Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

1. INT. BRIDGE

[insert more here]

ELIZABETH

Captain! I’m picking a large gravitational distortion at one one four mark eight. (beat) No, wait. It’s several smaller ones.

DEVEREUX

Slipstream effects?

ELIZABETH
(nods)

I think so. The energy waveforms match.

Devereux looks toward Hawkes.

DEVEREUX

Lieutenant?

Hawkes consults his console, working quickly.

HAWKES

Confirmed, Captain. It appears to be four vessels.

DEVEREUX

Have they spotted us?

HAWKES
(checks console)

I don’t believe so. They are not yet on a course to intercept us.

DEVEREUX
(quietly)

They will be. (louder) Sound Battle Stations. Recall all teams from Aerian cruiser. Have them grab onto a strut on the hull and hang on tight to the shuttle if they have to.

HAWKES

Acknowledged.

DEVEREUX

Engineering, we’re going to need power to the engines and weapons very soon.

NIGUCHI’S COMM VOICE

Yes, Captain. We’re on it.

HAWKES

Captain, all four vessels are coming about. They are clearly on a heading course toward us.

DEVEREUX

I doubt they could have missed the Aerian cruiser either.

HAWKES

Most likely.

DEVEREUX

Have the survey teams cleared the vessel yet?

HAWKES
(checks console)

Not yet. One team is still two minutes from the shuttle.

DEVEREUX

Will they have enough time to get back?

HAWKES
(checks console)

Yes. There should be a four-minute margin before we’re within effective targeting range.

DEVEREUX

Have you identified them yet?

HAWKES

Initial scans give a high probability that they’re Udossian.

DEVEREUX
(to Elizabeth)

Give them a hand in Engineering until the Chief gets back. We need weapons and maneuvering thrusters as soon as possible.

ELIZABETH

What about slipstream?

DEVEREUX
(considers)

Bring it to standby in case we need to make a run for it.

ELIZABETH

Yes, Captain.

Elizabeth exits.

HAWKES

Effective weapons range in twelve minutes, Captain.

DEVEREUX
(murmurs)

Now we just need some effective weapons. (to Hawkes) We’re still short on weapons, I assume?

HAWKES
(grimly)

Engineering has restored power to all energy weapons, but have warned that multiple systems have been bypassed, so cannot be certain how long they will hold out.

DEVEREUX
(smiles thinly)

I’ve heard that one before. (beat) We’re still at the same status on torpedoes and countermeasure missiles?

HAWKES

For the most part, yes. We did manage to assemble one additional missile from salvageable parts so far.

DEVEREUX

So we’re up to an unlucky thirteen.

HAWKES

Yes. (beat) I recommend that we reserve the torpedoes for when we most need them.

DEVEREUX
(sighs)

Agreed.

PYRAFOX’S COMM VOICE

Bridge, the shuttle is secured.

DEVEREUX

Excellent work, Ensign. Now I need your skill at the helm.

PYRAFOX’S COMM VOICE

Yes, Captain. On my way.

HAWKES

Six minutes to weapons range.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

Bridge, we’re ready to jump at your mark.

Devereux looks at Hawkes.

HAWKES

It might be a wiser strategy, Captain. We are seriously outarmed.

Devereux turns to stare at the image of the Aerian cruiser on one of the main bridge displays.

DEVEREUX

We can’t just leave it here.

HAWKES

We cannot defend it.

Reaction shot of Devereux. She is clearly conflicted.

DEVEREUX

Engineering, stand by.

HAWKES
(quietly)

Captain, it has survived here for three thousand years.

DEVEREUX

But if the Udossians or Orions manage to claim it . . .

HAWKES

That would be unfortunate.

Devereux’s expression turns hard.

DEVEREUX

Arm torpedoes. Prepare to fire on my command.

HAWKES

Target?

Devereux looks at Hawkes. Hawkes looks back, waiting.

DEVEREUX

The Aerian cruiser. Maximum yield. Target the port power generators.

HAWKES

Yes, Captain. (beat) Torpedoes armed. Awaiting your command.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

Bridge! What are you doing?

DEVEREUX

Keeping the Udossians from taking possession of that ship.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

Then we will!

DEVEREUX

We can’t.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

I can get those weapons working. I swear it!

DEVEREUX

In the next four minutes?

CUT TO:

2. INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

Reaction shot of Rusty. He is angry and frustrated.

RUSTY

Don’t destroy it! (beat) I’ll cut power to the torpedo launchers.

DEVEREUX’S COMM VOICE

Elizabeth, are you still there?

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She appears very uncomfortable.

ELIZABETH

Yes, Captain.

CUT TO:

3. INT. BRIDGE

Reaction shot of Devereux. Her expression is one of grim anger.

DEVEREUX

Lt. Commander Banks, relieve the Chief of duty.

CUT TO:

4. INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She is in agony for the order.

ELIZABETH
(pleads)

Chief, please don’t make me.

Two security officers step forward.

Rusty looks at them and then at Elizabeth. After a moment, he sags, dropping his hands at his sides.

CUT TO:

5. INT. BRIDGE

HAWKES

The Udossian vessels are coming to firing range.

DEVEREUX

Engineering, prepare to engage the slipstream drive.

CUT TO:

6. INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

ELIZABETH

We’re ready here, Captain.

Elizabeth looks over at Rusty. Rusty appears defeated, although still angry.

CUT TO:

7. INT. BRIDGE

Devereux stares at the image of the Aerian cruiser on the screen.

HAWKES

The Udossian ships are well within range. They’re approaching the Aerian cruiser.

DEVEREUX
(tightly)

Lieutenant Hawkes. (beat) Fire torpedoes.

HAWKES

Yes, Captain.

CUT TO:

8. EXT. SPACE

SFX: Two torpedoes are fired, heading for the Aerian ship.

CUT TO:

9. INT. BRIDGE

HAWKES

Impact in twenty-eight seconds. The Udossian ships are continuing to close.

CUT TO:

10. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The torpedoes impact the Aerian ship. A moment later, it erupts, spewing debris into space.

SFX: The explosion engulfs one of the Udossian ships and cripples another one.

CUT TO:

11. INT. BRIDGE

Devereux and Hawkes watch as the Aerian ship explodes.

HAWKES

Well done, Captain.

Devereux gives Hawkes an expressionless look. She looks away and taps the intercom.

DEVEREUX

Engineering, engage slipstream--now.

CUT TO:

12. INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

Elizabeth looks toward Rusty. Rusty pauses a moment and then nods slowly.

CUT TO:

13. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The ship jumps to slipstream.

DISSOLVE TO:

14. DEVEREUX’S OFFICE

Devereux is seated at her desk, working.

A chime sounds.

DEVEREUX

Come.

Elizabeth enters.

ELIZABETH

Final damage reports, Captain.

Elizabeth offers Devereux a tablet.

Devereux accepts the tablet and places it down on her desk without looking at it.

DEVEREUX

How’s the Chief?

ELIZABETH

Very quiet.

DEVEREUX

I’m not sure whether to be concerned about that or not.

ELIZABETH

He hasn’t threatened to quit.

DEVEREUX

That does worry me.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

CUT TO:

98. INT. ALIEN VESSEL - COMMAND CENTER

DEVEREUX’S COMM VOICE

Hope, one of the other survey teams found something. I’m having Lieutenant Hawkes bounce the transmission on to you to see if you recognize anything.

HOPE

Acknowledged. (beat) I wait.

Hope stiffens slightly as she receives the transmissions from Hawkes.

RUSTY

Hey, Doc. Everything okay?

There is a long pause before Hope answers.

HOPE

Main Weapons Control. Aft.

ELIZABETH
(puzzled)

You remembered what this station does?

Hope turns to stare at Elizabeth.

HOPE

No.

RUSTY

One of the other teams found another big room. That must be what she’s talking about.

HOPE

Yes.

RUSTY

Well that sounds a lot more interesting than snooping around here collecting feathers from dead guys. (beat) Lizzie, you and Hope can stay here and keep checking out this place. We’ll go see how big the guns are this thing has.

ELIZABETH

The Captain ordered no one is supposed to head out with an armed escort.

RUSTY

Aruna, you carrying her sidearm?

ARUNA

Yes, sir.

RUSTY

You know how to fire it?

ARUNA
(hesitates)

Yes, sir.

RUSTY

Good. (to Elizabeth) Tsu-tao can stay here with you then. (gives Elizabeth a tight grin) I know you know how to handle a weapon.

Elizabeth stares back at Rusty. She is clearly not happy with his decision.

ELIZABETH
(flatly)

I’ll inform the Captain.

RUSTY

Nah. I’ll do it. (beat) Bridge, we’re heading over to check out that Weapons Control section. (half-beat) Well, Lizzie and Hope are staying here. Tsu-tao’ll guard ‘em. Aruna’s with me.

CUT TO:

99. INT. BRIDGE

Reaction shot of Devereux. She is thinking this over.

DEVEREUX

Understood. (beat) Keep your comm line open until you arrive.

CUT TO:

100. INT. ALIEN VESSEL - COMMAND CENTER

Rusty gives Elizabeth a smug look. Elizabeth gives a visible sigh.

RUSTY

Yes, Cap’n. We’ll be good. (to Elizabeth, more seriously) I’ll let you know if we find anything interesting.

ELIZABETH

Be careful, Chief.

RUSTY
(grins)

Aren’t I always?

ELIZABETH

No.

Rusty chuckles.

RUSTY
(to Aruna)

Let’s go. This place is a little short on live bellhops, so you’ll have to carry your own luggage.

ARUNA
(tries not smile)

Yes, sir.

RUSTY
(to the others)

Try not to miss us too much.

ELIZABETH

Keep your line open.

RUSTY
(smiles)

You really do sound like the Cap’n.

Rusty and Aruna exit.

Elizabeth stands, watching them leave. There is a long silence.

TSU-TAO

Orders, sir?

Elizabeth looks over at Tsu-tao.

ELIZABETH

Survey and record the rest of this area, I guess. Maybe we’ll figure out how some of it worked.

TSU-TAO

Yes, sir.

Elizabeth and Tsu-tao gather their equipment.

ELIZABETH

Hope? Are you with us?

HOPE

Yes.

Elizabeth, Tsu-tao, and Hope move further into the darkness of the Command Center.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

Hope stares at the console for a long moment.

HOPE

No. (beat) It no longer lives.

Rusty looks away in exasperation.

RUSTY

Is it me? Or is there some reason that everyone feels the need to state the obvious?

Elizabeth starts the smile and then stops.

ELIZABETH

Chief, I don’t think that’s what she means.

RUSTY

I think she does, Lizzie. It’s definitely not working any more.

Elizabeth seems to ignore Rusty.

ELIZABETH

Hope? What did you mean?

Hope stares at Elizabeth.

CUT TO:

97. INT. BRIDGE

Hawkes is at the Tactical station.

HAWKES

Captain, I’m receiving a report from the survey team that you directed to the aft section.

Devereux looks up from her station with mild surprise.

DEVEREUX

Let’s hear it.

Hawkes operates controls at his station.

HAWKES

This is the Bridge. The Captain is listening. Proceed with your report.

DEMARCO’S COMM VOICE

I think we’ve found something, Captain.

DEVEREUX

More bodies?

DEMARCO’S COMM VOICE

No, Captain. (beat) There seems to be a lot of equipment in here, though. I don’t recognize any of it, though. It could be Engineering, Weapons Controls . . . or their Galley, for all I know.

DEVEREUX
(to Hawkes)

Bring it up.

The images on one of the main bridge displays changes to that of a large dark chamber. Pieces of large equipment are evident in the light from the helmet spotlights.

Devereux studies the images for several moments before turning toward Hawkes.

Hawkes shakes his head, indicating that he does not know what the objects are either.

DEVEREUX (CONT’D)

Lieutenant, transmit these images to Hope. See if she recognizes anything.

HAWKES

Yes, Captain.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

Rusty looks toward Hope with a mixture of puzzlement and mild incredulity.

RUSTY (CONT’)
(mutters)

Probably some Aerian thing.

Rusty begins to move forward.

Elizabeth grabs him lightly by the shoulder.

ELIZABETH

No. I’ll do it.

Rusty looks at Elizabeth quizzically and then shrugs.

Elizabeth slowly moves forward until she stands just behind Hope.

ELIZABETH (CONT’D)
(softly)

Hope?

Hope does not respond.

ELIZABETH (CONT’D)
(a little more loudly)

Hope?

Hope pauses in her motions and turns her head toward Elizabeth.

HOPE

He is dead.

ELIZABETH
(nods slowly)

Yes. (beat) For a long time.

HOPE
(stares at Elizabeth)

His spirit is gone.

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She is clearly uncomfortable with the direction that the conversation is going. She swallows hard.

ELIZABETH
(calmly)

Okay.

HOPE
(still staring at Elizabeth)

It is not.

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She looks uncertain.

ELIZABETH

Not? Not what?

HOPE

Not “okay”.

ELIZABETH
(softly)

Oh.

Elizabeth looks back at Hope. Elizabeth glances toward Rusty. Rusty gives her a visual equivalent of a shrug.

ELIZABETH (CONT’D)

Why not?

HOPE

Creators with finite [unintelligible].

ELIZABETH
(puzzled)

Finite . . . what?

HOPE
(pauses)

Souls.

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She seems about to speak, but does not.

RUSTY

What are you talking about, Doc?

Hope looks down at the dead Aerian

HOPE

This one not reborn.

RUSTY

Not any of them?

HOPE
(with quiet sadness)

No.

RUSTY

Well, doesn’t that just suck?

ELIZABETH
(snaps tightly)

Chief!

Rusty tries to look gruff, but fails. Holding up his hands in mock surrender.

RUSTY

Look . . . Doc . . .

ELIZABETH
(gently)

Do you want to bring them back with us?

Rusty glares at her in irritated disbelief. Elizabeth stares him down.

HOPE

No. (beat) Will collect [unintelligible].

Elizabeth looks toward Rusty. Rusty shrugs.

Hope reaches down and reverently collects a single feather from the dead Aerian’s wing.

RUSTY

I guess she meant “feather”.

Elizabeth gives Rusty an annoyed look.

Hope lowers her head for a moment.

The other crew members wait silently.

Hope raises her head and stands.

HOPE

Continue.

Rusty appears ready to retort, but Elizabeth silences him with a sharp glance.

Rusty rolls his eyes and heads over to the console that Elizabeth had been examining.

RUSTY

Did you figure anything out?

ELIZABETH

No. Not a clue. (beat) There’s no power to it.

RUSTY

Good thing you went to the Academy to figure that out.

Elizabeth gives Rusty an annoyed look.

ELIZABETH

With power to bring it online, your guess is as good as mine. It could be helm, navigation, defenses . . . for all I know it could be their Captain’s espresso machine.

RUSTY
(snickers)

Hey Hope, how do your people take their cappuccinos?

Hope stares at Rusty.

ELIZABETH

Chief.

RUSTY
(with feigned innocence)

Just checking.

Elizabeth shakes her head in annoyance.

ELIZABETH

Hope, do you know what this station was used for?

Hope stares at the console for a long moment.

HOPE

No.

RUSTY

So much for that. (beat) Aruna, Tsu-tao, take a look at those over there. (points) And don’t touch any . . . feathers.

Both Aruna and Tsu-tao look uncertain, but nod in acceptance.

ARUNA

Yes, sir.

Aruna and Tsu-tao head off toward the indicated stations.

Rusty kneels and examines the sides and underside of the console.

RUSTY
(musing)

I don’t see an access panel . . .

ELIZABETH

I noticed that. It almost seems as though there were molded out of a single piece.

Rusty runs his hands along the base and down to the deck.

RUSTY

And from the deck as well. (looks up underneath the console) Almost as if it was extruded from the deck itself.

Rusty and Elizabeth exchange puzzled looks.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Hope, do you know anything about this?

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

Devereux looks toward the main bridge displays.

DEVEREUX

Chief, we’re still not receiving a clear signal from two of the cameras.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

That’d be Lizzie and Hope.

DEVEREUX
(concerned)

They’re not with you?

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

They stayed in the Command Center while we fixed this up.

DEVEREUX

I see.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

We’re putting the signal relay in place now, Cap’n. (beat) You’ll be able to talk them both in a couple of minutes. (beat) Assuming you want to.

CUT TO:

92. INT. BRIDGE

Reaction shot of Devereux. Devereux scowls slightly.

DEVEREUX

Just get on with it, Chief. (with slight humor) We can discuss your disregard for my orders later.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE
(with mock protest)

She’s the one who pulled rank!

DEVEREUX

Right. (beat) Keep me informed. Devereux out.

CUT TO:

93. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – CORRIDOR - COMMAND CENTER

Rusty grins at Aruna and Tsu-Tao.

RUSTY

Commanding officers. You just have to know how to handle ‘em.

Aruna and Tsu-Tao exchanged worried glances.

CUT TO:

94. INT. ALIEN VESSEL - COMMAND CENTER

Elizabeth is examining one of the consoles. She touches it tentatively, as if she expects that it might suddenly activate.

Hope sits on the deck next to one of the dead Aerian bodies. She is staring at it, occasionally cocking her head slightly as she studies it.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE
(loudly)

Get off my ship!

Elizabeth starts. She takes a deep breath and then mumbles something that cannot be understood.

ELIZABETH
(warningly)

Chief . . .

RUSTY
(chuckles)

Just making sure you hadn’t dozed off or something.

ELIZABETH

You’d better hope there’s nothing alive in here that wants to eat you. I’ll let it!

RUSTY

That’s cruel.

ELIZABETH

I mean it.

RUSTY

To the hungry creature, I mean.

Elizabeth mutters something under her breath again.

RUSTY (CONT’D)
(chuckles)

We’re on our way back. (beat) That’ll give you two time to finish your girl-talk.

Elizabeth glances toward Hope and rolls her eyes slightly.

DISSOLVE TO:

95. INT. BRIDGE

The images on all of the main bridge displays resolve into better clarity.

HAWKES

Captain, we have full communications again with all members of Chief Rayna’s survey team.

DEVEREUX

Good. (beat) What’s the status of the survey team we sent to help them?

HAWKES
(checks his console)

They’re still two decks away. (beat) At least ten minutes before they reach the Command Center.

Devereux studies a map of the explored sections of the alien vessel.

DEVEREUX

Divert them here instead. (highlights a location aft) We still need to locate the main Engineering sections.

HAWKES

Yes, Captain.

DISSOLVE TO:

96. INT. ALIEN VESSEL - COMMAND CENTER

Rusty, Aruna, and Tsu-Tao enter.

The three engineers approach Elizabeth and stop. They all look at Hope.

RUSTY

What’s she doing?

ELIZABETH
(shrugs)

I don’t know. I came over to check out this station and when I looked back, she was like that. (beat) She’s been doing that ever since.

RUSTY

Did she say anything?

Elizabeth shakes her head.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

DISSOLVE TO:

85. INT. BRIDGE

Devereux walks slowly toward the Tactical station. She glances at the mostly unrecognizable images being transmitted to the main bridge displays.

Hawkes works the controls on his console.

DEVEREUX

Any luck, Lieutenant?

HAWKES

Very little, Captain. (beat) Their Command Center appears to be well-shielded.

Devereux turns to Hawkes with a questioning look.

HAWKES (CONT’D)

The hull in that area is much more dense than in other parts of the ship we’ve surveyed so far. (beat) A reasonable design for the more critical areas of the ship.

DEVEREUX
(nods slowly in agreement)

Yes, it would be. (beat) Keep trying.

Giving continual glances at the main bridge displays, Devereux returns to the command deck.

CUT TO:

86. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – COMMAND CENTER

The members of the survey team move further into the dark Command Center.

Their helmet lights reveal several stations positioned around the area on their level. A large winged shape can be seen sprawled over one of them.

ARUNA
(hushed)

Another one, sir.

The members of the survey team approach the dead Aerian.

Rusty looks around the area. His helmet lights reveal two more dead Aerians at other stations not too far away.

RUSTY

They died at their posts?

Hope scans the dead Aerian.

RUSTY

Yeah. I know. Dead.

HOPE

Yes.

ELIZABETH

Can you tell what killed them?

Hope consults the display on her portable medical scanner.

HOPE

More analysis.

RUSTY

They’ve been here a long time, Lizzie.

HOPE

Yes.

Rusty looks around the interior of the Command Center again.

RUSTY
(musing)

These are the only bodies we’ve found so far.

ELIZABETH

So whatever got the rest of the ship didn’t get in here.

RUSTY

So far.

TSU-TAO

Sir. It’s been eleven minutes.

RUSTY
(chuckles softly)

I thought we said “ten”.

TSU-TAO

I’m sorry, sir. I . . .

RUSTY

I’m sure it was an equipment malfunction, Ensign.

TSU-TAO

Um. Yes, sir.

RUSTY

Lizzie?

ELIZABETH

Yeah?

RUSTY

It’s been ten minutes--eleven actually. (beat) The signal relay.

ELIZABETH

Oh. Right. (thinks) Can you and the others handle it? I’ll stay here with Hope.

RUSTY

The Cap’n didn’t want anyone going off alone.

ELIZABETH

I won’t be alone. I’ll have Hope.

RUSTY
(mutters)

You might as well be. (studies Elizabeth) Okay. But you stay right here--right here.

ELIZABETH
(smirks, nearly giggling)

Yes, boss.

RUSTY
(reluctantly)

All right. (louder) Aruna, Tsu-Tao, you’re with me. (to Elizabeth) We won’t be long.

ELIZABETH

We’ll be here.

Rusty gives Elizabeth a mildly chiding glare.

He picks up one of the equipment cases and gestures for Tsu-Tao to do the same.

Rusty, Aruna, and Tsu-Tao exit back toward the entrance hatch.

Elizabeth turns toward Hope.

ELIZABETH (CONT’D)

Well, Hope. It’s just us.

HOPE

Yes.

An awkward silence follows.

Elizabeth sighs and begins to examine a nearby console.

CUT TO:

87. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – COMMAND CENTER

Rusty, Aruna, and Tsu-Tao move toward the entrance hatch.

TSU-TAO

Are they going to be okay alone, sir?

RUSTY
(with slightly less confidence than usual)

There’s nothing alive in here to suddenly eat them alive, if that’s what you’re worried about.

TSU-TAO

Well, no, sir. Of course not, sir.

RUSTY

But what do you say we not take our time setting up that booster?

TSU-TAO
(snappily)

Yes, sir.

The three crew members reach the hatchway.

Rusty steps through the gap and shines his helmet light each way down the corridor.

RUSTY

No one else here but us chickens.

He waits while Aruna and Tsu-Tao makes their way through the gap.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Let’s get started. I’m sure the Cap’n is worried sick about us.

Rusty places the equipment case down on the deck and opens it.

DISSOLVE TO:

88. INT. BRIDGE

Hawkes is at the Tactical station. Devereux is on the command deck.

HAWKES

Captain, I’m receiving a signal from Chief Rayna.

DEVEREUX

Let’s hear it.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE

Hey there, Cap’n. Did you miss me?

Devereux shakes her head slightly in relieved amusement.

DEVEREUX

What’s your status, Chief?

CUT TO:

89. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – CORRIDOR - COMMAND CENTER

Rusty looks around the corridor before answering.

RUSTY

We’re fine, Cap’n. Just us and about a half dozen dead aliens.

CUT TO:

90. INT. BRIDGE

Reaction shot of Devereux. She looks surprised and slightly alarmed.

Devereux exchanges a concerned look with Hawkes.

DEVEREUX

I assume they were already dead?

CUT TO:

91. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – CORRIDOR - COMMAND CENTER

RUSTY

Yep. Hope told us so.

Rusty’s remarks elicits soft snickers from both Aruna and Tsu-tao.

CUT TO:

92. INT. BRIDGE

Reaction shot of Devereux. She appears relieved and mildly amused.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

CUT TO:

84. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – COMMAND CENTER

The members of the survey team remain clustered in a small group. Their helmet spotlights show tantalizing bits of details about the chamber.

It appears to have three distinct levels, giving the impression of great height. There are stations positioned along the inner bulkheads along each walkway bordering each level.

The crew members move a little further into the chamber. Their helmet lights reveal the opposite bulkheads. The chamber, while still large, is not was wide as it first appeared. Most of its volume is above them.

TSU-TAO

Sir. (beat) I’m having trouble raising the ship.

Rusty pauses and listens. There is mostly the hiss of static on the communications channel.

RUSTY
(almost with a lack of concern)

Yeah, we all are.

ARUNA

Should we go back, sir?

Rusty looks around the chamber again. He turns and looks at Elizabeth.

RUSTY

What does the Lieutenant Commander think?

Elizabeth looks back at Rusty. She pauses a moment, but her expression reveals nothing of any uncertainty that she might be feeling.

ELIZABETH

Ten minutes. If we can’t get a signal out by then, we’ll head back out and set up a signal relay out in the corridor.

RUSTY
(with a slight smile)

You sound just like the Cap’n.

A faint smile appears on Elizabeth’s lips.

The group proceeds further into the Command Center.

The light from their helmets shows it to be empty in their immediate area.

RUSTY
(quietly)

Just as dead here as everywhere else.

TSU-TAO
(hushed)

Not quite as dead. Sir.

Tsu-tao stops. His helmet light illuminates a large, dark figure sprawling across the deck.

The figure taller than any of them. It is clearly dehydrated and mummified. There are large wings on its back, long since dried nearly to fine powder. Even though the features of the figure has shrunken in over the three millennia it has laid there, there is no doubt that it was once a large and powerful creature.

Hope steps closer and aims her helmet lights at the figure, brightly lighting it. It is now clearly what remains of a male Aerian warrior.

HOPE

He is dead.

RUSTY
(with obvious sarcasm)

Really?

Hope removes her portable medical scanner from the pouch on her belt. She scans the dead Aerian male.

HOPE

Yes.

Reaction shot of Rusty. He rolls his eyes at Hope.

Hope scans the area.

HOPE

Others. (beat) Eight.

RUSTY

Are they also just as dead as our friend here?

HOPE

Yes.

Emerald Flight: “Season Two”

Author’s Note: This piece has nothing at all to do with the script currently being written, other than that it takes place in the same universe with the same characters. It is simply something that the muse tossed out while I was fighting my way through today’s script pages. I just thought it was nice little character piece that shows something about the relationship between Rusty and Elizabeth. Chronologically, it comes before the events in “Rules of Engagement”.

---

Rusty picked up the glass, examined it in the dim light, and then sniffed it.

“You’re not trying very hard, Lizzie.” He placed the tumbler back in front of her. “If you’re trying to get smashed, it’ll take a lot more of those than you think.”

Elizabeth stared at him, feeling her cheeks grow warm. She did not even bother reaching for the glass.

Rusty signaled to the bartender and ordered something that she could not quite make out. The bartender seemed to understand, though, nodding as he accepted Rusty’s request and went off to find or make it. Elizabeth silently hoped that it was not for her.

Swirling his fingers through the short bowl before him, Rusty gathered up a small palmful of whatever snack items it contained. He studied them for a moment before looking back at Elizabeth.

“Want to talk about it?”

Elizabeth shrugged, turning her eyes toward the glass on the table in front of her. They followed the progress of the tiny droplets of condensation as they slid down to be absorbed by the fiber coaster. She heard the clink of glass as Rusty’s drink was placed before him.

“Didn’t think so.”

Elizabeth heard him drink and swallow hard, breathing a deep sigh of satisfaction as whatever liquor it was hit his throat.

There followed a long silence during which Elizabeth refused to look at Rusty. She could not convince herself that she would not break into tears. Of all of the people who might understand, it would be him. But she was an officer of the fleet, damn it, and she was not going to fall apart in public.

“He didn’t wait, did he?”

Elizabeth felt herself sit absolutely still. Her throat constricted and she found herself unable to swallow.

“Thought so,” Rusty went on, almost casually. “They never do.”

Elizabeth stared hard at the glass now. Although she felt the hot sting of tears at the corner of her eyes, she willed herself not give into them.

Rusty’s chair creaked. “I could tell you that it’ll change, get easier,” he said. “But I won’t.”

There was the sound of ice against glass.

“But I will tell you that there will be other guys,” Rusty went on. “Or girls.”

Elizabeth looked toward Rusty, ready to glare at him for the insensitive remark, for the attempt at cheap humor at her expense at a time like this.

What she found, though, was not the bright, teasing eyes and knowing smirk. Instead, she saw him looking at her with soft-eyed compassion. She looked away, ashamed by her silent reaction.

“It‘s my sister’s graduation from University,” she whispered.

Rusty nodded and took a small sip from his drink. He placed the glass down and looked toward Elizabeth.

“Still need a date?”

Elizabeth stared at him, sensing that she had was just intoxicated enough that her expression displayed even more incredulity than she felt.

“You know I love a good party”, he told her, some of his usual light humor returning, and then he added, more seriously, “And you wouldn’t have to go alone.” He picked up his glass. “Just friends . . . colleagues, of course.”

Elizabeth found herself actually considering his offer. While she could certainly go alone, it would be nice to have someone else there to talk to besides members of her family. She knew almost none of her sister’s friends and only a handful of those belonging to her parents. What was the worst that could happen?

She looked down at the nearly-empty glass in his hand. Well, she considered, there was that. Still, she could keep an eye on him, just as she always had aboard the ship.

“Sure,” she finally conceded, more to herself than to Rusty. “It’s Saturday.”

“Perfect,” he grinned, downing the last of the amber liquid. “Plenty of time to find a new tropical shirt for the occasion.”

Elizabeth wondered again if she was making a mistake by accepting the former Chief Engineer’s offer. She found, though, that she really did not care.

“Sure,” she repeated.

She sighed heavily, but found that she no longer wanted to cry.

#

Elizabeth tugged down on her dress uniform jacket one more time. Studying her reflection again the mirror, she brushed an imaginary scuff near her shoulder and then let her hands drop to her sides.

She was alone in the hotel room that her mother had found for her. With so many members of their family gathering at the house, she had volunteered to spend the previous night in one of the local hotels. Her mother had been unhappy with the idea, but had been forced to concede that it was most practical solution. Elizabeth had not minded one bit, as it gave her a few hours free from the constant activity as they made the final preparations for the event.

Her mother had also once again tried to persuade her to select a gown for the party, but Elizabeth had resisted. Even before heading off to the Academy, she had not been much for dresses and stockings. Certainly, she had worn them on various formal occasions, but they were hardly her preferred choice of garments. As it was a civilian event, she would have been well within regulations to dress however she chose, particularly as she was currently on extended leave. She chose, however, the outfit that represented who she was—and officer of the fleet. It would be, she realized, an interesting contrast to whatever flamboyant outfit that the Chief might have selected for himself.

A chime sounded. Elizabeth did not bother checking the video display. She walked over and opened the door to find, as she had expected, Rusty’s smiling face. What else she saw made her heart swell and nearly brought her to tears.

The Chief was dressed in his dress blues. They were newly pressed. There was even a fresh shine on his boots.

“Lieutenant Elizabeth Banks,” he said, trying to portray a reasonable air of formal civility. “I am here to escort you to today’s event.” He smiled. “Our car is waiting.”

Rusty stepped aside to reveal a replica of an antique automobile waiting for them in the parking lot. Its top had been retracted, exposing the interior to the early summer sun.

Elizabeth found herself smiling broadly. She turned to look at Rusty and then back to the vehicle. Still wearing the smile, she took his offered arm and headed down the walkway toward the waiting car.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

81. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – CORRIDOR - COMMAND CENTER

The immediate area is lit with portable floodlights. It remains dark in the corridor beyond the limits of the lights.

There are several crewmembers clad in EVA suits. Those closest to the hatch are working with various pieces of equipment. Two of them are recognizable as Rusty and Elizabeth. They seems to be mostly supervising the work.

Hope stands nearby. She silently studies various sections of the nearby bulkheads.

ARUNA

I think we almost have it, Chief.

RUSTY

Let me take a quick look.

Rusty moves over and checks the displays on one of the devices. Elizabeth stands next to him and checks the display as well.

Rusty turns to his head toward Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nods slowly.

RUSTY

Okay. Go ahead and give it a try.

Aruna adjusts a setting on a device she had pressed against the bulkhead. The indicator lights on it glow brightly.

A very faint, pale glow forms around the hatchway. After a moment, it fades.

Everyone present holds very still, waiting.

There is a sound of someone taking a deep breath of relief.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Well, the good news is that I don’t think we managed to trigger any of the Fossil’s fabled security systems.

Rusty walks over and examines the bulkhead and then readings on Aruna’s device.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

The bad news, of course, is that we’re still on this side of the hatch.

Rusty visually examines the hatchway and then runs a gloved hand thoughtfully along its edge.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Tsu-tao, how long would it take to bring another generator from the ship?

TSU-TAO

About an hour, sir.

RUSTY
(continuing to study the hatchway)

Hmm. (beat) Aruna, override the overload limit and let’s give it another try.

ARUNA

Are you sure, sir?

RUSTY
(grins)

No. (beat) But even if we don’t burn it out, we’ll still need to get another one anyway.

ARUNA
(tentatively)

Yes, sir.

Aruna works the controls on the generator’s control panel.

ARUNA (CONT’D)
(nervously)

Ready, sir.

RUSTY

Would you feel better if someone else took the controls?

ARUNA
(softly)

Yes, sir.

Rusty gives Aruna an understanding smile.

RUSTY

Lizzie, you still remember how to run a variable generator? You know, being a Lieutenant Commander and all now . . .

Elizabeth gives Rusty a good-natured glare. She waits a moment while Aruna moves aside and takes her place at the generator controls.

Rusty gives her an amused smile before turning back to face the hatch.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Let’s try again. Set it at two percent above the last setting.

Elizabeth adjusts the controls and activates the device. Its indicators brighten again.

After a moment, the glow returns around the edge of hatchway.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Five percent.

The glow around the hatchway brightens slightly.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Is it just me, or does that seem a little brighter than last time?

There is a brief silence before anyone answers.

TSU-TAO

It does seem a little brighter, sir.

RUSTY

You’d better not just be saying that to humor me, Tsu.

TSU-TAO

No, sir.

ARUNA

There is a measurable increase in the background energy readings, sir. It’s very small, but it is measurable.

RUSTY
(smiles)

Let’s go to eight percent, Lizzie.

Elizabeth adjusts the controls.

The glow around the hatchway brightens slightly more.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Take it to ten.

The glow around the hatchway brightens some more.

On the bulkhead to the left of the hatchway, an embedded panel begins to glow faintly.

Rusty looks at it. He is about to speak when Hope moves toward it like a moth drawn to a flame.

Hope stops before the panel and stares at it. After a moment, she turns her head toward Elizabeth.

HOPE

Increase.

Elizabeth looks at Rusty.

RUSTY

You heard the Doc. Bring it up to fifteen.

The glow around the hatchway brightens. The bulkhead panel is brighter now as well, revealing detail.

Hope continues to stare at the panel without moving.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Twenty.

There is a very faint, but definitely audible hum of energy present now.

Hope stares at the bulkhead panel. She slowly raises her hand and slowly taps a series of control points. Several places on the panel change color.

There is the sound of creaking and groaning metal.

In front of the group, the hatch very slowly begins to open.

A moment later, arcs of energy spark around the edges of the hatchway. The entire area goes completely dark.

After a moment, a single helmet light comes on. The others follow soon afterward.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

That’s progress, I guess.

ELIZABETH

We’re still here.

ARUNA
(mutters)

Speak for yourself.

Rusty moves forward.

His helmet spotlight reveals a gap just wide enough for them to squeeze through singly.

His light dances around the interior of the chamber beyond, but reveals nothing recognizable.

RUSTY

Bridge, we’re going inside.

HAWKES’ COMM VOICE

I recommend extreme caution.

RUSTY
(mutters)

Yes, Dad . . .

Rusty steps through the opening, followed by Elizabeth.

CUT TO:

82. INT. ALIEN VESSEL – COMMAND CENTER

The helmet spotlights are seen in the dark as the crewmember enter through the hatchway gap.

They gather together until all of them are inside.

RUSTY

Well . . . we’re inside.

DEVEREUX’S COMM VOICE

What do you see?

The helmet spotlights sweep the interior of the chamber.

RUSTY

A whole lot of nothing.

TSU-TAO

It’s big.

RUSTY
(with a faint chuckle)

And it’s big.

CUT TO:

83. INT. BRIDGE

Devereux watches the scenes from the helmet cameras on the main bridge displays.

The images continually break up and are frequently indistinct.

DEVEREUX
(to Hawkes)

Can you clean that up, Lieutenant?

HAWKES

Trying, Captain.

Devereux watches as the quality of the images grow worse.

DEVEREUX

Chief. We’re getting a lot of interference on the video signal.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE
(mixed with static)

Audio too. (beat) Checking.

There are several seconds of silence with the occasional hiss of static from the open communications lines.

RUSTY’S COMM VOICE (CONT’D)

. . . shielding.

Devereux looks toward Hawkes.

After a moment, he gestures that there is nothing else he can do to improve the signal.

Devereux stares intently at the increasingly garbled video images.

HAWKES

Shall I order them to return?

Devereux studies the images again.

DEVEREUX

No. (beat) But have one of the other survey teams move to their location. Just in case.

HAWKES

Yes, Captain.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

RUSTY

Because they’re mean and nasty and could.

HAWKES

Or they needed the material.

RUSTY

There’s less extreme ways to get at the ore.

HAWKES
(evenly)

Mass. For fuel.

RUSTY

Wait a minute. Aren’t you the one who’s supposed to see the destructive side of things?

HAWKES
(evenly)

It’s not always the most likely explanation.

RUSTY

It sure seems likely in this case.

ELIZABETH
(with calm urgency)

Chief, he might be right.

Rusty stares at Elizabeth, almost glaring.

Devereux and Hawkes turn their attention to Elizabeth as well.

ELIZABETH (CONT’D)

It would be more efficient for something like a ramscoop. Particularly in an area of space like this where there isn’t that much interstellar dust.

RUSTY

So they just blow up a planet or two for convenience’s sake?

Elizabeth starts to speak, but doesn’t. She is obviously frustrated with Rusty.

DEVEREUX
(matter-of-factly)

They may simply have been large moons or barren planets like Mars. (beat) There might be other explanations as well.

RUSTY

Well, we seem to be about three thousand years too late to ask them for one.

HOPE

Revenge.

There is a moment of surprised silence.

DEVEREUX

Hope?

HOPE

Their reason. Revenge.

RUSTY

Wait a sec there, Doc. You’re saying they blew a planet to bits to get even for whoever was fighting them?

HOPE

Yes.

HAWKES

An extreme tactical action.

DEVEREUX
(softly)

Yes.

ELIZABETH
(quietly, shaken)

Was this their home world?

HOPE

No.

There are visible expressions of relief from the others.

HOPE

Colony.

The relieved expressions vanish quickly.

RUSTY
(murmurs, almost inaudibly)

. . . Morris . . .

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is pale as she considered the implications of the Hope’s statement.

Reaction shot of Hawkes. Hawkes’ expression is tightly controlled.

DEVEREUX
(softly)

Hope . . .

Hope stares expressionlessly back at Devereux.

ELIZABETH
(quietly)

At least it can’t any more.

There is a moment of quiet.

RUSTY
(with growing interest)

Are you sure?

DEVEREUX
(with concern)

I thought we established that there’s no working power sources over there.

RUSTY
(nods quickly)

We did. (beat) But we do have some.

ELIZABETH
(with disbelief)

We don’t have that kind of power.

RUSTY
(stares at Elizabeth)

Don’t we? (beat) Do you even know how much it takes?

Elizabeth holds Rusty’s stare for a moment before turning away. She is clearly disturbed by Rusty’s behavior.

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

Devereux remains seated while the officers rise from the seats and exit.

Devereux stares at the holographic of the Aerian vessel.

DISSOLVE TO:

[insert more here]

81. INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

Elizabeth stands at the one of the auxiliary stations. She is concentrating deeply. Her expression contains both puzzlement and growing concern.

Rusty enters.

RUSTY

Hey, Lizzie. Tired of counting dust particles yet?

Rusty stops.

Elizabeth, still intent on the console, does not respond.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Uh oh. I know that look. (moves in next to her) What did you find?

Elizabeth frowns deeply and hands Rusty a tablet.

ELIZABETH

It’s more what I didn’t find, I think.

Rusty scans the tablet display quickly, almost casually. He reads it again. His expression betrays a small measure of surprise and a larger portion of worry.

RUSTY

We’d better tell the Cap’n.

DISSOLVE TO:

82. INT. BRIDGE

Rusty and Elizabeth enter.

They both pause, looking for Devereux. They see her on the command deck and walk to her.

Devereux looks up as they approach.

DEVEREUX
(with mild lightness)

Let me guess. You’re ready to start throwing rocks at my ship?

RUSTY

Not quite.

Rusty hands Devereux the tablet.

Devereux glances down at the tablet and then at Rusty. He nods toward the tablet.

Devereux reads the tablet. She begins to frown. The frown becomes deeper concern as she continues to read.

DEVEREUX

You’re certain?

Rusty gives Elizabeth an encouraging look.

ELIZABETH

Not certain, Captain. (beat) I haven’t asked someone with an astrophysics background to look at it. (beat) But it does match the data we’ve seen.

Devereux slowly places the tablet on her desk. She glances at Rusty and then at the main bridge displays. A moment later, she looks at Rusty again.

DEVEREUX

You’re thinking the Aerian ship?

RUSTY
(nods slowly)

It fits. (beat) And it would explain what some of those weapons do we couldn’t figure out.

Devereux looks toward the main bridge displays again.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

Or there’s something even bigger and meaner than that thing flying around out there.

Devereux turns and looks at Rusty. A moment later, she looks away and taps the intercom control.

HOPE’S COMM VOICE

Infirmary.

DEVEREUX

Hope, report the Bridge. Immediately.

HOPE’S COMM VOICE

Yes, Captain.

DISSOLVE TO:

83. INT. BRIDGE

Hope enters.

Hope does not pause at the hatchway, but proceeds immediately to the command deck.

Devereux watches Hope as she approaches. Elizabeth watches her with almost equivalent intensity. Rusty’s eyes follow her, but his expression is unreadable.

HOPE

Captain.

Devereux studies Hope for a moment and then activates the privacy field.

DEVEREUX

Lt. Commander, maybe you’d better explain what you found.

Elizabeth looks nervous as she speaks.

ELIZABETH

There used to be planets here.

Hope does not react. Something in her posture or expression gives the impression that she does not understand why she is there.

DEVEREUX

How recently?

ELIZABETH
(consults the tablet)

According to my readings of the isotope decay . . . (beat) . . . until about three thousand years ago.

The statement does elicit a visible reaction from Hope.

DEVEREUX
(calm, but direct)

Hope, is there anything aboard that ship that could do that?

There is a long pause before Hope answers.

HOPE

Yes.

RUSTY
(mutters loudly)

By the Morris . . . (louder, to Devereux) And we’ve got crew just wandering around over there.

DEVEREUX

Take it easy, Chief. There can’t be enough residual power over there to even begin to arm such a thing.

RUSTY
(with undisguised snideness)

Oh. You know this, do you?

DEVEREUX
(to Hope)

Do I?

HOPE

Yes.

Devereux looks at her questioningly.

HOPE (CONT’D)

There is not.

There is a long, awkward silence.

ELIZABETH

But why would anyone do that?

Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

RUSTY

That wasn’t in your report.

Rusty fumbles around the table for a moment, looking for his tablet, before giving up.

HOPE

I now remember.

RUSTY
(irritably)

What other useful little details do you “now remember”?

The intercom chimes.

PYRAFOX’S COMM VOICE

Captain. I have a report from one of the survey teams.

DEVEREUX

Transfer it here. (beat) This is the Captain. Go ahead.

BURROWS’ COMM VOICE

Captain. (beat) We’ve found a large chamber. It looks like it might be their Infirmary.

DEVEREUX
(to Hawkes)

Give me their location.

Hawkes adjusts the controls near the holographic projector.

After a moment, the image shifts. It zooms into an area near the bottom of the vessel. Three bright dots are highlighted within it.

HOPE

Secondary.

All of the other officers look at Hope with varying expressions of surprise and confusion.

ELIZABETH

Secondary?

HOPE

Yes.

RUSTY
(murmurs)

I can hardly wait to see the main one . . .

DEVEREUX

Another new memory?

HOPE

Yes.

RUSTY

You might want to think about updating your report then . . .

Hope stares back at Rusty.

After a moment, she turns toward Devereux.

Devereux nods slowly in agreement.

HOPE

Yes. Perhaps.

DEVEREUX

Ensign Burrows, this is the Captain.

BURROWS’ COMM VOICE

Yes, Captain?

DEVEREUX

Proceed. I want a thorough search of that area.

BURROWS’ COMM VOICE

Yes, Captain.

Images transmitted from the survey team’s helmet cameras are shown on displays mounted within the conference table.

RUSTY
(murmurs)

Still no bodies . . .

DEVEREUX
(softly)

Yes.

HAWKES

It seems a likely location to discover some.

DEVEREUX

But they aren’t any.

RUSTY
(irritably)

Am I the only one who finds that more than just a little bit creepy?

All of the officers except for Hope stare at him.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

What? (beat) We find a ship bigger than anything we’ve got and we haven’t seen one body. I mean, not even a dried up skeleton.

DEVEREUX
(calmly)

Chief.

HAWKES

It is disquieting.

DEVEREUX

The teams are scanning for organic residue?

HAWKES

Affirmative. So far, none has been detected in any of the areas that have been explored.

Devereux considers this for a moment.

DEVEREUX

Well, we aren’t going to solve it here. (beat) Are there any other updates?

HAWKES

Nothing further at this time, Captain.

HOPE

No.

RUSTY

I’ve got nothing.

Devereux looks toward Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH

No, Captain.

Devereux looks quickly once more around the table.

DEVEREUX

All right then. We’ll reconvene at fourteen hundred. (beat) Dismissed.