A Distant Star
C&C - Scene opens on Corwin seated before a workstation in the Pit. He turns to face Sheridan and Ivanova who are standing on the gallery above him.
Corwin : Sir - we're getting a message from the Cortez. It's a Mayday.
Sheridan : (Sounding more intrigued than alarmed) Well - put it on the speaker.
Corwin turns back to his console and obediently relays the message through a general broadcast system. The signal is barely audible - fractured and distorted owing to the ship's distant location in hyperspace.
Cortez : This is the Cortez....there has been a.....dent to navi.......struments.....no lock on signal.....stranded in hyperspace......lost......please respond.......please respond.....Mayday.
(The camera remains focused on Sheridan throughout the broadcast, as his interested and slightly puzzled expression changes rapidly to one of growing concern)
Sheridan : Take it off the speaker. Keep recording - some other pieces may come through in the clear. Send this response immediately. "Your signal has been received and help is on the way." Keep sending that.
Corwin : Yes sir.
Sheridan : (Turning to Ivanova) I want all available pilots in the squadron bays in 20 minutes.
Ivanova : (Sounding almost hesitant) I shouldn't need to remind you - no ship lost in hyperspace has ever been found again.
Sheridan : (After a brief pause) I know.
*******************************
C&C - Sheridan approaching the front of the Observation Dome, obviously in an agitated condition. He draws to a halt before the command console, leaning against the railing that surrounds the pit.
Sheridan : Communication status?
Corwin : (Still seated in the pit) Nothing from the Cortez now, sir. Your message is being relayed from fighter to fighter in hyperspace - the pilots report no response yet.
******************************
C&C - A by now desperately anxious Sheridan is observed pacing to and fro before the command console. He leans against the railing once more, and addresses Corwin in a tone verging on outright aggression.
Sheridan : What's happening!?
Corwin : (Adjusting several controls on his console, presumably in an attempt to re-establish contact with the vessels in hyperspace) It's gotten scratchy again sir. I can't even hear the pilots now.
**********************************
C&C The camera reveals a near deserted Observation Dome, presumably late at night. The only figures present are Sheridan, still hovering before the command console, and Corwin, seated in the sunken area below. Both have obviously stayed beyond the end of their shifts, awaiting the seemingly impossible return of a missing Starfury. Eventually, Corwin disengages his headset, and ascends the steps towards his commanding officer.
Corwin : Sorry Captain. (departs from C&C)
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