blood in black and white

8/14/2019 Blood in Black and White

1/48

seaShark CSV"Blood In Black And White"Written By Adam HolmbergSpecial Thanks To Elizabeth Baldwin

TEASER

FADE IN:

A newspaper photograph, black and white, of an outstretched arm lying on theground above a pool of blood.

PULL BACK

To reveal a body, two large pools of gray, almost black blood in the chest area.The dead man is about thirty, handsome, with dark hair and a slightly whiskeredface.

PULL BACK

To reveal a gloved hand holding the paper toward us.

PULL BACK

To reveal the figure holding the paper. This figure, Michael Shannon, is in hisearly fifties with dark hair turning gray. In a lot of ways he resembles the manin the picture. Shannon is standing on a wooden platform, surrounded by a surlymob of about two hundred people, all responding to Shannon's words with hoots andcheers.

SHANNON(fiery)My father died forty four years ago on Crimson Tuesday! Paddy O'Rourke killed himin the name of the law! Murdered Charlie Shannon in cold blood and walked the

streets a free man!(with malice)He walked the streets until we were freed by the English oppressors! Then we puthim away! We put him away for his crimes - for the deaths of forty three innocentIrish Republican Army soldiers, loyal to Ireland and its people. And now theU.E.O. is going to come in and tell us we can't? They give us our country back andthen tell us we cannot kill a murderer because he had an unfair trial! What isfair enough for Paddy O'Rourke?

Shannon places the newspaper at his feet, takes a breath.

SHANNON(quieter, calmer)

We have fought for hundreds of years for our freedom. Now that we have it wecannot let anyone, no matter how pure their intentions, take it from us. My fathertaught me, "Never sacrifice what you believe for what the ruling governmentbelieves." Well, the U.E.O. wants to come in and tell us what crimes we can andcannot avenge. They want to tell us how to believe. What to believe. What tothink. Didn't we have enough of that when the Protestants were trying to brainwashus? We must fight back!

OLDER MAN(hopelessly; frustrated)How? We have no weapons.


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SHANNONThe U.E.O. is weak! They may defend O'Rourke but they will not side with him. Ifwe march in great enough numbers and storm the base, they will not oppose us.

CUT TO:

INT. STOREFRONT

We look towards Shannon on his platform, framed in the words "Paddy's Meats." Panto three men standing near a counter in the empty store. The first man is tall andthin, whiskers adorning his face, his hair a light brown. He speaks with a roughaccent. The second man is shorter and a bit chubby, and he speaks with a higherpitched voice. The third man, Robert Chaplin, is about six feet tall and speakswith a soothing British accent. Chaplin has dark hair and a rugged, middle agedface.

CHAPLIN(glancing out the window)Quite a spectacle.

MAN TWOBut will it work?

MAN ONEThat is one of the constants of history - the fickleness of crowds. All you needis a light. . .

CHAPLIN. . .and the woodpile goes quickly ablaze.

MAN TWOShannon has a point about the U.E.O.

CHAPLINThe United Earth Oceans/Organization has quite a rep. Taking down theMacronesians, the Carolinians, the PMR. But, they're also very na ve - many do hold the ideal that justice and goodness will prevail. It's that ideal that gottheir last Secretary General killed. However, the U.E.O., in all its naivet , will not know how to cope with this and they will fight back. They always fight back.

MAN ONERobert has a point. I wasn't too keen on this idea either, but Paddy assured me. ..

MAN TWOPaddy is in the jail.

CHAPLINThat's just the point. The U.E.O. has said that he didn't have a fair trial. Thatwould seem to indicate that they wish to try him again.(pointed)He's not getting out of jail anytime soon. That's why we're getting his revengefor him. Our plan. . .his plan will work. The mob will storm the gates of U.E.O.Post Belfast, and by the end of the day Michael Shannon will be dead. If not bytheir hand, then by our own. . .

EXT. SEASHARK


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The seaShark is moored to one leg of a spider-like docking complex which sitsunder the water, connected by a windowed tunnel to a landmass.

SUPERIMPOSE: U.E.O. BASE, BERTH AREANEW LINE: ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR ONE

Pan from the closed door with a red light above to, from right to left, Lt.Commander January Dakota, Lt. James Wilmette, and Rear Admiral Leia Davis standingin a rough line nearby.

DAKOTA(glancing at watch)Should be about now.

WILMETTEWhat kind of name is Catherwright?

DAVIS

I have no idea. Pretty though.

WILMETTE(under his breath)Probably some kind of hardass.

DAKOTA(simply, almost impatiently, as if speaking to a little child)She's my new assistant. Melissa Catherwright.(recalling)28 years old. Good marks in a lot of areas I didn't even know they taught at theAcademy. Quiet, though she was known at one time for being a bit wild at parties.

WILMETTE(a bit intrigued)How wild?

DAKOTA(a slight smile)She got caught playing a game of Russian Roulette.

WILMETTERussian Roulette?

DAKOTA(with a slight smile)

In bed with five other people.(a beat)But, she grew out of that it seems. In one of her reviews when she was atPhiladelphia a few years back one of her CO's wrote that she had an. . .incidentwith her boyfriend. The whole thing was sealed, but she quieted down since.

DAVISGood to know. I don't want there to be any drunken midnight bashes on my boat.

WILMETTEI still say she sounds like a hardass.


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(beat, thinking)Or a bookworm.

DAKOTA(again glancing at watch)She's late.

DAVIS

Probably got stuck in processing. Good old Admiral Tidewater - gotta have everyform signed thrice and then some.(a pause)You know, I went to a briefing once when Tidewater commanded the Icarus and Iheard a couple admirals gossiping that you didn't need radar to find Tidewater -you just had to look for the paper trail.

DAKOTAI have a briefing in five minutes - Tidewater or not.

WILMETTEMaybe the serial killer got her.

DAKOTASerial killer?

DAVISYou haven't seen it on the news?(Dakota shakes her head off screen)Well, seems we have a serial killer on the loose in Annapolis. Over the pastcouple weeks there's been someone in town running around, killing. . .everyonebasically.

WILMETTEThey dubbed whoever the Ladykiller - six women walking alone at night were killedand dismembered in a bunch of tasty ways over a period of seven days. Then, men

starting turning up, their. . .

DAVISThat's quite enough James, thank you. Anyway, it's been a big deal. They haven't aclue to the killer's identity. The whole affair has slacked off over the past week- they think whoever it was has moved on.

DAKOTAFirst incidence I've heard of that kind of thing in quite a while.

WILMETTEWe don't really have serial killers anymore. Easier to spot deviant behavior likethat these days.

DAKOTA(under breath)No, we have ship killers.

Wilmette's gaze guiltily and painfully, hits the floor. Davis shoots Dakota a coldstare and is about to say something when the airlock chimes and the light above itturns green.

ANGLE ON AIRLOCK DOOR


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The thick door swings open to admit a five foot eight, well proportioned,stunningly beautiful young blonde woman wearing a seaShark Operations uniform andholding a seaShark duffel. Davis and Dakota shoot her looks of surprise, andWilmette's jaw almost drops to the floor.

CATHERWRIGHTHello. I'm Melissa Catherwright.

We focus on her friendly smile as we

END TEASER

FADE TO OPENING CREDITS

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR ONE

The three officers recover and Davis steps forward, extending her hand.

DAVISHello. I'm Admiral Leia Davis. Good to meet you.

Catherwright shakes Davis' hand.

CATHERWRIGHTGood to meet you, ma'am.

Dakota shakes Catherwright's hand as well.

DAKOTALt. Commander January Dakota. I'll be your boss.

CATHERWRIGHTI look forward to working with you. Sorry I was late - I got hung up in paperworkprocessing. I think someone forgot a comma or something.

Davis chuckles at the joke, and Catherwright eyes Wilmette, who is trying to avoidher gaze.

CATHERWRIGHTI've met Admiral Davis and Lt. Commander Dakota, Lt. . .(reading his nametag)James Wilmette, but you're being quiet.

We notice Dakota roll her eyes as Wilmette nervously fishes his hand out of hispocket and shakes Catherwright's.

WILMETTELt. James Wilmette.

CATHERWRIGHTThe captain of the Maryland?

WILMETTE(guarded)


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That's right.

CATHERWRIGHT(broadly, warmly smiles)You did some great work for the U.E.O. I've read about all your adventuresfighting in the war and hunting down the PMR. You make for fascinating reading.

WILMETTE

(awkward - he'd like to take the compliment, but he won't)Well, I just did my part. Now I'm here.

CATHERWRIGHTWorking Tactical?

WILMETTE(a quick nod)Among other things.

CATHERWRIGHT(genuinely warm and friendly)It's good to know that we're protected by the best.

Dakota is a bit disgusted, but Davis is actually a bit pleased.

DAKOTA(cutting in)I have a meeting Lt. Catherwright, so someone else will have to escort you to yourquarters. You'll be on B Deck, Berth Twelve. It has your name on it. I'll see youin the Security Office at 0945 - I'll brief you then. Anything you need?

DAVISJames and I can take care of our new Assistant Chief of Security.

DAKOTA

Very well. I'm off.(a nod to Davis)Admiral Davis.

As she strides off, Melissa picks up her duffel and Davis turns closer.

DAVISMs. Dakota is a good person once you get to know her.

CATHERWRIGHT(shrugs)She's busy. I understand.(turning to Davis)

I've served under a number of. . .focused people. But now I would really like toget settled. . .

DAVISOf course.(grinning broadly)James, if you would be so kind, would you please escort Ms. Catherwright to herquarters.

WILMETTE(shooting her a "do I have to?" look)


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I'm free for a little while.

CATHERWRIGHTI would be honored if you would show me the way, Mr. Wilmette.

There's something in her voice - something that makes a string buried deep down inWilmette's heart to snap. His head hesitantly tilts up, and his eyes meet hers asshe smiles lovingly at him. Surprising himself, he returns the expression.

WILMETTE(a bit of charm entering his voice)Well then, come this way. It's not too much of a walk.

As he holds the door leading out for her, Davis exits right behind her.

DAVIS(a whisper)Keep it up, Mr. Wilmette.

Davis disengages herself, entering an adjoining corridor as Wilmette andCatherwright walk side by side. A couple of the male crewmen they pass give

Catherwright an ignored glance.

CATHERWRIGHTHow long have you been aboard Mr. Wilmette?

WILMETTEAbout three months.

CATHERWRIGHTHave you enjoyed your time?

WILMETTE(a bit awkward - he can sense she's going to start probing)

It's an interesting post.

CATHERWRIGHTYou get along well.

WILMETTEIf I may ask, what's your interest?

CATHERWRIGHT(blushes a little)Look. . .James?(he doesn't say anything)As I said, I've done quite a bit of reading. I knew who you were even before I

read your nametag. Yeah, I act the charming, pretty young blonde, but I knowpeople, and I realize not everyone probably likes you.

WILMETTE(despite himself, a bit intrigued)But why are you interested? You've known me for about five minutes.

CATHERWRIGHTI guess. . .I can understand your pain, or at least try to understand yourperspective, and I am fascinated. I've read everything I could on the Maryland andyou - you were an interesting, talented person who did so much for the U.E.O. I


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want to know who you are now.

They arrive at the ladder between decks, and they disappear onto it.

INT. DECK TWO CORRIDOR

Wilmette arrives before Catherwright, helping her onto the deck as she fights withher duffel a bit. They begin down the deck, Wilmette glancing at door signs at

random intervals.

WILMETTEI got a thousand people killed - what do you think that makes me?

They arrive at her cabin and stop.

CATHERWRIGHTHuman.

WILMETTE(a bit choked up)This is your cabin. You can set the door code like. . .

CATHERWRIGHTI know how.(seeing she shouldn't push him any farther)Thank you. See you later.

Wilmette turns without a word and strides off.

ANGLE ON CATHERWRIGHT

As she pulls the door open and watches him go, a concerned expression on her face.

INT. DECK TWO CORRIDOR

Wilmette rounds the bend, falls against the wall. His hand covers his eyes as afew tears fall.

EXT. U.E.O. BASE, BELFAST

The base is basically a group of cement rectangles surrounded by a concrete wallon three sides. We see a couple cement walkways that lead off screen to the ocean.The largest rectangle in the center is an office building, which presumably housesthe command post.

SUPERIMPOSE: U.E.O. BASENEW LINE: BELFAST, FREE IRISH REPUBLIC

INT. SITUATION ROOM

The large Situation Room contains a row of monitors and workstations on threewalls, with a large map table in the center. A row of floor to ceiling windowsface over the wall toward the city. The room is filled with uniformed techs, allbeing commanded by Captain Wellington Pogue, a stout Welshman in his mid thirtieswith a dour expression and a handlebar mustache. Pogue stands next to his SecurityChief, Commander Hal Brooks, a thin, youngish man with golden blonde hair wearingblack riot gear.


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POGUEWill there never be peace here?

BROOKSIt seems not. This place was at war with itself when my father was born. Over ahundred years - today an eternity.(a reflective beat)My people are ready for action.

POGUEThey know not to use deadly force.

BROOKSNot unless provoked.

POGUEI don't want bloodshed.

BROOKSI'll try as hard as is reasonable. Some things just can't be avoided or derailed.

POGUEThis country has seen enough blood. The U.E.O. is the best hope for peace in along time. I don't want this to ruin it all.

BROOKSIf it gets too bad, are we going to release O'Rourke?

POGUEThe Secretary General told me to consider it. I don't want to - he'd be lynchedimmediately - but if keeping him means sacrificing our position, then I've beenauthorized to. . .consider it.

BROOKS

And people ask me why I don't want to go into Command.

A young lieutenant in a uniform comes rushing over to the two men.

LIEUTENANTReport from the front - Shannon's crowd is getting pretty surly. A lot of anti-U.E.O. sentiments being passed around. Sounds like they're getting ready to comeafter us.

BROOKSShould I send a few men?

POGUE

The Free Irish Republic has no laws against inciting a riot. If we send men, we'llreally have a situation on our hands, legally as well as politically. Have yourmen set up outside the gates - form a human barrier. Do not give them guns - shocksticks and tear gas is acceptable, but nothing more. I don't want any itchytrigger fingers causing this to escalate.

BROOKSGot it. Should I arm the reserves?

POGUE(almost a whisper)


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God help us if they get that far.(louder)If they get that far it becomes a hostile incursion on U.E.O. property, and theBoston Act of 2034 authorizes the use of deadly force in that case. So, yes. Armthem. Let's just hope Hitchcock will send someone to clean this up before then.

EXT. SEASHARK

Moving through the water at a normal clip.

INT. RECREATION ROOM

James Wilmette is seated on a couch watching a newscast on the vid, a grimexpression on his face, his hands steepled across his lap.

ANGLE ON VID

Where a well-dressed, young female newscaster narrates.

NEWSCASTERReports from Belfast indicate a large mass of protestors marching on the U.E.O.

Base. Though the protestors are armed at most with a club, base security is out infull to protect the base, which has been in operation for two-and-a-half months. ..

ANGLE ON WILMETTE

As a female form passes the camera.

CATHERWRIGHT(o.s.)Can I sit down?

WILMETTE

(his gaze snapping up - he almost frowns)If you want.

Catherwright takes position next to Wilmette, part of her body touching him.

CATHERWRIGHT(watching the vid for a moment)Is it bad?

WILMETTE(shrugging, nonchalant)It's a riot. When aren't those bad?

CATHERWRIGHTTrue. A big mass of pissed off people fighting a mass of well armed soldiers.Never a good combination.

WILMETTE(trying to make a bid to control the conversation)You have much experience with riots?

CATHERWRIGHT(bobbing her head slightly)Yeah. A little. This is my first time on ship duty - I've been a landlubber until


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now.

WILMETTEWorking base security?

CATHERWRIGHTMostly. Philadelphia. Annapolis. Before they shut down Baltimore to buildAnnapolis. I was even at Pearl for six months.

WILMETTEWhen?

CATHERWRIGHTApril to September of 2044. Saw the Maryland ship out a couple times.

WILMETTE(interested, despite himself)Did that spark your interest in it?

CATHERWRIGHTActually, no. A newspaper article I read a few months before June of 2046 did. But

I did love the Aquaticas. Not as sexy as the seaQuests, but beautiful in their ownright. The war-horses of the day.

WILMETTE(reflective)Yes, they were.

CATHERWRIGHTBeautiful or tough?

WILMETTE(his reverie broken)Both.

(switching gears)Look, Ms. Catherwright. . .

CATHERWRIGHTMelissa.

WILMETTELook, you're very sweet and a very beautiful young woman, and there was a time Iwould have been honored. But, I don't let anyone in anymore.

CATHERWRIGHTExcept Admiral Davis.

WILMETTE(a shrug)There's always an exception to the rule. One's enough.

CATHERWRIGHTYou don't seem to think so.

WILMETTEExcuse me?

CATHERWRIGHT


12/48

You want so much to push me away - I can see it in your eyes, right now. You wishI'd just leave and never speak to you again. But you can't say it to me.

WILMETTE(flustered)That's not. . .

CATHERWRIGHT

Not true? Then say it.

WILMETTEWhat?

CATHERWRIGHTTell me, right now, to go away.

WILMETTE(thunderstruck)I. . .it's not. . .(his gaze hits the floor, his eyes wet. Then, his voice is almost a whisper)I can't. You know that.

CATHERWRIGHT(putting her arm around him)It's not inability. It's your heart trying to say "enough." You've totallyisolated yourself and a part of you - a big part - is tired of it. That humanplace in your heart can't take it, and you can't kill it, no matter how much painyou shower it with. So, why don't you listen to your heart for just once insteadof fighting it?

Wilmette is fighting tears, his face in his hands. A few of the crew glance atthem puzzled, but they don't interfere.

CATHERWRIGHT

It's O.K. James. It's O.K.(she strokes his hair, rubs his back for a moment. After a moment she leans down)Are you O.K.?

WILMETTE(pulling himself up, his eyes a bit wet)Yeah. I'll be fine.

CATHERWRIGHTI'm hungry. Why don't we go get a bite to eat?

Wilmette looks in Catherwright's loving eyes for a moment, returns her warm,reassuring smile.

WILMETTESure.(with an impish grin)I'd be honored.

They rise and walk out, arm in arm.

INT. DAVIS' OFFICE

Davis is seated behind her desk, signing a large stack of reports. Suddenly, the


13/48

intercom beeps.

DAVIS(thumbing the switch, going back to signing)Davis.

SKYE(filtered)

Admiral, we're getting a transmission from the Secretary General for you.

DAVIS(sighing, putting down her pen, rubbing her eyes)Pipe it in.(the screen lights up and casts a glow on her face)Secretary General Hitchcock, how are you?

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

HITCHCOCKTired Leia, as usual. Are you aware of the situation in Belfast?

DAVISYes, ma'am. I was watching it on the vid earlier. Son of an IRA leader wants toexecute his father's killer, and there are some legal questions about the trial.

HITCHCOCKThe man, Patrick O'Rourke, called the base commander and asked for sanctuary. Itwas one of the agreements the Protestants insisted on before we could come in -they could seek asylum with us if they believed they were being persecuted by thenew government. We didn't expect it to backfire on us like this - fifteen of uswent over it, including myself, and didn't foresee this. Show's you how the systemfails sometimes.(a beat)The base commander, Wellington Pogue, is quite nervous and so am I. If they storm

the U.E.O. Base, the Boston Act goes into effect and we can cut them down in selfdefense and we will. But, if this turns violence the Senate will never join theU.E.O. - and we left them the option not to. If they don't, the Protestants willbe whipping out the guns in a second and. . .(frustrated)The U.E.O. is the best chance for peace they have. If we lose our influence, thestreets will just run with blood again. You and I both know that.

DAVIS(grimly)The oppressed become the oppressors. It's a tired old standard. Unfortunately,after the IRA fell things got a little more complicated than Catholic versusProtestant. It's hard now to figure out who was oppressed.

(shifting gears)Why did you call me?

HITCHCOCKAs I said, Captain Pogue has quite a situation on his hands. So, I promised tosend a little backup.

DAVIS(anticipating)And we're the backup.


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HITCHCOCKYou're only an hour away from Belfast. We were sending you to Greenland Deepanyway.(shifting gears)I know Leia, but you don't even have to leave the ship.(a beat)You're the closest ship with anyone qualified. If you can do anything, it'llprobably save a lot of lives.

Davis sighs loudly, rubs her temples, thinking for a moment. When she looks up,her eyes are slightly pained - this is so hard for her.

DAVISO.K. I'll do it. But, who should I send? My Chief of Security?

HITCHCOCKActually, I was thinking about her assistant, Lt. Catherwright. . .

INT. BRIDGE

Dvorak, Skye, and Harpur man their stations - the others are filled by extras.

ANGLE ON DVORAK

DVORAKTime to Greenland Deep.

HELM(o.s.)Two hours, fifteen minutes.

DVORAK(muttering)I'll be glad when these damned supply runs are over. Don't we have anything better

to do?

PAN TO DAVIS

Who strides onto the Bridge, taking position right next to the command seat.

DAVISActually we do. We've just received new orders. It seems that Secretary GeneralHitchcock has promised the U.E.O. base in Belfast some support, and we've beenasked to provide.

DVORAKWe aren't a troop vessel. What can we do?

DAVISOur new Assistant Chief of Security, Lt. Catherwright, has some special trainingthat will be useful to us. We're going to defuse the situation, not assist in anymilitary manner. Command seems to believe that if ships start showing up, thingscould escalate. We'll send only a handful of personnel - no more. Is thatacceptable?

DVORAK(a bit peeved)I really have no choice.


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DAVIS(smiling slightly)We always have a duty. That is enough for me.(to Helm)Helm, set a course for Belfast. Best speed.(a dramatic beat)We're going back to Ireland.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. BELFAST STREET

The crowd of rioters, Shannon in the front, are marching down the street at abrisk pace. There are no guns - only a few clubs and a sea of angry faces.

INT. BASE SITUATION ROOM

Pogue and Brooks grimly watch the approaching crowd, the mob's reflection on theglass in front of the men's faces.

NEW ANGLE POGUE AND BROOKS

Pogue steps away from the window, his hands behind his back. Brooks faces him,holding a shock stick.

POGUEThis is where it gets bloody.

BROOKS

They have only a few clubs - perhaps not. I have my entire force lined up outside.Thirty five men with shock sticks and teargas launchers is an intimidating picture- it may be enough to turn them away.

POGUEWe can only hope.

BROOKSWhat about reinforcements?

POGUEThe Secretary General told me she's sending the seaShark. They apparently have anexpert for this kind of thing aboard. It didn't reassure me, but she said it was

the best they could do.

BROOKS(amusement)SeaShark? I thought it was only a legend.

POGUEIt is, in a way.(off Brooks' look)It apparently is under the aegis of Section 7, so they've made every effort tomake it seem like only a legend without actually hiding the truth. You and I are


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the only ones who will know where the "experts" are actually from.

BROOKSStill sounds strange to me. I guess my only concern right now is the mob about tostorm our gates.

Pogue steps back over to the window, and reflected in it we can see hand-to-handfighting as the troops encounter the mob near the gates.

POGUEAnd so it begins.

BROOKSI should be out there.

POGUEYes, you should.(turning to Brooks, extending his hand)Good luck, my friend.

BROOKS

(shaking Pogue's hand)Thank you. See you soon.

We hold outside the window on Pogue watching the fighting as Brooks rushes offbehind him.

EXT. SEASHARK

Running at full speed past the camera.

INT. WARDROOM

Everyone is assembled around the table, with Davis at one end and Dvorak at the

other. On Davis' right is Wilmette, Catherwright, Harpur, and Skye, and an emptyseat, and on her left Howard, Dakota, Saito, MacGregor, and McScott.

DAVISI am sorry if I interrupted anyone's lunch.(glancing at the empty seat, frowning slightly)It seems Mr. Dyson is still at lunch.(a beat)Anyhow, if you haven't heard, the U.E.O. has a situation in Belfast. Under the newlaws set up by the FIR Senate, any citizen who believed themselves unfairly triedfor crimes during the hundred or so years of civil war could request asylum at theBelfast U.E.O. Base while an independent committee was formed to investigate theallegation.

(a shrug)It seemed like a good idea at the time, but it has backfired and a man by the nameof Michael Shannon, the son of a former IRA leader, has assembled a mob and isattacking the U.E.O. Base as we speak, demanding they release his father's killer.The commander of the base can't break out the guns or do anything too rough or theCatholic side of the Senate, which is on Shannon's side, will kick us out ofthere, and unfortunately, the Catholics have a majority. The U.E.O. is the onlything keeping the Catholics from gunning down the Protestants. After all, it'stheir government - they can do it legally now.

WILMETTE


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It's a hell of a situation. After the IRA fell apart, things got grayer thanever. Now we try and give both sides a fair shake at peace and one still managesto get ahead.(shaking his head)Politics as usual.

MCSCOTTThis is all very interesting, but may I ask what it has to do with us?

DAVISWe've been diverted to Belfast to give them a boost. I spoke with the commanderthere, Captain Pogue, a few minutes ago and he was flustered to say the least. Thefighting has actually been minimal, but this is only the first round, and thepeople will realize after awhile that the U.E.O. troops are not going to pull anyguns on them.

DAKOTABut they are armed with something, aren't they? The U.E.O. troops?

DAVIS(nodding)

Shock sticks and tear gas. But that can only hold them back for so long. We'retalking about a mob of about three, four hundred at minimum against at most fortytroops.

QUICK CUTS

Of those seated around the table - looks of horror as they digest this.

SKYEGod help them.

CATHERWRIGHTThey'll be slaughtered.

DAVISYes, they will.

DAKOTAWhy don't they have guns?

DVORAK(a bit disgusted)It would sacrifice the U.E.O.'s position if someone got shot. The Senate still hasto vote if they want membership in the U.E.O. - that was part of the deal we madewith the Free Irish leaders before the split. We start shooting Shannon's people -and we all know someone on our side would panic - and they'll vote us out, self

defense or not.

DAVISWe're the only reason they don't overrun the Protestants, and we cannot give thema reason to push us out. I hate to say it Anya - you know how I abhor politicking- but in this case I am forced to agree with the political assessment.(a pause)So, as before, we're sending assistance.

HARPURHow? What can we do?


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DAVISWell, we can't really do anything, but it seems our newest crew member has someexperience in this area.(turning to Catherwright, who is looking remarkably calm)Ms. Catherwright?

CATHERWRIGHT

Admiral Davis is correct. One of my major areas of study in the Academy was crowdcontrol - it's kind of useful when you're working base security. Well, you've allremember the Philadelphia Workers Strike of 2045?

DAKOTA(impressed)That was you?

CATHERWRIGHTYes, it was.

HARPURI don't remember this one.

SKYE(playfully)Were you asleep? It was just, like, one of the events of the last decade.

CATHERWRIGHTWell, this was a couple months after the PMR popped up. There was a murder. Thevictim was a dock worker. Went missing on a Saturday night on the town, found on aThursday in a dumpster, quite mutilated. The local police was convinced it wassomeone from the U.E.O. Base, while our people insisted it had been a PMR spy thathad gone missing. This was never backed up in any way, and the dock workers werepissed. Five hundred enraged people on an illegal strike. The troops were sent in.It turned a bit bloody. I was on the security staff of Philadelphia Base - had an

idea. I got some old clothes out and infiltrated the crowd, knocked out the Unionleader, who incited the riot when the troops showed up. I pulled him aside, talkedto him one-on-one, convinced him to stop it. He did, and it ended. A few brokenbones, but no casualties.

DAVISAnd that's what we want her to do here. Get into the crowd, pull Shannon aside andtalk to him. He's not a violent man - just an angry one. After looking at what wehad on him, I wouldn't be surprised if he's been pushed to this by someone. So,we'll arrive outside of Belfast Harbor and Ms. Catherwright and whoever she picksto be on her team will take in a shuttle. Then she'll take it from there.

CATHERWRIGHT

I work well alone, but if I'm taking anyone, I'd like it to be Mr. Wilmette.

Davis' eyes light up, pleased. Wilmette hunches a bit in his seat, looks just abit uncomfortable, but his eyes meet Davis' and he nods.

WILMETTE(a shrug)Any way I can help, I'm at your disposal.

Dakota rolls her eyes, and Dvorak shoots Wilmette a look that could melt ice.


19/48

DAVISVery well Ms. Catherwright, Mr. Wilmette. You'll leave as soon as we arrive.(standing)Well then, if no one has anything more to say, dismissed.

Everyone stands and begins filing out. Dakota passes Catherwright.

DAKOTA

(almost a whisper, but loud enough so Wilmette can hear)I hope you know what you're doing. Taking a killer to a bloodbath - not a wisechoice.

CATHERWRIGHT(as sweet as sugar)I think I can make my own choices, ma'am.

Catherwright shoots Wilmette a loving look, which is returned, and files out.Wilmette then turns to Davis.

DAVISThere's love there.

WILMETTE(hesitant)Yes.

DAVISHave you let her in?

WILMETTENot all the way.

DAVISBut a little?

WILMETTEIt felt. . .good. I hate to say it, but it felt damn good.

DAVISIt's been three years - isn't it about time to let someone in?

WILMETTE(reflective)I already have.

With this he briskly departs, leaving Davis a bit speechless.

INT. CORRIDOR

Wilmette closes the door to the Wardroom and meets Catherwright, who has beenwaiting. They begin walking towards the rear of the ship.

CATHERWRIGHTI want to thank you for going with me. This could get a little dicey.

WILMETTEYou need someone you can trust.


20/48

CATHERWRIGHT(angrily)They're so wrong.

WILMETTEWho?

CATHERWRIGHT

Dakota and the captain. They don't like you. Dakota doesn't trust you. I can'tunderstand it.

WILMETTE(quietly)I can.

CATHERWRIGHTThat's a bunch of crap! You made a mistake.

WILMETTEAll those people. . .

CATHERWRIGHTThey probably would have died anyway - you were outnumbered.

WILMETTEBut it wouldn't have been my fault.

CATHERWRIGHTIt's still not right. You were cleared.

WILMETTENot exactly.

CATHERWRIGHT

(stopping)What?

WILMETTEYou keep forming opinions without knowing the full story. There's the version youread in the history books. There's the version in the reports. Then there's whatreally happened, which is the version only a handful of people know.

CATHERWRIGHTTell me.

WILMETTEI. . .can't.

CATHERWRIGHTYou can't, or you won't?

WILMETTEA bit of both.(a beat)I'm afraid of what you might think.

CATHERWRIGHTWhat will I think?


21/48

WILMETTE(after a moment, with a slight smile)You'll think I'm human.

CATHERWRIGHT(returning the smile, walking again)Then you have nothing to worry about.

(seeing uncertainty on Wilmette's face)You don't have to, but I think it would help.

WILMETTEI'll. . .think about it. I want so much to tell you, but it's been so long. . .

CATHERWRIGHT(giving his hand a reassuring squeeze)I understand James. Don't worry.(she sighs)Now, let's get focused for the task ahead.

They pass us as we dissolve to

EXT. BELFAST STREET

The angry mob has turned pitifully testy, now standing by the intimidatingPeacekeepers lined up outside the U.E.O. base's cement wall holding shock sticks.

FOCUS ON SHANNON

As a man about the same age wearing ragged clothes and holding a baseball batturns to Shannon.

MANWhat do we do now Michael?

SHANNON(apprehensive)We outnumber them. They can't hope to. . .

MANThey have shock sticks! On the right setting those go a long way towards knockinga bunch of people out. They're trained for this kind of thing.

SHANNONThat. . .I don't. . .(flustered, conflicted)Bollocks! I thought just our presence would force them to release O'Rourke! I

didn't want this to turn violent! I just wanted justice!

CHAPLIN(o.s.)Justice? In Ireland?

Chaplin walks past us, taking position in front of Shannon.

SHANNONYou speak of the Irish way, now and before when you convinced me to go along withthis. But you aren't even Irish. My father died in the quest to stop you from


22/48

oppressing this country with your laws and your religion. So why should I nowlisten to an Englishman?

CHAPLINI may be of that origin, but it does not mean I agree with the government of thatcountry. I am an Irish patriot - that is why I do this. Why I risk my life. Ifight for the Irish people.

SHANNONIn exchange for reward.

CHAPLINMy reward is helping an oppressed people.

SHANNON(disgusted)You're a mercenary. You'll "help" us and take your reward afterwards.

CHAPLINHow am I helping you? I am just giving you a bit of advice on how you might getjustice for your father's murder. You're the one actually doing something.

SHANNON(after a moment)Very well. I accept your speech at its full worth. But, if you are bluffing, Ipromise you will get yours once this affair is concluded.

CHAPLINI take you at your word, sir, as you take me at mine.

Shannon shoots him one last disgusted look and moves in front of the men, taking asmall amplifier from his coat as he takes position.

SHANNON

Don't let these fascist bastards discourage you! They seek only to stop you fromcontrolling your own affairs. Who are they to tell us what justice is? They havenot lived here! Not bled here! Not died here! They came along and offered us ourcountry back, no deceptions. Well, they have deceived us, and now they seek toprevent us from correcting our mistake! We are hundreds! There cannot be more thanfifty of them! We will have justice!!!

A few members of the crowd cheer. Some yell "Forward!" After a few moments thiscatches, and they begin chanting "Justice, justice!!!"

SHANNONCHARGE!!!

The mob surges forward, enveloping the U.E.O. Peacekeepers, who actually aresuccessful keeping people at bay with shock sticks.

INT. BASE SITUATION ROOM

Pogue stands near the window, hands behind his back, watching the fighting below.His face is a grim mask, his eyes wet.

POGUESo much blood. And for what, I wonder.


23/48

A young, dark-haired man in his early twenties approaches Pogue from the left.This is Pogue's aide.

AIDEThey don't know anymore. One side wants justice for crimes that can never bejustified. And we just want to stop the bloodletting.

POGUE

At least we can say we tried.

AIDEWe haven't failed yet.(with Pogue's look)We just got a communiqu from the seaShark, I believe the name was. It seems our specialist will be arriving in a few minutes. A Melissa Catherwright.

POGUE(a slight smile)Catherwright. Hitchcock wasn't kidding when she said she was sending the best.(to aide)Go down to the docks and meet her. Bring her up as fast as possible. We might just

still be able to beat this.

AIDEAye sir.

The aide jogs out of the room.

POGUE(looking down at the crowd, his smile slowly disappearing)Let's just pray it will be enough.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE


We are looking towards the small docking complex and the open ocean beyond. Asmall Dragonfly shuttle is pulling next to the concrete pier.

EXT. SMALL SHUTTLE

We hold close on the seaShark seal on the door which splits in two pieces as thedoors of the shuttle slide open and Catherwright and Wilmette disembark. We followthem as they step up and greet Pogue's aide with handshakes.

AIDELt. Catherwright?

CATHERWRIGHTThat's right. Melissa Catherwright, attached to seaShark CSV.(gesturing to Wilmette)This is Lt. Wilmette. He will be assisting me.

AIDEThat's fine. Let's go in - the captain would like to brief you ASAP.


24/48

CATHERWRIGHTThen lead the way.

Catherwright takes position next to the aide, matching his stride. Wilmette tagsbehind, listening to their conversation.

CATHERWRIGHTIs it bad?

AIDEShannon's men arrived here about ten minutes ago. They're clashing with oursecurity forces, and we were actually doing well holding them back.

CATHERWRIGHTWhat are they using?

AIDEShock sticks. They have tear gas available, but we haven't deployed that quiteyet. I think everyone is afraid of any projectiles being used.

WILMETTE

How many men in your security force?

The party of three arrives at the door of the Command Post. The aide holds thedoor open and Catherwright steps in, listening.

AIDEAbout forty. Weren't you briefed?

WILMETTE(a nod)I was.(off the aide's look, grimly)I was hoping I'd heard wrong.

INT. SITRUATION ROOM

Pogue is standing over the map table, reading a report of some kind, when the dooropens and the aide, Catherwright, and Wilmette enter and stride over to thecaptain.

AIDESir, Lieutenants Catherwright and Wilmette, seaShark CSV.

Pogue turns and faces them, and both Catherwright and Wilmette snap to attentionand trade salutes with the captain.

POGUEAs you were. Lt. Catherwright, I'm glad to see you. Your work is well known to me.

CATHERWRIGHTThank you, sir.(gesturing to Wilmette)This is Lt. Wilmette. He'll be assisting me.

Pogue frowns a bit at Wilmette's name, but he nods at the lieutenant - a gesturewhich is returned.


25/48

CATHERWRIGHTWe've been briefed, but it would be helpful if you'd tell us your situation inyour own words.

POGUE(walking over to the window)This all started a few days ago. The leader's name is Michael Shannon. His fatherwas Charlie Shannon, the IRA leader that got killed with forty-four others on

Bloody Thursday - November 11, 2010.

WILMETTEThe IRA was wiped out that day, and the Free Irish Party sprang up in its place.If I remember my history correctly, the man who killed Shannon's father and theothers was later tied to the British Parliament. As a result, the British backedoff and things got a little less black and white around here.

POGUEYou've got it basically correct. Things did get blurry, and when people starteddemanding justice, it was not as easy to dole out. When the U.E.O. got Britain toallow the Irish to set up the FIR and a fifty percent Catholic-fifty percentProtestant Senate, it seems that the Catholics somehow got a majority. Most of

them are supporters of Shannon, and if this turns bloody in any way, they won'tbecome U.E.O. members, and we all know that's the only way we can put any pressureon them to stop this bloodshed.

CATHERWRIGHTHow bad has it been so far?

POGUEWell, our people have been able to hold them back pretty well, but they'reoutnumbered ten to one and they'll get tired sooner or later.

WILMETTEAnd shock sticks don't stay charged forever.

POGUEWe could use gas, but that would make things hazy for a few moments, and theycould pin anything on us.(looking right at Catherwright)That's why we have you, it seems.

CATHERWRIGHT(a slight smile)Missy Catherwright, to the rescue. Same old. Same old.(to Pogue)Which one is Shannon?

Pogue puts up a finger in a "one moment" gesture, then sidesteps and turns towardthe map table. As he rustles through the papers on the tabletop, Catherwrightturns toward Wilmette.

CATHERWRIGHTYou know how we're going to play this?

WILMETTEI have some idea.(off her look, shrugging)We're going out of this base, unarmed, into the large mass of extremely pissed


26/48

people storming it, and we're going to find their leader, grab him, drag himaside, and persuade him to just stop because we say so.(off Catherwright's nod)And people say I'm crazy.

Pogue turns once again, handing them a black-and-white photo of Shannon that looksfairly current - it could be a newspaper photo.

POGUEThis is he. He will be towards the back, or so my people tell me.

WILMETTEPeople.

POGUE(with a slight grin)This may be Shannon's country, but this is my base.(back to business)You will need new clothes. My aide will see that you are outfitted immediately.

CATHERWRIGHT

Thank you, sir.

POGUEWe have a chance of stopping this.

CATHERWRIGHTI sure hope so. Shannon is wrong, but I can understand him. This whole country isbathed in blood over a century old. How can we expect anyone just to forget that?

POGUEGood luck, Ms. Catherwright, Mr. Wilmette.

The two lieutenants salute Pogue, and the captain returns the gesture.

Catherwright and Wilmette then turn to the Aide, who nods.

AIDEIf you will come with me.

Catherwright and Wilmette nod, then follow him out the door.

EXT. COMMAND POST

We look toward a simple, metal door on the side of the structure as it suddenlyopens to allow Catherwright and Wilmette to exit. They are both now dressed incivilian clothing, a bit ragged, with Catherwright now wearing her long hair in abun.

AIDE(from inside the door)You sure you don't want to be armed?

CATHERWRIGHTI'm sure. These people are in an extremely paranoid mindset. If anyone evensuspects we have a gun, they'll either lynch us or try to make us use it. If werefuse, they'll tackle us and use it themselves.

WILMETTE


27/48

(dryly)It's our funeral.(a moment)But she is right.

AIDE(a simple salute)Good luck.

They give him a nod, then move across the courtyard, towards a side door along thehigh wall.

CATHERWRIGHTWe'll proceed to the back quickly and quietly. Try not to look in anyone's eyes,and try not to talk to anyone. Don't be rude, just. . .

WILMETTEMel, I have taken part in a few police actions before. I know the ropes.

CATHERWRIGHT(she pauses, places her hand on her shoulder, sighs)

I know, and I'm sorry. It's just. . .I'm nervous. Yeah, I did this in Philly, andI do know quite a few things about crowd control and riots. But, just because Ican do it doesn't mean I necessarily like to do it.

WILMETTE(putting his arm around her, smiling warmly)I know. I'm forty-three - I've been in the U.E.O. over twenty years of that life,and I've had to do a great number of things that I haven't particularly liked orwanted to do, including this. But, you believe it might save lives and maybe dosomething good. That's why I'm doing it - shouldn't that be your reason too?

CATHERWRIGHT(after a moment)

Yes. It should. And it is.(hugging him)Thank you.

WILMETTE(gesturing toward the wall)Now, let's get going.

As they walk past the camera, we get a view of Chaplin, who has just exited thefront entrance of the base is making his way toward the entrance gates. As hepulls out a cigarette and lights it, he watches the two lieutenants withthoughtful eyes.

EXT. SECURITY WALL

A metal door painted white to match the rest of the wall swings opens andCatherwright and Wilmette exit, unnoticed. They stick close together, walking onthe sidewalk until they hit the mob, which has slacked off a bit. Most of thepeople in the swarm have been reduced to shouting ad libed taunts at the imposingU.E.O. Peacekeepers in riot gear and helmet with black tinted faceplates.

Wilmette and Catherwright pause in front of one of the peacekeepers, glancingaround for any sign of Shannon.


28/48

CATHERWRIGHT(whispering)Let's move towards the back. Stay with me.

WILMETTE(whispering)Always.

The peacekeeper gestures with his shock stick and raises his voice. We recognizehim from his tone as Brooks.

BROOKS(filtered through helmet visor)Move along!

A bit flustered, realizing their own people don't know them, they move on as theywade into the crowd, hand-in-hand. When they are about halfway through, a largeman with broad shoulders steps in front of them, his arms crossed.

MAN(a thick Irish accent)

What're you two lovers doing?

Catherwright looks almost apoplectic, but Wilmette remains unfazed.

WILMETTE(faking a pretty good Irish accent)We're just making our way to the back for a wee bit of rest. Almost got clubbed bythose U.E.O. bastards. Do you mind not blocking the way?

MAN(frowning for a moment, then smiling and stepping aside)No. You just looked unfamiliar - can't take any chances.

WILMETTE(smiling in faked agreement)No, we can't. Good day to you.

They pass, and Catherwright takes a breath once they are through the back of themob.

CATHERWRIGHT(whispering)I thought we were caught for sure.(in admiration)That wasn't a bad accent.

WILMETTE(his tone a bit higher but still hushed)No. Not for being generated on the spot.

CATHERWRIGHT(impressed)You did that on the spot?

WILMETTE(a bit of pride)It came out better than I expected, actually.


29/48


30/48

Note: Wilmette uses his Irish accent throughout this whole conversation.

WILMETTEMr. Shannon?

SHANNONYes?

WILMETTEI'm John Clark and this is Megan Ryan. We were wondering if we could have a wordwith you.

Shannon gives Wilmette and Catherwright a look over. Chaplin, showing no hint ofrecognition, gives Catherwright a leering smile while she shoots him a look ofdisgust. Then, suddenly, Catherwright looks as if a light has gone off in herhead, and she brightens, returning Chaplin's leer with a seductive glance. Theybegin talking in hushed tones.

SHANNONWhat about?

WILMETTEWell, we spotted the U.E.O. guards with their stun weapons and we believe we'vefound a way into the base.

SHANNON(looking a bit distressed)A way into the base? Well. . .

CHAPLINMichael?

SHANNON(annoyed)

What?

CHAPLINThe lady and I are going to take a short walk.(nudging him)If you know what I mean.

SHANNON(shrugging)It's your own affair.

Wilmette raises his eyebrow and Catherwright winks and girlishly waves. AsWilmette watches the two walk off, Shannon speaks up again.

SHANNONNow, tell me about this way in you've found, and who knows about it.

INT. ALLEY

Catherwright, leading Chaplin by the hand, enters an empty alleyway. She spots adeep doorway and leads him toward it.

CATHERWRIGHT(motioning with her head)


31/48


32/48

common knowledge how many people Paddy O'Rourke killed. But my father was the onlyone they actually had enough evidence for. If someone requests sanctuary and theU.E.O. gives it to them, they can be retried, but even the U.E.O. must abide bythe rules of this country.(under his breath)Justice in Ireland, he asked. Maybe he was right.

WILMETTE

(taking a breath)Mr. Shannon, my name is James Wilmette. That may mean nothing to you, but toanyone in the U.E.O., it means a whole lot.(a reflective pause, then pained words)I'm forty-three years old and I'm a lieutenant. I was a captain.

Shannon, his eyes wet, allows his gaze to meet Wilmette's unfocused, wet eyes.

WILMETTEA very respected captain. I loved the job. Most of the crew I counted among mybest friends, and those that weren't friends were at least highly respectedcomrades.(almost tearfully)

I had two greatest loves. One was that ship. The other was someone on it.(Wilmette focuses on Shannon's eyes, his voice steady, steely, and yet so pained,so sorrowful)A colony was being attacked by this group that had been giving us a lot oftrouble. We were on the verge of destroying them, and my ship was sent in to stopthem and protect the colony.(a beat)To make a long story short, I screwed up. Got most of the people in my command anda lot of innocents killed because in the one moment where I needed to be thealmost legendary tactician that I was, I became human.(his voice shaking)So human.

Wilmette pauses for a moment as he fights the tears back. Catherwright lays herarm across his shoulders, comforting.

WILMETTE(a bit more composed)So, now I'm a killer to most, including myself. Every single night, when I closemy eyes and drift off to sleep, I have nightmares. Nightmares beyond description.Nightmares I wouldn't wish upon the single most guilty soul in the depths of hell.Sometimes I don't know how I stay sane.

SHANNON(quietly)So you know how it feels to hate like I do.

(a beat)You hate yourself.

WILMETTEThe only reason I don't put a laser to my head is that I'm the only one who'sleft. That's why I'm here telling you this - because I'm the only one left tospeak for the dead. All the others are either washed out or headcases. Or both.(a beat)Because of me.(placing his hand on Shannon's shoulder)We all have our own blood in black and white, and we all have a duty to speak for


33/48

someone. I speak for the one hundred thirty-three crew members of the U.E.O.Maryland. You speak for your father, and you speak for your people. You serve toremind your Senate, and the U.E.O. if you decide to join us, that there wereatrocities committed. A lot of them.(a beat)Stop this madness. Is this how you would have your father remembered - withanother atrocity?

SHANNONThis is Ireland! That's how everything is remembered! Ask anyone about thiscountry and what do they think of? War! That's all they think of because that'sall there is!

WILMETTE(softly)I'm giving you a chance to change that. Would you throw it away to fill moregraves? Stop this - it has gotten out of hand. All of it.

SHANNONYou want me to give up justice for what? An intangible ideal?

WILMETTEI committed a crime that can never be absolved. My only chance was to start over,and it's your only chance, unless you call running a perfectly good new countryinto the ground justice.Silence hangs tangibly in the air as Shannon steps away for a moment in deepthought. Finally, he turns and faces Wilmette and Catherwright.

SHANNONO.K. I will stop the riot, if you promise to speak that no one here will bearrested or penalized in any way. You want to arrest someone, arrest me for beinga damned old fool.

WILMETTE(smiling)I won't arrest you. You tried to get justice for your father. Your purpose was notwrong. Your course was just a bit flawed.

SHANNON(hugging Wilmette)Thank you Lt. Wilmette for opening my eyes. Sometimes they get blocked by too muchhatred.

WILMETTENot hatred. Blood.(shaking his hand)

Your welcome. Now we'll get out of your hair - I think it would look bad if youtried to break this up with two U.E.O. lieutenants standing next to you.

SHANNONI fear it would. Take care James Wilmette.(nodding to Catherwright)Ms. Catherwright.

CATHERWRIGHT(a nod)We'll go back to base and call off the soldiers. Good luck with the crowd.


34/48

The three share a final nod and smile, and Catherwright and Wilmette depart forthe base wall as Shannon watches them go, his smile disappearing.

SHANNON(quietly)Blood in black and white. My God. What have we become?

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR


INT. SITUATION ROOM

Pogue, Catherwright, and Wilmette stand around the map table. All three lookalmost relaxed with relief.

POGUEWell, Mr. Wilmette. It seems that you're the hero for today.

WILMETTEShannon was in deep pain and it was clouding his judgment. I just knew how to makea connection.

CATHERWRIGHTWhat will happen now?

POGUEWell, you did promise them immunity, and as no one was hurt and the mob hasdispersed, I see no reason to not honor that agreement. Shannon was correct aboutthe double jeopardy - I found that one while you were gone, right after O'Rourkeleft.

CATHERWRIGHTYou released O'Rourke?

POGUE(a nod)Right after you left.(off their looks)It was his choice. One of his friends came while you were dressing for the streetand spoke with him. He left just a few minutes ago.

Silence hangs in the air as the possible consequences set in.

WILMETTE(unconvinced)Well, we talked to Shannon. I think we got through.

CATHERWRIGHTHopefully.

POGUEYou can't do anything now - it's not a U.E.O. matter.

WILMETTE


35/48

(grimly)I know Captain Pogue. I know.

EXT. SEASHARK DRAGONFLY SHUTTLE

The brand new, fair-sized craft makes its way quietly and quickly through thewater.

INT. DRAGONFLY CONTROL AREA

A smaller room with two seats for piloting and a third fold down in the back. It'skind of like a jumbo jet cockpit, but without most of the instruments. Wilmette isseated in the pilot seat, Catherwright to his left.

CATHERWRIGHTI hope Mr. Shannon comes out all right. He isn't a bad fellow.

WILMETTE(quickly)No. He isn't.

CATHERWRIGHT(concerned)You're troubled. Are you worried?

WILMETTE(closed, then loosening up a bit)A little. More reflective. I've had to dig up a lot of bad memories today.

CATHERWRIGHTI'm sorry.

WILMETTEWhat for?

CATHERWRIGHTI was responsible for some of that.

WILMETTEIt's O.K. I let you in.(a sigh)I wanted to.

CATHERWRIGHTI did force the door open a little.

WILMETTE

(a smile)A little. But you couldn't have gotten in if I hadn't wanted you to.

Catherwright is silent for a moment, reflecting, looking away. Finally, she looksup again and her eyes meet his.

CATHERWRIGHTWill you tell me?

WILMETTE(caught off guard, playing dumb)


36/48

About what?

CATHERWRIGHTAbout. . .the incident. The truth.(before he can say anything)How can I love you if I don't know you?

WILMETTE

Who said I love you?

CATHERWRIGHTNo one had to. Who else would you let in?

A console begins beeping lightly and Wilmette presses a switch and slows down theDragonfly.

WILMETTEWe're coming up on the 'Shark.

CATHERWRIGHTWill you tell me?

WILMETTE(closing his eyes tight)Yes.

Catherwright's smile could light up the ocean.

EXT. BELFAST STREET

Shannon has obviously called off the riot. Most of the people are dispersing fromthe front of the U.E.O. Base. All the peacekeepers are gone, but Brooks stilllingers by the Gatehouse, making sure Shannon's promise is sincere.

Shannon finishes a conversation with a couple of younger men and women, then endsthe conversation and walks away down the street towards the intersection where wefirst saw Shannon. Chaplin, showing no sign of having been knocked out, approachesfrom the rear and takes up stride right next to him.

SHANNON(short, not stopping)What do you want?

CHAPLINPaddy O'Rourke was released.

SHANNON

So?

CHAPLINHe left U.E.O. protection less than an hour ago.

SHANNONI don't give a. . .

CHAPLINHe's been bragging how much of a coward you are.


37/48

SHANNON(stops)And why does that concern me? It's just words.

CHAPLINIt's enough to stop you and make you listen to me.

SHANNON

(impatient, but not disinterested)Make your point.

CHAPLINI can give you weapons. It would be clean. You wouldn't need to go back on yourpromise.

SHANNONHow did you. . .

CHAPLINYou want justice? Take it. Kill the bastard and walk away. You think the Senatewill stop you?

Shannon considers for a moment, his face a mask of indecision and pain. Finally,he turns and gets right in Chaplin's face.

SHANNONI will do it, but expect no gratitude.

CHAPLIN(a Cheshire cat grin)My gratitude is helping you get justice.

EXT. SEASHARK

Powering up engines and leaving the Irish coast.

INT. RECREATION ROOM

Dakota is seated at the bar, taking swigs from a mug of beer. Catherwright takes aseat next to her holding a coffee mug filled with hot chocolate.

DAKOTAYou surprise me, Ms. Catherwright.

CATHERWRIGHTWhy is that, ma'am?

DAKOTAYou've fallen for Wilmette. I thought you had more brains than that.

CATHERWRIGHTI have plenty of brains. I just have something you don't.

DAKOTA(with a kind of knowing smile)What's that?

CATHERWRIGHT


38/48

An open mind.(off Dakota's amused expression)You're wrong about James.

DAKOTAAm I? He's a killer.

CATHERWRIGHT

(a moment, then a smile)Perhaps. But he's not an unapologetic one.

DAKOTAOr are you sure you're just not being na ve about him?

CATHERWRIGHTIf I am, then I will deal with it when the time comes.

DAKOTA(switching gears)What happened to your last boyfriend?

CATHERWRIGHTI sent him away.(a beat)I was so in love. Found him in a bar near the base - he worked local construction.It was love at first sight. Then I caught him cheating on me, and I got mad.Confronted him. He got quite pathetically tied down in his explanation. When hetried to apologize, I silenced his tongue and gave him a good lashing of my own. Ithink that hurt his manhood a little and he began screaming at me. That made meangry, so I made him go quickly.(a sly smile)I'm not a woman to cross.

DAKOTA

(knocking back the last of her drink)Doesn't sound like it.

INT. DAVIS' OFFICE

Davis is seated on her couch, sipping a mug of coffee, with Wilmette in one of thevisitors chairs from near the desk pulled into position on the other side of thecoffee table.

DAVISYou and Ms. Catherwright did well.

WILMETTE

And I can't shake the feeling that we may have done nothing at all.

DAVISThere's been so much blood shed there. Could you really expect to resolve anythingin one day?

WILMETTENo. It's still hard.

DAVISI never said it wasn't. You did you best, though. It rarely feels like enough, but


39/48

it is. Is has to be. You're just a human being after all.

WILMETTE(with a slight smile)I'm the last person you need to tell that to.

DAVISOf course.

(leaning forward, looking into his eyes)What do you think of Ms. Catherwright?

WILMETTE(hesitant)She and I. . .got along well.

DAVISYou're loving her.

WILMETTE(a nod)And a part of me doesn't want to.

DAVISYou can't keep everyone out forever. At some point, something has to give.(she rubs the bridge of her nose)I'm a funny one to be saying that.

WILMETTEShe asked me to tell her about the incident.

DAVIS(after the silence drags on)Are you. . .

WILMETTE(sighing)I promised to. It won't be easy.

DAVIS(her eyes piercing him)It shouldn't be.

WILMETTE(meeting her eyes)No, it shouldn't.

EXT. BELFAST STREET

A large group of Shannon's men stand around a grouping of fair-sized crates,extracting laser weapons and old-fashioned bullet guns. Shannon pulls out aHeckler and Koch MP5 A4, Chaplin standing to the side, watching silently andcontentedly.

SHANNON(giving the MP5 a once over, prepping it)You never gave me a good answer - why are you doing this?

CHAPLIN


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I have a devotion to justice.(off Shannon's look)I know you have trouble believing that, but a good friend of mine was wronged byU.E.O. When I tried to get justice, I was sabotaged. My friend was killed. Now Ifight for oppressed people.

SHANNON(a cold stare, then)

Why don't I believe you?

CHAPLINWhy do you do this?

SHANNONFor my father and all that died before him.

Without giving Chaplin a chance to say anything, Shannon walks off, in front ofthe men.

SHANNON(raising his voice)

O'Rourke has holed up in his meat shop. As far as I know, he's not expecting us.We will surprise him and take our justice in one clean strike. Onward!

The mob of men, about thirty in all, makes their way down the street toward thefamiliar square at a brisk pace.

INT. CATHERWRIGHT'S CABIN

Catherwright sits on the bed, Wilmette next to her. Catherwright wears a grayturtleneck sweater and blue jeans, and Wilmette is still dressed in his uniform.

CATHERWRIGHTI wasn't sure if you would come or not.

WILMETTEI always keep my word. There was no reason not to.(a smile)Not when I listened to my heart.

CATHERWRIGHTSo, what does your heart have to say?

WILMETTE(uncertain)You sure you want to hear this?

CATHERWRIGHTI asked, didn't I?(taking his hand, squeezing it gently)I promise I won't judge you, and I promise I won't leave you.

WILMETTEThe last person who promised that is in the ground.(sighing, steeling himself)I couldn't believe the level of media attention that surrounded our fight againstthe PMR. The Party For Macronesian Rebirth. I thought it was an impressive name,but they weren't that tough. Sure, they did cause shipping in the Pacific a lot of


41/48

trouble, but we beat them in only a year and a half with a handful of ships.Still, General Correy did have a couple tactical aces up his sleeve that gave evenme a run for the money.(a beat)You know about the incident.

CATHERWRIGHTTell me in your own words.

WILMETTE(swallowing)O.K.(a quiet beat)It was the morning of June 14, 2046. We were hunting for Correy and his last threeships. The Maryland was docked in Pearl Harbor, waiting for a call from anywhere.It came from the Tri-Colony area a hundred miles south-southwest of Pearl. GangesColony was under attack by three vessels fitting the description of the ones wewere looking for. When we arrived, we drove them away for a moment, but thecolony's reactor had been hit. I sent in Jennifer and her people to fix it.

CATHERWRIGHT

Jennifer?

WILMETTE(a sad, sad smile)This is where the history books get vague. Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins was myChief Engineer. She was also the love of my life.(a few tears)She and I were talking about getting married. She was thirty-five years old andthe most stunning woman I had ever met. Had been married once, but it didn't workout. She was assigned in the refit in January of 2045, but we didn't hit it offuntil about six months into the PMR campaign. I told her I would never leave her.(a beat)I sent her in to fix the colony's reactor. It seemed like a simple mission - just

in to patch the damage and out again before the PMR ships showed up again.(a smile)I think we both know that didn't happen.(his face dropping, his eyes wet)They hit the reactor area again. It didn't knock anything loose, but it did buryJen's shuttle. We were able to take down the ship that had slipped past us, butthe other two were moving in fast. I had a choice.Jen's shuttle was slowly filling with water, but I had time to hit the PMR ships,though it would be cutting it close when we cut her loose. Or I could cut herloose, then hit the PMR ships, which were still a good few minutes away.

CATHERWRIGHTIt was a fifty/fifty chance.

WILMETTEYes, it was. Technically.

CATHERWRIGHTTechinically?

WILMETTEEveryone says I'm the best tactician the U.E.O. has ever had, and if I weren't sohumble, I might agree with that. If I were any less good than I am, I would beable to say that I'm innocent. But I'm not.


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(angrily)I knew we didn't have enough time. I knew they'd be there before we could cut herout. But it didn't matter.(crying)IT DIDN'T MATTER!!!

CATHERWRIGHT(cradling his head in her lap as he cries, stroking his hair)

I know. I know.

WILMETTE(lifting his head, whispering)I killed them. I killed them. I knew it wasn't enough time.

He sobs for a moment, Catherwright holding him the whole time. Finally he snifflesand wipes his eyes.

WILMETTEThey moved in just as she was free and her shuttle en route back to the ship. Theyblasted the colony's reactor. It blew. Nine hundred colonists all gone in aninstant. All because I freed her before I stopped them. I could have stopped them

easily. Correy's flagship was damaged, and the other not a match for theMaryland's weapons systems.(a moment)Correy and the other ship disappeared. We have no idea if they got caught in theexplosion or if they escaped. Seventy percent of the Maryland was irradiated,almost a hundred of the crew dead. We were pretty banged up on the bottom, andnone of us could get down there to even plug the leaks. We got a little over amile before I decided to scuttle the ship. I figured, for those trapped below,drowning was a better death than radiation poisoning. We would have never made itback to Pearl, and what would they have done anyway?(his voice falters)Jennifer never made it back - her shuttle went down near the colony, her bodyrecovered later. She's in a very thick lead box in a cemetery in Denver, Colorado

right now.(a beat)I was almost court martialled. I would have been washed out, except I knewJonathan Ford and I begged him to let me stay in the U.E.O. He called in a fewpromises, got the charges dropped. It was the only way. Doesn't mean I'm notguilty.

CATHERWRIGHTIs that why you're here?

WILMETTEBecause I'm guilty?(she nods)

I guess. That's why I'm still in the U.E.O. The thirty or so survivors, which wasmost of the command crew and the people on the top three decks, have either leftthe U.E.O. or turned into headcases and washed out or both. I'm the only one lefthere to tell what happened - the only one who knows. I may never be able to paypenance for what I did, but that sure as hell doesn't mean that I'm not going totry.

CATHERWRIGHTThat's noble. It might be why Dakota resents you.

WILMETTE


43/48

Why?

CATHERWRIGHTFrom what I've seen of her, she has no sense of nobility. During the MacronesianWar there were many heroes, but only one legend. The Maryland. You led thegrandest victories and occasionally the sorriest defeats. But, no matter what, youalways held you head high, and you never gave up. You were a beacon.

WILMETTESo, why are you the only one that feels this way?

CATHERWRIGHTBecause I love you. But look back.

WILMETTEI have.

CATHERWRIGHTTo the Maryland Incident. Look back farther.

WILMETTE

(tears forming)I. . .can't.

CATHERWRIGHTYes you can. That's why you're crying. Look back.

Wilmette, his breath coming shakily, closes his eyes as tears slip past the lids.

CATHERWRIGHT(o.s.)What do you see?

WILMETTE

I see myself as a hero.

CATHERWRIGHT(o.s.)You were our hero. The Maryland was our flagship - the first Aquatica and the bestAquatica. A lot of brave men and women died in that war. Then the PMR popped upand you had to be the hero again and a lot more people died. Good people,including you crew. And, in one horrible incident, you reminded us that you werealso a human being, and for that we decided to forget that you were ever a hero.

Wilmette sobs, and Catherwright leans forward and wipes his tears away, thenembraces him tenderly. Finally, he wipes his eyes.

WILMETTEYou know I can't forgive myself. This is my blood in black and white, and minealone.

CATHERWRIGHTI know. I know. But I can forgive you.

WILMETTEI love you.

CATHERWRIGHT


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Well, that's good because I love you too.

She leans forward, and their lips come together in a passionate French kiss.

END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

EXT. BELFAST STREET

Shannon, holding his MP5, stands around his rag-tag army - a group of about fortyto fifty men holding older lasers and bullet firing guns. All of the men lookdiscouraged as a messenger stands by Shannon.

SHANNON(looking over the faces)What are you waiting for?

A tall, thin man in his fifties with a black beard and wire frame glasses, holding

an M16, steps forward slightly.

MANYou heard him. O'Rourke's men have dug in at the meat shop. We'll be slaughtered.

SHANNONO'Rourke is a coward! He hid behind U.E.O. protection to get away from us in thefirst place!

MANThey match us for numbers and they have better weapons!

SHANNON

You fear death! This country that we have achieved by the U.E.O.'s(he spits the word)grace! This "Free Irish Republic!" It was built on blood. The blood of thousandsof atrocities and hundreds of years of blood. Our fathers and their fathers andtheir fathers fought for independence and died for independence. Independence thatwe have now achieved. And you want to spoil that with a fear of death!(almost roaring)If we die we become martyrs, and we win because no one - not the U.E.O., notO'Rourke, not anyone - can ever erase the legacy of what we do here today! Wedemand justice, and we will exact it upon the one man who so rightly deserves it!(a moment to let this sink in)Are you with me?

There is no cheering. No cries for battle. Just the haunted looks of men marchingto their destiny. Silently, they rush forward, in a stride, then a jog, Shannonleading.

INT. DAVIS'S OFFICE

Davis is sitting at her desk, reading a report, sipping a mug of coffee. Her commbeeps.

DAVISGo ahead.


45/48

SKYE(filtered)You're getting a message from Secretary General Hitchcock.

DAVIS(a sigh)Send it in.

ANGLE ON COMM SCREEN

Hitchcock, looking weary and defeated, appears.

HITCHCOCKYou're working late.

Intercut as necessary.

DAVIS(a shrug)I'm a little behind on my paperwork.

(a beat)It keeps my mind off things.(putting down her pen)What did you want?

HITCHCOCKShannon is marching on O'Rourke.

DAVIS(eyes wide)My God.

HITCHCOCK

O'Rourke is holed up in his meat shop. Shannon gathered a force as soon as he wasreleased. Somewhere he got guns.

DAVISGuns? As in lasers?

HITCHCOCKAnd bullet guns.

DAVISIt'll be a bloodbath.

HITCHCOCK

WNN got a few pictures. Shots were fired less than five minutes ago.

DAVISCatherwright and Wilmette failed.

HITCHCOCKThey did the best they could. Tell them, from me, that I'm sorry.

Davis says nothing. She just kind of sits there, stunned.

HITCHCOCK


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(quietly)Take care Leia. Hitchcock out.

After Hitchcock disappears, Davis blinks once, then twice. Finally, she pressesthe comm panel on her desk.

DAVIS(in shock)

Ms. Skye?

SKYE(filtered)Yes ma'am? You all right?

DAVISPatch WNN to my office viewer.

SKYEAye ma'am.

After a moment, the vid comes alive, reflecting off Davis' face.

REPORTER(o.s.). . .but initial reports indicate heavy casualties on the attacking side. Again,for those just tuning in, Michael Shannon's crusade for justice in Belfast in thenewly formed Free Irish Republic has turned into a bloodbath. Though a protestagainst the Belfast U.E.O. base was averted, Shannon. . .

Davis slaps a switch on her desk and the screen goes dead. Numbly, she staresahead as the music fades up.

DAVIS(whispers)

My beloved Ireland(beat)When will it end?

EXT. BELFAST STREET

Look outsideSummer's lost and goneIt's a long walkOn a street of rightAnd wrongIn every inch of sadnessRocks and tanks

Go hand in hand with madnessBut I never saw a braver place, Belfast

The mob is attacking Paddy's Meat Shop. A couple cars are turned over andO'Rourke's men fire at Shannon's who have taken refuge under the platform in thecenter of the square and behind a bullet riddled truck. Four or five bodies lay inthe streets. From Shannon firing over the hood of a car pan to

INT. SEASHARK CORRIDOR

And it's sad when they sing


47/48

And hollow ears listenOf smoking black rosesOn the streets of BelfastAnd so say your loversFrom under the flowersEvery foot of this worldNeeds an inch of Belfast

Davis walks down the corridor, numb. Her hair is mussed, her uniform slightlyunzipped and wrinkled. She kind of stumbles along, leaning her left side againstthe nearest wall. Slowly, she closes her eyes, breaths deeply. Suddenly, her eyesfly open, tears streaming out of them as she glances at the bulkhead and then runsdown the corridor. As she jogs past, we see a nameplate on the door: "MelissaCatherwright." We pan to

INT. CATHERWRIGHT'S CABIN

Who's to sayOn whom heaven smilesOur different waysWe try hard to recognize

No more enchanted eveningsThe pubs are closedAnd all the ghosts are leavingBut you'll never let them shut you down,Belfast

We move over two pairs of entwined legs under the covers bearing the seaShark sealto Wilmette on top of Catherwright, covered by the blankets up to their shoulders.Wilmette kisses Catherwright and she gasps as he slips into her. We pan to

EXT. BELFAST STREET

And it's sad when they sing

And hollow ears listenOf smoking black rosesOn the streets of BelfastAnd so say your loversFrom under the flowersEvery foot of this worldNeeds an inch of Belfast

Shannon and his men fire a couple intense bursts of fire at O'Rourkes men and jumpup, jogging forward amid the flying bullets. The men, Shannon in the front, arriveat the half shattered glass at the front of the shop and Shannon knocks theremainder away, charging into the shop. Suddenly, a couple of O'Rourke's men breakthrough a side door and charge, and two of Shannon's men go down, hit by gunfire.

Shannon makes it to the street, next to one of the cars turned over for a shieldby O'Rourke's men. He lifts his gun, ready to fire, but then pauses, his mouthdropping.

SHANNON(in slow motion - we do not hear the words)You bastard!!

Pan around to reveal Chaplin and the two other Irish men from the first scene inthe meat shop. All stand with a rifle of some sort, except for Chaplin, who holdsa Beretta nine millimeter which he raises with a smile.


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CLOSE ON THE BERETTA

As Chaplin pulls the trigger once. Twice. Thrice. Four times. Five times.

ANGLE ON SHANNON

As he falls to the ground, clutching two of the bullet wounds in his chest, the

MP5 falling out of his grip.

ANGLE ON SHANNON'S HAND

An overhead shot as it comes to rest on the ground outstretched, blood poolingunder it. Suddenly, the picture turns to grainy black and white and we

PULL BACK

To reveal a newspaper photograph, black and white, of a body, two large pools ofgray, almost black blood in the chest area. The dead man is Shannon. The picturecould be Shannon transposed with his father.

PULL BACK

As the music fades to reveal a Belfast newspaper dated February 16, 2050. Theheadline blares "MASSACRE". In silence we

FADE TO BLACK

THE END

Copyright 2000 seaShark Editorial

blood in black and white

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