seaQuest DSV (1993) s01e23 Episode Script

Higher Power

Tonight on seaQuest.
Lucas.
Dad.
I love you.
Shut it down.
I can't.
We're gonna die.
And if you're gonna whine, why don't you just stand over there in the corner.
The last I heard was that Wolenczak is dead.
Mayday, mayday, this is the seaQuest.
Going to emergency power.
We are abandoning seaQuest.
Most breakthroughs events history books define as progress don't arrive with the crashing sounds of brass horns and drum rolls.
Real breakthroughs, ones that last like fiber optics and the paper clip sneak up on the page from the back of the book.
Let's remember that it took mankind 100,000 years to make a simple drinking cup.
A hundred millennia just to drink out of a cup instead of clasped hands.
So you see, goodness takes time and sacrifice.
I mean, the World Power Project has taken 15 years and it's cost me my marriage.
Well, I don't know my son as well as I should.
But I have to believe that it's all been for a higher good.
I mean, think of it.
We're going to turn on the lights of the world forever.
And for everyone.
And for free.
The first world and the third world coming together to share the benefits of this this technology.
When was the last time you had a day off? I don't know.
Today? I'm serious.
So am I.
I take a day off at the end of every sea tour whether I need it or not.
You're seven for twelve.
I'm nine for eleven.
If I make this one stand up, you owe me another $300.
Double or nothing! Oh, I can't do that, Shelley.
I'd be worried about your retirement.
You, want to recommend any of them? Recommend who? Your crew.
Some of them are leaving, right? You can't have my crew.
Why not? Because they're the best and you've got nothing to offer them.
What about sunshine? Thirteen months in a sub would make anyone put in for duty on a carrier.
I'm not going to argue with you, it's our day off.
When the whole world has a day off, it doesn't feel like one.
Come on, it's monumental, it's a worldwide effort.
Pretend it's Armistice Day.
It's a power plant.
People everywhere are getting electricity for free just another something for nothing.
You're such a romantic.
What I am is out $300.
You gonna let me try and get it back? You want to be out $600? What I want is Cmdr.
Ford.
How's about we play for him? He doesn't do aircraft carriers.
Well, he won't mind me playing for the right to try and persuade him otherwise.
Playing what? Volleyball.
One hour and counting.
Engage the turbines, please.
We have a compromise at the 600-mile relay.
That's expected.
Mr.
Rosenthal, would you advance the maintenance schedule.
We're showing an increased reading on Now, that's fine.
That's fine.
Just carry on.
The 21st 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.
Hi! You know, I wrote that tune.
Guy's busier than a one-legged man at a butt kicking contest.
It's a variation of the scatter technique.
The what? Scatter technique.
It was invented by a guy I used to work with back in Vancouver.
You know, he'll go up to one girl after another sometimes a hundred a night, and ask if they wanted to go home with him.
Did it work? Well, he used to get slapped a lot.
But he used to take them home a lot, too.
The scatter technique, huh? I guess I'm gonna have to learn that one.
Come on, Crocker, you got it made.
You've finished your tour.
You got that gig running security at Tucker Enterprises.
You and the little lady are gonna get that condo in Oxnard.
Hey, Lucas, you enjoying this? Tons.
You gotta be pretty proud of him.
Proud of who? Your dad.
I mean, he's the reason for the holiday.
This is the biggest event of the 21st century.
If I ever see him, I'll tell him you're impressed.
The name of the game is volleyball, gentlemen.
How about I bet on those guys and give you points? How many? Ten.
Not enough.
The object is to get the ball over the net more times than the other guys.
Think your people can handle that, Bridger? Just don't spend my money yet, Shelley.
You playing? No.
Why not? Because I'm angry.
What are you angry at? Your old man? No, I'm not angry at him.
I'd be angry at him.
Give me the ball.
Captain, what are we playing for? Pride, Commander.
Just pride.
Okay.
What are you laughing at? You.
I think you look cute.
I'm not cute.
I'm four points behind.
Well, don't get hurt.
We waited a long time to say goodbye.
I'm still working on hello.
One.
Two.
Three.
I guess you're gonna have to find another commander.
We're on-line in Moscow Jerusalem, Athens Tucson, Glasgow.
Yes.
Sydney, Tokyo, Beijing.
We did it.
Nairobi, Los Angeles New York, Paris, Brisbane.
We have another compromise.
Southern quadrant.
We're showing a second degree surface failure.
I think we should shut it down.
This is a $100 billion project, Mr.
Rosenthal.
We don't shut it down, we fix it.
I hope all of your time aboard seaQuest has been productive and insightful.
Thirteen months, we've logged over 200,000 sea miles participated in completed three years of underwater research.
Congratulations.
I just hope your memories of this tour are as warm as mine.
As many of you know, this boat has been a dream of mine.
I'd like to thank all of you for making this dream come true.
Some of us are going on to the next tour and others are moving to newer opportunities.
But I'd like to wish all of you great success.
Thank you and good luck! Ten-hut.
Mr.
Shan, make way for homeport.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Dismissed! Nice speech, Captain.
The short ones are always nice.
Have you seen Lucas? No, I was surprised he wasn't here for the goodbye.
All this hoopla about his father, he's taking it pretty hard.
Yes, his father may be a great man, but he's a strong boy.
The great man hasn't been seen for a year.
I'd better check.
We still on for dinner tonight? Absolutely.
About time.
Captain, the three of us chipped in.
We wanted to give you this.
It's a little something to say thanks.
Krieg picked it up.
At a shop in Singapore.
Wrapped it myself.
Did you? You know, someone once sent me a strip-o-gram.
I spent about a half an hour running around my room trying to get a nude geisha girl back into the box.
Thanks.
I think I'll pass.
How did he know what it was? 'Cause it was your idea, Ben.
He probably just started in the sewer and worked his way back up from there.
Hello, Lucas, it's good to see you again.
I apologize that once again, I can't be spending the holidays with you.
But I spoke to your mother, and she assures me that you're doing well and that you're growing up, and Anyway, I can't wait till this project is finished so that we can spend some time with each other.
Yeah, right.
Hello, Lucas, it's good to see you again.
I apologize that Come in.
You missed my goodbye speech.
I'm sorry.
I had other stuff to do.
You don't want to go back, do you? Would you? Look at what you've done for me.
Now everybody's saying goodbye and giving you presents and stuff.
It's like a bad birthday party.
Don't worry.
I didn't get you anything.
Well, that's all right.
You don't have to do that.
There will be another tour.
You don't have to leave seaQuest.
Oh yeah, yeah, I know.
But now that he's done, you know, still, famous for saving the world he's gonna want to show me off he's gonna want to parade me around like one of his projects.
once again, I can't be spending the holidays with you.
But I spoke to your mother, and she assures me that you're doing well and That was my Christmas present.
But it's the thought that counts, right? Do you want me to call him? No, that's all right.
But if you do, tell him I said, "hi.
" Dr.
Wolenczak, you have a call.
Not now.
It's a Capt.
Bridger from seaQuest.
Ask if my son is all right.
Is his son all right? Well, yes.
He's fine.
Good.
Tell him "thank you" but I can't speak to him right now.
He can't talk to you right now.
It's quite important.
He says it's important.
Not now! He'll call you back.
What a dad.
Come in.
You look gorgeous.
Thank you.
Santa came early this year, I see.
The crew they're all giving me goodbye presents.
I know.
This is lovely.
I think I'd be very jealous if anyone else saw you looking like this.
May I kiss you, Doctor? Of course, Captain.
I know it's a lot of money, but we didn't get into this for money.
I did.
Honey? Please.
Ben, how did you figure there was money in this? I guess I should have read the seaQuest career opportunities brochure.
They offered you a lot of money? Well, yeah, but I don't see myself on the bridge of a supertanker.
I could see myself there.
You need discipline to run a ship, Ben.
I am disciplined.
So, Katie what are you going to do? I have been approached for a captain's position on a supertanker, too.
No way, which one? The H.
R.
Clinton registered out of Delaware.
That's the one I was asked to captain.
Maybe they thought you'd say no.
I haven't said no.
But you could afford to.
I don't know how to turn down $400,000 a year.
$400,000.
Yeah.
They offered you $400,000? Yes.
They only offered me $300,000.
Maybe they're willing to pay more for a woman.
Women make better captains.
That is purely subjective.
It's a statistical fact.
All things being equal, women make better captains of non-combat vessels.
A woman at the helm has a calming effect on her crew.
Well, Ben, there's another reason you'll never captain a ship.
Don't write me off so quickly.
I could be a woman.
Hello, darling.
I've missed you terribly.
Who's that? My wife.
Sorry I can't be with you, but you'll be just fine.
Your wife? Just keep me in your heart.
Can she see us? I hope not.
How'd you like my goodbye gift, Captain? I programmed a way to make your wife talk.
Damn it, Lucas! How dare you invade my privacy.
I was just I get it now, Captain.
I'm sorry about your privacy.
We've got 30 miles of raw Take north quadrant off-line.
coming off the North Mount.
We've got control seizure.
Shut it down.
I can't.
Come in.
Can we talk? Talk.
To your face.
Your present to Capt.
Bridger couldn't have been more thoughtful.
It just came at an inauspicious time.
You don't owe me an explanation.
Well, I think I owe myself one.
Do you mind listening? No.
Nathan and I have become very close over the last year and when a bond is established between two adults intimacy, and I don't mean sex is something that adults need in a relationship.
That's your way of saying I'm not adult enough to understand what you're talking about.
No.
I understand.
And I'm glad you and the captain can share whatever it is you were sharing.
I'm sorry my present ruined it for you.
Then why is it that I feel that you're angry with us.
Because "intimacy, and I don't mean sex, " is important to me, too.
But adults always put their needs in terms that make my needs unimportant.
Your search for science is more important than my needs.
SeaQuest's exploration of the deep is more important than my needs.
My father's pursuit of an empire that serves mankind is more important than my needs.
"Wait in line, Lucas.
Stand over there, Lucas.
Take a number, Lucas.
"We'll get to you.
" Look, however important your father's work is you're absolutely right to think that you should come first.
Tell him that.
I'd very much like to.
Oh, yeah? Good luck getting through.
Hey, Captain.
How are you doing? I've been better, thanks.
I wanted to come down here to say goodbye to you personally.
You know, I never even thanked you for delaying your retirement to come aboard this boat.
Well, it was a chance to serve one more tour with you.
It meant a lot to me.
I don't know what to say.
No, no, come on, open it.
I guess you're anxious to get home, huh? To see Helen? It's been an emotional time.
That's the watch that Hyman Rickover wore the day they launched the Nautilus.
I can't accept this.
This is too precious.
Well, sure you can.
I want you to have it.
Hell.
This is very hard but I've fallen in love with someone else and I realize that the best part of our marriage was how much time you weren't here.
I'm sorry.
But you always loved the sea more than you loved me.
Wait! She's right, you know.
We only got along from a distance.
What am I gonna do now? I mean, one part of my life is over with and the other part just up and disappeared on me.
Is there a problem, Mr.
O'Neill? I'm getting a confirmed uplink from every satellite we're assigned to but nothing's coming back.
I was shut out of the Internet.
I'm not getting anything back, either.
Did you run diagnostics? Three times.
I tried emergency bands, private sector transponders and commercial broadcasts.
Nothing's coming back.
It's like the globe's been unplugged.
That's exactly what it's like.
The globe doesn't unplug.
Have you tried Sat-Com? Sat-Com, Nor-Pac First Strike, even Conal-Rad.
Try the E-band.
Stand by for a UEO Sig-Core E-band test.
Identity confirmed.
United Earth Oceans Signal Core emergency band engaged.
Well, to be totally honest with you we're in here because I'm still a little leery of Lucas' hologram.
So am I.
Do you regret what happened? Not yet.
I talked to Lucas.
I think he feels pretty threatened by you and me.
Well, you're really all he has and it's hard being 17 and not having a family.
You're right.
But do you think we could have a nice, quiet little dinner? Absolutely.
Thank you.
What is it, Commander? I wish I could say, Captain but I don't know, sir.
Look, Nathan, World Power's gone off-line, we've got a global blackout.
But your redundant systems can Well, a power surge has frozen us out.
Everybody's working off generators: police, hospitals, everybody.
But you've got contingencies.
Dr.
Wolenczak is a smart man.
Look, we don't have time for Monday morning quarterbacking from candle-lit dinners.
The last I heard was that Wolenczak is dead.
Because the last communication we got from World Power was an automated report of a catastrophic oscillation.
Lay in a course.
Full speed.
Yes, sir.
Try to get back on-line with our old systems.
It's gonna be weeks, if we're lucky.
Without power, this globe is going to regress in geometric proportions.
Status? On course.
and climbing.
Engines at full torque.
WSKRS on bow lock.
ETA three hours.
E- band open and holding.
Are you all right? Captain, my father Noyce made a giant assumption about your father.
Now you're stuck with it.
I know what that's like.
Yeah, and your son died.
I'll never be certain and the not knowing eats at me a little every day.
But I'll tell you something, you know what's helped me? What? You.
You can't imagine how important it is for me to have you here.
Now I want you to know how important it is for me to be here for you.
I know.
I know.
Okay.
We're off-line and stabilized at zero output.
We're stabilized, but the Earth isn't.
Thermal indicators are rising.
Ocean temperature will balance.
It's not happening.
It's just got to cool down.
It's not.
We've got to evacuate.
We can't.
The shuttle has dislodged from the air lock.
We're going to die.
Probably and if you're going to whine why don't you just stand over there in the corner? How soon until you can get me communications? I don't know.
And I don't know who you expect to communicate with.
Just get me an uplink! Lucas, can you hear me? Dad.
Dad.
You there? Yes, I am.
I don't know how long I have, but I want you to know I need you to know that you're my son.
And I love you.
Whatever's happened, I want you to know that Two hundred miles an hour.
ETA, five minutes.
Three-quarter speed.
Three-quarter speed.
Hull temperature rising.
We're entering a thermocline.
Five degrees, now ten.
WSKRS view.
This isn't a thermocline.
Mr.
Obatu, use target systems to measure this.
Twelve feet wide beneath us, 10,000 at its source, three miles out.
Captain! Three miles and closing.
Dispatch WSKRS.
I want a closer look.
Twenty degree rise.
We are at Thermoclines cool off within a foot of their vents.
This isn't happening.
This ocean is cooking.
Hull tolerance at a 105%%.
E- band.
Bill, we've got an exposed river of lava two miles wide running underneath this power plant.
We've got a 20-degree increase in ocean temperature with no sign of abatement.
Can we salvage the plant? To hell with the plant.
Didn't you hear what he said? We're destroying the ocean.
A balanced ecology doesn't mean squat No, look, just a minute.
when compared to our cities collapsing.
Guys.
Listen.
A rise in temperature like this is going to melt the polar caps.
You're gonna need scuba gear to stand on the observation deck of the World Trade Center.
Your cities aren't going to collapse they're gonna drown.
All right, let's go to alert on all stations.
This is going to get rocky.
Going to emergency power.
Maximize stabilizers.
Stabilizers full! Mayday, Mayday, this is the seaQuest.
Location 13 degrees, 15 minutes.
Mayday, this is seaQuest coordinates 15 degrees, Attention all personnel, this is Captain Bridger.
Go to your emergency launches immediately.
We're abandoning ship.
I repeat, we're abandoning seaQuest.
Mr.
Shan, go to automated systems, evacuate your helmsmen.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Penny, Russ, Susan, launch bay.
Just giving up? Some of us are.
We're going to abort the rescue mission.
Mr.
O'Neill, keep E-band open and then evacuate and take the doctor with you.
Aye, sir.
No, Nathan.
Kristin, don't argue.
Mr.
Obatu, switch your systems down here.
Ortiz, WSKRS control at my station and then evacuate.
Hitchcock, you're in charge of the launch bay and I want you out on the last one.
Yes, sir.
What about my father? Lucas, the chances of survival Will eat at me a little every day.
I can't risk sending anyone over there.
It's suicide.
So maybe I die now instead of a little bit later.
Besides his old man might be able to help us figure out what's going on here.
Let me go see if I can find him.
Chief, I can't.
Cap, I don't want to waste away on some bar stool in San Diego.
The sea is where I live.
It's where I'd prefer to die.
Now hold on to this for me.
What are you doing? I'm trying to save my crew and then, maybe my boat.
It goes with the job.
Will you please get on the launch? If you do find my father, tell him I love him.
I will.
You two, out! No, sir.
That's an order, Commander.
You can't save seaQuest by yourself.
Mr.
Shan.
No thank you, sir.
Okay.
I need some time in my quarters.
Okay people, let's go! All personnel, report to evacuation stations.
All personnel, report to evacuation stations.
Security team, Alpha and Bravo, confirm lock-down on all decks.
Security team, Alpha and Bravo, confirm lock-down on all decks.
This is gonna be a tough one, sweetheart.
Sorry I can't be with you.
You'll be just fine.
I know.
I love you, kiddo.
I'm okay.
I'm not.
Jordan, quick, up there, come on, let's go.
Come on, come on.
Dr.
Wolenczak? He's behind me.
Where's the seaQuest? Let's get out of here.
How's my son? I don't know.
Is this everybody? Dead.
Everybody's dead.
We've got to go.
I need to see my son! He needs to see you, too.
He has for some time.
We've got 'em, sir.
Good.
Hello, I'm Lucas' father.
Nathan Bridger.
Yes, where's my son? Well, we had to abandon ship.
What? I've sent them all up-world.
This World Power project was a noble idea, Captain.
Most of them are.
What will do about this project? I don't know.
I don't know.
We got to think of something.
Take those people up top.
Cap, this is my ship, too.
Chief, you've done your job.
Thanks.
How are we going to close up the ocean floor? Seismic activity.
We've gotta plug the hole, and it'll take an enormous force.
What about a million mega-tons? That's our nuclear capacity.
But how do we deliver it? We auto-pilot seaQuest right into the heart of this thing.
It'll destroy your ship.
Maybe, but it's the only chance we've got.
Give me everything you've got, Commander.
If these aren't false readings that lava well's at least 200 miles deep.
Captain, what exactly are we doing? We're going to dive seaQuest into this lava well and then we're gonna detonate her warheads.
What's the good news? That is the good news.
Come 20 degrees left at half speed and activate the automatic-pilot.
Captain, it's time.
Arm all weapons.
Thermo-nuclear arming sequence initiated.
Commander, on my mark.
Three, two one.
Now.
Thermo-nuclear launch on-line.
How long do we have? I have no idea.
We'd better go.
We've lost the auto-pilot.
No, wait.
There's nothing more you can do.
Tell Lucas he's the best.
Captain, no! Bridger! Auto-pilot re-engaged.
Look! Lucas! Lucas! Dad! You all right? You all right? Where's Nathan? Where's Nathan? Out there! Nathan.
Oh, Nathan.
And now, for my next trick Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'm still a submariner.
Face the fact, seaQuest is gone.
I'll think about it.
There's nothing bigger than a carrier, Commander.
Yes, sir.
It says here to include the names of at least three persons who will recommend you without reservation.
Come on, guys, it's just a recommendation.
What for? The seminary.
Father Krieg? All right, med school.
Dr.
Krieg? Okay, a manager for a fast food franchise.
Ah.
Better.
I'll recommend you.
Yeah.
I think I'm gonna take that captain's position on the H.
R.
Clinton.
What makes you think there won't be another seaQuest? There'll never be another seaQuest.
You know, this is depressing.
It's supposed to be depressing.
Ben, don't open the box.
Come on, we can use the laugh.
Ladies and gentlemen, live from Singapore.
Each and every one of you can have a great life, ladies and gentlemen! The future is yours.
The monies of the world are at your feet.
Success is your birthright.
Personal power is your destiny.
Listen to me, I know what I'm talking about.
Three words, it-can-happen.
Build it, and it will come one day at a time.
Who the hell is this guy? I don't know.
It's supposed to be a nude saxophonist.
How did it go? Okay, I guess.
Dad said even though he's gonna be really busy he promised to show up for my birthday next year.
But I doubt it.
Don't worry, Lucas, next year is going to be great.
What are we gonna do? Well, first of all, there's a small matter of building a new boat.
Hello, I'm Bob Ballard from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Scientists are working on various ways to extract energy from the Earth instead of from the sun.
In Hawaii, a small geothermal power plant has been built above the magma chamber that's under the island.
In recent experiments using our submersible, Alvin, we tried to extract energy from undersea vents thousands of feet underwater in a world of total darkness.
Join us on the next exciting episode of seaQuest DSV.

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