seaWolf ASV
"Dawning"
Episode 101
Written by Michael M.Warren
Thursday, September 6th, 2001
Web Text Draft
Based on seaQuest DSV Created by Rockne S. O'Bannon and
seaQuest 2032 Created by Rockne S. O'Bannon and Clifton Campbell.
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. EARTH
The Earth rests in space, a perfect blue-green marble.
WARREN (V.O.)
The 21st Century. As mankind colonised the last unexplored region on Earth, the oceans, conflicts were inevitable. All out war was close at hand.
The camera starts to move towards the Earth.
WARREN (V.O.)
The United Earth/Oceans Organisation was formed to enforce a fragile peace.
We go closer, diving through layers of atmosphere and cloud.
WARREN (V.O.)
But, as the 21st century reached it�s fifth decade, that peace would be challenged, and the world changed�
We burst through the last layer of cloud, and into blue ocean.
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Caption: Pacific Ocean, UEO Border Territory.
April 9th, 2040
A volley of laser shots flies across shot. A UEO fast-attack sub follows them. It is being fired upon by a large number of vessels. The sub takes several hits.
INT. FASV BRIDGE
A small, cramped room. Two officers sit at a central console, whilst behind them, the captain sits. The room is filled with smoke and sparking consoles, as it rocks under fire.
CAPTAIN
Keep sending it.
The officer on the left hits a control.
OFFICER #1
Mayday, mayday. This is the UEO FASV Sao Paulo, to any UEO ship. Macronesian fleet attacking. On direct course for Pearl Harbour. Attack is anticipated. Repeat, Pearl Harbour, prepare for imminent attack.
The ship rocks again. The officer turns to his captain.
OFFICER #1
It�s no good, sir. They�re jamming us.
The ship rocks and groans.
OFFICER #2
Hull collapse, B Deck. We�re taking on water.
CAPTAIN
Keep trying, Lieutenant. We have to get through.
Another hit.
EXT. OCEAN
The small sub is hit again and again. It flies out of view, pursued by dozens of ships.
CUT TO EXT. PEARL HARBOUR
Caption: UEO Headquarters, Pearl Harbour
A massive city and military complex. Ships of all shapes and sizes litter the docks as we fly by, settling on a large, prominent building.
INT. UEO CENTRAL COMMAND
A large control room, crowded and bustling. Large vid-screens dominate the walls. We come to focus on one console around the outer hub.
OFFICER #1
�day. This is� ao Paulo�o any UEO ship. Mac� Pearl Harb� Repeat, Pe�rbour,prepare for imminent att�
The yeoman at the console, barely out of her teens, frowns, and adjusts some settings.
OFFICER #1
�Macronesian fleet attacking. On direct course� Attack is anticipated�
YEOMAN
Commander?
The section chief comes over. An older man, probably forty-five or older.
COMMANDER
What is it?
He picks up a set of headphones, listens, then puts them down again.
COMMANDER
Put me through to the Secretary General�s Office.
INT. CORRIDOR
Four men, well-dressed, hurry down the corridor. Secretary General MCGATH is at the centre. His assistant, STEVENS, is at his side, and two security officers watch both men closely.
STEVENS
�picked it up a few minutes ago. We don�t quite have the full picture yet, since contact was lost with the Sao Paulo almost immediately.
MCGATH
Scout fighters?
STEVENS
Already dispatched, sir.
The four men reach two large doors. The security officers open them.
MCGATH�S OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
McGath and Stevens walk in.
MCGATH
What about our assets here?
Stevens looks nervous.
STEVENS
We�re pretty depleted. Most of the fleet is in the Atlantic for the centenary events, and the Indian, cooling down the Sri Lankan situation.
McGath turns to him.
MCGATH
What do we have?
STEVENS
Only two major ships. The Excalibur is still in port, coming back from her shakedown. And�
He nods to a painting on McGath�s wall, showing a huge sub. The seaQuest. McGath sighs, shaking his head.
MCGATH
She�s in for refitting. The crew�s here, but the ship itself�
McGath sits wearily down at his desk, looks at Stevens.
MCGATH
Funny thing is, she�d have been finished by the end of the week.
He leans forward. The grey in his hair and the wrinkles around his eyes and mouth become even more prominent. This is a man under intense stress.
MCGATH
Can we patch her up to leave in an hour?
STEVENS
We�ll try.
He hurries out of the room. McGath walks to a cabinet, pours himself a large whisky. He sits back down, and hits the comlink.
MCGATH
Get me Captain Michael Warren.
CUT TO EXT. PEARL HARBOUR BAY
A speedboat rips across the bay. Music can be heard blaring from it. The camera pans across and follows the speedboat, where we see a young man, around 25 yo, driving it. It leaps over waves and riptides, cutting a large wake as it does.
Suddenly, a loud beeping noise can be heard.
Captain Michael WARREN looks up from the wheel of the speedboat, cuts back on the throttle, and turns down the music. He lifts the sunglasses from his eyes, and looks for the source of the noise. He grabs a cellphone-like device (PAL, Personal Access Link), and hits a button.
WARREN
Warren, go.
Commander John BARRATT�s voice filters through.
BARRATT
Captain, we�ve got a situation here. You�d better head over to the dock.
Warren sighs, looking around at the perfect blue sky.
WARREN
Roger that. Warren out.
He puts down the PAL, puts his sunglasses, and the music, back on. He guns the throttle, and arcs the boat around, pointing it towards the camera. It speeds out of shot, but the camera reverses direction, to show the boat speeding towards a large dock, which is entirely filled by one sub, so large, that the camera has to pull up and back to truly show it all.
The Excalibur�
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE
FADE IN:
Babylon 5's Season 5 Main Title fades up as
CUT TO:
OCEAN
Overlay: seaWolf Enterprises presents
Calm, peaceful. An FASV flies across screen, wiping the overlay from the screen.
WARREN (V.O.)
The United Earth/Oceans Organisation was formed to enforce a fragile peace.
Two Macronesian cruisers appear, and attack the sub,as we follow it.
WARREN (V.O.)
But, as the 21st Century reached its fifth decade.... that peace would be challenged, and the world changed.
The sub explodes.
FLASH CUT TO:
EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren and the crew look out at the main viewer, as we pan across them all.
WARREN (V.O.)
We knew that the Excalibur was our last, best hope for peace.
CUT TO:
PEARL HARBOUR
The UEO flag flutters above UEOHQ. Behind it, we see the Excalibur pulling into dock, the sun bright behind her.
WARREN (V.O.)
Because, if peace failed, the world we had fought to protect... would die.
CRESCENDO TO:
EXCALIBUR
Swooping overhead.
SMASH CUT TO:
seaWolf ASV Logo.
RAPID CUT THROUGH:
A series of action shots, combined with cast intros:
Capt. Michael Warren
Excalibur launching sub-fighters.
Cmdr. John Barratt
seaQuest and Excalibur leaving Pearl Harbour.
Lt.Cmdr David Stamp
Crewmen running down corridors, Red Alert lights flashing.
Lt.Cmdr Daniel Smith
Lt. Tricia Taylor
Dr. Jack Stratton
Excalibur hulled.
Lt. Richard Parker
and Lt. Michael Clark
Excalibur flies out of the haze, and into camera.
BLACKOUT
Created by Michael M.Warren.
Based on seaQuest DSV Created By Rockne O'Bannon.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. EXCALIBUR
Caption: UEO Excalibur, Advanced Submergence Vessel (shortens to ASV)
We pull down and across from the huge craft to the dock attached to it.
EXT. EXCALIBUR DOCK
Warren�s speedboat pulls in, music still playing. He throws a rope over to a noncom, who ties up the boat. Commander Barratt reaches out a hand, and pulls Warren up. Barratt is mid-30s, black, and carries a commanding presence wherever he is, far more so than Warren.
Barratt raises a quizzical eyebrow.
WARREN
(Shrugging)
What can I say? I�ve got a weakness for the classics.
The two men hurry off down the deck towards the boarding complex. Around them, officers and crew hurry to board, carrying duffels, equipment, and other items. There is a great deal of commotion, and a sense of frantic preparations.
WARREN
What�s our status?
BARRATT
Power-up�s almost complete. We�re twenty minutes from departure.
The two men enter the complex.
INT. COMPLEX
A large, white room with a tunnel/corridor leading off it. People are moving in and out of the corridor and complex. Warren sees CLARK at the entrance to the corridor, checking security passes.
TAYLOR is also there. When she sees Warren and Barratt approaching, she smiles, and heads over to them.
TAYLOR
(To Barratt)
Commander.
(To Warren, smiling wider)
Captain.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Trish.
The three of them walk to Clark, the crowd parting as they walk forward. As they approach Clark, he stands to attention, salutes.
WARREN
(returning the salute)
Permission to come aboard, Lieutenant?
CLARK
Granted, sir.
WARREN
Thanks, Mike. At ease.
The three officers enter the Excalibur, as Clark begins checking passes again.
INT. EXCALIBUR - CORRIDOR
The corridor, like the rest of the ship is sparkling, almost brand-new. The three officers turn right out of the tunnel and head for the MagLev.
WARREN
Weapons status, Trish?
TAYLOR
All systems operational, sir. Pulse cannon�s back up to 100%, lasers and torpedoes fully functional.
They come to the MagLev. Warren hits the control.
BARRATT
Um, MagLev�s still down, C through E decks.
Warren turns.
WARREN
What? What else isn�t working around here?
They start off down the corridor at a jog.
BARRATT
Quite a bit, Captain. We still only have partial main power.
WARREN
That�s it?
BARRATT
Best we could do in an hour, sir.
CUT TO EXT. EXCALIBUR
The camera rises up to the top of the sub.
INT. A DECK - CORRIDOR/STAIR SET
The three officers hurry up the stairs and along the corridor. The camera follows them as they approach the bridge, and the clamshell doors open.
INT. BRIDGE
A vast catacomb, the bridge is the most impressive room on the Excalibur. Technicians scramble across the bridge, making last minute adjustments. Taylor heads for the Tactical console, while Warren and Barratt head for the Ops Table, where STAMP and SMITH are talking.
STAMP
�but I keep telling you, routing through the secondary array will crash the sensors�
SMITH
We need communications.
STAMP
Fine. No problem. I can reroute comms via the lateral arrays, but�
Warren walks up.
WARREN
What�s the problem?
Stamp looks up.
STAMP
The main long-range antenna�s down. We�re trying to find a way to restore comms.
WARREN
What�s wrong with the antenna?
Smith turns from the diagrams strewn across the table (paper, flimsy and those on the screens)
SMITH
Directional control�s shot to hell.
Warren checks the diagrams, thinking.
WARREN
Why not� bypass the directional control through the augmenter systems?
Stamp looks down at a plasma screen showing Warren�s suggestion, nods.
STAMP
It could work.
Warren nods.
WARREN
Get on it.
Stamp and Smith hurry out of the bridge. Warren and Barratt walk down the bridge, checking displays and printouts.
BARRATT
I suppose it helps, having designed most of the ship.
Warren looks back, smiles.
WARREN
I suppose it does.
(serious)
Get me Central Command.
Barratt sits at Smith�s console (next to his own), puts on a headset. He inputs into the console, then turns to Warren, now sitting at the command console.
BARRATT
I�ve got them.
The COMMANDER from Sc.6 appears on the large plasma viewscreen at the front of the bridge.
COMMANDER
Captain Warren, our reports are still sketchy, but there appears to be a large contingent of Macronesian warships massing in the western Pacific. UEO Sao Paulo reported them to be on course for Pearl Harbour.
Warren grimaces.
WARREN
They couldn�t have picked a better time.
The Commander nods.
COMMANDER
Indeed. Your orders are to engage the enemy fleet and determine their strength. UEO forces are rendezvousing at Pearl�s outer perimeter to prepare a defence.
Warren nods, looks around.
WARREN
We�re not exactly up for a prolonged fight. We�re going out without support?
COMMANDER
Negative. We�re dispatching the seaQuest to act as support.
At this, Barratt looks up.
BARRATT
(incredulous)
seaQuest�s in refit. How can she help us?
The Commander looks at Barratt.
COMMANDER
Not anymore she�s not. The majority of the crew has been recalled, and repairs made on a temporary basis.
He is handed a printout.
COMMANDER
Captain, your EVA facility is fully operational and all craft have been docked.
WARREN
Understood, Commander. Lt.Hargrove will thank you, I�m sure. Excalibur at departure stations. Out.
The screen winks off. Warren stands, turns to Barratt.
WARREN
I�m heading to my quarters. Give me a heads-up on departure time.
BARRATT
Aye, sir.
Warren exits the bridge. Barratt goes over to the Ops Table and calls up an image of the seaQuest.
BARRATT
The seaQuest�
The camera zooms in on the image, which merges into:
EXT. seaQuest BERTH
The sub floats in a berth like that of the Excalibur. Her bioskin is partially removed, but more can be seen growing at an accelerated rate. A Humvee drives along the deck, and comes to a halt.
CUT TO EXT. seaQuest DOCK
Captain Jonathan FORD and Commander Lucas WOLENCZAK step out of the Humvee. Wolenczak takes off his sunglasses, looks at the seaQuest.
WOLENCZAK
It hurts me to see her like this, Jonathan.
Ford looks at Wolenczak, then back at the seaQuest.
FORD
I know, Lucas. But she was supposed to be in refit for another week.
WOLENCZAK
Damn Macs. You�ld think destroying Cape Quest back in �37 was enough.
FORD
Nothing�s enough for Bourne.
The two men hurry to seaQuest�s boarding complex, much less crowded than Excalibur�s was.
INT. DOCKING COMPLEX
As with Excalibur�s berth, crewmen coming and going. Lt.Cmdr Tim O�NEIL walks up to them.
O�NEIL
Captain, we�re almost ready for departure.
FORD
Is everyone here?
O�NEIL
Yeah. Tony made it 10 minutes ago, because� well, you know Tony.
WOLENCZAK
Yes, we do.
The three men hurry inside.
CUT TO INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
As we last saw it in 2032. PICCOLO and HENDERSON are at their stations. Ford goes over to Henderson.
FORD
When did you get in?
Henderson shrugs.
HENDERSON
About a half hour ago.
FORD
Nat OK?
She nods.
HENDERSON
I left her with my folks.
WOLENCZAK
(O.C.)
Jonathan.
Ford looks over, turns back to Henderson.
FORD
We�ll talk later, Lonnie.
Henderson smiles, and turns her attention back to her console, as Ford crosses the bridge.
CUT TO INT. EXCALIBUR - WARREN�S QUARTERS
Warren is sitting at his desk, reading some reports. His uniform jacket is hanging on the chair beside him. Suddenly, the comlink beeps. Warren activates it.
BARRATT
Captain, this is your heads-up.
Warren looks up.
WARREN
Alright. I�m on my way.
He puts down the reports down, grabs his jacket from the chair, and walks out of the room.
CUT TO EXT. EXCALIBUR
The dock has been cleared. Engineers and dock personnel hurry from the dock as it begins to descend beneath the water.
EXT. EXCALIBUR (UNDERWATER VIEW)
The dock continues to lower, until the boarding complex is completely submerged, then comes to a halt.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren walks onto the bridge, his jacket unzipped, and reaches the command console. Barratt stands and walks to his own console.
WARREN
Status?
Stamp looks back from his console.
STAMP
Reactor at 100% capacity. All main power systems are online.
BARRATT
Dock in position Surface Q, Captain. Ready for departure.
WARREN
Good.
He looks over to Smith.
WARREN
Dan, get me seaQuest.
SMITH
Aye, sir.
The main screen shifts views to seaQuest�s bridge. Ford looks up from his console.
FORD
We read you, Excalibur. seaQuest is on-line and standing by.
Warren nods.
WARREN
Understood.
Warren checks his watch.
WARREN
Departure in� 1 minute. Mark.
The screen blinks off. Warren turns to Clark.
WARREN
Release docking clamps. Mr. Parker, depth under the hull?
Lieutenant Richard PARKER turns from the primary helm station.
PARKER
25 meters, sir.
WARREN
(Sighing)
Cutting it a little close. Dave, divert power to the harbour engines. Helm, ahead slow. One quarter docking speed.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The dock now swung clear of the hydrosphere (the sphere located at Excalibur�s centre), the Excalibur starts to move off, still half-submerged. We follow as she leaves the berth.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren stands.
WARREN
I�ll be on the Tower. ETA, outer marker?
CLARK
5 minutes.
Warren and Barratt leave the bridge.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
From the sub�s dorsal hull, a slim �conning tower�-like structure emerges. We zoom in on it, to see Warren and Barratt emerge from a lift door.
EXCALIBUR TOWER
Warren gets out a pair of binoculars, the wind whipping their uniforms and hair, and starts scanning the horizon.
BARRATT
Captain?
Warren raises a hand, then slowly lowers the binoculars, and points out to sea.
WARREN
There she is.
WARREN�S POV: We see the seaQuest emerging from another channel.
BARRATT
Even patched up, she still looks beautiful.
STANDARD POV: Warren turns back, smiles.
WARREN
That she does, Commander. That she does.
Warren hits his link.
WARREN
Warren to bridge. Reduce our speed. Let seaQuest out first.
EXT. PEARL
seaQuest tears through the water, passing the harbour markers. Behind her, the much larger Excalibur follows.
EXCALIBUR TOWER
Warren�s link beeps.
WARREN
Yeah?
Clark�s voice can barely be heard over the howling wind, as the sub picks up speed.
CLARK
Captain, we�ve cleared the harbour markers. Depth under the keel now 350m.
Warren looks back at Pearl, receding rapidly into the distance.
WARREN
Very well, Lieutenant. Take us down. We�re securing the Tower now.
Warren turns off the link, looks at Barratt.
WARREN
Time to go.
Before them, we see Excalibur slowly submerging. Warren and Barratt enter the lift, and, as it descends, the Tower follows suit.
ZOOM OUT TO EXT. EXCALIBUR
As the Tower lowers into place, the top of the Excalibur vanishes beneath the waves.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren and Barratt enter. The bridge is darker now, less crowded.
WARREN
Mr.Parker�
He sits in his chair.
WARREN
Full ahead.
EXT. OCEAN
seaQuest and Excalibur leap forward and out of sight, into the haze.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
EXT. OCEAN
The Macronesian fleet moves across shot.
EXT. EXCALIBUR AND seaQuest
The two subs emerge from the haze, and pass over the camera.
EXT. seaQuest
A sudden shudder ripples through the sub, and it slows slightly.
INT. seaQuest ENGINE ROOM
A low rumble echoes throughout the room, mixed with whines and shudders. Wolenczak climbs down a ladder, looks over at the glowing (CGI) fusion core, then back at Henderson.
WOLENCZAK
�and there�s nothing we can do?
Henderson turns, having descended the ladder.
HENDERSON
Nothing. The jerry-rigging of seaQuest�s systems is only supposed to be a stop-gap measure. It�s a little� unstable.
The room shakes. The fusion core�s glow fades slightly, then recovers. Wolenczak and Henderson look up at it.
WOLENCZAK
How about the engines?
Henderson looks down at the console.
HENDERSON
Vibrations are affecting the aqua-return turbines. Our speed is at 80% of maximum.
Wolenczak shakes his head, gets out his PAL.
WOLENCZAK
Lucas to bridge.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Ford looks up from a clipboard.
FORD
Go ahead, Commander.
WOLENCZAK
Sir, we have a problem.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren, Barratt and Taylor are standing around the Ops Table, which is displaying a series of schematics.
TAYLOR
�Orion-class, average 150m in length, highly advanced weaponry systems.
Smith calls out from his console.
SMITH
Sir, call from seaQuest. It�s Captain Ford.
Warren looks up from the display.
WARREN
Put him through.
The main screen once again shows seaQuest�s bridge, slightly busier than before.
FORD
Captain Warren, we�re having power failures in our propulsion systems. We�re going to have to pull back to do some emergency repairs.
Warren looks back at Barratt, who shakes his head, then turns back to the screen.
WARREN
Negative, Captain. We can�t afford to have you fall back now. We need seaQuest with us when we make contact with the Mac fleet. You�ll have to do the best you can on the fly.
He looks over to Stamp.
WARREN
Coordinate with our Chief Engineer, try to sort out your propulsion failure. What�s your maximum possible speed?
Ford checks his console.
FORD
A little over 160 kph.
Warren sighs.
WARREN
OK. We�ll get back to you. Excalibur out.
He walks over to Clark on the upper deck as the screen reverts to the forward view.
WARREN
Mike, baseline speed of 160 kph, calculate our new IP with the Mac fleet.
CLARK
Aye, sir.
Warren looks over to Stamp.
WARREN
Dave, get on the comlink with Lt.Cmdr Henderson. See if you can push 175.
STAMP
No problem.
(over the remainder of the scene, Stamp and Henderson�s voices can be heard in b/g)
Warren walks along the upper deck, then steps over to his console, hits a few controls.
WARREN
All hands, this is the captain. We are closing on the Macronesian fleet preparing to assault Pearl Harbour.
EXCALIBUR - MESS HALL (CONTINUOUS)
Crewmen sit at the tables, listening.
WARREN
This initial contact will determine their strength and size. However,
TIGHT CUT TO EXCALIBUR - CORRIDOR/STAIR SET (CONTINUOUS)
More crewman standing, also listening.
WARREN
�this is as serious as it gets, people.
TIGHT CUT TO EXCALIBUR - MedBay (CONTINUOUS)
Dr. Jack STRATTON looks up from his patient.
WARREN
Do not get complacent.
TIGHT CUT TO EXCALIBUR - SECURITY OFFICE (CONTINUOUS)
Security officers look around in the vast room, dominated by plasma screens and displays.
WARREN
This is the Excalibur�s first aggressive encounter.
TIGHT CUT TO EXCALIBUR - BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)
Warren looks around at the crew, all of whom are watching him.
WARREN
Let�s not make it her last.
A pause.
WARREN
OK, what are you all doing, listening to your Captain babble on. Get back to work.
Everyone does so. Warren looks to Smith.
WARREN
Sound General Quarters.
Smith hits a few controls, and the bright lights of the bridge change to dull red. A klaxon goes off.
SMITH
General Quarters. All hands, General Quarters.
EXCALIBUR - CORRIDOR/STAIR SET
Crewmen hurry down the corridor, and Security officers, armed with pulse rifles, run down the stairs and position themselves down the corridor and at the bottom of the stairs.
(NB Klaxon sounds throughout)
EXCALIBUR - BRIDGE
Smith turns from his console.
SMITH
Sir, all decks at General Quarters.
MACEY, the sensor chief, calls out from the upper deck.
MACEY
Captain, I�ve got three contacts, bearing 077. One Lazarus-class cruiser and two Lysander escorts.
The atmosphere on the bridge changes at once.
WARREN
Condition Red. Trish, power up all weapons. Secure all non-essential systems, Mr.Stamp. Tell seaQuest to pull clear and prepare to act as support.
EXT. OCEAN
Excalibur moves forward, as seaQuest pulls away and to the side.
EXT. OCEAN
The three Macronesian ships, one vaguely similar to seaQuest, but smaller, and two small sub-fighters, move effortlessly through the water.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
All the crew are at their stations. A sense of tension hangs over the scene.
WARREN
Distance to targets?
MACEY
A little over 1 km.
Warren looks over to Taylor.
WARREN
Lieutenant, prepare a full spread of torpedoes along their general bearing. Load all tubes. Have a dozen intercepts standing by. Charge the A-WSKRS.
BARRATT
Outer extreme of weapons range in 36 seconds.
SMITH
Shall I alert sub-fighter crews, sir?
Warren shakes his head.
WARREN
No, we don�t need them yet. But, good thinking, Commander.
A sudden beeping attracts Warren�s attention.
BARRATT
(Looking down at the console)
Torpedoes in the water! Three torpedoes, heading in!
Warren whirls around.
WARREN
Fire intercepts. Dave, activate A-WSKRS field.
Stamp looks back at Warren.
STAMP
Sir, the field�s never been fully tested before now.
WARREN
Well then, now would be a good time for that test, yes?
EXT. OCEAN
Three torpedoes slice through the water, heading for the Excalibur. Two intercepts streak from the haze and detonate, taking out two torpedoes. The third avoids the intercept, and dives for the Excalibur.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Barratt turns to Warren.
BARRATT
Scratch two. One slipped through our intercepts.
Warren looks to Taylor and Stamp.
WARREN
A-WSKRS field active?
Stamp nods.
WARREN
Macs targeted?
TAYLOR
Locked and loaded, sir.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Then, by all means, Trish, fire.
Taylor hits a control.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
Dozens of torpedoes leave the Excalibur, as the final Macronesian torpedo swarms, and strikes, detonating in a shield effect.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Stamp turns, smiling.
STAMP
A-WSKRS field completely effective.
TAYLOR
Torpedoes locked on target.
Warren looks at her.
WARREN
How many on each?
Taylor smiles.
TAYLOR
Too many.
EXT. OCEAN
The dozens of torpedoes tear into the three subs, ripping them apart. Some simply fly through the debris cloud and detonate on the seabed.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren looks at his console, pensively.
WARREN
Reload all tubes. 50% previous Intercept load.
Smith suddenly flinches as a transmission comes through. His expression changes to one of horror.
SMITH
Sir�
The tone of Smith�s voice catches Warren�s attention. He walks over to Smith�s console, stands by him.
WARREN
What is it, Dan?
Smith shakes his head.
SMITH
I�m not sure, sir. What I�m getting is� garbled. Reports on every band.
WARREN
Reports on what?
SMITH
The UEO has ordered an evacuation of Pearl.
Warren looks up.
WARREN
Well, we expected that. They�ll have the harbour cleared in an�
He sees the look on Smith�s face.
WARREN
�hour.
Warren looks worried.
WARREN
What?
Smith turns.
SMITH
They�re� they�re evacuating the entire city. In fact, the whole island.
Warren�s expression turns to horror.
WARREN
7 million people? Why?
SMITH
Something about� nuclear assault, sir.
He punches something up on the main screen. A news report comes up (captioned �WNN�), showing a panicked evacuation.
A caption reads �Live from Pearl City�. The volume gradually increases to audible levels.
REPORTER
�repeat, Pearl City is being evacuated.
TIGHT CUT TO EXT. PEARL CITY
A mass of soldiers, police, and panic-stricken people. Buses fill up a large public square, where people are hurriedly pushed on.
REPORTER
Sources within the UEO have pointed to a large Macronesian force massing in the Pacific as the cause.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Tight focus on each of the crew�s horrified faces.
REPORTER
Mass panic has gripped the city, as people struggle to get out before the anticipated assault. We�ll bring you more as the situation develops.
Tight focus on Warren.
WARREN
(sotto)
Now what do we do?
Off his face�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
INT. EXCALIBUR - WARDROOM
The crew are sitting around the table. The news report from the previous scene is being replayed on the large wall plasma screen. The shock is still plain on the crew�s faces. For a while, no-one speaks. Finally, Warren breaks the silence.
WARREN
(quietly)
Turn it off.
No-one moves.
WARREN
(louder, angrier)
Turn the damn thing off!
Macey gets up and hits a control, switching the screen off.
TAYLOR
My God�
STAMP
How did this�?
Warren leans forward.
WARREN
They panicked. They were faced with a crisis, and they panicked.
He shakes his head.
BARRATT
Well, now the question becomes, what do we do now?
Warren sighs, gets a piece of paper out from the folder in front of him.
WARREN
Just before Central Command was evacuated, we were sent our contingency orders.
A pause. Everyone looks at Warren, as the camera pans down the table, towards Warren.
WARREN
We are to proceed to the Macronesian fleet, and to engage it.
The shocked faces return.
WARREN
We are to inflict as much damage on them as possible, before we are forced to break off. seaQuest is to join us, rather than stay clear.
Stamp shakes his head.
STAMP
They are panicking. They must be expecting us to be destroyed. seaQuest doesn�t stand a chance.
Warren smiles, grimly.
WARREN
I think Capt. Ford might disagree with you. Mightn�t you, Jonathan?
The screen comes on, to show Ford at his station.
FORD
I might. We�re ready for this, Lieutenant Commander. Don�t count us out yet.
Stamp smiles.
STAMP
Sorry, sir. But Lt.Cmdr Henderson disagrees with you.
Ford smiles, shakes his head.
FORD
Lonnie and I always disagree.
A ball of paper hits Ford on the side of the head. Everyone laughs, and the tension is broken. Immediately, though, it is restored by the beep of Warren�s comlink. He picks it up and activates it.
WARREN
Warren, go.
SCAROS� voice is heard. It is tense, and nervous.
SCAROS
Captain, the Macronesian fleet is entering sensor range.
Everyone looks up at this.
WARREN
Understood, Lieutenant. We�re on our way.
He stands, turns to the screen.
WARREN
Talk to you later, Jonathan.
Ford nods.
FORD
Roger that. seaQuest out.
The screen blinks off. The crew hurry out.
CUT TO INT. MAGLEV TUNNEL
The MagLev sweeps across shot.
INT. A DECK, MAGLEV ACCESS
The door opens as the MagLev carriage comes to a halt. The crew exit the carriage, and head down the corridor to
INT. BRIDGE
The crew take their stations from various NDs, who either leave the bridge or take other posts. Lieutenant Josh Scaros steps from the command chair and heads for his station at the upper deck.
WARREN
Report.
Macey hands Warren an EXPOC (EXcalibur Personal Onboard Computer). Warren�s eyes widen as he stares at it. Barratt looks over.
BARRATT
Captain?
Warren numbly hands over the EXPOC. Barratt looks shocked.
BARRATT
Well, this mission just got a hell of a lot more complicated.
We focus on the EXPOC. It shows sonar traces of around 50 ships.
WARREN
ETA to targets?
MACEY
15 minutes.
Warren looks up.
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Camera pans from Excalibur to seaQuest.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Ford is holding a SEAPOC, displaying the same sensor data.
FORD
Fifty ships?
O�Neil nods.
O�NEIL
That�s what it looks like. 25-1 doesn�t look good odds from here.
WOLENCZAK
(O.C.)
Try 100-3. Or 50-to-1�, if that�s too complicated.
Ford turns to see Wolenczak hurrying onto the bridge.
FORD
What is it, Lucas?
Wolenczak shows his SEAPOC to Ford.
WOLENCZAK
Power failures are affecting weapons, now, sir. We�re at 50% capacity.
Ford hits his console with his fist.
FORD
Dammit! How do they expect us to fight in this state?
Suddenly, alarms go off across O�Neil�s console. He hurries to it.
O�NEIL
Two Mantis-class stealth subs just dropped onto sensors. They�re coming in on Excalibur�s blind spot.
He looks at Ford.
O�NEIL
Right for us.
Ford swivels in his chair.
FORD
Helm, hard starboard!
EXT. OCEAN
seaQuest suddenly peels off from Excalibur.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Warren stares up from his console.
WARREN
What the hell�?
EXT. OCEAN
The seaQuest picks up speed as it moves away from Excalibur.
EXT. OCEAN
Two subs, similar in shape to hammerhead sharks, move toward the oncoming seaQuest.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
A hive of activity. Ford is checking his console. He looks up at Piccolo.
FORD
Mr. Piccolo, eight degrees up on the planes.
At one of the helm pods, Piccolo adjusts his steering column.
PICCOLO
Aye, sir. 8 DGU.
EXT. seaQuest
The sub�s bow rises.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Ford looks at Wolenczak.
WOLENCZAK
Torpedoes armed and ready. Maximum charge.
FORD
Flood the tubes.
Wolenczak hits controls.
WOLENCZAK
Tubes flooded.
FORD
Five spread for each, Commander. And�
Tight focus on Ford.
FORD
Fire!
EXT. OCEAN
Ten torpedoes streak from seaQuest.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Ford looks at the screen.
WOLENCZAK
Targets locked. Torpedoes on autoguidance.
EXT. OCEAN
The torpedoes split into two groups of five. Each group swarms and detonates on the two enemy subs, which are torn apart. seaQuest tears through the wreckage.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Cheers ring out as the buffeting stops. O�Neil turns to Ford.
O�NEIL
Sir, call from Excalibur.
Ford nods, smiling.
FORD
Put �em through.
Warren appears on the screen.
WARREN
Smooth work, Jonathan. Thanks for the save.
FORD
Any time, Michael.
On the screen, Barratt walks up to Warren.
BARRATT
Sir, we�re ready.
Warren�s expression changes. He nods.
WARREN
Better put on your game face, Captain. Proceed in. Fire at will.
Ford grows serious.
FORD
Understood.
O�NEIL
Captain? Macronesian fleet now in WSKRS range.
Ford nods.
FORD
Send one out. Telemetry to Excalibur.
O�NEIL
Aye, sir.
EXT. OCEAN
A WSKR leaves the group of three surrounding seaQuest. We follow it across the seabed, and over a ridge, to reveal the massive Macronesian fleet. As it gets closer, a Lysander spots the WSKR, and peels off. Its laser blasts strike the small satellite.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
The crew watches as the laser blasts cause the image to jump, and, eventually, dissolve into static.
EXT. OCEAN
The WSKR explodes, and the Lysander returns to the fleet.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
The screen goes blank. Warren stands.
WARREN
Standard view.
The image changes to a view of the approaching ridge. Warren walks to Parker at the helm.
WARREN
Helm, all ahead full.
Parker nods.
PARKER
Aye, sir.
Warren walks to the aft deck.
WARREN
Lasers to full. Divert power to A-WSKRS field and pulse cannon.
He turns back to look at the screen. We focus on Warren.
WARREN
Battlestations.
A klaxon starts as we�
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Excalibur and seaQuest fly over our POV and into the haze.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Tense. The crew sit ready at their stations. On the main screen, the Macronesian fleet looms ever closer.
WARREN
Time to weapons range?
MACEY
10 seconds.
The seconds tick by. Warren stands.
WARREN
Open fire.
EXT. OCEAN
Torpedoes and laser fire stream from Excalibur and seaQuest. At once, the Macronesian ships return fire. Several are destroyed as the two UEO subs dive into their midst.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
The sub rocks, hard. Warren sits.
WARREN
Report!
STAMP
Direct hit to A-WSKR Loner. Field down 27%.
Warren grimaces.
WARREN
They know where to strike.
More impacts. A shower of sparks flies from the side panel, sending a non-com to the deck. A medtech hurries over with a first aid kit, calling on his link.
MEDTECH
Priority One. Medteam to bridge.
Another, vicious hit.
EXT. EXCALIBUR AND seaQuest ENGAGED WITH THE ENEMY
The two subs exchange fire with the Macronesian fleet around it. Subs implode under heavy fire from Excalibur, whose A-WSKRS field flashes more weakly with every hit. seaQuest is trailing air bubbles from multiple hull breaches.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
In terrible shape. Sparks fly and smoke curls across the floor. Ford holds onto his console for dear life.
FORD
Tony, hold her steady! Keep us on course!
PICCOLO
(struggling with his controls)
Trying, sir!
Another hit blows out one of the side consoles. Ford looks around at the devastation in horror.
WOLENCZAK
(horrified)
Incoming torpedoes, dozens of them!
FORD
Fire our last intercepts.
EXT. OCEAN
Four intercepts leave the seaQuest. They detonate in a standoff blast, eliminating most of the torpedoes. Two escape, and strike her bow, causing her to veer off slightly.
We pan over to Excalibur, to see an A-WSKR explode.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Part of Stamp�s console sparks as he turns to Warren. (The wounded crewman is gone)
STAMP
Loner destroyed. A-WSKR field collapsing.
Warren looks to Macey.
WARREN
Recall the others. No point leaving them vulnerable.
(To Stamp)
Hull status?
Stamp checks, turns back to Warren.
STAMP
Layer 1 breached cataclysmically. Layers 2 and 3 intact, for the moment. Total hull integrity at 68%.
Warren turns to Clark.
WARREN
Navigation?
CLARK
Sir?
WARREN
Prepare for�
Another hit. Clark�s console explodes, throwing him to the deck. Warren hurries over to him as Barratt and an ND douse the console with extinguisher. Clark�s shoulder is a mess of blood and shrapnel. His face is contorted in agony. Warren hits his link.
WARREN
Warren to Stratton! Jack, receiving?
Stratton�s voice comes through static.
STRATTON
Stratton here. What�s up, Captain?
WARREN
Get up here, fast. Mike�s taken a hit. Shrapnel injuries.
STRATTON
How bad?
Warren looks at Clark�s shoulder.
WARREN
Pretty bad. Could be a serious fracture.
STRATTON
Received. On way.
The link beeps off. Warren tries to bring Clark�s shattered console back online. The ship rocks again, sending sparks flying from the console. Stratton runs onto the bridge, accompanied by a medteam. He climbs to the upper deck, and checks out Clark�s shoulder.
STRATTON
(To Warren, not looking at him)
What happened?
WARREN
Console overload. Shrapnel in the right shoulder. Possibly burns as well.
A medtech runs on with a stretcher.
STRATTON
OK, sir. We�ll take it from here.
He starts giving orders, as Warren stands.
MACEY
Sir! seaQuest�s dropping back!
Everyone turns to look at the viewer (except Stratton and the medteam).
The static-ridden image clearly shows the sub falling back, enemy ships swarming around her. Warren jumps down the short ladder from the upper deck, and goes to Smith�s station.
WARREN
Dan, get Ford up. Fast.
Smith tries. After several moments, he turns to Warren.
SMITH
It�s no good, sir. There�s no response.
WARREN
Try every frequency.
Smith shakes his head, sadly.
SMITH
I have. Twice.
Warren looks back at the screen, the picture degrading by the second, as another torpedo strikes the stricken boat, and a white plume of escaping air emerges from seaQuest�s bow.
WARREN
No. Not like this�
Excalibur rocks.
EXT. seaQuest
The dying sub slowly sinks, as Macronesian subs fly past in every direction.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Completely wrecked. The lights are dim, and smoke pours from a damaged conduit. The hull shrieks and groans. Ford, O�Neil and Wolenczak are grouped around the central console.
No-one else is present. All three look distraught.
O�NEIL
Comms are down. I can�t raise Excalibur. We�ve got breaches throughout the ship, in one place right through two decks. Force doors are holding, but�
Wolenczak sighs.
WOLENCZAK
The jerry-rigging collapsed. It was almost inevitable, just a question of when. As usual, seaQuest�s timing is absolutely perfect.
Ford�s PAL beeps. He raises an eyebrow.
FORD
I thought you said comms were down.
O�NEIL
External comms are. The PALs still work.
Ford turns it on. Henderson�s voice filters through.
HENDERSON
Captain�
TIGHT CUT TO INT. seaQuest HYDROSPHERE
Henderson, along with dozens of other seaQuest crewmembers, surveys the wreckage of shuttles in the damaged hydrosphere.
HENDERSON
Evac�s out. The shuttles are wrecked.
She goes over to the moonpool.
HENDERSON
Tony?
Piccolo emerges from the water.
PICCOLO
Nada.
Henderson shakes her head.
HENDERSON
Hydrosphere doors are jammed.
INT. seaQuest BRIDGE
Ford shakes his head.
FORD
We can�t scuttle the ship.
He sighs.
FORD
Alright, Lonnie. Get to the emergency shelters.
HENDERSON
On our way. Hydrosphere out.
Ford looks at Wolenczak.
FORD
Do we have anything still functioning?
WOLENCZAK
Minimal life-support only. The rest is gone. We�re on Level 10 Emergency Oxygen Procedure.
FORD
So, we�re out of control, and blind as a bat.
The ship groans again.
EXT. seaQuest
The sub hits the ocean floor, bioskin in tatters.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
Under heavy fire, the sub pulls clear of the fleet. A small force of Lysanders peels off, and pursues the sub.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
It is clear that the sub has taken a serious battering. Continual shaking. The bridge is badly damaged, wires dangling, wrecked consoles sparking. Stratton and his team are just getting Clark out.
As we pan across, we see Parker, unconscious, trapped beneath a girder. Warren sits at the helm, Barratt at the command console, Stamp at the XO station. The engineering console is wrecked. Smith is missing, and his console is smashed.
WARREN
We�re clear. Any ships in pursuit?
Stamp looks up.
STAMP
Aye, sir. Five Lysanders, 1500m away. No weapons powered as yet. It seems they�re just intent on driving us clear of the fleet.
WARREN
And their status?
STAMP
We took out a good two-thirds of them, around 30 ships.
Warren looks at Barratt.
WARREN
seaQuest?
Barratt shakes his head.
BARRATT
She�s down, Captain. On the ocean floor. It looks like she�s been�
Warren turns to Barratt.
WARREN
She�s been, what, John?
Barratt looks pained.
BARRATT
Hulled, sir.
Before Warren can reply, a sudden hit rattles the bridge.
WARREN
So much for no weapons.
He looks over to Taylor.
WARREN
Trish, weapons status?
TAYLOR
Lasers burned out, pulse cannon�s fried, and around half of our torpedo tubes are down.
(beat)
It doesn�t look good, sir.
Warren looks back at the screen. Suddenly, inspiration hits, and he turns to Barratt.
WARREN
John, isn�t there a seamount chain in this area?
Barratt checks the console.
BARRATT
Yes, sir. The Clarke chain. It runs right up to the US continental shelf. Why?
Warren smiles.
WARREN
I think it�s time for a little game of Hide and Seek.
He turns his attention back to the helm.
WARREN
Give me a bearing, John, for its closest point.
Barratt goes up to the remains of Clark�s console.
BARRATT
Got it.
He goes back to the command console.
BARRATT
Bearing is 084, sir. 40 k�s.
WARREN
084, right. ETA, 10 minutes.
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Caption: Clarke Seamount Chain
Mid-Pacific
The Excalibur and her Lysander �entourage� head towards the mountains.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Slightly more damage. Warren holds onto the console as the ship rocks.
WARREN
Coming to 007. Entering the seamount chain.
(beat)
Any word from Pearl?
Barratt looks up.
BARRATT
Aye, sir. The Mac fleet just entered scanning range. They�ll be in weapons range in 2 minutes. We�ve got the welcome mat out.
Warren smiles.
CUT TO EXT. PEARL HARBOUR
Caption: Pearl Harbour
Outer Defence Perimeter
The Macronesian fleet, massively reduced, plows through the defences, destroying them.
INT. MACRONESIAN SUB - BRIDGE
An officer watches the sensor output. As he watches, dozens of sonar traces appear on the screen.
MACRONESIAN #1
Sir,�
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR
The �welcoming committee� emerges from the haze. Around 40 ships surround the enemy fleet.
MACRONESIAN #1
�we have company.
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR
Missiles tear from the their housings (aboveground)
EXT. UEO FLEET
The camera pans across to one UEO sub.
INT. UEO SUB - BRIDGE
In her chair, the captain turns to her XO.
UEO CAPTAIN
Fire.
EXT. OCEAN
Laser fire and torpedo trails fill the water. Missiles dive in from above. Sub after sub falls to the unrelenting assault. Soon, the fleet is completely obliterated. The UEO ships move through the debris and disturbed water.
CUT TO EXT. SEAMOUNT CHAIN
The sub rips through the water, dodging fire and underwater peaks.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Slightly more damaged than in Sc.87. The wreckage pinning Parker has gone, along with the helmsman. Warren remains at the helm, his expression intense. Barratt calls out from the command console.
BARRATT
Sir! We�re losing power.
He goes to the side consoles.
BARRATT
Those glancing blows are taking their toll. Our speed is down 25%.
Warren�s head snaps back.
WARREN
Dave, any chance of redirecting further power?
Stamp runs to the engineering console, as another hit sends sparks flying around him.
STAMP
I�ve got nothing left to redirect, sir, bar life-support! Everything else is already in propulsion.
Warren stares at the screen, unsure of what to do.
BARRATT
What are your orders, Captain?
Warren thinks, then turns to the others.
WARREN
We�re done running.
(beat)
We fight.
Another strike. Warren swivels back to the helm.
WARREN
Target their power plants. Divert power to the lasers, Dave.
Warren adjusts the console.
WARREN
I�m bringing us around.
He looks back.
WARREN
After all, what�s the worst that could happen?
Barratt grimaces.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The sub comes about, to face the oncoming craft.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
INT. BRIDGE
The battle is not going well. The bridge is in darkness, save for the lurid red of the emergency lights. A small fire burns on the upper deck. Warren, bleeding profusely from a gash on his forehead, and with his uniform soaked red, maintains his position at the helm.
WARREN
Didn�t someone say to me that this wasn�t a good idea?
Barratt shakes his head, which is blackened by smoke. Taylor turns from the Tactical station.
TAYLOR
Captain, the last Lysander is pulling clear! They�re giving up the fight!
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The Lysander flies over the hull. As it clears the Excalibur, it fires a single torpedo aft. It glows with energy, and slams into the hull near the engines.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
A huge explosion. Sparks fly, and a raging fire is doused by Barratt and Stamp. Everything shuts down. Only the light of the dying fire illuminates the bridge.
WARREN
What the�
The fire goes out, plunging the bridge into total darkness.
BARRATT
Hold on, sir.
A pair of flashlights slice through the darkness. Barratt�s face is thrown into relief as he hands Warren one. The two men go to the command console, but it, like the rest, is inactive.
WARREN
Damn. What the hell happened?
He looks around for Stamp, as the lights and screens come back on, extremely dimly.
WARREN
Dave?
Stamp emerges from a service conduit, toolkit in hand, EXPOC on the floor. He puts something into it, as Warren goes over.
WARREN
What happened?
Stamp looks up.
STAMP
That last torpedo had an incredible EMP charge. With all of our power in the engines, when it hit�
He waves his hand at the room.
STAMP
I�ve had to shut down the fusion core.
He pulls himself fully out of the conduit, surveys the damage.
STAMP
Turbines 1 through 3 are down. The rest are at between 25 and 50 percent. We can move, but not very far, or fast for that matter.
WARREN
What do you need for repairs?
Stamp sighs.
STAMP
A full dock facility, for one thing. And we�re too far from Pearl.
Warren turns to the others.
WARREN
We need to find an alternative, fast.
(To Barratt)
Hypersonar, as best you can.
(To Taylor)
Send out an A-WSKR. Pull power from the others to fuel it.
(To Stamp)
Dave, have you got internal comms up?
Stamp nods. Barratt and Taylor head off the bridge.
STAMP
Already done, sir.
WARREN
Good work, Commander.
STAMP
I try, sir.
Warren looks up to the ceiling.
WARREN
Bridge to MedBay.
Stratton�s voice, laced with interference, emerges from the static.
STRATTON
Yes, Captain.
WARREN
Casualty report, please.
TIGHT CUT TO INT. MedBay (CONTINUOUS)
Injured crewmen fill the huge, sterile white room. Stratton walks between beds, checking patients as he speaks. Several of the beds� patients are covered in white blankets with the UEO logo.
STRATTON
17 dead, over 100 injured, most of those serious. We�ve had to open up the auxiliary areas down here, Captain, that�s how bad it got at one point.
TIGHT CUT TO INT. BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)
Warren stands as Taylor bandages his wound.
WARREN
How�s Lieutenant Clark?
STRATTON
He�ll be okay. I�m keeping him in under observation for 24 hours, but his injuries weren�t as bad as I first thought.
Warren heads back to his station, nods to Taylor, mouths �Thanks�. Taylor smiles.
WARREN
I need my crew at their stations, Doctor.
TIGHT CUT TO INT. MedBay (CONTINUOUS)
Stratton is now in his office.
STRATTON
I won�t keep anyone here a moment longer than is necessary, sir. I�ve already released Lt. Parker. He�s on his way up.
INT. BRIDGE
Parker walks slowly onto the bridge. He stares at the damage, but says nothing. Warren turns, and sees him.
WARREN
Actually, Doctor, he�s just arrived. Thanks, Jack. Bridge out.
He walks up to Parker.
WARREN
OK, Lieutenant?
Parker nods, still slightly pained.
PARKER
Just about, sir. Permission to resume duty?
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Take your station, Lieutenant.
PARKER
Aye, sir.
He hobbles to the helm, as several more stations come back on. Barratt emerges from a side corridor, an EXPOC in his hand.
BARRATT
Captain�
Warren turns.
WARREN
You�ve found something?
Barratt hands over the EXPOC.
BARRATT
Power signature similar to a Type 8B nuclear reactor, but it�s not where we expected one to be.
WARREN
Where?
BARRATT
Baja California, sir. NorPac Confederation.
WARREN
Well, get us there, Commander. Best possible speed. Tell Dave to squeeze every last watt of power from the batteries he can.
BARRATT
Aye, sir.
Barratt hurries out. Warren goes over to help Taylor at Clark�s console, beginning repairs.
TAYLOR
Hey.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Hey.
TAYLOR
You OK?
Warren sighs.
WARREN
I don�t know.
He looks around the damaged bridge.
WARREN
You know that this ship is my life. Seeing her like this�
Taylor puts her hand on Warren�s shoulder.
TAYLOR
You did what was necessary.
WARREN
At what cost? seaQuest�s gone, Excalibur�s a wreck�
TAYLOR
We�ve struck a blow against Bourne�s forces. We might have delayed the war.
Warren looks up.
WARREN
But for how long?
CUT TO MACRONESIAN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Caption: Presidential Residence
Macronesian Alliance
MACRONESIAN COMMAND CENTRE
President Alexander BOURNE sits at a large desk, surrounded by military officers.
BOURNE
Destroyed?
A general steps forward.
GENERAL #1
Yes, sir. Our last contact with the fleet was near the outer perimeter, surrounded by UEO forces. We were down to 15 ships.
Bourne leans forward.
BOURNE
15? From 50? How did we lose so many ships?
GENERAL #2
The Excalibur�
BOURNE
What?
GENERAL #2
The Excalibur, sir. She and seaQuest were dispatched as an advance force. They destroyed our ships.
BOURNE
(quietly)
seaQuest� and Excalibur.
He slams down a folder labelled �Project Archangel�.
BOURNE
A constant thorn in my side.
He looks at his generals.
BOURNE
We have some good news, I take it?
GENERAL #3
Yes, sir. Two pieces. During the battle, seaQuest was seriously damaged and crashed on the ocean floor. Later, one of our Lysanders disabled the Excalibur using our EMP torpedo design.
BOURNE
The spin-off from�
He raises the folder. The general nods.
GENERAL #3
Yes, sir.
BOURNE
And the project itself?
The first general steps forward once again.
GENERAL #1
We are ready, sir. Construction is complete, and we have selected our first� test location.
Bourne smiles. He opens the folder to the first page, but before we can see what is on it, we�
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Caption: Baja California
NORPAC Confederation
The Excalibur moves into shot. A huge, clearly artificial, tunnel can be seen embedded in the continental shelf.
INT. BRIDGE
With all the crew (excluding Clark) present. Everyone is staring at the screen. Warren stands up from the console, walks forward.
WARREN
Is that it?
Barratt nods.
BARRATT
Yes, sir. Apparently, it�s an old US Navy base, back when there used to be a US Navy, that is.
All the data I have is classified, at Triple-A level. It was a testbed for top secret submarine technologies. Paved the way for seaQuest, in fact.
Warren suddenly recalls Barratt�s words, turns back to him.
WARREN
John�
Barratt looks up.
BARRATT
Sir?
WARREN
You said the data was Triple-A classified?
Barratt looks uncomfortable.
BARRATT
Yes, sir.
Warren walks to stand behind Barratt.
WARREN
From what I remember, that level of classification only applies to Flag Captains and above. So� how did you access them? By accident?
Barratt shifts in his seat.
BARRATT
Well, yeah. I� sort of...stumbled onto them when I� accidentally decrypted the UEO Central Computer�s security protocols.
Stamp whistles.
STAMP
Impressive.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
John J. Barratt, Master Hacker.
Everyone laughs. Warren goes to the helm.
WARREN
Take us in, Lieutenant.
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
The Excalibur enters the tunnel, and is swallowed by darkness.
EXT. UNKNOWN DOCK
The Excalibur surfaces in a large, dark dock complex.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The Tower rises from the hull.
INT. EXCALIBUR TOWER
Warren and Barratt emerge, carrying flashlights and binoculars. They sweep them around.
PULL OUT TO EXT. DOCK
The powerful flashlight beams slice into the darkness, illuminating the dock.
EXT. DOCK
The flashlight cuts across a plaque.
US NAVAL BASE NEPTUNE
ADVANCED R&D FACILITY
ESTABLISHED 2004
INT. EXCALIBUR TOWER
Warren and Barratt stare around at the complex, then look at each other.
Off the moment�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FIVE
seaWolf ASV- �Dawning�
Episode #101-Script Version 2.0
Commenced 17th July 2001
Completed 2nd August 2001
All characters and settings � seaWolf Enterprises 2001
"seaWolf ASV" � seaWolf Enterprises 2001.
The characters and events in this script are works of fiction.
Any similarities to people, living, or dead; places, events or institutions of any kind is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
With thanks to Adam Holmberg and DG Williams.
September 11th, 2001. WE WILL NOT FORGET.
M Warren
12/9/2001