The-Wind

It’s been a while since I’ve uploaded any music so here’s one that I found in the dust bin. It’s one of the first instrumentals I ever wrote. I recorded it about 25 years ago when Midi, the computer program I used to create the song, was just getting started.

It’s called “The Wind” and I hope you like it.

I hope you enjoyed Act 4 !!!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea – Act 5

to see the pdf version with the proper script formatting

Thanks For Reading !!!

****************************************************************************

ACT 5

Ext. New York Harbor – Day

The Flying Sub glides only inches above the calm sea as it approaches the harbor. The craft lowers its hull and jets of water spray as it makes contact with the surface.

The sub slows to “boat speed” as it passes a buoy marked NO WAKE. Crews working on the deck of nearby ships stop what they’re doing and stare as the Flying Sub cruises by.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey gazes out the windows.

Sharkey

Admiral, has anyone ever seen this craft before? I mean, outside of the Seaview’s crew, that is.

Nelson

Well, come to think of it Chief, I believe very few have.

Sharkey

Looks that way.

Ext. New York Harbor – Day

Two Patrol boats approach the Flying Sub from different sides and begin escorting it toward the docks.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Through the speakers, a gruff voice announces his presence.

Harbor Master

FS One, this is New York Harbor Patrol. Please follow the escorts to Dock Fourteen. The President has a car waiting.

Sharkey

Roger, Harbor Patrol.

Int. Seaview – Crew’s Quarters

Sailors gather around a video monitor watching a newscast. Some sit on the edge of their bunk with pen and paper while others type into their laptop computers ignoring the news.

Newscaster

We’ve just received word that Admiral Harriman Nelson is in the building and is walking through the lower hallway. Excitement has been at a fevered pitch since last night’s report from the submarine Seaview that the Admiral had conceived a plan to reset the dislodged tectonic plate and extinguish the wall of fire brewing beneath the sea. Several theories are already under consideration by the UN…

Int. Seaview – Sick Bay

Hiller, Michael and patients watch the same newscast from their wall mounted video monitor.

Newscaster

…in fact, yesterday, Doctor Jacques Pierre, the emanate physicist of Paris, presented his own plan. In essence, it says ‘hands off, it will fix itself.’

Hiller steps closer to the monitor, watching intensely.

Newscaster

Unofficial sources tell us Doctor Pierre’s argument has swayed the scientific body enough to give his plan their stamp of approval. However, in view of Admiral Nelson’s tremendous scientific achievements, we’re told that the international scientific committee will make no decisions until Nelson’s plan is evaluated.

Int. United Nations Building – Meeting Chamber

The room is a mixture of chaos and calm. Some are sitting, quietly listening to a member giving an outspoken and quite animated speech in German. Others are milling and talking.

Suddenly, a lady jumps to he feet and begins yelling at the speaker, who yells back. An argument ensues as more members join in. The Chairman pounds his gavel.

Chairman

Order! I will have order!

Military policemen enter the room, calming and re-seating the offenders.

Chairman

The chair will stand for no more such outburst!

The room returns to a low murmur as the German speaker continues uninterrupted. Two military policeman escort Admiral Nelson and Chief Sharkey to their seats.

Nelson pulls up his chair and removes his hat. He opens his laptop and gazes at the crowd. The room quiets, except for the German, who now notices no one is listening to him.

The entire crowd’s attention is now quietly on Nelson. The German abruptly stops speaking and sits down. The Chairman pounds his gavel.

Chairman

We thank the German delegate for his remarks and will take them under advisement. We acknowledge the arrival of the distinguished scientist from the United States, Admiral Harriman Nelson. The Chair will now turn the floor over to Admiral Nelson.

Nelson presses a few buttons on his laptop, stands and gazes around the room.

Nelson

Mister Chairman, distinguished scientist, ladies and gentlemen. This planet is ripping itself apart from the inside out. As I speak, an underwater volcano is releasing a lava flow that will eventually destroy all life on earth. If this flow isn’t stopped, our planet has a life expectancy of about three weeks.

The room becomes excited again. The Chairman pounds his gavel.

Chairman

Order! Order!

The Admiral waits until the room quiets.

Nelson

Therefore, if we are to avoid our destruction we must act at once.

Nelson sits and types on his laptop. Television monitors stationed in front of each of the delegates, begin displaying information in their respective languages.

Nelson

In order to stop the lava flow, we must reseal the Cocas tectonic plate. And, we have less than three days to do it.

Doctor Jacques Pierre, sitting across from Nelson leans forward. His French tone is sarcastic.

Pierre

And just how do you propose to do that Admiral?

Nelson

By splitting the Cocas plate, Doctor. The western edge of this plate has been lifted more than seven miles, allowing the magma cauldron below to spew up through the cracks. By fracturing it in the middle, the plate will break off and fall back into place, sealing the ruptures.

Pierre

Again I ask Admiral, just how do you perform this act of GOD?

Nelson

By the firing two nuclear torpedoes from the submarine Seaview.

Int. Seaview – Sick Bay

Hiller looks startled by Nelson’s announcement. She leans forward and gawks at the monitor as the newscast continues.

Nelson

These torpedoes, delivered simultaneously at precise locations will have enough explosive force to do the job.

Int. United Nations Building – Meeting Chamber

Nelson turns his gaze to the Chairman.

Nelson

To simplify, take a one foot long wooden ruler. Bore a couple of large holes around the six inch mark and snap, the ruler breaks in two. Blast a couple of holes in the center of the Cocas plate and…

Doctor Pierre stands and claps his hands together loudly.

Pierre

Snap! No world!

A man in the crowd stands and shouts in French. The room turns chaotic again. Pierre slams his fist against his table.

Pierre

Insanity! It’s absolute insanity. This lunatic scheme will destroy us all.

Nelson

Doctor, may I direct your attention to your video monitor. Our calculations clearly show…

Pierre

I have seen all I need to see.

Pierre addresses the room.

Pierre

I tell you all, Nelson’s plan is suicidal insanity. It will kill us all!

He returns his angry gaze to the Admiral.

Pierre

I have calculations too, Admiral. And they show the lava flow from the rupture will seal itself in four days. By fracturing the plate you will only open up a bigger gorge that will never close.

Nelson

Alright Doctor, what if the flow doesn’t seal itself?

Pierre

You have your plan Admiral, and I have mine. Time will judge which one is right.

Nelson

My plan can’t wait four days. If the rupture isn’t sealed within seventy two hours, it never will. We have to take action now.

Pierre

Then this scientific body must decide which one of us is right.

Nelson grabs his hat and mutters with an indignant voice.

Nelson

I’m not going to sit here and watch the world burn to a crisp.

Pierre continues speaking to the crowd. Nelson leans over to Sharkey as he closes his laptop.

Nelson

Let’s go Chief.

Nelson puts on his hat and stands. Sharkey steps over to the military policemen. Pierre waves his arms to the crowd.

Pierre

I demand the Admiral’s plan be referred before a committee.

The crowd murmurs. The chairman slams his gavel.

Nelson

There’s no time.

Pierre

Then I call for a vote. All those in favor of the Admiral’s scheme.

A small portion of the crowd cheers.

Pierre

All those opposed.

A large cheer comes from the crowd. Pierre points to Nelson.

Pierre

There’s you answer, Admiral.

Nelson leans toward Pierre and points at him with his index finger. It’s obvious he’s mad.

Nelson

Not mine, yours! My answer comes only from the President of the United States.

The room turns chaotic with people talking and shouting over one another. The chairman pounds his gavel.

Nelson leans back, nods at Sharkey and steps away from the table, leaving his laptop behind. The two head for the escorts waiting by the exit.

Int. Seaview – Sick Bay

Hiller looks very disturbed as she slowly strolls to the monitor and turns off the newscast.

Ext. New York Harbor – Dock Fourteen – Day

A black SUV pulls up. The driver and passenger, men dressed in dark suits wearing earphones and dark sunglasses, get out. They open the back doors.

Nelson and Sharkey step out and immediately start briskly walking toward the end of the long dock. There, the Flying Sub is moored with a military policeman standing guard.

The dark suited men casually watch Nelson and Sharkey when suddenly, the driver cups his hand over his ear. His expression quickly changes. He motions to his partner.

The men pull their weapons. The driver yells.

Driver

Admiral Nelson, stop!

Without looking back Nelson and Sharkey start running down the dock toward the Flying Sub. The dark suited men chase after them.

Driver

Admiral Nelson, you must stop, sir!

The military policeman realizes what’s happening and goes for his gun. Before he draws Sharkey sprints ahead, pushes him off the dock while Nelson removes the mooring ropes.

Sharkey trots up the gangplank and opens the hatch. Nelson joins him and both men disappear into the Flying Sub amid the ricocheting of bullets off its hull.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Nelson and Sharkey climb down the ladder leading to the flight deck.

Sharkey

Would you like for me to take the wheel again, sir?

Nelson

Please, Chief.

They assume their positions and strap in. With several button pushes the Flying Sub powers up.

Video monitors flicker to life, one revealing the suited men on top of the craft trying to open the hatch.

Nelson

Warn them off Chief.

Sharkey flips a switch.

Sharkey

Attention. Clear the deck. This craft is launching.

Nelson and Sharkey watch as the men ignore the warning, firing their guns in a futile attempt to open the hatch.

Nelson

Get us out of here Chief.

Sharkey

Aye, sir.

Ext. New York Harbor – Dock Fourteen – Day

A blue glow forms at the exhaust. The Flying Sub quickly pulls away from the dock, knocking the dark suited men into the water.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

On his monitor, Nelson can see all three men bobbing in the wake.

Nelson

Good. At least they can swim.

The Harbor Master’s voice booms through the speakers.

Harbor Master

FS One, this is Harbor Patrol. You are ordered to return to the dock immediately. Your vehicle is not cleared for takeoff.

Nelson flips a switch.

Nelson

Harbor Master, I have authorization from the President of the United States. Please clear the Harbor for our immediate departure.

Sharkey cocks his head.

Sharkey

That ought to work, sir.

Nelson

Let’s hope so.

Through the windshield the men watch as two patrol boats pull into their path. They begin approaching at breakneck speeds, their guns locked on the Flying Sub.

Sharkey

Actually…I…don’t think it worked, sir.

Harbor Master

FS One. We have been instructed by the United Nation Security Council to detain your departure. Under regulations, we must comply. Please, return to the dock, or we will have to use deadly force.

Ext. New York Harbor – Day

One of the patrol boats fire shots in the water just in front of the Flying Sub as the three vessels lock a course for a imminent, head-on collision.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Nelson

I’ve had enough Chief. Forget the regulations, let’s get airborne.

Sharkey

Aye, sir.

Sharkey pulls back on the joysticks.

Ext. New York Harbor – Day

Just as an impact was certain, the Flying Sub noses up and rockets away at fantastic speeds. It quickly disappears into the thick, white clouds.

Ext. Sky – Day

The Flying Sub pops through a blanket of clouds and races toward the horizon.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey presses buttons and glances at his console.

Sharkey

Leveled off at forty thousand, Admiral.

Nelson

Very good, Chief. Best speed to the Seaview.

Sharkey

Aye sir.

Sharkey reaches toward his console, but stops short. He gazes at Nelson.

Sharkey

Admiral?

Nelson

Yes, Chief?

Sharkey

I think you left your laptop behind.

Ext. Pyramid Site – Pacific Ocean

Doors open in the Seaview’s belly and a small sleek craft with a clear bubble top emerges. In the cockpit, Captain Crane engages the single prop. The Mini-Sub motors away.

Int. Mini-Sub Cockpit

Crane guides the sub toward the pyramid. He presses buttons and hears a pleasant female computer voice.

Computer

All scanners on line. Beginning analysis.

Ext. Pyramid Site – Pacific Ocean

The Mini-Sub now floats only a few feet from the structure.

Int. Mini-Sub Cockpit

Crane

Computer, actuator left, spotlight. Actuator right, recorder.

Computer

Initiating.

Ext. Pyramid Site – Pacific Ocean

Two mechanical arms emerge from hatches on each side of the Mini-Sub. One holds a spotlight while the other, a video camera.

Int. Mini-Sub Cockpit

Crane

Computer. Three hundred sixty degree systematic scan and record. Silent mode. Execute.

Ext. Pyramid Site – Pacific Ocean

The Mini-Sub backs away from the structure and slowly begins circling around it.

Int. Mini-Sub Cockpit

Crane

Now, let’s have a good look at you.

The instruments flood with data as the tiny sub stops momentarily at each side, scanning the markings thoroughly. Crane studies the video images.

Crane

I know I recognize those markings from somewhere.

He uses his sleeve to wipe the condensation from the bubble. Gawking through it, he peers at the structure. Then, his face looses all expression.

Crane

No. It can’t be.

Ext. Sky – Day

The Flying Sub speeds by. A moment later two American jet fighters chases after it in hot pursuit.

Int. Flying Sub – Seconds Later

Nelson studies his console.

Nelson

They’re still after us, Chief.

A voice booms through the speakers.

Pilot

FS One. This is the United States Air Force. You are ordered to return to New York Harbor immediately. Do you read? Over.

Nelson flips a switch.

Nelson

Air Force pilot, this is Admiral Harriman Nelson. Were your orders issued by the President herself?

Pilot

No sir. My authority comes from Fleet Commander…

Nelson

Listen to me Air Force. My authority comes from the President of the United States. And I will continue this heading until she and she alone resends it. Now, stand down.

Pilot

I’m sorry, sir, but my orders are clear. You must return to New York or I must use deadly force to shoot you down.

Nelson looks at Sharkey.

Sharkey

Shall we go sub-orbital Admiral?

Nelson

No Chief, that’s the wrong direction. We’ll can loose them if we…

An alarm rings. Sharkey speaks fast.

Sharkey

Sir, one of the fighters has a missile lock.

Pilot

FS One, this is your last warning.

Nelson

Air force, you’re in violation of…

Sharkey

He’s firing, sir!

Nelson

Evasive Chief.

Ext. Sky – Day

The Flying Sub noses up and shoots skyward. The missile and fighters follow.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey glances at the flashing readout on his console.

Sharkey

It’s a plasma seeker, sir.

Nelson

Cut the jets.

Ext. Sky – Day

The blue exhaust disappears. The Flying Sub quickly levels off and begins a steep dive. The missile continues skyward. A moment later the clouds glow with an explosion.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

The steep downward angle first pull the men forward against their restraints then back against their seats their speed increases. Sharkey glances at his console.

Sharkey

They self detonated the missile, Admiral.

Nelson

Well, at least that’s one down.

Ext. Sky – Day

The Flying Sub continues its nose dive toward the ocean. One of the fighters closing in fast behind them launches another missile.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

The flight deck starts shaking. Another alarms sounds. Nelson gazes at his console.

Nelson

Here comes another.

Sharkey

Admiral, we don’t have any decoys, or flares, or anything like that, do we sir?

Nelson

Sorry, Chief. I design this craft for just about everything except dog fighting.

Sharkey

I was afraid you’d say that.

Ext. Sky – Day

At the last second the Flying Sub restarts its jets, pulls out of the dive and levels off just inches above the water. Behind it, the missile plunges into the sea and explodes.

The fighters also drop to sea level and continue the chase.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Nelson

There’s only one way to end this, Chief.

Sharkey

Understood sir. Activating diving sequence.

Ext. Sky – Day

One of the fighters fires another missile which hugs the oceans surface as it rockets toward the Flying Sub.

But just as the missile is about to reach its intended target, the Flying Sub plunges into the ocean.

The missile noses down, trying to correct its course, but hits the water, causing it to skip end over end, until it too, explodes. The fighters head back for the sky.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Through its windshield, bright flashes illuminate the dark water in front of the Flying Sub as it continues to dive. Nelson and Sharkey glance at each other in relief.

Sharkey

I don’t think those jets will follow us down here, Admiral.

Nelson

Take her deep and let’s locate the Seaview.

Sharkey

Aye, sir.

Sharkey presses buttons.

Nelson

We’ll give it a little time, then take to the sky again when it’s safe.

****!! Don’t miss the next exciting Act !!****

Wow! It’s hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone. Weeks of shopping, house cleaning and preparation, all for that one day out of the year. And now, it’s nothing more than a memory.

As I get older, the days, weeks and years seem to past faster and faster. “The older you get the faster time passes…” is what I used to hear the old folks say that when I was a youngster. But at the time I couldn’t quite grasp the experience because for me, time seemed to move at a snail’s pace. Back then, it felt like several millenniums passed between Christmases, now it seems like mere weeks.

Why is that? I know it’s true because now that I’m in my 50’s, I’m starting to understand what the old folks were saying way back then.  Time does seem to past faster the older you get. And finally, thanks to a Discovery Channel show about time, I know why.

Humans have a built in “clock” in the center of our brains. It’s what allows us to recognize the passage of time. Without it, time would have absolutely no meaning to us, we couldn’t even understand the concept of time if we didn’t have our little “clocks” ticking away inside our brains.

But it’s the ticking of those clocks that’s the key to understanding how we perceive time. Time seems to move slower the faster your clock ticks.  And conversely, if your clock slows down, time seems to whiz by. It’s an equal and opposite reaction.

So, when we’re kids, time seems to crawl, but the older we get, the slower our clock ticks, thus, time seems to be speeding up. It’s that simple.

A fun and interesting way to check this is to find 3 people of various ages, one young, one middle-aged, one old. Ask each to count off one minute in their head. Use a stopwatch to time them and check the results. You’ll be amazed.

Almost without fail, the youngster will say a minute has passed before it actually has, a middle-aged person will be close to the money and an “seasoned citizen” will clock in after the minute has actually passed. In one test, a 97 year old woman took nearly two minutes for her “minute” to pass.

But at any age, our clocks will momentarily speed up when our life is threatened or slows down when we’re really having fun. Experiments have shown that just before the train hits your car, your brain clock will get a jolt of adrenalin and speed way up. That’s why many people have said that during an accident, everything seems to be going in slow motion.

The opposite happens when we’re enjoying ourselves. Our internal clocks slows way down as we relax and our five senses takes over brain functions. In a way, it’s so we can “savor the moment,” but the net effect is that time seems to speed along.

So enjoy the time you have because no matter how rich or powerful you become, you can never buy back yesterday.

And the next time you hear someone say… “time flies when you’re having fun,” or an older person say… “time goes by faster the older you get,” remember, they’re actually right.

I got a call from a friend of mine yesterday to wish me a happy Christmas ADAM. Before my friend, I had never heard of Christmas Adam, but it’s a day his family has been celebrating forever.

I suppose it’s only fair, if there’s going to be a Christmas Eve there should be a Christmas Adam. Right? And it makes sense as Adam comes before Eve just as in the Book of Genesis.

But who delivers the presents on Christmas Adam? Santa? I’ve never heard of Santa being seen on the night of December 23rd, only the 24th. But somebody must.

Maybe it’s Mrs. Claus, the behind-the-scenes backbone of the Santa operation. Although seldom seen or discussed, Mrs. Claus must fill a vital role in making sure all those presents get delivered each year.

I can imagine Mrs. Claus loading up all the Christmas Adam presents in her flying Mini-Van and making the rounds.

Maybe that’s why we never hear much about good old Mrs. Claus. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, which most “Santa” stories are centered around, poor old Mrs. Claus is already tuckered out from her deliveries on Christmas Adam.

By Christmas Eve, she’s probably on the Virgin Islands taking a sabbatical.

And speaking of sabbaticals. I too will be taking one for the next couple of days. But don’t fret, I’ll be back next Monday with more pearls of wisdom and observations.

Until then, I hope you had a great Christmas Adam, looking forward to tonight’s Christmas Eve and above all else, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Stan

I hope you enjoyed Act 3 !!!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea – Act 4

to see the pdf version with the proper script formatting

Thanks For Reading !!!

****************************************************************************

ACT 4

Int. Seaview – Nelson’s Quarters

Nelson sits at his console, his nose buried in the monitor’s display of information. Behind him, a half empty drink sits on his desk. His door chimes.

Nelson

Come in.

Crane enters and stands stiffly in front of the Admiral’s desk. Nelson shuts off the monitor, stands and looks Crane in the eyes.

Nelson

Captain, you were out of line with your comment. That’s insubordination and I won’t stand for it.

Crane

Permission to speak freely, sir?

Nelson

As long as it’s civil, granted.

Crane takes a breath and speaks authoritatively.

Crane

Sir, since this mission started, you’ve countermanded my orders or issued new ones without my knowledge on more than one occasion.

Nelson

Captain, if you’ll remember, I have full authority of command on this mission.

Crane

Admiral, you haven’t commanded a submarine in over twenty years. Although you may have designed and built it, this is still a Naval vessel and I’m still in charge of it’s crew.

Nelson

Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your command?

Crane

No sir, I’m concerned you may be a threat to this sub, its crew, and our current mission.

Nelson gets visibly upset. His words sarcastic.

Nelson

Would you mind sharing how?

Crane keeps his cool.

Crane

How about if I give you an example? A little while ago you were more worried about getting your precious data than you were about the lives of this crew.

Nelson

Captain, need I remind you? If I don’t get that data there won’t be any lives left in the world, let alone in this crew.

Crane

And need I remind you, sir, that without this crew you’ll never get it. You can’t save the world by yourself, Admiral. Keep jeopardizing this crew with unnecessary risk, and there won’t be anyone left to help you.

Nelson

Unnecessary risks? I’ve never given an order…

Crane

Sir, there are still eleven search bots left on this boat. It takes less than ten minutes to reconfigure their shielding. Ten minutes, Admiral. We’ve got six injured, two of whom are in critical condition right now. They could have easily died, sir. Died to give you your ten minutes. We’ll spend more time making repairs.

Nelson stares at Crane a moment with a clenched jaw, then sits. He speaks calmly.

Nelson

Alright Captain, you’ve made your point. But as I said, you were out of line and I wont stand for it. Any disagreements you have with me will be taken up in confidentiality, not in front of the men. Those are the rules Captain. Do you understand?

Crane

Yes sir, I do understand. But apparently those rules don’t apply to everyone.

Nelson glares at Crane.

Nelson

Just what do you mean by that Captain?

Crane glares at the drink.

Crane

Drinking while on duty. Isn’t that breaking the rules, Admiral?

Nelson glances at the drink. Then turns back to his monitor. His tone completely ignores Crane’s comment.

Nelson

Don’t bother me with damage reports. Just get this sub patched up and on to the next way point as soon as possible. Dismissed.

Crane stiffens.

Crane

Aye, aye, sir.

He bolts for the door.

Nelson

And, Captain.

Crane stops and glares at Nelson, emphasizing each word.

Crane

YES, SIR?

The Admiral looks up from his monitor.

Nelson

Let’s use this time to get those remaining bots ready. You’re right, I should have checked the alternatives and I didn’t. If you will kindly continue to remind me, I will endeavor to listen and consider it.

Crane eases his posture and tone.

Crane

I will, Admiral. Anything else, sir?

Nelson

No, that will be all.

Nelson buries his face in his monitor. As soon as Crane leaves, Nelson looks up and stares at the drink. He steps to a lavatory and pours it out.

Int. Seaview – Sick Bay

Hiller notices Crane’s entrance into a sick bay buzzing with patients. He nods to her office. She says something to Michael then follows him in.

Crane

How are the patients?

Hiller

I’ve discharged Richter and Alvarez, and taken the rest off the critical list. It looks like they’ll all pull through. How are you holding up?

Crane

I’m Okay. It’s the Admiral I’m worried about. His command could jeopardize this mission. I may be forced to put a stop to it.

Hiller

Jesus Lee, your talking about mutiny.

Crane

I’m talking about saving what’s left of our home. And I can’t do that with an Admiral taking unwarranted chances with our only hope. Namely this boat.

Hiller

Are you positive you’re still not just frustrated with having the Admiral on board?

Crane

This has gone way beyond that, Lizzie. If he hadn’t overridden my orders, you wouldn’t have a sick bay full of injured sailors right now.

Cranes collar begins flashing.

Morton

Captain, this is Morton. We are ready to get underway.

Crane

Tracker on. Very well mister Morton. Take us to back to the original preprogrammed course and let’s try this again.

Morton

Aye sir. I’ll alert the Admiral. Control out.

Crane’s collar light extinguishes.

Crane

I’ve got to go.

The Captain heads for the door, then snaps his fingers and stops.

Crane

Oh. Have you had a chance to look over the data on the fuel cells?

Hiller

No, with all that’s been going on… Why? Do you think our last round of accidents was more sabotage?

Crane

No, they were caused by a bad decision, not equipment failure.

Hiller

Do you think the saboteur is still on board?

Crane

I don’t know. So far just the fuel cells are only evidence of sabotage we’ve found.

Hiller

Could have been done before we left port.

Crane

Or our saboteur is laying low, waiting to strike another system. Lizzie, I need you to carry on with the investigation.

Hiller

Lee, I…

Crane looks through the glass at the bustling sick bay.

Crane

Before you say it, I know you’re busy. But we must get whoever this is in the brig before they destroy our only hope of saving anyone.

Hiller takes a quick breath.

Hiller

Sure. I’ll let you know if I find anything.

Crane gently caresses her shoulders and smiles.

Crane

Thank you, Lizzie.

After a moment of gazing into Hiller’s eyes, Crane awkwardly takes his hands off her shoulders, drops them to his side and takes a couple of steps back.

Crane

Well, I better get to work. I’ll talk to you later.

Hiller keeps her eyes fixed on Crane as he disappears from her office. She drops her head and rubs her eyes.

Ext. Ocean

The Seaview glides a safe distance along side the spewing lava.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton and the control room crew busy themselves at their stations. Crane steps in.

Kowalski

Approaching way point seven, sir.

Morton

Very well. Mister Keno, lay in the course heading for way point eight. Inform the Admiral.

Keno

Aye, sir.

Crane lowers himself in the command chair while Keno carries out his duties.

Crane

How long has he been at it, Chip?

Morton

Almost eleven hours. I’ll bet he’s sifted through terra-quads of data by now.

Crane

How many bots do we have left?

Morton

We’re down to our last two.

Nelson’s voice announces through the control room speakers.

Nelson

Mister Morton, I’ve lost contact with the bot.

Morton gives Crane a dry look.

Morton

Make that our last one.

Then presses buttons.

Morton

Understood Admiral. Just a reminder sir, only one bot left after this…

Nelson’s voice booms with excitement.

Nelson

Never mind…forget it.

Morton

Sir?

Nelson

I won’t need the bot, mister Morton. I’ve know the answer. Find the Captain…

Crane

I’m right here sir.

Nelson

Captain, please, come to my cabin immediately. Mister Morton, I’ll need the Flying Sub and a co-pilot in an hour.

Morton

Aye, sir.

Crane

On my way, Admiral.

Crane vanishes up the spiral staircase while some the crew quietly celebrates. Morton puffs a breath of relief.

Morton

Helm, take us up to Flying Sub launch depth.

Ext. Ocean

With a burst of bubbles, the Seaview floats upward and away from the lava mountain.

Int. Seaview – Nelson’s Quarters

Crane enters to find Nelson rummaging through his closet in his stocking feet.

Crane

Good news, sir?

Nelson steps from behind the closet door and throws a pair of shoes across the room. He’s almost giddy with excitement.

Nelson

It checks. It checks on the nose. I don’t see how we can miss.

Crane

A solution, sir?

Nelson

I’m sure of it. It’s radical, but I know it’ll work.

Nelson turns back to his closet and sifts through his selections of dress uniforms.

Nelson

This is something I’ve puzzled over for years, but I was never able to get the last bits information I needed to propose a solution. Until now.

He pulls out a dress uniform and throws it on the bed, then puts a hand on Crane’s shoulder. His demeanor is sincere and fatherly.

Nelson

Captain… Lee, I know it’s been difficult having a commanding officer on your sub, but I want to thank you for helping me get those last bits.

Crane

Your welcome sir, but you also have this crew to thank.

Nelson speaks while he gathers his shoes and sits behind his desk.

Nelson

I would love to, but unfortunately there’s no time right now. Washington needs this information immediately.

Crane

I understand Admiral, I’ll pass on the compliments.

Nelson opens a drawer, pulls out a cloth and begins buffing one of his shoes.

Nelson

As soon as the Flying Sub is launched, take the Seaview to the coordinates you’ll find in your encrypted orders and wait for my return.

Crane

Aye, sir. Admiral, if it’s not too complicated, just what is the solution?

Nelson stops buffing, rolls his eyes to meet Crane’s and grins.

Nelson

The Seaview is the solution.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Standing opposite the spiral staircase, Nelson and Sharkey wait in front of the access door to the Flying Sub. Crane steps up.

Crane

We’re at launch depth sir.

Nelson

Chief?

Sharkey presses buttons on a panel next to the door. It slides open. Inside, awaits a circular elevator large enough for four people. Nelson and Sharkey step in.

Crane

Good luck gentlemen.

The men nod their heads as the door closes in front of them.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar

The glass-enclosed elevator descends a few feet vertically into the huge hangar deck. Below them, the Flying Sub, a yellow clam shell-shaped craft, is poised for launch.

The elevator moves simultaneously downward and diagonally through a clear shaft leading to a hatch at the top-center of the Flying Sub.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar – Elevator

Nelson

Thank you for volunteering, Chief.

Sharkey

Oh no, thank you, sir. Any chance to sit behind the wheel of the Flying Sub, uh, not that I didn’t want to help or anything, sir.

Nelson smiles and thinks a moment.

Nelson

But the Flying Sub doesn’t have a wheel, Chief.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar

The men reach the end of the clear, diagonal tube and descend vertically again, directly through the Flying Sub’s hatch. They disappear into the craft.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar – Elevator

The elevator glides to a stop. A pleasant female voice announces “Flying Sub Flight Deck.” The door opens. Sharkey motions to Nelson.

Sharkey

After you sir.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

The men move up to the pilots and co-pilots seats. Behind them, the elevator retracts and the hatch seals.

Sharkey

Beginning power up sequence, Admiral.

Nelson and Sharkey strap themselves in. The Chief begins pressing buttons and flipping switches. The Flying Sub comes alive with lights and sounds.

The Chief grins and speaks to his console.

Sharkey

Wake up sleepyhead.

Sharkey grabs the joysticks on the arms of his chair, Morton’s voice enters the cabin’s speakers.

Morton

FS one, this is Seaview. Do you copy?

Sharkey presses a button.

Sharkey

Computer, activate Tracker.

A light snaps on.

Sharkey

Seaview, this is FS one. We are powered up and ready for launch.

Morton

Flooding hangar deck.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar

A pool of water quickly forms beneath the Flying Sub. Within seconds the entire deck is submerged. Gigantic hangar doors slide open below.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey continues to press buttons as Morton’s voice is heard through the cabin’s speaker.

Morton

Releasing mooring clamps.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar

Two large arms release their grip the Flying Sub and retract. The small sub now floats freely.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey

Activating maneuvering thrusters.

Int. Flying Sub Hangar

The Flying Sub slowly drops vertically through the hangar doors until it clears the Seaview’s underside.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey

Engaging Plasma Jets.

Ext. Ocean

The pair of plasma-jets at the rear of the Flying Sub glows blue. The craft eases away from the Seaview.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

The XO’s processed voice is heard through the speakers.

Morton

FS One. You are clear and free to navigate. Enjoy the trip gentlemen. Seaview out.

Sharkey

Roger Seaview. Accelerating to flight speed.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane and Morton watch through the glass nose as the blue glow from the Flying Sub’s plasma-jets intensifies. Within seconds the craft disappears into dark waters.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Sharkey presses buttons.

Sharkey

Activating Slipstream.

Ext. Ocean

The burnt orange glow of the Slipstream force field, engulfs the Flying Sub. The Plasma Jets glow brighter as it accelerates toward the surface at great speeds.

As with the Seaview, far ahead of the Flying Sub, the conical shape of the Slipstream field gently moves the marine life from the path of the speedy ship.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

Nelson and Sharkey are pressed against their seats. Through a glass “windshield,” the sunlight of the surface slowly becomes visible. Sharkey grips the joysticks and smiles.

Sharkey

I just love this part, sir.

Nelson grabs on to his harness and gazes forward. The ocean’s bright surface rockets toward them.

Ext. Ocean Surface – Day

The sub leaps from the sea and momentarily hangs in mid-air. As it falls, jets ignite blasting it skyward, leaving a trail of blue haze following its path into the clouds.

Int. Flying Sub – Flight Deck

An ear to ear smile covers the Chief’s face as he guides the Flying Sub, his hands tightly gripped onto each joystick. His voice is joyous.

Sharkey

Boy, am I glad we’ve got us one of these!

After a moment of exuberance, Sharkey forces down his smile and looks over at Nelson.

Sharkey

Uh…sir.

Nelson grins.

Nelson

I’m happy you enjoyed it Chief. Are you just as enthusiastic about landing?

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane and Morton watch the overhead monitors track the Flying Subs progress. Crane presses buttons on his console then turns his attention to the Navigator.

Crane

Mister Keno, activate preprogrammed course, Nelson one.

Keno

Course laid in, sir.

Crane

All ahead one third. Execute.

The Seaview begins to raise and spin about her length in one graceful motion. Crane leans over to Morton.

Crane

Chip, this might be a good time to give the crew a break, now that we’ve lifted the communications blackout. It’ll give them a few hours to relax before the Admiral returns.

Morton

I’ll see to it, sir.

Morton leans over to Crane. He speaks quietly.

Morton

Captain, I know Doctor Hiller has her hands full right now. Since I have a little extra time, I’d be happy to take over the investigation again.

Crane

That’s generous of you Chip, but you’ve worked two shifts straight through. Wouldn’t you like a little time off?

Morton

Not really, sir. I’d rather stay busy, rather than pondering the apocalypse.

Crane

I don’t blame you. I’m trying not to think about it myself.

Crane pauses to reflect.

Crane

Alright Chip, I’ll talk to Doctor Hiller. The faster we can get whoever this is in the brig, the better.

Morton looks puzzled.

Morton

Sir? The evidence I turned over to Doctor Hiller seems to indicate the saboteur is no longer on board.

Now it’s Crane with a puzzled look.

Crane

What are you talking about, Chip?

Morton

She hasn’t told you?

Crane leans forward.

Crane

No, she hasn’t. Go on.

Morton

There are only three needles in our database that leave that particular type of puncture. Two are industrial, the third is medical and used for heart resuscitation. But Doctor Hiller eliminated the medical needle after she told me there were none missing.

Crane

That’s strange. She didn’t mention any of this to me. What about the industrial needles?

Morton

Same story there. Chief Sharkey conducted a thorough search and found all the needles accounted for.

Crane

Maybe the saboteur used the needle then put it back.

Morton

The industrial needles were tested for hydrazine and all came up clean. That’s why I assumed the saboteur must have finished his dirty work before we left port.

Kowalski

Captain, I’m picking up something unusual on the sea floor directly ahead.

Crane and Morton promptly turn their attention to the overhead monitors.

Crane

What do you have, mister Kowalski?

After Kowalski presses buttons, one of the monitors displays a video image of a long, narrow formation of flat rocks that resembles an ancient road.

Crane

What is that, Chip?

Morton

Looks like the Bimini Road.

Crane studies the data pouring in on the other monitor.

Crane

Does it lead back to the epicenter?

Kowalski

Yes sir. It also leads away from the epicenter.

Crane

Chip, take us down. I want a closer look.

Morton

Aye, sir. Blowing ballast.

Ext. Ocean

A blast of bubbles and the Seaview descends, slowly rotating, following the rock path.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane

Mister Kowalski, increase scanner range. I’d like to know what’s at the end of this ‘road.’

Kowalski issues an “Aye, sir” and presses buttons. Crane intensely studies the changing monitor information.

Ext. Ocean

The Seaview descends and hovers only a few feet above the rock road.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

A flashing light appears on Kowalski’s monitor.

Kowalski

There appears to be a large, non-geological structure several miles ahead, sir.

Morton

What kind of structure could be at this depth that isn’t non-geological?

Kowalski

I don’t know sir, but it’s symmetrical with four equal sides.

Morton

How can that be? A human made object at this depth is impossible.

Crane

Helm, increase speed to full.

Crane steps down from the command chair and moves up to the glass nose. He gazes through it, then turns to Richter.

Crane

Increase forward lighting to maximum.

The nose mounted searchlight glows even brighter. In the distance, a huge, triangular dark shadow begins to take shape.

Richter

Maximum lumen, Captain.

Kowalski

Analysis coming in. Composition, stone. Size, four hundred square feet at the base, to one hundred square feet at the top. Height, one hundred feet.

Through the glass nose the familiar outline of a four sided pyramid begins to take shape. It grows ever larger as the Seaview closes in. Morton joins Crane at the glass panes.

Crane

Helm, take us to within one hundred feet of that structure.

Ext. Ocean

The rock road leads directly to the base of the pyramid. The Seaview slows its approach, then stops. The searchlight illuminates markings on the structure’s side.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane breaks his gawking to glance over his shoulder.

Crane

What else can you tell me about it mister Kowalski?

Kowalski

It’s appears to be a solid object, no chambers or hollow areas inside. No mechanical or biological features. There appears to be inscriptions chiseled in its side.

Crane and Morton stare in disbelief.

Morton

Incredible. Isn’t it?

Crane

Yes sir. That it is.

Kowalski

The age of the structure is on the magnitude of around one thousand years.

Crane gazes through the glass at the inscriptions illuminated by the Seaview’s searchlight. His eyes widen.

Crane

Chip, hold this position and gather as much information as you can.

Morton

And you’re going to…

Crane

Take a mini sub and get a closer look. I think I’ve seen those markings before.

****!! Don’t miss the next exciting Act !!****

Have you ever felt frustrated because your prayers went unanswered? “Why?” you may ask. “I’m a GOOD person. Why isn’t God helping me?” The answer is simple – Free Will.

God is powerless over free will. It’s His “Achilles Heel,” the only area of your life over which He has no control. He CAN’T make you love Him or do anything without your consent and cooperation. Period.

Now, I’m not saying God couldn’t change your free will, He’s God, He could do anything He takes a notion to do. He just won’t, because He promised not to mess around with our right to choose. And God ALWAYS keeps his promises. Free will is God’s ultimate gift to humanity but also His ultimate lack of control.

The “Devil” knows this and uses it to his advantage by trying to influence our decisions. Although “the Devil made me do it” is a familiar catch phrase, it’s not really accurate. It’s more like “the Devil talked me into it,” because like God, the Devil, or ANYONE for that matter, NO ONE cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. You volunteer.

Like me, maybe you volunteer for the “Devil’s duty” from time to time because it seems like God doesn’t care. You pray and pray and pray, and you’re STILL passed over for that big promotion, your wife leaves you for your best friend, or any number of bad things that happens to good people.

Why? Free will. Our God-given right to choose. It can be both our greatest blessing and our worst encumbrance.

The way I visualize it, is God is up in heaven looking down on the poor pitiful Earth. He can hear all the prayers for blessings and He WANTS to send them to you. But blessings are kind of “line of sight” and there are all the clouds of free will in the way. By His own making, God can’t send a blessing through the fog of free will.

Before God can send you help, He has to wait for a clearing, a parting of the “free will clouds,” which randomly occurs once and a while. That’s why some blessings seem to take years to come to fruition while others happen tomorrow.

But there is another factor at play. God KNOWS what’s good for you. Sometimes, even if there is a parting of the “free will clouds,” He’ll hold off on that blessing for a while to make sure you’re ready for it. Humans are mighty fickle creatures. We may not want tomorrow what we pray for today, so He wants to make sure that what we ask for, we REALLY, REALLY want.

God is not a “cosmic vending machine.” You don’t just drop in a prayer and out pops a blessing. I believe it’s a lot more complicated than that.

The way I see it, free will trumps everything, including God’s blessings. So, if your prayers are not being answered, you simply may not be ready to recieve that blessing. Or, somebody’s free will is getting in the way. And it might be your own.

Yesterday morning, another member of the classic Star Trek franchise moved on to the final frontier. Majel Barrett Rodenberry, surrounded by family and friends, passed away peacefully in her sleep from complications of leukemia. She was only 76.

The wife of series creator, Gene Rodenberry, who died in 1991, Majel became known as the “First lady of Star Trek” and was involved in practically EVERY incarnation of the franchise.

Her first duty aboard the USS Enterprise was that of the First Officer. Before Mr. Spock filled that role, Majel portrayed the stoic starfleet commander known only as “Numer One” in the original pilot episode that was pitched to NBC, titled  “The Cage.”

Although Mr. Spock was also in that episode, he wasn’t the First Officer. Nor was James T. Kirk, the Captain. In this pilot, the Enterprise was commanded by Captain Christopher Pike, played by Jeffery Hunter.

The brass at NBC liked the show enough to do something unheard of for the times. They commissioned Rodenberry to produce a SECOND pilot. But this one had strings attached. The woman First Officer and the “pointy eared guy” had to go.

NBC felt no one would accept a WOMAN being second in command of this vitally important ship and Mr. Spock looked too much like Satan. After a lot of dickering, Rodenberry and the brass came to a compromise.

Spock would stay and “Number One” would go. But Majel Barrett didn’t go far. She would become a reoccurring character, the ships’ nurse, Christine Chapel, in 33 episodes of the original series.

She also began dating Gene Rodenberry and In 1969, they married. Majel has been a tremendous influence on Star Trek ever since.

She went on to portray DOCTOR Christine Chapel in all of the first 6 Star Trek movies. She became the voice of the Enterprise computer on The Next Generation as well as the reoccurring character named Lwaxana Troi, the mother of the ship’s counselor Deanna Troi.

Majel continued to lend her voice to the computers on the other Star Trek spinoffs, Deep Space Nine and Voyager as well as the upcoming Star Trek feature scheduled to be released next year.

When it first aired in ‘66, Star Trek wasn’t offered on our local stations. So, on Friday nights, my brother and I would take turns climbing to the roof to turn the antenna toward San Antonio, the closest station to carry the show.

We would sit wide-eyed and absorb every millisecond Star Trek had to offer. Even though San Antonio was nearly 100 miles way, we were willing to watch a low-res “snowy” image, because Star Trek was that good.

And Majel Barrett Rodenberry, helped keep it that way for 42 years.

THANKS MAJEL! May you and Gene now rest in peace.

I hope you enjoyed Act 2 !!!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea – Act 3

to view a pdf version with the proper script formatting

Thanks For Reading !!!

****************************************************************************

Act 3

Int. Seaview – Engine Room – Fuel Cell Compartment

Crane squats down and looks at a fuel cell through a device resembling a pair of binoculars. Watching him are Morton and 40 year old Chief Terry Sharkey.

Sharkey has dark wavy hair and is shorter than Crane and Morton, but with a more muscular build. He leans over and points to the fuel cell.

Sharkey

See the puncture mark, sir?

Crane

I do now.

Crane stands.

Crane

You’ve examined them all?

Sharkey

With a fine tooth, Captain. I personally guarantee you sir, these two were the only ones affected.

Crane hands the device back to Sharkey.

Crane

How long before the repairs are complete?

Sharkey

We can get underway whenever you’re ready, sir.

Crane

Very good. Thank you, Chief.

Sharkey exits for the main area of the engine room where a pulsing reactor hums. Crane and Morton stay behind.

Crane

I want a full forensics of the puncture mark. I want to know what kind of device was used to inject the hydrazine into the cells.

Morton

Pretty clever. A few cc’s of hydrazine and the fuel cell becomes useless.

Crane

Too clever. And whoever it is, may still be on board this boat.

Crane gazes at the rack of fuel cells and wrinkles his brow.

Crane

I can understand the ballast control, but why sabotage the long range scanners?

Morton

Apparently they weren’t selected by system. ‘Whoever,’ just started at one end of the rack. It was fuel cell one and two that were injected.

Crane

So, ‘whoever’ didn’t target specific systems. That tells me they didn’t know much about this boat’s operation.

Morton

Aside from the fact that most of it’s systems runs off of these fuel cells.

A light embedded in Crane’s left shirt collar begins flashing. Sparks’ voice responds from his right collar.

sparks

Captain Crane. Admiral Nelson wants you to join him in his quarters immediately, sir.

Crane steps to a nearby panel and presses a button.

Crane

Crane here. Acknowledged mister Sparks, I’m on my way. Crane out.

The Captain again presses the button. Morton joins him.

Crane

Chip, I need answers. But keep it quiet. I don’t want the crew to start accusing each other.

Morton

We’ll just call it a ‘manufacturer’s defect’ for now.

Crane’s tone becomes sarcastic.

Crane

Yea right. Hydrazine in a hydrogen fuel cell. Pretty stupid manufacturer.

Crane makes his exit. A realization comes over Morton’s face. He focuses on a tag attached to the rack of fuel cells that reads: Manufactured by Nelson Industries.

Int. Seaview – Corridor

Doctor Hiller rounds a corner and spots Crane walking briskly. He disappears down another corridor. She chases after him.

Hiller

Lee! Wait up.

The Doctor catches Crane and keeps pace.

Crane

I’m sorry, but I can’t stop. I’ve got a briefing with the Admiral right now.

Hiller

I heard we almost didn’t get off the bottom. What happened?

Crane

Besides being slammed by the biggest tsunami ever recorded, we’ve have a few hardware glitches. Nothing major.

Hiller

What kind of glitches?

Crane and Hiller stop. The Captain locks his gaze with the Doctor.

Crane

The kind that would bore you. I’ll fill you in later.

The couple sway in unison. Crane glances around. His tone is indignant.

Crane

We’ve underway?

He cocks his head to the left.

Crane

Tracker on. Control room.

The light embedded in Crane’s left shirt collar begins flashing. Kowalski’s voice responds from his right collar.

Kowalski

Yes, Captain?

Crane

Kowalski, just where are we going?

Kowalski

New destination sir, the epicenter of that earthquake. Admiral’s orders.

Hiller looks at Crane with arched eyebrows.

Hiller

The earthquake?

Crane

Thank you, Crane out. Tracker off.

The light in Crane’s collar extinguishes. He looks off, pondering.

Crane

He must of got through to Washington.

Hiller

Why are we headed to where the earthquake happened?

With a wrinkled brow, Crane locks eyes with Hiller. His tone returns to indignant.

Crane

I don’t know. But he could have waited until he filled me in before sending this boat… Look, Lizzie, I really need to go. We’ll talk later.

With a half-hearted smile, Crane trots away. Hiller stands in an empty corridor, watching, until he disappears around a corner.

Int. Seaview – Nelson’s Quarters

In the corridor, Crane presses a button next to the door. Through a small speaker, Nelson’s processed voice responds with “come in.”

Crane enters to find Nelson studying a holographic image of the earth on a built-in console. A nearby computer monitor continually scrolls text and scientific data.

Crane

Admiral?

Nelson

Captain. Come take a look at this.

Richter’s voice reverberates through the speakers. Crane pauses to listen.

Richter

All hands. Prepare for Slipstream in sixty seconds.

Crane

Okay, so we are going somewhere and in a hurry. Admiral, I can’t be an effective skipper of this boat if you keep…

Nelson

Forgive me for stepping on your authority, but serious circumstances dictated our immediate departure.

Nelson pauses to lock eyes with Crane.

Nelson

Captain, most of the west coast of the United States has been destroyed.

Crane’s angered face melts into puzzlement.

Crane

What?

Crane joins Nelson at the console. The holographic earth rotates displaying a small red line in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico.

Nelson points at the monitor screen. Crane reads the data and too, becomes slacked jawed and pale.

Crane

A volcano the size of Australia? Is that…even possible?

Nelson

Not only is it possible but it’s going to happen if we don’t stop it. The President has ordered us to the epicenter. We’re to investigate and come up with a plan to seal the rupture.

Crane

Sir, this may be a powerful submarine, but it’s no match against a volcano that will grow to the size of Australia.

Nelson

That’s the point. We need to stop it while it’s still relatively small.

Crane

How?

Nelson looks away from the holographic earth and stares out his portal, the glass pane reflecting the deep concern on his face. He rubs the back of his neck.

Nelson

I don’t know. But we must find a way or every living creature on this planet will die.

Crane

Admiral, are you sure there’s not some kind of mistake? A giant tsunami is one thing, but the end of the world?

Nelson pivots, again locking eyes with Crane.

Nelson

There’s no mistake Captain. We’ve better become experts on saving the world, or in seventy two hours, it won’t matter.

Crane

Seventy two hours?

Nelson

After that, the magma pressure will pop that tectonic plate like a cork from a champagne bottle. Nothing will survive for long after that.

Crane stares in disbelief, considering the Admiral’s words.

Nelson

You and I will begin going over this information at zero six hundred, try and get a head start. We need a plan of action long before we get there. Mister Morton can run things for a while.

The speaker booms with the Helmsman’s voice.

Richter

Attention all Hands, engaging Slipstream propulsion.

Nelson and Crane sway slightly with the acceleration. The portal now glows orange.

Crane

Actually I’ve got mister Morton working on another problem Admiral. We might have a saboteur on board.

Int. Seaview – Engine Room – Fuel Cell Compartment

Morton, on one knee, holds a small analyzer over one of the fuel cells. The device beeps and the display reads: ANALYSIS COMPLETE: GENERATING LIST.

Morton stands, continually reading the display. Another beep and the display reads: PROBABLE ORGIN OF PUNCTURE: ONE or more OF THE FOLLOWING NEEDLES.

Morton looks up with a dead pan expression. He moves to the other fuel cell and bends down on one knee.

Int. Seaview – Crane’s Quarters

Crane leans against his desk. Doctor Hiller examines the text and data on his computer monitor. She shakes her head.

Hiller

This is…absolutely incredible.

With an astonished look, she faces Crane.

Hiller

Does the rest of the crew know about this?

Crane

Not yet. The Admiral and I thought it best to maintain a communications blackout until we gathered more information.

Hiller gets agitated.

Hiller

Lee. Some of the crew have family on the west coast. They have a right to know if they survived.

Crane

Lizzie, according to the Admiral, we have less than seventy two hours to find a solution or no one on earth will survive. However heartless this may sound this crew has to be focused on their jobs and…

The Doctor’s collar flashes. She tilts her head toward it.

Sparks

Doctor Hiller, this is Sparks. You’re wanted in Sick Bay ma’am.

Hiller makes a quick glance at Crane.

Hiller

I hate these things.

Then looks back at her collar.

Hiller

Tracker on. Doctor Hiller here. Is it an emergency mister Sparks?

Sparks

No ma’am. They seem to be having a little trouble with one of the diagnostic beds.

Hiller

Alright, Tell them I’m coming. Tracker off.

The Doctor returns her gaze to the Captain.

Hiller

I’d better get down there.

She takes a step toward the door and stops.

Hiller

By the way, did you find the cause of those ‘hardware glitches’ as you called them?

Crane

That’s another depressing story.

Hiller

What could be more depressing than the end of the world?

Crane

How about a saboteur on board?

Hiller’s eyes widen.

Hiller

A saboteur? Do you have any idea who it is?

Crane

Not yet. I’m having Chip run a forensic analysis, try and find out what kind of instrument was used. But with everything else that’s going on, I really need him in the control room, not running around playing Sherlock Holmes.

The Doctor re-positions herself a couple of steps in front of Crane. She gazes into his eyes, her voice full of sincerity.

Hiller

Lee, I have a background in forensics. I can take over. It’ll help to keep my mind off our dilemma.

Crane ponders.

Crane

Alright Lizzie, but remember, you have keep this confidential. Involve as few of the crew as you can. I don’t want anyone distracted by suspicion and rumors.

Hiller

I understand.

Crane escorts Hiller to the door.

Crane

Thanks Lizzie. I’ll send Chip by in the morning.

The Doctor takes a moment to shoot Crane a pleasant smile before disappearing out the door.

Int. Seaview – Corridor

Morton greets several crew members with, “morning,” accompanied with a head nod as he walks through a congested corridor. He enters sick bay carrying an analyzer.

Int. Seaview – Sick Bay

Doctor Hiller is having a conversation with her assistant Michael, a young man in his early 20’s. She acknowledges Morton’s entrance only with a quick head nod.

Hiller

Thank you. I’ll look in to it.

Michael disappears into the adjoining lab. Hiller turns and half-heartedly smiles at Morton.

Morton

The Captain asked I turn over the information I’ve gathered about the fuel cells.

Morton hands her the analyzer. She begins studying the readings as she speaks.

Hiller

So it was the fuel cells that were sabotaged?

Morton

That’s right Doctor. And thank you for the help.

Hiller

No problem.

Morton

The cells were injected with hydrazine. There’s only a few needles aboard capable of creating that type of puncture in the cell casing.

Hiller presses buttons on the analyzer.

Morton

Two are specialized industrial tools used aboard this sub. The third is a heart injection needle used in emergencies to resuscitate heart attack victims.

Hiller

I see that.

Morton

Doctor, are you missing any such needles?

Hiller keeps looking at the analyzer’s display.

Hiller

Uh…no…

She makes a face at it then looks at Morton.

Hiller

I mean…not that I know of. But I’ll double check to make sure.

Hiller makes her way to her desk. Morton follows and stands attentively.

Hiller

I haven’t had any heart attack victims so…

She presses buttons on her computer terminal and stares at the monitor. Her tone is confident as she locks her gaze with Morton.

Hiller

No, it looks like they’re all here.

Morton’s collar begins flashing.

Richter

Mister Morton, target destination approaching, sir.

Morton

Tracker on. On my way. Alert the Captain and Admiral.

Richter

Aye, sir. Control room out.

Morton

So. I suppose we can rule out someone taking one from your inventory?

Hiller

Looks like it.

Morton offers a forced smile.

Morton

Thank you Doctor. Good luck.

Hiller watches until Morton leaves her office and Sickbay. Immediately she finds Michael and begins an unheard conversation.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Nelson and Crane make their way from the spiral staircase to an alcove in the back of the control room. Centered, is a waist high console, the Situation Table.

Morton is studying the holographic images floating just above the table’s surface. Crane inserts a disk. A monitor reads: DOWNLOADING TO NAVIGATION.

Nelson

Good morning mister Morton. I hope you slept well.

Morton

Actually I did, sir.

Nelson

Good. Captain Crane and I have been working on a plan of approach.

Nelson turns to Crane.

Nelson

Captain?

Crane

The lava discharge is along the north and south boundaries of the Cocas plate.

Crane presses buttons. The holographic display changes, depicting his description.

Crane

We’re coming up from the southwest. We’ll creep along in a series of preprogrammed way points first, then along the northern boundary.

Morton

I hope not too close. If the currents change we’d get pelted by molten lava.

Nelson’s tone is confident.

Nelson

We can divert power from non-essential systems to shore up the Seaview’s polarized shielding, mister Morton.

Morton gives Crane a quick glance.

Crane

Admiral, I believe it would be prudent to keep the Slipstream sequence activated. We can maneuver on thrusters well enough to conduct the analysis.

Nelson shrugs his shoulders and nods in half-hearted agreement.

Crane

We may need to make a quick get away.

Morton shakes his head in acknowledgment. Crane presses more buttons. The holographic images continue.

Crane

What we really need is to know is the exact conditions deep in the lava gorge surrounding the tectonic boundaries.

Nelson

Once we’ve determined the lava flow rate, we’ll know how much time we have left.

Morton

Before what sir?

Nelson

Before the cork pops from the bottle and a genie destroys this entire planet, mister Morton.

Crane

The corner of the Cocas plate is continuing to be lifted. When it reaches more than twelve thousand feet…

Morton

The cork pops. I understand, sir.

Crane

I want every sensor we have directed at that gorge, Chip. We need data, lots of it and fast.

Nelson

Once we gather enough information, we’ll move off to a safe distance and evaluate.

Morton

Understood, sir.

Nelson

I’ll want to take the Flying Sub to Washington as soon..

Richter’s voice sounds through the alcove’s speakers.

Richter

Way point one, dead ahead Captain.

Nelson

Gentlemen, I believe that’s our cue.

On their way to their chairs and consoles, Morton paces Nelson.

Morton

I’ll have the Flying Sub ready for you, sir.

Nelson

Thank you, XO.

Above them, the bank of video monitors begins displaying information. Everyone takes their seat.

Crane

Helm, disengage the Slipstream, but keep the sequence activated.

Richter

Aye, sir. Slipstream answering all stop.

Ext. Ocean

The orange glow around the Seaview fades slightly and the sub slows to a crawl. Ahead, in the distance, an eerie red glow illuminates violently churning water.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane

Mister Keno, position please.

Keno presses buttons. Text and graphics begins scrolling on the overhead video monitors.

Keno

We are a half a mile southwest of the lava flow, holding at z-minus twenty thousand, sir.

Crane

Activate the preprogrammed course.

Keno

Course plotted and laid in, sir.

Crane

Execute.

Ext. Ocean

A mass of bubbles discharge from the Seaview’s side. The sub begins to descend.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane

Helm, engage maneuvering thrusters, ahead one third. Activate polarized shielding.

Richter

Aye, sir. Ahead one third. Shields on line.

Ext. Ocean

The sub’s slight orange tint mixes with the red glow of the lava as the Seaview moves descends into a violently churning ocean that flickers like a campfire.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Crane

What have we got mister Kowalski?

Kowalski pushes buttons on his console causing the overhead monitors to display new information.

Kowalski

We’re approaching a large V-shaped mountain protruding roughly eight thousand feet above the sea floor and extending for eighteen miles in both directions.

Nelson

Caused by the lifting of the Cocas plate no doubt.

Morton

Edge of the cork, Admiral?

Kowalski

The lava is spewing from a gorge that varies in width from five hundred to twelve hundred feet. It runs along the northeastern boundary for eight miles, and along the southeastern boundary for seven miles, sir.

Through the glass, red sparklers begin dancing about in the bubbling water, now churning violently.

Kowalski

Captain, water temperature raising. Outer hull beginning to heat.

Crane

Richter, adjust shields to compensate.

Richter presses buttons with an “aye, sir.”

Crane

Keep an eye on the temperature, mister Kowalski.

Kowalski

Aye, sir.

Nelson moves to the front of the sub and stares through the glass panes. The flat top of a giant mountain comes into view above and behind the churning red water.

Nelson

Incredible.

Ext. Ocean

The Seaview continues down the mountain, to the top of the lava wall, spewing like geysers. Water currents are depositing most of the lava along the mountain’s cliff.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Keno

Captain, we’ve reached the coordinates to begin the preprogrammed course.

Crane

Alright mister Richter, start the tour.

The Helmsman presses buttons.

Richter

Aye, sir. Engaging maneuvering thrusters.

Ext. Ocean

The small turbines begin pushing the Seaview along one side of the lava wall, keeping a safe distance from the spewing flames.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

All scanners starboard, Captain. Beginning analysis.

Nelson returns to his console and studies his monitor.

Morton

Receiving data stream… Correction, data stream breaking up.

Nelson

The lava is causing a solar flare effect. We’re going to have to move in closer to establish a signal lock.

Crane

Admiral, just a few hours ago you said this is as close as we dare get.

Nelson rubs the back of his neck.

Nelson

I know that Captain, but I must have the lava’s flow rate. That will be a crucial measurement in my calculations.

Crane thinks a moment.

Crane

Mister Morton, prepare to launch the search-bot we configured for the trials. It has rudimentary instruments and polarized shielding. Might hold long enough to get the information the Admiral needs.

Morton responds with “Aye, sir” and begins pressing buttons. Nelson again nods in reluctant agreement.

Morton

Bot ready for launch, sir.

Crane

Execute.

Ext. Ocean

The search-bot pops from a small hatch that opens in the belly of the Seaview. After flipping on its search light, the bot engages a small prop and speeds off.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

Bot is away. Fifteen seconds to contact, sir.

Ext. Ocean

The little bot speeds toward the lava, it’s polarized shielding sparking, protecting it from the occasional lava hits. Suddenly, it starts loosing control.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

The bot is experiencing cross currents, sir. It’s adjusting course and heading to compensate.

Ext. Ocean

The bot swaggers before correcting its position, then continues on its journey.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Nelson and Crane watch the progress on the overhead monitors. A red light flashes.

Morton

Sir, the bot just entered the gorge. Receiving telemetry. Temperature, twenty six hundred Fahrenheit, depth, varying from a half mile to seven point three miles…

Nelson

Seven miles?

Morton

Affirmative, sir. Lateral magma pressure increasing down the length of the boundaries. Pressure gradient is…

A light begins flashing on Morton’s view screen.

Morton

Sir, the bots shields are failing. Data steam breaking up…

The X.O. locks his gaze with Nelson.

Morton

I’m sorry Admiral, we’ve lost it.

Morton presses a few buttons then looks at Nelson.

Morton

Flow rate analysis, incomplete, sir.

Nelson leans in to Crane and Morton.

Nelson

Gentlemen, I HAVE to know that flow rate.

Crane

Chip, get down to Engineering and prepare another bot for launch.

Nelson

No, that’ll take too long. We need to get the Seaview in closer, use the instrumentation on board.

Crane leans in toward Nelson, lowering his voice.

Crane

Admiral, it’s foolish to risk…

Nelson

Captain we can divert additional power to the shields.

Crane

Sir, we don’t have any more to spare. We’re diverting the remaining power to keep the Slipstream active.

Nelson

Then divert power from the Slipstream. I guarantee the shields will hold.

Crane

Admiral, I’m not going to risk…

Nelson

You don’t have to Captain. I’ll take the responsibility. Now, take us closer. That’s an order.

Crane’s jaw tightens as he and Nelson have a momentary stare-down.

Crane

Mister Morton. Deactivate the Slipstream sequence and divert the power to the shields.

Crane sits back in his chair and stares directly ahead. He’s obviously upset, but restrained.

Ext. Ocean

The faint orange glow dissipates from the Seaview’s hull. The Plasma-Jets retract, replaced by the props, which slowly come to life.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

All ahead one third.

Crane

Chip, take us to within five hundred feet of the gorge.

Crane locks eyes with Nelson. His tone is somewhat sarcastic.

Crane

Is that close enough for you Admiral?

But Nelson’s response is cordial.

Nelson

Let’s hope so.

Ext. Ocean

The Seaview moves closer to the fiery wall, the lava continuing to drift away from the sub.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Richter

Mountain range, nine hundred feet to starboard, sir.

Morton

Data stream still sporadic.

Richter

Eight hundred feet and closing.

A chime RINGS on Morton’s console.

Morton

I’ve got it, data lock confirmed.

Crane

Helm, hold this distance from the gorge.

Richter

Aye, sir. Holding at seven twenty two. Continuing on course.

Ext. Ocean

The Seaview straightens her turn and begins running alongside the massive spewing chasm.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

Receiving telemetry. All scanners functioning. I’ll transfer the data stream to your station Admiral.

Nelson

Thank you, XO.

Nelson studies the readouts. Morton steps over and hovers behind him.

Nelson

Just what I suspected.

Morton

How’s that Admiral?

Nelson

For years geologist have been prepared for a shifting of the North Pacific plate to occur off the coast of Canada, just north of Washington state.

A graphic of the Pacific Ocean appearing on Nelsons monitor piques Cranes interest. He steps up beside Morton.

Nelson

But myself and a few others have predicted the shift to occur exactly where it did. Down here, where one of the worlds largest tectonic plates, namely the North Pacific, butts up to the worlds smallest tectonic plate, the Cocas. In the past few years the area has been extremely unstable…

An alarm sounds on Kowalski’s console.

Kowalski

Captain, water temperature above raising rapidly. It’s beginning to boil, sir.

Crane and Morton return to their stations.

Crane

Talk to me Kowalski. What’s going on?

Kowalski frantically presses buttons. An astonished look covers his face.

Kowalski

Sir, the water current has changed.

Richter

Multiple contacts above, closing fast. Range, fifteen hundred.

Kowalski

Captain, the current is now carrying the lava flow directly overhead.

Ext. Ocean

Explosions in the gorge sling the lava around like a wild back yard sprinkler, sending some of its debris hailing down on the Seaview.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

The sub begins to rock and shake. Crane hurries to his command chair.

Crane

Helm, hard to port. Ahead full.

Ext. Ocean

Glowing chunks of lava create silver-white flashes as they bounce off the Seaview’s polarized shielding. The sub rocks with each impact.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Sparks fly from the Helmsman station, knocking Richter from her chair. Crane jumps to her aid as another barrage of hits cause other consoles to shoot fireworks.

Morton

Doctor Hiller, to the control room. Emergency.

Another barrage knocks Morton to the deck as he tries to man the Helm. Fire suppressants snuff the flames.

Kowalski

Captain, some of the lava is penetrating the shielding. Sir, it’s sticking to the hull and hardening.

Morton has managed to get himself in the Helmsman’s position.

Crane

Chip, get us out of here before we become part of that mountain.

Morton presses buttons. Nelson squats down beside Crane. Richter looks at him through narrowed eyes. Crane shoots Nelson an angry look.

Nelson

It’s going to be alright, the Doctor is on her way.

Ext. Ocean

An explosion in the chasm ejects a large blob of lava that hits the sub’s back side, violently forcing it toward the ocean floor.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

The control room tilts up. Crane hangs on to a chair as Nelson and Richter slide backward.

Crane

Chip, emergency stabilizers, try to get us level.

Morton

Unresponsive Captain. There’s too much weight.

Ext. Ocean

Another huge explosion ejects a bigger blob of lava that sticks to the first. The Seaview rocks as it continues forward with its nose upward at a forty five degree angle.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Nelson props himself against a console and holds on to Richter. Crane pulls himself toward Morton.

Crane

Direct the forward thrusters upward, try to bring the nose down.

Morton

Captain, unless we shed this weight we won’t make it out of the debris field.

Another hit rocks the sub.

Crane

Send a twelve mega-joule power surge from bow to stern through the shields.

Morton presses buttons.

Morton

Ready.

Crane

Now!

Ext. Ocean

A white electric pulse starts at the nose and travels along the hull until it slams into the lava, knocking some of it off.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

That cleared some of the debris.

Crane

Again!

Ext. Ocean

Another white pulse and more debris falls off. With a third, the remaining lava is blasted away from the hull. The rear of the sub begins to raise.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

The crew begin to relax as the control room returns to level.

Morton

We’re gaining speed. Ten seconds to clearing.

Doctor Hiller enters and is directed to where Nelson cradles the head of an unconscious Richter. She looses her balance slightly as the sub receives a few more hits.

Hiller squats down beside Richter and hovers a medical diagnostic instrument over her. The Control Room continues to shake, thwarting her effort to read its display.

Morton

Five seconds to clearing.

Kowalski

Ocean currents changing Captain. The lava is now floating away from us again, sir.

Ext. Ocean

Only a few small chunks graze the stern as the Seaview makes it into open water. The pandemonium subsides.

Int. Seaview – Control Room

Morton

We’re in the clear.

Crane

Keep going Chip, I want to be way in the clear in case mother nature changes her mind.

Morton

Aye sir, maintaining course and speed.

The Doctor gives Richter a hypo. The helmsman slowly begins coming to. Nelson looks on. Crane steps up.

Crane

How is she doing?

Hiller

She sustained a huge electrical shock.

Nelson

That’s impossible. There are safeguards to prevent…

Crane snaps his head toward Nelson. His words are sharp.

Crane

Apparently they didn’t work, Admiral.

Hiller

I need to get her to sick bay.

Richter sits up.

Richter

I’m alright, sir…I think.

Hiller

Are you experiencing any dizziness?

Richter

A little.

Hiller

Can you stand?

Richter

I believe so.

Hiller helps Richter to her feet. She leans against the Doctor as the two disappear through the back exit. Crane steps over to Morton manning the Helm.

Crane

Chip, how far?

Morton

Nearly four miles.

Crane

Okay, all stop and hold this position. I want a full damage report as soon as possible.

Morton

Aye, sir.

Crane steps to his chair and presses a button.

Crane

Damage teams, to the control room, on the double.

A replacement helmsman relieves Morton. Nelson intercepts him on his way to his station.

Nelson

Mister Morton, were we able to finish the analysis?

Morton

I don’t know sir, I’ll check.

The XO sits at his console and presses buttons. Crane glares at Nelson.

Crane

We’re certainly not going to get that close again if we didn’t.

Nelson and Crane engage in a brief stare-off as damage control teams begin pulling off panels around them.

Morton

Sorry, sir. Flow rate analysis is incomplete.

Nelson

Captain, I want to see you in my quarters in five minutes.

Nelson quickly exits. Crane and Morton exchange glances.

****!! Don’t miss the next exciting Act !!****

Oops!

A couple of months back, I finally opened up a YouTube account. I proudly uploaded my “Hogeye Festival” video and waited for the views to stack up. After a week I only had 6 views, another week went by with only another 10 views.

I wondered what was going on, “The Hogeye Festival” is an entertaining, professionally produced show. Why isn’t it getting more views? It’s received hundreds of views on MetaCafe during the same time period.

I was under the impression that when you uploaded a video it would show up on YouTube’s HOMEPAGE, so you at least get a spot in the limelight for a while to give you a chance to garnish viewers. I had seen several videos on the front page with SINGLE digit views, but mine wasn’t there.

I began searching for my video as any other YouTube patron would. I couldn’t find it! Unless I knew the video’s name or artist, it wasn’t on the list. Not even on the last page. Why?

I thought… “maybe the person with the single digit views is a YouTube veteran and has uploaded hundreds of videos, giving them some kind of seniority.” Nope. I check out this ‘8 views video’ residing on the home page and discovered this was only the second video this producer has ever uploaded.

So what gives? How DID that video end up on YouTube’s home page? It certainly wasn’t because of the number of views or the content. (the video was about a dog pooping in the back yard!)

Was this video just randomly chosen to appear on the home page? I doubt it. I believe there is some kind of “payola” going on.

It doesn’t make sense that YouTube would place a video on what is probably THE MOST viewed page on the Internet out of the goodness of their hearts. That little thumbnail and description is just WAY too valuable to simply give it away.

And I’m not the first to bring this up…

YouTube Payola: Is Anyone Paying For Views?

YouTube Payola?

Payola on YouTube?

So is YouTube REALLY bringing the “power to the people?” Can one ordinary guy with a professionally made video ever make it to the big time on YouTube? It sure doesn’t seem likely unless there’s a wad of cash to go along with it.

All you have to do is follow the money and eventually, it will lead you to the truth. If YouTube is taking “kickbacks” or “payola,” we’ll have to give it a new name – ScrewYouTube.