seaQuest 2047
"Command Performance"
By Melissa Beattie & Ray Stilwell
Publication Draft- 01/10/99

TEASER

FADE IN TO PEARL HARBOUR (CGI/STOCK)

Establishing shot. An image of the island, with Pearl being the prominent
feature.

CUT TO EXTERIOR NAVAL BASE

Caption reads: Pearl Harbor Naval Base, 1400 Hours.

It is a lovely day in the Hawaiian Islands, we see, as we take a slow pan
of the area. Tanned sailors and officers walk around the base, even their
hurried strides seeming somewhat more relaxed than one would expect.

MATTHEWS
(O.S., angrily)
I'm _what_?!

We stop panning and focus on Commander Jessie Matthews, her stormy
expression in direct contrast to the lovely weather.

MATTHEWS
(continuing)
Captain, I don't know why you picked me for this, but I _protest_!

We PULL BACK a bit, to see that the man she addresses is Captain Robert
Bergeron, a man who's expression radiates an even-temper...even in the face of
a royally teed off Matthews. We can now see that they are walking a down a
path toward what is clearly a hatch leading to a submarine berth-- the
_Agamemnon_-- as they speak.

BERGERON
You mean you didn't get the communique?
(beat, bemusedly)
You've got all your points.

MATTHEWS
(_not_ amused)
Getting all my points would mean that I got a discharge, not a transfer.
(beat)
And that wasn't even the Navy, it was the US Army, and _they_ stopped
using it a century ago!

BERGERON
(calmly)
All right.
(beat)
You were chosen for this because you're the best one for the job.
(beat, before she can say a word)
And, that protest I see forming on your lips proves that.

Her jaw sets, and she comes quite close to glaring at the other, which
doesn't escape the captain's notice.

BERGERON
(soothingly)
Jessie...the _Agamemnon_'s a good boat--

MATTHEWS
(muttering)
She's not the flagship, Sir-
(beat)
-- and not likely to be named the flagship anytime soon.

Bergeron, most likely wisely, chooses not to notice her interruption.

BERGERON
(continuing)
No, she's not.
(beat)
But she _is_ a good boat.

Matthews' expression says that she'll believe _that_ when she sees it.
Bergeron notices, and sighs.

BERGERON
("back to business")
We're restaffing the _Ag_ in a hurry, because we need her.
(beat, a rather humorless laugh)
With the Carolinans so busy harassing us in the Atlantic, it'd be all too
easy to forget that the Pacific doesn't like us much either.

MATTHEWS
Or that Ross doesn't have a problem with privateering.

BERGERON
Now, now...that's speculation.

MATTHEWS
("yeah, right")
Uh-huh.
(beat)
Hiring non-aligned vessels to "accidentally" shoot down the enemy is a
fine, long-standing military tradition.
(a longer beat)
I notice you're not contesting my assessment.

After a moment, he sighs.

BERGERON
Look, whether she is or she isn't has little to do with you. Or your
problems with the reassignment.
(beat)
You'll like the _Ag_ once you get aboard, I promise.

Matthews gives him a "yeah, right" look.

MATTHEWS
Sure.
(beat)
What does a Greek king have to do with the Navy anyway?

BERGERON
Well...nothing. But we were in a jam, you see.
(beat)
She, uh, she used to be called the _Carolinan_.

MATTHEWS
Great.
(beat, exasperated)
Does Wolenczak even know I'm gone yet?

Bergeron just shrugs.

BERGERON
Probably.
(beat)
I believe I heard him swearing just a few moments ago-- he _is_ only,
what...on the other side of the world?

She rolls her eyes...but, despite herself, manages a dry chuckle.

MATTHEWS
(grudgingly)
Yeah, well...
(beat)
I just don't want anyone taking over my quarters while I'm gone.

BERGERON
("casually")
Who says you're going back?

_That_ little pronouncement stops Matthews in her tracks.

MATTHEWS
(taken aback, edgily)
Whoa-- wait a minute!
(beat)
No one said anything to _me_ about this being a permanent thing! It's a
_temporary_ reassignment.

BERGERON
(mysteriously)
Perhaps.
(beat)
Perhaps not.
(beat)
The actual wording of the orders, I believe, was that this is a
"provisional" assignment. Which means that-- provided you give a good
performance-- you may be aboard the _Ag_ permanently.

MATTHEWS
(vehemently)
Oh no.
(beat)
I have a life where I am-- friends, comrades in arms, people I'd trust
with my life.
(beat)
According to the very brief debriefing you gave me, I don't know anybody
aboard this boat!

A very mysterious and not exactly benevolent smile plays at the corners of
the captain's lips.

BERGERON
(mysteriously)
You'd be surprised.

He begins walking again, and she stares after him for a moment.

MATTHEWS
(to self, almost a moan)
I do _not_ like the way he said that...

We watch as she catches up to Bergeron, just before they enter the hatch.
He's opened the hatch and is about to climb in when she stops him.

MATTHEWS
Captain...
(beat, sighing)
This boat...she lost _how_ many when she was boarded three weeks ago?

He takes a moment, and a grim expression spreads across his features as he
silently reviews the information.

BERGERON
(gravely)
She lost two-thirds of her crew in that attack.
(beat)
You're going to be starting with an almost entirely new complement,
Commander. I hope your time at HQ the past few weeks has helped prepare you.
(beat)
Best of luck.

And as he disappears into the hatch, we hear her say:

MATTHEWS
(softly)
I'm gonna need it.

She then enters the hatch, and we:

CUT TO LAUNCH BAY

Our first image is of the airlock opening with Bergeron and Matthews
exiting onto the deck. We take a close look at her as she
exits...watching her expression go from polite neutrality to something
approaching horror.

MATTHEWS
(shocked)
My God...

We switch to a POV shot, and see as she does-- a mess. Complete and total.
Scrap metal is strewn everywhere, scoring from weapons fire is evident on the
bulkheads, a large group of engineers crawl along the deck and slide in and
out of open access panels...in short, it appears that the battle ended three
hours ago, instead of three months ago.

MATTHEWS
(O.S., continuing)
She's not even seaworthy!

VOICE
(coldly, O.S.)
On the contrary.

Matthews looks up in surprise at the very high-pitched voice-- one that
wouldn't sound out of place coming from Alvin or one of his Chipmunks. She
begins looking around, searching for the source of the comment, and we pan
with her.

VOICE
(continuing)
The _Ag_'s been seaworthy for a week now-- her hull has been completely
repaired, and all of her essential systems are operational.

Our pan continues, then stops as we find a very tall, muscular, strawberry
blonde woman with glacial eyes and a matching demeanor standing off to one
side of Matthews and Bergeron. The woman-- Lieutenant Carol Rodgers-- moves
closer to them both, and salutes.

RODGERS
(coolly professional)
Chief of Security Lieutenant Carol Rodgers.
(beat, to Bergeron)
Captain.
(beat, to Matthews)
Commander.

Matthews watches her a moment, then glances questioningly at Bergeron,
clearly wondering why he hasn't yet told Rodgers "at ease". He just
inclines his head in a "be my guest" manner.

MATTHEWS
(formally)
At ease, Lieutenant.

Rodgers relaxes her stance, and stares coolly at Matthews, not appearing
even to blink. The commander is clearly unnerved by the scrutiny, and
shoots a glance at Bergeron. He merely smiles encouragingly.

BERGERON
(to Matthews)
Congratulations, Commander.
(beat, off boat)
She's all yours.

He claps her on the shoulder, and heads back toward the airlock. Matthews
turns and stares after him, her expression clearly saying she wishes she were
going with him.
MATTHEWS
(mutters, to self)
All mine...gosh, thanks...

After we see the lock close, we watch Matthews take a deep breath, square
her shoulders, and turn back toward Rodgers, a total military bearing
settling over her as she does so.

MATTHEWS
(To Rodgers)
Lieutenant.

Rodgers draws herself to attention so fast that it would cause sprains and
strains in a normal person.

RODGERS
Sir!

MATTHEWS
Contact the Bridge.
(beat, drawing herself up)
Tell them the new captain's arrived.

RODGERS
Yes, Sir!

As Rodgers begins to pull out her PAL to make the call, we see a very
satisfied smile begin to spread across Matthews' face...which disappears
suddenly as we hear a curse and the clang of scrap metal falling to the
deck. Matthews spins, and we see that a rather large section of bulkhead
now hangs cock-eyed from a few spot welds. We glance back at Matthews, see
how dismayed she is, and see Rodgers in the background shaking her head.

RODGERS
(annoyed)
Permanent welding jobs should've been done _days_ ago.
(beat, to Matthews)
I'll speak with the Chief Engineer about it ASAP, Commander.

Matthews just stares at her, unable to comprehend the terrible condition
her boat is in.

RODGERS
(gesturing down the corridor)
This way, Commander.
(beat)
I believe we'll only encounter a few areas that aren't fully finished yet.
She turns smartly and begins walking up the corridor. We take a quick
glance back at Matthews, see how far her expression has fallen, and then
she looks heavenward.

MATTHEWS
(sighing)
Whatever I did to deserve this, I'm sorry.

Shaking her head incredulously, we watch as she follows Rodgers for a
moment, then we:

FADE TO CREDITS

END TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN TO BRIDGE

Note: All places denoted rooms of the _Agamemnon_, unless otherwise
indicated.

The Bridge has borne less of a brunt than the parts of the boat we have seen
but is still awash in construction and repairs. Crew members are running
everywhere, and the few who are stationary are in various stages of tearing
apart and putting back together. Our POV crosses the stuck- out feet of one
of these workers as a hatch opens and Matthews is escorted to the command
chair by Rodgers.

RODGERS
(smartly)
Captain on the Bridge!

The few who are able snap to attention, but most are too indisposed to do so.
Most, that is, except the pair of feet which roll out from under a console,
followed by the quickly swiveling-to-attention form of one Lieutenant
Commander John Peck. A scratch at a hidden switch
immediately activates the "charm" feature as he realizes who his new
commanding officer is.

PECK
(a hint of the flirtatious, but no more than a hint, as he checks out her
patches)
Captain....Matthews? It is indeed a pleasure.

This is exactly what Matthews does not need.

MATTHEWS
(all business as she checks back at the name and rank on his)
_Lieutenant_ Peck, I see.

PECK
(correcting)
That's Lieutenant _Commander_.

MATTHEWS
It is today. Address me in that tone again and tomorrow you'll be looking up
the pay grade for "Cabin Boy j.g." Is that clear?

PECK
(conceding the point)
Perfectly, Sir.

Matthews has made her point and lets it go. For now.

MATTHEWS.
So. Who's the Officer On Deck?

PECK
(matter-of-factly)
That would be me, Sir.

MATTHEWS
Do you usually perform those duties at a 90 degree angle, Commander?

PECK
(slight exasperation, coupled with a desire to attempt smoothing over)
Captain, I'm sorry we got off to a bad start. We have been working around the
clock on this refit and everybody pitches in wherever they have expertise.
(beat)
There really isn't a lot of time for protocol right now.

Now Matthews concedes the point, and eases off.

MATTHEWS
Understood.
(beat)
Let's take it again from that "Captain on the Bridge" part.

PECK
("getting it")
Thank you, Captain. Allow me to introduce the bridge crew.

The two of them approach the communications station, where the comm officer is
conversing with a freckle-faced officer of about 35. The conversation ceases
the instant the two arrive.

PECK
Lieutenant (j.g.) Ty Jackson, communications officer, who belongs here.
And Lieutenant Commander Pete Aaron, our chief engineer-- who does not.

Both stand at attention.

MATTHEWS
As you were.
(beat, to Aaron)
Even better, as you were before you came up here.

Aaron exits, and Matthews turns to her comm officer- a tall, thin, African-
American in his late twenties.

MATTHEWS
Much traffic today, Lieutenant?

JACKSON
Not much from the outside, Sir.
(beat)
Just the usual constant complaints from MedBay about anything and everything.

Peck is suddenly reminded of the very bad headache he had managed to forget.
He walks with Matthews to the sensor station.

PECK
I guess the rest of the introductions will have to wait. Jackson just
reminded me of something.
(beat, to one of the Bridge extras)
Goldman, take over working this sensor config.
(beat, introducing Matthews to the sensor officer being relieved)
This is CPO Cynthia Schultz. Chief, I'd like you to take the Captain down to
MedBay for her medical clearance.

Close-up on Chief Petty Officer Cynthia Schultz. As she answers, we hear a
certain flatness in her voice- and we see the psych chip that she wears.

SCHULTZ
(to Peck)
Yes, Sir!

Matthews considers this diversion and begins a protest.

MATTHEWS
I'm sure there are more pressing priorities for me than having my blood
pressure checked right now. I'm happy to put off the formalities until
we're....

Peck knows where she's going, has obviously been there himself, and wants to
save her the trip.

PECK
Sir, I appreciate that, but unfortunately, MedBay is the one place on this
boat where we have an overabundance of protocol.

Her XO takes on an air of resignation. There is even a sense of some pain.

PECK
(continuing)
Believe me, it's easier to just follow the book about this.


MATTHEWS
Fair enough. At least I can check out the science department down there; do
I understand that's to be retained in the current configuration?

PECK
We lobbied long and hard for that, Captain. Lieutenant Calkin's career Navy.
He has a geophysics degree, and he really wanted to keep his research going,
so we assigned him to sensors.

Matthews still seems surprised at the accomplishment. Peck sees this and
answers her question before she asks it.

PECK
(continuing)
And, as you'll see, our Science people are good.

(beat, rolling eyes slightly)
At least outside the Department of Medicine, they are. You better go. He'll
be calling up here to "summon" you any minute now.

CUT TO _AGAMEMNON_ CORRIDOR

Schultz and Matthews walk, as much as possible side-by-side, past full-tilt
complements of repair details. Throughout this scene, in the background we
hear more than the usual din of whirs, hums and shipboard announcements. We
join their conversation in progress....

MATTHEWS
... and several butchers' aprons. I really want to see the Crew Mess up and
running as soon as possible, because no matter how many training exercises you
go through, and no matter how bad the food is, there's nothing better for
teambuilding and morale than getting everyone together for meals.

(beat, fondly)
Some of my best moments from my last posting came over plates of cold peas.

SCHULTZ
(still off in the distance)
I'll make a note of that, Sir.

Matthews appears concerned that her attempts at conversation are falling flat.
She has plainly been trying to focus her gaze on anything but her crewmate's
psych chip, but Schultz is not fooled.

SCHULTZ
Please, Sir. Just ask.
(beat, repeating the next line by rote)
It's-better-to-get-it-out-in-the-open-so-people-will-deal-with-you-honestly.

Matthews struggles with the words.

MATTHEWS
What is the chip intended to control?

SCHULTZ
I had some....
(beat, with pain)
episodes on my first extended posting.
(another beat, more pain)
Voices. Not all the time- when I was busy I was fine most of the time- but
when things got quiet it was like I was two different people. The chip....

Schultz pauses one final time and utters an audible sigh before continuing.

SCHULTZ
The chip kind of evens things out.

MATTHEWS
Chief, in my time in the UEO I have had to deal with neurotics,
claustrophobics, repressives and outright sociopaths.
(beat)
I've numbered some of them among my best friends.
(beat, ruefully)
Well, maybe not the sociopaths.
(beat)
So please- I'll give you every chance to work through your problems if you
give me a chance to get used to how you deal with them.

Schultz seems a little more at ease as they make the final turn before their
destination.

SCHULTZ
We're almost there.
(beat)
Thank you, Sir. I'm a little hesitant to....

Her train of thought is thrown off by the sight of Doctor Phillip Calkin, the
_Agamemnon_'s other sensor officer and its semi-official one man science
section. The sight of him is preceded by the sound of a hatch slamming behind
him and we hear the last line of his offscreen conversation....

CALKIN
(distressed)
Fine! That "shut" enough for you?

Matthews and Schultz are caught off-guard by this outburst.

SCHULTZ
Phil?! What's the matter?

CALKIN
You know those maps I've been doing for the GGS? The preliminary ones,
detailing some of the new hazards that the CC's --
(a quick beat, scathingly)
--"geothermic experiment" unleashed?
(beat)
They're gone.
(beat)
_All_ of them.

SCHULTZ
What happened? Commander Aaron said--

CALKIN
It's got nothing to do with the hard drive. It's fine.
(beat, gesturing back toward the MedBay)
That-- that-- that--
(scathingly derisive)
_Doctor_ in there, had the temerity to tell me that my maps weren't as
important as _his_ files!
(beat)
Do you know what those files contained? Do you?
(not waiting for an answer)
Bad poetry!!!

Calkin's crewmate doesn't know what to say. But Matthews does.

MATTHEWS
Lieutenant, I don't know if I can help for sure, but if you want to give me
the disk I know some pretty good computer people, and if anybody can hack that
data back, I'm sure they can.

Calkin is not _quite_ ready to listen to reason.

CALKIN
(almost dismissively)
Yeah, thanks, that's a great idea but first I want to lock up the last backup
I have in my quarters before something happens to _that_. Besides, I'm going
to need this disk for evidence.
(beat, getting his second wind)
I'm going to the Global Medical Society and having that man's credentials
revoked!

And he storms offscreen in a huff.

MATTHEWS
(to Schultz)
Not having a good day, is he?

SCHULTZ
You can see for yourself. You know those diagnoses you were talking about?
Well, my therapist thinks we have a textbook case of obsession-compulsion- _at
least_- on the other side of that hatch. It's been trouble down here ever
since he transferred in from--

Through the still-closed hatch, we hear a voice- muffled, but eerily
familiar....

VOICE
(O.S.)
Well, requisition them, dammit!
(beat)
Leave it to some quartermaster nincompoop to think I can get by with two-oh
gauge and three-oh gauge. Like I might never need a two-point-five? I
suppose they expect me to mash these together and cut it in half?!

By the second sentence, Matthews has put it all together- the voice, the
slammed hatch, the litany of complaints on both sides. Her face contorts in
the shape of an "OH, NO!!!" nanoseconds before Doctor Mark Curcio bursts
through the hatch.

CURCIO
(to nobody in particular)
When am I going to get to meet the idiot they put in _charge_ of this sardine
can?

In the middle of that line, Captain and Doctor's gazes meet, and Curcio's face
matches the Captain's for warmth and fuzziness at this reunion of old
shipmates.

MATTHEWS
(directly to Curcio)
That would be me, Doctor.
(a pointed beat)
_Captain_ Idiot.

Curcio has clearly retained all of his social skills.

CURCIO
Matthews. Oh, right. They said you were coming but they didn't mention a
rank.
(beat)
Marvy.

He turns to Schultz.

CURCIO
Who's the second-in-command on this boat?
(beat, dripping with sarcasm)
You never know when you might have to relieve a captain.

MATTHEWS
(tit for tat)
Good point, Curcio. All kinds of people were relieved to hear _you'd_ gotten
a transfer off your last boat.

CURCIO
(not letting it go)
Oh, I have so much wanted to thank Captain Wolenczak for that. Sticking my
skills in an arctic icehole with nothing to do but treat hangnails on a bunch
of glaciologists while they drained my generator taking their silly readings.

Matthews sees and seizes the last word on this subject.

MATTHEWS
Well, Mark, I think everybody would agree that an
(beat, nailing the next word as hard as the censors will allow)
_icehole_ was the perfect place to send you.
(beat)
But enough pleasantries. I'm here for my medical check-in.
(beat, pained)
If we must.

Curcio smiles sickly.

CURCIO
Welllllll,.. that Quack-ter Burke of yours sent over your latest scans and
records in your jacket. Looked like you hadn't broken anything that needed
fixing in that pigmess MedBay of hers. And like you hadn't....
(sneers)
...surrendered to any diseases recently. It's about a week out of date to
accept for medical clearance but,....
(beat, control freaky)
I'll allow it.

MATTHEWS
(putting the repartee to a stop)
And_ I'll_ allow that rank insubordination. Once. Not twice. Not ever
again.
(beat)
Now go turn your head and cough or something.

The Doctor retreats into the Curciocave. The Captain's eyes roll visibly as
she and Schultz resume their walk.

MATTHEWS
I think I'd better get to my quarters.
(beat, the eyes roll on)
I seem to have acquired a bigger headache than I--

Now she's interrupted by the sound of an intense argument from the next turn
in the corridor. One of the voices we will recognize as the unmistakable
squeal of Rodgers, but the other two belong to a pilot and a peacemaker-
respectively, Lieutenant Serina Wolling and Lieutenant Matthew Dillon.

DILLON
(O.S.)
I don't care _which_ of you started it!

A clipped British accent is heard in response.

WOLLING
(O.S.)
Keep out of this Matt. It's all ready two against one, what with that
shrill voice of hers.
(beat)
Bloody hell-- I swear it'd be better than flint to start a fire, if it
didn't rupture your ears first.

RODGERS
(still offscreen but getting closer as Schultz and Matthews quicken their pace
to move toward the commotion)
Oh, blow it out a torpedo tube- if you could find your way out of one!

The Captain turns the corner and steps between the combatants. In addition to
Rodgers, we see the other two. Wolling is a brown-haired woman of about 30,
Dillon a light brown-haired lanky man of about 25.

MATTHEWS
Okay, _enough!_
(beat, somewhat exasperated)
Look, guys. Tell you want. Give me your names and ranks, and I'll convene a
meeting where the three of you can yell your heads off. But, right now, I am
getting a _very_ bad headache, and would like to get this tour over with. Ok?

WOLLING
(unfazed)
Lieutenant Serina Wolling.

DILLON
(more hesitantly)
Lieutenant... Matt Dillon.

MATTHEWS
(bemusedly)
Matt Dillon, huh?

DILLON
I hate my parents.
(beat)
In any event, I was just trying to mediate between these two-

Matthews cuts him off.

MATTHEWS
I know, Lieutenant. I heard the voices. But I _still_ haven't heard what all
the commotion was about.

Wolling's eyes spit fire in Rodgers's general direction.

WOLLING
This...
(beat, dripping with sarcasm)
Harpy here will not clear my fighter for launch!

Rodgers's ire rises visibly.

RODGERS
The Captain ordered no unnecessary traffic in or out. That order has yet to be
rescinded--
(beat, turning to Matthews)
-- since our _new_ Captain has had better things to do than get you back on
your flight schedule.

Matthews looks at both of the combatants and makes clear she's had enough.

MATTHEWS
(forcing a even response)
Lieutenants. This is my first day on the job. Already I have been hit on,
run around, brushed off by an inferior officer with a computer disk and
insulted by a _really_ inferior officer. The next person I discipline is going
to be put in charge of building a brig big enough to hold the lot of you.
(beat)
Now, which of you wants to start laying the foundation?

For a blissful second, there is silence from all around her. Even the
intercom chooses this moment not to announce anything. Then, as if as one,
Wolling and Rodgers begin the same blurt.

WOLLING
Captain, I--

RODGERS
(speaking at the same moment)
Sorry, Sir,--

The Captain looks at the two of them approvingly.

MATTHEWS
Teamwork. Good. I like that.
(beat, ironically)
Need work on the timing, but it's a start.

Wolling, Dillon and Rodgers exit.

SCHULTZ
Permission to speak freely, Sir?

MATTHEWS
(carefully)
Of course.

SCHULTZ
You didn't dismiss them. The Captain always used to do that.

Matthews smiles thoughtfully.

MATTHEWS
Thanks.



They arrive at the hatch of the Captain's quarters.

MATTHEWS
(half under her breath)
Is it always like this around here?

SCHULTZ
Sir, most of us have been here less than a month. Not a lot of time for
"always." And most of that time has been real tense.
(beat, motioning to the hatch)
Here you go, Sir. Commander Peck is on for four more hours. Would you like
not to be disturbed until then?

MATTHEWS
That's the best idea I've heard all day, Chief.
(beat)
Thanks for showing me around.
(beat, with a knowing smile)
Dismissed.

CUT TO INTERIOR, CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

She closes the hatch behind her and falls into the chair.

MATTHEWS
(to herself)
_What_ have I gotten myself into?

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO MATTHEWS' QUARTERS

Our first image is of a sleeping, still-uniformed Matthews on the
bed...and after a moment, a shadow falls over her face.

PECK
(O.C)
Captain...
(beat)
Oh, _Captain_...

He then moves into the shot, reaching over and shaking her lightly.

PECK
(smoothly)
Wake up Captain...

Matthews stirs, her eyes blinking open to the sight of the half-familiar
guy smiling over her.

PECK
(before she can say a word)
Do you still respect me?

Reality dawns on Jessie, and she wakes with a start, pushing him away,
royally pissed off.

MATTHEWS
(yelling)
What the _hell_ do you think you're doing, Mister?!

PECK
(innocently)
I was just trying to give you a nice image to wake up to.

Matthews glares at him, her eyes furious. Peck reads this, and his own
immediate demise if he doesn't explain, pronto:

PECK
(holding hands up in surrender)
All right, all right...
(beat)
You didn't answer your PAL or the intercom, and the door was open.
(beat)
I was just making sure you hadn't jumped ship or knocked yourself out by
banging your head on the bulkhead.

Matthews accepts this, and her anger cools somewhat.

MATTHEWS
There is still _no_ call for behavior like that.

PECK
Yes, Sir.

Nodding, she gets up and goes to her duffel bag, pulling out a fresh
uniform, ignoring him.

MATTHEWS
(shaking head, grumbling to self)
"Do you still respect me"...man I know what Becca must've gone through
with Reede...

She continues to pay no attention to Peck as she walks into an adjacent
bathroom with the uniform. The door is left slightly ajar, just a crack,
so that we can hear her ion shower starting up. We then look to Peck,
who's shaking his head.

PECK
(to self)
Oh, yeah..._this_ arrangement's gonna work out well...

He sighs and advances toward the bathroom door.

PECK
(calling)
Sir?

MATTHEWS
(O.C., annoyed)
What is it now, Peck?

PECK
You never asked the reason we were paging you.

MATTHEWS
(O.C.)
I don't expect to have to ask, Lieutenant Commander.
(beat)
Last I checked, you were supposed to give me as much information as I
require, _without_ my asking for it.

PECK
(quietly, to self)
I let them promote me _why_?
(to Matthews)
Captain...the CMO wants to see you in MedBay ASAP for a full medical exam.

Dead silence. After a few beats:

PECK
Sir?

MATTHEWS
(O.C., quietly enraged)
That sonuvabitch.

PECK
(to self)
Well, that's _one_ thing we agree on...

He trails off as the door slams open, and a boiling, dressed Matthews
comes storming out. He moves out of the way _fast_.

MATTHEWS
What is _with_ that lunatic? There is _no_ UEO fleet requirement for a
mandatory medical check when coming on board- that's a myth from ancient
science fiction.

PECK
(carefully)
That's true, Sir, but you _do_ have to be checked out every six months. We
all do. And yesterday, the Doctor was willing to waive it.
(beat, with resignation)
Today, he's not.

MATTHEWS
(beat, raging to self)
That two-faced, conniving, asinine...

She trails off, looking for a word.

PECK
Jerk?

MATTHEWS
(completing her rant)
...Jerk!

She then smacks her fist against a nearby table for emphasis. Peck jumps
slightly.

PECK
Sir?

MATTHEWS
What?!

Peck, suddenly realizing that if he wants to survive his Tour, he'd better
get out _fast_:

PECK
Sir, why don't I tell the doctor that you'll be along in about an hour?
(beat)
It'll give you enough time to, uh, cool down?

MATTHEWS
Fine.
(beat)
Dismissed.

PECK
Yes, Sir.

And he leaves as fast as he can without it _looking_ like he's trying to
leave as fast as he can. We watch Matthews watch him go, and see her
smack yet another innocent piece of furniture, then:

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MATTHEWS' QUARTERS

We see Peck lean against a convenient bulkhead, and shake his head.

PECK
(to self)
I _knew_ I should've gone into the Air Force....

Still shaking his head, Peck begins walking down the corridor. He passes
Ensign Zac Michaelson, the _Agamemnon's_ helmsman - a dark-haired, _very_
green-looking 22-and nods in recognition as he passes before we

CUT TO MATTHEWS' QUARTERS

Matthews is reviewing a crew member profile on her computer screen. We see
the name and picture of AARON, PETER LT. CMDR, and briefly see reference to a
column labelled "SERVICE RECORD" with numerous red entries. She stops and
rolls her eyes; she still looks upset, but has stopped hitting things.

MATTHEWS
(moaning, to self)
I wonder if Wolenczak ever went through this...
(idea dawns)
Hmm...maybe I should ask him....

She pulls out her PAL and opens a channel to the Bridge.

JACKSON
(over PAL)
Bridge, Jackson.

MATTHEWS
(into PAL)
This is Matthews. Get me a direct vidlink to Captain Wolenczak.

JACKSON
(over PAL)
On the flagship, aye. One moment, please, Sir.

Matthews waits a moment, then:

JACKSON
(over PAL)
Signal's coming through now, Sir.

Matthews turns to her vidscreen, and, an image of Captain Lucas Wolenczak
appears... looking decidedly unhappy. He musters a weak smile for
Matthews.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Jessie. Good to see you.

MATTHEWS
(politely, but with an edge of concern)
Good to see you, too, Sir.
(beat)
Is something wrong?

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen, shifting uncomfortably)
No...not really, I just...
(beat)
I got a letter from Tori.
(beat)
It started "Dear Lucas".

MATTHEWS
(confused)
Sir?

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen, sighs)
Not a regular "Dear Lucas" letter.
(beat, deliberately)
A "Dear _Lucas_" letter.

And Matthews suddenly gets the point.

MATTHEWS
Oh.
(beat, sympathetically)
Sir, I'm so sorry.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Don't be...I knew it couldn't last.
(beat, grimly humorous)
After all, I should know that you're never supposed to go home with anyone you
meet in a shore bar. It's just asking for trouble.

Matthews doesn't know what to say, but she eyes her former Captain's image
carefully.

MATTHEWS
You okay, Sir?

Wolenczak forces a smile.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Don't know.
(beat)
I mean, no one seemed to understand us-- hell, _I_ didn't understand us. It
was like someone stuck us together, for no reason other than to make me
feel...Human, maybe
(beat, a shrug)
And it...sorta...worked.
(a final beat, now with resolve)
But, enough of my problems. You look like you're having a few of your
own.

MATTHEWS
You could say that.
(beat, venting with growing intensity)
The boat is _barely_ seaworthy. My Chief of Security and one of my
Marauder pilots are at each other's throats. My Chief Helmsman's greener
than grass. My Chief Engineer spends his off-hours hacking databases--

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen, interrupting, bemusedly)
Now _that's_ familiar.

MATTHEWS
(finishing)
And my first officer won't stop _flirting_ with me!

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen, mock-horrified)
The bastard.

MATTHEWS
(annoyed at his lack of sympathy)
And you haven't heard the worst of it.
(beat, at wits' end)
My CMO's _Mark Curcio_!!!

Wolenczak's eyes widen.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen, seriously)
Now that _is_ a problem.
(beat)
Have you tried to get him transferred?

MATTHEWS
Who'd take him?
(beat, sighs)
Besides, if Command's so desperate to re-man this boat that they pulled
Curcio outta his exile...there's probably no one left.
(beat)
Sir...any suggestions you might have would be _most_ welcome right about now.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Well...as for Curcio, beyond arranging a freak lighting accident or
something, try and get him transferred ASAP.

MATTHEWS
(muttering)
Read you five-by-five on _that_ one, Sir.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Beyond that...try to get to know your crew. Read their records, find out
about their skills. For example...did you know that your XO is a member in
good standing with the Hell's Angels?

MATTHEWS
No...but I'm not surprised.
(beat)
But how did _you_ know?

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
When I heard about your transfer...I called in a few favors, and started
going through the roster. I didn't get to the CMO, though, or I'd have
warned you.
(listing)
Now...your Lieutenant Wolling was trained in Paris as a ballet dancer
before she joined up. Lieutenant Rodgers' hands are registered as deadly
weapons. Lieutenant Calkin holds two doctorates and is working on a third,
all in various geologic specializations.
(beat)
Know your staff, Commander. That's what...
(beat)
That's what Captain Hudson always told me.

MATTHEWS
Thank you, Sir.

WOLENCZAK
(on-screen)
Anytime.

And, with a slight movement of his hand, Wolenczak cuts the connection. We
look at Matthews for a moment, as she glances at her watch.

MATTHEWS
(off watch)
I've got twenty minutes...
(beat, considering)
That's plenty of time to look at one of their files....

She turns back to the computer, and begins typing in commands.


CUT TO MEDBAY

Our first image is of Curcio, standing near one of the beds, looking about
ready to spit nails.

CURCIO
(muttering, to self)
Who does she think she is, making _me_ wait...like I don't having anything
better to do than wait for her highness to _grace_ me with her presence...

It is at this point that Matthews walks in. She walks right up to Curcio.

MATTHEWS
(stiffly)
You wanted to see me?

CURCIO
Yes. I made my request three hours ago, and sent your XO after you an
hour and a half ago.
(beat)
You're late.

MATTHEWS
(archly)
I was in conference with Captain Wolenczak.

CURCIO
Really?
(beat, "mildly")
Talking about me behind my back?

Matthews just rolls her eyes. After a beat:

MATTHEWS
I want a different doctor.

CURCIO
("offended")
You wound me, Commander! This lack of trust...
(shakes head)
Truly disheartening.

Matthews glares at him.

MATTHEWS
(seriously annoyed)
I said: I want a different doctor.

CURCIO
("normally")
Well, I want a different captain. But, as I'm told your _dear_ Doctor
Burke seemed so fond of saying, people in Hell want ice water.
(beat)
You see, I am the only doctor. I am, in fact, the entire medical staff of
the...
(scathingly)
..._illustrious Agamemnon_.
(beat)
I've been _promised_ by any number of higher-ups that a staff will be
provided for me at our next port of call, but, until then...
(beat, grinning)
I'm all there is.
(gestures)
Now, if you'll just come with me...

He then takes her by the arm and begins "guiding" her further into the
room. She tugs her arm away from him.

MATTHEWS
I can make it myself, thank you.

CURCIO
("innocently")
Just didn't want you getting lost.

She glares at him, but obediently goes over to the nearest bed. She
turns...and sees Curcio standing and looking at her.

CURCIO
(mildly)
Tired, Commander?

MATTHEWS
It's _captain_.
(beat)
Look, can we just get this over with? I have a great deal to do today,
since you assured me yesterday that I was not due for a physical.

CURCIO
I see.
(beat)
Commander-- sorry _Captain_.
(beat)
As much as I would like to give you a proper work-up...I'm afraid that is
not an option.

MATTHEWS
(blankly)
What?

CURCIO
I see your XO is as efficient as the _last_ few XOs I've worked with.
(beat)
I requested your presence down here, because of the fact that I have been
given _no supplies_.

MATTHEWS
(dangerously)
_What_?!
(beat, sliding off the bed)
Talk to the supply officer about that! What are you wasting my time for?!

CURCIO
I attempted to talk to Procurement. An Ensign...
(beat, thinking, then gets it)
Burns, I believe it was. He was utterly incompetent.

MATTHEWS
(to self)
Look who's talking...
(beat, sighing, feeling the remaining nerve begin to fray)
Doctor. Take it up with supply. I don't care how incompetent the officer
is-- I'm sure he'll figure out his own system eventually.

CURCIO
He'd be better off trying surgery.

MATTHEWS
Very likely.

Curcio's reaction is to look scandalized. He opens his mouth to protest,
however, he's cut off by the intercom activating.

JACKSON
(V.O.)
Captain to the Bridge. Captain to the Bridge.

MATTHEWS
(coolly overjoyed)
Excuse me, I believe that's my cue.

And, with a brief, victorious smile, Matthews is outta there, brushing
past an irritated Curcio as she goes.

CUT TO BRIDGE

Her uniform back to rights, Matthews runs onto the Bridge to find Peck
waiting for her. The rest of the stations are manned by the main crew.

MATTHEWS
(to Peck)
Report.

PECK
We received a distress call from the UEO Hauler _Avery_ about five minutes
ago. She's been boarded, but we couldn't get by who before we lost the
signal.
(beat)
But, this whole area's been targeted by Ross' privateers, so...it's a
pretty good bet that's who it is.

MATTHEWS
(darkly humorous)
Now, now, Lieutenant Commander. That's pure speculation on our part.

PECK
(bitterly serious)
Oh yeah?
(beat)
The mercs who boarded the _Ag_ three months ago took a great deal of
pleasure in telling us how much they were being paid in Carrot currency.
When they weren't busy butchering two-thirds of our crew, that is.
(beat, darkly)
That's proof enough for me.

Matthews, surprised by this deeper side of her exec, nods.

MATTHEWS
(quietly)
I see.

A beat of silence, then:

PECK
I took the liberty of laying in the most direct course to her last known
position.

MATTHEWS
ETA?

PECK
Ninety minutes.

MATTHEWS
(sighs, to self)
Well, that's plenty of time to come up with a plan...
(beat, to Peck)
All right. Get me everything we've got on the layout of the _Avery_, and
route it to the terminal in my quarters.

PECK
Yes, Sir.

Matthews moves aft toward the bridge hatch. As she walks:

MATTHEWS
(to Jackson)
Try and raise the _Avery_ again, as well as any other vessels in the area.

JACKSON
Yes, Sir.

MATTHEWS
(just as she opens the hatch and walks through it)
And nobody tell Curcio where I am!

We finish watching her leave, then we switch back to Peck, who sits down in
the command chair, leaning forward like a hawk ready to pounce.

PECK
(softly)
I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this after all...

And, with a not terribly reassuring smile, he turns to a nearby console to
get the information that was requested. On the look in his eyes, we:

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN TO WARDROOM

We see that Peck, Rodgers, Schultz, Aaron, and Michaelson are all assembled in
the cramped room, seated at the table.

AARON
(to Peck)
So, Johnny...
(beat, wryly)
You think we'll get to see any action, now that we're such
(miming quotation marks)
"highly-skilled, valuable officers"?

PECK
(grinning, keeping the same spirit)
Peter, my friend...
(predatorily)
...I _hope_ so.

Both laugh. Rodgers glowers at them, Schultz watches the exchange without
expression, and Michaelson looks somewhat faint.

MICHAELSON
(nervously)
Sirs...you don't _really_ think that's why she ordered us here?
(beat)
Because we're the assault team?

PECK
Why else?
(beat, off Michaelson's expression)
Don't worry-- everything'll be--
(cuts self off)
Um...never mind.

MICHAELSON
(rather freaked)
Never mind _what_?!

AARON
(off Peck)
Don't mind him.
(beat)
He's just superstitious, is all.
(beat)
See, in every old war movie, saying "everything'll be fine" to someone is
holding up a sign that says "Please shoot me".

Michaelson does _not_ seem reassured.

RODGERS
(annoyed)
Tell me, Lieutenant Commander, is it a tradition on this boat to scare the
new officers? Or is this a special case?

PECK
(smiling "impishly")
Yes.

RODGERS
You're insufferable.

PECK
Why thank you.

This would likely continue, if not for the fact that, at this point, we
see Matthews walk in. All rise.

MATTHEWS
As you were.

They all sit down, including Matthews, who takes the seat at the head of
the table. Once everyone's settled:

MATTHEWS
All right. After a careful review of all the pertinent facts, I've
decided that the five of you will make up the assault team.

We SWITCH to watch as Peck beams a slight "I told you so" smile to
Michaelson, who looks away. Matthews turns and pushes a few buttons on
the console, and a schematic of the _Avery_ appears on the screen.

MATTHEWS
So...let's get started.

CUT TO EXTERIOR MARAUDERS

Establishing shot. We see the two sleek craft slice smoothly through the
water.

CUT TO INTERIOR MARAUDERS
Intercutting as necessary between the interiors of the two craft, we see
Wolling looking completely calm, and Dillon looking slightly anxious.

DILLON
So...
(beat, aggrievedly)
We're decoys.

Wolling smiles slightly.

WOLLING
We've done it before. Against better ships than a captured hauler.
(beat)
Besides-- all we have to do is to keep them busy until the Captain and her
team are aboard. Then we can take off.

DILLON
In the wrong direction.

WOLLING
(shaking her head, dryly)
You have no sense of adventure.

CUT TO EXTERIOR LAUNCH BAY

We watch an assault craft as it exits the bay.

CUT TO INTERIOR BRIDGE

Jackson sits in the command chair, with Calkin at the sensors, and extras
manning the other stations. Everyone looks tense. After a moment:

JACKSON
They're away?

CALKIN
(nods)
They're away.

JACKSON
ETA?

CALKIN
(checks readings)
ETA assault craft is nineteen minutes, thirty seconds.
(beat)
ETA Marauders...five minutes.

A few tense beats.

JACKSON
Well...here we go then.

CALKIN
Yep.

Several more tense beats, then:

CALKIN
(sighs in frustration)
I hate this.

JACKSON
(laughs ruefully)
Tell me about it....

And the tension begins to break. That is, until....

CURCIO
(O.C., yelling)
What do you _mean_ Matthews is gone?!

Everyone turns, and we see the poor extra at Communications, holding the
earpiece as far from her ear as possible, as, in the background Curcio
continues yelling. We SWITCH back to Jackson and Calkin as they exchange a
look.

JACKSON
Oh dear...

CUT TO EXTERIOR MARAUDERS

Establishing shot. Just a very quick one, as we see them approaching the
Hauler at a fast clip.

CUT TO INTERIOR MARAUDERS

Intercut as necessary.

WOLLING
Got it on my screens.

DILLON
Copy. Same here.

WOLLING
(dryly)
Good. I'd hate to think I was imagining it.

We see Dillon roll his eyes, then:

DILLON
Bow or stern?

WOLLING
Hmm...
(beat)
I'll take the bow, you take the stern.

DILLON
Five by five.
(beat, lightly)
And I'll be in Scotland before you.

WOLLING
(wryly)
Been there, done that, Yank.
(beat)
All right, on a three count.

CUT TO EXTERIOR MARAUDERS

We see them heading dead on amidships toward the hauler, as, in voiceover:

WOLLING
(V.O.)
One...

And they get closer...the Hauler is swelling in the screen...

WOLLING
(V.O.)
Two...

They're close enough to see details on her hull....

WOLLING
(V.O.)
Three!
And they split off, Wolling's Marauder heads toward the bow, Dillon's
toward the stern.

CUT TO INTERIOR ASSAULT CRAFT

Matthews paces in the aft compartment, visible behind Michaelson and Peck
in the pilot and copilot's seats. After a moment, the comm crackles on.
While Matthews, hearing it, comes up from aft:

PECK
(to Matthews)
Signal coming in, Sir.
(beat, listens)
It's on an unsecured frequency.

MATTHEWS
Put it on.

Peck pushes a few buttons, and the speakers come to life..

WOLLING
(over comm)
--repeat: Home Base, this is Recon Patrol One...
(beat)
Having a slight problem.

MICHAELSON
(surprised)
That's Lieutenant Wolling!

PECK
On an open line? What the hell?

MATTHEWS
Everything's fine.

Odd looks are shot her by everyone in sight. She just smiles.

MATTHEWS
Trust me.

More odd and dubious looks. She continues to smile.

WOLLING
(over comm, continuing)
Meeting resistance. Can you assist?

MICHAELSON
Sir, shouldn't we--

MATTHEWS
(cutting him off)
No, we shouldn't.
(to Peck)
ETA to Hauler?

PECK
Two minutes.
(beat)
Something up your sleeve?

MATTHEWS
Just my arm, Commander.

WOLLING
(over comm)
Home Base, do you read? We need assistance!

MICHAELSON
(getting quite antsy)
_Sir_--

He cuts himself off as Peck lays a hand on his arm.

PECK
(_sotto voce_)
Relax.

MICHAELSON
But--

PECK
Trust _me_.
(to Matthews)
We're almost in position, Sir.

CUT TO EXTERIOR ASSAULT CRAFT

We see the craft slowly approaching the Hauler's stern. From the bow, we
hear the sound of torpedoes being fired, it's rather obvious at who, but
we remain watching the stern as the assault craft comes toward it. After
a moment, the boats are hull-to-hull and we watch as our heroes begin
cutting their way through. We then PULL BACK, until we see the whole of
the _Avery_, the tiny boat attached to her stern, and our two Marauders,
firing torpedoes ineffectively at the behemoth who followers them. Then:

WOLLING
(V.O.)
Pull back.
(beat)
Home Base. This is Recon One-- returning to Base.

And we see them take off...in the exact wrong direction. Within moments,
the Hauler follows suit.

CUT TO INTERIOR ASSAULT CRAFT

We watch them as they run out the airlock hatch. As we watch the last
one-- Michaelson, leave, we hear:

MICHAELSON
(as he leaves, to self)
Getting them to follow our subfighters in the wrong direction...never
taught us _that_ one at the Academy...

And he's gone.

CUT TO _AVERY_ CORRIDOR

The corridor is dark and foreboding-- unadorned, gun-metal gray bulkheads,
with many large pieces of them having been shot off or out somewhat
recently, and with clearly live wires hanging down from the ceiling. The
atmosphere is oppressive, and seems to be getting to them all as their
gazes sweep their surroundings.

AARON
God, this looks familiar.

PECK
(darkly)
Reminds me of the _Ag_.

Peck and Aaron share gallows' grins. After a moment:

MATTHEWS
All right, cut the chatter.
(gesturing to each in turn)
Rodgers, Schultz, you're with Peck, you take the left.
(beat)
Michaelson, Aaron, with me on the right.

They form up into the two indicated groups. Then:

MATTHEWS
Remember, keep communications silence at all times, no matter what.

PECK
Aye, Sir.

MATTHEWS
And, Commander...
(beat, sighs)
Don't make this personal.

PECK
Of course not.
(beat, smiles)
Nothing personal at all.

He turns and, gesturing to his team to follow, walks away. We stay with
Matthews as she watches them go.

MATTHEWS
(quietly, to Peck's retreating back)
Why don't I believe you....

She sighs in resignation, and gestures to the rest of her team.

MATTHEWS
Let's go.

And as we begin to watch them move out, we:

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN TO _AVERY_ CORRIDOR

We are some undetermined distance down the corridor from where we last saw
Matthews and her team. Our POV moves forward slowly and darkly, as the
Captain exchanges the occasional furtive glance at Michaelson and Aaron.
After about fifteen seconds of progress, the relative silence is suddenly
jarred by the sounding of klaxons- and the sight of an emergency bulkhead
closing immediately in front of the threesome, blocking their path.

MATTHEWS
(a whispered yell)
They're on to us! Let's get the hell out of here!

They turn and begin heading in the direction they came, but before they can
get to the first cross-corridor, the din of klaxons from (now) behind them is
joined, jarringly, by the slightly out-of-phase and out-of-tune sounds that
accompany the closing of _another_ emergency bulkhead blocking their retreat.
We see the reactions-- from Michaelson, fear, from Matthews and Aaron, anger
and frustration -- as we

CUT TO _AVERY_ BRIDGE

Close-up on the intent face of Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Nigel Lexington
(ret.), from which we pull back to see a mixed bag of rank patches and other
insignia reflecting his "travels" as a raider and mercenary. He addresses his
team through the Bridge comm system.

LEXINGTON
(a clipped, matter-of-fact, British accent with just a hint of menacing)
Right. Do make our guests comfortable. I'll be down for the formal
introductions presently.
(beat)

And how many are in their party?

VOICE
(also British accent, over comm)
Sir? All we caught in our sensor trap was the three of them.

LEXINGTON
(still clipped but now impatience chimes in)
The UEO would not send only three people to liberate a hauler this size.
(beat, doing the arithmetic in his head)
No, the protocol on this type of mission would be to send at least two teams
and split them up. That's either three or six more unaccounted for.
(beat, striving to be accurate)
Give or take one or two.

Lexington's tone leaves no doubt about his determination, and there is more
than a hint of menace.

LEXINGTON
Do find them, Mister Charles...it has been _so_ long since our last little
party with UEO citizens. I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with
them

CUT TO -_AVERY_ CORRIDOR

Our POV is the exact spot we began this Act, from the outside of the now-
closed bulkhead. We hear the klaxons again as this time the bulkhead opens,
giving us our first look at the still-determined faces of Matthews and her
team, each of them subdued by one of the weapon-wielding raiders. Their
faces and arms are still showing bloody traces from their recent capture.
The captors wordlessly push them forward toward the camera, prompting an
exchange of dirty looks among the captured, accompanied by a knowing glance
from Michaelson to Aaron. As if on cue the two begin their struggle anew.
Matthews reacts quickly.

MATTHEWS
Save it, you two. Now is not the time....

It _is_, however, the time for her to come face to face with Lexington, who
completes the thought for her.

LEXINGTON
Correct. "Now" is not "the time."
(beat)
"Later" is _also_ not "the time."

He takes a step closer to the captives, making them even more tense.

LEXINGTON
(continuing, as he inspects Matthews' name and rank patches)
Commander Matthews, This is your moment of decision. If you or your people
offer the slightest resistance, I will kill you where you stand. So, do you
want to go down to the brig--

And he nonchalantly removes his sidearm and points it at Matthews.

LEXINGTON
(continuing)
--or down with the ship?

Matthews exchanges quick glances at her team members, then puts on a look of
hopelessness that is only a slight exaggeration from how hopeless she truly
feels.

MATTHEWS
(as if by rote)
"Surrender or die." Fine, I surrender.
(beat, raising her voice to just below the level of a yell)
You hear that, Bergeron? You hear that, Curcio? I surrendered again. Happy
now?

Lexington thinks he understands this outburst.

LEXINGTON
Right. And would those be the other two guests you've been hiding from us?

Matthews quickly covers her concern for her other team members with a despair-
filled sigh. She looks directly at Aaron and Michaelson.

MATTHEWS
No. This is the only team we have here.

Lexington lets it go, at least for the moment.

LEXINGTON
Fair enough, Matthews. Of course, our people will find any other team you
_might_ have, with or without your help-
(beat, a final hint of evil to come)
I'm sure you and your people will be
most willing to help us in our search for your friends, won't you?

MATTHEWS
Give me one good reason I should.

LEXINGTON
(with an air of menace)
There are several, Commander Matthews.
(beat)
But, the one that I think you'll find most compelling, is the fact that I
know where all of my men are. And I know where they will be.
(beat)
If I know that my men are not somewhere, then I think it is uninhabited.
(beat)
In which case, should we, oh...feel we should knock out a few bulkheads
with explosive charges-- purely for the purposes of redecorating our
newest acquisition, you understand-- your own crewman may, accidentally of
course, be inside the blast zone when the explosion occurs.
(beat)
I am certain that this is the last thing you desire, Commander Matthews.
Is it not?

He chooses not to wait for a reply and turns, gesturing to their captors to
remove the prisoners, and the parade to the Brig begins- but as it passes the
first junction, from the corner of our POV we see a lurking Carol Rodgers,
concern on her face, make eye contact with Matthews from her hiding place in
the cross-corridor. Matthews offers no more than an unnoticed blink, but her
security chief nods and slinks a step or two back into the cross-corridor as
we

CUT TO _AGAMEMNON_ BRIDGE

Jackson remains in command, but appears near the point of breakdown from the
continued onslaught of complaints from Curcio. He remains at Jackson's side
and from the look of it, their argument been proceeding non-stop- and totally
against Jackson's wishes- since the teams first left the boat.

CURCIO
(picked up in mid-drone)
You _see_? They're not back yet, haven't reported in, they're probably lying
there dead in pools of blood and I won't have a current physical on the
Captain to file along with the autopsy!

Jackson's stack finally blows.

JACKSON
Doctor, curse you already! You've been-

A suddenly amused beat ensues, in which Jackson suddenly "gets" something.

JACKSON
(wryly)
So _that's_ where that name comes from!

But Curcio cannot be stopped by icebergs, much less insults.

CURCIO
Fine, go ahead and make jokes. I could've saved _lives_ on that mission.
(beat, reading ahead to the last chapter of _this_ particular fantasy)
Maybe even gotten a commendation, an assignment to UEO headquarters, or
maybe, even, back on board the-

But Jackson, by now, is back on board his bad mood, and cuts Curcio off.

JACKSON
Doctor, Ensign Michaelson is a trained EMT, so I'm sure-

But Curcio cuts him off.

CURCIO
("the very thought!")
You're comparing my skills to those of, of--
(beat, almost spitting as he says it)
--an Evilly Malpracticing Twit?
(beat, summoning up a belly full of righteous indignation)
_I_ am a doctor, not an ambulance driving thrillseeker. When the body bags
come lining up in the docking bay, you'll wish I'd been sent on this mission.

Jackson suddenly smiles again. He has found his way out.

JACKSON
(levelly)
You're right.
(beat)
You are absolutely one hundred and ten percent right.
(beat)
I will so note for the record in the log of this vessel. "Mark Curcio should
have been sent the hell off this boat at the first opportunity."

He now stands and turns to look his nemesis straight in the eye.

JACKSON
(continuing)
You win. So go sign yourself out a dinghy to go out there after them if you
want to. But get yourself the hell off this bridge until somebody breaks
something.
(beat, dead serious again)
Or somebody will.

Even Curcio can take a hint when it's in the form of a threat of grievous
bodily harm, and he finally breaks off the confrontation and exits. The second
he is out of earshot, several members of the Bridge crew break into
spontaneous applause, from which we

CUT TO _AVERY_ BRIG

We see the three trapped crewmembers, showing fresh bruises from their march
to and toss into the Brig. Michaelson paces while Matthews and Aaron sit at
the edge of one of the bulkheads. The Captain lets out a long sigh, then
recovers enough mental strength to survey the situation.

MATTHEWS
Right.

MICHAELSON
(a bit confused)
Sir?

Matthews realizes her verbal faux pas.

MATTHEWS
(annoyed at herself)
That Brit uses that stupid word like punctuation. For crying out loud _I'm_
starting to sound like the guy.
(beat, back to her original thought)
Well, they must not think much of our capabilities, seeing how they put us all
in here together.
(beat- to Aaron)
I don't suppose this cell is connected to an air conditioning vent so we can
all just crawl out of here.

Aaron rolls his eyes ever so slightly.

AARON
I'm afraid not, Sir. But I _would_ have to say that this "cell" is a definite
retrofit.

Matthews brightens visibly.

MATTHEWS
So, maybe not an easy way out, but _some_ way out?

AARON
(thinking out loud)
In fact, if I'd have to guess, it looks like it used to be some kind of a
storage unit.
(beat, putting the thinking into second gear)
Which would mean that there should be a juncture somewhere around--

He paused as he looks, then points.

AARON
(continuing the thought)
_There_.

>From out of a pocket, he pulls out a screwdriver.

AARON
(finishing the thought)
I can probably hot wire the door-- at the very least, keep it open next time
they come in. But, it may get a little noisy-- especially if I touch a wire I
shouldn't, if you catch my drift.
(beat)
Think you two can arrange some covering noise?

Matthews brightens into an even bigger grin. Michaelson turns to her and
returns it.

MATTHEWS
(under her breath)
_Told_ you I liked teamwork....

CUT TO _AVERY_ CORRIDOR

We are looking down the cross-corridor where we last saw Rodgers. She's still
there, but this time we see her reaching out from her tight-in spot to pull in
Peck as he enters the cross-corridor from the other end.

RODGERS
(hissing under her breath)
In here, cowboy!
(beat)
This corridor seems to be blocked from their sensors.

Peck grimaces slightly as he responds.

PECK
Wonder if it's an anomaly or if they fitted a shielded compartment in here?

Rodgers ponders this for a second.

RODGERS
Could be on purpose-they might want to keep stuff off the sensors of these
roving bands of pirates. Of course, you'd think the pirates would've figured
that out by now--
(beat, pondering a little more)
But this _is_ awfully close to where they captured Matthews- maybe too close
for them to be looking down here--

Peck has uttered the occasional groan during this monologue. Now he's had
enough.

PECK
Um, that's all very interesting, but do you have a tourniquet I could borrow?

Only now does Rodgers realize that Peck has taken a shot to the shoulder.

RODGERS
(continuing, more concern and less hiss)
Commander, what happened?

PECK
You know how us guys are.
(beat, grimacing)
We never stop and ask for directions no matter how lost we are. So a raider
with a plasma pistol basically told me to head back this way.
(a longer beat, a bigger grimace)
He just let his pistol do the talking.

Rodgers has been doing some rudimentary first aid while Peck goes on.

RODGERS
It looks mainly superficial.
(beat, the hiss is way down and the concern is way up)
But I'll bet it hurts like hell.

Peck's pain stops dead in its tracks.

PECK
Why, Lieutenant, I _do_ believe that is the first time you have _ever_ shown
any concern for my well being.

(beat, flashing a mischievous smile)
I _knew_ you loved me.

But Rodgers glares back at him, and she begins to fashion a bandage for his
wound, all business, as we

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIG

One of the raider guards, who unlike his companions does _not_ have a British
accent- North American with a hint of Canadian- is on a PAL-like device as we
hear an infernal din, and the interspersed off-screen grunts and screams of
Matthews and Michaelson.

GUARD 1
(into PAL)
I don't _know_ what started it, Sir. The male prisoner mentioned something
about the female's parents, and then _she_ started yelling something about
_his_ mother-

We hear the response from an as-yet not introduced captor.

GUARD 2
(over PAL)
I'll get on the vidlink to Ladbrooke's- see if I can get odds on who's going
to win this fight.

GUARD 1
(rolls eyes as he responds)
Is there _anything_ you Brits won't allow a legal bet on?

The voice on the other end reflects a sudden dead seriousness.

GUARD 2
(over PAL)
On me and Colin finding those other UEO soldiers.
(a grim beat)
Or on Lexington throwing us out with the bilge if we don't.
(another beat as reality sets back in)
You enjoy your prisoners, let us catch ours. Out.

As we hear the transmission terminate, we pan around the wall of the cell
door, outside the first guard's field of vision, and get our first look at the
"combatants"-- We PUSH IN toward them, until we're inside.


CUT TO INTERIOR BRIG

But Michaelson and Matthews are three steps apart as they scream back and
forth. They are instead slamming pieces of scrap metal onto the deck.
Through these next few lines we can see them trying desperately not to burst
out laughing. In their background, also out of the vision of the guard
station, is Aaron, hip-deep in circuitry, who works feverishly over the end of
the outbursts.

MICHAELSON
(at the top of his lungs as the shards of metal crash)
Well it's _true_! I heard the Doctor call you "Chicken of the Sea" even
_before_ this last surrender!

MATTHEWS
(matching him for volume of voice and smashing of deck)
_I'm_ chicken! _You_ are responsible for the lives of exactly _one_ crewmember
- your own- but you're afraid your own damn shadow!

The Ensign begins the final insult-

MICHAELSON
Yeah, but I never-

but before he gets to what he never, Aaron waves one arm in the air to call
time out and gives a knowing nod. The Captain makes a "cut" sign across her
neck , then brings down her hand to signal a decrescendo of all the noise.
The bangs and crashes quickly fade, and before long all is quiet.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIG

The first guard has been joined by a third, who turn to each other in
disappointment and suspicion as the noise has suddenly ended.

GUARD 3
Sounds like a bloody draw.

GUARD 1
(still evil in his tone)
Maybe they both got hurt.
(beat)
I suppose we'll have to clean them up, then.

We follow into the cell from their POV. All we- and they- can see is a
perfectly calm and quiet Aaron sitting upright, smiling and whistling.
Warily, the guards approach him. We see them opening the door and going in as
we

CUT TO INTERIOR BRIG

GUARD 3
Right. Where are-

But we never hear where the other prisoners are. We instead see the prisoners
jump from behind the blind spot behind the cell door and club the captors with
hunks of the sharded metal that had until recently been making all the noise.
Michaelson picks up his captors' PAL-like device and tosses it to Aaron.

MICHAELSON
This any use to you?

Aaron gives it a quick once-over, tries hitting a few keys which squeal in
protest, then stops abruptly.

AARON
No good. They must be password-protected, or more likely have voice
recognition of some sort built into them.
(beat)
And they are _not_ a problem we have the time to solve right now.

Unfazed, the jubilant threesome exit the brig as Aaron leads the way out.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BRIG

MATTHEWS
(to Michaelson, affecting an overdone officious British accent)
Right. Note to engineering. When retrofitting a brig into a storage
compartment-

Aaron hears this from ahead and picks up the very thought.

AARON
(same overdone accent)
-- spend an extra hundred quid or so to take out the circuitry--

MICHAELSON
(joining the party)
_and_ replace the _entire_ wall of the compartment with a force field so's
the guards can have a full line of sight _around_ it.
(beat, confused and back in his regular voice)
Um, Sir.
(beat)
What's a quid?

AARON
(normal voice, to Matthews.)
Please, Sir. If I may.
(beat, to Michaelson)
Pounds.
(beat. Pedantic)
Brit-tish mun-nee.
(beat)
Aww, Michaelson, you are _so_ green.

Matthews is the first to tire of this routine, and looks at her crewmates
intently.

MATTHEWS
All right, you two. Move out.

And she leads the way as the other two look at each other and smile, saying
the last word in unison as they scram to safety.

MICHAELSON, AARON
(gleefully)
Right.

As we follow them back toward the resumption of their mission, we

FADE TO COMMERCIAL

END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE _AVERY_ BRIDGE

Matthews and Michaelson run into the corridor from another. They then
turn and look behind them, as we hear a sound like cracking glass,
followed by a thud. After a moment, Aaron, holding a gun in one hand and
shaking the other, rejoins the group.

AARON
(off the gun)
Just my size.
(beat, dryly)
That's what I love about the British-- they're so efficient.

Matthews rolls her eyes, as Michaelson titters slightly.

MATTHEWS
Okay, cut the chatter.
(beat, off hatch ten meters distant)
There's the Bridge.

AARON
Yup.
(beat)
So what's the plan, boss?

Matthews turns back toward him, slightly too quickly for comfort. Aaron
doesn't miss it.

AARON
(that sinking feeling)
You _do_ have a plan, right?

MATTHEWS
(scoffing and lying)
Of _course_ I have a plan.

A slightly noticeable note of discomfort penetrates the beat, as she moves
up the corridor a few paces, and looks around at the clearly battered
bulkhead. After the beat, she motions the others forward. When they
arrive:

MATTHEWS
(to Aaron)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you and Peck retook the _Ag_ by tapping into the
comm system, right?

AARON
That, and the merc's transmissions, too. It's how we figured out how many
people there were, and where they are.
(beat, slightly mischievously)
My personal computer is set up...a little bit differently from the others
on the boat.

MATTHEWS
(muttering, to self)
I'll bet.

AARON
(as if she hadn't spoken)
But that won't work this time.

He points up to a large scorched depression that cuts deep into the
bulkhead, with smoking, burnt wiring evident. We stay on this during the
next line.

AARON
(O.C.)
_That's_ the comm line.
(beat)
And most of the other connected systems.

We now SWITCH back to look at Our Heroes.

AARON
(continuing, shakes head)
Recent, too-- I'm gonna bet they know we're out and decided not to take
chances.
(beat, gallows humor)
Apparently my reputation precedes me.

We look over just in time to see Matthews sigh.

MATTHEWS
Great. Just great.
(beat, listing)
We can't use their PALs...we can't access the main comm line...and they
know we're coming.
(beat, to self)
I'm _so_ happy to be here....

She sighs, sand, after a beat:

MICHAELSON
Sir?
(beat)
What do we do?
MATTHEWS
(sighs)
We go in there and try not to get killed.

And she quietly walks down toward the hatch. We stay on Aaron and
Michaelson a moment.

MICHAELSON
(muttering, to self)
I'm _so_ glad the commander didn't tell me everything would be all right.

Aaron just grins and claps the younger man on the shoulder.

AARON
(not unkindly)
Come on.
(beat)
Boss is waiting.

And we watch as they walk ahead to rejoin Matthews at the hatch.

CUT TO INTERIOR BRIDGE

We find ourselves staring at the inside of the access hatch. A bare
second of this, then it swings open, and, in perfect formation, Matthews
enters, flanked on the right by Michaelson and on the left by Aaron. As
soon as this happens, we PUSH IN CLOSE on Matthews, until all we see is
her face, and the expression upon it: one first of fierce determination,
which quickly melts into shocked disbelief.

MATTHEWS
(quietly, to self)
I'll be damned.

We then SWITCH to a POV shot...and see the smiling face of John Peck,
standing beside a battered-looking Lexington. Two other mercenaries lie
insensate around the Bridge. In the background, we see Schultz taking
stock of the various consoles, though Matthews doesn't notice. Aaron goes
over to help her, also without Matthews' noticing. Peck and Schultz seem
somewhat bruised themselves, though nowhere near as badly as the
mercenaries. Peck also has a strip of cloth over his wound so the
bandages aren't visible.

PECK
(innocently)
What took you so long?
(beat)
I sent Rodgers out to get you almost twenty minutes ago.
Matthews doesn't appreciate his levity, focusing on the battered form of
Lexington instead.

PECK
(continuing)
She'll be taking out any of the remaining mercs, too....

He takes a half-step closer to Lexington, and very pointedly places the
barrel of his gun near the other's head. Lexington reacts with noticeable
fear as:

PECK
(continuing smoothly, with an edge of threatening humor)
All thanks to my good and dear friend Nigel here.
(beat, looking to Matthews)
He was kind enough to give us the location of his people...with very
little persuasion.
(beat)
We of course checked his answers with internal sensors. And, as far as we
could tell, given the sensor blinds...
(beat, "fondly" off Lexington's obvious discomfort)
...he was telling the truth.
(beat, placing a hand on Lexington's shoulder)
That's what I love about the British...
(squeezing Lexington's shoulder mock-comradely)
Regular as clockwork.

He smiles even more broadly, and, after a moment, releases Lexington,
clapping the merc's shoulder as he does so. He then steps back a pace,
and we begin to PUSH IN on Lexington.

PECK
(silkily)
The sensors _also_ showed...that there were no survivors.

A beat of silence, and we're TIGHT on Lexington. We watch his eyes, as
just in the edge of the screen, we see the barrel of Peck's gun move
ever-so-slightly closer.

PECK
(O.C., continuing)
He wasn't lying on _that_ count, either.

A beat of silence, and we see the barrel of Peck's gun come to rest
against Lexington's temple. We then look at his terror, and we see him
look up. We then SWITCH to see Peck's expression of malevolent glee...and
then we suddenly see him pull the barrel back away from Lexington.

PECK
("moving right along...")
And, we've reported to the _Ag_, and have laid in a course for her.
(beat, innocently)
Anything else, Sir?

Matthews looks about ready to spit nails, while Peck looks oblivious.
After a moment:

MATTHEWS
(glaring directly at Peck, icily, to Schultz)
Schultz.

SCHULTZ
(looking up)
Sir?

MATTHEWS
(not looking at her)
Take over guarding the prisoner.

SCHULTZ
Yes, Sir.

She comes over and points her own weapon at Lexington. Peck moves away,
toward Matthews. We stay on them.

PECK
Something wrong, Sir?

MATTHEWS
(icily angry)
Yes.
(beat)
As I recall, I told you not to make this personal.
(beat, off Lexington)
Yet I come in here, to find you terrorizing your prisoner. In direct
defiance of my order.
(beat)
I assume there is an explanation for this.

PECK
Yes, Sir.
(beat)
I take the murder of my crew, and the sacking of my boat very personally.
(beat, gaining in intensity)
And given that this piece of scum _was_ part of the boarding party, as I'm
sure you figured he was, I take it _very_ personally that he's not rotting
in jail.
(beat)
And believe me, I took it _extremely_ personally when he attacked me when we
first came in here.

MATTHEWS
(quickly, sharply, furiously)
Well, I suppose I should be glad you didn't just kill him where he stood!

PECK
I _did_.

_That_ brings Matthews up short. She stares at Peck, who's smiling
tightly, then takes a look over at Lexington, who seems very much alive,
then back to Peck. After a moment, when her exasperation has begun
radiating brighter than a sun:

PECK
Ever heard the expression "A coward dies a thousand times, and a brave man
dies but once."?
(beat, off Lexington)
By my count, between this time and on the _Ag_...I've killed him at least
twelve times.
(beat, shrugs)
Maybe thirteen.
(beat)
Between those, and the number of times he'll get spooked in prison...
(beat, smiling slightly malevolently)
We'll be even in a week.

Matthews just looks at him a moment, then sighs.

MATTHEWS
(tiredly)
You know, Peck...I can't decide if I should court-martial you for
disobeying the letter of my order...
(beat, wryly)
...or congratulate you for the stylistic interpretation of the spirit of
it.

PECK
(lightly)
I _am_ an original, aren't I?

MATTHEWS
(slightly pained)
Thank God for that.
(beat, sighs)
Just...don't do it again, understood? Or I'll opt for the court-martial.

PECK
Yes, Sir.

MATTHEWS
Good.

We then gradually WIDEN to INCLUDE the rest of the Bridge during her next
line.

MATTHEWS
(mock officially)
Now, Lieutenant Commander...since you have everything well in hand, is
there anything _I_ need to be doing?

PECK
(smiling broadly)
Well...
(beat, moving closer)
You could always...
(beat, blinking, and looking a bit confused)
...always...
(beat, somewhat slurred)
...always...

And, he falls into her, unconscious. She, naturally surprised, grabs him,
and, as she does, the strip of cloth moves, revealing a very crimson
bandage.

MATTHEWS
Michaelson!

He runs over, and starts examining Peck.

MICHAELSON
(off wound)
That had to hurt...
(beat)
I think he's going into shock-- we'd better get him back to the _Ag_.

MATTHEWS
(nodding, to self)
I figured we'd need an EMT.
(to Aaron)
Aaron, you've got conn. We're taking Peck back on the assault craft.

Both Aaron and Schultz nod, and Matthews and Michaelson-- the latter
bearing Peck-- leave the Bridge. We then SWITCH to and PUSH IN a bit on
Aaron as he moves closer to the command chair, and Lexington. Aaron then
gestures to Schultz that he's in charge of the prisoner. Schultz moves
off...and Aaron moves closer, to the very clear discomfort of Lexington.

AARON
(threateningly cheerful)
Hi there, Nigel old boy!
(beat, fingering gun suggestively)
Long time no see.

And a quick look at Lexington's face, then:

CUT TO MEDBAY

We find ourselves looking at the entrance hatch just in time to see
Matthews enter. We take a look at her, as she looks around, then quickly
SWITCH to a POV shot, to see Peck lying in a bed, unconscious. A SWITCH back
to Matthews, and we see her begin to walk toward him. After a moment, though:

CURCIO
(O.C.)
He's still out.

We WIDEN to INCLUDE Curcio as he approaches her.

CURCIO
(continuing)
He hasn't been awake at all since you carted him in here
so...unprofessionally.

A beat, then Matthews turns toward him coolly.

MATTHEWS
Maybe he's just avoiding you.

And she pushes by him. We take a look at his disdainful expression, then
back to Matthews, as she sits next to Peck's bedside. We PUSH IN on first her
expression, then his calm, sleeping face, then back to Matthews.
After a brief moment:

MATTHEWS
Peck.
(beat)
Lieutenant Commander Peck, front and center--

Zip. No reaction in the slightest. She sighs, and moves in closer.

MATTHEWS
Peck...get up or you're demoted.
(beat)
Now.

Nothing. She reaches out and shakes him lightly, moving closer.

MATTHEWS
(sing-song, as she shakes him)
Oh, Lieutenant Commander....

A slight groan and an unintelligible murmur. She moves in even closer.

MATTHEWS
(continuing)
...wake up, Lieutenant Commander....

Another groan. She then moves even closer, right down next to his
face...then she changes direction slightly to his ear.

MATTHEWS
(shouting)
_Wake up, Lieutenant Commander_!

And he's _up_. Shoots into a sitting position, clearly startled.

PECK
(breathing hard)
Wha-- Whe--

He cuts himself off as he gasps for breath. After a moment, he turns to
Matthews, who's smiling impishly.

MATTHEWS
(sweetly)
Do you still respect me?

Peck shoots her a look.

PECK
(moaning)
I did until you woke me up....
(beat, sighs)
I deserved it though, I admit it.
(beat, nervously)
Uh...you're not gonna tell Curcio I'm up, are you?

MATTHEWS
You haven't been _that_ annoying.
(beat)
However, if you ever run around playing hero with a hole in your shoulder
again, I just might.

PECK
It wasn't _that_ bad.

MATTHEWS
Like hell.
(beat, shakes head)
We're not dealing with bullets here, Peck. A plasma charge won't just
embed itself in the bone for removal later.
(beat, ruefully)
In fact, it's not safe to run around when a _bullet_ does that, either.

PECK
Oh, come on...
(beat)
You can't expect me to run for cover for every little wound. You
wouldn't.
(beat, slightly arched)
Besides, I have a reputation to live up to.

MATTHEWS
Or die for.

PECK
Maybe.
(beat)
But I'll only go once.

MATTHEWS
(smiles wryly)
Can't argue with that.

PECK
But don't worry about me-- I'm under divine protection.
(beat)
After all, I _am_ an angel.

MATTHEWS
(groans)
Keep it up, Peck...just keep it up....

He grins, and, after a moment, she smiles as well.

MATTHEWS
(rising)
Well, I should go-- we're dropping our prisoners off in a few hours, and
I've got a ton of paperwork to do.

PECK
(nods)
Of course.

An agreeable beat. After a moment, Peck sticks out a hand.

PECK
I have a feeling it'll be nice working with you, Commander.

MATTHEWS
Likewise.

She takes his hand with hers...and he quickly kisses it. She throws him a
_look_.

PECK
(shrugs, abashed with an edge of mischief)
Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

She just rolls her eyes as she reclaims her hand.

MATTHEWS
I'll let it go now, and blame it on your injury.
(beat, mildly)
Try it when you're healed, and I stick you and Curcio on a launch and
knock out your engines.

Peck has the good sense to look abashed.

PECK
Yes, Sir.

She nods, and turns away. We SWITCH to watch her as she leaves, and we see
the slightest smile appear on her face.

CUT TO CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MEDBAY

We see Matthews exit the MedBay, and stay with her as, once the hatch
closes, she looks around. We SWITCH to a POV shot and look around at the
still disheveled place, then SWITCH back to Matthews, to take in her
somewhat satisfied expression.

MATTHEWS
She ain't pretty...
(beat, grinning)
But she's _mine_.

We take a look at her triumphant expression for another brief moment,
then, in the background, we hear the loud clang of another section of
bulkhead falling to the deck. A look at her expression changing to
dismay, then:

FADE TO BLACK

THE END

Copyright 1999, 2047 Staff. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblances to
actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.