"Pilot": 05-09-08

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Medium reaction shot of Devereux.

DEVEREUX
(uncertain, but thoughtful)
And you're proposing that we go down and make contact with them?

RUSTY
Why not? They have what we need.

DEVEREUX
(skeptical)
It's the first prototype.

RUSTY
But it works. And we only need it for one trip.

Devereux looks very dubious, but also realizes that they do not have a lot of options.

ELIZABETH
It's worth a try, Captain.

Devereux rises from her seat and begins to slowly pace the room.

DEVEREUX
I can't even begin to imagine all of complexities . . . tampering with history, interfering with the past . . .

HAWKES
We would have to be most careful, Captain.

Devereux turns and stares at Hawkes in barely controlled disbelief.

DEVEREUX
You agree with this plan?

HAWKES
(evenly)
It's the only one we currently have that offers us any hope of returning home.

Devereux sits back down and looks at Rusty.

DEVEREUX
There's no way we can create what we need ourselves.

RUSTY
(meets her gaze)
Maybe. (beat) Eventually.

HAWKES
The longer we remain, Captain, the greater the chance that we will affect history.

DEVEREUX
I know. (looks away) But to deliberately go down there and . . . (looks up, serious) If something goes wrong, they might never develop the FTL drive. The effect that would have on history . . .

RUSTY
(grins)
Then we'll be very, very careful . . .

ELIZABETH
Do we have any other options, Captain?

Devereux looks over at Hawkes, who regards her placidly.

DEVEREUX
(quietly)
No. I guess we don't.

Devereux looks around the table. The others regard her with anticipation, awaiting her instructions.

HAWKES
Captain, the ship is vulnerable.

Devereux looks at Hawkes, not immediately understanding his statement.

DEVEREUX
You think they might actually be able to damage it?

HAWKES
(with the barest hint of smile)
That's most unlikely, Captain. We would detect any incoming attacks long before they were within range. (beat) But we will be--and likely are—visible to the people of this era.

Reaction shot of Devereux. She looks like she would like to swear, but maintains control.

DEVEREUX
Okay, we'll need to find somewhere to hide until we get the drive systems repaired.

ELIZABETH
(tentatively)
The far side of the moon should work.

RUSTY
Yeah. But brr . . .

DEVEREUX
(to Rusty)
Chief? Can we make it there?

RUSTY
(thoughtful)
I can coax some power out of the main thrusters, Captain, but not for long. It should be enough to get us there, but it'll slow going.

DEVEREUX
How long?

RUSTY
(considers)
About an hour or so.

Devereux nods and then looks at Hawkes. He returns her look, not seemingly entirely pleased, but accepts the answer.

HAWKES
I'll start an active scan for signs that we might have been detected.

RUSTY
(derisively)
And if we are?

HAWKES
(regards Rusty evenly)
Then we will know and can take appropriate precautions.

DEVEREUX
Good idea. (beat) What about communications?

ELIZABETH
(stares at her tablet, thinking)
We can set up a relay. There's so much junk floating around out here, they won't notice one more thing. (looks toward the screen) We could also mount it in something that's already out there . . .

DEVEREUX
(nods approvingly)
Chief, you two get on it. And then continue repairs. We need to get those done regardless of what we do next. (to Elizabeth) Lieutenant, after you're done with the relay, start researching more about this era that we might need to know: clothing, transportation, general technology . . . that sort of thing.

ELIZABETH
(brightly)
At once, Captain.

Devereux pauses a moment before turning to Hawkes.

DEVEREUX
Lieutenant, I want a full analysis of our tactical situation. I also need a report on our long-term survival options based on our current supplies, including food and power.

HAWKES
(nods)
Yes, Captain.

Devereux looks around the table once more.

DEVEREUX
(quietly)
Dismissed.

Rusty, Hawkes, and Elizabeth exit the conference room. Devereux and Hope remain seated. Devereux stands, staring toward the viewing port.

DEVEREUX (CONT'D)
(with quiet frustration)
I must be out of my mind.

HOPE
Do you wish an analysis?

DEVEREUX
(stares at Hope as if considering it)
No. It might show that I am sane. (weak laugh)

Devereux settles into a chair.

DEVEREUX (CONT'D)
I don't suppose there's any of your people flying around these parts?

HOPE
There are not. Official records state contact with humans does not occur for one hundred and twenty-seven years.

DEVEREUX
Long time to wait. (beat) (sighs) Even if there were, we'd risk altering your history as well.

HOPE
Yes.

DEVEREUX
Then you think we should try this?

HOPE
You have few options.

DEVEREUX
(sighs, but smiles)
I wonder if they can court-martial me for this.

HOPE
A possibility. There is no precedent.

DEVEREUX
(quietly)
There is now.

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