Defiant: 108 - Not a Day Goes By

8/14/2019 Defiant: 108 - Not a Day Goes By

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DefiantEpisode 108

"Not A Day Goes By"Written By Adam Holmberg

TEASER

FADE IN:

OPEN ON SUNRISE

The sun, a vibrant golden globe in the distance, rises abovethe calm waves of the ocean.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL

U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

Neat rows of cement bunkers along the shoreline of the city,

the glass Administration Building dominating near theentrance through the high cement wall. As we pan over wefocus on the docks at the back where Defiant is berthed, areporter and her cameraman standing in front.

EXT. U.E.O. POST SEATTLE - DOCK

The reporter, Amy Holden, stands at the foot of the dockwhere Defiant is berthed, giving her report. She's beautiful -a poised brunette in her mid-twenties wearing a tasteful bluedress. Her name is on the screen below her.

AMY

. . .however, despite the optimismat U.E.O. Headquarters, no one herein the Pacific is letting theirguard down. Defiant will remain inSeattle for three more days in theaftermath of reports of PMRmovement in the area. For CNN, thisis Amy Holden.

Amy pauses for a moment until her cameraman nods that they'reoff the air. She lowers her microphone and sighs, rubbing herforehead. Her cameraman, a big guy in his thirties namedJeff, comes to stand beside her, switching his camera off.

JEFF(amused)

Tired?

AMYIt's just jet lag. I've never beenmuch good with that. It's one thingschool can't prepare you for.

JEFF


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Give it six months and you'll beused to it in no time. At least youdon't have the world beat.

AMYNo, though I wouldn't mind it.Travel to foreign lands, meetinteresting people. . .

JEFFGet killed by giant tidal waves.

Amy nods solemnly, and Jeff sets a hand on her shoulder.

JEFF (CONT'D)Sorry. I didn't mean anything bythat. We just. . .

(a beat)I knew Vince Matson. He was a goodguy - a little rough around theedges sometimes, but. . .

AMY(nodding)

When you take this job you know thedangers. You'll be going intohostile territory, and you could behurt or killed. It's kind of likebeing a soldier, except no one'ssurprised when the soldier doesn'tcome home. But when you're areporter. . .

JEFF

I remember reading something liketwenty-six journalists got killedduring the Mac War, but. . .

AMYBut they weren't two time PulitzerPrize winners.

(a beat, changing thesubject)

Anyway, I'm hungry. Why don't wegrab a bite to eat?

JEFF

(OS)We've got to stop by the AdminBuilding anyway - maybe AdmiralParker can direct us to a goodrestaurant.

Amy nods and walks out of our view, revealing Landers, incivvies, who is watching her go, his face a cold mask. Wemove in on him as Piper, also in civvies, approaches frombehind, following his line of sight.


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PIPERMan, I think she's a little out ofyour league.

LANDERS(darkly, never taking hiseyes off her)

Yes, she is.

Piper gives Landers a hard look.

PIPERYou O.K.?

Landers tries to snap out of it. He's only half successful.

LANDERSYeah. No. It's a long story.

(a beat)Listen, would you mind if I met youlater? I have something I need to

go do.

PIPEROf course - just pick and time andplace and I'll be there. But I'vegot to ask - will you be O.K.?

LANDERSThat's what I've got to find out.

EXT. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

As Amy and Jeff emerge from the glass double doors, they pass

Landers, arms folded, standing outside the doors and to theirright.

LANDERSNot even going to say hi?

Amy turns, surprised. When she sees Landers, her expressionvisibly darkens.

AMY(to Jeff)

Would you mind if I caught up withyou later?

Jeff seems surprised, but he sees the venom in her eyes andhe nods, glad to get away.

JEFFMeet you back at the hotel.

Amy's eyes never leave Landers, and Jeff strides away fromthem. When he is gone Amy steps forward, looking right inLanders' eyes. Wordlessly she knees him in the balls. Caughtby surprise, he falls to the pavement where she kicks him


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again.

LANDERSOw, stop it!

AMY(continuing to kick him)

I hate you Michael! I HATE YOU!!

Landers manages to raise himself from the ground and shebegins to hit him, tears falling. He grabs her wrists, andshe struggles, crying. He takes her into his arms.

LANDERS(softly)

Amy, Amy, I'm so sorry. Amy. . .

Amy sniffles, wiping away her tears, looking straight intohis eyes.

AMY

I'm a murderer because of you.

END TEASERACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. ADMIRAL PARKER'S OFFICE - ADMINISTRATION BUILDING -U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

A modern but not unpleasant office. Admiral Lawrence Parker,

a tall black man in his mid-thirties, stands behind the deskas Wilmette and Peck take their seats in the guest chairs.

PARKER(sitting)

Sorry to keep you waiting, but wehad a couple reports on base fromCNN. They wanted to use Defiant asa backdrop for a live report, and Ifigured that it would be good PR.

PECKI think the more we can get Defiant

in front of the people the better -especially when it's made clearthat we're protecting them, despitethe best efforts of GGN to tellthem otherwise.

PARKERAmen to that. So Captain, how wasthe trip?

WILMETTE


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Quiet, and that's unsettling thehell out of me. Since Poseidon Ninenothing major has happened, and wekicked their ass there but not thatbad.

PARKER(to Peck; chuckling)

I'm not sure if you've noticed ityet, but Captain Wilmette doesn'tlike it when the enemy is notkeeping him up late.

WILMETTE(a shrug and smile)

At least when you're being attackedyou know where they are - you candefeat them. But when they're quietyou have to guess. . .

PARKER

And guesswork is nothing to beproud of.

WILMETTE(mock annoyance)

What is it with my people quotingme?

PECKWe're just trying to sound smart.

All three men share a laugh before Parker leans forward andsighs.

PARKERThe truth is, though, I have toagree with you. Poseidon Nine wasback in early May; it's now June2nd. They're either pulling backand regrouping, or fortifying theirposition. Or they're bracing forsomething big. In any case, itisn't good.

The silence hangs for a moment. Wilmette folds his hands andleans forward.

WILMETTEHave you had any more reports ofactivity around here?

PARKERNo, fortunately. It's been quietsince I called Admiral Easton, andthat doesn't surprise me. It's notlike Correy to go after landtargets.


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PECKIt would be suicide - they're tooheavily defended for a guerillaforce to take on.

WILMETTEBut we still have to be cautious,

and you have to wonder how longbefore they try.

PARKERI transferred from the Maryland tothe Prague before the PMR crisisstarted, but I kept track of them,and I remember when we thoughtCorrey was going after San Diego,when his real target was ErinPoint.

WILMETTE

Are you suggesting he's trying tomask his real target?

PARKERWouldn't be the first time.

WILMETTE(nodding agreement)

In any case, Defiant will be dockedhere for a couple days. I'm givingmy people shore leave, but we'll beready to go in a crisis. I'm sureyou'll rest easier that way.

PARKERI certainly will.

(glancing at the clock)James, it's almost lunchtime. Idon't suppose. . .

WILMETTEI'd love to. Mr. Peck, would youlike to join us?

PECKI'd like to, but I promised Ms.

Rusch that I'd meet her at 1200 andthen we'd go shopping. With Ms.Alridge on leave, she neededsomeone to accompany her. . .

WILMETTE(rolling his eyes)

And who better than her XO inShining Armor?

PECK


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How did you. . .?

WILMETTEI heard you pull that line out onher. Pathetic John.

PECK(boyish "charm")

True love's never pathetic sir.

Parker laughs at that one, rising from his chair. Peck andWilmette follow suit, and Parker extends his hand.

PARKERThe more things change. . .

(shaking Peck's hand)An honor to meet you Mr. Peck.

PECKAnd you sir.

(to Wilmette)

Enjoy your lunch.

As Peck strides away, Wilmette turns to Parker who'schuckling.

WILMETTEAnd what are you laughing at?

EXT. U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

Landers and Amy have taken a seat on a bench near the parkbordering the front entrance. Though Amy is more composed,they both look shaken.

AMYAnd so I went to see Dr. Roth, andhe told me he could do it reallycheap for me. He seemed to feelsorry for me - they all did.

LANDERSI went back a couple years back.Things haven't changed much.

AMYIt's a small town - what do you

expect? So, Dr. Roth. . .did it,and the baby was gone. Just likethat. I had nightmares about it formonths, and I hated you. Still do,and why shouldn't I?

Silence.

LANDERSDo you expect me to answer that?


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AMYNo. . .not really. I. . .I don'tknow what I expect. The truth is, Idon't know what to say.

LANDERSNeither do I Amy. I'm sorry. Idon't think I can say that enough.

But. . .why did you have theabortion? Why not just put it upfor adoption?

AMY(a hard stare)

You forget my parents.(a beat)

My mom threw me out on my ear, anddaddy wasn't much different. Theyfelt bad for me, but it wasunderstood that it was my owndamned fault for getting knocked

up, and it was. Mom called you thetown giggolo, and not in a goodway. I just think you're trash.

LANDERSI felt that way for a long time,but. . .

AMYBut what? What else is there?

LANDERSAmy, when I joined the U.E.O. I was

running. I don't want forgivenessfor that - it was a terrible thingto do, period.

(a beat)After I left the Academy I got intosome bad shit - classified shit. Itwas not good, and I suppose we didsome good, but I wasn't built fordoing that kind of good. I wasrunning then, until I got back onthe right path.

AMY

(disgust)You expect me to excuse what youdid because you had a revelation?

LANDERSNo. I don't expect you to excuseanything. I just. . .

Landers sighs deeply, running his hands through his hair, hisgaze hitting the ground. Amy looks away from him, also at theground. She's as much uncomfortable as angry.


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LANDERS (CONT'D)Amy, would you have lunch with me?

AMYWhat?

LANDERS

Would you have lunch with me? Iwant to tell you what I've tried todo.

Amy levels a cold, hard stare at him.

AMYNo begging, no apologies, and notrying to convince me that whathappened was the best thing thatever happened to you. Any of thatand I walk out. Got it?

LANDERS(relieved)

Got it.

Amy searches his eyes, apparently finds what she's lookingfor because she rises and moves away. Landers quickly movesto follow.

INT. LEET'S PLACE

Not too fancy a restaurant. Low lighting, wood seats, andhushed conversation. Wilmette and Parker have a corner tablefor two.

WILMETTEShe's a good boat. A really goodboat. She's fast, sleek, andpowerful as hell.

Wilmette and Parker eat steaks as they talk.

PARKERKind of like the Maryland?

WILMETTEShe was built for the same purpose.

PARKERKicking ass and taking names.

WILMETTEPrecisely.

Parker and Wilmette grin, until Parker's grin slowlydisappears.

PARKER


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You're lucky, sir. Damned lucky. Ihave no complaints about my post -it's a prime position for bothcareer advancement and keeping thepolitical bullshit to a minimum,but everyone who tells you is right- it's hell for a sailor to belandlocked. Even on the coast.

WILMETTEWhy not put in for a transfer? Youcould Article 64a out of theCaptain's Exam because you've beenCO at Seattle for long enough. . .

PARKER(shaking his head)

No sir. Thought about that, but Idon't want to do that all my life.Do I miss the sea? Every day, yes,yes. But damned if I'll go back.

(a beat)I'm thirty-six years old with halfa year of Command School, AdminBranch. What ship is there for meto take? And will the postingmatter?

WILMETTEEvery posting matters Larry. But Iunderstand.

PARKERI'm a career man James. I finish

out my thirty, end up number threeor four or five in Fleet Opssometime, then retire to Florida orHawaii or some damned place and diewhen my yacht goes down.

(leaning forward)But the only time - ever - that youcome out of that chair is dead.Maybe you'll take a detour - beSecGen or something - but you'll beback, and I just hope I'm there tosee James Wilmette go out in ablaze of glory.

Wilmette is silent for a moment, then raises his glass.

WILMETTEHere here.

Wilmette and Parker toast, knocking back their drinksafterwards as we

DISSOLVE TO:


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INT. PASTELS

The place is semi-formal. The decor matches the name, andit's not too tacky. Mostly businessmen in suits surroundLanders and Amy at a booth on a wall. They look like friends.

LANDERSSo, I got into Black Ops. The work

fit the name perfectly. My boss wasa guy that went by the nameQuintis. He was a tough mother, butsmart. Taught me to stop and think -told me impulse was the root ofstupidity and then proved it.

(he shivers)His lessons were not easilyforgotten. He taught me that I mademy own way - that I was the guywhose life I was ruining, so I gotout. Went legit, I called it.

AMYI heard you went into Security.Noticed your name on the Defiantroster as Chief of Security. Isthat making a difference?

LANDERSFor awhile I bounced around - theytell me I'm very good at what I do.Eventually I ended up at PearlHarbor on Admiral George Easton'sstaff. He gave me the task ofguarding Defiant during

construction.The first security chief pulled afew strings to get a transfer whenCaptain Wilmette got command, andAdmiral Easton recommended me tohim as a replacement.

AMYCaptain Wilmette - now that's a manwho's making a difference.

Lander's guard goes up - he looks for irony in her voice,finds none.

LANDERS(cautiously)

How so?

AMYGanges Colony got destroyed the daythat Captain Wilmette decided tomake the major mistake everyone isallowed one of. He's the scapegoat,and he gets pushed to the


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sidelines, only to come back andprove all his critics wrong. That'swhy they're screaming so loud now -a year's almost gone by andeveryone realizes that this guystill knows how to cook. That's thestuff movies are made of.

(Landers is silent)

You disagree?

LANDERSYes. No.

(he exhales)I don't know. Part of me reallywants to agree with you - he's agreat captain - but he still didmake the decision. He still went into try and save his fianc e beforecompleting his mission. Maybe he isa scapegoat, but he's also guiltyof that crime.

AMYSo he's guilty of being human.

(Landers opens his mouth)Like you.

Landers can't argue with this, and he doesn't. The waiterarrives before either can speak, and they dig into theirmeals for a moment before Landers speaks.

LANDERSI still love you, you know.

Amy can't meet his eyes.

AMYI know. And. . .

(a sigh)I love you too Michael, butsometimes love isn't enough.Sometimes. . .the crime can't beexcused for feelings.

LANDERSSo I don't have a right to onemistake.

AMYDamn. . .damnit Michael. Damn you.

(she drops her forkWhy do you have to make this sohard?

LANDERSAmy, since I knew you, I'vechanged. I'm more focused, moredriven. I'm good because I want to


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be good, and I don't look back onthe past. I'm content where I am;hell, I'm happy. The work isimportant, and the people are good.They're worth dying for.

(a beat)I don't regret, but once everyday,down where no one can see it, I

regret losing you.

Silence.

AMYMichael. . .you. . .you never lostme.

(her eyes tear and shequickly wipes them

I didn't want to say that.

Landers is taken aback, and he looks deeply into Amy's eyes.After she wipes them, she looks into his.

LANDERSAmy, I don't. . .I. . .

AMYJust tell me how long your shoreleave is.

As Landers sits back, speechless, we

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. SEATTLE - DAWN

The sun rises over the glass towers.

SUPERIMPOSE: THREE DAYS LATER

INT. AMY'S HOTEL ROOM

Expensive. Polished brass and mirrors dominate, reflecting

Amy's mess. The bed is occupied by Landers and Amy, fastasleep until the alarm buzzes.

Amy groggily rises, Landers stirring. She's in her bra andpanties - sexy black lace. Landers turns and she leans towardhim.

AMYI've got to go do that interview.I'll meet you at 10.


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Landers moans a reply, goes back to sleep. She moves awayfrom him for the bathroom, turns, watches him sleep. She'scontent.

INT. DINER

Not too far removed from its modern counterparts, except it'sa little cleaner and quieter. A gaggle of businessmen and

women stop for coffee and a danish. Wilmette, in his uniform,sits at a corner table sipping coffee and chewing on a donut.

Landers enters the diner, makes his way back. He nods atWilmette; Wilmette nods back. Landers sits and a waitresstakes his order for a donut and coffee.

Once the waitress is gone the silence hangs for a moment; twomen who would be perfectly comfortable aboard Defiantsuddenly don't know what to say. Wilmette makes the firstattempt.

WILMETTE

I was rather surprised when Barrycalled me and asked me to come andtalk with you. He seemed to thinkyou needed my advise.

LANDERSI don't know why sir. I mean,things are going fine. I'm fine -happy actually.I've been able to take care of someunfinished business - right somewrongs and rebuild some bridges.

WILMETTENothing wrong with that. God knowsI've had to do a bit of that theselast few months.

The waitress brings Landers his donut and coffee.

LANDERSThe truth is sir. . .Barry'sworried that I'm jumping intosomething without making sure Ilike where I'm falling.

Wilmette nods for him to continue.

LANDERS (CONT'D)Have you heard of Amy Holden, sir?

WILMETTEThe name's familiar. . .

(a beat)She's a reporter on CNN. New one -been there about three weeks. She'snot bad.


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LANDERSWell sir, she's also my ex-fiancee.

WILMETTEIs this the woman who you had achild with?

LANDERSActually, she had an abortion, butyes sir.

WILMETTEI remember overhearing Lt. Turnermention to someone when she cameaboard last April. And you two havemet again?

LANDERSYes sir - she's in town, and we raninto each other when she was

shooting some footage at the base.We hit it off again - realized thatwe still loved each other.

(a beat)I made a mistake sir, and I'mtrying to move past it. She'sletting me.

WILMETTEThat's a rare thing to be sure. Igot the impression Barry was afraidthat you were letting your emotionscloud your judgment.

LANDERSWhat do you think sir?

WILMETTEI think that the drive forredemption is powerful, and lovejust as much, but I can't arguewith a man who is following hisheart. Are you?

LANDERSI have no doubt sir.

WILMETTEThen all I can offer is advice. Youwon't understand it unless ithappens, and I hope it doesn't.

LANDERSSir?

WILMETTEIf you think it hurt before, wait


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until she's gone again.(Landers frowns; Wilmetterises)

Good day Mr. Landers.

Landers nods thoughtfully as Wilmette departs, then watchesthe captain go.

INT. WILMETTE'S OFFICE - DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette is seated on his couch reading A Thief In The Nightby John Cornwell when there is a knock at the door. Wilmettecalls for the person to enter, and Piper opens the door andtakes a seat next to Wilmette.

PIPERHow did it go?

WILMETTEI gave him what I could.

(off Piper's look)

I warned him to be ready to loseher again. I could tell he isn't.

PIPERWhat can I do?

WILMETTEBe his friend. Simply be there whenshe's gone, if that time comes.That's all you can do.

Piper sighs.

PIPERLife sucks man, doesn't it.

Something dark crosses Wilmette's eyes.

WILMETTESometimes it does.

Piper notices his friend's tone, and he shifts subjects.

PIPERThanks for talking to him, whatevergood it'll do.

WILMETTEIt'll plant a seed. Landers' mindis like that - you give him ideasand he wraps his brain around them -absorbs them. It's what makes himso sharp.

PIPERNo way I can disagree with that.

(Piper rises)


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Anyway, I'll leave you be. Enjoyingyour break?

WILMETTEMostly. Yeah, I am. Getting caughtup on my reading.

PIPER

You're always getting caught up onyour reading. I'll see you later.

Wilmette nods and Piper departs. After the door clicks shutWilmette lifts the book, begins to read. Stops. Sighs. Dropsin the marker and sets it down.

Wilmette rises, moves toward the desk. He drops into hischair, turning toward the pictures behind.Between his seaShark and Maryland crew pictures JenniferPerkins smiles up at us. It's the picture Wilmette was givenin "Absolution From The Dead." He lifts it from the table,holds it, stroking Jennifer's cheek. As he does Mandy

Patinkin begins to sing "Not A Day Goes By."

Not a day goes by

Not a single day

You're not somewhere part of my life

And I need you to stay

INT. SEATTLE PARK

Landers and Amy stroll through a lush green park in the city,

hand in hand. As they talk Landers looks at her hard, as ifsearching.

As the days go by

I keep thinking when does it end?

That it can't get much better much longer

But it only gets better and stronger and deeper and nearerand simpler and freer and richer and clearer

When they reach the center of the park Landers is still

searching. Amy's eyes meet his, and she stares deep, her eyesforming a grin. He grins back, finding what he needed.


Wilmette's eyes bore into Jennifer's, a tear forming as heabsently strokes her cheek.

And oh not a day goes by

Not a blessed day


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That you somewhere come into my life

And you don't go away

And I have to say

If you do I'll die

INT. FANCY RESTAURANT

Landers and Amy are seated at a booth, playfully playingfootsie as they wait for their meal.

I want day after day after day after day after day after dayafter day

Till the days go by.


CLOSE ON PHOTO

A tears falls on the picture, cascading down it. Wilmette'shand brushes it away.

And oh not a day goes by

Not a blessed day

That you somewhere come into my life

And you don't go away

And I have to say

If you do I'll die

INT. AMY'S HOTEL - CORRIDOR

At the door of Amy's hotel room Landers and Amy embrace in akiss as she unlocks the door. They're unprepared as she turnsthe key and they fall into the room, laughing.

I want day after day after day after day after day after dayafter day




CLOSE ON PHOTO

Another tear falls on it, followed by another and another andanother. Wilmette doesn't brush them away.


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TIME CUT TO

EXT. U.E.O. POST SEATTLE - DOCK

Landers and Amy approach Defiant's berth, Jeff the cameramanright behind. Landers is back in uniform, Amy in a tastefulblue blouse and black slacks. She looks nervous.

They approach the open airlock, two of Landers' people postedoutside as guards. They salute as Landers approaches, andLanders returns it. From inside emerges Lt. Sam Tyler,Landers' second. He grins at his boss and looks Amy over.

TYLERSo this is the lady who's here tointerview the Captain.

LANDERSSam Tyler, meet Amy Holden. Sam'smy second-in-command.

Amy shakes Tyler's hand, nervously smiling.

AMYI've heard a lot of good thingsabout you.

TYLERThank you ma'am. If I may say, youlook nervous.

AMYI am. I've been with CNN three-anda-half weeks now, and I didn'texpect to be interviewing one ofthe most influential men in U.E.O.history. Captain Wilmette is a heroof mine.

TYLER(glancing at Landers)

A lot of us share that feelingma'am. Some don't, but that's their

loss.

AMY(also looking at Landers)

Yes, it is.

Landers takes the criticism silently, then motions for themto enter.

LANDERSWe don't want to be late.


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Amy nods, biting her lower lip.


Wilmette is seated behind the desk working on reports whenthere's a knock at the door. He calls for them to come in,continues reading. Landers, Amy, and Jeff enter, coming to

stand in front of the desk.

Wilmette finally scrawls his name on the report and sets itin his "done" pile before rising.

LANDERSCaptain Wilmette, may I present AmyHolden of the Central News Network.

Wilmette smiles affably and extends his hand.

WILMETTECaptain James Wilmette. It's a

pleasure to meet you ma'am - you'redoing some good work.

AMY(blushing slightly)

Thank you sir. I hope you don'tmind if I say that I have greatrespect for what you'veaccomplished for the U.E.O.

WILMETTEThank you Ms. Holden.

Jeff steps forward and Amy turns toward him.

AMYCaptain, my cameraman Jeff Phelps.

Wilmette nods, turns to Landers.

WILMETTEThank you Mr. Landers.

Landers nods, steps toward the door.

LANDERS

(to Amy)I'll see you off the ship.

Amy nods, turning to Wilmette.

WILMETTEO.K., do you want to do this at mydesk or in the visitor's chairs?

INT. BRIDGE CORRIDOR - DEFIANT DSV


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Landers gently shuts the door to Wilmette's office, movingaway toward the ladder below. Piper comes up it, a reportunder arm.

PIPER(re: the office)

Is she in there?(Landers nods)

It was really neat that you set upthe interview with James. It adds aclout to her resum , and you saidhe's her hero.

Landers nods, favoring the door with a look.

PIPER (CONT'D)Relax man - he'll go easy on her.Besides, if she's half like you'vetold me, she's not the one who hasto worry.

Landers chuckles, begins to move away from the door.

LANDERSSo, how about a cup of coffee?

PIPERSure. I'm sure Shuster can handlethings for five minutes without me.

Before he steps onto the ladder, Landers pauses, turns toPiper.

LANDERS

Thank you, for what CaptainWilmette said to me. What advise hehad for me. . .I don't like toconsider it - I don't ever want tolose her again - but I'm glad thathe said it to me anyway.

Piper nods.

PIPERJust what friends are for.

(Landers grins; a beat)You're really happy, aren't you?

LANDERSYeah Barry, I am. I really am.

Piper nods and turns, making his way down the steps of theladder, Landers right behind.

END ACT TWOACT THREE


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FADE IN:

THE PACIFIC OCEAN

It's into the evening, the sun beginning to dip beyond thehorizon as we move above the water, coming to rest on

SUPERIMPOSE: TWO WEEKS AFTER PORT ALLEN

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

The submarine is sliding beneath the waves.

INT MESS HALL - DEFIANT DSV

Peck, Piper, Landers, and Rusch are seated together at theirusual table, eating supper.

LANDERSSpeaking of, did you see that

report on CNN last night?

PECKThe one about Deon's son gettingthe top spot of AmnestyInternational?

(Landers nods)Yeah, I did.

PIPERHe's a far cry from his father.Actually a good man who's trying tohelp people. Nice contrast.

PECKIt is. His father left quite ablack legacy for his family to livedown. I'd hate to be that poor kid.Only twenty-two and yet he probablyhas every government on the planetwatching his every move.

RUSCH(to Landers)

Speak of CNN, if I may change thesubject. . .

(Peck and Landers nod)Amy has been doing really great onCNN. That story she did last weekin Belfast was wonderful.

LANDERSI'll pass on the message next timewe talk. I'm sure she'll bethankful.

PECK


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If I may ask, how is it going?

LANDERSWe're taking it slow. We have to;God knows we're still dealing withhistory.

RUSCH

(meeting Peck's eyes)I think we all certainly know howthat feels.

Peck nods, and the interplay is not unnoticed by Landers, whosmiles slightly.

LANDERSBut it's going O.K.

RUSCHWell, if you ever want to talk, youknow where to find me.

Landers nods a thanks just as Piper's PCR beeps.

PIPER(into the PCR)

Piper here.

SHUSTER(filtered)

Sorry to bother you sir, but thatconduit on Deck Six is acting upagain.

PIPER(with a nod)

Be right down.(rising from the chair)

A Ragnarok got a lucky hit on us atPort Allen. Some of the energyrelays on Deck Six have been actingup since. See you later.

They all say goodbye to him, and a gesture passes from Peckto Rusch. Landers notices, but he doesn't indicate so, andPeck rises from his seat "nonchalantly."

PECKI actually have some reports totake care of, so if you'll alsoexcuse me. . .

(Landers nods, and Ruschsmiles at him)

I'll see you at 2000 Carrie.

Rusch nods, and Peck departs. Rusch turns to Landers, wholeans back in his chair.


24/41

LANDERS(dismissive)

We just have hit a couple bumps.

RUSCH("innocent")

I didn't say anything.

LANDERSI'm a security officer; I noticedyour little nod to Peck there.

RUSCHYou want to talk?

LANDERSLet's take a walk.

INT. CENTRAL CORRIDOR - DEFIANT DSV

Landers and Rusch walk side-by-side.

LANDERSLove isn't the problem. It's isn'teven guilt or anger. It's just. . .doubt. Doubt that we can makethis work or even that it should.

RUSCHYou always have doubt in anyrelationship. That's normal.

LANDERSI know that, but. . .

RUSCHWhat happened?

LANDERSI asked her if she'd ever want tohave children.

RUSCHAnd what did she say?

LANDERSShe told me that she loved me, that

she was glad that we're backtogether, but she said that shewould rather die than have childrenwith me.

Rusch grimly takes this in.

RUSCHSo she's still that angry.

LANDERS


25/41

I don't blame her - what I did wasshitty. . .

RUSCHYes it was, but if she's going tobe your lover she has to forgiveyou. She can't hold this angerinside her, or she'll end up

hurting you.

LANDERSBut how do I say that?

RUSCHCarefully.

(off his expression)You have to say it Michael. I knowyou feel guilty - you should - butthat doesn't make it right for herto hurt you, and that doesn't meanyou should let her. Look at what

the Captain did with Alridge. Doyou want to do the same thing?

Landers' gaze hits the deck, and Rusch lays a gentle hand onhis shoulder.

RUSCH (CONT'D)If you lose her to this, was itworth that much to have her back?

LANDERSYes it was. It means she forgaveme.

RUSCHNo it doesn't. It means that shehad sex with you - that's a lotdifferent. And anyway, really youhave to forgive yourself.

Landers nods, tears forming which he quickly brushes away.

LANDERS(almost a whisper)

Thank you Carrie.

RUSCH(a warm smile)

Anytime.

INT. WILMETTE'S CABIN - DEFIANT DSV

Wilmette, still in uniform, lays on the bed reading Sandman:The Dream Hunters by Neil Gaiman and Yoshitaka Amano when theintercom beeps. Wilmette drops his marker into the book andtaps the button.


26/41

WILMETTEWilmette here.

BAUER(filtered)

Sir, Admiral Easton is on the linefor you.

WILMETTE(a smile forming, rising)

Thanks Brittany. Put him through.

Wilmette stands in front of the screen on which AdmiralEaston appears. Easton, also still in uniform, sits in hisfinely furnished home office.

EASTONThought you'd be doing paperwork.

WILMETTEI needed a break, and I'm enjoying

the book I'm reading, though Icould say the same thing about you.

EASTONYou could, but I'd brush it off.

Wilmette pulls the chair for the desk and sits.

WILMETTEIs this a social call, or didsomeone piss in General Correy'scoffee?

Both men share a chuckle.

EASTONActually, I called to make sure youwere doing O.K. We both have atendency to overwork.

WILMETTE(sarcasm)

No, really.(a beat)

I'm fine now that I'm relaxing.It's been tiring, running to just

about every little stray noise orblip someone picks up. Wears youdown.

EASTONI know. I've been dealing withpoliticians all week. They've allbeen calling, offering their"support" on the Port Allenrestoration, which has somehowmagically fallen under the


27/41

jurisdiction of U.E.O. PacificFleet Command. Same old politicalbullshit.

WILMETTE(a light chuckle)

When we were docked at Post SeattleI had supper with Larry Parker - he

was on the Maryland with me for acouple years. He was complainingabout the same kind of thing. Itjust makes me thank God that I'llprobably die in this chair.

The air hangs silent for a moment.

EASTONHow's Mr. Landers doing?

WILMETTEReserved as always, but he seems

content with his relationship withMs. Holden.

EASTONThat's good to hear. When that kindof thing happens, there's alwaysuncertainty whether it'll make it.

WILMETTEAnd there still is. He's beenunusually blind about the chance offailure they have.

EASTONOr maybe he's just being reserved.He always was with me, even thoughwe were close.

WILMETTEIn any case, he'll learn whateverlesson he has to. He's smart inthat way.

Easton nods in agreement.

INT. LANDERS' OFFICE - DEFIANT DSV

Circular and sparsely decorated, it's not too big, but nottoo small either. A line of monitors, all turned off, lineone wall. He has a couch but not a coffee table.

Landers is seated at the desk working on reports when theintercom lightly beeps. Landers taps it, then goes back toreading.

LANDERSGo ahead.


28/41

BAUER(filtered)

Sorry to bother you Mr. Landers,but we're getting a message fromAmy Holden for you.

Landers tenses, and he sets his pen and the report down.

LANDERSPut her through.

Amy appears on the viewer in a pretty red blouse. She looks abit tense herself.

AMYHello Michael. I hope I didn'tbother you.

LANDERS(a fake smile)

You never bother me. What did youneed?

AMYWell, I'm back in Seattle tointerview somebody, and mycameraman and I just went to supperat that little place we found nearPost Seattle, and. . .well, weheard a couple women talking.

LANDERSAbout what?

AMYThe base. They both have boyfriendsworking there, and they weresupposed to meet them for supper,and neither of them showed. So, wewent to check the base, and therewas nobody in the guard booth.

LANDERS(frowning deeply)

No one?

AMYIn fact, the entire base was prettyquiet. I just tried to call AdmiralParker and I didn't get an answer.

Landers' frown gets deeper.

LANDERSAmy, can I call you back. . .

She nods - of course - and he cuts the channel and taps the


29/41

communications button.

LANDERS (CONT'D)Landers to Wilmette.

WILMETTE(filtered)

Wilmette here. Go ahead.

LANDERSSir, I think we have a seriousproblem. Can I meet you?

WILMETTE(filtered)

Come to my cabin.

INT. BRIDGE - DEFIANT DSV

We follow Wilmette as he strides in, the General Quartersklaxon moaning. Still zipping his uniform shirt, he takes his

seat, Alridge already at her post.

WILMETTEStatus?

ALRIDGEWe just got a priority memo sent toall U.E.O. vessels within a twohundred mile radius to respond tothe mayday. Admiral Easton called -I spoke to him and he told me toconfirm that you'll be the man onthe spot.

Wilmette nods as Peck strides in, taking his seat. Wilmettelooks up - his Command Crew is present.

WILMETTEI won't mince words. Correy's takenSeattle, and he's holding it withmore troops than we were preparedfor.

PECK(disbelief)

Troops?

WILMETTE(nodding)

About three hundred, heavily armed.They apparently took the FifthPacific in nine minutes.

RUSCHWe didn't even know he had thecapacity for a land strike.


30/41

WILMETTE(bitter?)

No, we didn't.(a beat)

In any case, our orders are to getto Seattle ASAP. Once there, wehave a plan to get out of thisbefore it escalates.

PECKPlan?

WILMETTEWe're going to use troops of ourown Mr. Peck. We're reactivatingForce Recon Alpha.

END ACT THREEACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. BEACH - U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

Silent for a moment, then a number of Dragonflies wash up onshore. From them spill out U.E.O. soldiers in black tacticaluniforms holding pulse rifles. We follow Landers as heemerges from a Dragonfly bearing the Defiant sword andshield.

WILMETTE(VO)

The plan is simple. Force ReconAlpha, which as you know wasdisbanded after the MacronesianWar, will proceed into the base.From there, they will retake it,terminating resistance with extremeprejudice.

Landers meets with a group of six other soldiers. He isclearly in charge, briefly giving them directions.

WILMETTE (CONT'D)Mr. Landers will lead the force,

which is made of by half of ForceRecon Alpha vets.

The huddle breaks, and the soldiers split up, each followinga commander down a certain predetermined path. Landers' teamgoes straight up the center.

CUT TO:

EXT. OPERATION MICROBURST FLEET


31/41

The fleet gracefully cuts through the depths. Defiant leads alarge pack of Aquaticas, Havasus, and a couple other U.E.O.submarines.

WILMETTE(VO)

While the troops retake the base, alarge portion of the U.E.O. Pacific

Fleet will move in on the PMRsubmarines guarding their groundassault. We will go in guns blazingand remind General Correy that heis not welcome in our bases and inour cities.


Everyone is in their positions, save Alridge who has beenreplaced by Bauer. The submarine is at Battlestations; theclamshell doors are sealed and everyone is making finalchecks before battle.

MARTINSir, transmissions from CommanderLanders indicates that he ismeeting heavy resistance inside thebase.

WILMETTEIf he wasn't, I'd be worried.

(to Bauer)Status of enemy vessels?

BAUER

(a beat as she studies thedisplay)

Sir, they're. . .moving tointercept us. Weapons hot.

WILMETTEOpen a channel.

MARTIN(OS)

Open.

WILMETTE

This is Captain James Wilmette ofthe Defiant to PMR vessels. You getone warning - withdraw and go tellCorrey to crawl back under a rockand stay there. Otherwise, you'llget to see me get angry, and trustme - it's not a pretty sight.

The air hangs silent a moment while everyone listens for aresponse. While most of the crew seems tense, Wilmette iscalm, peaceful. He's a man in his element.


32/41

Finally, there is a light beeping as Martin checks herconsole. She blushes as she listens to the incomingtransmission.

MARTINSir, I'd repeat what the PMRcaptain just sent me, but. . .

WILMETTE(a slight smile)

Understood. Range to target?

BAUERWe'll be in firing range ineighteen seconds.

WILMETTEMs. Rusch, prepare to fire pulselasers.

RUSCHAye sir.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Defiant, weapons nodes lit up, the fleet right behind,approaches the distant cluster of two Ragnaroks.

BAUER(VO)

We're in firing range.

WILMETTE

Open fire.

RUSCH(hesitant)

Sir?


Almost everyone on the Bridge looks at Wilmette in shock.

WILMETTE(his voice level)

You heard me Lieutenant.

RUSCHBut sir, they haven't fired.

WILMETTE(deadly)

And that concerns me because. . .?

Wilmette looks at Peck, whose jaw is practically on thefloor, then around at his crew.


33/41

WILMETTE (CONT'D)I know that it goes againstprotocol, but we have to send amessage. This is it.

(to Rusch)Ms. Rusch, open fire.

Rusch looks at Peck who nods imperceptibly.

RUSCH(frowning)

Aye sir.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

The pulse lasers open up on the lead Ragnarok.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. U.E.O. POST SEATTLE - OUTER WALL

Landers and his men look battered and bruised, but they'vemade it to the outer wall of the base. They move in anordered, military fashion, hiding in the broken remains ofthe guardhouse and exchanging fire with enemy troops in theglass tower across the street.

The place isn't a warzone, but it's not pretty either. TheU.E.O. troops come out on top, but not before one of them iscut down with a nasty shot to the head.

After the firing stops Landers carefully leads his men acrossthe street to the glass tower, and they enter at theshattered doors, the sun rising behind the tower.

INT. GLASS TOWER - LOBBY

A couple guards lie dead at the front desk. Landers andcompany circle it to find. . .Amy and her cameraman Jeffhiding behind. Amy jumps up and runs to embrace Landers.

AMYMichael! I never thought I'd seeyou again!

Amy is almost white as a sheet; she is clearly in shock.Landers is very careful how he words his next statement.

LANDERSWell, we've come to get you out ofhere.

AMYGreat. Let's go.

Amy starts walking toward the door, but Landers steps forwardand grabs her arm.


34/41

LANDERSNot without us, first. We have tomake sure the area is secure.

A younger man with dark hair - Fields - rushes over toLanders from the back of the lobby.

FIELDS

Sir, Katz and I just did a surveyof the entire area. Seems thatthere's a small group of hostilesholed up in the building to ourwest. We got a glimpse inside; sir,they're holding children.

Landers frowns deeply, lifts his PCR to his mouth.

LANDERSBeta Team, report to the lobby.

(to himself)Shit!

Three other members of Landers team rush over to him, makingthe count eight. They huddle around Landers.

LANDERS (CONT'D)O.K. people, listen up. We have asituation.


The Bridge rocks from an impact. Wilmette studies hisconsole, taps the communications button.

WILMETTENorth Star Leader, concentrate fireon the second Valhalla. It's tryingto flank us, and we're gettingenough fire from that Ragnarok onour starboard.

INT. ALRIDGE'S COCKPIT

Alridge is seated in the cockpit of a Phantom, sweat drippingdown her face. It's a contrast to the icy expression on herface.

ALRIDGEAcknowledged.

(into her headset)O.K. everyone, we're going to hitthe engines on the Valhalla at 231mark 4.

EXT. PHANTOMS

The squadron of Phantoms breaks left, following Alridge.


35/41

CUT TO:

INT. SECOND FLOOR OFFICE - GLASS TOWER

Landers, Fields, and another young man lay at the edge of thewindows, peering down into the building across the streetwith binocs. After a moment they crawl away from the window.

LANDERSO.K. Let's go.

EXT. SMALL OFFICE BUILDING

Landers, Fields, and three others make their way around theside of the building. They pause at a back window, and Fieldsbrings out a small glass cutter. They cut away the pane ofthe window and slide in.

INT. BACK OFFICE - SMALL OFFICE BUILDING

The team has entered, Landers still in the lead. They make

their way across the room, pausing at the door. Landerscarefully opens it and peers out. After a moment he signalshis team to hold and makes his way out.

INT. HALLWAY - SMALL OFFICE BUILDING

With catlike grace Landers creeps up the hallway toward a PMRsoldier in a red uniform. He quickly grabs the man and breakshis neck, then signals the rest of his team to follow.

CUT TO:

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Defiant evades a barrage of pulse laser fire from a batteredRagnarok, then fires on a heavily damaged Valhalla. A Phantomnearby explodes, the victim of the Ragnarok.


Bauer taps her controls, frowning.

BAUERThe Valhalla has taken heavy damageto its engines. They're gettingreally hot.

WILMETTE(also reading his screen)

We're not maximum safe distance,are we?

BAUERNo sir.

WILMETTEMr. Wong, get us away from that


36/41

Valhalla.

WONG(OS)

Aye sir.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

The submarine moves away from the slowly sinking enemyvessel. Finally, it explodes, shaking Defiant. The fireballcatches a Ragnarok, frying the underside.

CUT TO:

INT. LOBBY - SMALL OFFICE BUILDING

Six PMR soldiers with rifles stand over ten businessmen andwomen, all well dressed and rather frightened. As we moveover them, we see a door slowly opening.

Landers and his team storm into the room, trading fire with

the PMR troops. The U.E.O. soldiers take down their opponentsrather quickly, the element of surprise on their side.

CUT TO:


The ship rocks from another impact, and a panel aboveWilmette's head sparks and blows outward, falling to thefloor behind the captain. He ducks, then gets back up as theship rocks with another hit.

WILMETTE

Mr. Wong, can you or can you notget us facing that Valhalla.

WONG(clenching his teeth)

Working on it sir.

Wong pulls the stick to the left hard, and the ship dips.Everyone grabs their consoles as the ship takes anotherimpact.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

We follow as it tries to evade the pursuing Valhalla, whichis practically on top of it. Suddenly, an Aquatica, slightlydamaged, swings into frame and fires, taking out the PMRship's engines. Defiant then comes about, heading straighttoward a damaged Ragnarok barely staying afloat.


Wilmette studies his board looking distinctly like a wolfstudying a defenseless lamb. Bauer runs scans.


37/41

BAUERTheir engines are heavily damaged,and their third deck is partiallyon fire. I'd say they're a sittingduck.

MARTINSir, Ms. Alridge is on the horn.

WILMETTEPut her on speakers.

(a beat)Go ahead.

INT. ALRIDGE'S COCKPIT

ALRIDGESir, we read this one lastRagnarok. The other withdrew. Whatare your orders?


Wilmette sits silently, his gaze on the image in front ofhim. He finally gets up, moves in front of the Command Plex,his eyes never leaving the image.

ALRIDGE(filtered)

Sir?

WILMETTEI'll have to get back to you NorthStar. Ms. Martin, signal the

Ragnarok.

MARTINAye sir.

PECKSir, why don't we send a boardingparty over? Mr. Tyler could. . .

WILMETTERagnarok captain, this is JamesWilmette of the Defiant. You areordered to leave our territory

immediately.

PIPER(under his breath)

They can't James. Not like that.

PECKSir, we could just send a team overand. . .

Wilmette waves him silent, his eyes still on the viewer.


38/41

There's something in them; something ugly.

WILMETTEPMR captain, respond or we'll haveto persuade you to leave.

Wilmette hangs on for one more moment, then turns abruptlyand strides back into his seat.

WILMETTE (CONT'D)Ms. Rusch, prepare to fire.

RUSCHWhat?

PECKSir, may I remind you. . .

WILMETTE(voice perfectly level)

Mr. Peck, it's simple. They fight

dirty. Today, so will we.

PECKAnd what good does it do to sink totheir level?

WILMETTEIt'll send a message - don't messwith us.

(turning to Rusch)Ms. Rusch, if you please.

Rusch is silent for a moment, as if giving him a chance to

reconsider. As we pan from her and around the Bridge we meetfaces filled with shock and anger; they feel betrayed, andthey feel afraid of this man who has suddenly abandonedmercy.

RUSCH(almost hateful)

Aye sir.

PECK(to Wilmette, veryquietly)

What ever happened to mercy?

WILMETTEIt died at Port Allen.

EXT. DEFIANT DSV

Defiant's pulse lasers and torpedoes open up on the Ragnarok.It quickly is pounded to pieces and explodes, leaving Defianthanging nearby.



39/41

Martin's console starts beeping; it's the only sound on theBridge. We move close in on Wilmette, his face unreadable.

END ACT FOURACT FIVE

FADE IN:

EXT. U.E.O. POST SEATTLE

The base is littered with debris and bodies that have beenhastily covered. The sun is high in the sky over the cleanupwork, and Defiant is docked in a berth.

We move over the base and above the park where we begin tomove in on

LANDERS AND AMY

They sit at on a bench, Landers clearly agitated. Amy iscalmly explaining to him.

AMYAnd that's why I can't be with you.

LANDERSYou didn't seem that way when Irescued you this morning.

AMYMichael, I was being held at

gunpoint. Of course you lookedpretty attractive to me then.

(playful)You still do.

(a beat)But. . .you remind me. You remindme of what happened and how itmakes me feel, and I can't livethat way. I just can't.

Landers is at a loss for words; he never expected this in amillion years.

LANDERSAmy, I. . .I love you.

AMYOh silly, did you really think thiswould work? I did love the sexthough.

Amy leans over and gives him a deep kiss, then gets up andstrides away. If Landers' jaw could come detached, it wouldbe in his lap.


40/41

Before Amy's out of earshot she turns and smiles innocently.

AMY (CONT'D)See you around.

And she half jogs, half skips away, totally oblivious toLanders on the bench. His face falls. He looks like he's

going to cry. He watches her go, his eyes so so desperate.His hands find his broken heart.

From behind, a gentle hand comes to rest on Landers'shoulder. Landers looks up and Wilmette comes around thebench and takes Amy's seat.

LANDERSI don't think there's words. . .

WILMETTENo, there aren't really.

LANDERSIt feels so. . .so. . .

WILMETTEEmpty.

Landers nods, brushing away a stray tear.

LANDERSI heard about what you did to theRagnarok. Why?

Wilmette's face softens, his eyes glistening. The pain we've

seen in "Timeless" and "Absolution From The Dead" comesthrough again.

WILMETTE(almost a whisper)

I don't know. I got angry.

LANDERSWhat made them different?

Wilmette is silent for a moment, but we're unsure whether heknows or not. Finally

WILMETTEToday's their day.

(a beat)June 15th. It's the sixthanniversary of the Incident.

Landers doesn't know whether this is an answer or not. Hestudies Wilmette's face, apparently letting it go.

LANDERSSir, does it make sense if I say


41/41

that I wish she was dead?

WILMETTEYes, it does, though either way itdoesn't get any easier.

LANDERSI don't have anything left of her.

Maybe a picture. . .

WILMETTEYou have your memories Mr. Landers.They may not seem like much now,but they count for a lot.

Wilmette rises, prepares to move on. Landers is silent for amoment, then looks up at him.

LANDERSSir, thank you.

Wilmette nods, then pauses, considering.

WILMETTEMr. Landers, have you eaten yet?

LANDERSNo sir, I haven't.

WILMETTEI was just on my way; I figured I'dbe able to find at least one openrestaurant around here. Care tojoin me?

Landers looks uncertain for a moment.

LANDERSBut sir, I don't exactly like you.

WILMETTE(a slight smile)

Are you going to let that get inthe way of a good meal?

LANDERS(grinning)

No sir.

Landers rises from the bench and joins Wilmette. As the twomen walk away from us, we

FADE TO BLACK.

Documents

Defiant: 108 - Not a Day Goes By