“To Be or Not To Be”

Directed by: Irvin Kershner

Story by: Rockne S. O’Bannon

Teleplay by: Rockne S. O’Bannon & Tommy Thompson

Summary: Pilot episode. After losing a captain in the Livingston Trench, and undergoing a refit to carry science personnel, the seaQuest sets sail again. Admiral William Noyce wants his old friend Nathan Bridger to become the new captain, but Bridger refuses. Noyce convinces Bridger to visit the seaQuest, knowing the sub will prove alluring to him. While Bridger is on board the seaQuest sets sail, and before Bridger can leave, a renegade Delta IV submarine, commanded by the previous captain of the seaQuest, attacks an underwater colony and the seaQuest itself. At the same time, a virus begins to attack the seaQuest’s main computer. Bridger eventually takes command of the sub, saving the boat, and decides to take the position as commander of the seaQuest.

Guest Starring:

Richard Herd as Admiral William Noyce

Michael Parks as George Le Chein

Shelley Hack as Captain Marilyn Stark

Scott Coffey as Bobby MacLaine

Eric Da Re as Maxwell

W. Morgan Sheppard as Professor Martinson

Rebecca Stanley as Jenny MacLaine

Justine Arlin as Commander Webber

Co-Starring:

Clark Brolly as Renegade Sensor Chief

Mark Fauser as Weapons Officer Matthew Phillips

Dan Hildebrand as Carlton (helmsman)

John Schafer as Pollack

Featuring:

Michelle Holden as EarthCast Anchor

Brad Hunt as Le Chein Guard

Brenda King as Carol Bridger

Bruce Klassen as Bacher

Buckley Norris as Territorial Governor (Raymond Brenner)

Michelle Sullivan as Crew Member

Michael Zurich as Renegade Sensor #2

The twenty-first century ... Mankind has colonized the last unexplored region on Earth – the ocean. As Captain of the seaQuest and its crew, we are its guardians; for beneath the surface, lies the future.

“[I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change], it’s because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins, the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.”

President John F. Kennedy

at the Australian Ambassadors Dinner for the

America’s Cup Crews on September 14, 1962

- the near future, North Atlantic Ocean, Livingston Trench, depth 1,700 feet -

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Jenny, they’re firing at me. Jenny, answer me.

hornet #1: (on radio) Say your prayers, reef runner, there’s no escape.

hornet #2: (on radio) Fire! He’s across the line.

Bobby MacLaine: Woah.

hornet #2: (on radio) Reloading.

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Reef runner to home plate, come in home plate. Jenny, come on, pick up, pick up, Jenny.

Jenny MacLaine: (on radio) Home plate to reef runner, go ahead.

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Jenny, it’s Bobby.

Jenny MacLaine: (on radio) Bobby, where the hell have you been?

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Never mind, look just get ready to open up the main air lock, I’m coming in and I’ve got two Hornets on my tail.

hornet #2: (on radio) Boy, your time is at an end.

hornet #1: (on radio) Hold your fire until we clear the refinery.

Bobby MacLaine: Come on.

hornet #1: (on radio) Lock on target.

hornet #2: (on radio) Locking.

hornet #1: (on radio) Fire. (it misses)

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Jenny, start closing the main air lock now.

Jenny MacLaine: (on radio) You’re not through yet.

Bobby MacLaine: (into radio) Just close it. Start closing it right now. Think thin, Bobby boy. (the deep sea pick-up just makes it through the closing door)

hornet #1: (on radio) Disengage. Let’s call in the big guns.

- Livingston Trench, Ocean Floor Mining Corporation -

Bobby MacLaine: (entering room) Jen, I thought those Hornets had me for sure. Your timing with those doors–

Jenny MacLaine: You were prospecting over the territorial line again, weren’t you?

Bobby MacLaine: No way, well, maybe a little bit. But everybody does it. I’ve got some great – I had some great magnesium samples. Where’s Earl?

Jenny MacLaine: With everyone else, out battening down the perimeters. There was a skirmish out near the northern marker this morning.

Bobby MacLaine: What happened?

Jenny MacLaine: You know better than to jackrabbit another confederation’s border. Those Hornets have been just waiting for an excuse to fire on this facility. What were you thinking?

Bobby MacLaine: I don’t know.

Jenny MacLaine: Wait, wait.

Bobby MacLaine: What is it?

Jenny MacLaine: It’s those two that chased you in. They’re on the satellite link to their home base. They’re asking for military intervention. Every confederation has got attack subs lurking outside these walls.

- Ocean Floor Mining Corporation, a little later -

Reporter: (on screen) Once again, information has reached EarthCast News that warrior submarines from several economic confederations are converging on the Livingston Trench in the North Atlantic. Representatives are frantically meeting, trying to keep the situation from escalating.

Jenny MacLaine: The subs are all trying to reach their upworld bases. They want the green light to fire.

Bobby MacLaine: What the hell?

Jenny MacLaine: What’s wrong?

Bobby MacLaine: These parameter readings. There’s something down in the trench.

Jenny MacLaine: There’s nothing that big out there ... except seaQuest.

- seaQuest Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV), bridge -

Tim O’Neill: Captain, NORPAC Command is trying to get through. It’s breaking up, heavy sat-link interference.

Marilyn Stark: Keep trying, Lieutenant.

Tim O’Neill: Aye, sir.

Marilyn Stark: Deploy WSKRS, Mr. Ortiz. Narrow cone sweep, feed data directly to fire control.

Miguel Ortiz: WSKRS out, feeding data now.

Matthew Phillips: Four plasma torpedoes charged and loaded.

Marilyn Stark: Thank you, Mr. Phillips.

Jonathan Ford: Captain Stark, there’s still no message from NORPAC Command.

Marilyn Stark: How many more of these standoffs are we gonna have before someone makes a decision? Don’t they understand the only clear way to secure peace is with strength? This cat and mouse game is going to go on forever. Come around to two zero nine and hold her steady.

Miguel Ortiz: WSKR data coming in. Five class-C shooter subs.

Marilyn Stark: Target status?

Jonathan Ford: Captain, I remind–

Marilyn Stark: Not now, Commander. Mr. Ortiz?

Miguel Ortiz: All targets, seventy-eight percent vulnerability. We’re locked in attack position.

Marilyn Stark: Target grids.

Miguel Ortiz: Grids activated.

Jonathan Ford: Captain, I strongly recommend we wait for clear orders from NORPAC.

Marilyn Stark: Clear orders? Aren’t you tired of this game? We aim at them, they aim at us, and the whole world holds its breath. Look at this boat. We have the strength and the advantage. We can end this madness once and for all. We can do what we were trained to do.

Tim O’Neill: Captain, confirmed orders are coming in from NORPAC Command. “Do not fire, repeat, do not fire.” The other subs are receiving similar orders.

Marilyn Stark: Mr. Phillips, initiate firing sequence. (Phillips pauses) Mr. Phillips.

Computer: Thermonuclear warhead arming sequence initiated, confirm authorization. (Stark turns key) Confirmed, thermonuclear launch authorized.

Jonathan Ford: Captain Stark, under Article Twenty, Section Eight of NORPAC Command regulations, I’m relieving you of command.

- 13 months later, United Earth/Oceans Organization Training Base, Malibu, California -

Ensign: Commander Ford. (Ford exits tent)

Jonathan Ford: Admiral Noyce. (salutes)

William Noyce: Commander. (salutes) How’s seaQuest’s refit coming?

Jonathan Ford: Well, we’re a few days ahead of schedule.

William Noyce: Good. Good. I’ll bet you’re looking forward to getting back into the water.

Jonathan Ford: Yes sir. Six months is a long time to be dry, sir.

William Noyce: Well, you know, the brass is under intense pressure from the political powers to, uh, find someone to captain her who is not thought of as strictly military. Someone who, uh, commands respect outside the ranks. There’s only one man who meets that qualification but can still shoot when he has to, and he’ll never take the job. (gives folder to Ford)

Jonathan Ford: (looks in folder) Nathan Bridger. He was one of my heroes. What makes you think anything will get him back?

William Noyce: I served with him for thirty years. You live and breathe Navy that long, it never gets out of your blood. Oh, I can get him here, that part doesn’t worry me. It’s keeping him. The incident at Livingston Trench had us all staring down the barrel at the same time. It was terrifying. But as bad as it was for everybody, I believe you had the hardest task. Relieving a superior officer of duty is a horrible thing to have to do; you handled it with a great deal of courage. However, it’s nothing compared to the pain I’m about to ask you to suffer. Jonathan, I need you to be prepared to appear arrogant, incompetent, even cowardly; to be everything a commander shouldn’t. It may be the only way we’ve got to persuade him he’s got to assume command.

Jonathan Ford: Sir–

William Noyce: It’s all in there. I got to run. I know you can handle it, don’t let me down Jonathan.

- somewhere in the Caribbean -

Nathan Bridger: (pushing his way through group assembled by door) Excuse me, pardon me, so sorry.

Webber: Captain Bridger?

Nathan Bridger: Bridger, I think there’s one on the other side of the island. Course, he gets up very early to go to work. You may have to hurry. That is a very nice outfit.

Webber: Nathan Bridger, we’ve come at the request of UEO Command.

Nathan Bridger: Who?

Webber: The United Earth/Oceans Organization.

Nathan Bridger: Doesn’t ring a bell, but then I’ve been out of touch for a while.

Webber: Captain, we’ve gone to great lengths to find you–

Nathan Bridger: I don’t really know what you people are selling, but I’m really not interested. Now, why don’t you do yourself a big favor, and get the hell off my island.

William Noyce: Hello, Nathan.

Nathan Bridger: Go home, Bill.

William Noyce: Nathan, wait. Will you just listen? Damn it, would you let me explain? She’s finished. She’s been operational for three years. Nathan, Nathan don’t pretend you don’t care; I know you do.

Nathan Bridger: All right, come on. Come on, come on. All right, Darwin, m’boy, you know the routine. (Darwin splashes him) Don’t be cute, I’m in no mood. Now listen, you’re gonna go down, one, two, three, then you’re gonna tag the marker, tag the marker. Go, go.

William Noyce: Hand motion communication.

Nathan Bridger: It’s not perfect, but we understand each other. Which is more than I can say about you and me.

William Noyce: I remember it was Carol who got you interested in dolphins. I heard about what happened, I’m sorry. She was a wonderful woman.

Nathan Bridger: Yeah. How did you hear it?

William Noyce: You don’t think the Navy’s gonna let one of its most valuable human resources run off to some island and not keep tabs on him.

Nathan Bridger: Whatever happened to privacy? Last time I looked, the Bill of Rights was still intact.

William Noyce: Everything’s changed Nathan. I’ve come half way around the world to tell you about it. Once the oceans became a frontier for mining, pharmaceuticals, farming, the world became a dangerous place. Undersea borders went up, nations split into confederations to protect their territorial claims. They hammered out a peace treaty. The United Earth/Oceans Organization was formed to administer it.

Nathan Bridger: Administer? Sounds desperate.

William Noyce: It’s different out there now. There’s farms, colonies, families; UEO needed a way to maintain the situation. That’s why NORPAC gave us the seaQuest. Not as a warship, but as a peacekeeper.

Nathan Bridger: What’s the difference?

William Noyce: She’s being refitted to contain a large science contingent.

Nathan Bridger: What for?

William Noyce: Research, deep ocean exploration, the largest deep submergence research vessel ever.

Nathan Bridger: No Bill, that part of my life is over.

William Noyce: Don’t you understand what I’m offering you? (Bridger walks away) Nathan, you can’t pass this up. For God’s sakes, Carol is dead. Let it go.

Nathan Bridger: I won’t. I gave her my word.

William Noyce: I know how much losing Robert hurt you and how you blame yourself for his joining the service. I have kids. Look around you, Nathan, you’re totally alone. Don’t you see how your research and your passion could be used aboard a ship you poured your life into? Come see her, let me at least show you what I’m talking about.

- Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, UEO Headquarters, seaQuest DSV berth -

William Noyce: OK, let’s go.

man on PA: Please stand clear of docking collar hatch. Check for personal belongings.

Nathan Bridger: (on launch) Don’t get too full of yourself. As soon as this little show and tell is over, I’m out of here. (exits launch)

man on PA: Sea shuttle arriving, docking bay three. Caution, wet surface.

woman on PA: (says something in French) Welcome to seaQuest. All visitors report to UEO customs with inoculation papers before proceeding. (repeats in Chinese)

man on PA: Crewmembers, please display holographic ID imprints.

Nathan Bridger: (to woman nearby) Not too helpful. (turns to Noyce) You think these people have heard about your peacekeeping program?

William Noyce: Career Navy. They’re going to be a little touchy at first about having all these science types on board, no offense. (walking down hall) Come on, Nathan, lots to see. Come on. You know, the last time you saw her, she was no more than a keel laid out in a San Francisco shipyard. (goes up stairs) There’s two complete decks of science labs and research facilities, everything you could ever want or need is right here.

Nathan Bridger: Who’s footing the bill?

William Noyce: Grants, industry contributions, private donations.

Nathan Bridger: Government?

William Noyce: Only through the UEO.

Computer: (Bridger and Noyce enter Mag-lev) Mag-lev engaged, be seated to avoid injury. Next stop, bridge.

William Noyce: Nathan. (Noyce sits Bridger down)

Computer: Please wait for full stop. Bridge, thank you for riding Mag-lev. (Bridger and Noyce exit)

William Noyce: After you. (Bridger and Noyce enter bridge)

Tim O’Neill: Admiral on the bridge.

William Noyce: As you were.

- Jamaica, North Coast, Le Chein’s house -

George Le Chein: There was a time when my future was one of boundless profits. Petroleum from the deep seas of international waters and vital minerals from the deep-sea trenches. Coral from the newfound barrier reefs. It was fantastic, it was beautiful. You just take, ja? Well, now we have the UEO, and this is what the UEO has left me. And now they want more even in the name of peace and harmony. Only, what does peace and harmony have to do with business? I don’t know. We have to do something about the seaQuest.

Maxwell: There’s no competing with seaQuest.

George Le Chein: No, my son, mein kind. I’m not talking about competing with the seaQuest, I’m talking about getting rid of her.

Maxwell: What?

George Le Chein: Ja. The ship has lost its leader, and the crew ... the crew is full of dreamers, and eggheads, and wanna-bes. Not one ounce of practical knowledge in the whole group. That’s a fact. And the result? She’s vulnerable. Am I right Captain Stark? You have the Delta IV submarine at your disposal, ja. The ship is as good as any ship on, above, or around the water. I want you should take out the seaQuest. What you need, what you want, I buy. And when you are finished ... you will be rich. So, tell me, Captain, how do we beat the seaQuest?

Marilyn Stark: I’ve already beaten seaQuest. What I want is to be there when she drowns.

George Le Chein: That’s good. Ja, that’s good. Jawohl.

- UEO Headquarters, seaQuest DSV berth, bridge -

Miguel Ortiz: Can I help you?

Nathan Bridger: No, no, no, thanks. WSKRS – Wireless Sea Knowledge Retrieval Satellites. We used to call them roving periscopes. How many WSKRS are you operating out of here? I mean we planned three – one forward and two aft.

Miguel Ortiz: That’s right. Sir, this is a highly restricted area.

Manilow Crocker: This tourist bothering you Mr. Ortiz?

Miguel Ortiz: He’s asking for classified information.

Nathan Bridger: Well, they really scraped the bottom of the barrel for the crew this time, didn’t they?

Manilow Crocker: Yeah, from the looks of things they did a little digging below that old barrel too, huh?

Nathan Bridger: (seriously) Now what the hell’s that supposed to mean, sailor?

Manilow Crocker: (seriously) I’ll tell you exactly what that’s supposed to mean ... (happily) it means it sure is good seeing you again, Cap.

Nathan Bridger: How are you? It’s been about ten years.

Manilow Crocker: Oh, longer than that, it’s been twelve at least. Where the hell you been? I mean the scuttlebutt had it you’d gone bug-eyed, you were makin’ like Tarzan on some desert island somewhere.

Nathan Bridger: I don’t think I went deep enough into the jungle.

Manilow Crocker: I know what you mean.

Nathan Bridger: So now you’re part of this peacekeeping group, huh?

Manilow Crocker: Oh, you know the military, Cap. You want to play the game, than you gotta join the team. To tell you the truth, I was more than just a little surprised though when I got the call.

Nathan Bridger: The call?

Manilow Crocker: Yeah, from Admiral Noyce. I was just about ready to turn in my discharge papers when he asked me to come back as security chief. I’m still not sure what he wants with an old war-horse like me on board with all these, uh, academy pups.

Nathan Bridger: I’m sure he just wanted the best crew he could get.

Katie Hitchcock: Giving tours now, Chief?

Manilow Crocker: Lieutenant Commander.

Katie Hitchcock: I don’t like visitors at my station.

Nathan Bridger: Your station?

Katie Hitchcock: That’s right and it’s off limits. Now if you want to see some sights, why don’t you try the Arizona memorial. What kind of security clearance you got anyway? (looks at Bridger’s badge) Indefinite? (looks surprised)

Manilow Crocker: Uh, perhaps a few introductions might be in order here, Lieutenant, before you swallow your entire leg. Katherine Hitchcock, Chief Engineer; this is Nathan Bridger, Captain Nathan Bridger.

Nathan Bridger: How do you do?

Katie Hitchcock: It’s a pleasure, sir. (to Crocker) You and I are gonna have a long talk later.

Manilow Crocker: Yes, sir, I’ll be looking forward to that. Captain. (leaves)

Nathan Bridger: (standing up) He’s, uh, some guy, isn’t he.

Katie Hitchcock: (sitting down) Yes, sir. He’s a great guy. Thank you.

Nathan Bridger: You, you must know this boat pretty well.

Katie Hitchcock: Stem to stern. I’d put my knowledge up against anybody’s.

Nathan Bridger: I’m sure. Hyper-Reality Probe, that – that wasn’t in my original design.

Katie Hitchcock: With all due respect, sir, there’s probably been hundreds of changes since you left. I’d, uh, be happy to give you a tour.

Nathan Bridger: I’d like that. Perhaps when I’m finished over at the Arizona. (leaves)

Katie Hitchcock: I guess all that talk about him going native was true. You know, you’d think the brass would at least let us know he was coming.

Jonathan Ford: Well, Noyce was afraid any kind of show might scare him off.

Katie Hitchcock: Wait a second, you knew he was coming on board and you didn’t say anything! (Ford walks away) J...Jonathan!

- seaQuest DSV, launch bay -

Manilow Crocker: So did, uh, you get it?

Ben Krieg: I got it.

Manilow Crocker: That’s great. How much?

Ben Krieg: Two ounces.

Manilow Crocker: Two, I thought you said four?

Ben Krieg: Relax, two is plenty. This stuff is potent with a capital P.

Manilow Crocker: Let’s see it.

Ben Krieg: Oh no, no, no, not yet. Now, there’s a little business transaction to be completed first.

Manilow Crocker: (gives wad of money to Krieg) Aren’t you gonna count it?

Ben Krieg: (hands a bottle to Crocker) Would I insult you?

Manilow Crocker: And you’re sure this is the real stuff, huh?

Ben Krieg: In two weeks, you’re gonna be combin’ your hair with a rake. (Crocker straightens hat and walks away) Yeah, right. (Krieg counts money)

- seaQuest DSV, sea deck -

Crewman: Ten hut. (Bridger and Noyce enter)

Nathan Bridger: This was supposed to be the missile prep room.

William Noyce: It was. We, uh, pulled them out after the treaty was signed. As you were.

Nathan Bridger: And the forward weapons room?

William Noyce: I’m not going to lie to you, Nathan. This is still a military vessel. Not everybody was satisfied with the terms of the treaty, there are still pockets of resistance.

Nathan Bridger: Why all the science?

William Noyce: If the world can just hang in there and this thing works out, this could eventually become a full time research vessel.

Nathan Bridger: Why me?

William Noyce: We need a cool head. Someone who hasn’t been sitting with their finger on the trigger. Besides, you understand these science guys. You speak their language.

Nathan Bridger: That’s good. I told you back at the island, I am not interested.

William Noyce: Nathan, just listen to me, just– (they are sprayed with water)

Nathan Bridger: Hey, very funny.

William Noyce: Hey, you thought of it.

Nathan Bridger: Thought of what?

William Noyce: A sub that could carry a navy trained dolphin on board.

Nathan Bridger: The tubes I saw?

William Noyce: Yeah. “Bridger’s folly.”

Nathan Bridger: You mean he has access to the entire ship?

William Noyce: Just the way you designed it.

Nathan Bridger: (to dolphin) Hey boy, come here, come on, come on, come here. (looks at dolphin) Darwin! This is my dolphin!

William Noyce: Well, I thought you’d enjoy having him on board.

Nathan Bridger: Well you thought wrong. You know, you talk peace, but you act military. You took him for your own objective, that’s not acceptable. Now you’re after me, also not acceptable. (to Darwin) Easy fella, we’ll have you outta here in no time.

Darwin: Darwin play.

Nathan Bridger: What?

Darwin: Darwin play here.

Nathan Bridger: Who wants to play?

William Noyce: I think he wants to play.

Darwin: Smooth rocks.

William Noyce: He means the sides of the tank.

Nathan Bridger: I know what he means. This is some kind of a game, huh.

Lucas Wolenczak: Oh, it’s no game. Cutting edge technology. You see, sensors in the tank pick up the sighs, clicks, and whistles, the ship’s computer then interprets it, translates it, pumps it back into these speakers, unless it fritzes out on you or something.

Nathan Bridger: Who are you?

Lucas Wolenczak: Who are you?

William Noyce: Lucas Wolenczak, Nathan Bridger. Lucas designed the system that allows Darwin to speak.

Nathan Bridger: You’re kidding.

Lucas Wolenczak: You, uh, seem surprised, Captain. Or maybe just a little jealous.

Nathan Bridger: Jealous?

Lucas Wolenczak: Well I heard you were working on a similar system and, uh, gave up. Switched to hand signals or something.

Nathan Bridger: So.

Lucas Wolenczak: Nothing.

Nathan Bridger: He can understand me?

Lucas Wolenczak: Don’t ask me. Ask him.

Nathan Bridger: All right, I will. Darwin, how did we meet?

Darwin: Darwin hurt, island, help.

William Noyce: Well?

Nathan Bridger: I found him floating in a lagoon. He was cut up by a fisherman’s net. Wait a minute, Darwin, what’s the color of my favorite bathing suit?

Darwin: No suit, skin.

Nathan Bridger: He’s right. I don’t wear a suit.

Lucas Wolenczak: Thanks for painting that picture for us. Listen, I hate to break up this little seminar, but I gotta go. Or should I say... (makes signs with his hands and leaves)

William Noyce: Impressive, isn’t he?

Nathan Bridger: I could think of a few other words to describe him. What’s he doing here?

William Noyce: He lives here.

Nathan Bridger: How so?

William Noyce: His father’s in charge of one of our largest corporate endowments. Well he pulled a few strings and got Lucas assigned to seaQuest. Apparently there was a bit of a disciplinary problem and the father figured what better place to put him than on a submarine.

Nathan Bridger: So you’re not only a peacekeeper, now you’re a baby-sitter.

William Noyce: Oh, Nathan, the kid’s a genius. I mean, this thing with the dolphin is just the tip of the iceberg. He needs discipline, he needs guidance...

Nathan Bridger: He needs a haircut.

William Noyce: Ah, Commander, Jonathan. This is the boat’s XO, Commander Jonathan Ford.

Jonathan Ford: Sir.

Nathan Bridger: Commander.

William Noyce: Now if you two will excuse me, I have to take care of something.

Nathan Bridger: Why don’t I go with you?

William Noyce: No, no, it’s just some paper work. I’m sure the Commander can entertain you while I’m gone.

Jonathan Ford: Be an honor to show the Captain around.

William Noyce: Seeing you here like this somehow makes the boat feel complete. (leaves)

Jonathan Ford: The Admiral seems pleased to have you aboard.

Nathan Bridger: It’s a temporary condition. Soon as this little show is over, I’m on the first jet out of here.

Jonathan Ford: Yes, sir.

Nathan Bridger: So, uh, how many years have you been assigned to the seaQuest, Commander?

Jonathan Ford: Three years. I was part of a hand picked team brought in to get her activated. Must be satisfying for you to see you vision realized.

Nathan Bridger: Yeah, I guess it is. But of course I suppose there’ve been hundreds of changes made since then.

Jonathan Ford: At least.

Nathan Bridger: Ah, pyritic limestone with traces of pink quartzite. This is very pretty. (throws rock at Ford and walks over to hyperbaric chamber) What? Wait a minute. What is this?

Jonathan Ford: Sir?

Nathan Bridger: This boat is moving. What the hell is going on?

Jonathan Ford: I don’t know, sir. (takes out PAL, punches some buttons)

Tim O’Neill: (on PAL) Bridge.

Jonathan Ford: (into PAL) This is Commander Ford, who gave the order to shove off?

Tim O’Neill: (on PAL) Admiral Noyce did, sir.

Nathan Bridger: He set me up. I want this boat stopped right now.

Jonathan Ford: That’s impossible, sir. Once we break port, we’re committed to the channel. This isn’t exactly a rowboat.

Nathan Bridger: I know what it is, Commander, I designed the damn thing.

Jonathan Ford: If the Captain would like, I can arrange to have a launch craft shuttle you back to Pearl once we hit open water.

Nathan Bridger: The Captain would like.

Jonathan Ford: Yes, sir.

Nathan Bridger: Never trust the military.

- seaQuest DSV, Bridger’s room -

Nathan Bridger: (enters, looks at uniform on bed) Hmph, military. (throws uniform into adjacent bathroom, looks at paper on desk, pushes a button on remote)

Professor Martinson: Hello, Nathan. Welcome back.

Nathan Bridger: Wait a minute, the Navy refused to install this program. How’d you get here?

Professor Martinson: Young Mr. Wolenczak. He brought me on line several weeks ago. He’s really quite remarkable.

Nathan Bridger: So I’ve observed. Wolenczak. What’s your mission?

Professor Martinson: I’m a hologram, here to provide a sounding board in times of moral or ethical conflict.

Nathan Bridger: Very good.

Professor Martinson: Lucas has given me a wide range of source material to draw from. You can also change my image, by inserting a photograph in the imaging port of the computer main unit.

Nathan Bridger: Really? What’s the current depth of this ship?

Professor Martinson: One hundred meters.

Nathan Bridger: What’s the speed?

Professor Martinson: Twenty knots.

Nathan Bridger: What’s the meaning of life?

Professor Martinson: Be more specific. (Bridger laughs)

- Delta IV Pirate Submarine -

Maxwell: Captain, the seaQuest has just passed the harbor marker and headed for open water.

Marilyn Stark: Lock course and rig for silent running.

Maxwell: Course locked. Activate silent running.

Marilyn Stark: Weapons systems?

Pollack: Armed and ready.

Maxwell: Shall we proceed?

Marilyn Stark: By all means, Mr. Maxwell. By all means.

- seaQuest DSV, ward room -

Nathan Bridger: (angrily) Thirty-five years – that’s how long we’ve known each other. (slams door) And now, you treat me like a stranger. No, worse than a stranger. Well I wanna tell you that I think it stinks.

William Noyce: (on screen) Nathan, I’m not gonna sit here and deny the fact that I might have misled you.

Nathan Bridger: Misled? How about why? Just tell me, why did you do it?

William Noyce: (on screen) Because if I hadn’t, you might have died on that island.

Nathan Bridger: What are you talking about?

William Noyce: (on screen) I’m talking about regrets, I’m talking about running away from yourself. Now look at us, Nathan, we’re not kids anymore. How much time do you think we have left to make a difference?

Nathan Bridger: Oh, please.

William Noyce: (on screen) Now that’s the truth. You still have too much left to offer, too much you can share, than to spend the rest of your life hiding in the jungle.

Nathan Bridger: That’s your opinion, and it doesn’t justify kidnapping.

William Noyce: (on screen) Nathan, you’re not a prisoner. I told Commander Ford to make a launch available for you any time you wanted to leave.

Nathan Bridger: Right, very big of you.

William Noyce: (on screen) Look, I’m sorry, Nathan. My methods may be flawed, but my intentions were the best.

Nathan Bridger: Intentions, the road to hell is paved (screen goes blank) with good intentions.

- Kauai Channel, depth 2,100 feet, seaQuest DSV, hallway -

Miguel Ortiz: (over loudspeaker) Current depth, six hundred fifty meters; speed, thirty-five knots; course, two niner zero, and holding steady.

Jonathan Ford: I just received this message for you, it’s from Admiral Noyce.

Nathan Bridger: (gives Ford a leaf) Rhubarbarum.

Jonathan Ford: What?

Nathan Bridger: Rhubarb. (reads paper) The Admiral’s wondering, while I’m aboard, if I might take a look at the main drive propulsion units. Seems there’s some glitches in the aqua return jets.

Jonathan Ford: This mean the Captain won’t be returning to the mainland as scheduled?

Nathan Bridger: Can’t wait to get me off this boat, can you?

Jonathan Ford: No, sir. It’s just–

Nathan Bridger: All right, Commander. I assure you, I understand. I’m not here to snake your command.

Jonathan Ford: Snake, sir?

Nathan Bridger: Well, are you telling me that you don’t deserve the command?

Jonathan Ford: No sir, I’m not saying that at all. But the fact is those decisions are out of my control.

Nathan Bridger: I suppose they are. But whatever the Admiral has in mind, it’s not going to work, because I’m not interested in the job.