seaWolf ASV
Archangel, Part One, "The Fault lies..."
Episode #105
Written By Michael M.Warren
January 22nd, 2002
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:
INT. MESS HALL
We fade up on a bowl, sitting on a mess hall table. Suddenly, a hand picks something up out of the bowl, and we follow the hand up, past a medium-sized stack of folders and papers, to reach Warren, sitting at a table near the wall. He is eating something.
BARRATT
(O.C.)
Captain?
Warren looks up, smiles.
WARREN
(slightly muffled)
John� sit down.
Barratt sits, facing Warren. He looks at the pile of folders. Warren swallows, then looks at the pile.
WARREN
In three weeks in drydock, I�ve had to write more reports and more paperwork than in three months in the open ocean.
Barratt chuckles. Warren picks up some more of the mysterious food, and eats it.
BARRATT
(curious)
What IS that?
Warren looks up. He holds the bowl, and shows its contents to Barratt. It�s�
WARREN
Frosties.
Barratt looks incredulous.
BARRATT
Frosties?
Warren nods.
WARREN
Dry. Great snack. Thinking food� well, for me anyway.
Barratt shakes his head, smiling. Warren continues eating.
WARREN
So� you came here for a reason, or just to insult my taste in snack foods?
Before Barratt can reply, his PAL beeps.
BARRATT
(sighing)
Hold that thought.
He takes the PAL out of its belt pouch, and activates it.
BARRATT
Barratt, receiving.
Taylor�s voice emerges.
TAYLOR
Commander, you and Captain Warren are asked to report to Secretary General McGath ASAP at UEO Headquarters.
While Taylor is saying this, Barratt notices Warren�s face at the sound of her voice. It is brighter than it was before.
BARRATT
Understood. We�re on our way.
The two men stand, and head for the door, Warren grabbing a last bite of the Frosties and an EXPOC along the way.
CUT TO CORRIDOR
Warren and Barratt emerge from the Mess Hall, below a sign saying �C Deck�. They walk along towards the stairs at the corridor�s end. Warren�s PAL beeps, and he activates it.
WARREN
Warren, go.
STAMP
(short, slightly rattled, stressed out)
Captain, construction on the port engine strut is complete.
Warren looks up.
WARREN
It is?
STAMP
(agitated)
Don�t sound so surprised, Mike!
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Sorry, Dave. I didn�t mean to. Good work. Give your staff my regards.
STAMP
(reacting to something O.S.)
What the hell are you doing? You don�t cross a P-37 with a�
With that, the link goes dead. Warren and Barratt exchange looks, smile.
WARREN
I�ve never heard him so happy.
They laugh, and start walking down the corridor again.
BARRATT
(more serious)
A day ahead of schedule. That�s incredible.
(beat)
Dave�s had the engineering team working flat out since we got here.
WARREN
I know. I haven�t seen him this anxious since the commissioning.
BARRATT
Which was pretty dicey, you have to admit.
Warren�s smile fades, his tone now more serious.
WARREN
It was. But� this is worse.
They begin to ascend the stairs.
WARREN
A heavily armed Macronesian super-sub, capable of tearing us to shreds?
(beat)
It changes everything, John.
CUT TO EXT. COLONY
Macronesian cruisers, flanking the Archangel super-sub, tear into the colony, which fires weak laser pulses, in a desperate attempt to defend itself. The Archangel fires a single pulse cannon burst, and a turret explodes in a quickly extinguished fireball.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Everything.
Off this�
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR
Another beautiful day in Paradise. The cloudless sky is a deep blue, reflecting the colour of the Pacific Ocean. We pull down to see the Excalibur, now fully repaired, with people swarming around her dock, and some on the hull, looking like ants against the vast structure.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Captain�s Log, May 19th, 2040.
We zoom in toward the docking complex, to see Barratt and Warren emerging.
WARREN
(V.O.)
After three weeks of extensive repairs at Pearl Harbour, the damage sustained by the Excalibur in the Macronesian assaults on Pearl and Axis Colony has been repaired.
The two men walk towards a waiting Humvee.
WARREN
(V.O, cont.)
The crew is anxious to get underway� and frankly so am I.
The Humvee starts to move off, away from the dock. We follow it for a short distance.
WARREN
(V.O.)
After our initial encounter with the Macronesian ASB, Archangel, attacks on colonies in the border areas have increased by 50%.
CUT TO EXT. UEO HEADQUARTERS
The Humvee pulls up in front of a checkpoint, which raises, and lets them through.
WARREN
(V.O.)
We want to be doing something about it.
(beat)
And I think we might just get the chance.
The Humvee comes to a stop, and Barratt and Warren disembark. They head for the main doors.
BARRATT
Any idea what this is about?
Warren shakes his head, but it�s clear he does.
INT. UEO HEADQUARTERS
Warren and Barratt enter the lobby, and approach the receptionist.
WARREN
(displaying his UEO ID)
Captain Warren and Commander Barratt to see the Secretary General.
RECEPTIONIST
One moment.
They turn around, and from their POV, we see Markov enter, give Warren and Barratt a cursory glance, then enter an elevator. Barratt turns to Warren.
BARRATT
Was that Stefan Markov?
WARREN
That�s Captain Stefan Markov to you, John.
Barratt smiles.
BARRATT
OK, now you DO know something about what�s going on, and that�s not allowed.
RECEPTIONIST
Captain Warren, Commander Barratt, the Sec.Gen will see you in the conference room.
Warren nods in thanks, and he and Barratt walk to the same elevator Markov entered.
WARREN
(sotto)
I can�t tell you anything, not until after the briefing.
BARRATT
(sotto)
So there is something going on.
Warren nods, almost imperceptibly. The lift door opens, and they enter.
INT. ELEVATOR
The two men enter the car, and, before either man can do anything, it starts downwards. Barratt reacts.
BARRATT
We�re going down�
Warren raises an eyebrow.
WARREN
Are we?
BARRATT
We�re not going to the conference room, are we?
Warren smiles, knowingly.
WARREN
We are.
Barratt looks at him, quizzically. The elevator accelerates, before coming to a halt.
COMPUTER VOICE
Voiceprint and retinal scans required for entry.
Warren is ready for this. He steps up to what looks like an intercom panel, set at eye level. A thin laser scans across his eyes for a second before he speaks.
WARREN
Warren, Michael M. Captain. Voiceprint recognition code: Alpha Zulu 657.
He motions to Barratt that he should follow. The same thing happens.
BARRATT
Barratt, John J. Commander. VRC: Tango November 194.
The lift doors open.
COMPUTER VOICE
Voiceprint confirmed. Retinal scans confirmed. Access granted.
Warren leads the way, Barratt following, staring in amazement.
INT. DEEP FIRE COMPLEX
We find ourselves in the vast control room at Deep Fire. Out of the windows ahead, the partially constructed, seaFire-class hull of the Stromboli can be seen. As always seems to be the case, the room is buzzing with activity. We pan across the primary console, to see vast arrays of data pouring through InterNex hubs being monitored on the main screen. We see technicians wearing headsets communicating in various languages. Finally, we pan up to show Warren and Barratt at the far side of the room, a long way away. Warren heads up to the conference room.
WARREN
Welcome to Deep Fire, Commander.
He leaves Barratt to stare, as he ascends the steps. After a moment�s staring, Warren comes back down again.
WARREN
Come on!
Barratt shakes his head, then follows.
INT. DEEP FIRE CONFERENCE ROOM
As we saw it in �R&R�. Warren and Barratt are alone in the room. A glass partition has slid down over the entrance they used, and the sounds coming from the control room are muffled and very faint.
Barratt looks around the plush surroundings.
BARRATT
What is this place?
WARREN
(walking over to look down on the control room)
Top secret R&D base for the UEO. That sub you saw being constructed is the third of her class.
He looks over at Barratt, and grins.
WARREN
You�ll get a chance to see the other two a little later.
BARRATT
And who knows about it?
Warren shakes his head.
WARREN
Hardly anyone. The technicians who work here are based here permanently. They rarely go up-world, except for the required shore leave, and then only under strict surveillance. Only a small part of the UEO hierarchy has any knowledge this place exists.
BARRATT
So� why do we?
WARREN
Need-to-know, Commander, and right now, we have a need.
(beat, happier)
Even Section 7 doesn�t know about the seaFire project.
At that moment, the other door opens, and McGath walks in, accompanied by Markov, Nathan Bridger, Alexandria Joseph (Chief Engineer of the seaFire, from �R&R�), the two admirals from �R&R�, and another officer. He is about 45 yo, and wears what looks like an army general�s uniform, but on the arm there is a stylised cross-hair patch, with the UEO logo at its centre.
MCGATH
Captain, Commander.
WARREN
Mr. Secretary.
(to the others)
Gentlemen.
(beat)
Admiral Grove.
The female admiral nods, and they all take seats at the table. Warren ends up sitting next to Markov and Barratt, while McGath, Bridger and the new officer sit at the head of the table.
MCGATH
Most of you already know what this briefing is about, so I�ll keep it short.
He keys a control on the table, and a still image of the Archangel appears on the wall screen.
MCGATH
You�re all familiar with this craft. The Archangel. An advanced Macronesian submersible.
He brings up a map of the Pacific. Several red dots appear about midway between the western and eastern rims.
MCGATH
After the initial contact with the Archangel, at Axis Colony, seven colonies along the border have been attacked by this vessel. All seven have been lost.
They take a moment to digest that piece of information.
MCGATH
Eleven UEO vessels have encountered the Archangel. Only two,
(he nods at Warren and Bridger)
Excalibur� and seaQuest� have survived.
We begin to pan down the table.
MCGATH
We lack any substantiated data about the Archangel. No tactical scenarios can be plotted without detailed intelligence about her weapons and defences.
(beat)
And without those scenarios� we�re defenceless.
He looks around the room.
MCGATH
That�s why, one month ago, Admiral Bridger and Captains Markov and Warren proposed a plan to change all that.
We focus on him.
MCGATH
We�re going to infiltrate the Archangel.
Off the moment�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. DEEP FIRE CONFERENCE ROOM
Immediately following on from Act One. The assembled officers sit, stunned. Suddenly, Admiral Grove breaks the silence.
GROVE
(to McGath)
Tom, are you sure you can pull this off? I�ve tried to get people into Macronesian Command for years, as I know the General has.
Warren looks up at the �general� at the head of the table, his eyes questioning.
MCGATH
This mission is different, however.
He brings up a map of the eastern Australian coast.
MCGATH
It took two weeks to locate, but we managed to track down the Archangel�s dock facility.
A red dot appears on the screen, dangerously close to land. Bridger gets up, and walks to the screen.
BRIDGER
The dock facility is located deep within Macronesian territory, near the Great Barrier Reef.
(bringing up another screen)
We plan to insert a small team into the facility, to download and recover the Archangel�s technical specifications. At the same time, another team will seek to disable the Archangel�s propulsion system, rendering her temporarily out of action, and unable to give chase.
The other admiral, Potter, leans forward.
POTTER
How will the infiltration teams reach the Archangel?
Warren gets up.
WARREN
As you know, sir, the Excalibur has been running tests of an experimental seaLaunch, designated �Masada�, and equipped with the latest in underwater stealth technology. That will be used to send the teams in. Two UEO subs, also under stealth, will provide a base of operations� here.
An area at the end of the Reef glows red.
WARREN
A small group of UEO subs, led by the seaQuest, will be waiting at the border of Macronesian territory, to escort the subs back to Pearl, in case things get hot.
POTTER
But what ships? You�ve mentioned seaQuest as part of the assisting fleet, and I assume Excalibur will be going� but what�s the second? The Danube is still on her shakedown, the Argonaut is needed in the Atlantic, and the only other seaWolf-class ship is still under construction.
Warren sighs, looks at McGath, who nods assent. Warren activates a control, and we see part of a schematic, but, before we see it all, we cut back to the astonished faces at the table.
WARREN
This� is the seaFire. The most advanced sub ever built. She� will be our backup.
FADE CUT TO EXT. seaFire
We pan slowly across the sub, never seeing it in full.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Commanded by Captain Markov, she will provide tactical support in case of attack, and her advanced sensor jamming systems will mask our approach, in addition to her sensor spoofing hull�
EXT. DRYDOCK
The Excalibur is under rapid construction, and her bio-skin seems altered.
WARREN
�technology which is even now being retrofitted to the Excalibur.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Warren walks back to his seat.
WARREN
The Excalibur will be ready for launch at 2100 hours, as will the seaFire.
Potter turns to McGath, obviously conflicted.
POTTER
Sir, if you�d like my opinion�
McGath interrupts him.
MCGATH
I believe I�m aware of your opinion, Admiral. But, the decision�s been made. This is a briefing, I�m not seeking your consent. The mission is already a go.
He turns to the general.
MCGATH
And, for those of you who don�t know him, this is General Monroe, head of UEO Section Seven. He and his team will be on the seaFire, to act as intelligence support, and will form part of the infiltration team.
McGath�s words are a harsh blow to Warren. He, Barratt, Markov and Bridger all look at each other, stunned. McGath does not notice.
MCGATH
The Excalibur and seaFire will depart at 2200. Good luck, and Godspeed, Captains. Dismissed.
The admirals, Monroe and Joseph leave the room. McGath and the others remain for a moment, McGath gathering notes, the others still stunned.
WARREN
(clearing his throat)
Mr.Secretary�
McGath looks up.
MCGATH
Yes, Captain?
Warren stands, and goes over to him.
WARREN
What happened to �Section 7 will never know about this place�?
MCGATH
Times change, Captain.
(beat)
We were planning to put the seaFire prototypes under their control anyway, once they were launched, as covert operations vessels. Now, we�re just giving them the Stromboli as a trade-off, because, right now, we need their expertise for this mission. If that means showing our hand a little early, then�
WARREN
But, sir�
McGath�s voice grows harsh.
MCGATH
Captain, if you are unable to accept this, I can send you to the Atlantic, and give Captain Harold on the Argonaut this mission. Can you accept this minor problem?
WARREN
(defeated)
Yes, sir.
MCGATH
Good.
He walks out of the conference room. Warren watches him leave.
MARKOV
What does he think he�s doing? He�s just handing my boat over to S7!
BRIDGER
(to Markov)
He�s being pressured. Can�t you see that? Monroe�s got him like a puppet on a string.
WARREN
Let�s hope things go a little more smoothly with the mission.
BARRATT
I doubt it, with S7 aboard.
Warren and Barratt get up, and head back for the door. Warren�s PAL beeps, and he answers it.
WARREN
Warren, go.
SMITH
(over com)
Captain, the seaQuest just pulled into dock.
Warren and Bridger exchange looks.
WARREN
Understood. Tell Captain Ford I�ll be along in a few minutes.
We focus on Warren.
WARREN
I need to borrow something from him.
CUT TO EXT. seaQuest
Establishing, in dock.
INT. seaQuest WARDROOM
Warren walks in with Bridger. Ford and Wolenczak are sitting talking. The wardroom still bears the scars of battle.
BRIDGER
I see the redecorating didn�t go as planned.
The two seaQuest officers smile, and go over.
FORD
Hello, sir.
Ford and Bridger shake hands, warmly. Wolenczak then hugs Bridger.
WOLENCZAK
Hello, Captain.
BRIDGER
(grinning)
It�s Admiral now, Lucas.
WOLENCZAK
Yeah, well I don't think I'll get used to that.
He looks around.
BRIDGER
Looks just as I left it.
They sit at the wardroom table.
WARREN
How was border patrol?
FORD
Long, and boring.
WARREN
(jokingly)
No mysterious caves? Million-year-old alien ships? Not even a returned marine god?
They smile.
FORD
You spent far too much time in the mission databanks, Michael.
WARREN
I know.
(beat, more serious)
So, did you get the data?
Wolenczak hands over a Zip disk (or, at least, a 2040s equivalent)
WOLENCZAK
Two weeks of border patrol information. Routes, numbers of ships, changeover times, and sensor net holes.
WARREN
Excellent. Now� I need to ask you a favour.
FORD
Sure.
WARREN
Well, as you know, two of my officers were attacked by a Macronesian sleeper group three weeks ago. I�ve already found a replacement for my sensor chief, but� I need a helmsman. Someone with the skill to navigate safely through enemy waters, and with� special skills for the infiltration team.
WOLENCZAK
Who?
CUT TO seaQuest - MOON POOL
Warren and the others walk onto C Deck, and Warren pokes his head over the moon pool. A spray of water hits him in the face. He smiles.
WARREN
Hello, Darwin.
Darwin looks up at them, grinning in his delphinine way.
DARWIN
(the voice is slightly improved)
Bridger, swim! War-ren swim?
Warren shakes his head.
WARREN
Not today, Darwin. Can you find Tony for me?
Darwin emits a series of clicks, and swims away. Warren turns to Wolenczak.
WARREN
What version are you on with the translation software?
Wolenczak shrugs.
WOLENCZAK
Around 4.2. But, every time I update, something goes from the linguistics. I guess I'm never going to figure it out completely...
Before Warren can reply, Tony Piccolo emerges from the water.
PICCOLO
Mike, what can I do for you? You interrupted a very important game of water polo.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Who is it this time, Tony? Ensign Walters from Oceanography?
Piccolo grins, then nods.
WARREN
Sorry, Tony, but I need your help. Can you report to the Ex in 15?
PICCOLO
Do I have time to finish my game?
WARREN
Five minutes, Tony.
Piccolo nods, then dives back underwater. Warren looks over to Ford.
WARREN
Can you afford to lose him for two weeks, after the mission?
Ford nods.
FORD
Sure. We�re going to be here that long anyway, for repairs and to complete our refit.
(to Bridger)
Sir, would you like to grab a bite to eat?
BRIDGER
Are they still serving those soya meat burgers?
WOLENCZAK
Afraid so.
(conspiratorially)
I might have something more to your liking in my quarters�
BRIDGER
Lead the way, Commander.
Wolenczak smiles, and lets Bridger go first. Ford and Warren leave the moon pool, and head in the opposite direction.
seaQuest - CORRIDOR
Warren and Ford emerge on C Deck, and head down the corridor.
FORD
You�re sure this is going to go as planned, with Section 7 breathing down your neck?
WARREN
As long as they stay advisors, it will.
They reach the MagLev.
FORD
Docking Bay 2.
The doors close, and the MagLev pulls away.
seaQuest - HYDROSPHERE
We pull back from Henderson and an engineering team to the MagLev, which opens, and Warren and Ford emerge.
WARREN
How are the repairs going?
FORD
We managed to fix the hull breach on D Deck about two days in. It�s basically been the computers, systems needing reintegration.
WARREN
Good.
He taps a bulkhead.
WARREN
The ship has held up pretty well over the years. Let�s hope it can go a few more yet.
He smiles at Henderson as he passes into the docking tunnel.
WARREN
(back to Henderson)
Did Nat get my present OK?
She smiles.
HENDERSON
She loves model ships. The Excalibur was the only one she was missing from her collection.
Warren nods, then walks off down the tunnel with Ford.
seaQuest - DOCKING COMPLEX
Barratt is waiting for them as Ford and Warren emerge.
BARRATT
Everything OK?
Warren nods.
WARREN
Nathan and Lucas are sharing a court-martial, so they�ll be a little while yet.
Ford smiles, but Barratt looks confused.
WARREN
It�s an inside joke, Commander.
Barratt smiles slightly.
BARRATT
Yes, sir.
Warren turns back to Ford.
WARREN
I�ll see you in a few days, Captain.
FORD
If all goes to plan.
They shake hands, and head off in different directions.
As we fade out�
CGI - TIMER
�TIME TO LAUNCH 07:16:46�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. EXCALIBUR
Now clear of drydock, and in her own dock. The sun is starting to set (time ~1900 hrs)
The timer is superimposed on the screen:
�TIME TO LAUNCH 03:02:29�
INT. READY ROOM
We focus on the door. A knock is heard.
WARREN
(O.C.)
Come in.
A UEO officer, maybe 30 yo, walks in. We see he wears rank insignia of an Ensign.
WARREN
(O.C.)
Mr. Reyes, please, take a seat.
We cut to see Warren working on his EXPOC. After a moment, he turns to the new arrival.
WARREN
(reading off the EXPOC)
Ensign Patrick Reyes. 29 years old. Graduated the Academy 2033. Expert on WSKRS technology. Served with distinction onboard the seaHawk, and the Gettysburg. Received numerous commendations, including one from Captain Fitzgerald himself.
He raises an eyebrow.
WARREN
Praise indeed.
REYES
(slightly nervous)
Thank you, sir.
WARREN
I take it you are aware of the importance of this mission?
REYES
Only vaguely, sir. We�re going after the thing that took out Axis Colony.
Warren stands up, and goes to look out of the porthole.
WARREN
Yes, we are. And, of course, you are aware of what happened to our sensor chief. Jackie Macey is the best I know, so you�ll have a high standard to live up to.
REYES
I understand, sir. And I�m ready for the challenge.
Warren turns to him, and smiles.
WARREN
Good.
He picks up some paperwork.
WARREN
Your transfer papers are all in order, Ensign, and Captain Hidoshi is looking forward to having you back on the Gettysburg once Chief Macey is back.
REYES
Yes, sir.
Warren extends his hand.
WARREN
Welcome aboard the Excalibur, Ensign.
Reyes shakes the offered hand.
REYES
Thank you, sir.
Warren nods, and escorts Reyes out of the door.
CORRIDOR
The two emerge from the ready room, and head down the corridor.
WARREN
You�ve been assigned quarters on C Deck, Section 12, near the WSKRS facility, as you requested.
Reyes turns to him.
REYES
I hope that wasn�t a problem, sir?
Warren shakes his head.
WARREN
No, not a problem.
(jokingly)
Of course, I will have to put my pool table somewhere else�
Reyes smiles.
WARREN
Go dump your stuff off, then get something to eat.
REYES
Aye, sir.
Warren gets out his PAL, and activates it.
WARREN
Warren to Radanovich. Alexei, are you there?
RADANOVICH
(ship�s cook)
Yes, Captain?
WARREN
Our new sensor chief is on his way down. Make his first impression of your cooking a good one, huh?
Radanovich laughs over the com.
RADANOVICH
Da, Captain, I will. Mess Hall out.
The PAL beeps off, then activates again.
WARREN
Warren here.
TAYLOR
Captain, we need you on the bridge.
WARREN
Understood, on my way.
He starts off, then turns back to Reyes.
WARREN
I recommend the spaghetti neapolitana.
Reyes smiles, and nods. As Warren walks away, he stops and turns back.
WARREN
Ensign� just out of curiosity�
REYES
Sir?
WARREN
Why haven�t you been promoted by now? You�ve serve with distinction for seven years. You had to have had two promotion boards by now.
Reyes shrugs.
REYES
I�ve never been one for advancement, sir. I like the job I�ve got, and being bottom of the rung does have some advantages.
Warren smiles.
WARREN
Maybe so.
He walks away. We see Reyes grimace as he walks down the corridor in the opposite direction, as we follow Warren towards the stairs.
BRIDGE
The clamshell doors open, and Warren strides in. The room is still virtually deserted, and Barratt, Smith, Taylor and Stamp are the only officers there. The rest are crewmen or technicians.
WARREN
What is it?
They turn, and Barratt punches up something on the main screen.
BARRATT
Latest satellite pictures of the Archangel�s dock facility.
They reveal a great deal of activity around the area.
WARREN
Is she getting ready to move out?
Stamp nods, and Warren turns to him.
WARREN
How soon?
STAMP
A week, maybe less.
SMITH
We don�t have a lot of time, sir.
Warren is still looking at the screen.
WARREN
No, we don�t.
CUT TO SECURITY OFFICE
The first time we�ve really had a good look at this room on the Excalibur. Dominating one wall is a vast array of video screens, showing securecam images from around the boat. We are focusing on the wall, as we see Scaros lean into view.
SCAROS
Everything looks fine.
He turns around to Taylor, standing beside him.
SCAROS
(handing her a report)
I�ve posted security personnel at all major locations, as well as the senior officers� quarters.
TAYLOR
(checking it)
We don�t need that, Josh. Guards at key junctions, fine, but there is a thing as too many precautions. Haven�t you heard the saying �Too many cooks��?
Scaros nods, then checks a report an officer hands to him.
SCAROS
Our new sensor operator checks out. All records are clean.
Taylor looks at the report over Scaros� shoulder.
TAYLOR
Good. Anything else?
Scaros looks around.
SCAROS
(casually, but quickly)
Do you fancy getting something to eat? You know, before everything gets started?
TAYLOR
In the Mess Hall?
Scaros looks around again, making sure no-one else can hear him.
SCAROS
(slightly nervous)
No� I mean us� you and me.
TAYLOR
Oh.
She suddenly realises what he means.
TAYLOR
(more meaningful)
Oh.
She turns to him, smiles sadly.
TAYLOR
Josh, I�d love to, but� I�m already involved with someone.
Scaros lowers his head.
SCAROS
Jeez� I�m sorry�
Taylor takes his hand.
TAYLOR
Hey, don�t be sorry. You didn�t know. If things were different, I would gladly have dinner with you. You�re a great guy, Josh.
He smiles, but the pain is still in his eyes.
TAYLOR
Don�t worry about it.
He nods, then walks off, out of the room. Taylor watches him leave.
TAYLOR
(sotto)
Damn.
MESS HALL
(Timer reads �TIME TO LAUNCH 02:37:12�)
We see that Reyes walks in from the back of the room, as we focus on Stamp, Clark and Piccolo. They are having a very animated discussion. All three are laughing.
PICCOLO
(in between breaths)
�and so, Mike then opens the door� and the entire bucket of biogel falls on him!
Stamp and Clark fall about, laughing.
STAMP
(wiping a tear from his eye)
Oh, the next few weeks are going to be fun.
Piccolo smiles, and leans back in his chair. We now see that Reyes is looking around for somewhere to sit. Clark notices.
CLARK
Ensign! Over here!
Reyes looks over, then goes to join them.
REYES
Sirs.
Stamp looks at him, sees his name tag.
STAMP
Reyes, right? The new sensor operator?
Reyes nods.
REYES
That�s me.
Stamp holds out his hand, as Reyes puts his tray down, which holds a steaming plate of spaghetti. Reyes shakes it.
STAMP
Dave Stamp, Chief Engineer.
He indicates the others.
STAMP
Mike Clark, navigation. Tony Piccolo, acting chief helmsman, and the guy with more stories about the Captain than I knew existed.
They nod. Piccolo grins at Stamp.
STAMP
So, how�s Captain Hidoshi?
Reyes looks up from his food.
REYES
I�m sorry?
STAMP
Captain Hidoshi? You were on the Gettysburg, right?
REYES
Yes, yes I was. Still grumpy as hell.
Stamp frowns at this, but recovers quickly.
STAMP
(covering his surprise)
Really? I served with him, my first posting out of the Academy.
REYES
(slightly startled, tailing off)
You did? I didn�t realise that�
Before Stamp can go on, Piccolo leans forward again.
PICCOLO
(starting again)
Anyway� did he tell you about the time he walked in on Captain Ford and Henderson�
The other two lean in, but Reyes gets up, and goes over to one of the coffee pots on the counter. As he pours himself a cup, we briefly see a butterfly tattoo on his arm. Before we get a closer look, we�
CUT TO EXT. EXCALIBUR
Now night time. The internal lights are on, and the dock is floodlit.
INT. WARREN�S QUARTERS
Warren is sitting, reading a book. There is a knock at the door.
WARREN
Come on in.
Rick Parker walks in, his arm still in a cast from �R&R�, but it�s not hard plaster anymore. Warren smiles, and stands up.
WARREN
Rick, how�re you doing?
Parker smiles.
PARKER
Not too bad, sir. I came to see how the preparations were going for the mission.
Warren looks surprised.
WARREN
How did you� Wait a minute�
He smiles.
WARREN/PARKER
(simultaneously)
Charlie.
They laugh.
PARKER
Yeah, I�ve been hanging out there recently. Not a bad guy.
(beat)
Why did he leave the Navy?
Warren shrugs.
WARREN
Don�t know. He never talked about it.
Warren looks around.
WARREN
You seen Jackie Macey recently?
Parker nods.
PARKER
Yeah, ran into her last week when I went in to have this�
He indicates the cast.
PARKER
�changed. She�s doing OK. Still bandaged up, though. She�s about as anxious as me to get back here. We both wish we could be going with you, sir.
Warren�s smile fades.
WARREN
To tell you the truth, Rick� I�m glad you�re not.
Parker looks surprised.
PARKER
Why, sir?
Warren sighs, and sits back down. Parker does the same.
WARREN
This whole thing worries me. Especially now that Section 7 is involved. They go around creating conspiracies where there are none, sowing mistrust and animosity amongst crewmembers. Every ship they go on, things turn bad soon after. I�ve seen it happen, Rick.
And now, they�re here�
Parker smiles.
PARKER
Don�t worry about it, sir. What can they do as advisors? Especially with you in charge.
Warren smiles again, the tension not quite alleviated.
WARREN
Thanks, Rick.
They stand, and Warren holds out his left hand. Parker shakes it.
PARKER
Good luck, Captain.
He heads out of the room. At the open door, he turns back.
PARKER
Sir?
Warren looks up.
WARREN
Yes, Rick?
PARKER
Try and have a ship left for me to come back to.
Warren nods, and Parker leaves. Off Warren�s concerned face�
CUT TO EXT. EXCALIBUR DOCK
Now empty of personnel and equipment. The docking tunnel has been retracted, and the sub has shifted further out from the dock.
INT. BRIDGE
The crew are at their stations, Reyes at Macey�s station, Piccolo at the helm.
Warren stands up from the command chair.
WARREN
Activate undocking sequence.
EXT. EXCALIBUR DOCK
The dock begins to descend (as in �Dawning�)
INT. BRIDGE
As before.
BARRATT
Dock at Surface Q, sir. All moorings and umbilicals have been retracted.
STAMP
Harbour engines at your command, sir.
WARREN
Mr. Piccolo, ahead slow, 25 kph. Bearing 110.
PICCOLO
Aye, sir.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The sub cuts slowly through the water.
INT. BRIDGE
Warren suddenly turns.
WARREN
All stop.
PICCOLO
Sir?
WARREN
Do it, Tony.
The faint engine whine dies away. Warren turns to Taylor.
WARREN
Trish, activate silhouette distorter.
Taylor hits a control.
TAYLOR
Distorter on-line.
Reyes calls out from his station.
REYES
Captain, I�m picking up something. Some sort of doors are opening.
WARREN
As expected. Don�t worry, Ensign. All part of the show.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
Behind the sub, a huge pair of doors, concealed within the rock face, open.
INT. BRIDGE
Barratt gets up to stand beside Warren, as does Stamp.
We can see on the aft view a large, dark shape emerging from the cavernous area behind the doors. (cuts between the whole bridge and the viewscreen are too numerous to account for)
WARREN
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present our backup for this mission�
The crew stand up slowly, and gravitate towards the centre of the bridge. On the screen, we start to see the sharp lines and predatory prow of the seaFire.
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR BAY
The seaFire emerges from the doors. We see for the first time the full sub. She is sleek, dark, and streamlined. The sub slips beneath the Excalibur, which appears slightly distorted to the camera�s viewpoint.
WARREN
�the seaFire.
INT. seaFire BRIDGE
Much more futuristic than the Excalibur�s. (It should remind us of the bridge of the Enterprise-E) Markov sits in the command chair, with Monroe watching from the rear of the bridge. Security officers are posted at the doors, and the crew all wear a plain black jumpsuit, with a flame insignia the only splash of colour (the ranks are denoted by coloured stripes on the sleeve, e.g. Markov has four white stripes, Joseph three red)
seaFire HELMSMAN
We�re in position, Captain.
Markov stands up, and walks to the front of the bridge.
MARKOV
Activate stealth systems.
The lighting turns a harsh red.
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR BAY
The seaFire seems to melt into the landscape beneath the Excalibur.
INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE
Reyes turns from his console.
REYES
Captain, the sub has vanished from my sensors.
Warren walks over to him.
WARREN
Recalibrate the WSKRS to transponder code 103.
Reyes hits a few controls, then looks up.
REYES
Vessel on sensors.
Warren nods, then turns to Smith.
WARREN
Hail the seaFire, Commander.
SMITH
Aye, sir.
Markov appears on the screen.
MARKOV
We�re ready over here, Michael.
Warren turns to Clark.
WARREN
Synchronise navigation systems, Lieutenant.
(to Piccolo)
Tie in to seaFire helm control.
PICCOLO
Link established.
We see on the screen that the seaFire helmsman has indicated something to Markov.
MARKOV
Navigational synchronisation confirmed. Helms linked.
Warren nods.
WARREN
See you at the border, Captain.
Markov nods, and the screen switches to an external view. The crew head back to their stations, and Warren walks to the command console.
WARREN
Mr. Piccolo, set course for the Macronesian border, near the New Ganges Colony.
John, activate stealth systems.
EXT. PEARL HARBOUR BAY
Like the seaFire, the Excalibur merges with the landscape, and we get the impression the ships are leaving, as the landscape seems to ripple in places as we move out.
The timer is again superimposed:
�TIME TO LAUNCH 00:00:00�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. OCEAN
At first, there seems to be nothing there. But then, the ocean floor seems to ripple, and we see the outline of the Excalibur moving against the backdrop, getting only fleeting glances. We can�t see the seaFire, but from the shadows on the ocean floor, we can tell she is there.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Captain�s Log, May 20th, 2040. Mission time plus two hours.
With the border less than thirty minutes away, all preparations for our mission have been completed.
INT. HYDROSPHERE
The Masada shuttle is docked inside, and we can see its sleek lines, and hull design which recalls the seaFire�s hull.
WARREN
(V.O.)
The Masada stealth shuttle is fully loaded with all the equipment we�ll need for the mission�
BRIEFING ROOM
We see the senior staff assembled in the large room. Scaros is also in the room, as are a few NDs. Two officers stand off to the side, and we can see they wear the same crosshair patch as Monroe did. These are Section Seven operatives. Warren is standing in front of them all.
WARREN
(V.O.)
�and the infiltration team has been selected.
We cut to Barratt.
WARREN
(not now the log entry, but �live�)
Commander Barratt will lead the infiltration team, accompanied by Lt.Cmdr Stamp, Lt. Scaros, and Lieutenants Chang and Winrose.
Lt.Cmdr Abbey�
(he indicates the first of the S7 operatives)
�will be our tactical liaison for this mission, and will be accompanying the team.
Warren indicates the second S7 operative.
WARREN
Lt. Matthews and Lt. Piccolo will lead the second team, to disable the Archangel�s engines and prevent her pursuit. That team will consist of Lieutenants Jones and Alexander, Ensign Lockhart, and Crewman Collins. Lt. Hargrove will pilot the Masada there and back.
He looks around at them.
WARREN
This� will be a difficult mission. The toughest we�ve faced so far. I know all of you will do the best you can. That�s all I can ask for.
(beat)
Assault teams, you will assemble for briefing in the wardroom in one hour. Dismissed.
They disperse, and Warren hurries over to Taylor.
WARREN
Trish?
She stops, and turns, smiling when she sees Warren.
TAYLOR
Hi.
WARREN
Hi.
(beat)
So, dinner in my quarters tonight, before we get underway?
TAYLOR
Sure.
They smile, and head off together. We see Scaros watching them go.
SCAROS
(sotto)
Damn.
CUT TO EXT. OCEAN
Caption: UEO Staging Area
New Ganges Colony
UEO/Macronesian border
A small group of ships is assembled in the near distance. The Excalibur emerges from her spoofing camouflage, and swoops towards them. The seaFire seems to remain hidden.
INT. BRIDGE
Smith turns to Warren.
SMITH
Sir, incoming communication.
Warren nods.
WARREN
Put it through.
Ford appears on the screen.
FORD
Mike.
WARREN
Jonathan. Are you all set?
Ford nods.
FORD
All ships have their orders. We�ll maintain a standard patrol pattern until we receive your outbound signal, then head for the rendezvous point.
WARREN
Alright. Make sure you get our precise signal. We can�t risk getting caught off-balance by the Alliance. They may try a counter-strike.
FORD
We have a reserve fleet standing by near New Ganges Colony, just in case.
Warren nods, and stands up from the console.
WARREN
Well� it�s time to go.
FORD
Understood. See you in a few days, Captain.
The screen goes blank. Warren looks around at his crew, and we cut briefly to them each in turn.
WARREN
(after a moment)
Let�s do it.
He turns back, and sits back at the command console.
WARREN
Re-activate the spoofing net. Power up all weapons. Engines to 100%.
(to Piccolo)
Tony, set course for the mission area. Bearing 285. Maximum speed.
PICCOLO
Aye, sir.
Warren activates the com system.
WARREN
All hands, this is the Captain. Prepare to cross into Macronesian territory. Good luck to you all.
He toggles the channel off.
WARREN
Take us to Condition One.
Smith complies, and the klaxons start.
SMITH
(over com)
All hands, stand to battle stations. Condition One, General Quarters.
EXT. OCEAN
The Excalibur disappears again, and the faint contrasting outline moves ahead into the distance.
CUT TO INT. BRIDGE
Reyes watches his screen very carefully.
REYES
One kilometre to the border.
WARREN
Prepare to cut engines, and drift over the sensor net.
REYES
Five hundred metres.
WARREN
Stand by�
REYES
Two hundred fifty.
WARREN
Now.
The engines die away.
STAMP
We�re at zero engines.
PICCOLO
Forward momentum at 10 kph.
A beeping from Reyes� console.
REYES
We�ve crossed the border. Now in Macronesian territory.
BARRATT
(turning to Warren)
We�ve just committed an act of war, Captain.
Warren shrugs.
WARREN
Wasn�t my first, sure as hell won�t be my last.
REYES
No activity from the sensor net.
Warren turns to him.
WARREN
How long till we can re-engage engines?
Reyes checks.
REYES
Almost there�
WARREN
(to Stamp and Piccolo)
Stand by�
REYES
Now!
Warren whirls around.
WARREN
Full ahead. Course heading 294.
Piccolo struggles with the helm, until�
PICCOLO
Engines at full. Course re-established.
Warren turns to Clark.
WARREN
What�s our ETA at the mission area?
CLARK
Seven hours, present speed.
Warren gets up, sighs.
WARREN
Alright, everyone, break shift. Go get a few hours rest.
He activates the com system.
WARREN
Bravo Shift, report to the bridge on the double.
As he switches off the com, he sees the eyes of his bridge crew on him.
WARREN
That was not a request, people. Go. Three hours sleep, minimum. If you can�t get to sleep, Jack Stratton has a wide selection of sleeping medication.
They finally acquiesce, and begin to depart. Taylor walks over to Warren.
TAYLOR
I�ll see you in a few minutes.
Warren nods, and Taylor walks out as Bravo Shift walk in. Warren begins to brief them, but without sound, as we
CUT TO WARREN�S QUARTERS
A lavishly prepared meal, candlelit. Warren is setting utensils out, when there is a knock at the door. (Note: Warren is still in uniform)
WARREN
Come in.
Taylor walks in, also still in uniform. Warren smiles.
WARREN
I see you didn�t bother to get changed either.
She grins, and closes the door.
TAYLOR
(looking at the spread)
You did all this yourself?
Warren looks up.
WARREN
Well, Alexei helped with the food.
TAYLOR
(slightly worried)
What did you tell him?
WARREN
The truth, of course.
Taylor raises an eyebrow, and Warren notices.
WARREN
Don�t worry, he already knew.
TAYLOR
(sitting down)
Well, not everyone does.
Warren sits also, and they begin to eat.
WARREN
Who doesn�t?
Taylor looks up, then away.
WARREN
Come on, you can tell me.
TAYLOR
(sighing)
Josh Scaros asked me to dinner earlier.
WARREN
(after a moment, surprised)
Josh? I didn�t even know he felt like that about you.
TAYLOR
Neither did I, which made turning him down even worse.
(beat)
I wish he could have said something sooner.
WARREN
(eating)
Maybe he felt uncomfortable with telling you, or that he thought now was a good time. You know, eve of a dangerous mission, that sort of thing.
Taylor is still contemplating his words as she eats.
TAYLOR
But� what if he was uncomfortable, because I�m his superior?
WARREN
It�s always a possibility. I mean, look at us.
Taylor looks up.
TAYLOR
What about us?
WARREN
(smiling)
We were both so worried about how it would turn out, we held back. I know I was afraid of what might happen if I told you how I felt. Maybe Josh was the same way.
She looks at him.
TAYLOR
You were worried?
Warren nods. She smiles.
TAYLOR
Nice to know you�re a little insecure.
WARREN
(with false indignity)
Hey!
She punches him playfully on the arm, but, before things can develop further, Warren�s PAL beeps. He sighs, and activates it.
WARREN
Warren here.
SMITH
Sir, the assault teams are assembled in the wardroom for your briefing.
Warren winces. He�d completely forgotten.
WARREN
Alright, I�ll be there in a few minutes.
SMITH
I�ll let them know. Smith out.
The PAL beeps off. Warren turns to Taylor.
WARREN
So much for dinner.
They head out of the door.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
EXT. GREAT BARRIER REEF
Caption: Great Barrier Reef
Central Macronesia
100km from Archangel dock facility
We see the large expanse of coral, still recovering from years of ecological damage, but now entrenched in deep ocean. The ripple effect familiar as the Excalibur�s spoofing net shimmers into view.
INT. WARDROOM
Warren stands at the head of the table, while the members of the infiltration and assault teams are seated around it. On the vidscreen, Markov, Joseph and Monroe can be seen.
WARREN
We�ve analysed every piece of surveillance data on the Archangel dock facility over the last three weeks, and have found a gap in their surveillance systems.
He brings up an image on another vidscreen. It shows a sensor sweep, which is blocked by a large part of the reef. We can see red dots, representing Macronesian ships, moving around in patrol patterns. Two blue silhouettes can be seen at the bottom right of the image, Excalibur and seaFire.
WARREN
Their sensor sweeps cannot penetrate the Reef itself. This is how we�ll get you in.
FADE CUT TO:
INT. HYDROSPHERE (AIRLOCK SIDE)
(Writer�s note: The scenes over which the voice-over plays are the actual mission, not a simulation. The action, unless indicated, takes place at the same time)
The Masada drops into launch position.
WARREN
(V.O.)
The Masada will use the Reef to get close to the facility, since the sensor spoofing tech drains too much power to be used for a prolonged period.
INT. MASADA SHUTTLE
A lot like a standard shuttle, with an extended crew compartment. The team are getting weapons and equipment ready. Hargrove, in the pilot�s seat, hits a control.
EXT. EXCALIBUR
The hydrosphere doors flicker into view as they open. The Masada emerges, and heads into the Reef at high speed.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Two seaFoxes from the seaFire will provide escort to the Reef, and will wait there to act as communication relays.
We see the two seaFoxes fly overhead, and flank the shuttle.
INT. BRIDGE
Warren and the remaining command staff watch the screen with anticipation. Barratt�s voice crackles over the comlink.
BARRATT
(laced with static, heavily distorted)
We�re entering the Reef. seaFoxes breaking off.
(beat)
Switching to scrambler code 24.
There is a series of beeps, and Barratt�s voice returns, stronger than before.
BARRATT
(crisper quality)
No signs of patrol ships.
EXT. REEF
The Masada skims effortlessly around coral formations.
WARREN
(V.O.)
That�ll be another problem: avoiding the patrols.
INT. WARDROOM (BRIEFING)
Warren brings up another series of images.
WARREN
We�ve mapped the standard routes, and the ship types and formations. Your route will be planned to avoid any anticipated confrontation. We can�t expect a completely easy run, though.
EXT. REEF
A single Lysander sub cruises through the reefs. As it passes one formation, the Masada emerges from behind it, and fires a laser pulse which takes the fighter out, then continues on.
WARREN
(V.O.)
If you have to engage enemy fighters, do so, then clear out fast under the cloak. Don�t risk a prolonged contact.
EXT. REEF
The Masada clears the last reef formation, and shimmers out of view.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Once you clear the Reef, activate the spoofing net, and head straight for the dock facility.
The hidden shuttle moves past WSKR-like devices, and automated weapons emplacements.
WARREN
(V.O.)
The area is heavily guarded, and we�re picking up dozens of weapons emplacements.
We slowly come into view of the immense dock facility ahead, and the sheer size of the construction dwarfs anything we�ve seen before. It�s the size of a small colony, but one building. In the actual dock itself, the Archangel can be seen, under repair.
WARREN
(V.O.)
The Archangel is in final preparations to leave the facility, so you have just over 72 hours to complete your objectives and get out.
We pan around to the docking complex, a vast array of docking tunnels and ports.
WARREN
(V.O.)
The docking complex is about 200m from the Archangel�s own access tunnels. The Masada will dock there, and use the spoofing system to disguise it as a Macronesian shuttle. The two are roughly similar anyway.
We hear a �clunk�, and the shuttle shimmers back into sight, but with a different look about it. We see Macronesian emblems on her, and the look is harsher, more cannibalised.
INT. MASADA SHUTTLE
The team gets their equipment together.
WARREN
(V.O.)
We understand that most of the complex is deserted, and that security is significantly less that standard. Probably because they think no-one will get through their other precautions.
INT. MACRONESIAN CORRIDOR
An airlock opens, and the team enters the corridor. It looks just like a corridor on a UEO base, but darker, and Macronesian symbols are everywhere. We can see things like recruitment posters, and large images of President Bourne everywhere. There is a general air of �Big Brother is watching you� about the place.
WARREN
(V.O.)
You must head straight for the Archangel as soon as you�re on board. If stopped by security, show the IDs General Monroe has provided. It�s vital you memorise the basic background for each of your �personas� before you leave.
Two Macronesian guards approach them, weapons at the ready.
MACRONESIAN GUARD #1
Hold it! Identification, now.
Barratt and the others show Macronesian IDs, which the guards inspect in turn.
MACRONESIAN GUARD #2
Technicians, huh?
Barratt nods.
BARRATT
Yes, sir.
The guard nods.
MAC GUARD #2
Alright, on your way.
The guards carry on, while the team looks around, and heads in the other direction.
WARREN
(V.O.)
Once onboard, each team has their own assignments and destinations.
INT. ARCHANGEL DOCKING TUNNEL
The teams enter a docking tunnel, which leads to a glistening white corridor.
INT. ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR
Bright white and brand new. The teams stop as they enter the corridor, and look around.
Piccolo and Barratt exchange looks, and the two teams split off in opposite directions.
WARREN
(V.O.)
I don�t need to tell you the dangers of the mission ahead. I�m sure you�re very aware of them.
You all know the risks. If anyone wants to be replaced, feel free.
INT. WARDROOM (BRIEFING)
We pan down the table, until we come to a stop at Scaros, who turns to Warren.
SCAROS
Sir... I say� let�s do it.
They all smile, as does Warren.
WARREN
Then, good luck, and take care.
He salutes, and the assembled officers return the salute.
WARREN
Dismissed.
EXT. ARCHANGEL
Scaros and Barratt look out of a porthole as we pull slowly back from them. We pull back further, as the two men head out. Soon, we are faced with the huge menace of the Archangel, and the facility. We pull back faster, until the facility disappears behind the reefs. We come to a halt as we pass through another porthole, to stop behind Warren, looking out of the porthole in the observation lounge.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Warren stands, looking out. We see Taylor lay a hand on his shoulder, and he looks at her. He lays his hand on hers, and the two look back out of the porthole. Waiting�
Off the two of them�
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FIVE
seaWolf ASV-�Archangel, Part One�
Episode #105
Commenced 15th January 2002
Completed 22nd January 2002
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.
Frosties are � The Kellogg Company. They're grrreat! ;-)
With thanks to Adam Holmberg and DGWilliams, all the guys on the sQ 2047 msg board (you know who you are!), and all seaQuest fans everywhere...
see the continuing adventures of the Excalibur at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seawolfasv
Part Two, early February...
M Warren
22/01/2002
� 2002 seaWolf Enterprises
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