huh.

(beat)

Id better get going. Ive got somewhere to be soon.

GUARD

In this little town?

KINDEL

Its my sons wedding. So, yeah, Ive got somewhere to be.

GUARD

Oooooh. Well, have fun Doc.

KINDEL

Ill do my best.

The guard, still utterly oblivious, opens the gate up with a smile.

Kindel walks in, his discomfort over this whole situation rising all

the time.


10/36

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

OPEN ON:

INT. ALRIDGES CABIN DEFIANT DSV

Alridge lies on her bed, reading a report. Her face shows a bit of

frustration, like shes having trouble grasping everything shes

reading. She looks happy for the interruption of her com.

ALRIDGE

(punching the button)

Yes?

The voice of Ensign Jena Frell, one of the members of Alridges team,

comes through the com.

FRELL(filtered)

Sir, the Dragonfly has been fitted for sample collection. Were ready

to go when you are.

ALRIDGE

Thank you. Ill meet you there.

The com clicks off and Alridge takes a deep breath before setting the

report on the bed next to her. She rolls over on her side, coming face

to face with a picture of her sister, Alison.

OFF ALRIDGE

Alridge stares at the picture with a mix of emotions: sadness, fear andanger. She speaks quietly, to herself.

ALRIDGE

Im not you. Im not trying to be you. I swear.

With another calming breath, Alridge pushes herself off the bed and out

of the frame.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV DOCKING BAY

A Dragonfly begins to move away from one of Defiants docking bays as

the doors iris shut behind it. The shuttle immediately moves deeper

into the water, towards the slowly spreading cloud around the Valhalla.

INT. DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN

Alridge pilots the Dragonfly calmly. Also in the shuttle are Frell,

who occupies the seat next to Alridge, and Doctor Laurence Bishop and

Ensign Carrie Espy, who are seated in the rear area of the Dragonfly.

ALRIDGE

Ensign Frell, get the collector ready.


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FRELL

Yes, Sir.

Bishop looks out the window with a frown. The water in the trench,

seen out the window, is nearly opaque.

BISHOP

This water is severely contaminated. How much is that Valhallacarrying?

ALRIDGE

Who knows? Its a good thing its all collecting in here.

Decontaminating this is going to be a problem.

BISHOP

I imagine seaQuest will come equipped for the task.

ALRIDGE

Id hope so.

FRELL

Were ready to get a sample, Sir.

ALRIDGE

Good, taking us down another five meters.

EXT. DRAGONFLY

The Dragonfly is only partially visible amidst the murky water. Near

the bottom of the shuttle, a small cylinder is attached. One side of

the cylinder opens, and some of the water rushes in to fill it, forcing

air bubbles out that float up and away.

INT. DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN

All is as it was.

FRELL

Weve got it.

Alridge nods, not looking pleased exactly but definitely approving.

ALRIDGE

Back to Defiant then, and twenty minutes of quarantine and

decontamination.

EXT. THE FEZ - RECEPTION HALL

The Fez is, like the town around it, an extremely uninteresting

building. On the sign in front of the building, in the type of stick

on lettering one sees at fast food places, are the words CONGRA

ULATIONS JASO AND J MIE! The phrase would properly read

Congratulations Jason and Jamie had a nasty wind storm not blown off

some of the letters.

Kindel walks into the frame, his hands in his pockets. He moves

towards the main door of the reception hall and pauses. He reaches out

twice for the handle before pulling his hand back quickly. Eventually

he works up the nerve to enter, and steps inside.


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INT. THE FEZ

Kindel, from his vantage point in the small lobby, can see into the

room where the wedding reception will be. A small grouping of people

are talking around a table which has large stacks of plates and

flatware. One of the people in the crowd, Tanya Stephenson, looks up

and notices Kindel standing out in the lobby. With a smile, sheexcuses herself from the group and walks towards him. The site of

Tanya seems to relax Kindel a bit.

TANYA

Rance! I had this worry that you were going to find some way of not

being here.

KINDEL

(looking hurt)

Tanya, its our sons wedding.

TANYA

I know. Its just that last time we all saw each other...

She trails off, and Kindel just nods in understanding.

KINDEL

Im here, anyway.

(beat, quietly)

You look great, you know.

TANYA

Thank you.

(smirking)

Just dont say that around Chris. He might feel threatened.

Kindel cant stop himself from smiling a bit.

KINDEL

Ill be careful.

TANYA

Well, come here and give me a hug already.

Without waiting for his consent, she reaches out and pulls him into a

comforting embrace.

INT. THE FEZ - MAIN RECEPTION HALL

Kindel follows Tanyas lead into the room.

KINDEL

(very nervous)

Is Jason here?

TANYA

No, you just missed him. Hell be making an appearance at the hotel,

Im sure, so you can talk to him then.

Kindel stops short of the main group of people, causing Tanya to do the

same.


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KINDEL

Im not staying at the hotel.

TANYA

(smiling)

Youre kidding.

(losing the smile)Youre not. Where are you staying then? On the street?

KINDEL

No, of course not. Being aboard Defiant...I pulled some strings and

they let me stay in an empty room on the base.

TANYA

(frowning)

Oh that will go a long way to making things good between you and Jason.

Just rub in the fact that youre an army man.

Kindel, noticing theyre close enough to the main group of people to be

heard, he offers a quick, placating smile to them and motions to Tanya

to move farther away.

KINDEL

That hurt.

TANYA

Im sorry. Its just...why are you making this so hard, Rance? I know

youre afraid--

KINDEL

Its far more than fear.

TANYA

I know.

KINDEL

No, you dont. He wont talk to me without arguing with me. Im

trying to avoid putting myself into a situation where that becomes

necessary.

TANYA

Well at least youre consistent. You still hate fights, even ones

without bloodshed.

KINDEL

Tanya...

Tanya waves him off.

TANYA

Forget it. We need to plan things for tomorrow. Why dont you let me

introduce you to everyone, and then you can come to the hotel tonight

for dinner with everyone? I wont have you hiding out at that base all

weekend.

Kindel isnt about to argue with his ex-wife, not when shes being this

forceful. He nods, and the two put on their best cheered faces and

approach the rest of the people.


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INT MEDICAL BAY DEFIANT DSV

Alridge sits next to Doctor Bishop, who is looking at a magnified

culture of the contaminate. Shes impatient, waiting for some word one

way or the other.

BISHOPDamn.

ALRIDGE

What?

BISHOP

Im not entirely sure what this is.

ALRIDGE

We expected that, though.

BISHOP

To a degree. But being that it was onboard a submarine, and the way

the PMR works, I thought it would be something based in the sea. Itisnt. Look.

Alridge leans over Bishops shoulder to look at the magnification. The

screen shows a cluster of cell-sized things, each with a nucleus and

other typical features of a cell.

ALRIDGE

What am I looking for exactly?

BISHOP

This isnt an oceanic native. Its surviving, but...well look at the

cell wall. I think this is aerial.

ALRIDGE(frowning)

Aerial? God...what are they planning to do with this?

BISHOP

Thats the question.

Alridge steps back from the screen and thinks for a moment.

ALRIDGE

This is more critical than we thought. Whatre your suggestions?

BISHOP

(considering)

Not much that we can do here. Normally, Id say we need to run some

tests...but the only specimens available to us are aquatic life.

Considering this isnt meant to affect them, the results might not be

that useful.

ALRIDGE

(disturbed)

So my knowledge isnt going to apply here.

(beat)

What else can we do, then?


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BISHOP

(shrugging)

I could observe growth rate, and determine any particular weaknesses it

has to antibiotics and such.

ALRIDGE

Set up cultures and get started. I think I should report this toCaptain Wilmette.

Bishop nods and turns back to his work while Alridge, perturbed, leaves

the room.

INT MESS HALL DEFIANT DSV

Commander John Peck and Lieutenant Carolyn Rusch sit at a table in the

crews mess. Peck is in the midst of telling a story, which has Rusch

chuckling.

PECK

So this guy, hes pretty upset by now, and he takes a swing at me. I

was in the middle of trying to calm him down, though, so I dont seethe punch until its caught me in the chin.

RUSCH

Oh, real nice.

PECK

Yeah, well he caught me off guard. So I get up, ready to put the guy

down, when suddenly Captain Matthews is in front of me, still in her

tank top and these goofy shorts she always slept in.

RUSCH

How did you know what she slept in?

PECKErr...trust me, not for any reason that youd think. Leave it at that.

(beat)

Anyway, the guy who hit me doesnt realize that shes just stepped in

front of me and takes another swing and misses her face by about a

quarter of an inch. Next thing anyone knew, shes got the guys arm

and is twisting it around behind his back.

RUSCH

(laughing)

Nice!

PECK

Then she says--

Peck stops suddenly when he notices that Wilmette is watching the two

of them from about five feet away and doesnt look very happy at all.

Peck, taking one look at Wilmettes mood, loses the smile and speaks

very seriously.

PECK

What can I do for you Captain?

WILMETTE


16/36

Somethings come up. We need to talk.

Peck gives Rusch a shrug and gets out of the chair.

PECK

To be continued.

He then turns to Wilmette and the two walk away from any occupiedtables to speak.

WILMETTE

Weve got a bit of a problem.

PECK

How bad?

WILMETTE

Alridge has just found evidence that the PMR have developed a

biological weapon thats aerial in nature.

PECK

Oh...damn.

WILMETTE

Exactly.

PECK

Was there something you needed me to do?

WILMETTE

I wanted to ask for your advice.

That catches Peck by surprise, and he looks quite confused.

INT. WILMETTES OFFICE DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette and Peck sit at Wilmettes desk.

PECK

You think shes going to cause a problem?

WILMETTE

No, I think shes about to put herself under a lot of pressure and

cause a problem for herself. When she talked to me she seemed almost

timid.

PECK

About what?

WILMETTE

Thats just it. I dont know. She practically bulldozed over me to

get this assignment, but now it seems like shes almost afraid.

PECK

And its not like you can exactly just ask her.

WILMETTE

(chuckling coldly)

I doubt that would do anything but set her off.


17/36

PECK

Would you like me to talk to her?

WILMETTE

It might be worth a try.

INT ALRIDGES CABIN DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette and Peck continue to speak, in voice over, while we watch

Alridge storm into her room.

PECK

(VO)

It cant hurt, really.

Alridge sees at the picture of her sister and turns away from it

quickly.

WILMETTE

(VO)

Not more than Im afraid shes hurting herself.

She kicks the bed once in frustration, before turning back and walking

out of her room.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

OPEN ON:

EXT BLUE ROSE HOTEL

Much like the rest of the town, the Blue Rose Hotel seems constructed

out of the most mundane of materials and painted in Monochrome Style.

People can be seen entering the hotel through the main door, wearing

rather nice clothes.

INT BLUE ROSE HOTEL - DINING ROOM

The dining room, having been reserved for this pre-wedding dinner, is

much more nicely decorated than one would normally expect. Tanya moves

through the crowd, smiling and greeting newcomers. If shes feeling

any pressure over hr sons wedding, she isnt showing it. She spies

Kindel, who upon entering the dining room, quickly found a table near

the back to sit at. Shaking her head in frustration, Tanya makes her

way to him.

TANYA

Rance, nice of you to hide so quickly after arriving.

KINDEL

Im not hiding. Im just gathering myself.

(beat)

I want to congratulate him tonight.


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TANYA

(nodding in understanding)

Fair enough. Anything I can do to help? Double bourbon, straight up

maybe?

Kindel chuckles despite himself.

KINDELThat would be a great way to do this. Drunk.

TANYA

Well, it couldnt go any worse than last ti--

(noticing something)

Youd better prepare quickly.

KINDEL

Why?

TANYA

Because Jason is on his way over.

Tanya waves to her son with a smile. Jason, who looks much more likehis father than his mother, is approaching quickly. Hes obviously

noticed Kindel and doesnt look to be in the best of moods about it.

TANYA

Hi honey.

JASON

Hi mom.

(beat, more coldly)

Hi dad.

Kindel rises from his chair and extends his hand.

KINDELNice to see you again Jason. Congratulations.

Jason, while not happy to see Kindel, isnt being rude and shakes his

hand.

JASON

Thanks.

TANYA

Why dont you two talk a bit. I just saw my brother come in, and I

should say hello.

Before anyone can protest, Tanya slips away.

KINDEL

Theres a bar in the next room. How about a drink?

JASON

(nodding)

Lets do that.



19/36

Alridge paces angrily around the medical bay, while her team sits at

the table with reports in front of them.

ALRIDGE

What weve got here is no idea what its meant to affect, whether its

deadly or not, and no idea on how to fight it if they release it

tomorrow into some colonys atmosphere.

FRELL

We dont really have the resources to figure a lot of this out, Sir.

ALRIDGE

Would you like to explain that to whoever ends up catching this thing?

Frell frowns and looks down at her feet. Bishop speaks up.

BISHOP

seaQuest will be here in a day, Sir, its not like were the only

people who are going to take a look at this.

Alrdige turns her eyes onto Bishop.

ALRIDGE

I dont expect us to crack this thing in a day, nor do I think its

necessary. But I dont want seaQuest to show up and for us to have

_nothing_ to tell her.

The door into Medbay opens and Peck enters. He keeps quiet, though, so

that no one notices him and watches the proceedings.

BISHOP

That perhaps we need to focus our efforts more, Sir?

ALRIDGE

Thats fair. Heres what I want to know in a day: What is it that this

is meant to affect, and is it deadly or not. We _need_ to know that,because if this is a new weapon, they could be planning to use it

before seaQuest can even get here. I will _not_ tell Captain Wilmette

that we failed to save people because of a lack of resources. Get to

work.

Disgruntled, her team breaks up and begins to do their work. Peck,

with a little wave, gets Alridges attention.

ALRIDGE

Commander?

PECK

(concerned)

Lets talk.

INT. HOTEL BAR

Kindel and Jason, both with a drink in front of them, sit at the poor

excuse this hotel has for a bar. Neither talk for a long moment, until

Kindel finally breaks the silence.

KINDEL

So, whats she like?


20/36

JASON

Great. A lot like me.

KINDEL

Thats good to hear.

(trying to joke)

I guess she doesnt think much of me either, then.

JASON

Well, what do you expect? When you betray ideals like--

KINDEL

Jason...please...

JASON

No! Every time we talk, you refuse to listen to me.

KINDEL

Thats not true! Ive always listened to you. I just dont really

agree.

JASON

Then youre being a hypocrite.

KINDEL

How? Because I save people who cant find anything better to do than

kill each other? Thats called compassion, Jason. You should learn a

little bit of it.

JASON

People like you make it possible for them to fight better. Youre

there, ready to get them back on their feet with a gun in their hands,

as long as theyll listen to your anger at their actions.

KINDELIts not like the UEO goes around picking fights arbitrarily. Where

would the world be if we hadnt fought the Macronesians?

JASON

Not much different, I bet. The UEO used to mean something, before the

wars. It was about exploring and helping people. Once Macronesia came

along, it was like an excuse for all of the generals and admirals to

militarize the whole thing.

KINDEL

Oh what, its some sort of conspiracy of violence then? Bourne was

just a convenient excuse to kill someone?

JASON

No! But look at the Carolinians! They had every right to leave the

UEO if they didnt like it, but we just had to beat them back into our

government. And you _help them do it_.

A long silence descends over the table, which again Kindel breaks

KINDEL

(quietly)

Its a necessary evil. We have to be here to stop the problems that


21/36

would threaten our safety. Sometimes people in charge make bad

decisions, but its still the best thing there is going.

JASON

Obviously its a lot better than staying with your family and being a

civilian doctor. God forbid that murderer James Wilmette have to live

with the consequences of his barbaric decisions.

KINDEL

(sighing and looking down)

Is this ever going to change, Jason?

JASON

Huh?

KINDEL

Are we ever going to be father and son, and not the sum of our ideals?

Jason rises, having not touched his drink at all.

JASON

I should go back. Mom is probably wanting me to meet with more familymembers Ive seen almost as little as you.

And then hes gone, leaving Kindel alone with his drink. Soon the

drink is gone too, having been downed in one gulp.

INT. CENTRAL CORRIDOR DEFIANT DSV

Peck and Alridge are outside the door to Medbay, talking.

PECK

Care to tell me whats going on?

ALRIDGE

What do you mean?

PECK

In there. Yelling at them for something they cant help.

ALRIDGE

What would you do, tell them theyre doing a great job? They arent!

PECK

Maybe this just isnt their job, and theyd be better off doing

something else on the ship.

ALRIDGE

(narrowing her eyes)

Did Wilmette send you to get me to stop this investigation?

PECK

Oh come on--

ALRIDGE

Did he?

PECK

No! He was worried about you, I can tell you that much. He sent me to


22/36

just make sure you were doing all right.

ALRIDGE

Well Im doing fine. Can I get back to work?

PECK

(sighing)

Whats the big deal with this, anyway? I think its great that youretrying to solve this, since were stuck here anyway, but...why stress

over it? This isnt our mission, so if we find nothing out then we

find nothing out. Let the scientists deal with this.

ALRIDGE

Because...

(beat, frowning)

I _need_ to do this. For myself.

PECK

Why? Youre not a scientist, Lauren, not even close. Youre an

officer, though, and a great one when youre not acting like this.

What are you trying to prove?

ALRIDGE

Let me tell you something about being a great officer. Alison was

doing this way before I went into the UEO, and she was superb. One of

the reasons I went to college and not into the UEO was because I didnt

want to have to compete with that. I couldnt offer a damn thing that

she hadnt already.

(beat)

I was...taking my own path. Then she...I dont think I need to say

it...after that I couldnt take college anymore. So I came to the UEO

and low and behold, Im walking in Alisons footsteps.

PECK

Lauren, youre your own person. And youre great at your job.

ALRIDGE

But not as good as _her_. Im different than her, and I know that.

And this...

(she motions at the Medbay)

This is my chance to prove that to myself. Im _not Alison_.

PECK

Maybe this isnt the time--

Alridge cuts him off in anger.

ALRIDGE

How would you know? If I cant do this, then it just proves that her

death was the most important thing thats happened in my life. _Losing

her_ was more affecting than anything Ive ever done. And if thats

true...

(shaking her head)

I wont let Wilmette be the biggest influence Ive ever had in my life.

Damn him if he thinks he can hold me back on this.

f(looking back at Peck)

Im going to have something to show seaQuest and Captain Wilmette by

tomorrow. Please dont interrupt me for chit chat, _Sir_.


23/36

She turns and storms off down the corridor, leaving a very befuddled

Peck standing outside of the Medical Bay.

EXT BLUE ROSE HOTEL

Kindel stands outside of the hotel, looking up at the cloudy night sky.

The hint of a moon pokes through the clouds; more of a fuzzy spot of

illumination than anything. From behind him, Tanya walks out throughthe doors of the hotel.

TANYA

Same old conversations, huh?

Kindel looks over his shoulder and nods.

KINDEL

Just like always.

TANYA

Im sorry, Rance.

She walks forward and puts hurt arm around him.

KINDEL

Dont worry about it. Theres nothing you can do about it.

TANYA

I know. Its just...

(sighing)

We separated for him. I had met Chris, and that played a part but we

really wanted him to have a father he could see all the time.

KINDEL

You were never comfortable with my being away, anyway.

TANYAI know. What Im getting at though is that you, Rance, you were

willing to give up your ties to land - to home - for your son. All

when that decision made it easier for him to become distant with the

man who was actually his father.

KINDEL

(frowning)

How noble.

TANYA

(sincerely)

It was. It still is.

Kindel looks up and wipes a single tear out off of his face.

KINDEL

If you look at it that way. The way Im looking at it, I chose the

military over him.

Tanya has nothing to say to that, and can only put her arms around him

in a comforting embrace.

FADE TO COMMERCIAL


24/36

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

OPEN ON:


All of the lights are off in Alridges room, but shes unable to sleep.

Instead, shes lying on her back, staring upwards. Rolling over onto

her side, Alridge turns the nightstand lamp on. This position puts her

into face to face position with Alisons picture. With a grimace,

Alridge quickly reaches out and knocks the picture over so it rests

face down. Then, resigning herself to not being able to sleep, she

pushes herself out of bed.


Alridge sits at a workstation in Medbay, staring up at the viewscreen

in front of her. The screen is divided into two frames, one labeled

Unknown Sample and the other labeled Known Contagions. The frameon the right, for known contagions, changes rapidly, each time

displaying what percentage similarity the two organisms have to each

other. None of the numbers go above 20%.

OFF ALRIDGE

She watches the screen intently, even though the images are moving far

too fast for her eyes to do any good. The computer is doing all the

work, and isnt telling her at all what she wants to hear. She still

watches though, hoping to see something...anything. Shes so intent

that she doesnt hear the door open behind her.


Rusch stands at the opened door, looking at her friend with concern.

In her hands are two mugs. She opens her mouth to say something, then

shuts it; instead opting to walk up to her. Alridge still doesnt

notice, even when Rusch is right next to her.

RUSCH

Um...Lauren?

Alridge doesnt so much look startled as just annoyed.

ALRIDGE

Huh?

RUSCH

Whats up? I brought us some hot cocoa.

ALRIDGE

(distant)

Oh...thanks.

She turns back to the screen, continuing her work. Rusch puts on a

smile and tries to get Alridges attention back.


25/36

RUSCH

Remember our sleepovers? We used to drink a whole container of the

stuff, and wed end up not sleeping at all.

Giggling a bit, Rusch sets the mug next to Alridges hand, and pulls up

a chair for herself. Alridge actually turns back to Rusch and smiles,

just a bit, back.

ALRIDGE

Yeah, those were a blast.

Alridge then turns back to her work. Rusch pushes on, though, trying

to get and keep her friends attention.

RUSCH

You know what we havent done in a while? Had lunch together. Seems

like weve both been so busy that we keep missing each other.

ALRIDGE

Uh-huh.

OFF VIEWSCREEN

The images cycle maniacally, still not finding a match.

OFF RUSCH

Shes losing her smile now, and a seriousness is descending over her.

RUSCH

Theres been some things...well...I could really use someone to talk to.

OFF VIEWSCREEN

The images are moving so fast theyre a near flicker.

OFF ALRIDGE

Shes hearing Rusch, but isnt understanding a word thats being said.

Or rather, she doesnt seem to care to understand.

ALRIDGE

Sure.

OFF RUSCH

Ruschs hands clench around themselves as she says the next words.

RUSCH

I think...I like Commander Peck a lot. More than I feel comfortable

with.

(beat)

It scares me, Lauren.

OFF VIEWSCREEN

The images come to rest on one in particular, with the words 60%

MATCH. SEARCH LIKE CONTAGIONS? written underneath.


26/36

OFF ALRIDGE

She smiles excitedly, not having really heard anything that Rusch said

to her. She quickly hits Y on her keyboard.

OFF RUSCH

Rusch looks down at her feet, realizing that Alridge isnt going tolisten to anything she says right now.

RUSCH

I can see...youre hard at work right now. Well talk later, ok Lauren?

WIDE SHOT - RUSCH AND ALRIDGE

Alridge looks up with a smile and nods to Rusch.

ALRIDGE

Sure, just let me know when.

She then turns back to her work. Rusch pushes herself out of her chair

and sadly leaves the room, not even remembering to bring her cocoa withher. Alridge doesnt seem to remember that her own mug is there,

either; at least, she has yet to take a sip.

EXT OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH

Like all relatively modern Catholic churches, this one fuses bizarre

architecture and boring design all in one. The shape could only be

described as a polygon of sorts, with a tall spire jutting out from the

middle. Cars currently move into the parking lot while people file

themselves into the church itself.

Kindel isnt entering the church, though. Hes sitting, in his nicest

suit (which really isnt all that nice), on the sidewalk curb just in

front of the churchs doors. Occasionally he glances over his shoulderat the church, working up the nerve to go inside of it. Finally, he

rises and walks in.

INT CHURCH LOBBY

People mill about the in lobby, and Kindel moves through the crowd

slowly without any particular destination. Someone notices him,

though. Someone in a white brides gown. It is Jamie Parilla, Jasons

soon to be wife. She starts to walk towards him, managing to say hello

to people who try to stop her and yet keep moving. When she gets close

enough, she speaks up...

JAMIE

Dr. Kindel!

Kindel spins around, and looks completely surprised for two good

reasons: that hes being addressed formally by someone hes never met,

and that the person addressing him is someone he wouldnt expect to

address him at all.

INT CHURCH OFFICE

Inside of a small administrative office of the church, Jamie and Kindel


27/36

find seats. Jamie herself, upon closer inspection, is quite beautiful

and for someone on her wedding day, looks very relaxed. Kindel, on the

other hand, looks ready to bolt at the first opportunity.

JAMIE

Im glad I saw you before the wedding.

KINDEL(unsure of what to say)

Oh?

JAMIE

Mm hmm. Jason talked to me about your argument last night and...

(laughing a bit)

...you know this is really hard to do.

(composing herself)

I just wanted to meet you for myself, without Jason being around. You

are his father, after all.

KINDEL

Much to his chagrin, Im sure.

JAMIE

(seriously)

Not at all. Hes always considered you more of a father to him than

Chris, even though he barely sees you. Which is the problem, probably.

KINDEL

Im not sure I understand.

JAMIE

Do you think hed be able to draw up some much passion to his arguments

if he didnt feel strongly about you? Whenever hes talking about

problems in the UEO or...anything like that at all...the conversation

always makes it back to you.

KINDEL

(frowning)

He must hate me more than I thought.

Jamie shakes her head with a smile.

JAMIE

You two are frighteningly alike. Neither of you like to listen.

(leaning forward)

Do you really think a son would has his father over something like...an

ideal? Over pacifism, or anything like that?

KINDEL

I dont know. Jason seems to.

JAMIE

Dr. Kindel...

KINDEL

Call me Rance.

JAMIE

If I call you anything, it should probably be dad.


28/36

That causes a shock for Kindel, and he doesnt do anything to cover it

up.

KINDEL

Well...

JAMIELook, I need to get ready. Im sure theyre wondering where I am

already. Just listen to this.

(she leans closer to him)

To me, only sometimes, Jason talks about you. Not in anger. He talks

about how he wishes he had known you better.

(beat)

He talks about how he doesnt understand why the UEO meant more to you

than him, when you hate what the military stands for. Just like he

does.

(she rises from her seat)

Think about that, and ask yourself if its really pacifism thats

caused all of this. Its probably something a lot simpler.

She smiles once more to Kindel, compassionately, and then walks towardsthe door. Before she reaches it, Kindel fights through his surprise

enough to talk.

KINDEL

Jamie.

(turning to her)

Im glad Jason found you. Congratulations.

JAMIE

(blushing)

Thank you. Dad.

She turns back to the door and leaves Kindel to compose himself alone.

INT. MEDICAL BAY DEFIANT DSV

Alridge still sits at the workstation, staring at the viewscreen. A

good deal of time has passed, evidenced by the cold and congealing mugs

of cocoa that sit next to her. Bishop, carrying a report, walks

carefully towards Alridge.

BISHOP

Sir.

Alridge looks up from the work. She looks tired, and quite frustrated.

ALRIDGE

Yes?

BISHOP

I did some tests of my own, based on the similarity the computer found

between the two contagions.

ALRIDGE

(perking up a bit)

And?


29/36

BISHOP

And...its a dead end.

ALRIDGE

What?

BISHOP

They have some key dissimilarities, and Im fairly certain theyre notrelated.

ALRIDGE

But this was our only lead!

BISHOP

(frowning)

This is what research entails. When it comes to science, theres

usually only one right answer, and you usually have to go through a

hundred wrong ones to find it.

ALRIDGE

Well we dont have time for a hundred wrong answers.

Bishop only shrugs. If words accompanied the shrug, Bishop would have

said something like Take it up with God.

BISHOP

What would you like me to do now?

ALRIDGE

I--

She doesnt get to say any more before the com at the workstation beeps.

MARTIN

(filtered)

Commander Alridge?

ALRIDGE

Go ahead.

MARTIN

A priority message just arrived for you from seaQuest. Would you like

me to put it through to your current position?

Alridge freezes up for a second. Shes not ready for seaQuest yet.

ALRIDGE

No...no. Put it through to my quarters. Ill get it there.

(looking up to Bishop)

Ive got to take this.

BISHOP

Understood, Sir. Is there something else you want me to do?

ALRIDGE

I dont know. Nothing. Take a break for now.

Bishop nods; he doesnt seem to care one way or the other what hes

doing on this job. Alridge rises quickly from her chair to leave.


30/36


Alridge enters her room and moves straight for the terminal. She types

a few keys quickly and the message from seaQuest appears. It reads:

We should arrive at your position in under an hour, and wanted to give

you time to prepare a report. We appreciate your effort in performinga preliminary investigation into this matter. Cap. Jessie Matthews

As Alridge reads the message her fists clench together, her rising

anger obvious. She rises from her chair and kicks the desk.

ALRIDGE

Preliminary investigation. Like they expected me not to find anything.

She spins around and notices the picture of Alison, face down on her

desk. She storms over to it and picks it up. Her frustration is

giving away to something more primal, a kind of raging desperation.

Tears form in her eyes as she glares at the picture.

ALRIDGEIf you were still alive, I wouldnt be here. I wouldnt be a damn

faded copy of you.

She throws the picture against the wall, causing the glass to shatter.

The frame and picture falls face down on the ground. Alridge stands

there for a long moment, staring at the broken frame, still on the

verge of tears.

ALRIDGE

Oh God...

Alridge walks quickly to the frame and falls to her knees next to it.

She picks it up tenderly, brushing away the shards of glass. Alridge

pulls away the picture, which she cradles in her hands. The tears comefull force.

ALRIDGE

Im sorry, Alison.

FADE TO BLACK

ALRIDGE

(VO)

Im sorry.

FADE TO COMMERCIALS

END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

OPEN ON:

INT. THE FEZ - MAIN RECEPTION HALL

Dinner is being cleared from the tables while people begin to mingle

and socialize with the other guests. Kindel still sits at his table and


31/36

is closely watching Jason, who is presently talking with his

stepfather, Chris. Chris himself seems a bit...sedate. His looks

could be described as common, but that would just be a nice way of

saying boring. The only distinguishing feature on him is that hes

short. Hes placidly chatting with Jason, who doesnt seem all that

interested in whats being said.

CHRISYoull have to be careful tomorrow when you fly out.

JASON

I know.

CHRIS

Im serious.

JASON

Yeah, Chris, I know.

Chris frowns and looks up at Tanya, possibly for assistance.

TANYAHes giving good advice, Jason.

Jason is getting annoyed now, as only someone can when hes getting

nagged by parental figures.

JASON

Yeah, ok!

Just then, Jamie arrives to save him from dealing with further nagging.

JAMIE

Hey there.

Jason leans over and gives Jamie a quick kiss.

OFF KINDEL

Kindel, seeing how happy his son is with his new wife, cant help but

smile.


Alridge stands in front of her mirror, fixing her hair. Her eyes show

the slightest bit of redness from her recent tears. Behind her, on the

bed, the photograph of Alison can be seen. She sets the brush on the

table and straightens her uniform. As satisfied as shes going to be,

Alridge walks to the door.


Alridges entire team is gathered. Theyre sitting and waiting, none

of them even so much as chatting. They all look up when Alridge enters

the room. Apprehension is obvious on their faces; they dont know what

to expect from her.

ALRIDGE

I just got a message from seaQuest. Theyre about to arrive here, and


32/36

were to put together a report before they do.

ESPY

The investigations over, Sir?

ALRIDGE

(nodding)

What we found...and I know it isnt much...is to be handed over toseaQuest for further work. Ill be writing the report, so you three

are ready to go back to your regular duties.

BISHOP

You dont need anything else from us?

ALRIDGE

No. Thank you though.

(beat)

I just want to apologize if the past two days have been rough. You all

did your best work for me, and if we didnt manage to find anything

its only because...

(quieter)

...I may have overreached. Good work everyone. Dismissed.

The subtle apology catches everyone by surprise, and none can manage

speech before Alridge turns to go. None of them see the look of

guarded pain that comes across Alridges face when she turns away from

them.

INT THE FEZ - MAIN RECEPTION HALL

Kindel walks away from the bar with a drink in his hand, when suddenly

Tanya is in front of him. She appears so quickly that Kindel nearly

runs into her.

KINDEL

Ah!

TANYA

Oh! Rance, Im sorry.

KINDEL

Dont worry about it, I didnt spill anything.

(Tanya points to a spot on his shirt)

Didnt spill anything much, then.

TANYA

Ill get it cleaned for you, if youd like.

KINDEL

Dont worry about it. I havent work this shirt in years, and I doubt

Ill have much reason to again. Defiant doesnt exactly host parties.

TANYA

I can imagine.

KINDEL

It looks like the party is about to start breaking up.

Kindel points to a cluster of people getting their jackets on.


33/36

TANYA

Oh, they always leave early. Theres still some fun left in us.

(smiling)

How about you? Have any fun left?

KINDEL

Did I have some to begin with?

TANYA

I seem to remember a little.

Kindel looks over Tanyas shoulder and notices Jason and Jamie dancing.

KINDEL

They look, I dont know, well matched.

Tanya looks at them herself and nods.

TANYA

They are, I think. You can never tell this early, though.

Kindel is looking at Tanya sadly when he responds. Shes looking the

other way, though, and doesnt notice.

KINDEL

Yeah, thats for sure.

Tanya turns, but Kindels already collected himself.

TANYA

That reminds me, Ive got something for you.

KINDEL

Oh?

Tanya reaches into her small handbag and comes out with a piece of

folded up paper.

TANYA

Jamie asked me to give this to you.

Kindel reaches out and takes the piece of paper.

KINDEL

Thats interesting.

Kindel begins to unfold the paper.

TANYA

She said she got to meet you. I think you made an impression.

KINDEL

Huh.

Hes not really listening, but reading the handwritten words on the

page. It reads: Consider this an open invitation to our home. Maybe

a talk between you two with me there to calm things down will help. Or

maybe it will just take time. Either way, I hope youll come to see


34/36

us. Jason, Im sure, agrees. Love, Jamie. Kindel smiles a little as

he reads it.

TANYA

Good news?

Kindel looks up, at Jason and Jamie, and then to Tanya.

KINDEL

Yeah. Better than I was expecting.

INT BRIDGE DEFIANT DSV

Alridge sits at her usual station at the Command Plex. Her eyes are

focused on Wilmette, who is standing over Bauers shoulder as she works

on something. Alridges gaze is cold, much more so than usual. She

never takes her eyes off of him as he works. Martins voice breaks the

relative silence on the bridge.

MARTIN

Were getting a message from seaQuest, Sir.

Wilmette looks up from his station. Alridges head, though, doesnt

turn. Her eyes are still trained on Wilmette.

WILMETTE

Whats it say?

MARTIN

Captain Matthews is requesting to speak with you personally.

WILMETTE

Put it through to my office.

(to Peck)

You have the bridge, Commander.

Wilmette then walks off of the bridge to his office. As soon as

Wilmette is gone, Peck turns to Alridge.

PECK

(quietly)

How are you doing?

ALRIDGE

Fine.

PECK

Are you sure, Lauren? You look--

ALRIDGE

Im fine, Commander.

PECK

Ok, youre fine.

Peck turns away from Alridge, going back to surveying the bridge.

Sighing, Alridge does the same. Wilmette steps back onto the bridge,

then, and looks at Alridge.


35/36

WILMETTE

Commander Alridge, Captain Matthews would like a word with you. You

can use my office.

Alridge can only manage a nod to Wilmette, not trusting herself enough

right now to speak.

INT WILMETTES OFFICE DEFIANT DSV

Alridge sits down, very uncomfortably, in Wilmettes chair. She then

hits a key and the viewscreen comes to life, Captain Jessie Matthews

face filling it.

ALRIDGE

Captain.

MATTHEWS

(smiling)

Commander Alridge, nice to talk to you face to face.

ALRIDGE

The same to you, Sir. Ive got a lot of respect for your actions inthe Carolinian War. Youre...a hero.

Its obvious that Alridge means it. Matthews waves off the compliment.

MATTHEWS

No more than anyone else who fought with me. Less than the people who

didnt make.

(beat)

Anyway, I didnt call to talk about old wars.

ALRIDGE

If I might ask, what did you call about, Sir?

MATTHEWSI just wanted to thank you personally for the work you did. Itll give

us a nice head start on cracking it. Your Captain told me that you

pushed for the assignment.

At the mention of Wilmette, Alridges eyes narrow a bit.

ALRIDGE

Im surprised he said anything positive about it. He didnt want me to

take the assignment.

Matthews nods once and considers Alridges words before speaking again.

MATTHEWS

You dont like your Captain much, do you Commander? Is it because of

your sister?

The sheer bluntness of Matthews words catch Alridge off guard.

ALRIDGE

Im...hardly the only person to have a problem over his...past.

MATTHEWS

Indeed.


36/36

ALRIDGE

And yes, my sister has a part in my feelings over him.

MATTHEWS

The greatest sadness a captain feels is when he loses people under his

command. James Wilmette carries around a lot of pain, I imagine.

Alridge is regaining her footing, her anger towards Wilmette taking

control.

ALRIDGE

Frankly Sir, he earned it.

MATTHEWS

The fact that he made a mistake, you mean?

ALRIDGE

Yes.

MATTHEWS

Hmm. Let me tell you something, about my last captain. I imagineyouve heard of Lucas Wolenczak?

(Alridge nods)

Well at the end of the Carolinian War, Wolenczak put his ship, his crew

and his own life on the line over an ideal. A very personal ideal that

a lot of people didnt share or care about. Just like your Captain

did. Both of them risked everything for something personal to them.

(beat)

Do you know why the world hates one and not the other?

Alridge doesnt like where this is going at all, but cant do anything

to stop it.

ALRIDGE

Why?

MATTHEWS

Because Lucas Wolenczak succeeded, and James Wilmette didnt.

(beat)

Have a nice day, Commander. Matthews out.

The screen goes blank, leaving Alridge in stunned silence. Hold for a

moment until we

FADE OUT

THE END

Copyright 2001 Defiant Editorial

Defiant: 104 - Race the Past

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