As The Sea Churns
Episode 14: "Betrayal"
Open on corridor outside Ford's quarters.
Piccolo arrives. Glancing quickly up and down the corridor,
he pops the lock and enters.
Ford's quarters look as they always have -- utterly immaculate. Books line
every available shelf.
Piccolo whistles appreciatively, and begins searching.
Cut to O'Neill's quarters.
O'Neill is at his desk, constructing another bomb. He's very upset and frustrated.
O'NEILL
(muttering to himself)
This time, it'll work. It has to!!
He begins to carefully measure the chemicals, and place
them within the small canister.
O'NEILL
(angry)
I botched it last time!
He pounds his fist on the desk, scattering powders to the floor.
It looks as if he's going to start frothing at the mouth any minute, he's so
agitated.
O'NEILL
(continuing)
Can't I do anything right! Can't I rid the world of that tyrant
captain--
(stabs his finger in the direction of the Bridge)
This time, it'll work. This time, Hudson will be blown to itty bitty
tyrannical bits.
He finishes the canister, and stands up, preparing to leave.
O'NEILL
This is my last chance -- these are the last of my supplies.
(with utter conviction)
If this doesn't work, I'll strangle him with my bare hands.
He exits, carrying the canister.
Cut to corridor outside Hudson's quarters.
O'Neill walks up, and enters Hudson's quarters. Just as that door closes, Ford appears in the corridor and approaches his own quarters. He bends to open the door.
Cut to inside Ford's quarters.
Piccolo has heard the faint rattling of the opening door and sprints for the only hiding place he can think of -- under Ford's bunk. He squeezes himself in:
PICCOLO
(muttering)
Hope Lonnie ain't with him . . . .
Then something catches Piccolo's eye. He's left a drawer open that hadn't been open before. His eyes widen -- surely Ford will notice and call security!
Ford enters, looks around briefly, and saunters into the shared head, located at the opposite side of the room. He closes the door partway behind him.
Piccolo squeezes back out, his eyes rolling with the effort, creeps to the open drawer, and closes it, quietly and ever so slowly . . .
Cut to head.
Ford is watching Piccolo in the mirror.
Cut back to Ford's quarters.
Piccolo has finished laboriously closing the drawer. He turns to creep out the door as fast as he can.
PICCOLO
(softly whispering)
Nothing. I wonder if Lonnie knows anything . . .
Cut back to head.
Ford's expression in the mirror darkens -- he heard Piccolo's soft comment. We and Ford, by way of the mirror, watch Piccolo exit Ford's quarters.
Ford picks up a straight shaving razor, and begins to strop it thoughtfully, with a newly-birthed hatred in his eyes.
FORD
(darkly)
We'll see, Piccolo.
(beat)
We'll see how much you know.
***
As The Sea Churns
Episode 15: “For the Love of a Woman”
Open on a UEO drydock area, in New Cape Quest.
The drydock facility is shaped like a lengthwise oval. The sea is in the center, surrounded by a work area. A series of elevators are at the end nearest the street exit. A sign identifies the area as a “Secure Facility”. Guards are posted at strategic places and at every exit.
Secretary General McGath strides in, followed by some bureaucrats and a work crew. He stops in front of the elevators, and waits expectantly.
Then machinery starts up, and McGath turns to face the sea-oval. seaQuest is being lifted on heavy cables; she reaches the mid-way point and stops, swinging gently in midair. The work crew readies their tools, and heads to their jobs.
McGath swings back to face the elevators. A few moments later, they all open at once. seaQuest crew members, carrying duffel bags, stream out toward the exits. Guards busy themselves, checking IDs.
Hudson makes his way through the throng, and reaches McGath. They shake hands and exchange pleasantries until most of the crew has left. Besides them, only the work crew remains.
MCGATH
(heartily)
Well, it’s what you asked for. A safe secure drydock.
(frowning)
Though I still can’t believe --
HUDSON
(interrupting)
Believe it.
(beat)
We’ve got a saboteur on board.
(beat)
Which reminds me, we need to talk . . . .
They exit.
Cut to Mario’s Grill, New Cape Quest.
Piccolo is partying -- not really drunk, but not sober either. Something catches his eye, and he does a double take.
The scene shifts so we see Brody and Ortiz motioning him toward the men’s restroom.
Sighing, Piccolo mutters something to a pretty girl for whom he’s been buying drinks, and enters the restroom. He turns to shut and bolt the door, turns back, and nearly has a heart attack to see Brody and Ortiz standing there.
PICCOLO
(annoyed)
Don’t do that! You tryin’ to scare me outta my wits??
BRODY
(maliciously)
I wasn’t aware you had any.
Piccolo starts to snarl at him, but Ortiz interjects:
ORTIZ
(I’m-so-tired-of-this expression)
Guys! Guys! Truce!
Bristling, both Piccolo and Brody settle down and return to their corners.
PICCOLO
(giving Brody a dirty look)
I checked Lonnie’s and the Commander’s rooms.
(beat)
Nothin’.
Brody frowns. Ortiz scratches his ear thoughtfully.
PICCOLO
Now what?
BRODY
Maybe you should ask Lonnie.
(pointedly)
Carefully.
Piccolo considers this -- but we can tell he’s thinking about certain benefits to asking Henderson. He nods, and exits the restroom.
Brody shakes his head.
BRODY
I still think this is a bad idea.
Ortiz shrugs--like you had any better ideas?
ORTIZ
We didn’t have much of a choice.
(looks at the door, as if trying to see Piccolo through it)
Tony’s our last chance.
Brody nods sadly. Both dematerialize.
Cut to the bar.
Ford is holding a drink in each hand, and looking for Piccolo. Seeing him exit the restroom, he intercepts Piccolo, grinning widely.
FORD
(happily)
Piccolo. Let me be the first to congratulate you.
Ford shifts one drink into the crook of his arm, and shakes Piccolo’s hand. He then gives that drink to a startled Piccolo, and settles his own.
Piccolo doesn’t know what to make of this.
PICCOLO
(warily)
Yeah?
(beat)
For what?
Ford leans closer, as if about to impart some great secret.
FORD
(conspiratorily)
I have it on some authority --
(sternly)
But don’t you tell anyone I told you --
(pleased)
That you might have passed that officer’s exam after all.
PICCOLO
(taken aback)
What?
FORD
(pleased)
The administrators think that there might have been a miscount or
(he waves his hand dismissively)
A flaw in the exam. Or something. So --
Ford raises his drink, and Piccolo follows suit. They clink glasses, and drink deeply, completing the toast. Ford smiles.
A few moments later, Piccolo’s eyes glaze over, and he topples to the floor.
FORD
(loudly)
Whoa! A bit too much to drink, there!
Ford scoops Piccolo into a fireman’s carry, and carefully picks up Piccolo’s glass, keeping his fingers on its inside. Ford carries both out of the bar and exits.
Cut to UEO Command, sub-basement.
Piccolo is laying on a pile of sacking. Faint burns can be seen on his hands. Water drips from the ceiling onto his face. His face squinches up. The water drips again. He wakes, moaning.
He drags himself to his feet, and stumbles away.
Cut to UEO Command, back lawn.
It’s very dark -- at least six hours have passed. Piccolo is stumbling along when large spotlights leap onto him, shining brightly into his eyes, and alarms start to shriek.
TOWER WATCH
You there!! Identify yourself!!
PICCOLO
(shielding his eyes)
Warrant Officer Tony Piccolo. seaQuest.
TOWER WATCH
Guards!! Guards!! Stop that man!!
Piccolo is frozen, wondering what the hell is going on.
TOWER GUARD
Guards!! He murdered Secretary General McGath!!
Piccolo flees the scene and exits. The spotlights search frantically in ever-widening circles.
**end episode 15**
****
As The Sea Churns
Episode 16: “Fortune Favors the Brave”
Open on an exterior shot of the Regency Hotel, New Cape Quest.
Cut to interior shot, Room 509.
Lucas is pacing in front of the vidlink, high-strung and very upset. His face is flushed, and his hands are shaky.
The camera swings in, so we can see that he’s talking to Doctor Perry.
LUCAS
(agitated)
But can’t you do anything?
(throws his hands up in the air in exasperation)
I know Tony’s innocent!
PERRY
(sighing, how-many-times-do-I-have-to-say-it)
There’s nothing I --
LUCAS
(interrupting, shouting)
No! You can do something!
His expression changes to a pleading, puppy-eyes look.
LUCAS
Talk to your colleagues. Ask them to go over the evidence again.
PERRY
But, Lucas--
LUCAS
(pleading)
Please? Please?
Perry’s weakening, and Lucas knows it.
LUCAS
Please? For Tony’s sake?
PERRY
(sighing)
All right, Lucas. I’ll do my best.
They sign off, and Lucas turns away, licking a finger and drawing an “x” in the air with it. Gotcha!
LUCAS
(talking to himself)
Oh, Tony.
(sadly)
I know you didn’t do this . . . .
He walks over to the bed and flops onto it, unable to believe everything that’s happened. He picks up his SEAPOC and begins looking through data stored on it.
Then he switches the holovid on, and sets it to a random channel.
LUCAS
(chanting, trying to distract himself)
Think about anything else. Don’t think about Tony.
A news program pops onto the holovid, and begins footage.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(V.O.)
In the Macronesian Alliance today, President Bourne announced a new program to control --
Lucas groans -- he doesn’t want to think about Bourne either, maybe for the rest of his life -- and pitches a bed pillow at the holovid.
He looks back at the SEAPOC again, and punches up a file. Lucas gets up, crosses to the vidlink, and prepares to make a call.
Cut to Wilson Street, New Cape Quest.
It’s dark with rain, dreary and unpleasant. Streetlights are dim in this part of town. Piccolo is walking down the street, his head down and covered, practicing avoidance, and his eyes alert for any sign of trouble.
He passes a holovid display, which is running a news program. He pauses.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(V.O.)
The manhunt is still underway for Warrant Officer Anthony Piccolo.
Footage of the manhunt/murder scene is rolled.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(V.O.)
Piccolo is wanted for questioning in the murder of Secretary General McGath. McGath’s body was found early this morning by a security guard.
File footage of McGath is rolled.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(V.O.)
Piccolo should be considered dangerous.
A bad photo of Piccolo appears on the screen.
NEWS ANNOUNCER
(V.O.)
This station will provide updates as they occur.
The report ends, and Piccolo trudges slowly down the street.
Cut back to Lucas’ hotel room.
Lucas is still seated in front of the vidlink; he obviously hasn’t worked up the courage to make the call yet. Frustrated and somewhat disgusted, he strides into the restroom.
We hear a splash of water.
Lucas reenters, carrying a towel and dripping water all over the carpet. It appears he’s thrown a glassful of water at himself. After toweling his face dry and finger-combing his hair, he puts through the call.
A stocky woman in her late 60s, gravelly-voiced, answers the call. She is dressed plainly, and her hair is graying and clipped short.
LUCAS
(hopefully)
Doctor Lorraine Hassett?
She looks at him warily.
HASSETT
(distrustfully)
You a reporter, boy?
LUCAS
(earnestly)
No, ma’am.
HASSETT
(still distrustful)
What do you want then?
LUCAS
(earnestly)
I just wanted to ask you about --
Hassett immediately goes to close the call, and Lucas becomes frantic. This is his last chance to find the information he needs.
LUCAS
(almost hysterical)
Wait!! Don’t hang up!! I’m not a reporter, I swear it!!
Hassett looks at him bitterly -- why should I believe you?
LUCAS
(almost in tears, his voice breaking)
I just want to find my real parents
(beat)
And my research led me to you.
Hassett pauses, gives Lucas a good long look as if weighing his sincerity, and sighs.
HASSETT
(slowly)
You read about my clinic, boy?
Lucas nods, unable to speak, tears running down his face.
HASSETT
(slowly)
I helped women, pregnant women, who didn’t want to abort but who didn’t want to carry to term since they had no intentions of keeping the child.
(sadly, remembering)
The genetic parents were happy, the birth parents were happy, and the children got to live in a home that wanted them.
(fiercely, to Lucas)
There’s nothing wrong with that, is there, boy?
Lucas shakes his head no-of-course-not.
HASSETT
(continuing, but a little more relaxing)
I gave the mothers chemical treatments, necessary treatments. One body had to be prepared for giving up the fetus, and the other had to be prepared to gain one.
(waves her hand dismissively)
I won’t bore you with the details, boy, suffice to say it was complicated.
Lucas is enraptured, trying to memorize every word.
HASSETT
(continuing)
And I didn’t take just anyone for my Keiran Treatment. Requirements had to be met, quotas had to be filled, oh yes!!
(agitated)
And my girls knew that the process was still experimental!! They knew that there was always a chance
(beat)
That something might go wrong.
Hassett falls silent in reflection. Lucas is silent for a few moments, but desperation and hope urge him forward.
LUCAS
(softly)
Ma’am?
HASSETT
(shaken out of her reverie)
So --
(gives Lucas a long look)
You want to find your genetic parents?
Lucas nods.
HASSETT
(sharply)
Last name, boy?
LUCAS
(hopefully)
Wolenczak.
(anticipating)
W-O-L-E-N-C-Z-A-K.
Hassett nods, taking it down. She bends down slightly, but we can see her typing on a small computer and attaching it to the vidlink. She pauses, studying the computer screen thoughtfully.
HASSETT
(softly, to herself)
Yes, her.
(beat, to Lucas)
She already had a boy, and didn’t want another child.
(beat)
A shame, since I heard her boy died.
Lucas nods, softly.
HASSETT
(slowly)
I’ll send the information to you in a few moments, boy.
(beat)
Good luck to you.
LUCAS
Thank you.
They sign off. Lucas stays at the vidlink, at the edge of his seat, anxiously tapping the fingers of one hand on the table, and biting the nails of the other. He’s scared to death of what he’ll find.
The vidlink beeps. It’s recieved the file from Hassett. Lucas hesitates a moment.
LUCAS
Well, it always worked for Tim.
Lucas crosses himself, takes a deep breath, opens the file, and begins to read.
A few moments later, he gasps in shock. He makes a call on the vidlink.
PERRY
Doctor Perry speaking.
LUCAS
(shocked, almost numb)
Doctor, this is Lucas.
(beat)
I have that information you wanted, for the DNA testing.
(beat)
Sending now . . . .
He presses the send key, then rests his head on the table, and begins to cry.
**end episode 16**
*****
As The Sea Churns
Episode 17: “Breakpoint”
Open on Room 520, Regency Hotel.
O’Neill is pacing, agitated -- we can all but see the carpet wearing down to nothing. He’s fidgety, and talking to himself.
O’NEILL
(muttering)
I’m almost out of time!!
(beat)
I’ve got to think of a way!!
He smacks his hand against his forehead, as if trying to pound out an answer.
O’NEILL
(desperate)
Think!! Think!!
He stops, presses both hands against his temples, and tries to calm down, to collect his thoughts. To help this, he begins gathering strewn items (books, his PAL, etc.).
Then he suddenly becomes angry.
O’NEILL
(furious, screaming)
There’s got to be a way to lure that slime-eating
(throws something, breaking a lamp)
Slave-driving
(throws something else)
Pathetic pretender of a tyrannical
(throws something else, breaking the other lamp)
Tin-plated dictator sub-captain
(tearing apart a bed pillow like it was Hudson)
With delusions of godhood!!!
(picking up the desk chair, and smashing it into the wall)
Then he stops short -- eureka!!
O’NEILL
(amazed)
Of course! Why didn’t I think of it before?
Oblivious to the annihilated condition of his room, he rushes to the vidlink, and begins putting through a call.
Cut to James Street, New Cape Quest.
Piccolo is walking toward a pay vidlink. He checks his watch, and punches in a number.
A police number appears on the screen -- the sort that probably has Dunkin Donuts on speed-dial. The camera is keeping both of them in the frame.
P.O. MARKS
(bored)
Police Officer Marks speaking.
(beat)
What’s your emergency?
PICCOLO
(keeping one eye on his watch)
I wanna talk to whoever’s got the McGath case.
P.O. MARKS
(still bored)
Hold on, I’ll transfer you.
Cut to police station, Marks’ desk.
Marks punches in the code to transfer Piccolo’s call, then turns to the officer next to him.
P.O. MARKS
Get a trace.
The other officer nods, and busies himself at his console.
Cut back to James Street.
Piccolo is waiting, his eyes still on his watch, when another policeman, wearing a dark suit and tie, appears on the screen. He’s older, a no-nonsense type, and dark-complexioned.
DETECTIVE REESE
(authoritative)
Detective Reese speaking.
(looks Piccolo over sceptically)
I’m told you have some information for us.
PICCOLO
(warily)
No. Just wanted ta tell ya I didn’t do it.
(beat)
I was framed!
Detective Reese nods -- but we can tell he’s thinking “they all say that”.
DETECTIVE REESE
Why would someone do that?
Piccolo knows perfectly well why, but isn’t able to say so.
PICCOLO
(flatly)
I don’t know.
DETECTIVE REESE
(the “come clean son” tone)
Look, son, just come down to the station.
(beat)
We’ll talk, and if you’re innocent --
PICCOLO
(interrupting, angry)
If I’m innocent!!
(quick beat)
I am innocent!!
Piccolo looks at his watch, curses under his breath, hits the “hold” key, and leaves. He strides down the street, head down, trying to be as inconspicious as possible while getting away as fast as he can.
Cut back to police station.
Detective Reese listens into the vidlink connection, hears nothing, and disconnects. He gets up from his desk, drinks something masquerading as coffee from his cup, and exits.
Cut to Marks’ desk.
Marks has joined the other officer -- they are creating a map, and zooming in on it. Reese enters, and walks over to where they are working, and peers over Marks’ shoulder.
DETECTIVE REESE
Well?
P.O. MARKS
(grinning)
I’ve got an number on James Street.
(beat)
Patrol’s headed that way now.
Detective Reese grins, and slaps Marks approvingly on the shoulder.
Cut back to James Street.
A police car pulls up to the public vidlink, and finds it locked on hold. The officers sigh and shake their heads -- the suspect’s long gone.
Cut to the seaQuest drydock area.
Guards are still on duty, and a work crew is swarming all over the scaffolded boat, which is still high in the air. Machinery is heard whining.
Ford is standing by the elevators, looking up at the seaQuest with a faintly disgusted look on his face.
Hudson enters, after being checked by the guard, and is startled to see Ford there. He walks over to Ford.
HUDSON
Commander Ford? What are you doing here?
Ford turns to face Hudson.
FORD
(unhappily)
The police called early this morning.
(he waves in the direction of the boat)
They wanted to search Piccolo’s quarters, and insisted I be there.
Hudson raises an eyebrow -- why you?
FORD
I just can’t believe they think --
HUDSON
(interrupting)
Technically, Commander, I agree with you, but it would be better for Piccolo if he turned himself in to the police.
(beat)
Then the whole matter would be settled.
(beat, annoyed)
Commander, have you seen Lieutenant O’Neill around here?
Ford thinks a moment.
FORD
No.
Hudson frets.
HUDSON
He called and insisted we meet somewhere safe.
(incredulous)
Safe!!
(continuing)
Inside my quarters.
(jabbing a finger upwards at the boat)
Up there!!
FORD
(yeah, right)
Good luck.
(explaining)
The police argued with the work crew for over an hour.
(pointedly)
And that was for police business.
Hudson looks at his watch.
HUDSON
(beginning to fume in earnest now)
He’s late.
(beat)
Where is the man?
FORD
(seeing the light)
Did you come from UEO Command or from the hotel?
HUDSON
(not getting it)
From Command.
FORD
And O’Neill called you from the hotel?
Hudson nods, still not getting it.
FORD
(explaining)
That’s why he’s late. There’s a major tie-up on Langley Ave.
(beat)
He could be a while.
HUDSON
(a little mollified but still annoyed)
He said he had some information that might tie in to what’s been going on lately.
FORD
The sabotage?
Hudson nods. Ford looks pleased.
FORD
O’Neill won’t let us down.
Cut to Police Forensics Lab, New Cape Quest.
A blond laboratory technician is peering through some sort of specialized microscope -- only it’s bigger, bulkier, and wired to several nearby machines.
One of the attached machines beeps, and he walks over. After examining the readout, he crosses to the vidlink and punches some keys. Detective Reese answers.
DETECTIVE REESE
Yes?
LAB TECH
Joe, this is the police lab, and I just found some information you need . . . .
Detective Reese leans forward to listen.
Cut back to seaQuest’s drydock area.
A couple hours have passed, and the work crew is on a lunch break, lounging around. The police have left.
Hudson and Ford are still waiting for O’Neill. Hudson is pacing and fuming, about ready to chew nails. Ford is doing his tennis-match-impression again.
HUDSON
(angry)
Where is the man?
(waves his arms at the street entrance)
Did the street tumble in on itself and swallow him up?
(waves up toward the ceiling and the boat)
Did aliens snatch him from the planet and carry him off?
FORD
(muttering)
That was last time.
Hudson glances at Ford, having overheard the comment, but says nothing. Considering how things have been going lately, he’s not sure he even wants to ask.
The guards suddenly spring to life as O’Neill appears in the doorway, disheveled and puffing for breath. They frisk him, check his ID, and note him in the logs.
Both Hudson and Ford run their eyes over his appearance, and glance at each other, trying to figure out what happened.
O’Neill catches their looks, and shakes his head.
O’NEILL
(having caught his breath somewhat)
Don’t even ask. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.
HUDSON
(drawing himself up)
I’ll decide that, Mister O’Neill.
O’Neill sighs -- he doesn’t want to go into this. He glances up at the boat, then looks at his watch, and relaxes a little. He’s got time.
O’NEILL
(you-asked-for-it)
First, I got caught in a traffic jam on Langley.
(beat)
Then the cab’s tire went kaflooie, so I had to walk.
(beat, deep breath)
Then my fan club chased me up and down the streets.
Hudson’s eyebrows disappear, they’re raised so high.
HUDSON AND FORD
(disbelieving, in chorus)
Your fan club?
O’NEILL
(shrug -- hey, you asked)
Yes, Sir.
(beat)
I finally lost them in a pasta factory over on Ninth. Then I doubled back here.
O’Neill waits. Hudson and Ford can only look at each other -- O’Neill has a fan club?
FORD
(blurting, unable to stop himself)
How many
(beat)
Fans?
O’NEILL
(thoughtful)
About fifty, I think.
Ford and Hudson turn back to each other, look at O’Neill, and look back to each other again.
Behind their backs, O’Neill glances at his watch and makes shooing motions at them.
O’NEILL
Shall we go up, Captain?
Suddenly an explosion booms out, followed by a second smaller one. All eyes focus on the seaQuest. Smoke is billowing out, and flames can be seen flickering.
The momentary shock wearing off, the work crew leaps into action, grabbing fire emergency equipment and running to the boat’s rescue.
Hudson and Ford are fixed on the boat, horrified.
Then a scream of rage rings out -- O’Neill -- and both Hudson and Ford swing around to face him.
O’NEILL
(screaming, enraged, nearly incoherent)
No! No! No! Not again!!
He takes a step forward, stiff-legged with fury, his hands clenched into fists, his face contorted with the force of his rage.
O’NEILL
(continuing)
I can’t stand it!!
(beat)
I can’t stand you!!
Without warning, O’Neill rushes forward, screaming, beyond sanity, passes the stunned Ford, and tackles Hudson.
Both of them -- O’Neill screaming, Hudson struggling -- fall over, and splash into the watery depths of the docking oval.
**end episode 17**
****
As The Sea Churns
Episode 18: “A Better Mousetrap”
Open on seaQuest’s drydock area.
The work crew is even busier than before. There is a ragged hole in one section of the boat -- the explosions and fires did a lot of damage.
After being checked by guards, a group of police officers, led by Detective Reese, stream into the building. Reese heads for the work foreman, and they begin to argue. After a few moments, the foreman gives up and waves the police into the boat.
Cut to seaQuest corridor.
The police arrive at Ford’s quarters, and we can see that the hole visible from the outside begins only 20 or 25 feet away. One of the policemen whistles -- close call!
POLICE OFFICER 1
We were lucky.
POLICE OFFICER 2
So was the crew.
(with utter certainty)
If this’d happened when she was wet, the whole crew woulda drowned.
Police Officer 1 nods in complete agreement.
Reese arrives, takes charge, and opens Ford’s door. The police enter and begin to search. Reese remains to supervise, partly still in the corridor.
Ortiz and Brody wander up to see what’s going on.
DETECTIVE REESE
(talking to himself)
I don’t know what we’re looking for exactly, but the lab said glassware or ceramics. I guess they know their job.
(sighs)
They say to search Commander Ford’s rooms, we’ll search Commander Ford’s rooms.
Ortiz and Brody look at each other -- what’s going on?
DETECTIVE REESE
(continuing)
It’s bad enough we had to be here yesterday searching Piccolo’s rooms. All the evidence says he killed Secretary General McGath. His prints were on the murder weapon, and he can even be placed at the scene!
Ortiz and Brody are horrified -- they know Ford’s framed Piccolo.
BRODY
(clenching his fists)
Why, that --
ORTIZ
(equally angry but in control)
Calm down, Jim. We should have expected this too.
(smiling)
But that’s okay. I’ve got an idea.
Cut to UEO Command.
Hudson, Ford, Lucas, and Acting-SecGen Davies are strolling down a hallway, reading the room numbers on the doors. Davies is a healthy-looking, heavy-set redhead in his mid-40s. Dagwood is trailing along behind them.
Ford and Lucas are still amazed at the events of the previous day. Hudson doesn’t seem to be bothered at all.
LUCAS
(trying to convince Ford)
But - but Tim couldn’t have done that! He’s the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever met!
Hudson shoots Lucas a look -- be quiet!
FORD
(why-won’t-you-just-deal-with-it)
I was there, Lucas. Tim just couldn’t handle it.
(shakes his head, remembering)
I know he’s been under a lot of stress lately, but I never expected --
HUDSON
(interrupting)
Gentlemen, we are not going to discuss Lieutenant O’Neill’s conduct today.
(beat)
We have other business.
They turn a corner, and almost literally run into Larry Deon, who is carrying a large briefcase. He grins weaselly at them -- I’ve got a secret . . . .
DAVIES
(firmly)
Wrong way, Mister Deon. Our conference room is this way.
Hudson and Ford frown at this. Deon tips a wink in Lucas’ direction, but only Lucas and Hudson catch it. Hudson then glances at Lucas, who shrugs -- I don’t know what he’s talking about either.
They find their conference room, and enter.
Cut to conference room.
The group seat themselves at the table -- Davies at the head, Deon on the one side, and the seaQuest group on the other. Davies gestures hospitably toward a small artificial-coffee maker. All accept, except Hudson, who sighs unhappily.
DAVIES
(right-to-the-point)
Simply put, Mister Deon, the UEO wishes to purchase various large amounts of grade-A technical equipment from your company.
Deon isn’t impressed.
Something catches Ford’s eye -- he shifts slightly, and sees Ortiz wave at him. Ford shakes his head like I-did-not-just-see-that.
DEON
No.
(beat)
I have a contract with Alexander Bourne.
DAVIES
(knowing better)
Which allows you to supply his rival companies and nations as well.
(scoffing)
Bourne’s too smart to slap a restraint-of-trade on you.
(directly)
So what’s the problem?
Deon is annoyed that Davies knows this.
Hudson is looking longingly at Lucas’ coffee.
DEON
I have other plans for my company.
He glances at Lucas again, and again Hudson and Lucas catch it. Hudson frowns.
DEON
(continuing)
My plans for expansion were outlined in some detail on the news. You just didn’t hear them.
(smugly)
Due to seaQuest’s communications problem no doubt.
Hudson and Ford look at each other -- gotcha!!
HUDSON
(menacingly)
And what communications problem would that be, exactly?
Deon belatedly realizes he’s said too much, and tries to climb out of the hole he’s just dug himself into.
DEON
(squirming, quickly)
What I meant, of course, was --
DAVIES
(who’s put the pieces together, interrupting)
Was what, exactly?
DEON
(shooting a dirty look at Davies)
Was that I must have been misinformed.
(thoughtfully)
I wonder how that happened?
Dagwood brightens.
DAGWOOD
(eagerly)
I can tell you. I did not have time to --
Deon frantically begins to shush Dagwood, without luck.
DAGWOOD
(continuing)
-- Do all you told me to do.
(earnestly)
I was very busy.
(pleased)
I like to be busy.
Deon has given up on Dagwood, and bolts for the door. Hudson leaps up and chases after him. They exit. Everyone else is focused on Dagwood.
LUCAS
(gently, to Dagwood)
Why were you helping him, Dag?
DAGWOOD
(slowly)
I wanted to leave navy so I can go to Perseid. He
(nods toward the door)
Said that he could help me, but that I would have to do things for him.
Ford glances toward the door, sees Brody standing there, and does a double take.
Hudson returns, dragging Deon with him. Hudson sits Deon down in his chair with enough force to rattle Deon’s molars. Hudson glowers at Deon.
FORD
(to Dagwood)
What kinds of things?
Dagwood thinks for a moment.
DAGWOOD
(slowly)
Things in Engineering.
(beat)
Things about moving.
LUCAS
(softly)
Navigation and Helm.
Dagwood nods, remembering -- yeah, those things.
Hudson and Ford share a look -- everything has fallen into place now. Deon is annoyed. Davies clears his throat.
DAVIES
Well, yes, be that as it may, but seaQuest is long overdue for a refit and upgrade of her onboard systems.
(rising from his chair and going to where Lucas is seated)
Mister Wolenczak, I’m giving you command over that project. Your objective is to completely refit and upgrade her to within current military standards.
(winks at Lucas, knowingly)
Or better.
Lucas is stunned, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging slack. Davies extends his hand, and Lucas grasps it.
Deon reacts -- all his plans have gone up in smoke.
DAVIES
Congratulations, Ensign.
Ortiz appears, and begins to excitedly, happily, pound an oblivious Lucas on the back in congratulations. Ford’s eyes are huge, and he’s begun to sweat.
Both Davies and Lucas sit, and Davies turns back to Deon.
DAVIES
(politely)
I believe we were discussing the purchase of certain equipment --
Davies leaves the sentence hanging, but the threat is clear. Cooperate or else.
Deon groans.
A noncom pokes his head into the conference room, holding open the door.
NONCOM
(apologetically)
Sorry to interrupt, Sirs, but Ensign Wolenczak has a call.
HUDSON
Go ahead, Ensign, this won’t take long.
He shoots a look at Deon, who winces at the threat.
Lucas trudges out the door, his happiness gone. He’s uncertain and afraid now.
Cut to Lucas’ conference room.
Lucas takes a deep breath, and opens the call. Perry appears on the screen, looking like a well-fed cat.
PERRY
(pleased)
I have the results of the DNA test for you.
Lucas tightens up -- we can almost hear him praying.
PERRY
The results were positive.
(gushing)
Congratulations!
LUCAS
(stunned)
Positive? Are you sure?
Perry nods, happily.
LUCAS
(dazed)
Positive.
(beat)
Oh God . . . .
Cut to exterior Regency Hotel, front entrance.
A few hours have passed, and Detective Reese and some police officers are waiting. Henderson exits the hotel, carrying Addison Two, and looks at her watch, fretting. Not one officer even bats an eye at a grown woman sauntering around, clutching a teddy bear.
A car pulls up, and Lucas, Ford, and Hudson get out. Ortiz and Brody hop off the top of the car and wave at Ford, who is sweating rivers by now. The car leaves. Ford immediately spots Henderson, and goes to her side. They hug and kiss.
Brody and Ortiz grin at each other. Ortiz makes retching sounds -- Ford breaks the kiss and swats at him, his hands going right through. Ford’s control is slipping fast.
Hudson and Lucas glance at each other (what’s with him?) and back at Ford. They can’t see Ortiz and Brody -- Ford has just swung at empty air.
Detective Reese approaches the group.
DETECTIVE REESE
(sternly)
Commander Ford, we have served you with a subpoena to search your quarters here and on your sub.
(beat)
Those searches have already been carried out.
Ford is shocked.
Brody capers about, thrilled by this news, while Ortiz saunters up to Henderson and begins running his hands through her hair. Henderson is totally oblivious (as usual).
Ford’s control finally goes completely.
FORD
(angry)
Stop that, both of you!!
LUCAS
(what-the-heck-is-going-on)
Who?
FORD
(yelling)
Them!!
Detective Reese pulls Henderson away, and hands her over to Hudson. Ortiz and Brody are standing next to Ford, like bookends, whispering in his ears.
ORTIZ
(whispering)
You know you did it.
BRODY
(whispering)
Just say you did it.
Ford puts both hands over his ears and closes his eyes. Everyone can’t help but watch.
ORTIZ
(whispering)
Confess . . . .
Ford can’t stand it any longer.
FORD
(screaming, out-of-control)
Alright!! Alright!! I did it!!
(waves his arms frantically, trying to push the pair away)
Just get them away from me!!
BRODY
(whispering)
You killed McGath.
FORD
(continuing)
Yes, yes, that too!! Him too!! I killed McGath!!
(points fiercely to himself)
Me!!
Everyone is stunned, but Detective Reese is smiling widely. Reese grabs Ford, and begins to march him away.
DETECTIVE REESE
(matter-of-factly)
You have the right to remain silent --
HENDERSON
(interrupting)
Jonathan.
Ford turns to face her. She’s holding Addison Two out to him.
HENDERSON
(softly)
Here. You need him more than I do.
She hands the toy bear to Ford, then turns and walks inside the hotel.
Reese continues to push Ford forward, still reading him his rights. Lucas and Hudson turn away, unable to bear it.
An explosion goes off, close, dropping both Hudson and Lucas to the ground. They struggle to their feet and rush over to where Reese, Ford, and a couple police officers are crumpled on the ground. The police officers and Hudson begin first aid. Lucas can only stand there, stunned.
HUDSON
(yelling)
Someone call 9-1-1!! Do it now!!
Lucas bends over and scoops a ragged piece of fur from the ground.
LUCAS
(brokenly)
There was a bomb inside the bear . . . .
(beat, with disbelief)
Henderson?
Ortiz and Brody stare at each other, shocked.
ORTIZ
Well.
(beat)
Who could have expected that?
**end episode 18**
*****
As The Sea Churns
Episode 19: “Truth and Consequences”
Open on Lucas’ hotel room.
Lucas’ room is a mess -- he’s been too distracted to keep it tidy, so his possessions are everywhere. Lucas is packing his suitcases, tossing things near, over, and sometimes actually into them.
There’s a knock at the door.
LUCAS
(relieved at the distraction)
Come in. It’s open.
Piccolo enters, all smiles.
LUCAS
(cheered by Piccolo’s very appearance)
Hey, Tony, what’s it like being innocent for a change?
PICCOLO
(smugly)
I’ve always been innocent.
LUCAS
(scoffing, knowing better)
You haven’t been innocent since you were in diapers.
Piccolo mock-swings at Lucas, who backs off in mock-fear.
Piccolo then cheerfully wanders over to the ornate mantelpiece. It is very intricately made of flowers, ribbons, bows, bells, papermache, and paint. He pokes at it with his fingers.
PICCOLO
(scoffing)
Geez, lookit this piece of junk!!
(he gestures at it)
My cousin coulda done better blindfolded and with both hands tied behind her back.
Piccolo gives up on the mantlepiece, and flops onto Lucas’ bed. Lucas zooms over, and yanks an article of clothing out from under Piccolo, almost knocking him to the floor. Lucas then sedately goes back to packing.
PICCOLO
Hey, you coulda asked. I’d’ve moved.
Lucas gives him a “yeah-sure-I’ve-heard-that-before” look.
PICCOLO
(with relish)
I got news.
LUCAS
(muttering)
Tony Piccolo, Gossip Central.
PICCOLO
(grinning, not having heard Lucas’ comment)
First up, the cops caught Lonnie and arrested her. She’s in the brig ‘til the trial.
LUCAS
I still can’t believe --
PICCOLO
(with feeling)
Believe it, kiddo.
Lucas shoots him a look about the “kiddo” remark, but doesn’t throw anything at him. He’s clearly thinking about it, though. Lucas shrugs, and continues his packing.
PICCOLO
(continuing)
Turns out she an’ Ford were in it together. Ford was killing anybody who fell in love with Lonnie.
LUCAS
(confused)
But you and Lonnie weren’t --
(he gets it)
Oh.
Piccolo grins.
PICCOLO
(continuing)
It was real convenient for Ford to kill McGath and frame me for it. But since he and Lonnie had been doing the horizontal limbo, well, it killed two pigeons with one rock.
LUCAS
(guessing)
Lonnie knew about it, and didn’t care?
PICCOLO
(nods his head)
Yeah. He wanted her all to himself, but she just wanted to fly up the ranks. She figgered that if they couldn’t or wouldn’t help her, they were worthless so she deep-sixed ‘em .
(beat)
Made it from Ensign to Lieutenant, an’ did it without even being on the planet!
(whistles appreciatively, as if in memory)
What a woman!!
LUCAS
(still unhappy)
But throwing a bomb at him --
PICCOLO
(grimacing)
Yeah, yeah, I know.
(explaining)
Maybe she wanted to make it look like she had no part in it at all, like the bomb in the bear was really meant for her.
(beat, he shrugs)
Don’t know. She ain’t talking.
PICCOLO
(continuing the line of gossip, relaxing again)
Anyway, Ford made it, and he’s in the hospital ‘til he can be moved to the brig.
(grimly pleased)
Ford sang like a birdie, spilled his guts, and took Lonnie down with him.
(grinning)
And admitted framing me!
Lucas looks pleased. He’s finished packing, so he tips his bags off the bed and onto the floor. Lucas sits on the bed with Piccolo, soaking up the gossip.
LUCAS
(teasing)
Okay, Mister Gossip. What about Dag?
PICCOLO
Hudson and Davies are lookin’ into it. They think Deon took advantage, and Dag really didn’t know what was going on.
(beat)
Hudson’s pushing for Dag to get probation, school, and some kinda detached duty here in New Cape Quest.
LUCAS
(challenging)
What about Tim?
PICCOLO
(simply)
Hudson dropped the charges.
Lucas’ mouth drops open -- no way!!
LUCAS
(amazed)
He what?
PICCOLO
(cheerfully)
Hudson dropped all the charges against Tim, and got the UEO to too. He’s got Tim in some kinda heavy-duty emotional counseling, and I hear he’ll be okay.
(beat)
But it’ll take a while.
LUCAS
(still astonished but approving)
And Hudson’s involving himself in the therapy?
Piccolo laughs.
PICCOLO
(grinning)
Oh yeah.
(beat)
You oughta see it. He and Tim are gonna be whacking each other with foam bats!!
Lucas grins. Piccolo laughs again.
PICCOLO
(continuing)
But you --
There’s another knock on the door. Lucas looks at his watch, and gets up to answer it. Opening the door, we find Captain Nathan Bridger standing there, smiling but somewhat dazed -- but, then, he’s had some rather shocking news.
LUCAS
(grinning)
But I won’t be here. Right . . .
(beat, hesitantly)
Dad?
Bridger takes two giant steps and enfolds Lucas in a bear hug so tight we expect Lucas’ ribs to break. Bridger lets go, grinning like a fool.
LUCAS
(still grinning)
Relax, Tony. I’ll see you in two weeks when my project starts.
Lucas and Bridger pick Lucas’ suitcases off the floor, wave bye to Piccolo, and exit.
Piccolo can’t stay on the bed any longer. Sighing, he gets up and crosses toward the vidlink, but stops just abreast of the fancy mantelpiece in shock.
Two bells on the mantelpiece are ringing.
Piccolo smiles -- a sad, soft, smile full of joy and memories.
PICCOLO
(softly)
Goodbye, Miguel.
(beat)
Goodbye, Jim.
**end episode 19**
FINIS
*****
Note: according to legend, when a bell rings of its own accord, it means that an angel has earned its wings. In this case, two bells are two angels, meaning Miguel and Jim.
Ta-dah!! My epic!!!
Please feed the Muses!
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