Defiant: 102 - Ragnarok

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. . .


2/54


3/54

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


4/54

(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.


6/54

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)


7/54

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


8/54

(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.


10/54

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.


11/54

(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)


12/54

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


13/54

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.


14/54

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


15/54

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


16/54

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


17/54

(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.


18/54

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. . .


19/54

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.


20/54

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


21/54

(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


22/54

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.


23/54

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


24/54

(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.


25/54

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


26/54

(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?


27/54

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.


28/54

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.


29/54

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


30/54

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.


31/54

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


32/54

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.


33/54

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


34/54

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.


35/54

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.


36/54

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


37/54

(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.


38/54

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


39/54

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Floating above the sunken ship.


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?


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.


40/54

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.


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


41/54

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.


42/54

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


43/54

(resigned)

Im afraid James, Im going to blow us all to hell.

Hold for a few seconds until


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)


44/54

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


45/54

(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


46/54

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.


47/54

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.


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?


48/54

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


49/54

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?


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.


Peck frowns deeply.

PECK

Acknowledged.


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.


50/54

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?


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.


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.


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


51/54

(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?


52/54

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


53/54

(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


54/54

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

Documents

Defiant: 102 - Ragnarok