KODIAK

Episode 107

“Coasties Pt. 2”

by

David Polk

Contact:
David Polk
176 Dusty Rose Court
Simi Valley, CA 93065
805.428.5775
dpolk@mac.com
 2.

RECAP

We RECAP events from previous episodes, ending on Eden

desperately shouting for Tomczak.

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT – NIGHT

COLD OPEN. As at the end of Episode 106, Eden Sayer stands

in the cabin door, stunned by the fiery scene below.

EDEN
Tommy! TOMMY!

KODIAK FLIGHT OPS (V.O.)

Coast Guard 6739, be advised help
should be on station in twenty minutes.
Repeat, twenty minutes.

CORD (O.S.)
Copy Kodiak. Twenty minutes to backup.

Eden hears this and grabs her diving mask and flippers.
Co-pilot Noah Jeffries reacts.

NOAH
Sayer, what are you doing?

EDEN
Permission to get wet, sir!

Pilot Cord McKenna is steely authority.

CORD
Negative Sayer. We can’t pull either
of you up. Sit tight, keep an eye out.

EDEN
Sir, he may not have twenty minutes!

CORD
No! Sayer, that’s an order!

They lock eyes. Eden’s mind is made up. She pulls down
her mask and jumps out of the cabin.

CORD/NOAH
SAYER!
 3.

EXT. WATER – CONTINUOUS

Eden splashes in and swims through fiery debris to Tomczak,

held afloat by his life jacket. She grabs him, sees that
he’s badly burned, unconscious.

EDEN
Tommy! Can you hear me?!

He groans.

EDEN
It’s me, Tommy! I’ve got you! I’ve
got you!

Eden looks around. The oilrig tender is burning out of

control and breaking up. The ship’s crewmen float dead in
the water around them.

EDEN
You stay alive, Brent! You hear me,
stay alive!

She looks up at the Jayhawk and waves.

INT. JAYHAWK – IN FLIGHT – SAME

Cord and Noah look down at them.

NOAH
He’s alive, Cord. He’s alive.

OFF Cord...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER
 4.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. KODIAK FLIGHT OPS – NIGHT

Kerri Cosgrove enters. It’s late, but as always every hair

is in place, every crease of the captain’s duty uniform
sharp enough to draw blood.

KERRI
Sit-rep, Costanza?

CMDR. CONSTANZA
Ma’am, an oilrig tender exploded about
three miles southwest of Nunivak. No
survivors. Helo 6337 has pulled petty
officer Tomczak and airman Sayer out of
the soup. Tomczak was badly burned.

KERRI
Sayer and Tomczak in the water? Why?

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM – NIGHT

Cord, Noah and Eden wait anxiously. A DOCTOR enters and

they turn to him.

CORD
Doctor?

DOCTOR
Petty officer Tomczak is alive but in a
coma. He’s sustained burns to forty
percent of his body. It’s going to be
touch and go for a while, I’m afraid.

CORD
Thank you.

DOCTOR
Sorry I can’t be more encouraging.

The doctor exits.

INT. ICU – LATER

Trauma nurse Jenny Martin hugs Tomczak’s fiancé, Chloe

Grimaldi. Tomczak lay in a coma beside them.
 5.

JENNY
I’ll leave you with him now, but you
know I’ll take care of him all night.

CHLOE
(through tears)
I know. Thank you, Jen.

Jenny looks into Chloe’s eyes to give her strength. Chloe

turns to Tomczak, covered in bandages, tubes sticking out
of him. She sits on the edge of the bed and gently
caresses the non-burned part of his face. Jenny exits.

INT. OUTSIDE ICU – CONTINUOUS

Jenny runs into Cord, Noah and Eden going to see Tomczak.

JENNY
Lieutenant McKenna. I’m sorry sir, but
now’s not a good time.

CORD
But the doctor said we could see him.

JENNY
Yes, I know. But his fiancé is in with
him now. I think they should be alone.

Jenny exchanges a look with Noah. Eden also reacts,

disappointed, but covers.

JENNY
There’s an observation window.

The three crewmembers go to the window and watch as Chloe

leans close, speaks quietly to Tomczak. Eden and Noah both
look on with heavy meaning in their eyes.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – LATER

Cord, Noah and Eden walk together.

NOAH
I’m going to hit the head before I head
out. See you two in the a.m.

CORD
All right.
 6.

Noah heads off. Eden and Cord look at each other.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Eden and Cord are alone.

EDEN
I’m sorry Lieutenant, but I couldn’t
just do nothing.

CORD
What you did was disobey a direct
order, Sayer.

EDEN
Lieutenant, even with a lifejacket he
would’ve drowned in seas that rough.

CORD
You mean like the men we were sent to
rescue?

Beat. She struggles to keep her emotions in check.

CORD
You saved Tommy’s life but you may also
have bought yourself a court-martial
and a ticket out of the Coast Guard.

INT. OUTSIDE ICU – NIGHT

Through the observation window we see Chloe kiss Tomczak’s

forehead then say goodnight to Jenny, who gives her another
hug. She exits the room and looks up at Noah, who is
waiting for her.

CHLOE
(emotions welling up)
Noah?

NOAH
He’s gonna be alright Clo, I know he
will.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Chloe and Noah are alone. She’s still in dismay.

 7.

CHLOE
I never thought...I mean, a coma...What
am I going to do now, Noah?

NOAH
Try not to worry about that now, okay?
You’ve got to stay strong, for Tommy as
well as yourself. Understand?

She nods uncertainly. He glances at her ENGAGEMENT RING.

NOAH
Listen, Clo, I know you must really
care for Tommy. I don’t doubt that one
bit. But getting engaged? Well, that
caught a lot of people off guard.

CHLOE
A lot of people Noah?

Jenny enters and stops cold, shocked to find them together.

EXT. SCENIC HIKING TRAIL - DAY

Kerri and Siobhan Keilar have been hiking for some time.

KERRI
You were right, Siobhan, this trail is
incredible.

SIOBHAN
Alaska is heavenly if you enjoy the
outdoors.

KERRI
I do. Thanks for thinking of me. I’ve
only been on Kodiak for a few weeks,
but I really needed this.

They stop to take in a beautiful vista.

KERRI
Magnificent.

SIOBHAN
Has the transition been difficult?
 8.

KERRI
(looks at her)
Being the daughter and granddaughter of
career officers, I’m sure you have a
better idea than most what it’s like to
step into a new command.

SIOBHAN
It must be challenging.

KERRI
Multiply that challenge fivefold for a
woman. Even in today’s Coast Guard,
it’s still harder than it should be.

SIOBHAN
I don’t mean to pry, Kerri, but is
something or someone in particular
making this command more...difficult?

Kerri looks out over the beauty of Alaska.

KERRI
Nothing I can’t handle, Siobhan.

INT. MCKENNA HOME, KITCHEN – DAY

The McKennas – Cord, wife Meg, their daughters Ashleigh and

Maggie, and his mother, Claire have breakfast [AD LIB].

CLAIRE
(glances at watch)
I really should get going.

CORD
Mom, it’s Sunday. What’s your rush?

CLAIRE
I’m meeting Evelyn and Rita for a
matinee.

She gathers her dishes along with those of the girls.

CORD
Mom, I wanted to talk to you about
something today if I could.

Meg’s face tells us it’s something important. Claire’s

loading dishes in the dishwasher.
 9.

CLAIRE
Sure, sweetheart. But can it wait
until I come home? We’re meeting at
10:30 and I have to pick Evelyn up.
You know she’s not allowed to drive
with her glaucoma.

CORD
Sure, Mom.

Claire kisses her “angels” Ashleigh and Maggie goodbye.

MEG
Alright, girls. Get washed up and Mom
and Dad will take you to the skating
rink for an hour.

The girls delightedly do as they’re told. Cord begins to

clear his dishes away.

MEG
Oh, I’ll take care of those, babe. Do
me a favor and go make sure the girls
do a good job brushing their teeth.
Ashleigh had another cavity at her last
dentist’s visit.

CORD
Sure. Okay.

She takes the dishes and watches him until he’s left the
kitchen. Then she quickly goes outside.

EXT. DRIVEWAY – CONTINUOUS

Claire is backing out of the driveway in her minivan. She

stops when she sees Meg coming. Rolls down the window.

CLAIRE
Megan, dear, what is it?

MEG
Claire, I need to talk with you.

CLAIRE
Certainly, Megan. But really, can it
wait until I get home? I don’t want to
keep Evelyn waiting.
 10.

MEG
Claire, we both know you’re not going
to the movies with “the ladies.”

Claire reacts. Women just know these things.

CLAIRE
I thought that was a better explanation
for the girls and, of course, Cord.

MEG
I appreciate that, Claire. But I think
you’ll agree what I have to talk to you
about is more important than a little
afternoon delight with Handyman Russ.

Claire doesn’t appreciate Meg’s impudence.

CLAIRE
What is it, dear?

MEG
Cord is going to be reassigned to
Puerto Rico.
(Claire reacts)
That’s what he wants to talk to you
about. He’s been trying to find the
best way to break it to you.

CLAIRE
But why?! He was just reassigned to
Kodiak six months ago!

MEG
(looks back at house)
We can talk all about that later.
Right now, I need you to think about
the best way to stop the transfer from
happening – and we have to do it
without Cord knowing we got involved.

OFF Claire...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

 11.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. EQUIPMENT ROOM – DAY

Eden is checking gauges. LUCCI enters.

LUCCI
Sayer, what are you doing here?
Thought you’d be off today?

EDEN
Nothing to do at home so I switched
with Wallace for the day.

LUCCI
Have you been to see Tommy since you
guys brought him in?

EDEN
No.

LUCCI
It was a hell of a thing you did,
Sayer, going in after him like that.
If he pulls through –
(clocks her reaction to “if”)
Well, he’ll have you to thank when he
comes out of that coma.

Her body language says she’s uncomfortable with the topic.

LUCCI
Well, I’ll see you around, Sayer.

He exits. She turns to the equipment, looks down at her

clipboard. She closes her eyes to hold in her emotions.

INT. ICU – DAY

Chloe, in scrubs, sits on the edge of Tomczak’s bed. He’s

still in a coma but she talks to him softly anyway.

CHLOE
I finally talked to your mom and dad.
The Coast Guard is flying them in; they
should be here tomorrow. They were
vacationing in Florida...Thank goodness
(MORE)
 12.

CHLOE (CONT’D.)
the Coast Guard told them what
happened. I don’t think I’d have the
courage...

INT. OUTSIDE ICU - SAME

Eden stands outside the room, looking through the window at

Chloe and Tomczak, not wanting to be seen.

INT. LAMAZE CLASS – DAY

Noah and his seven-month pregnant wife Ashanti are among

expectant mothers and their partners doing an exercise.

INSTRUCTOR
That’s right. Deep, slow breaths.
Become one with your partner. Feel her
heartbeat. Good...

SAME SCENE – LATER

The class has ended. Noah and Ashanti talk to the

INSTRUCTOR as other parents-to-be mingle or exit.

ASHANTI
It’s hard to believe this is our last
class. I just hope we’re ready.

INSTRUCTOR
You two have done great. You’ll both
do just fine.

NOAH
Oh, it’s not me I’m worried about. I’m
cool as the other side of the pillow
under pressure. But Ashanti here...

ASHANTI
Oh, Please!
(to instructor)
Joe Cool here almost tossed his cookies
when he saw the first ultrasound of our
baby.

NOAH
I had a bad hoagie for lunch that day.
 13.

INSTRUCTOR
(laughing)
Best of luck to you two. I look
forward to hearing all about your baby
when he, or she, arrives.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - LATER

Noah and Ashanti walk down the corridor.

ASHANTI
Baby, I have to make a stop before we
get on the road.

NOAH
I’ll wait here.

Ashanti goes into the Ladies’ room. Noah sees Eden down
the corridor looking dismayed. He goes to her.

NOAH
Sayer.

EDEN
(covering)
Oh hi, Lieutenant.

NOAH
Visiting Tommy?

EDEN
Uh...not yet. But I plan to.

NOAH
You alright, Sayer? You seem a little
out of sorts.

EDEN
No, sir. I’m fine.

NOAH
You know, it’s totally understandable
if you’re a bit...overwhelmed by what’s
happened.

EDEN
I’m fine, Lieutenant. Really.
 14.

NOAH
I know. Look, Sayer, I know you and
Tomczak were – are – close. What I
mean is, I know you two had feelings
for one another. It’s okay –

EDEN
(reacts)
Sir, Tomczak and I are just friends,
nothing more. Anyone who says or
thinks otherwise doesn’t know what he’s
talking about.

NOAH
Okay. Okay, I’m sorry.

EDEN
Sir, if you’ll just excuse me please.

NOAH
Sure. Okay, Sayer.

She’s on her way down the corridor. He looks after her.

INT. LADIES’ ROOM – SAME

Chloe enters and goes straight to a mirror to pull herself

together. She wipes tears from her eyes, etc. We hear a
TOILET FLUSH. Ashanti comes out of a stall. She stops
before Chloe sees her, then continues to a sink.

ASHANTI
Chloe are you alright?

Chloe becomes even more emotional when she sees Ashanti.

CHLOE
Ashanti! No, I’m not! I’m not
alright!

For a moment, Ashanti is unsure what to do, but Chloe’s

total breakdown tugs at her heart. She takes her husband’s
former plaything in her arms and consoles her.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – LATER

Noah waits outside the Ladies’ Room. He glances at his

watch, a bit nervous. He’s almost blown away when Ashanti
and Chloe come out together, Ashanti comforting Chloe.
 15.

NOAH
Uh...hey. Ashanti, Chloe. Is
everything alright?

Chloe’s pulling it together thanks to Ashanti.

CHLOE
(to Ashanti)
I’ll be fine. I’ve got to get back to
my shift now. Thank you...for
listening.

ASHANTI
Sure. Remember, it’s going to be
alright. You’re going to be alright.

Chloe tries to smile. Then she goes off down the corridor.
Noah looks at her then at Ashanti, who stares at him.

ASHANTI
(beat)
Let’s go home now.

INT. SUBARU OUTBACK – MOVING – DAY

Noah drives.

ASHANTI
Of course she’s shook up. She meets a
man, falls in love with him, gets
engaged and, like that, he’s blown up
and left in a coma.

NOAH
It’s awful, I know.

ASHANTI
About the only thing that could make
things worse would be if she were
pregnant.

She clocks Noah’s reaction but doesn’t let on.

NOAH
Is she? Pregnant?

ASHANTI
No. But she’s still torn over what to
do.
 16.

NOAH
What to do? About what?

ASHANTI
Brent’s parents will be here tomorrow.
They want to take him back to Wisconsin
as soon as the doctors say he can be
moved.

NOAH
Yeah. So?

ASHANTI
So Chloe is torn over whether to go
back with her fiancé or stay here.

INT. SENIOR CENTER, BEDROOM – SUNSET

Claire is sitting up in bed next to a reclining Russ

Wheeler. She’s lost in thought.

RUSS
Penny for your thoughts.

CLAIRE
Sorry, what did you say dear?

RUSS
What is it, Claire Bear? You’ve been
distant all afternoon.

CLAIRE
I’m sorry, Russ. I’m thinking about
Cord.

RUSS
What about him? Are he and Meg still
having problems?

CLAIRE
It’s not that, dear. He may be
transferred.

RUSS
(sits up)
I see. Wasn’t that always a
possibility?
 17.

CLAIRE
Yes, of course. But his CO wants to
force him out sooner than we planned.
The funny thing is, Megan of all
people, wants to stay.

RUSS
But I thought she hated it here, that
Kodiak was one of the big problems in
their marriage.

CLAIRE
It’s what I thought too. But she’s
asked me to help her find a way to
change his CO’s mind.

RUSS
And you can do that?

She looks at him.

CLAIRE
I can try.

RUSS
(sensing more)
What is it, Claire?

CLAIRE
I guess I realized something today.

RUSS
What’s that?

CLAIRE
Megan was right about me. As much as I
denied it, even to myself, I haven’t
really given her much of a chance. Oh,
I put up a good front for Cord and the
girls. But inside, I’ve resented her
for taking Cord away from the life we
expected him to have.

RUSS
You mean the O’Brien girl?

CLAIRE
Siobhan. Yes. But today when she
asked for my help...Well, for the first
time I felt like we were...together.
 18.

Russ gives her a supportive squeeze on the shoulder.

Kisses her cheek and she responds by caressing his face.

RUSS
Well, now that you two are together,
there’s no telling what you can
accomplish.

CLAIRE
Maybe.

INT. RUSS AND JOY’S ROOM – LATER

Russ enters and takes off his sweater. His stroke-

paralyzed wife Joy sits in a cozy rocker staring at “Judge
Judy” on television. Her NURSE is next to her on the sofa.
Russ comes over and kisses Joy on the cheek.

RUSS
How’s my girl doing?

Joy’s eyes register his presence.

NURSE
She’s been a dear. We had a good
afternoon.

The nurse stands and begins collecting her things to leave.

RUSS
Thanks for staying a little longer
today. Sometimes these handyman jobs
take a bit longer than you expect.

NURSE
(not born yesterday)
Mmmm-hmmm. Well, good night, Mr.
Wheeler.

The nurse goes to the door, turns and looks at Joy. She
raises her voice slightly.

NURSE
Good night, Joy. I’ll see you
tomorrow.

Joy just stares at the TV. After the nurse exits –

RUSS
Well, love, how ‘bout we hit the hay?
 19.

Russ flicks off the TV and carefully lifts Joy out of the
chair, walks with her toward the bedroom.

INT. SIOBHAN’S HOME – SUNSET

Siobhan and Kerri have tea in the living room.

SIOBHAN
Yes. Not many people retire to Kodiak
Island, but it’s the only place on
Earth my folks would want to live.

KERRI
You spent your childhood here, didn’t
you?

SIOBHAN
I did. When Mom and Dad came back, I
left Juneau and came home too. I
absolutely adore it here.

KERRI
I adored my parents too, but unless I’m
mistaken – and I rarely am – I’d say
your coming back had something to do
with a man.

Siobhan smiles.

SIOBHAN
Yes, well, the things we do.

KERRI
Yes...I’m curious, Siobhan. Your
grandfather, father, an uncle and your
brother were all Coasties. How’d you
fall for a commercial fisherman?

SIOBHAN
Just one of those things, I
guess...Your husband also was a
Coastie, wasn’t he?

KERRI
Yes. His last command was as skipper
of a Motor Life Boat.

SIOHBAN
I hope you don’t mind my asking, but
how did he die?
 20.

KERRI
Drunk driver.
(off Siobhan’s reaction)
Jack drove off a bridge and drowned.
It’s one of the rare times the only
casualty was the drunk driver himself.

SIOBHAN
I’m very sorry, Kerri.

KERRI
Time has helped...Time and my Katie. I
don’t know what I would do without her.

Beat.

SIOBHAN
You said it’s been over two years.
Would you consider re-marrying?

Kerri reacts, amused by the thought.

KERRI
Even if I were to come across a man I
thought was a possibility, between the
job and Katie – but mostly the job – I
doubt I’d have the energy for a serious
relationship.

She pours more tea for Siobhan and freshens her own cup.

KERRI
What about you? You’re young, you’re
beautiful. I know it hasn’t been long
since your husband passed, but since
you brought it up.

SIOBHAN
I’d like to start a family. I do love
children so.

KERRI
(smiles)
Then I know one day you’ll have one.

SIOBHAN
Thank you. I hope so. You know, I
feel so close to you, Kerri. It’s like
you’re the sister I never had.
 21.

Kerri puts her teacup down, looks in Siobhan’s eyes and

takes her hand.

KERRI
That’s something else we have in
common, isn’t it? Daughters of
admirals with brothers but not a sister
between us.

SIOBHAN
Until now.

KERRI
(warm smile)
Until now.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

 22.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ICE-SKATING RINK - DAY

Maggie twirls on the ice to cap a practice routine with

flair. Even at five years old, it’s clear she has talent.
Her coach Nadia Ivanova claps her approval.

NADIA
Very well done, Maggie!

She waves Maggie over to rink side and squeezes her cheeks.
Cord and Meg come from the stands to meet them. Maggie
gets a hug from her mother.

MEG
That was great, sweetheart!

MAGGIE
Thanks, Mommy!

CORD
Way to go, Magpie.

NADIA
She is my best student, without a
doubt. I feel she is ready.

MEG
Ready? For what?

NADIA
Why, the next level of course.

Cord and Meg just look at her, puzzled.

NADIA
Megan, Lieutenant, the young women you
see in the Olympics, in the World
Figure Skating Championships, they
begin preparation when they are four,
five, six years old. Our Maggie is
ready to begin her preparation.

OFF Cord and Meg...

 23.

INT. PICKUP TRUCK – MOVING – DAY

Maggie sits between Meg and Cord, who is driving.

MAGGIE
Could I really be in the Olympics,
Mommy?

MEG
Sure, sweetheart. If you work very
hard for a very long time. I believe
you can, and so does Miss Ivanova.

Meg glances at Cord, whose eyes are on the road but his
mind is obviously elsewhere.

MAGGIE
Would you like it if I were in the
Olympics, Daddy?

CORD
Sure I would, Magpie. I’d love it.

Cord exchanges a look with Meg.

INT. EDEN’S APARTMENT – DAY

Eden is restless in her apartment. She tries to read a

magazine on the sofa, logs on to Facebook, boils water for
tea, stares out the window at the frozen landscape...

EXT. ROAD – A SHORT TIME LATER

Eden’s jogging down the road. She stops and looks further
ahead. Reverse and we see that she’s looking at the
hospital. Beat. Her cell phone RINGS. She answers.

EDEN
Hello?

TONI (V.O.)
Hi.

EDEN
Oh, hi.

TONI (V.O.)
Baby, are you alright? You sound out
of breath.
 24.

EDEN
I’m fine. You just caught me out for a
run.

Beat.

TONI (V.O.)
(doubtful)
Really?

EDEN
What do you mean, “Really”?

TONI (V.O.)
Nothing.

EDEN
(piqued)
No, what do you mean? Am I lying in
bed with someone else? Is that what
you think?

TONI (V.O.)
No, baby, of course not! Eden, you’re
scaring me. What’s wrong?

EDEN
Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. Look, I’m
sorry. I’m just...it’s just been a
tough few days on the job.

TONI (V.O.)
I’m sorry, Eden. Should I call you
some other time?

EDEN
No...I’m glad you called.

She turns away from the hospital and walks away as she
talks on the phone.

INT. MCKENNA HOME – NIGHT

While Cord is upstairs helping Ashleigh and Maggie put toys

and stuffed animals away in their room, we find Meg and
Claire conspiring in the kitchen as they put away dishes.
 25.

MEG
But we’ve got to do something, Claire.
We can’t just sit here and wait to be
booted out.

CLAIRE
It’s not that simple, Megan. A base
commander is like the captain of a
ship. His, or in this case, her, word
is like the Ten Commandments.

MEG
But she isn’t God. Cord has rights.
Even in the military peoples’ rights
outweigh a commander’s authority, don’t
they?

CLAIRE
Cord is a career Coast Guard officer.
He values his career. We value his
career.

Meg understands who she means by “We”.

CLAIRE
Listen, I can talk to a few of Mac’s
friends, and mine, Coasties who still
carry some weight here and in
Washington.

MEG
You think they can help?

CLAIRE
It’s possible. But it could also
backfire and hurt Cord’s career. It
will also be hard to keep anything we
do a secret from Cord.

MEG
(alarmed)
We have to keep this from him! If he
thought either of us was going behind
his back he’d blow a gasket.

CLAIRE
And knowing that you still want to try?

Beat. A meaningful look between them.

 26.

MEG
I know running away seems like the easy
way out for me. But if we leave now
I’ll never know – we’ll never know –
whether we’re strong enough to make it.

Cord enters the kitchen. Meg and Claire turn to him,

covering.

CLAIRE
Cord. Sweetheart.

CORD
I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?

MEG/CLAIRE
No!

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Tomczak is in bed, hooked to monitors, still in a coma.

The door opens slowly and Eden comes in quietly. She
stands over him, looks down at his bandaged, burned face
and arms. A tear rolls down her face and is quickly wiped
away. She ever so tenderly touches his face.

EDEN
(choking back emotion)
Oh, Tommy...

INT. JEFFRIES HOME, NURSERY – NIGHT

Noah is finishing up a wallpapering job, under Ashanti’s

hawk-like supervision.

ASHANTI
You’re sure that’s smoothed out all the
way.

NOAH
It’s smooth, baby.

ASHANTI
That’s what you said about the corner
over there.

NOAH
It’s smooth.
 27.

He smiles at her and comes down the ladder. Kisses her.

ASHANTI
(admiring)
It’s perfect. She’s going to love it.

NOAH
He’d love it more if we threw in a
dinosaur or sports car here or there.

Ashanti playfully jabs him. He puts his arm around her and
pulls her close. Beat.

NOAH
What do you think of “Alyssa”?

ASHANTI
I like Genevieve better.

NOAH
(considering)
Genevieve...

INT. JEFFRIES HOME, BEDROOM - LATER

Lying on the bed, Noah admires Ashanti as she rubs coco

butter on her belly. The baby moves inside her.

ASHANTI
Slow down, Sally. Daddy’s not finished
with your room yet.

NOAH
Baby Girl can hardly wait to get out.
Just like her mom, she’s all over it.

He touches her belly and their hands meet. Beat.

ASHANTI
Noah, I need to know that this baby and
me are the most important things in the
world to you.

NOAH
Yes, baby, you know that.

ASHANTI
(looks in his eyes)
No, I don’t know that.
 28.

A long beat. He understands. He sits up beside her.

ASHANTI
You’ve had your fun. Played with your
toys. But our lives are about to
change forever, Noah, and it’s time for
you to put away boyish things.

NOAH
I’m sorry, Ashanti...I disrespected
you.

ASHANTI
I’m always going to be your woman, but
being a mother to this baby is going to
dominate my world. I need to know that
you understand that and can deal.

NOAH
(beat)
I can deal.
(off her stare)
I can deal.

She kisses him sweetly, puts aside the coco butter and lay
down on her side to go to sleep. He flips the lamp switch
and lay down, caresses her belly. She puts her hand on his.

ASHANTI
Good night, baby.

NOAH
Good night, baby. Good night,
Genevieve.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAWN

CLOSE ON Tomczak’s face. His eyes flutter open. He moans.

PULL BACK to reveal Eden lying next to him in bed. She
feels him move and looks up.

EDEN
Tommy?

He looks down at her. She lifts up to face him.

TOMCZAK
(weak, recognizing)
Eden...
 29.

EDEN
(a pretty smile)
Hi.

TOMCZAK
What happened?

EDEN
The tender exploded.

TOMCZAK
The crew? Wha –

She shushes him gently with her fingertips.

EDEN
You’re in the hospital but you’re going
to be fine. Okay?

TOMCZAK
Okay.

EDEN
(impishly)
You’re a lucky guy, you know.

TOMCZAK
I am?

EDEN
You’re the first man to ever get me in
bed.

A smile slowly, painfully, comes to his lips.

TOMCZAK
I must be okay. Think I’m getting a
hard on.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY

Chloe gets off the elevator and moves down the corridor
with purpose. She gets to Tomczak’s room, goes inside...

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS

And stops cold at the sight of Eden sitting on the bed

smiling and talking to Tomczak as she feeds him applesauce.
Eden looks over at her.
 30.

EDEN
(gets off bed)
Oh, hi.

CHLOE
Hello.

EDEN
Chloe, I’m Eden.

CHLOE
Hello, Eden.

Eden looks at Tomczak and steps away from the bed to make
way for Chloe, who steps in and caresses Tomczak’s face.

CHLOE
(smiling)
Brent, sweetheart!

TOMCZAK
Hi.

She kisses him tenderly.

EDEN
I’ll just leave you two alone.

Eden is on her way out.

CHLOE
Eden.
(Eden turns)
Thank you.

Eden just smiles at her then at Tomczak and exits.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS

Outside the room, Eden pauses. She looks back through the
slit window at Chloe and Tomczak. After a moment, she
leaves.

INT. KERRI’S OFFICE – DAY

We hear the familiar, annoying click-clack of a metal ball

desk toy. Cord enters and salutes. Kerri is sitting at
her desk.
 31.

KERRI
(returns salute)
Please, have a seat.

Cord sits.

KERRI
I understand Tomczak’s out of his coma.

CORD
Yes, he is. And his folks landed this
morning. They’re with him now.

KERRI
That’s great news. I know it’ll be a
long road to recovery for him – he’s
through with active service – but being
alive beats the alternative.

CORD
Yes, it does.

She opens a file folder on her desk.

KERRI
Cord, I asked you in because
congratulations are in order. I’ve
approved your promotion to lieutenant
commander.

He covers his surprise as she stands and extends her hand.

He stands and they shake.

CORD
Thank you, Captain.

KERRI
I know a posting in Puerto Rico wasn’t
something you planned on, but at least
you get a nice send off.

CORD
(covering)
Yes, Ma’am. Thank you for approving
the promotion.

KERRI
As I said, your service record is
stellar. You have a bright future in
the Coast Guard, Commander McKenna.
 32.

She reaches into a drawer, pulls out his new insignia and
hand them to him. As he looks at the GOLD OAK LEAFS –

KERRI
I’m sure your father would be proud.
And, of course, Mrs. McKenna.

CORD
Yes. Thank you again, Captain.

KERRI
Now about Sayer.
(he looks up at her)
I don’t have to tell you that
disobeying a direct order not to exit
the helo is a serious offense.

CORD
Yes ma’am, but –

KERRI
Good. I expect your recommendation for
a court-martial on my desk later today.
(then)
That is all. Dismissed commander.

She sits behind her desk, goes back to work. OFF Cord...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

 33.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. O’BRIEN HOME, PARLOR – DAY

Claire and Violet O’Brien have a formal tea. Despite

Claire’s ‘hip’ Grandma look and Violet’s Nancy Reaganesque
garb, they couldn’t be closer friends.

VIOLET
It’s such a shame, Claire. I know how
much it meant to you for Cord to come
home.

CLAIRE
Yes, well, it goes with the job. No
one knows that better than Coastie
wives.

VIOLET
Sam and I moved twenty times in thirty-
four years.

CLAIRE
Mac and I were lucky. We moved a
handful of times but spent our last ten
years together here on Kodiak.

VIOLET
Sam always said Mac was the best, and
the best is what we need in the Bering
Sea. It’s why he was able to stay.

Claire takes a moment of reflection, proud of her husband’s

legacy.

CLAIRE
After all these years, I still miss
him.
(then)
Violet, I know this is, well, terribly
inappropriate.

VIOLET
What is it, Claire?

CLAIRE
I need Sam’s help to keep Cord here in
Kodiak. At least until his current
tour is up in two years.
 34.

VIOLET
Claire!

CLAIRE
I know. I’m mortified to even ask.
Cord would have a meltdown and, well, I
don’t even want to think about how Mac
would react if he were alive. But,
Violet...

VIOLET
But what on earth could Sam do?

CLAIRE
Sam believed the Coasties need the best
in the Bering Sea. Well my Cord is one
of the best. Maybe Sam can convince
Captain Cosgrove of that too.

INT. AIRBASE OFFICE – DAY

Cord sits behind a small desk in the small office. Answers

a KNOCK on the door.

CORD
Enter.

Eden enters.

EDEN
You wanted to see me, Commander?

CORD
Have a seat, Sayer.

EDEN
(sitting)
Great news about Tommy, isn’t it sir?

CORD
Yes, it is.

EDEN
I know he’s got a tough recovery ahead
of him, but he’s a tough guy.

CORD
(stern)
Sayer, we need to talk.
 35.

EDEN
(realizing)
It’s about me leaving the cabin for
Tommy, isn’t it?

He puts his hand on a file folder on the desk. She looks

down at it for the first time. Steels herself.

CORD
Our radio squawk is monitored by flight
ops. They heard me order you to stay
in the cabin.

EDEN
Yes sir.

He opens the folder, takes out several filled out forms.

Looks at them. Eden looks at them too, growing nervous.

CORD
These are papers for your court-
martial. Captain Cosgrove wants them
on her desk this afternoon.

EDEN
Yes sir.

Cord rips them in half. She looks at him.

CORD
If you ever disobey another order, I
swear I’ll leave your half-Eskimo ass
in the drink until you freeze. You
read me, airman?

EDEN
Yes sir. Loud and clear, Commander.

CORD
Get out.

She stands and salutes. He returns it and she exits.

INT. AIRBASE CORRIDOR – DAY

Cord walks down the corridor to Kerri’s office. When he

arrives he’s surprised to find Siobhan outside waiting.

CORD
Siobhan. What are you doing here?
 36.

SIOBHAN
Hello, Cord. Kerri – Captain Cosgrove
– and I have dinner plans.

She admires the gold oak leafs on his collar and touches
one of them lovingly.

SIOBHAN
Mac would be so proud.

Petty Officer Sitka comes out of the office and clocks the
tender moment between them before Siobhan moves her hand.

SITKA
Commander. Captain Cosgrove is
expecting you, sir.

CORD
(to Siobhan)
This won’t take long.

He enters the office. She looks after him when the door
closes.

SAME SCENE – LATER

Sitka is typing away. Siobhan sits waiting. The door

opens and Cord steps out.

CORD
(to Siobhan)
Enjoy dinner.

He continues down the corridor.

INT. KERRI’S OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER

Siobhan enters and approaches Kerri, sitting at her desk.

It’s obvious she’s still fuming over her talk with Cord.

SIOBHAN
Is everything alright, Kerri? We don’t
have to go out tonight, you know.

KERRI
No, Siobhan, I want to go.
 37.

INT. RESTAURANT – SUNSET

A waiter brings another Cosmopolitan for Siobhan and a

dirty Martini for Kerri. Takes away the empties.

KERRI
I simply can’t believe him! He’s a
Coastie, for Christ’s sake! From the
Academy! He knows better!

SIOBHAN
Cord can be a bit headstrong. But he
comes by it honestly. His father was
that way too.

KERRI
Wait a minute? You know him?

SIOBHAN
I suppose it’s confession time.

Siobhan takes the photo booth snapshot of her and Cord from
her purse. Kerri stares incredulously at the high school
sweethearts mugging for the camera.

SIOBHAN
That was taken the night before he went
to New London. By the time he came
home, my world was over.

Kerri looks at her through a Martini haze.

SAME SCENE – LATER

The waiter replaces their empties with fresh cocktails.

SIOBHAN
Their marriage is falling apart. If
they really had a chance he wouldn’t
have cheated on her with me – twice.

KERRI
Siobhan, believe me, I know how you
feel. But take it from someone who’s
been there. Nothing good will come of
chasing a married man.

SIOBHAN
But he loves me. He always has and he
always will.
 38.

Kerri takes a drink of her Martini. She pauses, thinking.

KERRI
So is this what it was about all along?
You and me? “Sisters”.

Beat. Siobhan reaches over and takes her by the hand.

SIOBHAN
I truly believe you and I were meant to
be close on this island. Everything
about our backgrounds, our families,
our interests, made that inevitable. I
just needed it to happen sooner rather
than later.

KERRI
This will end badly for you, Siobhan.

SIOBHAN
Please...Help me, Kerri.

INT. MEG’S STUDIO - SUNSET

Meg is working on the new painting we saw last episode.

She’s an intense, soulful artist. She turns to change
brushes and is startled to find Cord watching her work.

CORD
Sorry.

MEG
How long have you been here?

CORD
(lying)
Not long.
(then, truthful)
You know, I can’t claim to understand
all of your work, but I have to admit
it’s starting to grow on me.

MEG
(a smile)
And it only took eight years? I guess
that’s progress.

CORD
I told Mom about the transfer.
 39.

MEG
And?

CORD
She’s a Coastie wife. She understands.

MEG
I’m a Coastie wife and I don’t.

He looks past her at her artwork.

CORD
You’re an artist. And my wife.

He looks at her again, loving her.

CORD
I’m sorry, Meg. I really am.

She puts her brushes down and moves close to him. They
kiss deeply. It turns passionate and we leave them as they
start to get it on...

INT. MEG’S STUDIO – NIGHT

It’s dark except for the beam of moonlight through the

window. Meg and Cord lay naked on the floor, paint smudges
on their faces and bodies. He runs a blue finger from her
chin, down her neck to her breasts.

MEG
Why Commander McKenna, I think you’re
getting the hang of this artsy stuff.

CORD
Why Madame McKenna, I have a great
teacher...and an incredible canvas.

He kisses her breasts. She sighs. The lights come on.

CLAIRE
Oh! My!

Claire covers her eyes and turns around as Cord and Meg
scramble to cover up with painter’s cloth.

CORD
Mom!
 40.

CLAIRE
I’m so sorry. Nadia’s on the phone. I
thought Megan would want to talk to
her.
(then)
How ‘bout I tell her you’ll call her
back? A few minutes?

MEG
Yes, Claire. Thank you.

Claire exits. Cord and Meg look at each other and laugh.

INT. MCKENNA HOME – MINUTES LATER

Meg enters the kitchen in jeans and t-shirt, face and neck
still showing Cord’s creativity. Ashleigh and Maggie look
at their mother. No big deal. Meg picks up the phone and
dials.

MEG
Hello, Nadia?...Yes...

Cord enters, also paint-covered, and opens the fridge. The

girls look at their dad. Now they’re weirded out. He smiles
at them as he takes a drink of O.J. from the bottle. Claire
eyes Cord and Meg and smiles to herself.

MEG
That’s terrific news, Nadia! Thanks so
much for calling!

Meg hangs up the phone.

CLAIRE
What was that all about, Megan?

MEG
Because the cost of training and
competitions can get so expensive, they
have scholarships, even for skaters
Maggie’s age. Nadia applied for a one
and got it.

Maggie cheers. Ashleigh high-fives her little sister.

CLAIRE
That’s wonderful!

Cord’s the only one who isn’t excited.

 41.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY – LATER

Cord and Meg, still painted, move down the hallway.

CORD
Meg, don’t you think it’s a bad idea to
get Maggie excited about this skating
scholarship?

MEG
Why, babe? It’s great news.

CORD
Are you forgetting something? We ship
out for Acquadilla in three weeks.

She stops and faces him.

MEG
Let’s not fret over that now, Cord.

CORD
But we should’ve told them already,
Meg.

MEG
I’ve got a better idea.

She pulls him into the bathroom. Slams the door shut. We
hear the shower turn on.

INT. BATHROOM - DAY

Chloe looks at herself in the vanity mirror trying to apply

eye makeup. She can’t because her hands tremble too much.

JENNY (O.S.)
Here, let me help you.

Jenny comes in. Chloe turns around.

CHLOE
Thank you.

JENNY
I thought the guy was supposed to get
nervous about meeting the parents.

CHLOE
Am I that much of a wreck?
 42.

JENNY
No. You’re not. And don’t put so much
pressure on yourself.

Chloe manages a smile as Jenny goes to work on her.

CHLOE
Jenny, am I doing the right thing?

JENNY
If it’s what your heart tells you to
do, yes, I think so?

CHLOE
What about his parents? What will they
think?

Jenny looks into her eyes, offers a comforting smile.

JENNY
Does it matter?

EXT. FLIGHT LINE – DAY

A Coast Guard Bombardier jet waits. An ambulance pulls up

and medical personnel, including Jenny, get out with
Tomczak on a gurney. They load him on a hydraulic lift. A
second car pulls up along side. Tomczak’s mother and
father, both late 50s, get out along with Chloe.

EXT. HANGAR – SAME

Cord, Noah, Eden and a few other guardsmen watch Tomczak

being loaded onto the jet.

CORD
San Francisco, huh?

EDEN
Yeah, they’re supposed to have the best
burn rehab specialists there.

NOAH
And she’s going with him?

As the hydraulic lift rises with Tomczak, his parents and

Chloe walk up the stairway to the jet door.
 43.

EDEN
Yeah. She’s an OB-GYN nurse so she
shouldn’t have any problem finding work
there. They’re getting married after
he recovers. She told me we’re all
invited to the wedding, whenever it
happens.

ZEKE (O.S.)
You going to be a bride’s maid?

Zeke Zibriske ambles up to them. He’s greeted warmly.

CORD
Senior Chief. I heard you cleared
medical. Good to see you back.

ZEKE
Good to be back, “Commander.”

Cord accepts the congrats. Noah and Eden look back at the
jet. Chloe sees them and stops before going inside.

ZEKE
(re: Tomczak)
He was a good kid.

EDEN
Is.

Zeke and Eden exchange a look, then a small smile.

ZEKE
Is.

Cord heads back into the hangar. Zeke and Eden follow.
Noah and Chloe share a meaningful look and say goodbye with
their eyes. She goes onboard the jet. After the jet door
closes, Noah turns and heads into the hangar as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

 44.

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

INT. MCKENNA HOME, KITCHEN – DAY

Maggie and Ashleigh finish their breakfast while Claire

prepares their lunches. Cord and Meg enter in a good mood
and greet the girls with smiles and kisses.

ASHLEIGH
Daddy, did mommy tell you I’m going to
take piano lessons after school?

CORD
No, hon, she didn’t.

Cord exchanges a look with Meg.

ASHLEIGH
(less enthusiastic)
But first I go to the dentist for
braces.

MEG
We’d better get going girls. We don’t
want to be late.

She gives Cord a peck on the cheek. On her way out –

MEG
(to Claire)
So you’ll be able to pick Ash up from
school and drop her at Mrs.
Finkelstein’s?

CLAIRE
Yes, Meg dear. I’ll be there by two.

Meg exits. Claire turns to see Cord looking at her.

CLAIRE
What is it, sweetheart?

CORD
Did you just call Meg “Meg”?

CLAIRE
Yes. So?
 45.

CORD
So you never call her “Meg”. It’s
always been “Megan”, ever since you two
met.

CLAIRE
Oh Cord, sweetheart. I’m sure you’re
mistaken. Everyone calls her Meg.

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

Children are getting settled in class. Ashleigh enters,

followed by Meg.

SIOBHAN
Good morning, Megan.

Ashleigh takes her seat and Meg continues to Siobhan at the

front of the classroom.

MEG
Mrs. Keilar. I wanted you to know that
my mother-in-law will be picking
Ashleigh up from school early today.

SIOBHAN
Thank you for telling me. But you
didn’t have to stop in for that, Megan.
You can give Ash a note or she can just
tell me.

MEG
Sometimes a personal reminder is
helpful, don’t you think?

SIOBHAN
Yes. Well thank you again...for the
reminder.

MEG
My pleasure.

Meg turns and gives Ashleigh a kiss on the way out.

Siobhan watches her go, covering her resentment.

INT. PICKUP TRUCK – MOVING – DAY

Meg drives, listening to NPR on the radio. Her cell rings

and she digs it out of her purse with one hand. Answers.
 46.

MEG
Hi, babe.

INT. AIRBASE CORRIDOR – SAME

Cord on his cell.

CORD
Hi. Listen, Meg, what’s this about
piano lessons? I though we agreed to
tell the girls we’re moving in a few
weeks.

INTERCUT MEG AND CORD

MEG
I know, Cord. But have you considered
just asking Cosgrove if you can stay?

CORD
We’ve been over this, Meg. You don’t
move up in the military by bucking your
commanding officer. It’s what they
call a career-limiting move.

MEG
But she approved your promotion. She
must not hate you that much.

CORD
It’s got nothing to do with “like” or
“hate”, Meg. She’s a political animal
and I’m a liability in her book.

MEG
Well she’s a heartless bitch in mine.

CORD
Look, we’ll have to tell them tonight
after dinner. Got it?

MEG
Got it, “Commander”.

CORD
Meg, babe –

MEG
I know, you’re sorry. I got that too.
 47.

They both hang up. Look at their phones. He continues

down the hallway.

A horn BLARES. Meg looks up and turns the wheel just in

time to avoid a collision with a passing school bus.

INT. KERRI’S OFFICE – DAY

Kerri sits behind her desk. Retired Admiral Sam O’Brien

sits across from her, in a suit that’s not his uniform.

KERRI
I appreciate your concern, Admiral.
And believe me I respect your opinion.
But surely, you of all people
understand –

The click-clacking desk toy is clearly an annoyance to the

admiral. Finally he reaches up and stops it. Kerri
reacts. No one has ever had the nerve.

ADM. O’BRIEN
Kerri, if that man’s father hadn’t
saved your father’s life, I doubt very
seriously that you’d be sitting in that
chair with those eagles on your collar.

KERRI
Yes, Admiral, I’ve thought about that.
But Cord McKenna is not his father.
And I’m not mine.
(then)
Admiral, I’ll admit my initial reasons
for wanting McKenna’s transfer were,
well, somewhat politically motivated.
But since then I’ve come to the
conclusion that his leaving Kodiak
would be best for a number of reasons.

ADM. O’BRIEN
Name one.

KERRI
(off put)
Well, it’s complicated.

ADM. O’BRIEN
I may be old, but I’m not feebleminded
captain.
 48.

KERRI
(beat)
It’s personal, Admiral.

ADM. O’BRIEN
You’re sleeping with him?

KERRI
No! Of course not!

ADM. O’BRIEN
(slowly realizing)
Oh my God. Siobhan.

INT. KERRI’S WAITING AREA – LATER

The office door opens. Adm. O’Brien shakes Kerri’s hand

and exits. Petty Officer Sitka stands and salutes, holding
it until Adm. O’Brien has left.

KERRI
Messages?

SITKA
Yes, ma’am. Two. One from Admiral
Allen and one from Admiral Page.

KERRI
The former Commandant of the U.S. Coast
Guard called and you didn’t notify me?!

SITKA
Sorry ma’am. But when I told him you
were in with Admiral O’Brien he said it
could wait until you were finished.

Kerri closes her eyes and sighs.

KERRI
(realizing)
You have got to be kidding me.

INT. OASIS CAFÉ, BREAK ROOM – DAY

Meg is on her cell in the tiny break room.

MEG
Well? And what did Admiral Page say?
 49.

INT. MINIVAN – SAME

Claire is on her cell, parked in front of the Finkelstein

house, from which the faint sound of piano chopsticks can
be heard.

CLAIRE
Leigh said she talked to her earlier
this afternoon. It’s still Cosgrove’s
decision and it could still backfire on
us, Meg. On Cord.

INTERCUT MEG AND CLAIRE

MEG
I know. What about Admiral Allen? Do
you know if he talked with her?

CLAIRE
All I know is he got my message.

MEG
Well did you ask Admiral Page if she
knew if he talked to her?

CLAIRE
Meg, I couldn’t ask Leigh that.
Sweetheart, I know how much this means
to you. It’s important to me too. But
we really can’t be too pushy about
this. We’ve already gone further into
the well than we should have.

MEG
Okay. Alright. I know. It’s just
Cord wants to tell the girls tonight
and I don’t want to put them through
that if we don’t have to.

CLAIRE
I understand.

The door of the Finkelstein house opens and Ashleigh comes

out.

CLAIRE
I have to go now, Meg dear.

Claire reaches over to open the door for Ashleigh.

 50.

INT. SWABS BAR – SUNSET

The usual group of guardsmen unwind over drinks, only

Tomczak isn’t there to regale them with one of his
ridiculous ribald jokes. Eden notices Noah at the bar
nursing a whiskey. She heads over.

AT THE BAR

EDEN
Lieutenant.

NOAH
Oh, hey Sayer.

EDEN
Do you mind?

NOAH
Sure.

She sits next to him. Betty, the butch bartender comes

over.

EDEN
(to Betty)
MG Sixty.

Betty goes for the beer.

NOAH
Watching your girlish figure, eh,
Sayer?

EDEN
Somebody’s got to, sir.

NOAH
Trust me, you don’t have to worry about
that, Sayer.

Betty returns with the beer.

BETTY
(re: the table of guardsmen)
Add it to the tab?

Eden gestures “Yup.” Betty leaves.

 51.

NOAH
You and Tomczak got pretty close,
didn’t you?

EDEN
Yeah, I suppose you could say that.

NOAH
He was – is – a good man.

EDEN
(raises her beer)
To Tommy.

NOAH
(clinks glass)
Tommy.

They drink.

NOAH
So you cared for him? I mean,
different than say, I care for you or
for Cord?

Beat. They look at each other.

EDEN
Yes.

NOAH
But you were okay with him getting
engaged the way he did?

EDEN
(beat)
I can’t say that. But I hope he’ll be
happy with Chloe.

Noah takes another sip of his whiskey. Stares at it

thoughtfully.

NOAH
So do I, Sayer. So do I.

INT. MCKENNA HOME, KITCHEN – SUNSET

Claire and Meg are putting the finishing touches on dinner

while Ashleigh and Maggie set the table.
 52.

MAGGIE
I don’t know why we’re making a big
deal out of dinner tonight.

ASHLEIGH
Because I got braces, stupid.

MEG
Ashleigh, don’t talk to your sister
that way. Apologize.

ASHLEIGH
Sorry.

But she sticks her tongue out at Maggie, who retaliates

with the same. Cord enters, still in his flight suit. Meg
and Claire turn to him and momentarily freeze.

CORD
Hi.

ASHLEIGH/MAGGIE
Hi, Daddy!

MEG/CLAIRE
Hey, babe/Hello, sweetheart.

CORD
(re: table)
Now this is nice. And it’s only
Wednesday. What gives?

Ashleigh goes to him and shows her braces.

CORD
Wow! If I hook you up to my helo I bet
we can get radar all the way to Russia.

ASHLEIGH
Oh, Daddy. Don’t be mean.

He kisses her forehead. Meg and Claire bring food to the

table as they all sit down and begin serving.

MEG
How’d things go today, babe?

CLAIRE
Yes, how were things?
 53.

CORD
Good. Things were good.

MEG
Normal.

Claire shoots her a look.

CORD
Yeah, pretty normal. Had an uneventful
patrol. By the way, we got Zeke back.

CLAIRE
Zeke back and nobody got shot! Now
that is a good day!

CORD
Yeah. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot.
I got a call today from Captain Nelson
at the Academy. You know, I had no
idea that he and Admiral Page were...
(conspiratorial whisper)
an “item”.

Meg and Claire play dumb.

CLAIRE
Oh. Really?

CORD
Yeah. Apparently for years. Anyway,
he told me she got a call from a
certain someone, asking her to talk to
another certain someone about
transferring another someone off base.

Meg and Claire are busted.

CORD
And I guess there were other calls to
other someones in Kodiak and
Washington, D.C. Well, long story
short, the girls don’t have to learn
Spanish. No time soon anyway.

ASHLEIGH
Spanish? Who wants to learn Spanish?

MAGGIE
What’s Spanish?
 54.

CLAIRE
Cord, sweetheart, it’s all my fault –

MEG
No, Claire. Cord, I asked your mother
to help. I know it was wrong for us to
butt in but –

CORD
(smiles)
Thank you. Both of you. But please,
please, the next time you two decide to
go all Dynamic Duo on me, could you at
least let me know?

They smile at him then at each other. It’s the first

genuine moment the two women have had together.

CORD
(digging in)
I’m starving. What’ve we got here?

INT. SIOBHAN’S HOME – SUNSET

Siobhan is in the living room with tea, grading papers.

She gets up to answer a knock on the door. It’s her
father, Admiral O’Brien.

SIOBHAN
Daddy. This is surprise.

ADM. O’BRIEN
Yes, Siobhan, it is a surprise. And
I’m very disappointed.

OFF Siobhan we...

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE