seaWolf ASV | Episode 106-Archangel, Part Two

seaWolf ASV

Archangel, Part Two, “Not in our Stars…”

Episode #106

Written By Michael M.Warren

February 3rd, 2002

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:

BLACK (RECAP OF PART ONE)

The seaWolf logo fades up.

BARRATT

(V.O.)

Last time, on seaWolf ASV…

(NOTE: Rapid cuts between each recap, no location details needed (see “Archangel, Part One” for necessary scenes)

DEEP FIRE-CONFERENCE ROOM

MCGATH

We’re going to infiltrate the Archangel…

seaQuest-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.

WARREN’S READY ROOM

Reyes and Warren present.

WARREN

Welcome aboard the Excalibur, Ensign.

BRIDGE

WARREN

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present our backup for this mission…

EXT. PEARL HARBOUR BAY

We see the seaFire for the first time.

WARREN

…the seaFire.

BRIEFING ROOM

WARREN

Commander Barratt will lead the infiltration team, accompanied by Lt.Cmdr Stamp, Lt. Scaros, and Lieutenants Chang and Winrose.

BRIDGE

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.

INT. MACRONESIAN CORRIDOR

An airlock opens, and the team enters the corridor.

We…

FADE CUT TO EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

As in Part One, bustling with activity.

WARREN

(V.O.)

Captain’s Personal Log, May 20th, 2040.

It’s been six hours since the infiltration team reached the Archangel’s dock facility. Everything’s gone as planned…

EXT. EXCALIBUR

Holding position, still only slightly visible through the spoofing net.

WARREN

(V.O.)

And yet, I can’t help but feel uneasy.

INT. EXCALIBUR BRIDGE

Smith walks around the bridge, checking consoles and talking (silently) to crewmen. We see he stops to talk with Clark on the upper deck for a while, before going down to the Ops Table, and standing there for a long while.

WARREN

(V.O.)

It’s a feeling that everything’s gone too smoothly, that something’s going to go wrong. And in a big way.

INT. ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR

We pan across the corridor, following two guards. They pass by a small group of technicians, hunched over some sort of console. After the guards pass, one of them turns and looks around. We see it’s Barratt. He turns to the others, and the team begins to head out down the corridor.

Off their retreating backs…

FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

Establishing.

INT. ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR

Barratt, Stamp, Scaros and the others walk down the sparkling white corridor, trying their best to look inconspicuous. Stamp is holding a Macronesian PalmPC, and pointing things out to the others, discussing things with them, acting out his role.

STAMP

…and flush out that trim tank, it’s still not responding correctly.

BARRATT

(somewhat begrudgingly)

Aye, sir.

Stamp looks over at him, and smiles. He then returns his attention to the PalmPC.

STAMP

Alright, our next piece of maintenance is on the… whoa.

He looks up, role temporarily forgotten.

STAMP

The… primary computer core… on the bridge.

Barratt looks around for anyone else in the corridor, then points to a nearby room. They walk in.

ARCHANGEL-ROOM

The room is nondescript, as if it’s not been decided what it’s for. Bits and pieces of equipment are scattered around the room. Barratt checks around, while Scaros uses a handheld scanner to check for bugs.

SCAROS

It’s clear, sir.

Barratt stops, and goes over to Stamp.

BARRATT

Are you sure?

Stamp shows him the PalmPC, and Barratt’s eyes widen.

BARRATT

My God, this is it.

He looks at the others.

BARRATT

Right. Chang, Winrose, you carry on with the scheduled repairs. Commander Abbey…

The Section 7 operative turns.

BARRATT

Try and find the other team, send them word of what’s going on. If you can’t, contact Excalibur and let them know.

ABBEY

Aye, sir.

BARRATT

Commander Stamp, Lt. Scaros and I… will proceed to the bridge.

(beat)

Now, that will be dangerous, but I think it’s worth the risk. If we can get the data now, we’ll have a better chance of disabling the sub before it’s ready to leave.

After a moment’s contemplation, they nod. Barratt smiles.

BARRATT

Good. Now… let’s get to work.

CUT TO EXT. seaFire

We see the immense sub, hidden beneath her spoofing net.

INT. seaFire BRIDGE

Markov sits at the command chair, tense. Everyone on the bridge appears the same way.

A sudden beeping from the communications console attracts everyone’s attention. Markov looks over at the communications officer, who checks his console, then turns to Markov.

seaFire COMMS OFFICER

Captain, it’s the Excalibur.

Markov stands.

MARKOV

Put them through.

Smith appears on the screen, as tense as Markov is.

SMITH

(to the point)

Captain Markov, Captain Warren wanted you to know: the infiltration team is in place to retrieve the data. Lt.Cmdr Abbey informed us a few moments ago.

MARKOV

We’ll have all sub-fighters standing by to assist.

Smith nods.

SMITH

(less enthusiastically)

He also said to inform the General.

Markov notices the change in Smith’s tone of voice, and nods, both in acceptance and understanding.

MARKOV

Understood. seaFire out.

The screen goes blank. Markov turns to Lt. Jack SIMPSON at the Tactical station.

MARKOV

Commander…

Simpson turns.

SIMPSON

Yes, Captain?

MARKOV

Assemble seaFox wing Alpha. You are now in immediate launch status.

Simpson grins.

SIMPSON

Yes, sir!

He leaves the console, to be replaced by an ND, and hurries out of the bridge. Markov watches him go, sighs, and turns back to the screen.

ARCHANGEL-BRIDGE ACCESS CORRIDOR

Much like the other corridors on the ship, but much more decorative. Barratt, Stamp and Scaros walk along it, towards the large clamshell doors at the end. They pause there, as Stamp gets out his Macronesian ID.

STAMP

(taking a deep breath)

Here we go.

He swipes the card through a reader console by the doors.

MACRONESIAN COMPUTER VOICE

Identity accepted. Access granted.

The clamshell doors open.

ARCHANGEL BRIDGE

It’s a far cry from Excalibur or seaFire, let’s put it at that. The room is huge, and features the same white colour scheme we’ve seen throughout the ship. The Captain doesn’t seem to have a central console, but his chair is more off-set, reminiscent of the design of the original seaQuest. In fact, the design seems to have been heavily influenced by that design, but in a room twice the size, with double the number of stations. The door we were opening is on the starboard aft, with a corresponding door on the port side. Between the two stands a vast Master Systems Display of the Archangel. We see Barratt, Stamp and Scaros enter, looking around in amazement. A Macronesian officer sees them, and goes over.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #1

May I ask what you’re doing here?

The three men show their passes, and Stamp the PalmPC containing their instructions.

STAMP

We’re working on the computer access links to the main core.

The officer checks the passes and orders, then nods.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #1

Very well. The main access is at the MSD.

He points to the display. Stamp nods.

STAMP

Thank you.

(beat)

A beauty, isn’t she.

The officer nods.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #1

And she’ll wipe the floor with anything the UEO…

He says the word with a great deal of hatred.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #1

…can throw at us.

(proudly)

We took out the Excalibur last month.

Stamp whistles.

STAMP

Incredible.

He looks over at Barratt, who rolls his eyes, unnoticed by anyone.

STAMP

Well, we have work to do, and I’m sure you do too, sir.

The officer nods again, and walks away. Barratt and the others walk over to the MSD.

SCAROS

(sotto)

These guys seriously think this thing’s a threat?

Barratt looks at him, soberly.

BARRATT

(sotto)

It is.

Stamp gets out a series of diagnostic tools, and one EXPOC-like device. He opens a hatch below the MSD, and plugs the Macronesian POC into the access port. After a few moments, he looks back up.

STAMP

(sotto)

We’re in.

Barratt nods, and Stamp hits a few more controls. On the screen, we see “NEGOTIATING WITH HOST SYSTEM”.

BARRATT

(O.S.)

How long?

STAMP

(O.S.)

Hard to say. Could be seconds, could be hours.

Barratt turns to him.

BARRATT

Then we’d better get on with what we were told to do.

They start working on the panel.

CUT TO EXT. seaFire

Establishing.

INT. seaFire-MISSION OPS

Much like the same room on the Excalibur, only here, it is almost completely staffed by Section 7 operatives. General Monroe watches a screen, as an S7 operative approaches.

S7 OPERATIVE #1

Sir, incoming transmission for you.

Monroe turns, and sees a specially adapted PAL. He picks it up quickly, and activates it.

MONROE

Eagle’s Nest.

A voice comes through the static, unrecognisable due to the electronic distortion.

VOICE

This is Sparrow. Data team in place, secondary team awaiting instructions.

MONROE

Excellent work, Sparrow. I will inform Mother Bird and Falcon immediately.

He switches off the PAL, then reactivates it, punching in another code. Another distorted voice can be heard.

VOICE

This is Falcon. Receiving. I am alone.

Monroe turns around, surveying the scene.

MONROE

You are in position?

VOICE

All necessary objectives have been completed. Ready to go on your instruction.

Monroe smiles.

MONROE

Good.

(beat)

Remember, disabling the Excalibur is your primary objective. I don’t want any harm to come to her crew, understood. They’re too important.

VOICE

I understand.

(beat)

I have to go. My duty shift starts in five minutes.

MONROE

Report to me in one hour. Eagle’s Nest, out.

The PAL beeps off.

Off Monroe…

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

Warren is standing, as he was in Part One, looking out of the window at the Reef. From our POV behind him, we see a figure approaching.

VOICE

Captain?

Warren turns, and we see it’s Clark. He’s holding a tray of food.

CLARK

Sorry, sir. If I’m disturbing you…

WARREN

No, Lieutenant. It’s OK.

Clark nods, and sits at a table nearby, starting to eat. Warren returns his attention to the window.

CLARK

(swallowing)

It’s hard to believe that we have to be hidden in enemy territory to see a sight like this.

He indicates the reef.

WARREN

(distracted)

Yeah.

Clark stops and looks at him.

CLARK

You’re not looking at the Reef, are you?

Warren shakes his head. Clark gets up from the table, and goes over to him.

CLARK

Trish tells me you’ve been here since they left.

Warren nods.

WARREN

I wish I was over there, Mike.

CLARK

I know.

Warren looks away from the window.

WARREN

I feel so… helpless. Knowing they’re over that ridge, and there’s not a damned thing we can do to help them.

He walks away from the window slightly.

CLARK

They’ll be fine, Captain. Don’t worry.

He goes over, and picks his tray back up.

CLARK

Better warm this up a bit.

On his way out, he turns back to Warren.

CLARK

You should try and get some sleep, sir.

Warren smiles, briefly.

WARREN

In a little while.

Clark nods, then leaves. Warren goes over to a counter at the side of the lounge, where a coffee pot stands. He pours himself a cup, then goes back to the window.

CUT TO SECURITY OFFICE

Taylor is sitting at the main console, staring into space. She turns as someone enters the room. We see it’s Reyes, and he’s holding an EXPOC.

REYES

Sorry, Lieutenant.

Taylor smiles.

TAYLOR

It’s OK. Something I can do for you?

Reyes shakes his head. He goes over to a console at the side of the room.

REYES

No. We’ve been having a few problems with the targeting scanners.

Taylor walks over to him.

TAYLOR

Yeah, they’ve not been working right since Axis Colony. Figure it’s a software problem. The drydock boys couldn’t find anything wrong with the hardware, and they didn’t have the right diagnostic program at the time.

Reyes nods.

REYES

Well, I’ve got it here.

He indicates the EXPOC.

REYES

It’ll take a little while, but we should have them back within two hours.

TAYLOR

Good.

(beat)

Well, I’ll leave you to it.

Reyes nods, and Taylor walks out of the office as he gets to work.

CUT TO EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

Re-establishing.

INT. ARCHANGEL BRIDGE

We pan across the vast room, coming to rest at Stamp, Barratt and Scaros kneeling below the Master Systems Display. The room is busier than before.

BARRATT

(sotto)

Any luck yet?

Stamp looks around, before checking the POC on the floor.

STAMP

(sotto)

Nothing. The worm program is in, it just hasn’t found the back door to the tactical database.

He inputs something in the computer.

STAMP

I’m throwing commands at the mainframe, making it look like we’re doing something. Hopefully, the security systems will be tied up by my inquiries long enough for us to get the data, and pull the program out.

Barratt nods.

BARRATT

What about dormant sentries?

STAMP

Lucas designed a hunter sub-program within the worm. If it detects any sort of dormant program, it isolates them from the sections we want.

BARRATT

Good. The ROM encoding in the program should…

SCAROS

(sotto)

Excuse me, sirs, but I’m not a computer buff. Is this thing going to work or not?

Barratt looks over at him, then shrugs.

SCAROS

(not at all convinced)

Great…

BARRATT

It’s a question of luck, Josh. Luck as to who’s the better programmer: Lucas, or the guy who designed this system’s hacker defences.

There is a sudden beeping from the computer. All three whirl around at it. Stamp starts typing furiously.

BARRATT

What happened?

STAMP

It detected the worm. Hang on…

The rate of typing increases. Barratt attaches his computer to Stamp’s, and does the same. Scaros watches, bewildered. One of the officers comes over. There are alarms blaring all over the place.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #2

What’s going on?

Stamp replies, without looking up.

STAMP

(staccato, rushed)

The primary PCI bus is overloading. Tell all your personnel to step away from their consoles.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #2

(suspicious)

Why?

Stamp whirls around.

STAMP

Unless you want them to get injured if their console explodes, tell them now!

The officer hurries away. Stamp looks over, then inputs something into the computer.

BARRATT

What are you doing?

STAMP

Initiating an overload in one of those consoles. Realism is everything.

Barratt smiles, briefly.

BARRATT

(back to business)

It’s a sentry program. Looks like it’s guarding a secondary access route.

STAMP

I see it….

POV- STAMP’S COMPUTER

Lines of data scrolling across it. Windows pop up and disappear with dizzying speed.

STAMP

Initiating overload of bus… now.

There is a blinding flash behind our POV, and we switch back to see sparks flying from a console behind Stamp.

STAMP

The sentry’s going for the bus. Auto-repair program underway. Systems powering down…

A series of beeps, then a triple-beep.

STAMP

(quietly)

Yes!

He turns to Barratt, who’s stopped typing.

STAMP

The program is in.

They look around, as medical teams and other technicians pour in.

SCAROS

Now what do we do?

Stamp looks at him.

STAMP

Not much. It’ll take the worm a while to sort through the piles of data in there, to find what we want.

BARRATT

In the meantime, we should give them a hand with repairs.

The three of them get up, and go over to the wrecked console, to confer with the other technicians.

CUT TO seaFire BRIDGE

The starboard door opens, and a Section 7 officer enter, walking over to Markov, who is sitting in the command chair, talking with Joseph.

S7 OPERATIVE #2

Captain?

Markov turns.

MARKOV

Yes, Lieutenant?

The operative hands him a PalmPC. Markov reads it.

S7 OPERATIVE #2

We need access to the tactical systems. We’re having problems integrating the new sensor relays with the targeting systems.

Markov nods.

MARKOV

Go ahead.

The operative nods. We see him go over to the Tactical console, where he takes over from Simpson’s replacement. As we pan across the bridge, we see a number of S7 operatives on the bridge, including one at the helm. There’s something about the way they are acting: only talking between themselves, handing each other PalmPCs and datasheets, adjusting controls and opening conduits. They’re all armed, too. (The seaFire personnel are not)

JOSEPH

(sotto, leaning down by Markov)

Is it just me… or are there a lot of them here?

Markov looks around, then back at Joseph.

MARKOV

It’s not you.

Off their concerned faces…

CUT TO EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

Re-establishing.

INT. ARCHANGEL BRIDGE

There is still clear damage from Stamp’s overload earlier. The room is emptier than before.

Barratt, Stamp and Scaros are watching the screen intently.

BARRATT

Come on, come on…

(beat)

Anything we can do to speed it up?

Stamp shakes his head.

STAMP

After the PCI bus went down, the Macs limited access to the computer to technicians only. Data traffic’s dropped right down, but that means it’s easier for us to slip up.

We see Chang and Winrose walk in, and approach Barratt and the others. Abbey is nowhere to be seen. Barratt and the others react to their arrival.

BARRATT

(going over)

Something wrong?

Chang nods.

CHANG

We can’t raise Cmdr. Abbey. Thought you should know.

Barratt reacts to this instantly. He walks closer to her, attempting to keep his voice down.

BARRATT

How long ago did you last hear from her?

WINROSE

We haven’t. Not since we split up.

Scaros now comes over. Stamp remains at the computer.

SCAROS

What about the other team?

Barratt turns back to him.

BARRATT

We can’t risk contacting them. The Macs might pick up UEO secure comms being…

A harsh beep sounds over the intercom. All five look up.

VOICE

(O.S.)

All personnel, report to the hanger bay. Immediately.

They react to this.

BARRATT

Now what?

As the other technicians and crewmembers begin to leave, Stamp’s computer emits a beep. He turns his attention back to it.

STAMP

(barely audible)

Got it!

Barratt whirls.

BARRATT

All the data?

Stamp looks up, smiling.

STAMP

Everything we need.

(beat, checking the computer)

The worm’s back in my terminal.

Barratt nods.

BARRATT

Disconnect it, then let’s find out what’s going on.

Stamp nods, and starts to disconnect the computer from the conduit.

CUT TO EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

We swing around from the ship, to the disguised shuttle at the docking complex.

INT. MASADA COCKPIT

Hargrove is lying down on the passenger bench, obviously taking a short nap. A beeping wakes her back up, and she lurches, groggily, to the pilot’s console. She checks the readings briefly. She activates the com system.

HARGROVE

Masada, receiving.

CLARK

(over com)

How’re you doing over there, Kate?

Hargrove smiles.

HARGROVE

(sighing)

Babysitting a shuttle’s no fun, Mike. You try it one of these days.

(beat)

How’re they doing on the Archangel?

CLARK

(over com)

OK. They’ve got into the computer system, and are getting what we need.

HARGROVE

What about Piccolo’s team?

CLARK

(over com)

We’ve not had any contact with them for over an hour. But, we’re not worried just yet.

Hargrove looks around at her surroundings.

HARGROVE

Considering I’m on a disguised shuttle, deep in enemy territory, docked to the most destructive submarine ever built… neither am I.

CLARK

(chuckling)

That’s good to know.

(beat)

I’d better go. Can’t risk them detecting the communication.

Hargrove nods.

HARGROVE

OK, Mike. I’ll talk to you in a little while.

The com system beeps off. Hargrove walks back over to the bench, and lies back down.

HARGROVE

Not worried at all…

CUT TO ARCHANGEL-HANGER BAY

It’s an immense room, filled with Lysander-class fighters in launch positions. We see Barratt and the others enter from the rear, behind a crowd of around 200-300 Macronesian personnel. (It’s reminiscent of the briefing room scene from “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”)

We cannot see the front of the bay, and therefore what everyone is assembled for. We cut over to Barratt, Stamp and the others, who slide surreptitiously into the crowd. We see that Stamp is holding his computer terminal under his arm.

BARRATT

(sotto)

What’s going on?

A Macronesian crewman turns to him.

ARCHANGEL CREWMAN #1

Beats me. They just called us all here.

Barratt nods. From his POV, we see a group of high-ranking Macronesian officers walk onto the stage. They seem unusually pleased with themselves.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

(amplified)

Crew of the Archangel!

They snap to attention. Barratt and the others do also, although slightly slower.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

We have today struck a mighty blow against the UEO!

Barratt and Stamp exchange worried looks. The officer looks off-stage.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

Witness…

He makes a signal, and a security team carries/drags a group of people onto the stage.

BARRATT

(sotto, almost inaudible)

No…

Taking a closer look, as the bodies are dumped on the stage, we can see they are wearing UEO uniforms. One of them raises their head. It’s Ensign Lockhart. It looks like she’s been badly beaten. We quickly cut back to see Barratt’s horrified look, as the crowd around them cheers.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

(O.C., louder to cover the noise)

These people were captured engaging in sabotage of our systems! Their uniforms and insignia mark them out as UEO operatives!

Stamp moves over to Barratt.

STAMP

(sotto)

What are your orders, sir?

Barratt remains where he is, completely speechless. The other members of the team are around him, as the crowd’s roars intensify.

Off their helplessness…

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ARCHANGEL HANGER BAY

Barratt and the team remain stock-still, unable to move.

BARRATT

(sotto, his mouth barely moving)

Follow me.

We see him get out his pulse pistol. Stamp does a double take, before doing the same. They slowly edge through the cheering Macronesians, towards the stage.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

Let us give these… “guests”… a taste of Macronesian hospitality!

If it is possible, the cheering gets louder, and mixed in with it are calls of “Kill them!” and similar cries for retribution. By now, Barratt and the others have got to the front of the crowd. Lockhart tries to look up again, as a guard kicks her in the stomach, and others set about the remaining members of the sabotage team. She makes eye contact with Barratt for a second, before she is driven back down by a vicious punch.

BARRATT

(raising his pistol)

FIRE!

They fire. A hail of pulse bolts fly around the stage. The security guards are taken down, and the officers dive out of the way. The team rush forward onto the stage, gathering the battered crewmen. Confused shouting breaks out.

BARRATT

(over the noise, to the others)

Get them out of here!

Bloodied and battered, the second team hobbles towards the door beside them, assisted by Chang, Winrose and Scaros, as Stamp and Barratt hold off the Macronesians. Laser fire lights up the room, as they make a fighting retreat through the door.

ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR (CONTINUOUS)

They emerge into a large corridor. Barratt and Stamp are still firing away.

BARRATT

Which way!

SCAROS

(pointing with his free hand)

This way!

Stamp dodges a laser bolt that almost hits him in the arm. His terminal is now on a strap over his shoulder.

STAMP

Let’s go!

They run down the corridor. Behind them, we see security guards pouring from the hanger bay.

GUARD #1

Hold it!

Barratt replies with a volley of pulse blasts, as the team disappear around a corner. They carry on, until they reach an intersection, where they descend to a lower level.

ARCHANGEL-BILGE DECK

This area is much more industrial, power conduits running along the ceilings and walls. The team is seen briefly, as they hurry down another corridor.

CUT TO ARCHANGEL BRIDGE

Now bustling with activity. Several technicians are checking the access port Stamp was using earlier. A senior officer walks around the room, checking consoles.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

(angrily)

Why the hell didn’t we pick them up earlier?

Another officer turns from his console.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

Sir, with all due respect, they used authenticated ID, and all their data checked out. The guards checked them half a dozen times while they were here. And they needed that ID to gain access here.

(beat)

That means only one thing…

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

(turning around)

Section 7.

He walks over to the other officer’s console.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

They can’t have been here for long. A few hours, twelve at the most. Check the complex’s logs for dockings.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

Aye, sir.

He checks his console. After a moment, he turns back.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

There are presently four ships docked at the complex. Two Dragonet cruisers, both docked for the past three days…

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

Too long. What about the others?

The other officer goes back to the screen.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

Two shuttles, both belonging to the Technician Corps.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #3

(thinking)

They were disguised as technicians… How long ago did they dock?

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

Checking…

(beat)

The first one has been here a week. The second…

He checks his console. On the screen, we see the silhouette of the Masada. For a moment, it seems the jig is up. But…

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

(deflated)

Two days.

He turns back to the other officer.

MACRONESIAN OFFICER #4

I’m sorry, sir. Whatever transport they used probably left the moment they disembarked, and not been acknowledged by the complex’s computer. It does happen.

The other officer nods, then carries on.

CUT TO ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR

Scaros, Chang and Winrose lay down the injured crewmembers, as Barratt and Stamp check the immediate area. The less injured of the second team get out weapons from Scaros’ backpack.

BARRATT

I think it’s safe. They must have thought we’d stayed on that deck.

He looks around the injured crew.

BARRATT

Where’s Piccolo?

CUT TO OBSERVATION LOUNGE

Back on the Excalibur, where Warren is still standing, looking out of the window.

TAYLOR

Mike.

He turns, to see Taylor walking towards him.

WARREN

What is it, Trish?

She sighs.

TAYLOR

We’ve lost contact with the second team.

Warren walks down to her.

WARREN

When did they last check in?

TAYLOR

About an hour and a half ago.

WARREN

Any activity at the facility?

Taylor shakes her head.

TAYLOR

None that we can detect.

Warren turns back to the window.

WARREN

More than likely, they’ve lost track of time, or haven’t had the chance to check in. I wouldn’t worry about it just yet. Give them another half hour.

He yawns, loudly. Taylor puts her arm on his.

TAYLOR

Come on. Go get some sleep. You’ve been up for God knows how long…

WARREN

(without pause)

Thirty-three hours.

Taylor looks up at him.

TAYLOR

Have you even eaten since we arrived?

Warren shakes his head.

WARREN

Haven’t eaten a thing since dinner last night.

She tugs on his arm slightly.

WARREN

(turning around)

Hey!

She smiles.

TAYLOR

Come on. A good meal, and three hours uninterrupted…

She trails off, looking at something out of the window.

WARREN

(worried)

What?

Taylor points outside. Warren turns. Out of the window, we see Piccolo, slowly swimming towards them. It looks like he’s quite badly injured.

WARREN

(mouth open)

Tony…

He looks over at Taylor.

WARREN

I’d worry now.

He gets out his PAL.

WARREN

Warren to Bridge.

CLARK

(over PAL)

Go ahead, Captain.

Warren and Taylor are already on the move, leaving the observation lounge, and heading for the MagLev.

WARREN

Open the hydrosphere doors, Lieutenant. Immediately. Have a medical team meet us there.

CLARK

(over PAL, puzzled)

Sir?

WARREN

(angrily)

Just do it!

He and Taylor enter the MagLev.

WARREN

C Deck, Priority One.

The MagLev door closes.

EXT. EXCALIBUR

The spoofing net drops momentarily, as the hydrosphere doors open. A small object enters, and the doors close, the net re-activating as they do.

INT. C DECK- MOON POOL

We see a medical team, led by Stratton, walking briskly into the room, with Taylor and Warren doing the same from the other side. They exchange nodded greetings, and quickly head for the moon pool, as Piccolo breaks the surface. He’s bloodied and bruised, and his uniform is torn.

STRATTON

Alright, easy. Let’s get him to Medbay, right now.

Two medtechs hoist Piccolo out of the water, and onto a waiting gurney. Warren goes over to them. Piccolo lies motionless as the medtechs go to work, stabilising him.

WARREN

Tony… what happened?

Piccolo removes an oxygen mask placed over his nose and mouth.

PICCOLO

I’m sorry, Mike… they got ‘em.

Warren stops dead.

WARREN

The team?

Piccolo nods, then his face screws up in pain.

PICCOLO

(strained)

My team… not the Commander’s… don’t know about… them…

Before Warren can say more, Stratton steps over, and pulls him back.

STRATTON

Sir, let me stabilise him first. Then you can talk to him.

Warren looks at Stratton, then back at Piccolo.

WARREN

Alright.

He watches as the medteam takes Piccolo away, then turns to Taylor.

WARREN

Get me a secure link to the seaFire. I’ll take it in the wardroom. Have the senior officers there, too.

Taylor nods, and hurries away. Off Warren’s face…

CUT TO ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR

The team is still hiding in the dingy corridor. Scaros and Winrose are treating some of the second team, using first aid pack from their belts.

SCAROS

(to Lockhart)

It’ll be alright in a minute, Terri.

He gets up, and goes over to Barratt.

SCAROS

Sir…

Barratt turns.

SCAROS

…what do we do now?

Barratt sighs, and pulls Scaros around the corner, away from the others.

BARRATT

I don’t know, Josh. We have to get back to the shuttle, somehow, but… how?

They’ll have guards posted on all the access points by now, and the whole base is on alert.

Scaros nods.

SCAROS

We’ve got the data, so that’s one thing.

BARRATT

It’s pretty useless if we die here.

A noise attracts their attention, and they ready their pulse pistols. Stamp hurries around the corner.

STAMP

It’s OK, it’s me.

They lower their weapons, relaxing.

BARRATT

(going over to Stamp)

Did you do it?

Stamp nods. He pulls out a hard disk.

STAMP

I fried the computer’s hard drive, and dumped it in a reclamation tank. This disk is the only record of the data we’ve accumulated.

He puts it back in a pocket inside his jumpsuit.

BARRATT

And the shuttle?

STAMP

I couldn’t get through. They’re jamming all comms.

BARRATT

(turning away)

Dammit!

STAMP

I caught some secure channel chatter, though. They’re convinced we’re still on the ship, and have started a deck-by-deck search, top down.

BARRATT

(concerned)

How long do we have?

STAMP

An hour, maybe less.

Barratt looks back around the corner at the others.

BARRATT

We have to get moving as soon as possible.

SCAROS

Collins still can’t use his leg. I’ve splinted it up as best I can, but he won’t be going anywhere fast.

BARRATT

Can’t be helped. Get him ready for travel.

Scaros nods, and heads back to the others. Stamp walks closer to Barratt.

STAMP

Do you think the Captain knows what’s going on?

Barratt looks at him.

BARRATT

If Piccolo got through, then… yeah.

He looks back down the corridor.

BARRATT

But I wouldn’t expect help anytime soon.

CUT TO EXCALIBUR-WARDROOM

Warren enters the room, where Smith, Clark, Stratton, Taylor and Reyes are sitting.

WARREN

Alright.

He looks at Smith.

WARREN

Is the link ready?

Smith hits a control, and Markov appears on the screen.

MARKOV

I’m here, Captain.

Warren walks over to the screen.

WARREN

Is this secure?

Markov shrugs.

MARKOV

As far as I know.

Warren nods, then goes back to the head of the table.

WARREN

(sighing)

OK.

(beat)

I’ve got bad news, Stefan. The team’s been compromised. Tony Piccolo managed to make it back himself to tell us.

Markov is shocked, but quickly recovers. The others around the table (except for Taylor and Stratton) react similarly.

MARKOV

What happened?

WARREN

We’re not entirely sure. From what Piccolo’s said, they were planting charges on the aqua-return turbines, when they were caught by a guard patrol. Piccolo managed to fight his way out, and escape via their hydropressure system.

MARKOV

And Barratt’s team?

Warren shakes his head.

WARREN

We don’t know. It’s more than likely they’ve been caught too.

CUT TO seaFire-MISSION OPS

Monroe is watching a vidscreen, where we see both Markov and the Excalibur wardroom displayed, split-screen. Around him, S7 operatives seem to be arming themselves with stunguns.

MARKOV

(over com)

So… what do we do?

WARREN

(over com)

Get them out… somehow.

Monroe activates his adapted PAL, as the communication continues.

MONROE

This is Monroe to all units. Operation Sandstorm is underway.

The operatives stop, and look at him.

MONROE

Get ready to move, on my next signal.

The PAL beeps off. Off Monroe’s calculating look…

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. REEF

Re-establishing the hidden ships.

INT. WARREN’S QUARTERS

Warren sits at his desk, staring into space for a short while. He then turns his attention to the computer on the desk, and activates it.

WARREN

Personal Log entry, May 20th, 2040.

He pauses, sighs.

WARREN

In the last hour, I’ve learned that three of my closest friends may be dead. And I’m… not sure how to deal with it.

(beat)

I wasn’t lying at the briefing, when I said this would be the toughest mission we’d faced. But… even then, I never thought it would be this tough.

Another pause. He looks at the dictated entry, then hits a control.

COMPUTER VOICE

Entry saved.

He hits another control. Markov’s face appears on the screen.

MARKOV

Michael.

Warren smiles, grimly.

WARREN

Joseph tell you to get some sleep, too?

Markov nods.

MARKOV

It’s unravelling, Michael. The whole mission. And S7 seems to be getting edgy.

WARREN

Edgy?

MARKOV

There are seven of them on my bridge now. All in key positions.

Warren is startled by this.

WARREN

And you let them?

MARKOV

Didn’t have a choice. Orders were verified.

Warren shakes his head.

WARREN

Keep an eye on them, Stefan. Be careful.

Markov nods.

MARKOV

I will.

The screen goes off.

CUT TO seaFire BRIDGE

Markov hurries onto the bridge. Joseph surrenders the command chair to him.

MARKOV

Commander.

JOSEPH

What’s happened?

MARKOV

Trouble.

He hits a control on his console.

MARKOV

Bridge to seaFox One.

seaFox ONE- COCKPIT

Jack Simpson sits at the controls of the seaFox. It’s much sleeker than a Spectre cockpit, and even darker than one.

SIMPSON

Simpson here.

MARKOV

Alpha Squadron immediate launch, Commander. Patrol pattern 14, spoofing nets on.

SIMPSON

Understood.

(over com)

Alpha One to Alpha Squad. You heard the Captain. Kick the tyres.

seaFire LAUNCH BAY

Hatches open beneath the seaFoxes, which tilt to angle themselves into position. One by one, they drop into open ocean.

EXCALIBUR BRIDGE

All the crew at their stations. We are at Condition One. The atmosphere is tense.

WARREN

(to Taylor)

Weapons?

TAYLOR

Fully charged.

WARREN

Spectres?

Smith turns.

SMITH

Alpha Squadron already launched. Beta Squad on two-minute standby.

WARREN

Good.

(beat, sighing)

Dan, put me on intraship.

Smith turns back to his console, inputs a few commands.

SMITH

Aye, sir.

(beat)

You’re on.

Warren stands up from the command station.

WARREN

(also over the com system)

May I have your attention please?

CORRIDOR (CONTINUOUS)

Crewmen stop, and look up.

WARREN

(over com)

I have bad news, people.

MESS HALL (CONTINUOUS)

Everyone has stopped eating, concentrating on the message.

WARREN

(over com)

The infiltration team, led by Commander Barratt…

MOON POOL (CONTINUOUS)

A team of divers are preparing, while other crewmembers group together on the far side of the pool.

WARREN

(over com)

…is missing, and presumed to be captured.

There are gasps and sobs as the news sinks in.

MEDBAY (CONTINUOUS)

Stratton checks on Piccolo, who rests on a bed, bandaged up.

WARREN

(over com)

We don’t have a lot of information about what’s happened to them, and we cannot assume anything.

BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)

Warren is walking around, making eye contact with each member of the bridge crew.

WARREN

But, I promise you, we will try and find a way to bring them home. We are working on a rescue plan as we speak, and I will let you know when we have more information.

(beat)

I’m sorry.

(another beat)

Captain out.

He walks back over to the command console, as the com system shuts off. He puts his head in his hands, and breathes out, sharply.

WARREN

God…

Taylor goes over to him.

TAYLOR

Are you OK?

He looks up. We can see the tiredness in his face, and the deep concern. He runs a hand through his hair.

WARREN

I don’t know.

CUT TO EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

Re-establishing. The area is much more active. The weapon emplacements are powered up, and tracking the ocean. The WSKR-like devices sweep the area rapidly.

COMPUTER VOICE

(O.S.)

Security Alert. All stations, security alert. UEO operatives have been sighted. Proceed with extreme caution. Repeat, extreme caution…

INT. ARCHANGEL-BILGE DECK

Winrose is supporting Collins, whose right leg is heavily strapped up. Barratt, Stamp and Scaros are in the front of the group, as they move steadily down a corridor, towards a ladder at its end. Abbey covers the rear. Stamp is checking a small tricorder-like device. He points out the ladder.

STAMP

There. The docking tunnel is just above us, and the shuttle not far from there.

BARRATT

Good.

A pulse blast hits behind him. They whirl around, to see five guards behind them, opening fire. The UEO crew dive into cover, returning fire. One of the guards goes down, and the others increase their fire.

BARRATT

Dave!

Stamp looks over.

BARRATT

Try the Excalibur again! Boost the signal as much as possible!

Stamp nods, ducks out of the way, as Abbey takes up the position. He gets out his PAL, and begins inputting into it. The heavy fire blasts out a panel in the wall, and takes out Jones, who falls to the floor. Scaros skids out of concealment, and drags her back, firing as he does so.

CUT TO BRIDGE

As before, everyone tense. We pan down and across to focus on Smith at his station. His attention is suddenly attracted by his headset. He listens, intently. Suddenly, he whirls around to Warren.

SMITH

Captain!

Warren looks over.

SMITH

It’s the team!

Warren stands, and hurries over to Smith.

WARREN

Put it up.

Smith does so. Stamp’s voice cuts in, heavily laced with static, and breaking up.

STAMP

…amp to Excalibur… ...you read?

Warren smiles.

WARREN

Dave?

We hear laser fire in the background of the channel.

STAMP

…aptain, we’re …inned down… …king tunnel.

WARREN

Dave, is everyone alright?

STAMP

Not …ally, sir.

There is a sudden explosion over the com, and frantic shouting, before the channel is engulfed in static.

WARREN

Dave? Dave!

He looks at Smith, who shakes his head. We focus in on Warren’s face, as he realises the full horror of what’s happening.

WARREN

No…

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

BRIDGE

Seconds later. Warren remains at Smith’s console, as the commander struggles with his controls.

WARREN

Anything?

SMITH

No, sir. They’ve thrown up a huge communications blanket around the base. We were lucky to get as much as we did.

WARREN

Can we get through to the Masada?

Smith shakes his head.

SMITH

The blanket covers the entire complex, and the ships docked to it.

WARREN

Damn.

EXT. ARCHANGEL DOCK

Establishing.

INT. ARCHANGEL CORRIDOR

Stamp’s PAL lies in the middle of the corridor, blackened and sparking. Stamp is crouching behind cover, shaking his hand, which is mildly burned. Around him and Scaros, the laser fire continues unabated.

SCAROS

Hold still, sir.

Stamp stops shaking his hand, and holds it out to Scaros, who sprays it with some sort of liquid, which solidifies into a skin-like covering over the burns.

STAMP

Thanks.

Scaros nods, picks up his pulse pistol, and heads over to the other side, firing as he goes. Barratt appears around the side of Stamp’s cover.

BARRATT

You OK?

STAMP

I’ll live.

He tilts his head to indicate the firefight around them.

STAMP

How many of them are there now?

Barratt sighs.

BARRATT

Ten. We can only assume they’ve sealed the docking tunnel now.

STAMP

So, unless something approaching a miracle happens… we’re going to die here.

(an uncomfortable beat)

This is it… isn’t it?

Barratt looks around. We see the others bravely returning fire.

BARRATT

(O.C.)

Looks that way, Dave.

CUT TO seaFire-MISSION OPS

Monroe stands at the centre of the room. Around him, about two dozen S7 operatives are picking up toolboxes, weapons and various other pieces of equipment. Monroe turns to one of them.

MONROE

Are we ready?

The operative nods. Monroe gets out his adapted PAL, and activates it.

MONROE

Eagle’s Nest to Falcon. Proceed.

He switches channels.

MONROE

Monroe to all operatives. Sandstorm, Sandstorm, Sandstorm.

They charge out of the room.

seaFire BRIDGE

Markov and the remaining seaFire officers are being held at gunpoint by the S7 operatives already on the bridge. Monroe and his team enters, and Markov turns to him.

MARKOV

What the hell is going on?

Monroe points a pulse pistol at him.

MONROE

We’re ending this mission, now.

He indicates to the operatives, who take up the stations, as Markov and the others are escorted out. Monroe looks around, nods in approval, then sits in the command chair.

MONROE

Ready engines. Arm the pulse cannon, power up the lasers. Ready torpedoes.

S7 TACTICAL

Aye, sir.

A beeping from the communications console. An S7 operative turns to Monroe.

S7 OPERATIVE #3

Sir, it’s the seaFox squadron.

MONROE

Ignore them. Stand by to head out.

S7 HELMSMAN

Course, sir?

We focus on Monroe.

MONROE

Straight for the dock.

CUT TO BRIDGE

Warren is sitting at the command console. Taylor is with him, talking softly. Smith turns to them.

SMITH

Captain?

Warren breaks away from talking to Taylor, and looks over.

WARREN

What is it, Dan?

SMITH

I’m getting some… weird com signals. Not sure what to make of them.

Warren gets up, and, with Taylor, walks over.

WARREN

What sort of signals?

SMITH

The seaFox squadron is trying to contact the seaFire. No response.

TAYLOR

That’s weird.

WARREN

Yeah.

(beat)

Put them through here.

Smith does so. Simpson’s voice comes over the com.

SIMPSON

Repeat, this is Alpha Squadron to seaFire. Captain Markov, please acknowledge.

Warren toggles a switch on Smith’s console.

WARREN

Mr. Simpson, this is Captain Warren on the Excalibur. What’s going on?

SIMPSON

(relieved)

Captain.

(beat)

I’m not sure, sir. The line just went dead all of a sudden. We’re out here, but with our spoofing nets up, we can’t tell if the seaFire is still in position, or if something’s happened to her.

He looks over at Reyes.

WARREN

Ensign, give me a readout on the seaFire. Is there any sort of problem aboard?

Reyes checks, then looks up at Warren.

REYES

Nothing I can detect…

(beat, checking again)

Sir, the seaFire is powering up!

Warren whirls to the screen.

WARREN

What?

REYES

Her engines are online, she’s moving out!

WARREN

(to Smith)

Put me through to Markov, now!

Smith complies. On the main screen, Monroe appears on the bridge.

WARREN

(a growl)

Monroe.

(beat)

What the hell’s going on?

MONROE

We’re fulfilling our mission, Captain. Sorry about your team, but, as the French say, “C’est la guerre”.

The channel cuts off. Warren whirls around. Taylor has hurried over to the weapons console.

REYES

The seaFire’s weapons are charged. Torpedo doors cycling open.

WARREN

(to helm)

Engines to full. Get after her.

HELMSMAN

Aye, sir.

TAYLOR

Weapons ready, sir.

Suddenly, her console goes haywire, sparks flying, and screens flickering. The lights begin to flicker also.

WARREN

What the…

Clark calls out from Navigation.

CLARK

Captain, all navigation systems are down!

Frantic calls from other stations, as screens across the bridge flicker and go dead.

SMITH

The com’s out!

TAYLOR

So are weapons.

REYES

My sensors are dead. WSKRS aren’t responding.

HELMSMAN

I’ve lost power to the helm!

Warren checks his own console.

WARREN

Primary computer systems are off-line… some sort of virus is in the system.

A groaning can be heard. Taylor spins from her station.

TAYLOR

Captain, the spoofing net is down!

Warren goes over to her.

WARREN

(commanding)

Get it back up!

Taylor struggles with her failing controls, as Warren stares at the confusion around him.

TAYLOR

(rising panic)

I can’t! Captain…

He looks at her. Taylor’s face is horror-struck.

TAYLOR

…we’re visible.

WARREN

(sotto)

Monroe…

EXT. REEF

The Excalibur, visible and dead in the water, drifts slowly, as the spoofing net around the seaFire shuts down, and the vast sub swoops over her stricken fellow, heading over the Reef, towards the complex.

Off the scene…

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FIVE

seaWolf ASV-“Archangel, Part Two”

Episode #106

Commenced 24th January 2002

Completed 3rd February 2002

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 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 Three, late February...

M Warren

03/02/2002