defiant: 103 - absolution from the dead

8/14/2019 Defiant: 103 - Absolution from the Dead

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Defiant

Episode 103

Absolution From The Dead

Written By Adam Holmberg

FADE IN:

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

The warship slowly slides into its Pearl Harbor berth.

INT. WILMETTES OFFICE DEFIANTDSV

As we pan over the room, we see Admiral Easton on the communications

screen. He seems to be inside an aircraft of some kind. Wilmette is

seated behind his desk, leaning back in his chair, sipping coffee from

his Marylandmug.

WILMETTE

How long is the conference?

EASTON

Three days, and I cant say Im looking forward to it. Its important

to address the PMR threat in light of the new data you obtained on

their Ragnaroks, but thats not what this is about. This is a bunch of

politicians trying to score points with the member nations.

WILMETTE

Its a necessary evil George the U.E.O. might act like a government,

but it isnt one, and without sponsorship itd be a bunch of submarines

dead in the water.

EASTON

I know. I just wish Hitchcock was more like Ford he knew what needed

to be done, and he let us do it. Hitchcock is a good leader, but she

lets the Senate tell her whats best for the U.E.O. especially during

armed conflict.

WILMETTE

Hitchcocks problem is thats let herself become weak. Ive read about

her what she was like when she was on the first seaQuest and she

was fiery then. I think shes let age and war temper her a little too

much so that shes become complacent. Shes become more politician than

soldier, and sometimes thats not a good thing.

(a sigh)

I think that Hitchcock is still in there, waiting for a reason to come

out again.

EASTON(regarding Wilmette)

You seem to respect her.

WILMETTE

I respect who she was, and I respect who she could be. She does her job

well now shes an excellent politician - but she could be amazing.

EASTON

I agree.


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(a beat)

So, what are you going to do with your leave?

Wilmette thoughtfully looks down at his mug for a moment. When he looks

back up, he seems slightly nervous.

WILMETTE

(quietly)Something I should have done a long time ago.

INT. BRIDGE DEFIANTDSV

The Bridge is bustling as various crew members in civvies secure their

stations, their uniformed replacements standing nearby. Wilmette, still

in uniform, strides onto the Bridge and approaches Peck who leans over

the command console, running a systems check. After a few seconds Peck

stands and nods to Wilmette.

PECK

Everything is running just fine. I think were good to go.

WILMETTE(a slight nod)

Very good. Has the skeleton crew been briefed?

PECK

Yes sir.

(nodding around the Bridge)

Theyre all present and accounted for. Weve got someone manning each

Bridge station, four in Engineering, and a few maintenance people.

Their relief will arrive at 0400, and so on.

(Wilmette nods approval, and Peck changes the subject)

Where are you headed?

WILMETTE

To Denver.

PECK

(amused)

Skiing?

WILMETTE

(quiet)

To seek forgiveness.

(meeting Pecks eyes)

You?

PECK

(shooting at glance toward Rusch)

Im going to ask right now.

As Peck moves toward the starboard row of stations, Landers strides

past him over to Piper, standing below Pipers station.

LANDERS

You ready?

PIPER

(pressing a few buttons, nodding to his replacement)


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Yeah. Lets get going.

As Piper makes his way behind the stations and down the stairs at the

end, Wilmette approaches the two men and grins.

WILMETTE

Now, it may just be me, but why do I sense trouble when I see the two

of you walking off this Bridge together?

Landers smiles, but it is a reserved smile. However, Piper grins from

ear-to-ear, and he shakes his head.

PIPER

Were just going to do a little innocent bar hopping. Your other

officers might go and destroy the town, but you know us James

straight as an arrow.

WILMETTE

Keep talking Barry. Im not the one wholl have to fix the hull when

your nose goes through it.

PIPER(slightly puzzled)

My nose?

WILMETTE

You ever see Pinocchio?

PIPER

Im afraid that was a little before my time.

WILMETTE

(hands on hips, wryly)

And just how old you think I am?

PIPEROld enough to know better, sir.

Both men burst out into laughter, and even Landers manages a tentative

smile.

WILMETTE

At least you remembered that sir Barry.

(patting Barry on the back)

Have a good leave.

PIPER

You too James.

Landers brusquely nods to Wilmette, and the two men move for the exit.Wilmette watches them go, then turns his attention to Peck, holding

onto the front of Ruschs station, looking expectant.

CLOSE ON RUSCH AND PECK

Rusch is finishing up a task on her console, and obviously Peck has

been waiting for her only half-patiently, though she seems not to

notice. As she finishes typing in a few commands, she rises and motions

to her replacement.


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RUSCH

All yours.

The replacement a young ensign takes Ruschs seat, and Rusch moves

behind the stations to the steps down, Peck following and meeting her

near the Command Plex. At the bottom Rusch pauses near Peck, facing him

expectantly.

RUSCH

(amused)

You want something Commander Peck?

PECK

(grinning)

I was wondering how long it would take for you to notice me.

RUSCH

(impish)

I did the second you started hanging onto my console. I figured if

youd wanted something important you would have interrupted me, but

since you didnt, I figured it could wait.(a beat)

So, what do you want?

PECK

Well, I wanted to know if you would like to have lunch with me.

Suddenly Ruschs mouth tenses and her eyes look frightened, but she

hides it well. By her station at the Command Plex, Alridge watches the

exchange with interest out of the corner of her eye.

RUSCH

(trying for nonchalance)

Are you asking me out on a date?

PECK

(noticing her discomfort)

Not a date per se just a friendly lunch so we can talk and have a

good time.

(Rusch is silent, and Peck gives her a few seconds)

Unless youre doing something else.

Ruschs gaze hits the deck, and she sighs. When she looks up, Alridge

gives her a supportive, reassuring smile.

RUSCH

(quietly)

John, I. . .

(she pauses, looks in his eyes)My last boyfriend. . .he. . .

Peck places a gentle hand on her shoulder, moves his face toward hers.

PECK

Carrie, I know we dont know each other all that well yet, but I hope

you know you can trust me when I say that I only want to have lunch

with one of my fellow officers and maybe strike up a friendship. Thats

all.


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Rusch is silent for a moment as she searches his eyes for any hint of

falsity. She doesnt find any, and she tentatively nods.

RUSCH

All right. Where do you want to meet?

CLOSE ON ALRIDGE

Smiling, pleased, as she watches Peck and Rusch. Beside her Bauer

appears, following Alridges line of sight.

BAUER

Commander Alridge?

Alridge notices Bauer and turns toward her assistant.

ALRIDGE

(absently)

Yes Ms. Bauer?

BAUERIm here to relieve you.

(a hesitant beat)

You O.K. sir?

ALRIDGE

Yes Ensign, I am.

Bauer nods, tentatively takes the Operations chair.

BAUER

Lt. Rusch is very important to you, isnt she?

Alridge regards her for a moment, nods.

ALRIDGE

(with a smile)

Yes Ensign Bauer, she is.

Bauer nods, returns the smile, and Alridge strides away. As she does we

move over the Command Plex to Wilmette, watching Alridge go. He sighs

deeply, sadly, before moving on himself. Bauer catches the expression

his sadness is not lost of her and as he departs the Bridge, she

turns to face her console, her face once again all business.

END TEASER

FADE TO OPENING SEQUENCE

ACT ONE

FADE IN

EXT. DENVER, COLORADO DAY

The air above the Mile High City is clear, only a few silver gray

clouds in the sky above the snow-capped peaks. As we pan over the glass

towers of the metropolis we find a city bustling yet still peaceful.


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Wilmette nods, moving inside the home. Perkins shuts the door behind

him.

INT. PERKINS HOME FOYER

Wilmette slips off his jacket to reveal his uniform minus his rank

pins. Brad takes the coat and hangs it in the closet. Wilmette glancesaround, taking in a well-tended, welcoming home with polished wood

floors and plenty of care.

Brad

Do you want a drink Captain Wilmette?

WILMETTE

Its James sir, please, and no, Im fine.

BRAD

Well then James, its Brad, and Id appreciate if youd knock off that

sir crap my daughter was the one in the navy.

Wilmette is taken aback, and he simply looks at Brad, not sure how torespond. Brad fixes him with a hard stare.

BRAD

That was a joke James. If I was going to shoot you, I would have done

it by now.

Wilmette nods, and Brad moves into the living room, Wilmette right

behind.

EXT. PEARL HARBOR U.E.O. BASE DAY

We move over the base, which is an exotic mix of the brick architecture

on older rectangular buildings and the newer streamlined cement

buildings which cannot be more than ten years old. The effect is a

merging of history and cutting-edge modernism.

As me move past the cement walls surrounding the base, we arrive in

Oahu, a teeming city of modern glass and steel, older red brick, and

Japanese-influenced shops here and there. The streets are filled with

cars and people, many of whom are U.E.O. personnel on shore leave.

EXT. ARIZONA STREET OAHU, HAWAII

A crowded, narrow street of trendy boutiques and classy restaurants.

Peck, dressed in blue jeans and a leather jacket, emerges from The

Shipping News, a store specializing in naval memorabilia, carrying a

shopping bag with the stores logo of a Tall Ship pounded by ragingseas. He moves among the other shoppers, some in civilian clothes and

some in uniform, toward the busy intersection.

RUSCH

(OS)

Hey John!

Peck is roused from his thoughts by Ruschs shout. He pauses, doing a

one eighty looking for her.


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RUSCH

John dont waste your breath. I wouldnt know a Sony from a horse.

PECK

Hey, its a top-of-the-line system. I paid a good three months salary

to replace it.

RUSCHReplace it?

Peck nods, losing a little bit of the boyishness.

PECK

Yeah my old one went down with the Ag. Ive been rebuilding it ever

since.

RUSCH

The Agamemnon?

(Peck nods)

You were first officer, right?

PECKThats right. She was a hell of a boat I always imagined theyd

promote Captain Matthews soon enough and shed be mine, but then the

Carrots sunk her.

(a sigh)

You know, they always talk about how bad it feels to lose your boat,

but you never believe it never understand what theyre talking about

until it actually happens.

Rusch lets the silence drag as the two of them stop, waiting for the

go sign at the crosswalk. After a few seconds it turns green and the

two move across among the other shoppers and businesspeople.

RUSCH

Ive never lost a boat John. A couple times while I was on theBaltimore during the Carrot War we came close, but we always made it. I

cant imagine what it feels like.

PECK

Your boat becomes home to you thats why its so hard for some people

to come back home at the end of the day. The Captain has that problem

he has no home other than Defiant.

RUSCH

I feel for him sometimes. He seems so happy with his duty, but I

sometimes feel like its all he has. I dont know about his family, but

I know that since we launched last June he hasnt gone to see anyone on

leave except Admiral Easton and that Brisbane Farenheit person.

Peck nods, moving toward a doorway over a restaurant.

PECK

He doesnt speak of anyone else. I dont think he talks to his family

anymore I imagine after the MarylandIncident its hard to.

RUSCH

Thats why I get so mad at Laurie sometimes I know shes angry about

what happened to Ali, but she doesnt seem to understand the price hes


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paid for it. He lost his fiance, his boat, and his command all in one

shot, and overnight he went from the U.E.O.s hero to one of its

greatest villains - or scapegoats depending on your perspective.

Peck nods, glancing at the doorway to his right.

PECK

Listen, its only eleven oclock, but would you mind if we continuedthis discussion over an early lunch? Im kind of hungry.

Rusch glances at the sign above the restaurant, which reads Carlyles

Fine Seafood and Steak, and fixes a look on Peck.

RUSCH

And I suppose the fact that we just happened to walk down the street

and arrive here is a big coincidence on your part?

PECK

(an impish grin)

I plead the Fifth maam.

Rusch laughs and gestures toward the door.

RUSCH

Well make the most of this coincidence then and go inside. Youre

buying though.

PECK

Hey I never agreed to that!

RUSCH

(grinning from ear-to-ear, walking away)

Then Ill find my own place to eat.

Peck playfully grabs her wrist and steers her back toward the entrance

of the restaurant.

PECK

(releasing her hand, pleading)

O.K. Im buying.

Rusch moves for the door, Peck right behind.

RUSCH

I knew youd see it my way.

We pull away from the ornate front entrance of Carlyles and above the

city, descending on a street two blocks east. We move in toward a brick

bar front that reads The Silver Cork on a beaten, weathered sign in

the shape of a wine bottle with a chipped silver cork.

INT. THE SILVER CORK

The walls are covered in faded country music posters intermixed with

various liquor bottles with peeling labels and painted silver corks

chipping in their necks. The seats are done in wrinkled black leather,

and tables are unvarnished, beaten wood. Most of the patrons look rough

commercial sailors, dockworkers, and assorted blue collar types.


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LANDERS

(motions, bottle in hand)

You dont want to hear it.

PIPER

Try me.

Landers considers him, looking in his eyes.

LANDERS

You sure man?

PIPER

Id really like to hear it.

LANDERS

You wont pass judgment?

PIPER

Mike, we all have baggage in our past. Good or bad, its who we are now

that counts.

(a beat)Whats past is past. I wont judge you for what you did or who you were

then.

After a few seconds Landers breaks eye contact and nods, satisfied.

LANDERS

During high school I was always known as a dog. They always said, With

Mike all you land is a one-night stand. They were right I had

problems with commitment. Big problems. Our front door was a revolving

one, and it seemed like as soon as I got close to whoever was living

with us whether she married him or not hed just take off.

(he takes a swig)

Well, before I knew it high school was over and I was out in the real

world. I told everybody I knew what was up I was going to be apsychologist. Truth is, I picked it because psych in high school had

been a blow-off class. I was scared man scared to death that Id

crash and burn like most of moms deadbeat husbands.

PIPER

And you didnt have many friends.

LANDERS

I had plenty of friends. Of course, I never heard from them after

graduation never saw them again. Except one.

Landers grins, and Piper can see whats coming next.

PIPERWhat was her name?

LANDERS

Amy Holden. She was in my class beautiful, smart, and popular. Number

four in the class, captain of the cheerleading squad, and on the

Student Council. What I liked about her though was she was really down

to earth very sincere and thoughtful. I got to know her right before

graduation, and we slept together, of course, but she was the first

person Id slept with in two years that came back.


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LANDERS

Thanks man. Usually I get it a lot worse.

PIPERS

(shrugging)

I dont judge Mike. We all make mistakes, and its not up to me to

judge those mistakes, especially when the people who made them are nowdoing good.

(off Landers expression)

Your mistake is sad I feel sorry for Amy but what you do now in the

U.E.O. is a benefit. Your mistake compelled you to do good. How can I

judge that?

Landers thoughtfully nods, and Piper takes a sip of his drink just as a

tall, unshaven man appears on his left, staring him down. The man, Tom,

looks to be in his early thirties, and hes about as big as Piper. He

speaks with a Southern drawl.

PIPER

Do you have a problem?

TOM

Just a U.E.O. pig sitting in my seat.

As Landers fixes a hard stare on Tom, four rough-looking men appear

behind the U.E.O. officers. All of them look like theyre looking for a

fight. Piper rises from his seat and gets in Toms face, oblivious to

his friends. The bartender races over and gets between them.

BARTENDER

Look Tom, if you want a fight, get the hell out of my bar.

PIPER

(ignoring him)

And whats your problem with the U.E.O., dock rat?

TOM

Just that you all should mind your own damned business. You bust into

places you dont belong, run over the legitimate government, and do as

you please when we strike back.

Before Piper can say anything else, Landers taps him on the shoulder.

LANDERS

Uh, Barry, maybe we should walk away from this one.

Piper looks at him, and Landers motions to Toms friends. Piper looks

them over, then bores his eyes into Toms.

PIPER

As far as Im concerned, youre just another Carrot piece of sh. . .

Before Piper can finish, Tom slugs him right in the jaw. One of Toms

friends, a short, well-muscled black man, swings at Landers, but the

security chief ducks at the last second and grabs the mans fist,

sending him to the floor with a strong uppercut.

Some of the patrons rush out of the bar, and the bartender is shouting


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for the men to break up the fight, but it has escalated into an all-out

brawl.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

EXT. PERKINS HOME DENVER, COLORADO DAY

The sun hides behind a cloud over the city.

INT. PERKINS HOME LIVING ROOM

A beautiful room done is blues and whites. Brad is seated on a massive

couch Wilmette across from him in a light blue easy chair. It is

evident that the silence has been hanging for some time now.

BRAD

(clearing her throat, awkward)

So, are you here on shore leave?

Wilmette notes that Brad is also tense, and it relaxes him a bit.

WILMETTE

(carefully)

Yes. A few days ago we fought a Ragnarok thats the PMRs primary

attack sub.

BRAD

(a nod)

I read about it in the papers. You sunk it, boarded it, and got some

information on it before it blew up in your faces. Did I get it right?

WILMETTE(a slight smile)

Pretty much. Some of my crew wasnt happy going over there they

thought I was on some kind of personal vendetta. . .

BRAD

(blunt)

Were you?

WILMETTE

(a thoughtful beat)

I might have been. Looking back, it might have been a foolish risk, but

it was one I was willing to take. We needed that data on those ships

we need to know their weaknesses if were going to have a chance to

beat them.

BRAD

(not accusatory)

And you went along because you wanted to see your enemy face-to-face.

(Wilmette nods, and Perkins smiles, warmly)

Jen used to write home about how frustrated you got sometimes during

the PMR police action. Especially those three months in 2045. . .

WILMETTE


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(faintly smiling)

August, September, and October. The PMR got their act together then

they had their best commanders on the battlefield, and they were always

two steps ahead of us. Marylandwould get a report of this colony

attacked or that ship sunk, and wed arrive after the battle. . .always

after. In one month we actually got fired on once, and that was a

crippled destroyer that was left behind that didnt have a chance

anyway.(Wilmette sighs, running his hand through his hair)

The disadvantage of being a submariner is that you so rarely see the

face of the enemy.

(Perkins nods understanding)

Many times. . .most of the time, hes just a dot on a screen or a ship

on the viewer. You cant hear the inflections in his voice or look into

his eyes or see the terror or resolution or despair on his face when

you take his life.

The air hangs silent for a moment, and Brad rises, moving into the

kitchen to get a drink.

BRAD

(standing in the doorway)Are you sure you dont want anything?

WILMETTE

Actually, do you have a Coke?

BRAD

(from in the kitchen)

Ill get you one.

As we hear him open the refrigerator, Wilmette rises and begins to look

over the photographs on the mantle over the fireplace.

CLOSE ON PHOTOGRAPHS

As we pan over them we see pictures of Brad and Linda Perkins at their

wedding, at various events, and a few with a younger Jennifer. As we

move left we find Jennifers senior picture, her picture from U.E.O.

Academy Graduation, a picture of Ensign Jennifer Perkins in her first

U.E.O. officers uniform, and Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins, both in

her uniform in front of Marylandberthed at Pearl Harbor and in a copy

of the MarylandCommand Crew photograph we have seen in Wilmettes

office.

WIDE ON WILMETTE

His eyes riveted on the Marylandphoto. Behind him Brad emerges from

the kitchen holding two glasses of Coca Cola. He stops to watch

Wilmette, and waits for a few seconds before speaking.

PERKINS

We have a few of you and Jenny in our bedroom. We used to keep her

favorite the one from leave at Post Seattle out here, but one of

Jennys friends actually knocked it off one day, so we decided to keep

them in a safe place.

Wilmette nods, almost to himself, as Brad approaches. He turns and


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accepts the drink from Brad, and the two men sit once again. Brad takes

a drink from his glass, and Wilmette unconsciously drains half the cup

before setting it down on the coffee table. He folds his hands and

fixes his eyes on Brad.

WILMETTE

Can I ask you a blunt question?

BRAD

Do I hate you?

(Wilmette nods)

No James. Not at all.

Wilmette looks surprised, waits for him to continue. Perkins sits up

and leans toward Wilmette.

BRAD

(sincere)

You came here seeking absolution. Looking to bury a few demons is how

you put it.

(Wilmette nods, pain and guilt in his eyes)Our daughter died five years ago, and the pain is still so sharp. Every

Christmas we sit at that table, waiting for her to come home. . .

(his voice falters)

Waiting for her laugh and her smile. Every year we wait, even though we

know shell never be coming home again.

(a heavy beat as his eyes hit the floor)

My daughter is dead James, but she died doing her duty. That doesnt

make it any easier I wish so much that I could say it did.

(looking straight in James eyes)

But, thats how she died doing her duty to the people she took an

oath to protect. You made a mistake James youve acknowledged that on

more than one occasion. A lot of innocent people died people who were

in the way of the PMR. Thats tragic. But I have to ask you and be

honest with me how many of them would have died anyway?

CLOSE ON WILMETTE

His mouth tense, his eyes wet. Those eyes never leave Brads.

WILMETTE

(his voice shaking)

I. . .I cant. . .

(swallowing, steadying himself)

I really dont know. It was three to one, but. . .

BRAD

(taking a step forward, his eyes fixed on Wilmettes)No James you know. You know, whether you want to admit it or not.

(a beat to let this sink in)

Youre a man on honor James, and I would have been proud to call you my

son-in-law. Hell James, Id be proud to call you my son.

(he reaches out and squeezes Wilmettes arm)

I mean that James.

Wilmette nods and looks away. Brad steps forward and lays a gentle hand

on his shoulder. When Wilmette turns back, tears are running down his


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face.

WILMETTE

(he wipes the tears away and meets Brads eyes)

I have no home Brad the sea is my home. Its in my blood, in my

bones. (Brad nods)

I joined the U.E.O. because I knew how to fight, and I wanted to

protect those who couldnt fight, and those who had no voice, and those

who couldnt use that voice for fear of retribution against themselves

and their families. Noble? Yes, but Id rather be noble and a fool than

wrong and a prince any day.

BRAD

(smiling)

You said that in 2042.

WILMETTE

(allowing a slight smile to cross his face)

I did, didnt I?

(a beat)

I did just that for almost fourteen years. . .until Ganges Colony. AtGanges. . .

(a long, sad sigh)

At Ganges I set myself in front of those colonists, and they paid the

price along with me. And Jennifer.

BRAD

No James, they didnt. You know it, and I know it.

WILMETTE

(stubbornly)

No! Thats not true! Damn it, thats not true!

Wilmette stalks off across the room, and Brad watches him.

BRAD

You know Im right James thats why youre fighting me. When you

knocked on my door, I saw a man that needs absolution, but not from me.

WILMETTE

(resolute)

Its not from myself. Ive forgiven myself. I forgave myself when I

went back to Marylandlast October. I saw her shuttle again, and I

stood on that Bridge and relieved that again. I faced my pain, and I

forgave myself.

BRAD

And maybe thats when you saw the truth James. When you went back andsaw that ship again maybe you realized that youre not guilty of the

crime youve convicted yourself of.

Tears are streaming down Wilmettes face, and there is as much rage in

his eyes as there is pain.

WILMETTE

(almost pleading)

No, I have to be guilty. Dont you see that? I have to be guilty.


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Wilmette breaks down in tears at this point, and Brad walks over to him

and gentle hugs his, letting him cry a little. After a few moments,

Wilmette recovers and wipes his eyes, and Brad steps away, meeting his

eyes.

BRAD

James, the only thing youre guilty of is trying to save my daughter.

How can I blame you for that? You put your ship, a colony, and your own

career at risk on a gambit to save your fianc, my daughter. You loved

her a whole lot that doesnt even need saying and what you did, you

did for love.

WILMETTE

But it didnt work.

BRAD

No, it didnt, but she was dead either way. Thats a hard thing to

admit it certainly was for me, but youve got to admit it.

(a beat)

James, you dont need absolution from me. I dont have anything toforgive you for.

WILMETTE

(thoughtful)

Then who needs to forgive me?

BRAD

Jennifer.

WILMETTE

(almost challenging)

And hows she going to do that?

BRAD

Maybe you havent looked hard enough.

As Wilmette fixes him with a puzzled look, we

CUT TO

INT. CARLYLES SEAFOOD AND STEAK

Even though it isnt quite noontime, the light, airy, modern interior

of the restaurant is abuzz in the conversation of businesspeople and

U.E.O. crewmen, uniformed and otherwise. As we pan over the room, we

follow a waiter in a white and black carrying two glasses one of

orange juice and one of Coke. After a few moments he reaches a tablefor two on the far side of the restaurant with a clear view of the

front picture windows.

Seated at the table are Peck and Rusch, their bags at their sides. The

two are in the middle of a conversation Rusch is grinning as Peck

tells her a story. Both nod a thanks to the waiter as he sets the juice

in front of Rusch and the Coke in front of Peck.

PECK


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So, Barry sent a couple of his people to go check it out again. The

Captain was starting to get a little pissed after all, this had been

going on at about the same time every day for four days.

RUSCH

Now, this was right after you launched?

PECK

(nodding)

About a week after.

(he takes a sip)

So, of course the Engineering team I think it was Shuster and someone

else came up empty, and that got Barry pissed. You know how thorough

he is. As soon as they called back that everything was normal by this

time theyd swept every inch of ductwork on Deck Two Barry went out

himself to search and came up empty, and you can imagine what that did

to his disposition.

RUSCH

If theres anything Barry hates, its a puzzle he cant solve.

PECK

So, the next day he was ready. In the morning, he roused his whole team

and made plans for all of them to, on his signal, fan out over every

inch of ductwork on Deck Two that fed into the Bridge. So, the minute

we heard the noise on the Bridge Piper signaled his people, and at 1504

on June 25, 2051, the entire contingent of Defiants Engineering

Team. . .well, you can imagine what Deck Two looked like when they were

done.

Rusch lightly laughs and nods.

RUSCH

Did they find the problem?

PECK

Thats the real funny part. A Lt. Anders Lana Anders found the

cause of the noise.

(a beat)

She opened up a maintenance closet on Deck Two and found a vent access

in the wall open. Inside were two lieutenants a guy from Operations

and a woman from Helm. They were. . .well, Im sure you can fill in the

blank.

Ruschs eye go wide, and she covers her mouth.

RUSCH

(shocked)You mean. . .they were. . .on duty?

PECK

I think thats what made the Captain madder than anything. He doesnt

have any problem with officer relationships on submarines hes been

in two of them, after all but letting it get in the way of duty. . .

RUSCH

That goes against his principles. Thats one thing that struck me my


21/53

first few weeks aboard his dedication to honor and duty.

PECK

Needless to say, he made examples of Lt. Burton and Lt. Dellio. He had

Landers throw them in the Brig, and he let them sit there for a couple

days. Then, at about 1500 the third day he had Lauren and I come to his

office, and he had Landers and Green Lon Green was his assistant back

then escort them up armed.

RUSCH

Armed?

PECK

He acted like they were guilty of treason, not fooling around in a

vent. A lot of the crew were sympathetic they didnt think what the

two did was right. . .

RUSCH

And you need the COs approval, which they didnt have.

PECKYeah, but everyone thought he was being too harsh on them.

RUSCH

Did you?

Peck is silent for a moment, then he nods.

PECK

Yeah, I did. I understood where he was coming from. . .but anyway,

these two get to his office, and he makes them stand at attention in

manacles for about a minute or so, and theyre as uncomfortable as hell

and Landers and Green are right behind them holding laser rifles, and

he finally finishes up reading the report he was reading and he comes

over and dresses them down. I mean, boy is he mean.

(a beat as he sips his drink)

So, he finally lets up and he asks them for their side, and what does

Lt. Burton. . .

RUSCH

Lt. Burton was the guy, right?

PECK

(nods)

What does Lt. Burton tell him?

(a beat)

He says, Captain youre a man. You know how it is to be stuck on a

sub, cut off. . . and the Captain backhanded him. He went down, and hehad Landers escort them back to their cells. A couple days later he had

Mr. Wong put Dellio up for transfer, and he had Burton court-marshaled

for insubordination. Burton filed a complaint with Easton, but nothing

happened on it I think Easton had Landers put him on the line, and

that didn't go so well. Laurie had him cleaning restrooms until we

dropped him off at Pearl a few days later. They didnt have enough to

kick him out, so I think they have him greasing engines or something

now.


22/53

The two are silent as the waiter brings out their food a steak for

Peck and a plate of shrimp for Rusch. He also has refill drinks for

them, and they thank him and dig in.

RUSCH

(savoring her first shrimp)

Mmmm delicious. Hows yours.

Peck, mouth full of steak, nods approval as he chews the meat up. The

two begin to dig in, eating as they talk.

RUSCH

Can I ask you a question?

(Peck nods)

The incident with the lieutenants how did Laurie feel about that?

PECK

(considering her before speaking)

Can I be blunt here?

RUSCH(anticipating)

You arent happy with Laurie what shes doing to the Captain.

PECK

No, Im not.

RUSCH

(a long sigh)

Neither am I. Shes been way out of line a lot more than once,

and. . .well, I look at his eyes. I mean, I know he lets it, but still.

. .

(a beat, angrily)

She shouldnt do that!

PECK

I know, and Im afraid Im going to be the one stuck in the middle.

RUSCH

How so?

PECK

One of these days, shes going to go too far. . .hell, she has. But he

lets her, and its got me in a hell of a bind. I hear a lot of people

whispering behind my back, asking why I dont do something. But, if I

do and he gets mad. . .

(a beat)

It hasnt done anything too bad hasnt affected anything yet, but thefact is, shes undermining her captains authority, and hes letting

her. It doesnt do much for morale, but as its been less than two

months since the PMR went public, and you have to have a firm chain of

command in battle.

RUSCH

Shes so consumed by hate, and its almost as if shes forgotten how to

do anything else. He got Ali killed, but he didnt kill her, and when I

tell her that she stops listening. She doesnt want to listen.


23/53

PECK

People get stuck in cycles cycles of abuse, of pain, of jealousy, and

of hatred, and it becomes very difficult to break out of those.

(a reflective beat)

Captain Matthews talked about Commodore Wolenczak with me sometimes,

and she always mentioned the cycles he got himself stuck in. Hes seen

a lot of pain more than a lot of people should have to and its

stuck with him, changed him. In the end, thats why he got out he

woke up one morning and realized he didnt know the face in the mirror

anymore, so he got out.

RUSCH

I think Lauries like that shes forgotten who she used to be. She

was such a neat person she was so serious, so focused, and yet when

she liked you she could be so warm and caring.

(grinning with the memory)

She loved the sea loved the beauty of it. Thats why she was going to

sign up with the U.E.O. she wanted to go to the sea. Then, I think

she was afraid to go in afraid to be in Alis shadow, so she decided

to run off and be a marine biologist or some silly thing like that.(the smile disappears, and she almost seems to shiver)

One day I turned on the TV and there was Vince Matson that WNN

reporter that died a couple years back in Azania, you remember him?

Well, there he was, and he was telling those of us who had tuned in

late that apparently Ganges Colony was attacked, and it was reportedly

totally destroyed in a massive explosion of some kind, possibly

nuclear. Marylandhad engaged a PMR fleet around the colony when it was

destroyed, and there was no word. . .

(a painful beat)

Laurie came home early from school she was in college then, and she

got off early and when she came home I had to tell her that they had

just announced that Marylandwas lost with over a hundred of its crew,

and Ali was one of them.

(a tear leaking out of her eye)

I had to tell my best friend that her sister was dead. My God John

you should have seen her. They were so close, and. . .part of her died

that day. You should have seen her eyes John. . .

Peck places a gentle, comforting hand on hers and gives her a warm

smile.

PECK

Ive seen it - more than Id like.

(he lets the silence hang for a moment, then, boyishly:)

So, hows your shrimp?

Rusch gives him a look the question was totally unexpected and thenshe bursts out laughing. Peck follows suit, until both of them are

turning heads.

INT. PERKINS HOME LIVING ROOM

Wilmette has regained most of his composure, and he and Brad are seated

on the couch, having a conversation.

BRAD


24/53

So, you knew this Captain Anslow?

WILMETTE

(nodding)

He was captain of the Achilles for a few years that was one of the

last Brisbane class subs in service when he decided to defect to the

PMR.

BRAD

Should I remember this? I dont. . .I dont think I remember him.

WILMETTE

No. U.E.O. Command kept it pretty hushed up it would have been really

bad for morale, and we didnt need to morale to get any lower at the

time. He wasnt the best captain Ive ever seen, but he was a good man.

Its a shame really.

BRAD

Why did he defect?

WILMETTEHe because friends with a PMR spy we never learned who and this spy

was apparently a Mac patriot. I dont know what he said to this day,

but he convinced Anslow that we were the bad guys, and at the Battle of

Erin Point he fired on and sunk the Massachusetts. He then hopped in a

shuttle and boarded a Pegasus nearby and got the hell out of there. I

never understood that.

Off screen we hear a door unlatch and open, and someone enters bringing

the rustle of shopping bags. Brad and Wilmette rise in greeting, and

Brad smiles at her.

BRAD

Honey, this is. . .

LINDA

(OS, slightly shocked)

Captain James Wilmette.

We pan to reveal Linda Perkins, a pretty woman in her mid-fifties with

brown hair and arresting eyes. She holds two grocery bags with a

Meijers logo on the side.

LINDA

(cont)

I know who the captain is, though I never expected to see him in my

living room.

WILMETTE

Ms. Perkins, I. . .

BRAD

(cutting him off)

James has come to apologize for his transgressions against us Linda.

LINDA

(looking Wilmette over, confused)


25/53

Why? What transgressions?

(she shifts the bags in her arms)

Would you mind helping me with these, and then we can talk?

Brad moves to help her, and Wilmette follows suit, grabbing a bag from

her.

LINDA

Captain Wilmette, that isnt necessary.

WILMETTE

Its James maam, and I insist.

Linda considers him, finally nodding.

LINDA

Well then, lets bring them to the kitchen, and well talk there.

(as they move toward the back of the house)

You want something to drink.

Wilmette and Brad trade smiles, and he shakes his head.

WILMETTE

No thank you maam. Your husbands been taking good care of me.

INT. CARLYLES SEAFOOD AND STEAK

Rusch and Peck are finishing up their meals, and the waiter refills

their drinks as Peck gobbles up the last bite of his steak.

WAITER

(with a smile)

You enjoy your steak, sir?

PECK

Yes I did. Excellent as always.

WAITER

Fantastic.

(to both of them)

Do you want some dessert?

PECK

Not at all still have the baked potato to finish.

WAITER

You maam?

RUSCH

Ask me again in five minutes.

The waiter nods and departs, and Peck and Rusch smile at each other in

a way they werent smiling an hour ago.

PECK

So, you enjoy your lunch?


26/53

RUSCH

(impishly)

Very much. The food was excellent, the conversation wasnt too bad. . .

(with a chuckle, Peck tosses his napkin at her, which she deflects)

And I enjoyed getting to know you.

PECK

(he tries to hide a great deal of joy)

You mean that?

RUSCH

Yes I mean that. I wouldnt still be here if I didnt mean it.

(she looks out the window, away from his eyes)

John, I. . .I. . .

(suddenly a bar stool flies past the window, and her eyes go wide, her

mouth dropping open)

What the hell?

As Peck follows her gaze out the window, Piper and Landers run by,

followed by two of the gentlemen from the bar we last saw them at. Peck

and Rusch look at each other in surprise, then leap to their feet andrace for the door, the others in the restaurant watching with interest

and shock.

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

EXT. CARLYLES SEAFOOD AND STEAK

Outside Peck and Rusch look around for their comrades, and they spot

them and start running, passing the bar stool which lays broken on the

sidewalk.

Piper and Landers and the two Carolinian sympathizers have been stopped

at the end of the block and are being questioned by a man and a woman,

both in their early thirties officers of the Oahu Police Department.

The man, Officer Schmidt, looks over Peck and Rusch as they come to a

halt.

SCHMIDT

(half annoyed, half bored)

Yes?

PECK

(indicating Piper and Landers)I want to know what theyve done.

SCHMIDT

And you are. . .?

Peck pulls out his wallet and fishes out his U.E.O. ID, presenting it

to the officers.

PECK


27/53

Commander John Peck, Executive Officer, Defiant DSV.

Schmidts partner, Officer Collins, doesnt look to impressed. Schmidt

reads the ID and gives it back to him.

SCMIDT

Youre their superior officer?

PECK

Thats right.

SCHMIDT

(accepting this without comment)

From what Ive been hearing, your men here got themselves in a bar

fight with these other two and their friends.

One of the Carolinian sympathizers a rough whiskered man in a tank

top steps forward toward Schmidt.

MAN

These U.E.O. pigs called my friend Tom a Carrot piece of. . .

PIPER

(cutting him off)

Only after you called me a U.E.O. pig.

Peck turns a bit red and gets between them, his gaze digging into

Pipers eyes.

PECK

Thats enough Mister! Now, tell me what happened the truth.

PIPER

Sir, Landers and I were at a bar, having a drink and minding our own

business when a group of Carolinian sympathizers ganged up on us and

started a fight.

PECK

Who hit first?

PIPER

They did sir.

Peck gets in his face, really close to his eyes.

PECK

You sure about that Mister?

PIPER

(not even flinching)

Yes sir, it was self-defense.

Peck stares him down for a few seconds more, then looks to Landers, who

nods assent. Peck nods and looks to Officer Schmidt. Schmidt turns his

gaze on the other two.

SCHMIDT


28/53

Is that how it happened? You a Carrot sympathizer?

The man fixes an angry look on the U.E.O. officers, and on Schmidt.

MAN

(angry)

Im a Carolinian sir.

SCHMIDT

Sorry but we kicked their ass a couple years ago. You remember that?

President Ross jumped out a window like the sorry coward she was.

The man turns red and makes as if hes going to strike, but when

Collins reaches for her shock stick, he thinks the better of it. His

friend just looks at the pavement.

SCHMIDT

Commander Peck, I could make this official and call Pearl Harbor, but I

really dont want to do that. Im just going to let this slide, but I

need your word that the rest of your mens shore leave will be peaceful.

PECK

(eyeing Piper and Landers)

Well, thats up to them. Gentlemen?

PIPER

(eyeing the other two men)

If they agree to walk away, so will I.

MAN

(hatred filling his eyes)

We will.

PIPER

Then so will I.

PECK

Mr. Landers?

LANDERS

You know I will sir.

SCHMIDT

(to Piper and Landers)

Then youre free to go. Just dont make me have to bust you again.

The two Carolinian patriots walk away, and Schmidt calls in an all-

clear on his radio as the Defiant officers walk back toward therestaurant. Outside to doors the waiter waits, and Peck nods to him.

PECK

Be with you in a minute.

(the waiter nods understanding and goes back inside, and Peck fixes

Piper and Landers a look)

Now, before you start telling me that they were just Carrots and they

started it, Im going to remind you that if Captain Wilmette were here,

neither of you would be getting off this easy, and this is really easy.


29/53

Pipers anger has cooled a bit, and Landers looks rather embarrassed.

LANDERS

I. . .its my fault. Yes, they hit first and we were just defending

ourselves, but the fight could have been prevented. The guy was

provoking Barry, but I didnt try to stop it.

Peck is silent for a moment. He looks around, running his hands through

his hair.

PECK

I probably should tell the Captain about this, but I think this is one

case that what he doesnt know wont kill him. But promise me I wont

have to be taking a trip by the stockade later to bail you out.

PIPER

You wont John, and for what its worth, Im sorry. I really am, but he

made my blood boil. The Carolinian War is over, but. . .

PECK(his face darkening)

I lost my ship and almost lost my captain to them. I know how it feels

Barry, but you cant let it get you. If you do if you lash out at

them when they provoke you, you become as bad as they are. Ross started

that war for power, for control, and she got a lot of good people

killed before we took the Carrots down, but in the end we destroyed

them. Theyre a bitter, defeated people those that actually still

support her government and by lashing out at them we only give them

credibility they lost.

(Piper is silent for a moment, then nods assent)

Now, Ms. Rusch and I would like to finish our lunch. Can I trust youll

find a friendlier part of town and stay out of trouble?

Both men nod, and Landers grasps Pipers shoulder.

LANDERS

Come on Barry I know a good place.

As the two walk away, Peck and Rusch watch them go, then go back inside

the restaurant to finish their meal.

EXT. DENVER, COLORADO

The mid-afternoon sun is reflected by the glass towers downtown.

INT. PERKINS HOME KITCHEN

The shopping bags are gone, and the Perkins and Wilmette are seated at

a small, round wooden table in the center of the kitchen, which is done

in white with beautiful flowers painted all around. Brad and Linda

listen attentively as Wilmette finishes telling them about Defiant.

WILMETTE

. . .and my crew has settled in well. Youre always a little tense for

the first six months or so thats when personality conflicts are most

likely to emerge and when, if something big is going to break down it


30/53

will. But, the ship has functioned well especially with all the

combat its seen.

LINDA

James, if I may ask how do you remember the Maryland?

WILMETTE

What do you mean?

LINDA

When you went back to her last October, how did you feel?

Wilmette considers for a moment, remembering.

WILMETTE

Well. . .it hurt. I think what really made it hurt was that she was

just the way I left her. Everything below Deck Three was severely

irradiated and flooded, and she was holed in a lot of places. We

patched a generator into the power grid, and it worked just fine. My

office was exactly as I had left it the stack of reports waiting for

my signature. When we hit bottom after I decided to scuttle her, I wentback to my office to get a few things, and I found this painting on my

wall knocked over onto the couch, and that was still there. The Bridge.

. .

(a beat)

I sat in my seat, and. . .it all came back. All these emotions all

this pain I thought I had forgotten all came back, and I relived that

day that day I lost my ship and the love of my life.

LINDA

The day you say you got Jennifer killed?

WILMETTE

(meeting her eyes)

Yes.

LINDA

James, Brad and I dont blame you for what happened. I want you to

understand that. Oh, at first we got really mad at you we hated you

in fact. The whole U.E.O. hated you you messed up and got Ganges

Colony destroyed as surely as if youd have pulled the trigger yourself.

WILMETTE

Is that so wrong Linda?

LINDA

Yes James, it is. You want to tell me and you are pretty much the

best Tactician since George S. Patton, so you should know this thatyou could have stopped a three-submarine force that performed a

suicidal raid on a colony that you had, by your own admission, left

wide open. Do you actually expect me to believe that?

WILMETTE

The fact is maam, I left that colony wide open.

LINDA

Im sure you did, but are you guilty for its destruction?


31/53

(before Wilmette can say anything)

Guilt is a very subjective label. If it wasnt, we wouldnt have wars.

But the fact is James, youre guilty of the crime of trying to save my

daughter, and youre guilty of being human.

WILMETTE

Youre asking me to accept that what Ive been telling myself these

last five years is a lie.

BRAD

Yes, we are, and Im sure if she were here Jennifer would tell you the

same.

(a beat as Wilmette lets this sink in)

James, from the past couple hours weve spent, I can see why Jennifer

loved you. Youre a strong man and an honorable one. And, there is no

honor in living a lie.

Wilmette looks in Brads comforting eyes, then in Lindas, and he looks

away.

WILMETTE(with some pain)

Ive spent the last five years every moment living for them and for

her. They died because I wasnt in position.

LINDA

Lets say that you had been in position James. O.K.? Lets just say

that for a minute. Now, look at me James.

(he does)

Tell me what would have happened had you been in position.

(Wilmette looks away again)

They probably would have still died, wouldnt they have? Thats why you

look away you know that Im telling the truth.

BRAD

James, denial can be a beautiful security blanket. We know we did it

when Jennifer died.

(Wilmette looks up, a little shocked, and Brad looks embarrassed)

Yeah, we did. For at least a month we kept telling ourselves that it

had to be a mistake that she had to be alive. We kept saying that and

saying that until that July when they finally brought her home. We

couldnt even see her, they said she was so irradiated. They put her

in a thick lead box, and we buried her and the fantasy was shattered.

Our baby was dead.

LINDA

James, theres no shame in accepting the truth. I dont think Jennifer

would want you to do this to yourself. Youve accepted your guilt more than you really deserve and you live your life in their memory.

You carry their torch James. I think what guilt you have has more than

been absolved.

BRAD

You came here for absolution James. Absolution from who? Not from us.

WILMETTE

(frustrated, a bit frightened)


32/53


33/53

Where?

RUSCH

Standing by Bergendorfs ya goof.

(raising her voice)

Hey Laurie!! Lauren Alridge!!

Down the street, Alridge, holding a couple shopping bags, looks up and

spots Rusch, a smile appearing on her face. She begins to stride toward

Rusch and Peck, and they meet halfway.

CLOSE ON ALRIDGE, PECK, AND RUSCH

Standing in a semicircle.

ALRIDGE

Fancy meeting you two here. What were you doing?

RUSCH

Well, we had lunch at this place called Carlyles the food was simply

divine and then we went shopping. You?

ALRIDGE

Well, I saw Dana Vincent from the Baltimore remember Dana?

(Rusch shakes her head)

Short, blonde, kind of pretty.

RUSCH

Oh, yeah. Now I do she was in Operations with you.

ALRIDGE

(nodding)

She and I had a nice talk, and I went to Borders and picked up my

supply of reading material for the next couple months. Ive basically

been killing time spending some of that pay thats been adding up on me.

RUSCH

Well, that sounds fun.

(noticing something in a store window down the block)

Hey, would you give me a minute? I just saw something. . .

ALRIDGE

(with a smile)

Go ahead.

PECK

(boyishly)

I think Ms. Alridge and I can get along.

Alridge and Rusch chuckle, and Rusch rushes off down the block. Alridge

turns toward him, the remnants of the smile still on her face.

ALRIDGE

You two been having fun?

PECK

(blushing slightly)


34/53

Yes, we have.

ALRIDGE

(pleased)

Good. Shes had trouble with men for. . .well, a long time.

PECK

She hinted at that when I asked her to lunch. May I. . .?

ALRIDGE

(shaking her head)

Its not my place to tell you John. But, it was bad. Scared her off of

men ever since. She did some light dating here and there, but she

always. . .well, she usually ended up hurting the people who cared

about her. She didnt mean to she just did.

PECK

Thanks for the warning. Ive been very careful with her I dont want

to rush into anything myself. Its been awhile since Ive been in a

relationship, and the last one didnt end badly, but it didnt end as

well as I would have liked it to, and Id rather not let this one fallapart before its started.

ALRIDGE

(not a question)

You like her.

PECK

A lot. Shes a neat person so full of life. When she smiles at you,

its like the sun coming out. That might be a clich, but its a good

one.

(turning toward Alridge)

Of course, it might be good for her if youd give the Captain a break.

ALRIDGE

(rolling her eyes)

Not this crap again. I get it from you, I get it from her.

PECK

And what happens when you start undermining the chain of command?

ALRIDGE

(angry)

He killed my sister.

PECK

(meeting her eyes, mad as hell)

Says who? You?

ALRIDGE

Youre damned right.

PECK

Since when did you become such an expert on justice? Maybe he made a

mistake, but hes working his ass off to atone for it that has to

count for something.


35/53

ALRIDGE

Even when a thousand people are dead?

PECK

(resolute)

Even when.

Alridge looks away from him, disgusted, and Peck grabs her arm.

PECK

I know you sometimes dont think Im a particularly strong person, but

he is my Captain and I will protect him, and Ill protect my boat.

Dont get in my way Lauren like it or not, Im still your superior,

and there will come a point when, if he doesnt stand up to you, I will.

RUSCH

(OS)

Uh, John, Laurie?

Both of them jump slightly, unaware that they were being observed.

Rusch stands near them, eyeing both of them awkwardly.

RUSCH

(cont)

Is everything O.K.?

ALRIDGE

(coolly)

Everythings fine Carrie. I was just about to go.

RUSCH

Are you sure?

ALRIDGE

Im sure.

And she strides away, leaving Rusch very confused. Once Alridge is out

of earshot, Rusch moves to Pecks side.

RUSCH

What happened?

PECK

(placing a gentle hand on her shoulder)

Dont worry about it. Lets just have fun. This is our day.

Rusch grins deeply at this, and they move on, arm in arm.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. THE LANDING PAD OAHU, HAWAII

Its a bar and dance club not fancy, not run down. The neon sign

outside is of a space capsule landing on the Moon.

INT. THE LANDING PAD


36/53

Dark, done in purples and silvers. A bar at the far end looks out at a

dance floor where jazz blares out of the speakers to an empty house. A

few people sit at the bar, mostly businesspeople on their break.

Landers and Piper are seated at the far end of the bar, sipping bottles

of beer.

PIPER

(looking around)

Not a bad place. No rough types here.

(he sips)

Like the choice of music.

LANDERS

I love jazz, though the dance crowd prefers techno or rock something

with a beat. It amuses me if we went back in time thirty years, it

would be the same. Maybe not the same music, but the same rhythms, the

same beats.

PIPER

(noticing something, pointing)

Say that looks like. . .

He rises from his seat, moving toward the wall on their right near the

entrance to the restrooms. We follow him until he arrives at a picture

on the wall a group shot of the Defiant Command Staff. Next to it

hangs a wrench, under which is a small informational plaque.

PIPER

(to Landers)

Hey man thats my wrench! It went missing in September I set it

down and couldnt find it again. How the hell did it get here?

(a giant grin is plastered on Landers face)

What? Whats so funny?

LANDERS

(grinning ear-to-ear)

You. You were looking for that wrench for four months, and it never

occurred to you to ask the Security Chief.

PIPER

I thought your job description included missing people, not missing

wrenches.

(Landers chuckles)

What I cant figure out is how it got here.

Off screen, we hear a vid beep and muted sounds of conversation.

LANDERS(a sly look on his face)

Lets just say it just landedhere.

Before Piper can respond, the bartender, a slim man of about thirty-

five, comes over to Landers.

BARTENDER

Hey Mike sorry to disturb you, but youve got a call from a Commander

Perry at Pearl Harbor.


37/53

LANDERS

Thanks Jim. Ill be over in a minute.

(to Piper)

Ill only be a minute. Its about Scanlons replacement.

As Landers turns away, Piper grabs his arm.

PIPER

And how do they know youre here?

LANDERS

I own the place.

As Landers moves toward the bar, Pipers jaw drops.

PIPER

(to himself, in shock)

He owns this place? On his salary?

Piper shakes his head, whistles, and looks over the interior of theclub, impressed.

END ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN

INT. PERKINS HOME KITCHEN

Outside the windows, the sky is darkening as the sun sinks below the

city. As Linda chops up some vegetables for a salad, Wilmette uses a

couple heat pads to put a turkey in the oven.

LINDA

You still enjoying yourself James?

WILMETTE

Yes maam, I am.

LINDA

(stopping her cutting, turning toward him as he closes the oven door,

hands on her hips)

James, its Linda. Not maam Linda.

WILMETTE

(grinning)Yes ma. . .Linda.

LINDA

(resuming her chores)

Thats better.

Wilmette moves around her and grabs a half-empty glass of orange juice

off the counter and stands to her right, his gaze moving to the sunset

outside.


38/53

WILMETTE

Beautiful sunset.

LINDA

They usually are here.

(a beat as she pauses from her work)

Do you see many sunsets in your time on the ocean?

WILMETTE

A few, but not enough. Being on a submarine. . .

(a beat)

We used to have what we called an Observation Platform on Maryland

sometimes Jennifer and I would get up early and watch the sunrise or

sunset. Its so beautiful out there no buildings or haze or

distractions. Just you and the water and the sunlight seeming to dip

below the waves. It was so beautiful.

LINDA

(a grin)

One time when Jennifer was littler we went to Seattle that was acouple years before it became the main Pacific armory. We had a hotel

by the water, and Brad and I went to a restaurant and she wanted to

walk the beach. We agreed to meet at a certain time, but when we got

back to the hotel she wasnt there. We, of course, feared the worst,

and we went searching all over the beach. We found her about a mile

from the hotel on the end of Pier 23. When we asked her what happened,

she told us she had wanted to watch the sun go down.

After a beat, Wilmette sighs deeply.

WILMETTE

(sadly)

I miss those sunrises.

Linda grins, takes his hand.

LINDA

(deep, sincere)

So do I James. So do I.

After a moment of silence we hear the shuffling of feet on linoleum. As

Brad clears his throat, Wilmette and Linda turn to face him.

BRAD

James, you say you came here looking for forgiveness. Now, Im not sure

if its forgiveness, or a peace of mind, but I think. . .

(a beat)Well, I think Ive got something that might put you at ease.

Wilmette looks at him puzzled, but Linda takes his arm and leads him

toward the door.

LINDA

Come on James its in Jennifers room.

Wilmette is slightly uncertain, but he lets Linda and Brad lead him out


39/53

of the kitchen.

INT. ALISONS PLACE DUSK

Its not a suit and dress place, but its close. Candlelight and large

windows overlooking the Pacific complete the romantic atmosphere of the

establishment, and the sun, which has not quite begun to set, accents

Carolyn Ruschs golden hair as she sits across from Peck as they each

look through a copy of the menu.

PECK

(setting down his menu)

Well, that was easy.

RUSCH

(dividing her attention between him and the menu)

You know what you want?

PECK

Yeah. You?

Rusch sets her open menu down in front of her, bumping her water. As

she catches it, it spills a little on her menu, and Peck grabs a napkin

and wipes this up.

RUSCH

Sorry.

PECK

(setting the used napkin beside his water)

No problem. I think weve all done that before.

(a beat)

Now, did you pick something out?

RUSCH

Yeah, I did.

(she folds her hands in front of her, meeting his eyes, an impish look

on her face)

Now, I was wondering how long it would take for you to notice which

restaurant we were in.

PECK

Alisons. So? They have good chicken?

(a beat, then shock)

It wasnt. . .

RUSCH

(a chuckle)No, it doesnt have anything to do with the Maryland. I just wanted to

see the look on your face.

(Peck visibly relaxes, and Rusch chuckles)

Gotcha.

PECK

Yes, you did.

(he cracks a grin)

I didnt mind though.


40/53

He and Rusch share a grin, and the waiter arrives. They ad lib their

orders Peck orders fried chicken and Rusch orders a steak. After he

leaves, Peck folds his hands in front of himself, unconsciously

mimicking Ruschs gesture. He looks slightly self-conscious and a bit

nervous, which Rusch notices.

RUSCH

What is it?

PECK

(awkwardly)

Well, I really enjoyed today, and I hope that it. . .well, that it

doesnt end after tonight. You know. . .

(Rusch gives him a hesitant nod go on)

Well, I was wondering. . .about your last boyfriend.

Ruschs eyes hit the table, and she looks a bit hurt and a bit angry.

Peck quickly lays his hand on hers, and her eyes glaze over.

PECKCarrie, Im sorry. I didnt. . .I shouldnt. . .

RUSCH

(shaking her head vehemently)

No John, its not you. Its him.

(she gets a blank look)

I. . .I havent talked about him in a long time, even though I think of

at least once every day. He. . .he didnt rape me, but it was close

enough.

PECK

You dont have to tell me about it.

RUSCH

No I dont, and I dont really want to. . .but maybe its time. Laurie

wont let her pain go, but. . .maybe I should try. But, lets wait

until after we eat.

(meeting his eyes)

O.K.?

PECK

(a warm smile and a nod)

O.K.

Peck releases Ruschs hand, and the waiter arrives with their drinks.

INT. THE LANDING PAD NIGHT

Landers and Piper are seated at a booth near the back nursing Buds, the

after-supper crowd of couples looking for a good time and

businesspeople trying to escape their spouses collected on the dance

floor and at the bar. In this corner of the club the techno dance music

doesnt seem too loud.

LANDERS

I actually started it up with my friend Earl Sandlee, but he packed up


41/53

and went back to the mainland. He told me it was because he was

homesick, but I think it was for love. He was always getting these

letters from a Sophie Lang, and he never talked about her, but I think

their relationship hit and a few bumps, but he went back to sort it

out.

(talking a long sip of his beer)

God, I envy him.

PIPER

Youve done well for yourself Mike. Dont try to tell me otherwise.

Its like I said you started on shaky ground, but youve made a

difference. I know the Captain respects you. . .

LANDERS

The feelings not mutual.

PIPER

I respect that, man. I dont agree with it, but I respect it. But

remember - hes not the only one who thinks a lot of you. Your own men

certainly do.

LANDERS

(a long sigh)

Its lonely at the top Barry. You know what I mean?

(Piper nods)

Before I went into the regular security forces, I was. . .well, I got

into some classified stuff. Real black ops covert stuff during the Mac

War God knows there was plenty of that around.

(a beat)

Well, I was trained at the Academy by a guy named Quintis. No first

name that we knew of hell, I doubt that even was his real name. Well,

he told us that when you were on the battlefield wherever it was

you were suddenly the top guy. He said it was you and only you your

commanders have only the power that you give them.

PIPER

Not something you learn in Basic.

LANDERS

No, it isnt.

(a reflective beat)

I remember one day he took us out on. . .well, lets just say it was an

exercise. He was going to prove that to us, and he did.

(he shivers slightly)

It was bad Barry. He took us out on a mission a real mission and it

went FUBAR on us, and I think that tough son of a bitch knew it would.

Afterward he said Today you were at the top you went out and you

were the top guy on that battlefield. Lonely at the top, isnt it?(a beat)

It was spooky I thought I knew what it was like to be alone. I was

alone, and yet on that mission, for the first time I saw what alone

really was, and it scared the hell out of me. And then, I realized that

he that Quintis - was alone too.

The two men let the silence hang for a moment, then Piper finishes his

bottle and pushes it toward the center of the table.


42/53

PIPER

Did that drive you away from Section Seven?

LANDERS

It was part of it that and too much death.

PIPER

I think that weve all seen too much death.

LANDERS

Two wars and now this PMR mess. As if they didnt cause enough trouble

before.

(meeting Pipers gaze)

Thats why you respect the Captain so much, isnt it? Because hes seen

so much death.

PIPER

I respect him because hes a good man who deserves respect.

(Piper shakes his head)

I sometimes wonder how he can still do it most people would pack in

it, get a desk somewhere.

LANDERS

Not like he has that option.

PIPER

No, but he could get out. Hes my friend Mike, and I understand him

very well, but when I look in his eyes. . .

(a beat)

You ever looked into his eyes Mike? I mean really looked into them?

(Landers shakes his head)

Theyre intense man very intense. He can be a warm man, but his eyes

burn so cold.

(a beat)

Its like you said its lonely at the top.

LANDERS

(quietly, reflective)

Yes, it is.

(he takes a last sip from his beer, emptying it, and sets the bottle

next to Pipers)

We should probably check into the local Officers Quarters before they

wonder where weve gone.

Piper nods, and the two men slide from the booth, slipping their

jackets on as they walk away from us and toward the exit.

DISSOLVE TO

EXT. SHOREFRONT PEARL HARBOR U.E.O. BASE NIGHT

It is a quiet night along the coast. We follow Peck and Rusch as they

stroll hand-in-hand down the sidewalk overlooking the water on the far

side of the base. Peck wears his leather jacket, and Rusch has a pink

sweater on.

After a few moments they arrive at a rugged, weathered wooden pier, and


43/53

Peck and Rusch pause near the end.

RUSCH

Looks good to me.

(looking across the water)

Beautiful view.

PECK

Yes, it is.

We follow Ruschs gaze to reveal the lights of the U.E.O. Base across

the water, their reflection mirrored in the dark surface of the water.

It is quite pretty. The two make their way up the wooden dock, finally

sitting on the edge, their feet dangling off.

PECK

(an awkward beat)

You know, you dont have to do this.

RUSCH

(impishly)I know.

(taking his hand, serious)

John, I havent told anyone this story in. . .well, in a long time. I

need to its been too long. If I thought you werent the right guy. .

.well, you wouldnt be hearing it.

(a beat)

O.K.?

PECK

(after a moment, with a nod)

O.K.

RUSCH

(a long sigh before she begins, her eyes fixed on the water below her)

A couple months before our graduation from high school, my boyfriend

and I realized that our relationship was coming to an end. He was off

to the University of Wisconsin, and I was off to. . .well, I wasnt

sure quite where. We were pretty close, and we were both horny

teenagers I guess, so that old s-e-x word came up. Im sure you can

guess what happened next.

(Peck gives her a warm smile and squeezes her hand, and her eyes meet

his)

Well, he told me hed never done it before, and. . .I loved him John. I

thought he loved me too. We were together for awhile as high school

relationships go, and I. . .

(tears fall)

I had no reason to believe hed lie to me.

Peck cradles her with his arm, and she sobs a little before brushing

the tears away.

PECK

(softly, gently)

You dont. . .

RUSCH


44/53

(cutting him off, resolute)

About a week after. . .he didnt come to school. Earlier that year hed

had a fight with his parents and he was able to get a job from his

uncle to pay the rent on an apartment not too far from school. I had a

key, of course, and when I went his car was outside next to a red Chevy

that Id seen before. I couldnt remember where. . .

(a beat)

So, I went up and knocked on the door. I didnt get any answer, so Iunlocked it and went in. As soon as I got inside I could hear them in

the bedroom.

(a heavy beat)

The damndest thing is, I cant even remember her name now. She was a

cheerleader at school she was on the varsity squad that cheered for

the senior football team, which is how she met him. She was a junior.

She had long brown hair down to her shoulders and a pretty good body

she was about five feet four. I can remember all that, but I dont

remember her name.

PECK

Maybe thats a good thing.

RUSCH(with a smile)

It probably is Id be too tempted to find her and drop a cruise

missile or something on her. And him.

(Peck laughs)

Hey, there are perks to being the Weapons Officer on the most powerful

ship in the U.E.O. arsenal.

(they laugh together, and she lays her head against his shoulder)

So, thats what happened. Ive had trouble trusting men too closely

since then.

PECK

You trust the Captain.

RUSCHBut Im not sleeping with him. You see the difference?

(Peck nods)

Anyway, now that Ive told you I dont want it to change your opinion

of me.

PECK

Of course not!

RUSCH

No John, thats not what I mean. I mean, its in the past. It hurts me

I know I havent shown it today, but Ive had trouble around you, and

I will for awhile yet. Spilling my guts to you isnt going to clear it

up overnight. But, youve relieved it a little.

PECK

(pleased)

It has?

RUSCH

It has John. Ive gone on a couple dates before, but I wouldnt even

kiss them goodnight. You. . .

(she nods toward their interlocked hands)

I knew Id need a special man to help me work past the pain and the


45/53

fright and the mistrust. Youre a special man John. I mean that.

PECK

(turning red, but very pleased)

Thank you.

Rusch once again rests her head on his shoulder. As they share a

special moment, we pull back and

DISSOLVE TO

INT. PERKINSS HOME JENNNIFERS ROOM

A very pleasant, fairly large room done in sky blues contrasted with

white. Its not a girls room at all, but it is rather cozy and

pleasant the kind of place you could spend hours in just thinking.

A nice vid system and DVD library dominates one wall, bookshelves

another wall and a half, intermixed with a closet, a dresser, a bed,

and a nightstand with a lamp on top. Wilmette is seated on the bed,

looking around, Brad to his left. Linda is looking inside the dresser

as the three talk.

BRAD

Is it what you expected?

WILMETTE

Sort of. Better than.

(in explanation)

She loved this room she was always telling me about it, and how much

she missed it.

LINDA

(pulling out an opened envelope from the dresser)

Here it is.

(a beat)Go ahead James.

WILMETTE

(eyeing the envelope)

I think I heard every little detail about it at least twice at some

time or another. She told me how she loved to sit in here and read for

hours and hours how it gave her peace. She did a beautiful job

decorating her cabin on the Maryland, but she said it didnt compare to

this.

(a wide grin)

It doesnt compare to this.

Brad and Linda share his grin, and Linda hands him the envelope, which

he accepts and looks at, a little nervous.

BRAD

When they finally were able to cut Jennifer out of the shuttle, they

found this with her. They used what they called a dry seal to get her

out. . .

WILMETTE

(a nod)

They attach a temporary airlock to the exterior of a craft if they need


46/53

to cut into it. It was the only way they could get to her.

BRAD

Well, the paper was irradiated, of course, but they said they were able

to remove the radiation because of some experimental process they had.

They couldnt do it for something as large as. . .well, for a person,

but they could do it for this letter.

Wilmette looks at the envelope its addressed to Brad and Linda

Perkins, their Denver address below. At the top left corner is the

familiar U.E.O. crest, under it the words Office of Jonathan Ford,

Secretary General.

LINDA

It belongs to you, and we want you to have it. We didnt give it to you

until now because we didnt know how youd take it if you needed it.

Youve shown us you do.

Linda walks toward the door, and Brad rises, laying a gentle hand on

Wilmettes shoulder.

BRADWell be in the Living Room when youre done.

Brad and Linda leave, the door clicking behind them. Wilmette looks at

it, then to the envelope. With a long, nervous sigh he removes a letter

and unfolds it.

The letter is written on a piece of Marylandstationary, the sword and

diamond at the top, under which is printed Captain James Wilmette,

Commanding Officer. Wilmette runs his fingers over that phrase, then

turns his eyes to the writing a ragged feminine script. There are a

few words scratched out here and there, and some of the writing toward

the end is quite shaky.

As Wilmette reads, we hear Jennifer Perkins say the words.

JENNIFER

(VO)

Dear James,

I dont know if you will ever get this letter, but I will write it

anyway. It will give me something to focus on besides the pain.

I know James that you will blame yourself for what happened today.

Please dont James. I dont blame you. What Correy did was foolish

was suicide. He torpedoed a nuclear fusion reactor at point blank

range. Now hes dead, and youre still alive. Weve won James we

finally won.

I can hear you now - at what cost? I knew the risks when I took that

oath. I did my duty today, and Im pleased with that. Im glad that I

will die having tried to make a difference. I am glad that Ill die as

your fianc, if not your wife.

James, please forgive yourself. You did your duty maybe you were at

fault for some minor mistake, but you carried out your duty to the best

of your abilities. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

And I want you to know James, if you did do anything wrong if you


47/53

were at fault I forgive you. James, if you are holding onto this

holding onto pain or guilt, let it go. Please, let it go, if not for

your sake then for mine.

I love you James. Ill love you until the end of the world.

-Jennifer

Wilmette silently stares at the letter for a moment, and then the tears

come. They fall for a moment as he holds the letter, running his

fingers over the writing.

BRAD

(OS)

I think thats what you came for.

Wilmette starts, turning to find Brad standing in the open doorway, his

left hand behind his back.

WILMETTE

I think so too.

BRAD

(not a question)

You knew she forgave you, but you still needed to hear it.

WILMETTE

(he nods as he brushes away a tear)

Thank you.

BRAD

No problem. You want me to stay?

WILMETTE

No, but thanks. I think I just need some time alone.

BRAD

(brings his hand around to reveal a picture in its frame)

Before you do, we wanted you to have this.

Wilmette takes the picture and holds it in his lap, right beside the

letter. He smiles sadly as he looks at it.

CLOSE ON PICTURE

Its a picture of Lt. Commander Jennifer Perkins standing outside the

Marylandat Pearl Harbor the same one we saw earlier. Wilmettes hand

comes into our vision and gently traces the outline of her face.

WILMETTE(OS, quiet)

So beautiful.

BACK ON WILMETTE AND BRAD

Wilmette rises and moves to Brad, and the two embrace.

WILMETTE

Thanks Brad.


48/53

BRAD

Its the least we could do for our son-in-law.

(before Wilmette can say anything)

Were you going to stay the night?

WILMETTE

Well, Brad, I wasnt planning on it, but. . .

BRAD

Wed like you to. We have a guest room, or you can sleep here if youd

like. We wouldnt mind, and I dont think Jen would either.

As Wilmettes eyes meet Brads, we find that Wilmette seems relieved

his eyes have lost just a bit of that intensity, and a lot of that

pain.

WILMETTE

(sincere)

Thank you Brad. Thank you both.

END ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN

EXT. DEFIANTDSV

The sun rises over the warship, which is snug in its Pearl Harbor berth.

INT. BRIDGE DEFIANTDSV

The place is unusually quiet, the night shift crew unfamiliar to us

save for Bauer who is seated in the command chair. After a few moments

Peck, in uniform, strides in and comes to stand on her right.

PECK

Good morning Ms. Bauer.

BAUER

Good morning Commander. Youre up here early.

PECK

I just got back in, and I wanted to check on things before the Captain

got back so I could brief him over breakfast.

(a beat)

Anything interesting happen while we were gone?

BAUERNo sir. Everything was pretty quiet.

PECK

We didnt expect any trouble, but with the PMR running amok these days

you never know.

BAUER

Thats the problem everything with them has been random. They hit

convoys and fleets and colonies, but we cant see a pattern, and Ive


49/53

tried.

PECK

(patting her on the back, then moving for the exit)

I think we all have Brittany. Anyway, glad to know things were quiet.

BAUER

O.K. sir. By the way, you have a good trip?

PECK

(a large grin appearing)

It was great Ensign. Thanks for asking.

BAUER

(a smile appearing)

No problem sir.

As Bauer returns to her work, Peck strides off the Bridge and into

INT. BRIDGE CORRIDOR DEFIANTDSV

As Peck emerges from the Bridge, he meets Rusch who is also in uniform.They trade friendly grins.

RUSCH

I was just looking for you. Want to have breakfast?

PECK

Actually, I was thinking about asking the Captain hes been missing

breakfast lately, and I thought maybe Id give him a reason not to.

RUSCH

Well then, would you mind if I tagged along?

PECK

Are you sure?

RUSCH

John, I do respect the man, and I do like him a lot. Its not like wed

fight or anything.

PECK

I just thought youd want to spend some time with Lauren.

RUSCH

John, I want to spend time with you. Is that O.K., or do I suddenly

have cooties or something?

Despite himself, Peck grins.

PECK

No. I just. . .its been awhile since Ive been in a relationship, and

its been awhile for you too, and. . .

RUSCH

You dont want to screw it up. Neither do I and were not gonna.

O.K.? Were taking it slow, and Im fine. I dont want to rush things

either, but I dont want to slow them down. Its not like were going

to do something stupid like jump into bed tomorrow. Im certainly not


50/53

ready to do that, and I dont think youd want to.

PECK

No, I wouldnt. I just. . .Im being careful. I want this to last.

RUSCH

So do I John. So do I. I think well both make sure it will.

After a moment Peck nods, then glances at the door to Wilmettes

Office.

PECK

Is the Captain in?

RUSCH

(shaking her head)

I just saw Doc Kindel and asked him the same thing hed just arrived

back and he told me that Lt. Mohr had

defiant: 103 - absolution from the dead

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