Emerald Flight: "Rules of Engagement" (continued)

Author’s Note: These scenes begin at the end of Scene 37 in yesterday's section.

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Both men stare at the main bridge displays.

From off-screen comes the sound of the main hatch to the bridge opening.

The eyes of both Rusty and Hawkes watch as Hope walks onto the bridge. There are several moments of silence before anyone speaks.

HAWKES

Is there a problem, Doctor?

Hope stares at the main bridge displays.

RUSTY
(with genuine concern)

Doc?

HOPE
(softly)

Uncertain.

DISSOLVE TO:

38. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The shuttle travels along the exterior of the object, nearing a small, but obvious indentation along the surface.

CUT TO:

39. INT. SHUTTLE

Devereux watches out the forward window as Pyrafox shifts his attention between the piloting controls and the view outside.

DEVEREUX

What’s that?

Pyrafox stares out in the direction that Devereux is looking.

Elizabeth checks the readings at her station.

ELIZABETH

It’s definitely an opening of some kind. (checks readings again, frowns) I can’t tell if it’s an airlock or what, though.

DEVEREUX
(nods slowly)

Ensign, take us closer. Let’s have a look.

PYRAFOX

Aye, Captain. Engaging maneuvering thrusters.

CUT TO:

40. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The shuttle thrusters fire, bringing the shuttle closer to the indentation.

CUT TO:

41. INT. SHUTTLE

Pyrafox switches his gaze between the piloting controls, forward windows, and sensors displays.

PYRAFOX

I’m not picking up anything like an airlock or docking hatch, Captain.

Pyrafox glances toward Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH
(consults her displays)

Me either. But it is definitely an opening of some kind. (studies displays again) From what I can tell, it seems finished, as though it’s supposed to be there.

DEVEREUX

So not asteroid or battle damage?

ELIZABETH
(shakes head)

I don’t think so, Captain.

Devereux stares at the approaching indentation in the object.

DEVEREUX

How close can you get us, Ensign?

PYRAFOX
(checks readings)

As close you’d like. (beat) We’re moving, but it’s not--at least not enough to matter.

Devereux studies the approach object.

DEVEREUX

Bring us within ten meters. And then hold position.

PYRAFOX
(with forced lightness)

Close enough to jump across?

DEVEREUX
(with very faint amusement)

I’d rather not.

CUT TO:

42. EXT. SPACE

SFX: The shuttle moves into position. The thrusters shut off.

CUT TO:

43. INT. SHUTTLE

PYRAFOX

In position, Captain. Holding at ten meters. We should be right across from the opening.

DEVEREUX
(nods, checking the view outside)

Nice work, Ensign. (beat) Elizabeth, we’re going to take a walk.

Reaction shot of Elizabeth. She is clearly anxious.

ELIZABETH

Yes, Captain.

Elizabeth pushes herself away from the sensor station.

CUT TO:

44. INT. BRIDGE

HAWKES

Acknowledged, Captain. Communications will remain open.

RUSTY

Is she out of her little blonde head?

Hawkes stares expressionlessly at Rusty.

RUSTY (CONT’D)

What? (beat) Yeah, okay. I’m jealous. She gets to explore that thing and I’m stuck here.

HAWKES

(coolly)

Are you not needed in Engineering?

RUSTY
(shrugs casually)

They’ll call me.

Hope takes several steps closer to the main bridge displays. She stares at them, but says nothing.

HAWKES

Doctor?

Hope does not respond.

DISSOLVE TO: