Defiant: Pilot 2 - Timeless

8/14/2019 Defiant: Pilot 2 - Timeless

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Defiant

Pilot

Timeless

Written By Adam Holmberg

TEASER

BLACK

SLOW FADE TO

The right corner of a vidscreen. We pan up to reveal James Wilmette,

about ten years older than the man we know now. His face shows a few

more lines, but his hair is still dark and his eyes still hold their

intensity.

WILMETTE

In retrospect, it was a necessarily humbling experience for all of us.

Now, I dont mean to say that it was a good thing we lost a lot of

good people.

(quietly, almost a wince)

Some of our dearest friends.(sincere)

But, in the end it might just have saved the U.E.O.

Below Wilmette appear the titles James Wilmette, Secretary General of

the U.E.O. and the star and circle logo of the United Earth Oceans

News Network. Wilmette is seated behind an oak desk in a posh office

done in blue his office.

The picture shifts to a lovely brunette, almost sixty. She radiates an

air of professionalism and experience. Her name is Greta Williams.

WILLIAMS

(leaning forward, interested)

How so?

WILMETTE

Well, back then the Carolinian War was not quite two-and-a-half years-

old, and we had won that by a fairly wide margin. And, of course, the

Macs were our allies Bourne was long dead, and so was his dream.

WILLIAMS

The U.E.O. was getting. . .pride?

WILMETTE

(a nod)

We almost seemed unstoppable. We took down the biggest empire in the

history of man, and we seemed to be growing into its replacement pretty

fast. But, we were too smug. Even when Ford died and the Carolinianscame out of nowhere, we refused to come down off our pedestal refused

to acknowledge our own mortality our vulnerability.

WILLIAMS

And the PMR changed that?

WILMETTE

Well, that came a little later, but we did begin to see that we were

making a very fast transition from a peacekeeper to a government and


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the PMR helped us to realize that we just might not be ready for that

change.

Williams leans forward in her chair toward Wilmette, her eyes piercing

him.

WILLIAMS

Your crusade against the PMR was more than just duty. It was alsomotivated by very personal reasons.

Wilmette is looking slightly thoughtful and slightly. . .uncomfortable?

If he is, hes hidden it well. Williams carefully phrases her next

statement.

WILLIAMS

(cont)

When they reemerged in late 2051, it was quite a shock to all of us.

WILMETTE

Especially me. I had always figured that Correy had been caught in the

explosion at Ganges Colony in 2046. I never once thought he would be

back. . .and that I would get a rematch.

WILLIAMS

Would you tell us how that rematch began?

Wilmette sits back in his deep chair and sighs, recalling. As he tells

his story, we move in towards his Marylandmug sitting on the desk near

a stack of reports.

WILMETTE

It was in June of 2051 that I took command of Defiant, but Correy

didnt show his face until October of that year. It had been mostly

quiet for some time. . .

MATCH CUT

THE MARYLAND MUG

Sitting on Wilmettes desk near a stack of reports bearing the Defiant

sword and diamond. A hand swoops in from off screen and grabs the mug.

INT. WILMETTES OFFICE DEFIANTDSV

Captain James Wilmette is seated behind his desk reading a report as he

brings the mug to his lips and takes a drink.

SUPERIMPOSE: Defiant DSV, On Patrol In The Pacific

NEW LINE: October 21, 2051

WILMETTE

(VO)

But, in the first few weeks of the month, harassment of U.E.O. shipping

had increased about tenfold. In June, right after Defiant had launched,

we encountered two vessels one similar to a Macronesian Pegasus class

warship and one that had been clearly influenced by the seaQuest

design. We didnt yet realize the two incidents were related.

There is a knock at Wilmettes door.


3/63

WILMETTE

(without looking up)

Come in.

Commander John Peck enters holding a couple reports. He approaches the

desk, plopping down in the visitors chair waiting for Wilmette to

finish.

WILMETTE

(signing a report)

Got a couple more for me?

PECK

From Piper. He said theyre those engine performance specs that

Portland wanted. Im not going to comment on the possible reasons why

Headquarters feels the need to check on the power output of every ship

in the fleet.

WILMETTE

(reading over and scribbling his name on another report)

I asked George about it, and he told me that some environmentalistgroup is making trouble. Claimed that were mining too much plutonium

to keep the fusion reactors going, and they started shooting numbers at

Hitchcock.

(setting the pen down and looking at Peck)

Apparently she couldnt fire back.

Peck sets the reports on top of the others.

PECK

Bet she didnt like that one bit.

WILMETTE

To tell the truth, neither would I. Part of being a good commander is

knowing your command inside and out.(leaning back in his chair)

Has it been quiet?

PECK

So far. Three hours and not a peep. Id consider that good, but the day

is still young.

(shaking his head)

Sixteen attacks in three weeks and were not at war with anyone. That

must be some kind of record.

WILMETTE

Last time that happened was in mid December of 2044. Two weeks later

the PMR popped up.

PECK

But we knew where the PMR was getting its goods. One of Bournes top

generals ran off with a quarter of what was left of the Marconesian

navy. If anyone is behind these attacks and theyre too focused to be

random then whos giving them their firepower?

WILMETTE

Unfortunately, these attacks have been surgical in and out. No ones

gotten a clear picture of them not even a stray coded radio


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communication.

PECK

They could be related to those ships we faced in June.

WILMETTE

But without a clear picture all we can do is guess.

PECK

And guesswork is nothing to be proud of.

WILMETTE

(a slight smile)

Do you think quoting me will earn you brownie points?

PECK

(grinning)

No, but itll sure make me look smarter.

Before Wilmette can respond, the intercom beeps. Wilmette punches the

switch.

WILMETTE

Yes?

ALRIDGE

(filtered)

Sir, were getting a message from Admiral Easton, Priority White.

WILMETTE

(rising suddenly)

Send it in.

ALRIDGE

(filtered)

Aye sir.

Wilmette and Peck trade slightly nervous looks, and Wilmette comes

around the desk to stand right in front of the visitors chairs facing

the viewer on the wall. Peck joins him.

ANGLE ON VIEWER

The Pearl Harbor crest appears only to be replaced by Admiral George

Easton who looks quite grim.

EASTON

James. Commander Peck.

PECK(a nod)

Admiral Easton.

WILMETTE

Whats wrong George?

EASTON

I thought I should be the one to tell you. Nine minutes ago we got a

Priority White transmission from Rubicon Colony requesting immediate


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assistance. Apparently they were attacked.

WILMETTE

How bad?

EASTON

Bad enough. About a dozen people killed, hundreds wounded. The main

dome almost ruptured. Weve diverted the Juneau and the Quincytoassist, and were sending you.

Easton hesitates, and Wilmette steps toward him.

WILMETTE

Theres more.

EASTON

The enemy submarines tried to take out the colonys sensors, but that

portion of the colony was too heavily armed. They got a whole picture

of the battle. The ships were identical to the ones you faced in June

one of the seaQuest-looking ones and three of the others.

Wilmette exhales, and he and Peck trade a look as they absorb the news.

EASTON

(cont)

Thats not all. The ships we analyzed their attacked pattern. Its an

old one. No one really uses it anymore we havent seen it since 2046.

WILMETTE

(in shock anticipating)

It was the Flaming Arrow.

EASTON

(a nod)

The colony attack pattern invented by General Lee Correy, Commander-

and-Chief of the Party For Macronesian Rebirth.

Wilmette exhales, turning slightly white as we

FADE TO BLACK

END TEASER

OPENING SEQUENCE

ACT ONE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Moving through the water at top speed.

INT. MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM DEFIANTDSV

The command crew is assembled as Wilmette, holding a few sheets of

paper, strides in. They come to attention and Wilmette motions them to

sit.


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7/63

PECK

(lightly)

So, whats the plan boss?

Despite himself, Wilmette smiles as do most of the others.

WILMETTE

Were going to try and get a bead on where the enemy vessels might havegone we know their general path, but the specifics will be tougher.

If that doesnt work and no one is kidding themselves and saying that

it will work then well go back to the colony and wait.

ALRIDGE

This sounds familiar.

PECK

What do you mean?

Before Alridge can answer,

WILMETTE

(recalling a very bad memory)Shes talking about the last mission the Marylandwas on. The PMR had

been silent for a couple weeks theyd hit Renclaire to the north and

New Astoria to the southwest of Pearl. We were at Pearl waiting for the

call the call that they were on the move. It came at 0323, June 14,

2046.

RUSCH

(recalling)

They hit Rubicon Colony.

Wilmettes mouth drops hes just remembered something. Peck notices,

then the others.

PECKWhat is it?

WILMETTE

(moving for the door)

They hit Rubicon Colony, then Ganges.

ALRIDGE

That was the PMR. These people arent the PMR. . .

(hesitant)

Are they?

Wilmette, standing with his hand on the door, turns back to look over

his crew.

WILMETTE

(quietly)

The attackers used an attack pattern called the Flaming Arrow. It was

invented by Lee Correy and was the primary PMR method of attack. They

tried to use it at Ganges Colony, but I knew how to break it up.

Not letting this sink in, Wilmette opens the door and strides out,

turning down the hall toward the Bridge. The Command Crew remains in

their chairs, stunned. Finally, Peck rises from his seat, looking at


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EASTON

Dont beat yourself up James. How many people in U.E.O. Tactical missed

it?

WILMETTE

But it isnt personal to them. To me it is, but not to them.

EASTON

Its the worst day of your life James. You lost your ship, most of your

crew, and your fianc. Thats not something that you like to dredge up

especially since youve gotten that new ship.

Wilmette leans back in his chair and slowly sighs.

WILMETTE

Thats the thing George. This is a beautiful ship. Every morning when I

wake up, I think of the Captains Cabin as mycabin aboard myship.

When I pass people while Im jogging, I think of them as my crew.

But. . .

EASTONYou scuttled the Maryland. Never mind that she was almost totally

irradiated, most of the crew dead or dying. Never mind that you

wouldnt have gotten a mile away from Ganges Colony before the engines

shut down or the life support gave out. You made the decision sink

her. Itll be a mercy for whoever isnt dead. And it was, but that

doesnt make it any easier.

WILMETTE

And I never faced them. Faced him.

EASTON

Correy was a slippery little bastard. We dont even know if he was at

Ganges. That was his flagship, but thats all we know.

WILMETTE

It was his style. The whole damned thing.

Wilmette rises from his chair and begins to pace behind his desk.

WILMETTE

(cont)

He cornered me, and when I finally got free to go after him he blew

that reactor. A thousand lives down the toilet in under six seconds. My

fault for underestimating him.

EASTON

James, weve been over this. . .

WILMETTE

Been over this a thousand times. Yes, I know. I couldnt have known

that the first wave was a distraction. Couldnt have known that he

snuck that Pegasus in behind me.

(looking straight at Easton)

I couldnt have known that he would kill almost everyone I cared about

with a single torpedo.

EASTON


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But that doesnt make it any easier.

(the air hangs silent before he continues, gently)

James, Im sixty-seven years-old. God knows I have a list of regrets

longer than your ship, and I know better than to tell you that it will

all feel better if you dont think about it because it wont. There is

pain that stays just as sharp as the day you first felt it.

(he leans toward Wilmette)

I know that nothing I can say will make it any easier to bear, but Ican tell you the truth I have never met a finer man, and if anyone

can bear this cross, you can.

Wilmette retakes his seat, thoughtful. He is silent for a few seconds.

Finally,

WILMETTE

The same goes for me George. I just. . .I needed to let that out.

EASTON

I understand. Now, Im sure your crew will need you.

WILMETTE

(grinning)I did walk out on them rather abruptly. I assume youll call me when

you get a response from Command on this.

EASTON

Of course. Now, you take care and relax. We dont even know if its

them.

(Wilmette nods)

Easton out.

CLOSE ON WILMETTES FACE

As the light of the viewer disappears. His mouth tightens, and his eyes

betray his pain. Suddenly he turns to face the MarylandCommand Crew

picture behind his desk.

NEW ANGLE CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Moving toward his eyes.

WILMETTE

(staring at the image of his crew, his lover, his friends)

And if it is them, I will make them pay. They wont escape justice this

time. I swear that to you.

A single tear runs out of Wilmettes eye.

CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE CORRIDOR DEFIANTDSV

Wilmette emerges from his office looking calmer and more focused.

Alridge almost literally runs into him.

WILMETTE

(a nod)

Ms. Alridge.


11/63

ALRIDGE

(icy)

We need to talk.

WILMETTE

(nodding toward his office)

Lets go inside.


Wilmette and Alridge enter, standing near the door.

ALRIDGE

(angry)

What the Hell was that in the Conference Room?

WILMETTE

(tolerant)

Excuse me?

ALRIDGE

You walked out on your command crew in a daze, scaring the hell out ofthem, and you spent seventeen minutes in your office doing God knows

what.

WILMETTE

Youre all professionals Im sure you dont me to hold you hand every

second.

ALRIDGE

No we dont, but we dont need you acting like youre on crack every

single time you have a revelation.

(Wilmette opens his mouth to ream her, but she cuts in, lowering her

voice)

I want them too. If it is the PMR, I want all their heads on a pike,

but we wont get that by being rash.(Wilmette nods continue)

You got my sister killed, but they pulled the trigger. For my sake as

well as yours, dont let them get away.

Wilmette is silent as he lets this sink in. Finally, he nods slowly in

noncommittal agreement.

WILMETTE

Thank you Commander. Now, shouldnt we get to the Bridge?

ALRIDGE

Yes sir.

Wilmette opens the door and holds it for Alridge. As she exits, hewatches her go and sighs, long and deep.

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Slowing as she cuts through the water, toward us, the light of Rubicon

Colony reflecting off the deep blue bioskin.

PAN AROUND


12/63

As the submarine approaches a large, very damaged colony. There are

three domes one very tall central dome, half caved in and blackened,

and two other smaller domes to each side, the one on the right severely

cracked. Two Havasu class submarines, the Juneau and the Quincy, float

near the colony, shuttles passing between each.

INT. BRIDGE DEFIANTDSV

All the command crew are in their correct positions, with Wilmette

standing in front of the Command Plex, watching the colony on the main

viewer.

WILMETTE

(to himself)

Hell of a mess.

PIPER

Yes sir. Itll take weeks to clean up, much less get the colony back

into shape.

WILMETTE

(a shadow falling over him)At least they still can.

Off screen, a console beeps lightly as Wilmette turns and walks back to

the Command Plex, retaking his seat.

PECK

We going to hail the Juneau?

WILMETTE

(surprised)

Should we?

PECK

I thought it would be courteous.

WILMETTE

(sharp)

Were not here to be courteous were here to figure out who took out

this colony.

PECK

(taken aback)

Sorry sir. Captain Matthews always would, so I. . .

WILMETTE

(hard, looking Peck straight in the eye)

Im not Captain Matthews, and this is not seaQuest. Remember that.

The Bridge is dead silent as Peck, turning crimson, looks away from

Wilmette.

PECK

(weak)

Yes sir.

The silence is broken by the beeping of the Communications console.

After a few seconds, Martin speaks up.


13/63

MARTIN

Sir, its seaShark. Vice Admiral Leia Riva-Davis.

Wilmette and Alridge trade a surprised glance, and Alridge checks her

readings.

ALRIDGE(answering Wilmettes unspoken question)

Theyre on approach. ETA. . .

WILMETTE

(after she doesnt answer)

ETA?

ALRIDGE

About fifteen minutes, give or take.

(facing Wilmette)

That sensor spoofing system they have throws the SoftScan off pretty

well. We can see them just because we have the most powerful imaging

array in the world.

WILMETTE

(wry)

Glad to see our tax dollars at work.

(rising from his chair)

Put her on screen.

As Wilmette walks in front of and away from the Command Plex, near the

edge of the Bridge stations, the image of Vice Admiral Leia Riva-Davis

appears on the screen.

DAVIS

(grinning)

Hello James. Good to see you.

WILMETTE

I thought you were stuck in a desk somewhere in Portland.

DAVIS

I was, but I decided I needed a break. Happened to be aboard when we

got the call.

WILMETTE

Call?

DAVIS

(puzzled)

Youre running an investigation of the attack here, arent you?

WILMETTE

Thats right.

DAVIS

Were here to help you.

WILMETTE

(slightly suspicious, and a bit annoyed)

When did this come about?


14/63

DAVIS

Hitchcock called us about an hour after the attack we were in the

area. She told us to come and assist you.

(regarding Wilmette)

You didnt know?

WILMETTE(letting his annoyance show)

No, I didnt. You here to take over or just assist?

DAVIS

(smiling warmly, trying to smooth things over)

Were here to help you. You should know that.

WILMETTE

(staring her down)

Should I?

DAVIS

Were not the enemy James, no matter what you think of Section 7. Have

you forgotten so quickly?

WILMETTE

(darkly)

Not forgotten - just remembered.

(lighting up)

When you arrive pull along side and well discuss strategy.

DAVIS

(grinning)

O.K. My place or yours?

WILMETTE

(returning the smile)

Mine.

DAVIS

See you in thirty.

As the screen goes dead, Wilmette makes his way around the Command Plex

and back to his chair.

DISSOLVE TO

THE INTERVIEW

Wilmette and Williams facing each other as before.

WILLIAMSIf I may digress for a moment, did your animosity of Section 7 come

from personal experience or from the common distrust?

WILMETTE

Well, I have to point out first that I was mad because Hitchcock sent

them to watchdog me, but Ill get to that in a minute. I never really

had any problem with Section 7, to tell the truth, until the

Macronesian War started. I had heard the rumors, of course, but they

were just that rumors. When I took over the Marylandthough, I


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started to learn the rumors were true. They were McGaths pets

primarily, and Ford scaled them back. It was far too late then, but he

tried. But under McGath they just got in the way.

WILLIAMS

You had friends in Section 7.

WILMETTEOn seaShark. Unfortunately, that was a rather unique situation most

of the people aboard were pretty on the level for Section 7 at that

time. And, there is no denying that they were good at what they did.

(rubbing the bridge of his nose before continuing)

No, my time aboard seaShark was positive on the whole. And we would

need them on this mission.

WILLIAMS

(leaning forward, meeting his eyes)

It was truly a long haul for you.

WILMETTE

Yes, it was. For all of us.

(a reflective beat)For all of us who survived.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Floating near the damaged colony.


We hold on the empty office a beat before the door swings open to admit

Wilmette who strides behind the desk, punching his comm switch.

WILMETTE

Wilmette to Bridge. Get me Admiral Easton.

MARTIN

(after a few seconds, filtered)

Patching you through.

The screen in Wilmettes office comes alive with the Pearl Harbor seal,

and Wilmette comes around the desk to stand between the visitors

chairs. After a few seconds Easton appears.

EASTON

(gruff)

I just heard about it. Reede sent the order, and I assume he did it on

Hitchcocks behalf.

WILMETTE

What the hell does she think shes doing?

EASTON


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17/63

for the Rec Room hasnt arrived yet, and he put in the requisition a

couple days after we launched.

WILMETTE

Tell him Ill get on it as soon as possible. I sent the req as soon as

I got it - Portland probably has it tied up somewhere. Ill raise some

hell with the supply people.

PECK

(filtered)

Hell be pleased about that.

WILMETTE

So will I. I know the crew need a place to unwind, and they cant very

well do that if it doesnt have furniture.

(Wilmette sets the report to the side and scribbles something on a note

pad)

Route the shuttle from seaShark to Docking Bay Six. Ill meet the

admiral down there.

PECK

(filtered)Will do. Peck out.

Wilmette caps the pen he just used and rises, grabbing the report and

moving for the door and off screen.

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

A Dragonfly bearing the seaShark seal approaches Docking Bay Six.

INT. DOCKING BAY SIX DEFIANTDSV

Wilmette stands near one of the airlocks looking over the report.

Various crew members coming from and going to the colony pass him,

giving him plenty of space. After a few seconds there is a whoosh asthe airlock cycles, and the light above it turns green from red.

Wilmette slips the report under his arm as the door opens to allow

Riva-Davis and Brisbane Farenheit to exit. He salutes the vice admiral,

which she returns with a frown, and shakes Farenheits hand.

DAVIS

(reserved)

James, its good to see you.

WILMETTE

You too Leia.

(giving Farenheit a warm smile, shaking his hand firmly)

How are you Bryce?

FARENHEIT

Tired. I was up late last night weve had a couple crew members that

have lost family in the past couple days. One lieutenants brother died

in a car accident, and the other lost his father and uncle in a boating

accident.

WILMETTE

The joys of being a psychologist.


18/63

FARENHEIT

On one hand, I agree, but on the other hand, I like it better than

security. I went to school to be psychologist, after all, and I got a

PhD.

WILMETTE

And its nice to be using it. I know what you mean.

FARENHEIT

Im sure you do.

(waving around the docking bay)

This is an impressive ship you have.

WILMETTE

(fixing him with a look)

Bryce, youve seen the outside of the airlock and Docking Bay Six. How

the hell do you know?

FARENHEIT

(an almost playful shrug)

I was trying to be complimentary. Thought youd appreciate it.

Wilmette chuckles, but Davis looks slightly awkward as she realizes

that shes been totally left out of the conversation.

DAVIS

(almost hesitant)

So, do we get a tour, or do we have to imagine?

WILMETTE

(turning toward her, noticing her discomfort)

Youll have to imagine for now. I dont want to be stationary for too

long there are at least three of them and two of us, and we know from

the past few weeks that they wont sit and wait for us to find them.

They begin to move toward the door, Wilmette and Davis walking side-by-

side, Farenheit right behind.

DAVIS

If anything, this attack proves that theyre escalating their efforts.

WILMETTE

And it can only get worse from here.

The door cycles open, and the three step out into the corridor.

DISSOLVE TO


Wilmette, Davis, and Farenheit are seated around the table. The two

seaShark crew members look over various reports bearing the Defiant

sword and diamond as Wilmette sips a cup of coffee.

DAVIS

(looking up from the report, a bit shocked)

Ive been out of the loop. I heard that pirating in the Pacific had

increased in the past couple weeks, but I had no idea.


19/63

FARENHEIT

Neither did I, but thats not surprising. Section 7 usually lets the

submariners take care of these types of problems.

WILMETTE

(biting)

We do like it that way.

DAVIS

(dropping the report, leveling her gaze at him)

Whats your problem James?

WILMETTE

Its nothing personal I just dont trust Section 7. Never have, never

will.

DAVIS

seaShark is part of Section 7. Were part of Section 7 when have we

ever been your enemy?

WILMETTEI dont blame you personally Leia you cant help what Section 7 is,

and you and seaShark has done a lot of good but every time Section 7

has been assigned to my investigation, it ceased to be my investigation

soon after.

DAVIS

I told you, thats not what were here for. Im glad I was aboard when

Katie called Id be afraid that Anya would get in your way.

WILMETTE

(angry)

How kind of you.

DAVIS(turning red)

You son of a bitch! If it wasnt for me youd be stuck in Section 7

swabbing decks with a toothbrush. I went to bat with you. I told Katie

Hitchcock you were right for this command. I got you your second

chance.

(thrusting her finger in his face)

I made you.

FARENHEIT

(desperately)

Leia, James, please.

They ignore him.

WILMETTE

(almost laughing)

You made me? While you were hiding in shadows, making a pitiful attempt

to take down the empire of Macronesia, I led the U.E.O. McGath cut our

funding in half and gave it all to you, and what did you do? You missed

the target.

(Davis eyes go wide with shock)

Dont look so surprised Leia. Ford told me a hell of a lot more than he

let on. While you were stuck in a stasis tube missing out the rest of


20/63

the war, I was sending hundreds of thousands of men and women to die.

Have you ever watched your crews faces these poor soldiers, no older

than twenty, barely men and women as you tell them that they have to

raid this base or attack this ship, and by the way, they will never

come home again? Have you ever looked them in the eyes as they prepared

for their last mission? You know what those eyes say? Why?

DAVIS(angry)

Did Jennifer ask why?

Everyone freezes. Wilmette. Davis. Farenheit. Neither of them can

believe that she said that. A shadow falls over Wilmettes face.

WILMETTE

(deadly)

Officially you outrank me, but if you ever say her name again, I will

tear your heart out.

Davis gropes for words she knows that she should definitely not have

said that. However, anything she might say is interrupted by the

intercom. Never taking his eyes of Davis, Wilmette presses the button.

WILMETTE

Yes?

PECK

(filtered)

You might want to get up here, sir.


Peck sits in the command chair, looking grimly down toward Alridges

screen.

PECKWeve got some movement to the east.


Wilmettes mouth turns down in a frown.

WILMETTE

Ill be right up. Wilmette out.

(he presses the button and quickly rises, facing Davis and Farenheit)

You can come if you want, or you can go back to seaShark.

Davis looks toward Farenheit, and he answers for both of them.

FARENHEITWe wouldnt miss it.

Wilmette simply nods and turns, striding toward the door.


Wilmette strides onto the Bridge, Farenheit and Davis right behind.

Peck vacates Wilmettes seat, moving around to stand on Alridges left,

where Davis stands. Farenheit takes position between Wilmette and


21/63

Alridge.

WILMETTE

What are we looking at?

CLOSE ON ALRIDGES MONITOR

Displaying a SoftScan map of the area around the ship. Marked on themap is Defiant, near the left edge of the map, Near the right edge of

the map is a large white mass of circles labeled Ganges Colony, and

to the northwest a large red unlabeled border.

ALRIDGE

(OS)

This is a map of movement around Ganges Colony during the past ten

minutes. I didnt even notice the computer flagged it down for me.

WILMETTE

(OS)

What down?

ALRIDGE(OS)

Let me put it into motion.

The map goes into motion, and Defiant moves off toward the south.

During this time, twice, there are three quick flashes, vaguely

seaQuest in profile. Finally, the map freezes a time index of ten

minutes has played in about ten seconds.

WIDE ON COMMAND PLEX

As Wilmettes brow creases.

WILMETTE

Can we ID the blips?

ALRIDGE

(shaking her head)

Visually, they could be Black Arrows, but why would they flash like

that?

DAVIS

Could it be a sensor error a whale or something?

ALRIDGE

Negative. Our equipment screens that out, and I already checked its

working just fine.

Wilmette rises thoughtfully from his seat, moving away from the CommandPlex.

WILMETTE

Barry. . .

PIPER

I checked the SoftScan Array, and the Graphica. Both are working just

fine.


22/63

FARENHEIT

Graphica?

WILMETTE

(thoughtfully)

Our imaging array.

(turning toward the Command Plex, walking over to his chair but not

sitting down)Ms. Martin, call seaShark and tell them were going to Ganges Colony.

MARTIN

The new one?

Wilmette shoots her a look that would melt steel.

WILMETTE

Where else?

MARTIN

(OS)

Aye sir.

WILMETTE

Mr. Wong, set a course for Ganges Colony.

WONG

Speed sir?

Wilmette looks at Alridge.

ALRIDGE

Cruising speed.

WILMETTE

You heard her.

WONG

Aye sir.

Wilmette retakes his seat, turning toward Davis and Farenheit.

WILMETTE

You staying or going?

Farenheit glances at Davis, and she faces Wilmette.

DAVIS

Well stay. Anya can handle things just fine in my absence.

WILMETTEVery well then. Ill have Ms. Martin inform seaShark that youll be

staying with us for the time being.

(with a hint of amusement)

Id tell you to use our Rec Room, but it doesnt have any furniture

right now, so if you dont mind hard chairs, the Mess Hall is on Deck

Two off the Central Corridor toward the aft.

FARENHEIT

Will you be here?


23/63

WILMETTE

(a grin)

Holding my ship together.

FARENHEIT

(returning his friends smile)

As always.(patting Wilmette on the shoulder)

Call us if anything interesting happens.

Farenheit and Davis move toward the exit. Before Wilmette can say

anything, Peck turns toward Farenheit.

PECK

Mr. Farenheit, you can tell you havent be on this ship before.

FARENHEIT

Hows that?

PECK

On this ship, it isnt a matter of if anything will happen. Its when.

Wilmette and Farenheit both grin.

FARENHEIT

Ill keep that in mind Commander Peck.

As Farenheit and Davis move through the Bridge exit, we

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Cutting through the water at cruising speed.


Davis stands near the painting of the Marylandabove Wilmettes couch,

almost as if she is counting the brushstrokes. After a few seconds we

hear the door open off screen, though she doesnt seem to notice.

WILMETTE

(OS, deadpan)

This isnt the Mess Hall.

Davis isnt startled, but she turns toward Wilmette who stands behind

his desk holding a report.

DAVISI got a little bored down there, and Bryce was busy talking with your

Security Chief, Mr. Landing. . .

WILMETTE

Landers.

DAVIS

(moving toward the desk, taking one of the visitors chairs)

Landers. So, I decided to come up here maybe find a window or


24/63

something.

WILMETTE

(taking his chair, setting the report on top of the stack)

They were in the plans, but when the ship was rushed to completion. . .

DAVIS

I know they forgot to put them on. Are they going to refit you, geteverything finished?

WILMETTE

Well, no ones said anything about it, and Im not sure that were on

the top of the priority list right now you might have heard me tell

Bryce we dont have any furniture for the Rec Room.

DAVIS

I did.

WILMETTE

I suppose when the current crisis is past I could mention it to George.

Hed at least kick up some Hell in Portland.

DAVIS

(with a grin)

He seems to be good at that. Like you.

WILMETTE

I dont kick up Hell at least, not as much as George.

DAVIS

You two have a special bond.

WILMETTE

Hes my best friend.

DAVISMore than that. Hes your best friend, but you two are also cut from

the same cloth, as the old adage goes.

(leaning forward)

I envy that.

WILMETTE

Dont you have any friends like that?

DAVIS

(she abruptly rises, pacing behind the chair)

I have some very deep friendships, yes, but not like that.

(standing behind a visitors chair, looking straight into Wilmettes

eyes)

I thought you were one once.

WILMETTE

(unreadable)

Is that why you said what you did?

Davis turns a bright red, and her eyes dart away from Wilmettes.

DAVIS

James Im so deeply sorry that I said that to you. I was totally out of


25/63

line, but. . .

Davis turns away from Wilmette, and he rises and comes around the desk,

placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

DAVIS

(a tear coming to her eye)

You hurt me James.

WILMETTE

Leia, Im sorry too. . .

DAVIS

(turning to face Wilmette)

I dont mean that. I mean, how youre acting toward seaShark toward

me. I thought I was your friend.

WILMETTE

You are.

DAVIS

Then why doesnt it feel like it?

Wilmette smiles slightly, his eyes meeting the Marylandpainting behind

Davis.

WILMETTE

When I met you, I was a very. . .different person. I was in pain,

trapped by a sin which I refused to forgive myself for. I got my crew

killed.

(he meets Davis eyes)

Everyone hated me for what I did, but I hated myself for what I lost,

and you were the only one who understood that. Even Mel. . .she had

trouble understanding why I had nightmares, why I couldnt stand to

look at myself for too long.

(moving toward Davis)I still havent forgiven myself. The nightmares are the same the same

intensity, the same clarity but Im not the man you met. When

Mel. . .when she was gone and I left, I went to some very dark places,

in reality and in my own mind. Places where no one could follow not

even George. He helped me out of them, but even he couldnt follow.

ANGLE ON DAVIS

She is staring right into Wilmettes eyes, her own blazing. She simply

nods.

WILMETTE

(cont)

I hit bottom, four years after. When I was there, I remembered who Iwas the Captain James Wilmette that had led the U.E.O. through the

Macronesian War. Captain James Wilmette, Commanding Officer, Maryland

Defensive Submergence Vehicle. That man is gone as dead as his fianc

and his ship but I am his shadow, and as much as I owe it to the crew

of the Marylandto honor them, I owe it to Captain James Wilmette of

the Marylandto honor him.

DAVIS

Thats the trouble James you dont realize it yet. Ive tried to tell


26/63

you I tried to tell you when you sunk into that depression in April.

You are that man he isnt dead. Hes just locked behind a very high

wall, and you refuse to let him out again. You refuse to forgive

yourself.

WILMETTE

(with a smile)

Yes I do.

Davis takes Wilmettes hand, squeezing it.

DAVIS

Oh James, I dont understand you anymore. There is such a chasm between

us. You are a great man you were a great man and you still are, and

yet you insist on torturing yourself over a mistake that you seek

everyday to atone for.

WILMETTE

Its all I have. Dont you understand that? I have no home, no wife, no

family, no legacy but a thousand people dead on the bottom of the

Pacific Ocean. My pain is all I have.

DAVIS

(quietly)

You have us. You have your friends.

The silence hangs thick for a moment, then the intercom beeps lightly.

Wilmette silently moves for the desk, punches the button.

WILMETTE

Yes?

MARTIN

(filtered)

Sorry to bother you sir, but the Secretary General is on the line for

you.

Wilmettes brow creases as he glances at Davis who shrugs.

WILMETTE

Wait until Admiral Davis gets to the Bridge, then send it in.

MARTIN

(filtered)

Aye sir.

Davis moves for the door, standing near Wilmette.

DAVIS

I have no idea. Did you complain?

WILMETTE

(remembering, grinning)

To Easton. While we were at each others throats, he was probably

raising some hell in Portland.

DAVIS

(smiling)

Hes good at that.


27/63

WILMETTE

(returning the grin)

So Ive heard. Ill see you later?

DAVIS

You can bet on it. Ill be on the Bridge seeing if theyve found

anything.

Wilmette nods as Davis departs, leaning over his desk thoughtfully

watching her go. Behind him the screen clicks on unnoticed.

HITCHCOCK

(OS)

Mr. Wilmette, Im over here.

Wilmette about-faces and comes to attention, and Hitchcock waves him

down.

HITCHCOCK

Ive never believed in those formalities over the Communications Vid.

Wilmette relaxes, leaning on his desk.

HITCHCOCK

(cont)

I heard from Admiral Easton that you were not happy by my addition to

your team.

WILMETTE

(grinning despite himself)

How loud did George yell?

HITCHCOCK

(to her surprise, grinning too)

Im surprised you didnt hear him from there, actually. Are you stillmad?

WILMETTE

May I speak freely?

HITCHCOCK

Didnt I just ask for that?

WILMETTE

I dont mind help, but I dont appreciate being watchdogged.

HITCHCOCK

(leaning forward in her chair)

When did I send her Mr. Wilmette?

WILMETTE

Right after we were dispatched.

HITCHCOCK

When after you were dispatched?

WILMETTE

Well. . .I dont know.


28/63


29/63

(turning, moving for the desk)

Come in.

Davis hurries into the office, and when she sees it is clear, she

motions for James to come with her.

DAVIS

Weve detected a coded transmission, and we were able to unscramble it.James its the PMR. Theyre after Marylands nuclear weapons.

WILMETTE

(enraged)

What?

DAVIS

Come to the Bridge and listen.

Wilmette nods, striding ahead of her out of the office.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Moving through the water.


We pan from the powerful supports on the ceiling of the Bridge to the

Command Plex where Wilmette, Peck, and Alridge sit, Davis standing on

Wilmettes left. We can hear a very noisy, crackled transmission from

the Bridge speakers.

MALE VOICE

(filtered, distorted)

Thi. . .Party Recon S. . . 1A4 to Sta. . .house. Conti. . .scan for

wreckage. . .peat, continuing scan.

MALE VOICE 2

(filtered, distorted but clearer)

Recon 1A4, General Correy would like to know how much longer you

expect.

With the mention of the name Correy, Wilmettes mouth tightens.

MALE VOICE

(filtered, distorted)Tell. . .m tha. . .he radiation is. . .king the search extremely

difficult. . . .of distortion on the. . .sors. Repeat, lot of

disto. . .the sensors.

MALE VOICE 2

(filtered, distorted but clearer)

Understood 1A4. Just find that ship. He wants it found and wants those

nukes before the U.E.O. catches wind. . .


30/63

The transmission fades into static.

MARTIN

(OS)

Thats it sir.

WILMETTE

Why could we hear that, and why havent we been able to detect theirtransmissions before this?

ALRIDGE

Well sir, without being too long-winded about it, were skimming the

edge of the dead zone around Ganges Colony. They the PMR, if we want

to call them that probably use a tightbeam relay for their

communications. Its extremely narrow and difficult to find

impossible if its also scrambled.

WILMETTE

(anticipating)

The radiation interferes with it?

MARTINThe type of radiation from the explosion of the Ganges Colony reactor

actually makes the tightbeam visible.

ALRIDGE

The effect is not easy to detect a tightbeam is, as the name implies,

very small anyhow but with our sensors, it sticks out like a sore

thumb.

WILMETTE

If they had been using this in the past few months. . .

ALRIDGE

It is extremely unlikely we would have detected it even if we knew

what to look for.

DAVIS

So you couldnt have known James.

Davis glances at Alridge for support, which she gets.

ALRIDGE

This kind of tightbeam technology didnt exist during 2045 and 2046. It

really only got developed for practical use at the end of the

Carolinian War.

DAVIS

Even Section 7 doesnt use it widely yet.

Wilmette is silent for a moment. Everyone backs off they all have

served with him long enough to know not to interrupt him. Finally he

looks up at Martin and rises from his chair.

WILMETTE

We have to act quickly. Ms. Martin, get me Admiral Easton, Priority

White.

MARTIN


31/63


32/63

Fierce. Four of the Black Arrows and five of the other ships versus a

fleet of four U.E.O. vessels two Havasus, an Aquatica, and seaShark.

While the seaShark is able to cut through one of the Black Arrows,

another cuts into its stern with a series of solid hits.

No one is losing the battle, but no one is winning either.

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Cutting through the water at cruising speed. As it moves away from us,

it slows.


Everyone is at their usual positions, and Davis is on Wilmettes right

and Farenheit on Alridges left.

WONG

Weve slowed to 10% maximum speed, as ordered.

WILMETTEThank you Mr. Wong.

(turning toward Alridge)

Does that help?

ALRIDGE

Yes sir, it does, though everything is still quite hazy. Radiation

levels in the area are at seventy-six percent that does throw off

even our sensors, and as we get closer to the colony, it gets worse.

(her console beeps)

Wait a minute. . .

(she presses a few buttons, leaning closer to her display)

Were picking up an object ahead.

WILMETTEAn object?

ALRIDGE

Its on or near the bottom of the ocean. I cant make it out - its too

fuzzy but it doesnt seem too big.

PECK

Cant you use sonar?

ALRIDGE

One sonar pulse and every PMR ship in the area would know where we are.

Anyway, its clearing up as we get. . .

As Alridges voice trails off, Wilmette, Peck, and Davis all looktoward her.

DAVIS

Ms. Alridge?

ALRIDGE

Its a shuttle.

(Wilmette goes white as she continues to read her display)

A Copernicus class Trans One type shuttle, back when they used Trans


33/63

designations.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

As he closes his eyes and drops his head.

ALRIDGE

(OS)The vehicle is heavily irradiated. . .

DAVIS

(OS)

Its in the Dead Zone.

Wilmette opens his eyes again, now wet, and, as he runs his hands

through his hair and sighs long and deep, he looks toward the main

viewer.

ALRIDGE

(OS)

I mean, its really hot. . .

DAVIS

(OS)

Like it took a direct dose of radiation?

Wilmette dips his head again.

ALRIDGE

(OS)

Thats what it looks like.

WILMETTE

Thats because it did.

WIDE ANGLE COMMAND PLEX

All eyes are on Wilmette, and Davis, standing on Alridges right, turns

toward him. Before she can speak he rises from his chair and we follow

him as he moves in front of the Command Plex. His shoulder are hunched,

and his eyes are overflowing with the pain of memory.

WILMETTE

(quietly)

Mr. Wong, bring us about to 272 mark 4. Increase to 50% full speed.

Silence. Wilmettes gaze shifts to the row of consoles on his right,

and we follow it as it moves over each of his crew. Piper gives

Wilmette a supportive half-smile. Rusch looks almost concerned. On the

other side of the Bridge, Martin is thoughtfully impassive. We returnto Wilmette who looks forward.

ANGLE ON WONG

Sitting in the Starboard Helm pod. He trades a puzzled expression with

the extra in the Port Helm Pod and turns his attention to his controls.

WILMETTE

(OS)


34/63

Mr. Wong?

WONG

Aye sir. Bringing us about.

As he relays the acknowledgement, Wong moves the stick and the

submarine tips slightly as she comes around.

ANGLE ON WILMETTE

As he turns and moves back to his seat. At this point, all eyes are on

him as he leans back in his chair, wiping his eyes clean of moisture

and sighing. After he is done, he looks around the Bridge at his crew

he knows they deserve an answer.

WILMETTE

(simply, painfully)

Its her shuttle.

(looking all of them over)

Its Jennifers.

Looking at Peck, who is silent, he rises from his chair and movesbehind the Command Plex.

WILMETTE

(louder)

Well arrive at the Marylandin about eight minutes. Ill be in my

office until then. Mr. Peck, you have the Bridge.

PECK

(not moving)

Aye sir.

Wilmettes eyes meet Davis, then Farenheits. He shakes his head

almost imperceptibly and moves for the exit, leaving the Bridge in

silence.

QUICK CUT


As he moves behind his desk, plopping in the chair. We see every line

on his face every one of his forty-two years. Head in his hands, he

rests on his desk.

QUICK FLASH

INT. BRIDGE MARYLAND DSV B&W

As massive explosion rocks the structure. Consoles spark and finallyeverything goes dead, only to kick on again a few seconds later.

Wilmette, in his chair in the center of the cavernous structure, leaps

to his feet as alarms sound all over the Bridge.


Close on Wilmettes face, his eyes shut tight, a couple tears escaping.


35/63

WILMETTE

(VO, distorted)

What the hell just happened?

MALE SENSORS OFFICER

(VO, distorted)

There was a massive nuclear explosion from the colony, sir.

A beat, then

WILMETTE

(VO, distorted, angry)

They torpedoed the reactor!


Commander Stuart Pierce, a bulky dark-haired man in his early thirties,

stands near Wilmette who is standing in front of the command chair.

PIERCE

James, the ship is gone. Everything below Deck Four is totally

irradiated, half of the Engine Room is gone, and most of our circuitswere fried by the EMP in the blast. We have to evacuate while we still

can.


Close on Wilmettes eyes, tears dripping out of the closed eyelids and

onto his hand which his head rests on.

WILMETTE

(VO, distorted)

Jenny, Im so sorry I did this to you. I should have. . .

JENNIFER PERKINS

(VO, distorted, weak)James, I dont blame you.


CLOSE ON VIEWER

It is a small viewer on one side of the lower Bridge level. On it is

the image of Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins thirty-five, dark brown

hair, an impish smile, beautiful. Sweat runs down her face and across

her brow, and she is very gray. She tries to look calm and brave, but

her eyes betray fear and pain. Shes dying, and she knows it.

PERKINS

Correy snuck up behind you even you cant predict every single moveyour opponent will make.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Kneeling in front of the viewer, arms on the console in front of it.

His head rests on his arms, his eyes wet.

WILMETTE

I didnt think that he would blow that reactor that was suicide.


36/63

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

PERKINS

(a weak smile)

Well then, you can be happy thats he roasting in hell in a big

radioactive cloud right now.

WILMETTE

That doesnt save you.

PERKINS

(smiling)

Nothing can save me now James.

(before Wilmette can speak)

No James. You have to let that sink in. Theres nothingyou could have

done, and theres nothing you can do now. You took a risk made a

gamble and it wasnt the right move. Next time youll do better.

WILMETTE

Next time I wont have you.

PERKINS

No you wont, but I refuse to believe that will stop you.

(a pause as she winces)

James, youre the strongest man Ive ever met. If anyone can survive

this, you can.

(a beat)

As for me, I die with only one regret that I will never marry you.

This isnt such a bad way to die even if we failed, I die knowing

that I did my duty. I stabilized that reactor, saved those colonists,

if only for a few moments. My death means something I didnt go in

some senseless chaotic battle, but I went trying to help the innocent.

WILMETTE

(tears flowing)Jennifer, I. . .I love you.

(sobbing heavily)

Ill love you until the end of the world.

PERKINS

I will always be with you James. Always.

WILMETTE

Goodb. . .

PERKINS

No James. Never say goodbye.

Her weak hand touches the viewer, and Wilmette reaches out and placeshis hand over the image, sobs racking him. Perkins gives him one last

smile a warm, full, beautiful smile, and the screen goes dead.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Tears flowing down his face from his eyes. We hold for a second until we

MATCH CUT TO


37/63


Wilmette stands behind his desk, tears running down his cheeks.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL DAVIS

Standing behind Wilmette, grimly watching him. After a few seconds she

strides over to him, wrapping her arms around him, letting him cry.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Cutting through the water. As she moves past us, she begins to slow.


Wilmette, Davis, and Farenheit stand in front of the Command Plex

watching the main viewer. We can tell Wilmette has just been crying

his eyes are bloodshot and still moist but he seems more composed.

Davis has her hand around his shoulder as they take in the image before

them.

FARENHEIT

She sure got beat to hell.

WILMETTE

(a nod)

Being too close to a nuclear blast will tend to do that.

(he and Farenheit trade a quick smile)

It still amazes me that we made it this far from the colony. We were

running on backups the EMP fried most of the primaries and most of

those were shot too. And we were torn up by Correys last three

Pegasuses besides.

DAVISShe was a tough ship.

WILMETTE

All of them were. Thats why were still using the Aquaticas today.

CLOSE ON MAIN VIEWER

Defiants lights illuminate a battered submarine lying on the ocean

floor the Maryland. Long and thin with sharp yet graceful curves a

deadly knife that subtly recalls the seaQuest shape.

She is indeed torn to hell black scars and streaks pepper the aft

end, the result of a great nuclear blast, and the hull is pockmarked by

torpedo blasts and laser scars. Docking Bay Two on the starboard side,which faces us, is opened forever to the waters of the Pacific

obviously, the crew made their escape from here.

WILMETTE

(OS)

How is she Ms. Alridge?

ANGLE ON ALRIDGE


38/63

Looking over her displays.

ALRIDGE

Decks One and Two remain dry, while the rest of the vessel is mostly

flooded, except for a couple areas on Decks Five and Six.

(looking toward Wilmette)

Just as you left her.

WILMETTE

(after a thoughtful beat)

Lets go aboard.

SMASH CUT TO

DARKNESS

We are surrounded by total darkness. Suddenly we hear a loud,

unpleasant metallic scraping - metal on metal, and a shaft of light

illuminates the metal plates of a deck. We pan to reveal a thick metal

door being swung open the door of an airlock and Wilmette enters, a

light attached to his wrist.

As he enters, his eyes scan the deck, as if searching, and he raises

his PCR to his mouth and presses a switch.

WILMETTE

Phoenix One to Phoenix Four, come in.

PIPER

(filtered)

Phoenix Four here sir.

WILMETTE

Phoenix Four, hows my power coming?

INT. DECK TWO CORRIDOR MARYLAND DSV

A corner of the deck is bathed in light from a lighting rig erected in

the center of the deck. Panels in the wall have been opened, and a

large generator-like device is hooked into it with various cables.

As Piper enters our view, he glances at the device and raises his PCR.

PIPER

Almost there sir. Got the batteries hooked in just about ready to

pull the switch.

INT. DECK ONE CORRIDOR MARYLAND DSV

WILMETTEJust stand back when you do the Secondary Power Grid hasnt been

running in over five years, and Im still not sure how intact it is.

PIPER

(filtered)

Dont worry sir the worst that can happen is a feedback from any

lines underwater that we didnt isolate, and we cant help if the

cutoff doesnt work.


39/63

WILMETTE

(grinning)

Still, be careful.

PIPER

(filtered)

I will sir. Will call you when everything is running again. Piper out.

As Wilmette lowers the PCR, Davis joins him at his side.

DAVIS

You O.K. James?

WILMETTE

(still looking around, nodding)

I never thought Id be back, but now that I am. . .

(a beat, then he looks at her)

I feel this terrible emptiness like something is missing.

DAVIS

(a nod)

Your crew.

WILMETTE

And yet I feel their presence. Its not that most of their bodies are

sealed below us. . .

(a beat)

Its almost like this ship still lives. Shes frozen in time on the

bottom of the ocean. Yes, shes empty and dead, but. . .

DAVIS

Your world shattered here James. Of course you feel empty you

wouldnt be a human being if you didnt.

Before Wilmette can respond, the lights suddenly snap on, and Wilmette

glances around. As we follow his gaze, we find a long, narrowutilitarian deck untouched since the day she was abandoned. A couple

papers here and there litter the deck plates, and a few of the

electrical panels are charred, but no water has touched the corridor.

Alridge, Farenheit, and a couple security guys stand near the airlock,

looking about. Alridge takes a few steps, taking it all in, and

Wilmette moves to her side.

ALRIDGE

So, this is where Ali died.

Wilmette swallows and flinches, but he stands his ground.

WILMETTEThree decks down, just aft of Docking Bay Six.

ALRIDGE

(staring straight into his eyes, fire roaring)

How does it feel to stand on their graves?

WILMETTE

(almost a whisper)

It hurts as much as it did when I got them killed.


40/63

ALRIDGE

Good.

Alridge walks away, and Wilmette watches her go, his eyes glazed. After

a few seconds his PCR suddenly beeps.

WILMETTEYes?

PIPER

(filtered)

Sir, you arent going to believe this.

INT. DECK TWO MARYLAND DSV

Piper glances over at one of his technicians who is bent over an open

panel.

PIPER

Were getting a signal from someone who claims to be General Lee

Correy.

INT. DECK ONE MARYLAND DSV

Everyone tenses especially Wilmette.

PIPER

(filtered)

Apparently the emergency communications antenna still works.

WILMETTE

(a nod)

The communications array was mostly fried we used it to contact

Pearl, and we left it up when we abandoned ship.

(a thoughtful beat)Give me a minute, then patch it through to my office.

PIPER

(filtered)

Aye sir.

As he lowers his PCR, Wilmette thoughtfully gazes at Davis and Alridge,

both of whom look at his expectantly.

WILMETTE

Its just down the corridor.

INT. WILMETTES OFFICE MARYLAND DSV

Smaller than his office aboard Defiant, the desk opposite the door is

cluttered like Wilmettes Defiant desk, except the reports bear the

Marylandsword and diamond. Two visitors chairs sit in front of the

desk, and not far behind is a couch along the wall a fallen painting

on it - with a small coffee table in front cluttered with battered

paperbacks, some of which have spilled on the floor. In five years,

Wilmette hasnt changed his decorating sense.

The metal door of the office swings open to admit Wilmette, followed by


41/63

Davis, Farenheit, Alridge, and the security men. Wilmette strides over

to the desk and, shifting some papers, presses the communications panel

on top.

The screen opposite the desk comes to life with the Marylandsword and

diamond, followed by the image of General Lee Correy of the Party For

Macronesian Rebirth. Almost fifty, bald, with intense eyes and a salty

beard, Correy looks calculatingly cold and just a bit insane.

CORREY

Captain Wilmette. Its been awhile.

Wilmettes face is a mask of tension and calculation in equal measure.

Correy is his worst enemy, but Wilmette respects his ability.

WILMETTE

Five years. I thought you were dead.

CORREY

Im afraid not James. I escaped that explosion, while my flagship did

not. You see, I was in the third ship the ruse. I was willing to

sacrifice to kill you you turned my nation into an abomination acorpse of former glory but I was not willing to die until I knew for

certain you were dead. You have an uncanny ability to stay alive

Captain.

WILMETTE

Too bad I can say the same for you.

CORREY

Im sure it is. Unfortunately for you, I am back. You broke our backs

in 2046, but you couldnt kill our spirits. Some of us survived a

handful really, but enough. Over the years we plotted in the shadows,

at risk of being clich, recruiting those who had reason to hate the

U.E.O. Weve been able to build a substantial force, and weve acquired

technology to match your own. Youve already been introduced to ourRagnaroks.

WILMETTE

The black ships?

CORREY

The same. I thought it was ironic when they were delivered to us and we

found that they resemble your own seaQuest class so much. Too bad for

you theyre much deadlier. Theyre called Ragnaroks, and theyve been

doing an incredibly good job at harassing your shipping for the past

month.

WILMETTE

That was you?

CORREY

Surprised Captain?

WILMETTE

Not really. Too many civilian targets were being hit all those

scientific and recreational colonies, that passenger liner. Its just

your style punish the civilians for the sins of the government.


42/63

CORREY

Thats the paradox of democracy Captain the civilians choose that

government. Few spoke in protest when your United States and your

European Union sponsored the U.E.O.s mission to pillage and loot my

country, and fewer still remained when it became illegal to support the

rightful government of Macronesia after their neighbors started burning

down their houses. Where was your democracy then?

WILMETTE

The U.E.O. made mistakes, but that doesnt make you right. That doesnt

make the slaughter of thousands of civilians just.

CORREY

And are you righteous James Wilmette? Are you just? A thousand people

lay dead in the colony to your west dead because you chose your

fianc over your duty. You threw away a thousand lives for one, and in

the end you couldnt even save the one.

WILMETTE

(fiery, eyes burning with rage)

I made a mistake that I pay for every night. You slaughter for what? A

dictator? Bourne didnt even care about the world he did it for hisown ego. Thought he built an invincible military, and even that was a

delusion. I might respect you Correy, if only you had a cause worth

fighting for.

CORREY

My only question Captain is, was she a screamer or a squealer?

Wilmette almost lunges at the screen, but Farenheit and one of the

security men catch him.

WILMETTE

You son of a bitch! I swear to God that youll burn in hell before this

day is through.

CORREY

(smug)

You can try Captain, but I have the upper hand. Your defenses have

proven rather effective against my Ragnaroks, but we are gaining the

upper hand, and Marylands nuclear weapons will be mine very soon.

WILMETTE

(deadly)

Well see about that General. Marylandout.

Correys smirking visage disappears from the screen, and the two men

release Wilmette who straightens his uniform, eyes burning.

FARENHEITSorry about that James, but I dont think it would have been very

productive had you put your hand through the viewer.

Wilmette, seething, is silent for a few seconds as he looks around his

office and over his people and Farenheit and Davis. Finally, he slowly

exhales and relaxes just a bit.

WILMETTE

(quietly, deadly)


43/63


44/63

(filtered)

Twelve minutes. Were going to help the Vermont get out of here and

then well be back.

WILMETTE

Very well. Well be waiting for you. Marylandout.

(he presses a button on the tabletop)

Are we ready Mr. Piper?

PIPER

I have Parker and Yueh looking over the relay one more time, but we

should be.

FARENHEIT

Hotwiring the detonation commands for two nuclear missiles into the

communications array in seven minutes, fifty-six seconds. That must be

a record.

PIPER

I imagine it is by virtue that were the only ones crazy enough to try

it.

DAVIS

Im still worried about the ecological damage. Cant we just use one?

WILMETTE

I hate using them at all, but its the only way were ever going to

have a chance to cripple Correys fleet, and it makes sure that no one

can ever get the rest of the missiles. As for ecological damage, I

think we can agree that the area is already damaged beyond repair

itll be like dropping a bomb into the rubble of a building.

ALRIDGE

Im not a scientist, but I do have to agree. These bombs, like the ones

on U.E.O. ships today, are designed to focus the radiation into one

concentrated area, and this area is already surrounded by ridges.Radiation cant escape thats the reason its still so concentrated

today.

DAVIS

I know all of that. Its just. . .

(a sigh)

I dont like the idea of bringing nuclear weapons into this. Look what

happened during the Macronesian War.

WILMETTE

That was a necessary evil Leia. I dont like it either, but look at it

from my perspective weve got a PMR fleet bearing down on us, and

there isnt a damned thing we can do to stop it. Weve got eighteen

nuclear weapons aboard this submarine, and in just over twenty-fiveminutes theyll belong to the PMR if we dont do something about them.

We cant move them, so we have to make them inaccessible to that fleet.

This way not only will they never fall into the wrong hands theyll

never fall into anyones hands, and we can take a few of Correys

people with us.

The room is silent for a moment. Finally, Davis nods.

DAVIS


45/63

What do we do for the next twelve minutes?

CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE MARYLAND DSV

In a word big. Much bigger than Defiants Bridge, her ceiling curves

fourteen feet above the deck at its highest point, about nine near theedges. An upper ring of dead stations circles the entire structure, two

Helm Pods at each end, an immense viewer between. There is no Command

Plex, but a Captains Station does sit in the center toward the aft,

behind it a large Tactical station between the ramps down from the

upper level. The impression is one of power and grandeur.

We hold on the rear right door of the Bridge as it cycles aside to

allow Wilmette to enter.

FOLLOW WILMETTE

Hes been here today already but not alone. As such, he takes in the

full measure of his Bridge, looking over every detail every seat and

console for the first time in five years.

WILMETTES POV

He looks over the main viewer and the Helm Pods, running along the

upper right row of stations, finally falling upon the Captains Chair.

We approach it slowly.

ON WILMETTE

With a heavy sigh he takes the chair, running his hands over the

console. Voices come to him in flashes.

McGATH

(VO)I give you Captain James Wilmette of our flagship, U.E.O. Maryland

Defensive Submergence Vehicle.

SMASH CUT TO

INT. PRESS ROOM - U.E.O. HEADQUARTERS NEW CAPE QUEST B&W

It is 2039, and everyones age should reflect this. Wilmette steps

behind the podium as McGath relinquishes it. The applause dies down as

he begins to speak.

Suddenly all flashbacks become color.

The image shifts closer to Wilmette, further into his speech in the

same manner as a soundbyte on the news.

WILMETTE

This ship will stand as a beacon, not just in seaQuests memory, but in

the memory of everyone who has died in the name of freedom. On the day

he died, the American President John Kennedy was to deliver a speech in

Dallas, Texas. Even undelivered, his words reach out to us today.

(a beat)

We in this country, in this generation, are by destiny, rather than


46/63

choice, the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.

(a beat)

We are those watchmen, and we will send a clear, decisive message to

Alexander Bourne that he is not welcome on our walls of world freedom.

(Wilmette lowers his head, as if thinking, and finally raises it, his

voice steely)

This war has only begun and yet we are already weary of it. I will not

lie our enemy outnumbers us two to one, but we will defeat him. Itmay take six days or six months or six years, but Alexander Bourne will

fall, and he will be called to account for what he has done for the

lives he has taken.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. BRIDGE MARYLAND DSV - PRESENT

As we hear the words in VO, Wilmette mouths them.

WILMETTE

The days ahead will be bleak, but I can assure everyone who depends on

us for protection we will stand as your guardian until this man is

gone. No matter how long it takes, we will stand between freedom andtyranny, between the darkness and the light, even if it takes us to our

last breath, and we will never yield.

SMASH CUT TO


Still color. A few panels smoke a bit, but the Bridge seems relatively

untouched by the chaos of battle. Wilmette faces away from us,

conferring with his Tactical officer near the back of the Bridge.

Suddenly, there is a great flash and rumble, and the room goes dead.

Emergency lights flicker on, and Wilmette abruptly turns toward us,

looking about.

WILMETTE

What the hell just happened?

The young brown-haired man at Sensors, Lt. Sam Kiester, hastily checks

his readings.

KIESTER

There was a massive nuclear explosion from the colony, sir.

Marylands Assistant Chief of Engineering, Lt. Commander Heather Rowan,

is frantically pressing controls and reading her screen.

ROWANSir, it appears that our primary computer and electrical systems were

fried by a massive EMP blast radiating from Ganges Colony.

Wilmette almost jumps out of his chair, moving in front of the Main

Viewer.

WILMETTE

Can you put the colony on the viewer?


47/63

A beat.

MALE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

(OS)

Yes sir.

WILMETTE

Do it.

As the image appears on the viewer, Wilmettes mouth drops in horror,

as does everyone elses.

ANGLE ON VIEWER

Ganges Colony is a crater. The domed colony layout is a funhouse mirror

perversion of its former self the main dome is mostly collapsed, and

the smaller surrounding domes are dark, many cracked and badly damaged.

A beat, then

WILMETTE

(angry)They torpedoed the reactor!

KIESTER

(matter of fact)

Thats what it looks like, sir.

DISSOLVE TO


In the present, tears pour from Wilmettes eyes as he relives the

Incident.

ROWAN(VO, clear as a bell)

Sir, that seems to be the least of our worries.

TIME DISSOLVE TO


We begin at the front, panning over the stations as we hear the

dialogue. Everyone we pass looks grim.

ROWAN

(OS)

Were still getting readings on Deck Three and Four. One is one of the

Engineering people still alive and trying to patch a conduit. Were notgetting any actual communications from him, but we can detect from the

fluctuations in the conduit that hes still trying to fix it.

We finally arrive at Wilmette pacing before his chair, his face a mask

of concern. He glances at Sensors.

WILMETTE

Still no activity on the Sensors?


48/63

KIESTER

Negative sir. It appears that the three PMR vessels were wiped out in

the blast, and our shuttle is still sitting on the. . .

(there is a slight beeping and he checks his equipment)

Sir, were getting a signal from the shuttle.

WILMETTE

(urgent)What kind of signal? Is it her?

Kiester checks, double checks, and triple checks his readings as

Wilmette begins pacing again. Finally,

KIESTER

Its a communications signal.

Wilmettes gaze falls on the man at Communications.


Confirmed sir. Were getting a communications signal from the shuttle,

emergency frequency, audio and video.

WILMETTE

Put it on. . .

(he pauses, considers)

Put it on the Auxiliary Viewer One.


(OS)

Itll take just a minute to cut through the interference.

Wilmette strides over to a small viewer to the right of his chair,

nestled right below the stations. As Wilmette kneels in front of it, we

see Pierce rush onto the Bridge behind him. He quietly confers with

Kiester, and the way his gaze falls on Wilmette, he seems to understand

what Wilmette is doing and gives him distance.

Wilmette glances at Pierce and nods, and the commander flashes him a

reassuring smile.


Sir, Ive got the signal.

WILMETTE

Patch it through.

We dont see the screen come on at first, but we see Wilmettes

reaction pained joy. We pan around to reveal

CLOSE ON VIEWER

The image of Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins thirty-five, dark brown

hair, an impish smile, beautiful. Sweat runs down her face and across

her brow, and she is very gray. She tries to look calm and brave, but

her eyes betray fear and pain. Shes dying, and she knows it.

PERKINS

James, what happened?


49/63

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

WILMETTE

Correy torpedoed Ganges Colonys reactor. It melted down, and we got a

pretty bad radiation bath. So did you.

PERKINS

(a nod)I figured as much. Hows the ship? You look O.K.

WILMETTE

The EMP fried the primary power grid and some of the computers, but the

backups are more-or-less working.

(a long sigh)

However, everything under Deck Two is radioactive Im told that its

a small miracle we arent. Weve lost contact with all but Decks Three

and Four, and most of the messages were still getting are from your

people, working until the end.

PERKINS

(beaming)

That doesnt surprise me.(she swallows, winces)

How. . .uh. . .how did this happen?

Wilmette looks at the deck a long moment before responding.

WILMETTE

When I went back to free you, I took a risk. I knew Correy would slip a

ship in behind me, but I didnt. . .didnt think he would do this. Two

of the Pegasuses including his flagship made a beeline for Tigris

Colony, and I tried to intercept them. Suddenly, they did a one-eighty

and went after us. They apparently had no idea the other was going to

torpedo the reactor, because they actually ran from us toward the

colony. In any case, the colony is gone and. . .

(tears well in his eyes)Jenny, Im so sorry I did this to you. I should have. . .

PERKINS

(weak)

James, I dont blame you.

Correy snuck up behind you even you cant predict every single move

your opponent will make.

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

Kneeling in front of the viewer, arms on the console in front of it.

His head rests on his arms, his eyes wet.

WILMETTEI didnt think that he would blow that reactor that was suicide.

PERKINS

(a weak smile)

Well then, you can be happy thats he roasting in hell in a big

radioactive cloud right now.

WILMETTE

That doesnt save you.


50/63

PERKINS

(smiling)

Nothing can save me now James.

(before Wilmette can speak)

No James. You have to let that sink in. Theres nothingyou could have

done, and theres nothing you can do now. You took a risk made a

gamble and it wasnt the right move. Next time youll do better.

WILMETTE

Next time I wont have you.

PERKINS

No you wont, but I refuse to believe that will stop you.

(a pause as she winces)

James, youre the strongest man Ive ever met. If anyone can survive

this, you can.

(a beat)

As for me, I die with only one regret that I will never marry you.

This isnt such a bad way to die even if we failed, I die knowing

that I did my duty. I stabilized that reactor, saved those colonists,

if only for a few moments. My death means something I didnt go insome senseless chaotic battle, but I went trying to help the innocent.

WILMETTE

(tears flowing)

Jennifer, I. . .I love you.

(sobbing heavily)

Ill love you until the end of the world.

PERKINS

I will always be with you James. Always.

WILMETTE

Goodb. . .

PERKINS

No James. Never say goodbye.

Her weak hand touches the viewer, and Wilmette reaches out and places

his hand over the image, sobs racking him. Perkins gives him one last

smile a warm, full, beautiful smile, and the screen goes dead.

MATCH CUT TO

INT. BRIDGE MARYLAND DSV PRESENT

Wilmettes hand on that same viewer, tears running from his eyes. After

a few seconds, someone behind him places a gentle hand on his shoulder,

and he spins around, a bit startled, to find Davis standing over him.He rises, wiping the tears from his eyes and searching for words.

DAVIS

(meeting his eyes)

I understand.

She takes him in her arms, and he sobs for a moment more before

breaking contact and moving to sit in his old chair.


51/63

WILMETTE

(taking his chair, silent for a moment before speaking)

This place its had an effect on me that I couldnt have predicted.

It came alive to me, and Im not sure if thats a bad thing.

Davis grins.

WILMETTE(cont)

Ive been reliving the Incident from the moment I stepped on this

Bridge, and its hard, but. . .

DAVIS

This is your ship James your first command. From this Bridge you

became a legend, helped save the U.E.O., and met your fianc. Of course

its hard, but being back here is also a kind of gift. You never

thought you would see this place again sit in that chair again and

here you are. Even if it is only for a little while, this ship lives

again, and youre right back in the captains chair.

WILMETTE

(running his hand over the console)There are so many ghosts here. . .and so many demons, but for the first

time in awhile, Ive been facing them. Memories I wasnt sure I still

had, and pain I had forgotten.

They are silent for a moment, and Davis looks straight into Wilmettes

eyes.

DAVIS

Im sorry.

WILMETTE

Why?

DAVISYouve come back here, and you have to destroy it to prevent it from

falling into the enemys hands the enemy that took it from you.

WILMETTE

(a sad, reflective grin)

Its O.K. I had to come back here, and I have to leave now. Thats what

I was supposed to learn.

(Davis gives him a look of confusion)

This ship is just a wreck on the ocean floor a monument of a sort to

past glories gone forever. But, it lives forever in memory. In memory,

its timeless.

Wilmette looks around the Bridge reflectively, and Davis follows his

gaze.

DAVIS

She was a beautiful ship. Powerful, sleek, and deadly.

WILMETTE

The Grand Warhorses thats what they called the Aquaticas. I think

the refitted ones have lost some of their charm, but theres a reason

why we still use these twelve year-old ships.


52/63

Davis nods.

DAVIS

The PMR will be here soon, and Defiant and seaShark should be back now.

Wilmette rises and wordlessly follows her toward the exit. At the open

door he pauses, turns, gives it one last long look. Never lifting his

gaze, he comes to attention and salutes the silent room. Finally, hereaches into a panel near the door and, with one last reflective look,

he turns off the lights.

CUT TO

EXT. MARYLAND DSV

The Dragonfly rapidly peels away from the wreck, making a beeline for

Defiant which floats next to seaShark, both slightly battered.


Abuzz with activity as Wilmette strides in, Davis and Farenheit right

behind. Peck vacates Wilmettes chair and Wilmette takes it.

WILMETTE

Status?

PECK

Correy is on his way. ETA six minutes.

WILMETTE

Is the linkup established?

ALRIDGE

Yes sir. Once we push the button, we have two minutes to get clear.

(almost under her breath)

Destroying the evidence.

Wilmette flinches, but turns toward her.

WILMETTE

(quiet)

Perhaps. . .

(looking toward the viewer)

Signal seaShark were ready to depart.

(to Alridge)

ETA for Correy?

ALRIDGE

Five minutes.

WILMETTE

Battlestations.

As Peck counts down, the alarm sounds.

RUSCH

Weapons hot.

PIPER


53/63

Damage control check.

The clamshell doors close.

PECK

Bridge is secure.

MARTIN(OS)

seaShark has signaled ready.

WILMETTE

Mr. Wong, plot an intercept course with the PMR fleet and take us away

at maximum speed. Report when were minimum safe distance away.

WONG

(OS)

Aye sir.

WILMETTE

Now we wait to play our hand.

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

Cutting through the water, seaShark right beside.


Tense. Wilmette thoughtfully strums his fingers on his console,

Farenheit on his left. Davis paces near the Navigation Table behind the

Command Plex, looking over the image on the tabletop.

Suddenly, Alridges console begins beeping.

ALRIDGE

Sir, PMR ships one minute away.

WONG

Were just outside the minimum safe distance.

Wilmette glances at Peck as Davis rushes to his side.

WILMETTE

Activate the weapon.

CLOSE ON ALRIDGES CONSOLE

A window opens on her screen a two minute countdown which begins

ticking away.

ANGLE ON WILMETTE

Rising from his seat.

WILMETTE

Put them on the screen.

ANGLE ON VIEWER


54/63

Two Ragnaroks appear, followed by two ships of a vaguely Macronesian

design we have seen before.

MARTIN

(OS)

Correy is hailing us.

WILMETTEMr. Piper, you have the switch configured?

PIPER

Yes sir.

WILMETTE

(his eyes fiery)

Put the countdown on the viewer, and put Correy on.

As Correys image appears, the counter which reads 1:42 appears in the

bottom right corner of his image.

CORREY

It seems we have you outnumbered. Two Ragnaroks and two Valhallas that is what we call our modified Pegasus design against your two

seaQuests. I have more behind me your fleet was an effective

distraction for my forces, but it was by far not enough to stop us.

WILMETTE

(a wry smile)

Well see.

The timer reads 1:32.

CORREY

Oh, you have some elaborate tactical maneuver to outwit me Captain? Or

maybe some ace up your sleeve a hidden fleet somewhere?

WILMETTE

Perhaps.

CORREY

I dont think so Captain. Face it youre outnumbered and outgunned.

Those nuclear weapons will soon be mine, and I dont think even you can

stop a nuclear missile in midair. Even if you could, you couldnt stop

more than one.


WILMETTE

Im afraid General Correy that your time was up a long time ago.

CORREY

Why do you say that?

WILMETTE

Ive already kicked your ass. Sure, you may tell everybody that you

spent the last five years rebuilding your forces, but you were really

hiding with your tail between your legs because you knew the terrible

truth youre a fraud General. Lee Correy is a fraud.


55/63


CORREY

Documents

Defiant: Pilot 2 - Timeless