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8/14/2019 Defiant: 102 - Ragnarok
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Defiant
Episode 102
Ragnarok
Written By Adam Holmberg
FADE IN:
EXT. DEFIANT
Flying through the water at a good clip.
INT. BRIDGE
Though Wilmette is not present, everyone is at their proper posts. Peck
has the command chair, Alridge to his left at her usual position. While
Alridge presses her controls periodically, Peck reads a report attached
to a clipboard.
ALRIDGE
(never taking her eyes off her station)
What are you doing after your watch?
PECK
(distracted by the report)
What was that?
ALRIDGE
(snatching the report away)
I said, what are you doing after your watch?
PECK
(a bit surprised)
Nothing. I wasnt doing anything.
(taking back the report)
You have to be so vicious?
ALRIDGE
(turning back to her station, not phased)
Sorry. I just got a bit enthusiastic.
PECK
(a chuckle)
Its O.K. I can be that way sometimes. Its just. . .this report.
(placing it on top of the station, sighing)
It makes me a little uneasy.
ALRIDGE
(taking the report, scanning it)The Ragnaroks.
(putting the report back)
Whats bugging you?
PECK
We just know so little about them, and they seem to be getting
stronger. The one we faced six months ago was a threat, but it seems to
have only been the first model. The ones weve encountered over the
past month. . .
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You have to make this personal, dont you?
ALRIDGE
As long as he is alive, yes I do. Everyone waltzes around like hes
Captain Wonderful and they conveniently forget that he did get his crew
and the nine hundred people in Ganges Colony killed.
PECK
(his anger abating)
Sorry Laurie. I spoke before I thought.
ALRIDGE
(stepping forward, patting his shoulder)
Youre forgiven. We all make mistakes.
(half kidding, half serious)
Just dont make it again.
PECK
I wont.
(a chuckle)
Trust me - I wont.
From inside the Bridge a quiet beeping becomes audible. Martin
carefully steps into the corridor, an apologetic look crossing her face.
MARTIN
Commander? Sorry to bug you.
PECK
Its O.K. We were finished anyway. Whats up?
MARTIN
Were getting a distress call from a U.E.O. vessel.
Peck and Alridges expressions turn serious. Peck steps forward and we
follow him as he strides onto the Bridge and to his station, Alridge
and Martin right behind.
NEW ANGLE - PECK
Peck takes the command chair, sits back.
PECK
Ms. Martin - put it on.
MARTIN
Its text only, sir. From the Baltimore. They report theyre under
attack by three Ragnaroks.
ALRIDGE
Im getting nothing on the scanners.
MARTIN
According to the coordinates, they would be about five hundred klicks
out of scanner range.
PECK
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(thoughtfully)
Do their message tags check out?
ALRIDGE
(quietly)
Those can be duplicated.
Peck nods an affirmative as Martin responds.
MARTIN
They seem to, sir.
PECK
(to Martin)
Call the captain to the Bridge.
(to Alridge)
Ill let him make this call.
ALRIDGE
(in agreement)
It seems a bit strange.
PECK
Yes, it does. Usually if audio is out, the message would say so.
Wilmette strides onto the Bridge, approaches Peck.
WILMETTE
Report Commander.
PECK
Sir, were getting a distress call from a ship that claims to be the
Baltimore.
WILMETTE
Claims?
PECK
Well sir, the message is text only.
WILMETTE
Their audio transmitters could be out.
PECK
But the message doesnt say that, and theyre suspiciously just out of
scanner range. Say theyre under attack by three Ragnaroks. The tags
check out, but those can be faked.
WILMETTE
We have to respond - thats protocol. But it doesnt mean well not be
cautious.
(Wilmette nods and Peck vacates the command chair, taking the XO
station. Wilmette takes the command chair)
Communications, feed the Baltimores coordinates to Helm.
MARTIN
(OS)
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Done sir.
WILMETTE
Helm, set a course for the Baltimore, maximum speed.
WONG
Course plotted. Increasing speed. Estimated time to arrival, eighteen
minutes.
WILMETTE
Very good. Now, General Quarters. Ms. Rusch, arm pulse lasers and flood
torpedo tubes one through five. Ms. Alridge, the second were in
scanner range I want you to give me an ID and firing solution for all
ships in the area. I dont want to be lulled into a trap. That would
just ruin my day.
ALRIDGE
Aye sir.
WILMETTE
(to Peck)This might be legitimate. But, if it isnt, well teach whoever sent
that distress call not to mess with the Defiant.
END TEASER
FADE TO OPENING CREDITS
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. DEFIANT
The Defiant flies past us at highest speed.
INT. BRIDGE
All is as we left it. The atmosphere is tense.
WONG
Sir, were now five minutes from the coordinates.
WILMETTE
Still no word from the Baltimore?
MARTIN
Negative, sir. They havent been broadcasting since we sent ouracknowledgement of their call.
RUSCH
They could have sunk or exploded.
PECK
(glancing at Wilmette)
Or it could be a trap.
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WILMETTE
(a nod of agreement)
It feels like one. I dont really know Captain Seamont, but word is
hes pretty methodical. He isnt the kind of guy who would leave so
many gaps or questions.
ALRIDGE
He does claim to be under attack. People do tend to ignore the little
details in that case.
WILMETTE
Normally Id agree, but captains tend to stick to their little
eccentricities - even under pressure.
ALRIDGE
(brushing him off)
If you say so, sir.
Wilmette opens his mouth, about to say something, but Alridge looks
down as her console quietly beeps.
WONG
(OS)
Three minutes out.
WILMETTE
(back to business)
All stop.
EXT. DEFIANT
The submarine slows to a stop in the dark water.
INT. BRIDGE
Close on Wilmette, his gaze turning to Alridge.
WONG
(OS)
All stop aye.
WILMETTE
Ms. Alridge?
ALRIDGE
Im reading one ship dead in the water.
ANGLE ON ALRIDGES CONSOLE
She presses a few buttons, cycling through scans of a dark shape ahead.
ALRIDGE
(OS)
Thats all I can get with the passive scanners.
WILMETTE
(OS)
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Then give me a SoftScan reading.
Alridge presses a few controls and the screen shifts to a high
resolution SoftScan Sensor image of a Ragnarok.
BACK TO ALRIDGE
She glances at Wilmette as he looks over her shoulder.
ALRIDGE
Unless they changed the Aquatica profile and didnt bother to tell me,
weve got one hostile and no U.E.O.
WILMETTE
Battlestations.
The alarm klaxons blare as the non-essential personnel race of the
Bridge through the closing clamshell doors. Peck counts down as the
doors close and all stations report.
PIPERDamage Control crews standing by.
PECK
(as the doors close)
Bridge secure.
RUSCH
Bringing all weapons online.
(looking at Wilmette)
It seems your feeling was right.
WILMETTE
(with a small smile)
It was Mr. Pecks feeling. I only agreed with it.
Peck grins as he presses a few buttons on his station.
ALRIDGE
Should I prep the Phantoms?
WILMETTE
Thats a negative. Well try this ship to ship.
(looking toward the Bridge viewer)
Mr. Wong, half speed ahead.
WONG
Going to half speed, sir.(turning toward Wilmette)
Should I go right for the bogey or plot an indirect route?
WILMETTE
Lets not mince words. Head right for them.
(sitting back)
Ms. Martin, radio the enemy.
MARTIN
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(after a few seconds)
No response, sir.
WILMETTE
(OS)
Then put me on an open channel.
MARTIN
Youre on.
WILMETTE
This is Captain James Wilmette of U.E.O. Defiant. We are responding to
a distress call from one of our ships in the area, though its
beginning to look like you actually sent the call. You should know that
we do not take kindly to such tactics as it only indicates that you are
afraid to attack us directly. Therefore, I suggest you withdraw before
I decide to get pissed.
ALRIDGE
Theyre powering up weapons.
(amused)Theyre making a beeline for us at maximum speed.
WILMETTE
Helm, full stop. Make sure our pulse lasers are pointed right at them.
I want a good shot when they arrive.
PECK
You planned this?
WILMETTE
Not exactly.
(in explanation)
I was sizing him up - wanted to see if he was a pro or a hotshot. My
hunch was correct.
RUSCH
(with a smile)
Usually, hotshots and desperate men are the only ones who send fake
distress calls. Ive never forgotten that one.
WILMETTE
I encountered a fair share of both during the Mac War. The easiest way
to defeat them is to make them angry. When they happens, they become
really stupid.
(to Alridge)
Time to target?
ALRIDGE
Theyll be in range in fifteen seconds.
WILMETTE
Mr. Wong, prepare for evasive action, but only after they fire.
EXT. DEFIANT
The Ragnarok approaches at a high speed. As it flies past the Defiant,
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it opens up with its lasers.
ALRIDGE
(VO)
Theyre firing.
WILMETTE
(VO)
Evasive.
The Defiant suddenly shoots forward from a dead stop, and the
Ragnaroks lasers cleanly miss the U.E.O. submarine.
INT. BRIDGE
Alridge presses a few buttons, smiles.
ALRIDGE
They missed. Coming about for another pass.
WILMETTEBring us about. Ms. Rusch, target their bow with pulse lasers and fire.
EXT. DEFIANT
The Defiant approaches the Ragnarok at half speed, its pulse lasers
glowing crimson.
NEW ANGLE - DEFIANT
The Defiant moves away from us, the Ragnarok moving toward the Defiant.
The Defiants pulse lasers suddenly come to life, slamming into the
Ragnaroks bow as the Ragnaroks lasers cut into the Defiant near the
port Docking Bays.
CLOSE ON RAGNAROK
The Defiants crimson laser bolts cut into the bow of the Ragnarok,
causing a couple of the plates on the black hull to peel off.
INT. BRIDGE
A couple alarms softly beep in the background.
WILMETTE
Damage report?
PIPERSome hull tearing at the first and second layers just forward of
Docking Bay Four.
ALRIDGE
Theyre coming around for another pass.
WILMETTE
Open up with the pulse lasers again, but supplement with torpedoes.
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RUSCH
Firing.
EXT. DEFIANT
The Ragnaroks lasers strike the Defiants port bow while a barrage of
six torpedoes and six pulse laser blasts from Defiant slam the
Ragnaroks lower bow. The Ragnarok pulls up and away from Defiant,
debris falling off.
INT. BRIDGE
Rusch grins as she reads her display.
RUSCH
Clean hits, sir. We tore the bottom of their bow off.
ALRIDGE
(all business)
I confirm, sir. Theyre pulling away. Register a hull breach under most
of their bow. I doubt theyll be back anytime soon.
PECK
Their little trap seems to have backfired on them.
WONG
(OS)
Should we pursue?
WILMETTE
Negative. Stand down from Battlestations. Continue on our patrol route.
(behind Wilmette the clamshell doors begin to slide open and a few
personnel walk back onto the Bridge)
We made our point clear enough.
PECK
Shouldnt we finish them off? It would be one less ship for them to
send after us.
WILMETTE
Id like to waste them as much as you would - even more so. But, we
cant blow up a ship, enemy or not, just because they got us mad.
(turning towards a frustrated Peck)
We cannot let ourselves stoop to their level. Their ship did bait us
off with a fake distress call, but I provoked it. Its a crappy
principle when put against what theyve done, but its still a
principle which they dont have.
(before Peck can say anything, Wilmette suddenly rises and moves towardthe front of the Bridge, stopping at the edge of Pipers station.
PIPER
(with a knowing smile)
Your ship will be fine sir. Their hits didnt make it past the second
layer on the bow. Well have it patched up soon.
WILMETTE
Good.
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(Wilmette moves closer to the station, lowers his voice)
Should we have come off so clean?
PIPER
(leaning over his console)
No, we shouldnt have.
(meeting Wilmettes eyes)
But you know that.
WILMETTE
(grim)
I have a. . .feeling. They obviously werent expecting us. . .or were
they?
PIPER
Ragnaroks can tear us up pretty good.
WILMETTE
So, why didnt this one? Was it playing with us, or was it waiting for
someone else?
PIPER
Sounds like you need to do some more research.
WILMETTE
I will. Thanks - I always like someone else to tell me Im not crazy.
Piper stands, chuckling.
PIPER
No problem, sir.
Wilmette moves toward the Command Plex, stopping near Peck.
WILMETTE
Ill be in my office. You have the Conn.
PECK
You have a theory on this attack?
WILMETTE
No. I have a few. . .
PECK
But not enough evidence to single any one out.
WILMETTE
Exactly. Im going to do a bit of research.
Wilmette moves toward the Bridge exit and Peck rises to take the
command chair, pausing before sitting.
PECK
Should I have Ms. Martin get you Pearl Harbor?
WILMETTE
(calling on the way out)
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Admiral Eastons office.
Once Wilmette has departed, Peck takes the command seat and looks at
Martin.
PECK
You heard the man.
MARTIN
(OS)
Yes sir.
ALRIDGE
As much as I hate to admit it, the captain is right. The Ragnarok
should have put up more of a fight.
PECK
I know. Im just thankful its gone.
ALRIDGE
(OS)But for how long?
Peck stays silent, his face grim. He cant answer that.
INT. MESS HALL
Dinner is in full swing. The room is full, and the latecomers are
finding it hard to get a seat. Pan over a few laughing lieutenants and
ensigns from the lower decks to a table near the kitchen where Peck and
Alridge sit across from Piper and Rusch, their suppers half eaten.
RUSCH
Did you hear about the fight in the Docking Bay?
PECK
Those three ensigns? The captain told me about it before I came here.
ALRIDGE
Fight?
PECK
It happened about forty minutes ago. An Engineering crew was doing
maintenance on one of the Dragonflies when two of them found a wire cut
in one of the engines.
PIPER
The oxygen pump, actually.
PECK
The ensigns - McGrevity and Collins, I think - blamed it on the third
and they beat the hell out of him.
RUSCH
Barry, did you know them?
PIPER
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I know all my people. Collins was a bit of a loose cannon, and he was
pissed off at the world all the time. You know the type. McGrevity
surprised me though. Hes pretty level headed. At least, he was.
ALRIDGE
Is the ensign all right?
PECK
(glancing at Rusch)
Seth Li is his name. Doc Kindel says hell be fine, though he has a
broken arm and broken leg. It took three maintenance techs and two
Phantom pilots to pull them off Li.
RUSCH
Why did they do it?
PIPER
Seths father was from Macronesia. A refugee. It was apparently enough
for Collins to establish guilt.
ALRIDGEWas the wire really cut?
PIPER
No. It was melted.
(disgusted)
A first year Academy student would see that one, and two engineers
missed it.
ALRIDGE
Or they didnt want to see it. Tempers are a bit thin around here as of
late.
PIPER
And Collins lost his brother a couple weeks ago when the PMR hit
Muercana Colony. I told him to calm down, but he just brushed me off.
RUSCH
Is that where the captain is?
PECK
He and Landers were down in the Brig last time I checked. He likes to
take care of fights personally. Has something against them.
ALRIDGE
(sarcastic)
I wonder why.
PIPER
(boring into Alridges eyes)
You really have a problem with him, dont you?
ALRIDGE
He got my big sister killed. Of course I do.
(meeting Pipers gaze, condescending)
You were fooled by him from the first day.
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PIPER
He is a good man of honor, integrity, and courage. I knew the man for
only a half a day and he risked his life for mine. No hesitation, no
worry about the mission. He just cared about pulling me out of that
room.
ALRIDGE
And why do you think that is? Do you think he did that before the
Incident? Before he killed a thousand people?
RUSCH
(a bit angry, trying to cut in)
Laurie!
PIPER
If he didnt, it doesnt matter. What matters is who he is now. And, if
you want my opinion, I think he did.
(Piper rises, his tray in hand)
Now, if youll excuse me, Im going to my quarters. The air isnt as
thick there.
As Piper walks off, Alridge lets out an angry breath and slams her fist
on the table.
ALRIDGE
(through clenched teeth)
Piper should know better!
RUSCH
Laurie, youre out of line!
ALRIDGE
I could care less. Ali is dead, and its his fault.
RUSCH
Maybe if you werent so blinded by hate. . .
ALRIDGE
(raising her voice, ignoring the stares of the surrounding crew)
I hate him for what he did. He got a thousand people killed including
my sister trying to save his girlfriend! How the hell am I supposed to
not hate him?
(Alridge rises, seething with anger)
I suggest you remember that.
Alridge storms off, pushing a lieutenant entering the Mess Hall aside
as she exits. Once she is gone, Peck turns to face Rusch, his
expression concern.
PECK
You O.K.?
RUSCH
(looking frustrated, hurt, and torn)
Yeah.
(a tear falls and is quickly brushed away)
I will be. I always am. She just. . .I like the captain. I agree with
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everything Barry said about him.
PECK
So do I, and I cant understand Lauries perspective, but. . .
Peck allows his voice to trail off and Rusch meets his eyes, interested.
RUSCH
But?
PECK
But I can understand her perspective. Its destructive, but it is
understandable.
RUSCH
She was never like that before she came here. She hated Wilmette, but
not with such a passion.
PECK
(taking Ruschs hand, squeezing it reassuringly)
Then maybe shell work through it.
RUSCH
I hope.
Suddenly, the intercom comes to life.
FEMALE OFFICER
(filtered)
General Quarters, General Quarters! Captain to the Bridge.
Peck and Ruschs eyes go wide and they hop out of their chairs, rushing
for the door.
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
The ship is at Battlestations as the clamshell doors slide open to
admit Peck and Rusch. While Rusch strides off screen to her station,
Peck takes his seat at the Command Plex joining Wilmette and Alridge.
WILMETTE
Our Ragnarok is back.
PECK
(sarcastic)
Great.
(serious)
How bad do they seem to be damaged?
ALRIDGE
Well, the front, ventral bow area is trashed, though they seem to have
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isolated any breaches that we caused.
(turning towards Wilmette)
It would seem that they have a very efficient system of watertight
doors. The bottom of the bow is missing and they arent taking on any
water.
The ship lightly shakes with the impact of a torpedo.
WILMETTE
Mr. Wong, I thought I told you to take evasive action.
WONG
Yes sir. They surprised me - got under us and shot off a couple
torpedoes. I dodged all but one.
PECK
(reading his display)
It seems that he has a structural problem on his port bow.
WILMETTE
(OS)Alridge?
PAN TO ALRIDGE
Who is also checking her display.
ALRIDGE
I dont see it. Its smashed up, but its not that bad.
NEW ANGLE - PECK
PECK
Watch him. When we dodge to port, he always slows and it throws off his
aim.
WILMETTE
Mr. Wong, hard a port.
EXT. DEFIANT
The warship, sliding forward at about half speed, suddenly yet smoothly
turns to port.
ANGLE ON RAGNAROK
The Ragnarok, its lower bow torn to hell, slows significantly before
turning towards Defiant and letting off a couple torpedoes.
INT. BRIDGE
We pan over Alridge, stopping close on her display. The Defiant is
represented by its familiar outline in blue while the Ragnarok is red,
its two torpedoes, also red, missing Defiant by a few hundred meters
and disappearing.
ALRIDGE
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(over her shoulder at Wilmette)
Hes right, sir. They missed.
WILMETTE
(reading the display over her shoulder - he nods and looks up at Piper)
Barry. What could be causing it?
PIPER
(he looks up from manipulating his main panel)
Stress fracture. If theyre built anything like us, and Im sure they
are, then they have a seam where the lower hull plates meet the upper
ones. When we blew their bow open, we weakened those plates, and
theyre probably loose.
WILMETTE
But wouldnt their damage control systems compensate?
PIPER
Perhaps, perhaps not.
(explaining)
We have three layers of hull with padding between each. They probablyhave one, and once that layer is breached, theyre done. They can get
away from us really quick if they want to. . .
(as if on cue, the ship rocks from a minor hit)
. . .but we outgun them. We might have burnt right through their
watertight doors or inner bulkheads.
WILMETTE
(getting an idea)
Ms. Rusch, prepare a barrage of pulse lasers. When we come about, aim
for the area where the bogeys ventral bow meets the dorsal. Try to
spread the barrage over the whole seam in the hull.
PECK
Youre going to try and split them open.
WILMETTE
(a nod)
Well sink them. Itll solve our problem, and well have a fairly
intact Ragnarok for the R&D boys to pick apart.
ALRIDGE
(to Peck)
You did say you wanted more intel on them.
WONG
I assume you want me to prepare to come about.
WILMETTE
(typing a few commands into his display)
On my mark, and not quite yet. I want to keep running until we get to
a fairly level area of terrain. Itll make recovery easier.
(to Peck)
We do need more intel on them.
ALRIDGE
A piece just fell off their bow.
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WILMETTE
(amused)
How big?
ALRIDGE
It looks like a hull plate. Just peeled away. Wait. . .
(she taps a few buttons, her brow furrowed)
Im reading something else.
ANGLE ON ALRIDGES DISPLAY
A white box appears on the screen, surrounding one of four small
objects which resemble small plants flailing about. As the object is
magnified, it appears to stop moving and split open, turning from
crimson red to whitish blue. We now notice, in the upper right corner
of the screen, the words Thermal Image Enhancement in white.
WILMETTE
(grim)
Is that what I think. . .?
ALRIDGE
(she swallows and nods)
A person. They just decompressed.
PECK
(cheery)
It would seem that we have penetrated the inner bulkheads.
ALRIDGE
(quiet)
Or at least damaged them.
Pecks smile turns to a frown as he considers Wilmette and Alridge,
both solemn.
PECK
What are the long faces for?
Wilmettes intense gaze of respect falls upon Peck, and he senses his
captains withheld anger.
WILEMTTE
Because, Mr. Peck, they might be the enemy, but they still are human
beings.
(his eyes meet Pecks)
Do you know how painful it is when your lungs explode?
Alridges gaze snaps to meet Wilmettes face, and she looks slightly
shocked at his words. As Wilmette glances at her, she quickly turns
away, looking thoughtful.
Pecks eyes regard his screen, and his words are quiet and even.
PECK
Im sorry sir. Its just. . .
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WILMETTE
Theyre the enemy, and were in the middle of a battle. Your adrenaline
got to you.
(with a bit of warning)
Remember that.
PECK
(humbled)
Yes sir.
ALRIDGE
Sir, were about ninety feet above a valley on the ocean floor. It
would be a good place to sink the Ragnarok, if thats the plan you want
to follow.
WILMETTE
Thank you Ms. Alridge.
(looking towards Helm)
Mr. Wong, prepare to bring us about.
WONG
(OS)
Aye sir.
WILEMTTE
(thumbing a switch on his panel almost as an afterthought)
Wilmette to Landers.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Landers here, sir.
WILMETTE
Mr. Landers, prepare a boarding party. Assemble in Docking Bay Three in
ten minutes.
LANDERS
(filtered)
A boarding party?
WILMETTE
Were going to try to sink the Ragnarok that is currently attacking us.
If it goes down fairly intact, we will board and try to capture the
crew for intel purposes.
LANDERS
(filtered)Yes sir. Who will be leading?
WILMETTE
I will.
(Peck and Alridges heads snap around, their eyes piercing Wilmette)
Wilmette out.
(Wilmette thumbs the switch, speaks as Peck opens his mouth to object)
Dont waste your breath John.
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PECK
Why?
WILMETTE
(to Wong)
Mr. Wong, come about.
(to Peck as he reads the Command Display)
Because, I have more hand-to-hand combat experience than either you or
Ms. Alridge.
(to Rusch)
Ms. Rusch - fire.
EXT. DEFIANT
The Defiant - which is completing its turn to port, its pulse laser
nodes glowing red - slows as the red beams of the pulse lasers arc out
of their nodes.
ANGLE ON RAGNAROK
The eight pairs of pulse laser beams slam into the port bow of theRagnarok, which is still trying to line its torpedo tubes with its
prey. The plates along the bow glow with the impact, and there is an
explosive outgassing of the ships inner oxygen as the bow bulkheads
fracture.
NEW ANGLE RAGNAROK
Bubbles pour from the shattered port bow of the Ragnarok as the ship
lists toward the bottom. Its lasers suddenly arc out towards Defiant,
but the shots dont connect.
INT. BRIDGE
Alridges gaze is focused intently on her screen.
ALRIDGE
The Ragnarok is sinking. Its engines are still going and weapons are
hot, but it seems theyve lost all interest in us.
WILMETTE
Flooding?
ALRIDGE
The bow is underwater, but the rest of the ship is fairly intact.
WILMETTE
(rising from his seat, moving towards the clamshell doors)Send the scan down to the Dragonflies. Mr. Peck, you have command. Keep
my ship safe.
Peck rises to take the command chair, turns to meet Wilmettes gaze.
PECK
Be careful, sir.
WILMETTE
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(he turns as the clamshell doors slide open and gives Peck a small
smile)
I will. I trust you with my ship, but I still intend to come back to it.
Wilmette turns and strides off the Bridge and we pan to Peck and
Alridge as Peck takes the command chair.
PECK
I just hope he knows what hes doing.
ALRIDGE
(quietly)
He does.
All eyes on the Bridge snap to Alridge, but she ignores them, focusing
on her console.
INT. DEFIANTCORRIDOR
Near the thick doors of the Docking Bays. Security men in black
tactical gear stride past us hauling gear into the door of Docking BayThree. As we move across the wall, we find a small niche where Lt.
Commander Michael Landers stands quietly, his arms folded across his
chest.
Landers is twenty-eight years old, but his eyes disrupt the boyish face
- theyre sharp and focused. Hes a man of thought, but one must look
inside him to see this. Hes dressed in tactical gear, ready for the
mission, yet strangely at ease with it.
A shadow falls across Landers, but the security man doesnt seem to
notice. Lt. Frederic Scanlon, Landers assistant, enters our view.
Twenty-four, slightly stocky, and only five feet tall. Hes what wed
call gruff, and he looks blue collar.
SCANLON
(quick)
I wondered where you were. Went looking in your office and on the
Bridge.
LANDERS
Ive been here since I told you to prep the shuttle.
SCANLON
Doing what?
LANDERS
Thinking about the mission, savoring the peace before the bloodshed.(Scanlon chuckles, and Landers regards him)
Thats funny to you?
SCANLON
Hell, yes it is! Youre about to go into a firefight, maybe get killed
for the captains wild pursuit of knowledge on the PMR, and youre
standing around thinking.
LANDERS
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Exactly.
(stepping away from the wall, moving for the door to the bay)
When I was in the Academy, one of my instructors was a guy named
Quintis. Tough bastard. Told me that the first thing you can do before
going into a mission that you probably wont come back from is to make
sure that your heart starts racing only after the second shot is fired.
Do you know why?
Landers and Scanlon enter the door to Docking Bay Three.
INT. DOCKING BAY THREE
Landers pauses just inside the doorway and off to the left to allow a
couple of his men through.
SCANLON
Why?
LANDERS
If you panic before the mission, you wont have a clear head, and you
cant dodge the first shot, and if you panic after the first shot, youcant fire back. But once the second shot is fired, its not panic that
makes your heart race but adrenaline, and that clears up any
inhibitions you might have.
SCANLON
And. . .?
LANDERS
And you can win. Doesnt mean you will, but it gives you a good shot at
it.
(a beat)
You disagree?
SCANLON
I just want to know how smart this whole mission is. Raiding an enemy
ship full of bad guys stuck on the ocean floor doesnt sound too bright
to me. I just hope the captain knows what hes doing.
LANDERS
Im sure he does. Hes been doing this longer than both of us put
together.
SCANLON
I dont doubt his experience, but. . .he sunk this ship and now hes
going personally. You know? Too much Moby Dick for me.
LANDERS(repeating, slightly annoyed)
He knows what hes doing.
SCANLON
(raising his hands)
O.K. man. Sorry.
(meeting Landers eyes)
I didnt know you liked him all of a sudden.
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LANDERS
(firm)
I dont, but he is my commanding officer, and I do owe him some respect.
Landers eyes waver for just a second, and Scanlon latches onto this.
SCANLON
And?
LANDERS
(a long sigh)
And. . .I cant tell you youre wrong. I have no problem following a
captain without question when I know that captains judgment is based
on sound facts. While I do acknowledge his experience and judgment have
proved sound for the past seven months, were heading into his personal
storm, and I dont want him to crash me into a wave.
SCANLON
Mike, you always play it safe, and I cant tell you thats wrong cause
its not. Thats what Im talking about. Weve spent the time since our
launch chasing these really powerful ships. We dont know exactly whatthey are, but they give us a run for our money. Correy pops out of the
woodwork and the captain uses a nuclear device on his former command
trying to wax the guy. Thats not the method of a sane man.
LANDERS
(a grin)
Oh, the captain is sane all right. Thats his problem - he sees his
goal with too much clarity, and that clarity can lead him to vengeance
or to obsession. The question is, which?
INT. BRIDGE
Everyone is at their posts except Wilmette and Rusch. Peck is in the
command chair when Wilmette, in black tactical gear, strides onto the
Bridge and stands to Pecks right.
WILMETTE
Were ready. Mr. Landers is loading the last of the gear now.
PECK
(fixing him with a hard stare)
I know that I cant persuade you, but. . .
WILMETTE
(a slight smile)
No John, I wont stay. I have to do this - Ive been fighting them for
over five years now and I have yet to come face-to-face with the enemythat destroyed my ship. I just want to look them in the eyes just once,
and I may never have another chance.
PECK
(he looks away and sighs)
I know, sir, but that doesnt make it any easier for us. Were the ones
who have to wait. Ihave to wait.
WILMETTE
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(glib)
And youre afraid Ill come back?
PECK
(serious, with a hint of annoyance)
Im afraid you wont.
Wilmette gives his first officer a warm smile and firmly squeezes the
younger mans shoulder.
WILMETTE
I always come back John, as long as I have a place to come back to.
(meeting Pecks eyes)
Remember that.
After a few seconds pause, Peck nods and Wilmette steps back to leave.
WILMETTE
Hold the fort until I get back. We get any unfriendly company, make
sure they feel unwelcome.
PECK
(as Wilmette moves away)
Aye sir. And good luck.
WILMETTE
(gesturing behind him)
Thanks.
(pausing at the clamshell doors as they slide open)
Im sure well need it.
Wilmette exits, and we pan to Pecks worried expression affixed on the
main viewer before we
CUT TO
EXT. DEFIANT
A Dragonfly emerges from Docking Bay Three on the starboard side. As
soon as it has cleared the submarine, it begins to descend to the
bottom of the ocean.
After a few seconds, the small portals forward of the docking bays iris
open and seven Phantoms provide escort for their captains shuttle.
INT. DRAGONFLY - CONTROL CABIN
Landers pilots the craft while Wilmette mans the co-pilots chair,scribbling on a clipboard with the Defiant seal.
LANDERS
(glancing at Wilmettes clipboard)
You want to review the plan?
WILMETTE
(never taking his eyes off writing)
Go ahead.
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LANDERS
Well enter through the forward airlock that we detected and split into
two teams, maintaining radio silence the whole time. Your team will
make for the Bridge and take the command crew while we proceed to
Engineering
to rig the info dump. Then, we get the hell out of there.
WILMETTE
In and out. We did similar missions during the Mac War, so Im familiar
with the routine.
A deafening silence fills the shuttle.
LANDERS
I take it we means Maryland.
(Wilmette nods)
Did you lead these missions?
WILMETTE
Some of them. My security chiefs usually handled them.
LANDERS
How many did you have?
WILMETTE
Five. My favorite was Jeffrey Carroll - was with us from 2041 to 2044.
Unusual for one to stay that long, but he didnt want to leave, and I
sure didnt want to replace him.
LANDERS
(a hint of. . .disdain?)
He didnt die in the Incident.
WILMETTE
(he looks up, surprised by the question)
No. That was Percy Williams. Why?
LANDERS
(impassive)
No reason.
(glancing at his board as it begins lightly beeping)
Were coming up on the enemy vessel.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT - RAGNAROK
We move over Wilmette and Landers and through the windows of the
Dragonfly towards the sunken Ragnarok, its bow still spitting bubblesof oxygen. Its top lasers suddenly light up sending deadly streams of
blue light towards the shuttle and fighters.
WILMETTE
(VO, filtered)
Shooting Star to Flaming Arrows. We are taking fire. Repeat, we are
taking fire.
FLAMING ARROW LEADER
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(VO, filtered)
Affirmative Flaming Arrow. Engaging targets.
The Phantoms roar into our vision and begin a run for the enemy ship,
their pulse lasers lighting up the wreck in crimson red. Though the
enemys lasers are a powerful threat, the Phantom pilots expertly dodge
them, their shots silencing the enemys fire.
PULL BACK
Behind the shuttle. The Phantoms pull up just above the Ragnarok and
the Dragonfly approaches its target and levels out as it freefalls.
INT. BRIDGE - CLOSE ON ALRIDGE AND PECK
Alridges gaze breaks from her console and moves back to Peck.
ALRIDGE
Theyre in.
(Peck nods, looking worried)
Theyll be fine. Wilmette is a big boy - you dont need to panic everytime he does something irrational.
PECK
(with a sigh)
Hes been my captain for seven months, but I still have trouble.
ALRIDGE
(thoughtful)
What do you mean?
PECK
I mean, he has no trouble killing the enemy, but he does it with the
greatest respect, and he has no problem putting himself in the line of
fire.
ALRIDGE
Hes a man of strong character.
PECK
Is that a compliment?
ALRIDGE
(low)
Its a fact - one that I dont like to admit.
(louder)
And, hes also a man who needs justice. He needs to tear this enemy
apart - they took his ship, his fiance, and when he thought they weregone for good, they return and rub his defeat in his face.
PECK
(raising an eyebrow)
What are you saying? Is this mission for revenge or for the U.E.O.?
ALRIDGE
Im saying, how can we know?
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INT. RAGNAROK - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR
A simple, spartan metal corridor running alongside the airlock. Down a
ways a heavy metal isolation door has been closed. Hold until
AN EXPLOSION
Blows the door of the airlock outward where, bent and battered, it
bounces off the opposite wall and hits the floor. Through the haze of
smoke, two Defiant security officers enter, sweeping the corridor
before motioning for the others to come through.
Four security men exit surround Wilmette, Landers, and Rusch - two in
front, two in back. The security men take up defensive positions as
Wilmette, Landers, and Scanlon examine the separation door.
WILMETTE
Can we blow it?
SCANLON
(sweat dripping down his brow)We can, but there might be thirty or forty of them on the other side,
waiting to gun us down.
WILMETTE
Thats a chance well have to take.
LANDERS
(motioning to one of the men)
Get the explosives.
SCANLON
You sure thats wise, sir?
WILMETTE
(fixing him with a hard stare)
What do you mean?
SCANLON
Sir, weve got eight men plus you and Mr. Landers. Do you really think
we can take this ship?
WILMETTE
(a tolerant nod)
If we dont waste time talking about it.
Scanlon looks as if hes going to interject again, but Landers motions
him off, and the man with the explosives arrives. Landers removes twosmall blocks of C4 attached to detonators and sets them on the floor
right in front of the doors.
The four men turn and stride away from the door, moving into the
airlock alcove where Rusch and the others wait.
LANDERS
(holding up the detonator)
Here goes nothing.
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He presses the switch and the corridor is rocked by an explosion.
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN
EXT. DEFIANT
The submarine hangs over the Ragnarok below.
INT. BRIDGE
Peck paces back in forth behind his chair as Alridge monitors the
readings from below.
PECK
Still nothing?
ALRIDGE
There wont be.
(turning towards him - firm, meeting his eyes)
There wont be.
(a beat)
John, the Captain knows what he's doing, and he's got Landers and his
people with him. They've just boarded an enemy ship that's trapped on
the bottom of the ocean. There's likely to be a few locked doors on
board, and there's definitely going to be some gunfire. But Landers
knows what he's doing. . .
Alridge trails off, looking to Piper for support. She gets it.
PIPER
And the Captain definitely knows what he's doing. He did this same kind
of thing a few times during the Mac War, and he always came back. If
anyone's going to come back, he will.
Peck is silent for a moment, as if considering their words. Finally, he
simply nods, retaking the command chair.
PECK
Status of other ships in the area?
ALRIDGE
(relieved, she checks her readings)
A commercial sub passed to the west - about four klicks away - but Idont think they even noticed us. Thats about it.
MARTIN
Theyve tried to get a bunch of messages out, but they cant get past
our jamming.
PECK
So were fine, for now.
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PIPER
(nonchalant)
You could always send for backup.
Pecks gaze meets Piper, and he looks startled - he hadnt thought of
that. He turns to Alridge, who doesn't even look up.
ALRIDGE
Lesson Seventeen of Command School - when you can't do it alone, bring
friends.
Peck chuckles.
PECK
Your teacher say that?
ALRIDGE
(a heavy pause)
No.
(a beat, not looking up)
My Captain did.
Peck simply nods, turning toward Martin.
PECK
Get me Admiral Easton. Priority White.
INT. RAGNAROK - AIRLOCK CORRIDOR
Total chaos. Were still in the airlock corridor, but its a mess.
Laser fire peppers the air and walls as the security men from Defiant
return fire using the severed airlock door as cover. Various bits of
shrapnel, a fallen bulkhead, and other pieces of debris are scattered
around.
Wilmette, Landers, and Rusch stand in the airlock itself, discussing.
LANDERS
(shouting over the noise)
What now, sir?
WILMETTE
How many were there?
RUSCH
I counted a dozen. Weve probably cut that down now.
WILMETTECan we charge them?
LANDERS
Its a risk, but we dont have any choice unless we want to go home.
WILMETTE
(abrupt)
No! Weve gotten this far. I wont turn back now. We need to see how
these things work - what theyre capable of. Knowing your enemy is the
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only way to beat him.
LANDERS
Scanlon!
Scanlon rushes over holding his laser rifle.
SCANLON
Yes sir?
LANDERS
Tell the men were going to charge the enemy.
SCANLON
(turning a bit white)
Sir?
LANDERS
(hard)
This isnt a discussion Mr. Scanlon.
SCANLON
But sir, its suicide.
LANDERS
(firm)
So is arguing with me.
SCANLON
(after a few seconds, angrily)
Yes sir.
Scanlon rushes back, and Landers shakes his head, quite vexed. Wilmette
lays a hand on his shoulder.
LANDERS
He isnt going to last long.
WILMETTE
He's acting on his feelings.
LANDERS
(low, bitter)
You would know about that, sir.
WILMETTE
(his eyes hardening, mouth clenched)
Yes, I would. I also know that under pressure, you back off, give yourmen some room to breath.
LANDERS
In battle. . .
WILMETTE
In battle emotions are raging. Fear, rage, and hate all merge in one
moment of deranged clarity that allows a soldier to kill. Block that
and you block his only chance for survival.
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The conversation is cut short as Scanlon crouches in position and
signals ready. The other security men also signal ready, and Landers
and Wilmette heft their laser rifles, Rusch right behind.
RUSCH
(grabbing Wilmette's shoulder)
Sir, you should stay behind. . .
WILMETTE
(shaking her off, moving in front)
I lead. On three.
Rusch and Landers exchange a look as Wilmette hefts his weapon to chest
level. Landers make a half shrug, and Rusch grimly nods.
WILMETTE
One. . .
CLOSE ON LANDERS HAND
Tightening his grip on his rifle.
CLOSE ON RUSCHS EYE
As a thin line of sweat drops onto her cheek from her forehead.
WILMETTE
(OS)
Two. . .
CLOSE ON WILMETTES MOUTH
WILMETTE
Three!!
WIDE ANGLE
The security team begins pouring fire into the corridor ahead of them
as Wilmette charges, firing hastily aimed shots at his opponents.
Landers follows right behind his captain, and the security men peel off
as Rusch takes the rear.
INT. RAGNAROK AIRLOCK CORRIDOR - NEW ANGLE
The fire from the Defiant officers repels eight of the enemy troops and
kills three.
INT. RAGNAROK - CORRIDOR JUNCTION
Wilmette glances around the edge of the junction, ready for anything.
The place is empty, so he motions a couple of the security men behind
him and they fan out, covering all angles as the team prepares to split.
WILMETTE
(to Landers)
Heres where we break up. Ill take Jones, Sampris, and Scanlon and
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head for the Bridge. You take the rest to Engineering, try to hack into
the main computers, and get the hell out of there.
LANDERS
I take Scanlon. He wont listen to you, and youll need to be precise
and quick around the Bridge.
WILMETTE
Agreed.
(extending his hand)
Good luck.
LANDERS
(taking the hand)
You too, sir.
(to the others)
Jones, Foster, and Sampris, youll go with the Captain to the Bridge.
The rest will follow me to Engineering where Lt. Rusch will start the
info dump. Meet back here in ten.
Jones, Foster, and Sampris follow Wilmette as he makes his way down theleft side of the corridor, heading for the center of the ship while
Landers and the rest move for Engineering at the rear.
INT. DEFIANTDSV - BRIDGE
Admiral Easton is on the line speaking to Peck.
EASTON
I diverted the Carolina and the Sussexto your position. Theyll be
there in no more than a half hour.
PECK
Carolina is an Aquatica. . .
EASTON
Sussexis a Havasu. Youll be well-armed. Best I can do on such a short
notice.
PECK
I understand.
EASTON
How long has he been in?
PECK
Weve been scanning constantly. Insertion was eight minutes ago - we
expect the info dump, if they can get into the computers and theresanything there to dump, in about five to ten minutes. Its a risky
mission.
EASTON
(a slight nod)
But a necessary one, and it's one James has done before.
(regarding Peck)
Youre worried.
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PECK
I am a little, yes. Hes my captain - Ive lost one before.
EASTON
(a nod, recalling)
On the Agamemnon. As I recall pirates took over your vessel, killed
your captain. You finally took it back, got revenge. . .
PECK
I felt so helpless when the captain was killed. . .and then we lost the
Ag. . .
(his voice trails off, and his eyes meet Easton)
I dont want to feel that again.
EASTON
(blunt)
Then you should get out of the U.E.O.
PECK
Sir?
EASTON
(interlacing his fingers)
I hate to break it to you Mr. Peck, but we are an organization
dedicated to the preservation of peace, and in this world, people die
to do just that. Its a price we have to pay. I know that, and James
knows that, and youd better learn it.
PECK
(a nod)
Its difficult.
EASTON
James Wilmette is my best friend. In sixty-seven years Ive never met a
finer man, and yet if he died today doing this thing, I would know that
he died doing his duty, and I would know that he couldnt have died a
happier man.
PECK
(weak)
I understand sir.
EASTON
(raising his voice)
No you do not.
The Bridge is silent - they've likely never seen an admiral snap at
someone before, and it's terrifying to them. They hang on every word.
EASTON
(continuing)
Usually I reem people in the private, but since you've been a horrible
example to your crew today, they need to hear this too.
(a beat)
You're a soldier Commander Peck. Like it or not, everyone aboard that
ship is a soldier, and everyone is responsible to everyone else aboard,
and to the people protected under the charter of the United Earth
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Oceans. That's why we have a chain of command. If your captain dies -
and I hope to God he doesn't - then you have a responsibility to your
crew to take charge and lead them out of danger, and you can't do that
if emotion is clouding your judgment.
The air hangs dead for a moment as Peck digests this. He glances at
Alridge who has her eyes fixed on her station, and we get the distinct
feeling that she agrees with Easton. Peck turns his gaze back to the
screen and grimly nods.
PECK
Your point is taken, sir.
EASTON
Youre a good first officer Commander. Youd make a good captain if you
could keep those feelings of yours in check.
PECK
(through clenched teeth)
Yes sir.
EASTON
(seeing he has struck a nerve)
I should be going Commander. If theres any change in your situation,
feel free to call me.
PECK
Thank you sir. Peck out.
As soon as Easton disappears from the screen, Peck lets out a sigh and
closes his eyes.
ALRIDGE
(OS)
Hes right, you know.
PECK
What?
ALRIDGE
(simply, as she monitors a scan)
Feelings have no place in the Command Chair.
PECK
(angry)
And who made you such an expert on that?
ALRIDGEThe U.E.O. Academy, for one.
(a sigh, lowering her voice)
Look John, this isnt the time or place for this conversation, but if
you ever want to sit in that chair full time, you have to remember that
logic has to guide you. Not impulse.
PECK
(a slow nod)
I know. I just cant help being human.
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ALRIDGE
Believe me John - I know.
(quiet)
All too well.
INT. RAGNAROK - CENTRAL CORRIDOR
Wilmette and his team cautiously yet rapidly make their way up the
corridor, their laser rifles sweeping the air ahead. After a few
seconds there is a very low clank, and Wilmette signals them to stop,
then motions them into a doorway.
From out of nowhere a laser blast slams into the bulkhead next to
Wilmette, and he ducks and fires.
NEW ANGLE
Two security men in red PMR tactical gear emerge from a side hallway,
their laser rifles spitting red beams at the U.E.O. men. Wilmettes
shot takes one down as three more emerge, firing in controlled, intensebursts.
A bolt nicks Fosters arm, and Sampris takes a strong hit to the chest
and goes down. Jones grabs him as Foster recovers and moves directly
behind a crouching Wilmette to get a better angle.
INT. RAGNAROK - ENGINEERING CORRIDOR
The second group of Defiant personnel, Landers leading ahead of Rusch,
moves rapidly down the wide corridor to a set of heavy doors marked
Engineering Section. Landers motions his team to take defensive
positions outside the doors as Rusch moves close to the entry panel and
opens it up, exposing the wiring.
Scanlon eyes the deck, imapatient, while Landers stands calmly by.
SCANLON
(under his breath)
Hurry up.
LANDERS
Worrying about it wont do anything useful.
SCANLON
Look sir, you might be Mr. Zen of composure, but. . .
LANDERS(snapping, but keeping his voice low and even)
I am also your superior officer. Remember that or I might decide to use
you for a shield.
Scanlon scowls but backs off, and there is a slight ping as the door
is unlocked. Ruschs hand hovers over the control as the security men
cover the door. Landers motions Scanlon into position and nods to Rusch
after verifying his people are in position.
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Rusch presses the button and the Defiant crew members tense and the
door slides open. . .
And no one is home. Engineering is one big rectangular room, a large
reactor interface on one wall and control panels on the other three.
Landers cautiously steps forward, his people right behind.
INT. RAGNAROK - ENGINEERING - CRANE SHOT
The Defiant security people fan out into the room, opening doors and
searching for the crew. Landers and Rusch carefully make their way
toward a control table near the front and center of the big room.
NEW ANGLE
Landers eyes sweep the room as various security people emerge from
different rooms, shouting clear as they secure the compartments.
Finally Scanlon approaches Landers, rifle slung over his shoulder.
SCANLON
The room is secure, sir. Nobodys home.
RUSCH
(striding toward a row of computers)
That cant be good.
LANDERS
(thoughtful, never taking his eyes off his surroundings)
Its not necessarily good or bad. In any case, we should move quickly.
(glancing at Rusch)
Can you get in the system?
Rusch has ripped a panel from the wall and has her hands in the guts of
what looks to be the central processor. Finally she pulls out what
shes been looking for - a set of wires connected to a plastic plug-
like connector.
RUSCH
Advanced or not, they still use wires, just like us. Itll take me a
minute to splice in and then Ill know.
LANDERS
(nodding to one of the security men who holds a small computer
interface)
Get to it.
(Landers raises his PCR to his mouth)
Comet to Shooting Star.
INT. RAGNAROK - MAIN CORRIDOR
Sheer chaos. Foster hits the deck, dead of a shot to the heart.
Wilmette cuts down his killer, but the captain almost takes a shot in
the head before hitting the deck. As his PCR activates, Wilmette ducks
behind a doorway, yanking the PCR off his belt and firing into the
corridor.
WILMETTE
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(yelling over the racket)
Shooting Star here! Come in!
LANDERS
(filtered)
Shooting Star, what is your situation?
WILMETTE
(firing off a couple shots)
Were approaching the Bridge, but were taking heavy fire.
(cutting down a PMR man to his left)
Whats the report?
INT. RAGNAROK - ENGINEERING
Landers leans against the central console.
LANDERS
Weve secured Engineering with little resistance. It seems theyre all
down there with you.
A beat.
WILMETTE
(filtered)
Affirmative. When will you have the data?
LANDERS
Ms. Rusch is tapping into the computer now, so its only a matter of
time.
A beat.
WILMETTE
(filtered)
Roger that. Will call you when weve secured the Bridge.
(before Landers can say anything)
Wilmette out.
The line goes dead, and Scanlon comes to stand beside Landers.
SCANLON
Doesnt sound good.
LANDERS
(thoughtful)
No, it doesnt.
(a beat)Ms. Rusch, have we got that connection?
RUSCH
(OS)
Patched in sir. Well know in a minute.
SCANLON
I just hope we have a minute to spare.
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CUT TO
INT. RAGNAROK - MAIN CORRIDOR
Laser bolts cut into the bulkhead next to Wilmettes head, and he
clumsily drops to the deck, his rifle slipping out of his hand. As he
recovers from his fall, he realizes that the shooting has stopped, and
when he looks up, he finds himself face-to-face with the barrel of a
laser pistol.
WILMETTES POV
We move up the barrel of the gun to the man holding it. He is in his
early thirties; tall and dark-haired. We will know him as Major Arnold
Ripley.
Behind Ripley stands four PMR soldiers in red uniforms, laser rifles
trained on Wilmette. Next to them, Jones lays on the ground, a pool of
crimson around his head. Ripley lowers his weapon and extends his hand
to assist Wilmette. The captain takes it, eyeing Ripley.
RIPLEY
Captain Wilmette, a pleasure to meet you. Im Major Arnold Ripley,
Security Chief of the Avenger.
WILMETTE
(droll)
Charmed.
RIPLEY
Now, if you will come with us to the Bridge, there is someone there who
wishes to renew acquaintances, and time is short.
WILMETTE
Is everything you do a clich?
RIPLEY
I follow orders Captain. If you dont like them, youll have to take
that up with Captain Anslow.
Wilmette, about to speak, pauses for a moment, caught off guard.
WILMETTE
(shocked)
Anslow? Hes still alive?
RIPLEY
Hes been waiting five years for this day. Best not to keep him waiting.
Wilmette nods, still shocked. Ripley motions down the corridor, and
Wilmette begins to walk, the PMR men following right behind.
END ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
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EXT. DEFIANTDSV
Floating above the sunken ship.
INT. DEFIANTDSV - BRIDGE
Peck paces back and forth as Alridges console lets out a three note
chime. The commander does an about face and rushes to stand on
Alridges left.
ALRIDGE
The computer interface has been successfully installed. Establishing
tightbeam. . .
MARTIN
(OS)
Were getting a transmission from Commander Landers.
PECK
(standing on the left of the Command Chair, right behind Alridge)Put it on.
Landers voice comes in over the speakers, slightly distorted.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Comet to Moon.
PECK
Moon here. Whats your report?
LANDERS
(filtered)
Ms. Rusch has hacked into the Ragnaroks central computers, and just
started the info dump.
PECK
The information is being uploaded to Defiants computers. Did you have
any trouble?
INT. RAGNAROK - ENGINEERING
LANDERS
We split into two teams as soon as we arrived. The Captain took three
of my men to seize the Bridge, and he was taking heavy fire. I was just
about to check in with him - send a couple men his way if need be.
There is a lengthy pause that Landers notices before Peck comes back on.
PECK
(filtered)
What about your team?
LANDERS
We encountered no resistance, which was a little surprising, but its
likely that they figured wed throw everything at the Bridge.
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PECK
(filtered)
Is that unusual?
LANDERS
Not necessarily. Its not a faulty assumption, though it is strange to
leave Engineering wide open while a hostile force is boarding. If
theyre short on crew though, its very likely that they just didnt
want to spend the manpower on a section thats not of much use to them
right now.
INT. DEFIANTDSV - BRIDGE
Peck sighs deeply, glancing at Alridge. He looks worried, though hes
hiding it well.
PECK
Youll call the Captain after this, I hope.
LANDERS(filtered)
I had planned on it.
PECK
Very well then. Id appreciate another update in ten minutes.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Will do. Comet out.
The channel goes dead, and Peck runs his hands through his hair,
obviously worried. Finally, he turns to Alridge.
PECK
What do you think?
ALRIDGE
Its going better than I expected. I actually figured that theyd have
trouble getting into the ships Engineering section, but since theyve
got the data.
PECK
You think Captain Wilmette will be fine?
ALRIDGE
Landers and his people know what theyre doing, and so does the
Captain.
Peck swallows, finally nods. Alridge lightly smiles.
PECK
(slightly amused)
What?
ALRIDGE
Im just relieved - for awhile there I was afraid the enemy was going
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to attack and Id have to wipe you off the ceiling.
PECK
(slightly embarrassed)
Was I that bad?
ALRIDGE
(lightly)
Yes, but we wont hold it against you.
PECK
Im certainly glad.
ALRIDGE
(serious)
John, you need to reign it in a little. Youre the executive officer of
this ship - one of the youngest commanders the U.E.O. has had. Command
trusts you, and Captain Wilmette trusts you.
PECK
Captain Wilmette didnt have any choice - I was put here by Hitchcock.
ALRIDGE
If Captain Wilmette didnt trust you, you would be on that ship right
now. This is his ship - hes very possessive of it. You wouldnt be in
that seat if he didnt trust that you could handle it.
Peck sighs, looking better. He finally nods and grins.
PECK
I know. I should know that. Its just. . .
ALRIDGE
The stress is getting to all of us. Hopefully well get a break soon.
(her console lightly beeps, and she looks down at it)
Well, we can rest a little easier now. The Sussexjust took position
about five minutes away.
MARTIN
Confirmed sir. Theyve just signaled. . .
(listens to her headset)
Theyre going to keep position to the north and provide support if any
enemy ships show up. Apparently Carolina got in a skirmish with a
couple PMR ships and was delayed, but it will arrive soon.
PECK
Signal our thanks, and tell them we hope to be out of here soon.
MARTIN
(OS)
Aye sir.
PECK
(to Alridge)
Now lets just hope the Captain and Mr. Landers get everything wrapped
up soon.
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INT. RAGNAROK - BRIDGE
Hold on the doors at the rear of the structure as they open to admit
Wilmette and his captors. We follow his gaze around the room - ovular
and confined, with lots of bare metal walls and small, functional
stations.Its still sleek but very utilitarian.
From the command seat rises Captain Hans Anslow. Anslow is in his early
fifties, about six feet tall and very gaunt, with thick black hair and
a shaggy beard. Anslow now stands in front of Wilmette, who is flanked
by two PMR security men. When Anslow speaks, we can detect a very
slight German accent.
ANSLOW
(extending his hand toward Wilmette)
Hello James. Good to see you again.
Wilmette, to the surprise of a couple of the PMR men, grasps Anslows
hand and shakes it quite warmly, though a bit of tension is evident
between both men.
WILMETTE
It seems the PMR isnt as dead as we thought it was.
ANSLOW
Surely I would have thought youd realized that by now James. After
all. . .
WILMETTE
I meant, first Correy, then you. We didnt kill as many ofyou as wed
thought.
ANSLOW
Unfortunately James, you killed far more than you realize. We had
trouble getting back on our feet, but now here we are, fighting again.
WILMETTE
The same old battles in very different times.
ANSLOW
Isnt it always so?
WILMETTE
(nodding, almost tiredly)
Im still disappointed that you chose the route you did.
ANSLOW
(shaking his head sadly)Im afraid James that we dont have enough time for that old argument.
Im aware that your people have been downloading files from our central
computer in Engineering, and Im severely undermanned, so if I am to
stop them, I need to be quick.
WILMETTE
What do you plan to do?
ANSLOW
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(resigned)
Im afraid James, Im going to blow us all to hell.
Hold for a few seconds until
INT. RAGNAROK - ENGINEERING
Landers is still propped against the Engineering console, deep in
thought, when Rusch approaches, closing a case of equipment as she
walks.
RUSCH
The upload is complete.
LANDERS
(raising his PCR)
Ill tell the Captain.
(presses button)
Comet to Shooting Star, come in.
INT. RAGNAROK BRIDGE
Everyone jumps as Wilmettes PCR goes off. Ripley eyes it suspiciously,
and Anslow levels his gaze on Wilmette.
ANSLOW
You will need to answer this.
WILMETTE
Yes, I will.
ANSLOW
(meeting Wilmettes eyes)
Is the all-clear still 10-44-7?
WILMETTE
(coolly)
10-44-7.
ANSLOW
(a sharp nod)
Answer it.
(Wilmette raises the unit to his lips)
Wait!
(Wilmettes hand falls back to his side as Anslows gaze levels on
Wilmette)
Make this good James.
Wilmette slowly nods, raising his PCR close to his mouth. Suddenly, he
flicks the button.
WILMETTE
Comet, this is Shooting Star. Lost Jones, and Sampris was injured
badly. Foster and I are making our way to the Bridge.
LANDERS
(filtered)
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Do you need assistance?
WILMETTE
Not as of yet. We took heavy fire, but it seems to have died. I thought
I heard some of the lifeboats eject.
As the silence drags, we move in on Wilmettes hand as he thumbs a
small black, almost invisible button on the side of the PCR. As we move
back, Wilmette thumbs the call switch again.
WILMETTE
(stern)
This isnt a discussion Mr. Landers. Im reporting a 10-44-7.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Aye sir. Call me if you need me.
WILMETTE
You know I will. Wilmette out.
As the PCR clicks off, Ripley steps forward and Wilmette grudgingly
hands it to him, just as Anslow nods.
ANSLOW
Very good James. Now, where were we before we got interrupted?
INT. RAGNAROK ENGINEERING
Landers has clipped his PCR back on his belt and has motioned to his
people to pack up to leave. Almost breathless, Rusch catches up to him.
RUSCH
Where are we going, and what was that sound on your PCR?
LANDERS
That was what we call a panic beacon. When we go into a situation in
hostile territory, we issue all ranking command personnel a PCR with a
button on it that they can push if theyve been captured.
RUSCH
It makes sense.
LANDERS
(dryly)
It also helps us avoid any clichs.
Rusch chuckles as she and Landers exit Engineering, Scanlon rightbehind.
INT. DEFIANTDSV BRIDGE
Peck leans forward in the command chair, tense, as Alridge presses
buttons on her station. Off screen, there is a slight beeping, but Peck
doesnt seem to notice.
MARTIN
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(OS)
Commander Peck - its Lt. Commander Landers.
PECK
(slapping a switch on the console)
Comet, Moon here. Whats going on down there?
LANDERS
(filtered)
You registered the captains call.
PECK
Thats an affirmative.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Were en route now. We think hes on the Bridge well be there in two
minutes.
Peck sighs, looking as if hes going to say something, but Alridge
shoots him a stern look, and he nods I know.
PECK
Very well Mr. Landers. Call when you have news.
LANDERS
(filtered)
Affirmative. Comet out.
As the channel goes dead, Peck sighs once again, running his hands
through his hair.
INT. RAGNAROK BRIDGE
The two guards stand on each side of Wilmette, Ripley not far away.
Anslow stands near his chair, his gaze moving over the Bridge crew who
look nervous. After a few seconds, he nods, satisfied.
ANSLOW
Secure stations. Prepare for fusion core purge.
(as the men go to work)
Youve all done well, and Im very proud of you. Im sure that, in the
hands of dedicated young men like you, the rightful government of
Macronesia will prosper.
Anslow turns toward Wilmette, and the door suddenly flies open to admit
Landers, Rusch, Scanlon, and the security team from Defiant. The two
security officers turn and raise their weapons to fire, but they arequickly cut down by Landers men. As the Defiant security men fan out
around the Bridge, Anslow motions for his men to remain calm.
As Landers and Rusch approach Wilmette, standing near him in a
defensive posture, Anslow raises his hands, as do the rest of the
Bridge crew. Ripleys eyes burn with hatred he wants to pull the
pistol on his hip and fight - but Anslow shakes his head no.
ANSLOW
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I must congratulate you James your men are most efficient.
LANDERS
(stepping behind him, moving to restrain him with plastic handcuffs
from his belt)
We try, though you seem to be undermanned.
ANSLOWWe hadnt intended to attack the flagship of the U.E.O. Pacific Fleet
we were on a simply supply run.
WILMETTE
Captain Anslow was about to rig the engines to overload before you
rescued me.
LANDERS
Anslow? Hans Anslow the CO of the Galatia who defected to the PMR in
protest?
ANSLOW
The one-and-same.
LANDERS
I thought he died in the Battle of Graham Point.
ANSLOW
I almost did the Dempsey torpedoed my ship, and the Seattle tore her
to pieces, but we escaped at the last minute.
Wilmette moves toward Ripley, intending to take the weapon, and Landers
nods at this bit of information.
LANDERS
Well, you wont escape this one. Were going to take you to U.E.O.
Headquarters and. . .
Suddenly, a shot rings out through the Bridge, and Anslow hits the
deck, a nasty wound in his chest. Like a wolf stalking its prey,
Landers turns toward the source of the shot Ripley, who Wilmette has
tackled to the deck. As Rusch takes the pistol, Landers leans down to
check Anslow.
WILMETTE
Mr. Landers?
Landers shakes his head. Suddenly, the Bridge lights dim and a soft
alarm sounds. Wilmettes gaze scans the Bridge, trying to ascertain the
source of the alarm.
COMPUTER VOICE
Attention. Fusion core overload in two minutes. Repeat, fusion core. . .
RUSCH
(OS)
Sir!
Wilmette turns, his gaze following Ruschs. A very scared young man
sits at the Engineering station, and Wilmette levels his gaze on him.
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WILMETTE
(icy)
Shut it down now.
The young man pulls a laser pistol and, before Wilmette can move, blows
out his station controls. As the control surfaces pop and smoke, the
crewman levels his weapon on Wilmette, only to be cut down by half a
dozen laser blasts.
Wordlessly, Wilmette turns and strides for the door.
WILMETTE
(to the PMR crewman)
You have two minutes to get to your escape pods. If you make it, you
wont be fired upon.
(to Landers, re: Ripley)
Take him. Lets get out of here.
INT. DEFIANT DSV BRIDGE
Sheer chaos as klaxons sound. Alridge is calmly but urgently running
scans as Peck looks on.
ALRIDGE
According to this, we have less than two minutes before the Ragnaroks
fusion core goes critical.
PECK
Any sign of the shuttle?
ALRIDGE
(grim)
Not yet.
EXT. RAGNAROK MAIN CORRIDOR
The Defiant officers rush through the battle-scarred main corridor.
Wilmette leads, followed by Landers, Scanlon, Rusch, and the rest of
the security force. One of them carries Ripley over his shoulder.
COMPUTER VOICE
One minute until fusion core overload.
INT. DEFIANT DSV BRIDGE
Close on Peck, his mouth tight.
ALRIDGE
(OS)
Nothing yet. . .wait.
Peck turns toward Alridge, and she enters our view.
ALRIDGE
(cont)
The shuttle has just cleared the Ragnarok. Its rising fast.
PECK
Fast enough?
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ALRIDGE
(a beat, uncertain)
Maybe.
EXT. RAGNAROK
The Dragonfly rises fast away from the doomed submarine. Behind it, twosmall lifeboats also sail away, just faster than the Defiant shuttle.
INT. DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
Landers pilots, Wilmette next to him.
LANDERS
(glancing at the console)
About ten seconds.
(turning, extending his hand)
Good working with you sir.
WILMETTE
(shaking the hand)
You too Michael. You too.
EXT. RAGNAROK
All is peaceful until the ship suddenly disappears in a gigantic
fireball. The shockwave of the explosion reaches outward, quickly,
jarringly embracing the shuttle. In the cloud of dust and debris, the
shuttle disappears.
TIME DISSOLVE TO
INT. DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
The first thing we see is a human head, out of focus. As we move in and
our vision becomes clearer, we find Wilmette lying on his console,
unconscious. Off screen we hear the sound of dripping water, and a few
droplets fall on his face.
Wilmette finally wakes up, wiping the water from his face. Next to him
is Landers, also unconscious. Groggily, Wilmette unsnaps his seat belt
and gets up, his feet splashing beneath him. We follow his gaze as he
looks down the floor of the shuttle, which is now tipped fifteen
degrees toward the bow, is covered by a shallow surface of water.
Behind him, the windows are cracked, and a small stream of water pours
in from the ceiling.
INT. DRAGONFLY PASSENGER CABIN
We see the source of the water a very bad leak in the roof. Rusch and
two of the security men lay unconscious against each other on one of
the side benches, while one of the security people a cute woman in
her mid-twenties lies dead on the floor, neck snapped, falling water
drenching her chest. Ripley lies next to her, still breathing.
Wilmette sadly shakes his head, grasps her arm to pick her up, when
Ripleys eyes open and his hand grabs Wilmettes arm. In no time, the
PMR man is on his feet. Wilmette lashes out with a punch, and he grazes
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Ripley. Ripley then charges forward, sending Wilmette to the deck.
EXT. DEFIANT DSV DOCKING BAY THREE
A Dragonfly rapidly moves away from the submarine, arcing downward as
soon as its clear.
ALRIDGE(VO, filtered)
Ive found them.
INT. PECKS DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
Peck manipulates the controls, speaking into his headset as he pilots.
PECK
Where?
INT. DEFIANT DSV BRIDGE
Close on Alridges face.
ALRIDGE
Sending you the coordinates. Theyre on the bottom a quarter mile from
the wreckage. And John their shuttle has a nasty gash in the roof. I
think its filling with water.
INT. PECKS DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
Peck frowns deeply.
PECK
Acknowledged.
INT. DRAGONFLY PASSENGER CABIN
Wilmette and Ripley trade blows. Both of them are having a hard time
fighting in the confined space of the shuttle. Ripley manages a solid
blow to Wilmettes chest, but he recovers quickly and elbows Ripley in
the jaw on the way up. The PMR man goes down. . .
And grabs the laser pistol from the body of the dead security woman. He
aims for Wilmette, getting to his feet.
RIPLEY
Any last words Mr. Wilmette?
Suddenly, Rusch comes alive and kicks him right in the balls. Its not
solid, but it distracts him, and he turns the gun on her just as two
shots ring out, slamming into Ripleys neck. He falls to the deck dead
as Wilmette turns to find Landers standing in the doorway to the
Control Cabin.
WILMETTE
Thank you Mr. Landers.
Landers nods, and the two men look over the interior of the shuttle.
The rest of the security people are now conscious, and they glance
nervously at the hole in the ceiling.
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Suddenly, there is a groaning of metal, and the hole gets larger by a
few inches. Water is now pouring in. As the Defiant officers step back,
Wilmettes PCR beeps.
WILMETTE
(raising the PCR to his lips)
Wilmette here.
PECK
(filtered)
Good to hear from you sir.
Wilmette shares a smile with Landers.
WILMETTE
Mr. Peck, good to hear from you too. Where are you?
INT. PECKS DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
Peck grins from ear-to-ear as he taps the shuttles controls.
PECK
About three minutes from your current position. Whats your status?
WILMETTE
(filtered)
Were getting a little wet on this end.
PECK
Ms. Alridge told me about the hole in your roof are you O.K.?
INT. DRAGONFLY -
WILMETTE
For the time being, but well be drowning in about five minutes, giveor take. Were flooding fast.
PECK
(filtered)
Affirmative. Ill be there soon. Peck out.
INT. PECKS DRAGONFLY CONTROL CABIN
As the channel goes dead, Peck sighs and the shuttle banks in a steep
turn.
EXT. PECKS DRAGONFLY
As it rapidly descends toward the damaged shuttle below.
INT. DRAGONFLY PASSENGER CABIN
Water is almost shoulder level, and its cold. A shivering Rusch holds
Wilmette for warmth. Suddenly, there is a groaning sound in the roof,
and a section of the ceiling grinds open to allow Peck to stick his
head in.
PECK
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(impishly)
I was told that you needed a rescue.
Wilmette and Rusch, despite the cold, grin at him, and Rusch takes his
hand.
END ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN
EXT. DEFIANT DSV
The submarine cuts through the deep.
SUPERIMPOSE: Defiant DSV, On Patrol In The Pacific
NEW LINE: Two days later
INT. DEFIANT DSV BRIDGE CORRIDOR
We are outside Wilmettes office door, close on the sign which readsCommanding Officer. From off screen, a hand reaches into our view and
knocks.
WILMETTE
(muted)
Come in.
The hand reaches down and pulls the door open.
INT. DEFIANT DSV WILMETTES OFFICE
Wilmette is seated behind his desk signing reports as Peck approaches,
a report in hand.
WILMETTE
(not looking up)
Put it on the stack.
Peck sets the report on a stack on Wilmettes left and takes one of the
visitors chairs, waiting for Wilmette to finish reading.
WILMETTE
(not looking up)
Is it important?
PECK
Its Martins biweekly Communications report. I always get a kick out
of the Anomalous Whale Noises column.
Wilmette signs the report hes been reading and sets it in the stack on
his right, taking another and opening it.
WILMETTE
(a slight belated grin)
You ever see that anti-U.E.O. poster with seaQuest running over the
whale that Greenpeace put out in 2038?
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PECK
(grinning back)
Yes sir.
WILMETTE
(digging into another report)
That column was designed to keep a fiasco like that from ever happening
again.(absently)
Hows the ocean this morning?
PECK
Quiet sir. A couple Valhallas were causing trouble around Tribecca Deep
earlier, but the Isis took care of it. Its been a quiet two days a
trend that will hopefully continue later into the week.
Wilmette nods, signing the report and setting it on the stack.
Silently, he sets the pen down on the desk and takes a sip of coffee.
WILMETTE
(meeting Pecks eyes)
I talked to George yesterday.
Pecks eyes fall to the surface of the desk, and he turns a bit red.
PECK
(shamed)
Was it bad?
WILMETTE
(leaning back in his chair)
George expressed some. . .concerns to me about your performance a
couple days ago. He said that you were worried about me thats not a
bad thing per se, but he thought that it might have potentially
affected your performance.
Peck keeps his head down, not moving.
WILMETTE
(carefully)
Im touched by your concern John, but I took a calculated risk going
down to that ship - I knew that it might have very well been a one-way
ticket. Thats the job risk goes with every soldiers duty, and it is
your job, should anything happen to me, to hold this crew together.
PECK
(weak)
Im sorry sir.
WILMETTE
I know you are John, and I forgive you, but thats not the only issue.
The commanding officer of a submarine has absolute control, and he
becomes a bit of a symbol to his crew. He has to, if the crew is going
to function properly.
Pecks gaze slowly lifts from the desk as he realizes Wilmette is
trying to teach him something.
WILMETTE
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(cont)
That means that he cant show fear. When youre in command, the crew
looks to you for strength. You know everything, even when you dont. If
theres a Ragnarok off your port bow, and all you have is a pulse laser
and a couple torpedoes, you still know how to get out of it, even if in
your mind you know youre going to be debris in five seconds. Thats
what being in command means.
Peck looks relieved, and he slowly nods.
PECK
I understand sir, and Ill keep it in mind next time.
WILMETTE
(a smile)
Im sure you will.
(a beat as he picks up his pen and opens another report)
Do you need anything before the staff meeting at 1000?
PECK
Do you want to tag team on the Ragnarok data briefing?
WILMETTE
(shaking his head)
I think I can manage.
PECK
Then no, I dont.
WILMETTE
Very well.
(as Peck begins to walk away, Wilmette notices a folder)
Oh, John.
PECK
(turning)Yes sir?
WILMETTE
(handing the folder to Peck)
Take this to Wong, and tell him to run those system specs again and do
a complete run-through this time. I dont care if itll take his people
a double shift Id rather not be in a battle and find we cant steer.
PECK
(a nod, trying not to grin)
Aye sir.
Peck moves for the door as Wilmette goes back to his reports.
INT. DEFIANT DSV BRIDGE CORRIDOR
As Peck gently shuts Wilmettes door, Alridge, on her way to the
Bridge, pauses to speak with him.
ALRIDGE
How did it go?
PECK
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He finally mentioned my panicking on the Bridge. He was very gentle
about it actually, he made me feel better about it.
ALRIDGE
How so?
PECK
I made a mistake, and instead of just patting me on the head to tell meId learned my lesson, he told me why he was concerned. I appreciated
that he made me feel like he cared about me instead of just making me
feel like another nameless crewman.
Alridge is silent for a moment, then changes the subject.
ALRIDGE
Anything on the staff meeting?
PECK
Hes going to brief us on the Ragnaroks at least, the data that HQ
has released, though I dont know why theyd want to hold anything
back.
ALRIDGE
Did you hear any of it?
PECK
I read the report when it came in last night. Basically, theyre fast,
theyre tough, and theyre built almost as good as we are. Its going
to be a bitch trying to fight them even our Havasus are outgunned,
and theyve been rearming the Aquaticas as they put them back into
service, but I doubt itll be enough.
(a sigh)
Theres a storm coming Laurie a big one. Not only have the PMR
returned we now have found they have an ace up their sleeve.
ALRIDGESo does the U.E.O. Defiant may be one ship, but its a formidable
one.
PECK
Thats what I mean the U.E.O. and the PMR are going to collide big
time, with Defiant caught in the middle.
They are silent for a moment, then Alridge gestures toward the Bridge
a silent reminder that they have duty. Peck nods, and the two move
toward the Bridge.
ALRIDGE
(light)
So, what are you doing after your watch?
Peck chuckles and the two trade grins as we
FADE TO BLACK
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