Ocean Girl

Kal:
Opal people land-dwellers, yes?

Neri:
Yes.

Kal:
But try to be like fish. Live in sea.

Neri:
Under the sea.

Kal:
The land surface area of the Earth is approximately 150 million square kilometers. Is not enough?

Neri:
They want minerals, more food. Much land is ruined.

Kal:
And now they ruin oceans.

Neri:
This we fear. That is why the Synchronium was sent to Earth. It must be found.

Agent Jake Shelby:
Whales?

Agent Elly Hauser:
I don't know. Could be something in it. I mean, there's enough data to say that whales and dolphins are as intelligent as some humans. I mean, maybe she's got a bond with them.

Agent Jake Shelby:
You're nuts.

Agent Elly Hauser:
The alien girl and her one special whale. The loyal friend at her side.

Dr. Hellegren:
I can see housekeeping is not on the curriculum.

Lena Hellegren:
Oh, I know where everything is.

Brett Bates:
Benny, it's not healthy to study all the time. What about having fun?

Benny Malcovitch:
My dad says there'll be plenty of time for that in the future.

Brett Bates:
What's the point? By then you'll be too old to enjoy it.

Dr. Winston Seth:
H.E.L.E.N., what does your analysis show?

H.E.L.E.N.:
The biological makeup is very interesting, Winston. Although the virus has elements of our DNA and RNA, it did not originate on Earth.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Where did it come from, then?

H.E.L.E.N.:
Unknown.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
How fast is it spreading?

H.E.L.E.N.:
Very rapidly, Commander. But only underwater. It has no airborne transmission capability. It's replicating process is achieved by converting oxygen into ammonia.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Which is deadly to all lifeforms.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Including humans.

H.E.L.E.N.:
I'm afraid you've hit the nail on the head.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Is there any way of stopping this virus?

H.E.L.E.N.:
Nothing that is known to our science.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
And if it's left untreated?

H.E.L.E.N.:
With prevailing currents, all Earth oceans will be irretrievably poisoned within two months.

Benny Malcovitch:
I'll have to tell him exactly what happened.

Brett Bates:
You can't bring Neri into it. You mustn't tell anyone ever.

Benny Malcovitch:
I'm not good at lying.

Brett Bates:
Who is? There's times when you can't tell the truth, at least not all of it. For the sake of everyone.

Brett Bates:
You did it, Kal. You were loyal.

Benny Malcovitch:
Congratulations, Kal.

Brett Bates:
Excellent.

Kal:
Loyal feels good. Very good.

[Benny is watching Neri and Kal eat]

Benny Malcovitch:
They, like, eat and everything?

Brett Bates:
Of course they eat, Benny. What did you think?

Benny Malcovitch:
Well, I didn't know. I've never met anyone from another planet before.

Neri:
[handing Benny some fruit] You eat also.

Brett Bates:
I told Benny everything. Even about the Synchronium. He's one of us now.

Benny Malcovitch:
It's really true this thing can control the seas?

Neri:
Yes. And I feel the day will come soon when it will be needed.

Benny Malcovitch:
Amazing.

Neri:
So, you will help us in our search for all the pieces, Benny? We must find them before the others do.

Benny Malcovitch:
I'll try, but it does kinda feel a little risky.

Kal:
Risky. Happy feeling?

Benny Malcovitch:
Uh-uh. Scary feeling.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
What if there is a deep fault and the blasting's making it unstable?

Dr. Winston Seth:
Then it can't be long before we have undeniable proof.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
By then it could be too late. For all we know, this thing's already started and we're not even aware of it.

Dr. Laviche:
Actual verbal language is less important than the physiological data we need to compile. The subject's highly economical use of oxygen, for example. Her ability to communicate with whales.

Agent Jake Shelby:
That's all very well from a medical point of view. We need to question the subject. We need names, dates, facts...

Dr. Laviche:
Yes, in due course. But first, we must address ourselves to the biological and commercial possibilities inherent in the specimen.

Richter:
Commercial possibilities?

Dr. Laviche:
We may be able to splice some of the specimens characteristics onto the DNA of human lifeforms. If PRAXIS had exclusive rights to such a process...

Richter:
Good. Very good. A good point.

Agent Elly Hauser:
Neri is not a specimen, Doctor. She's a living, compassionate being. And as for splicing and grafting her DNA...

Agent Jake Shelby:
You're out of line, Hauser.

Agent Elly Hauser:
I don't care if...

Richter:
But I do, Agent. It means you're becoming personally involved in the investigation.

Agent Elly Hauser:
All I want is for Neri to be treated with some dignity and respect!

Brett Bates:
None of the divers were badly hurt, they reckon. They just can't figure out what happened.

Jason Bates:
Well, they dropped their grenade and Neri just gave it back to them.

Brett Bates:
That's right.

[Jason and Brett turn a corner and stop in front of Dr. Hellegren]

Dr. Hellegren:
I have been waiting for you two. Let me just give you a message you would be very wise to heed. You have both caused me a good deal of trouble in the past. But we are on ORCA permanently now. And if you get in my way again, believe me, you will regret it.

Brett Bates:
Is anyone sitting here.

Benny Malcovitch:
The galley is for the use of all and seats may not be reserved.

Brett Bates:
Hmm?

Benny Malcovitch:
ORCA handbook. Rule 517-F, Subsection A.

Brett Bates:
Oh. What are you doing?

Benny Malcovitch:
Chemistry homework.

Brett Bates:
You must be keen.

Benny Malcovitch:
My folks are. If I don't finish this year top of the class, I'm a dead man. Benny Malcovitch.

Brett Bates:
Brett Bates. You must be new onboard.

Benny Malcovitch:
Yeah. Mum and Dad are both in the medical staff. I'm the reason they took the job.

Brett Bates:
Yeah, right.

Benny Malcovitch:
Really. Plenty of time to study and no distractions, they reckon.

Brett Bates:
Benny, meet Mr. Distraction.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Members of the Tribunal, when we allow the seabed to be degraded in the name of progress, we don't know what we might be losing. There is, for instance, a species of shark whose liver promises a cure for cancer. There is also a type of seaweed which may produce the only known synthetic substitute for mother's milk. If you recall, the very reason the foundations were to be built deeper in the first place was to assure minimum damage for the reef and marine life. Have we lost sight of ORCA's original purpose? Its vision for the future?

Dr. Hellegren:
[clears throat] ORCA City is potentially the most significant engineering feat of this century. To reposition its foundations now, even a matter of meters, would cost millions and cause untold delay. Are we to sacrifice all this for the sake of a few fish?

Brett Bates:
These hairy red things are great. What are they called?

Neri:
I call them "the hairy red things." Here. Have some banana juice. Try. Is good.

Brett Bates:
How do you get juice out of bananas?

Neri:
I stomp on them with my feet. [Jason spits out the banana juice] What? Don't you like?

Jason Bates:
Um, no, it's fine. I was just not as thirsty as I thought I was. Uh, plus it's time to go back.

Brett Bates:
Yeah. People are starting to wonder where we get to. Is it okay if I take some of these?

Neri:
Food good?

Jason Bates:
Uh, yeah, it was great.

Neri:
You enjoy your visit?

Brett Bates:
Mmm-hmm.

Neri:
Now it is your turn. I come visit your place.

Jason Bates:
You mean ORCA?

Neri:
Mmm-hmm. Tomorrow.

Benny Malcovitch:
Cass, you are twisted.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
And loving it.

Dr. Hellegren:
I know it is hard for you, Lena, but you must try to make the best of things. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time skiing.

Lena Hellegren:
But I don't want to go skiing! All the other girls are going home for the holidays. Why can't I?

Dr. Hellegren:
You know I would have you with me if I could, but at the moment...

Lena Hellegren:
Yes, I know. Your responsibilities.

Dr. Hellegren:
Things would be different if your mother were still alive.

Lena Hellegren:
When she died, you said I was the most important person left in the world.

Dr. Hellegren:
You are.

Lena Hellegren:
[sobbing] Why can't I be with you?

Dr. Hellegren:
Very well. No promises, mind you. I'll see what I can do.

Morgan Clayborn:
ORCA Operations. Two copies.

Sallyanne Taylor:
Thanks.

Morgan Clayborn:
Don't thank me. You have to know it inside-out.

Sallyanne Taylor:
And backwards?

Morgan Clayborn:
If it helps.

[Neri listens to a holographic message of her father]

Neri's Father:
As the end of my time grew near, I taught you all I could about the ways of the Opal people. In the hope that you would survive and complete our chosen mission. But never forget the message we bring. That as they move into the oceans, they must not despoil and destroy them for trivial gain. For the fate of a whole universe could hang in the balance. This lesson was bitterly learned on our own planet. My beloved daughter, you alone must use your gift to prevent such destruction. Swear it.

Neri:
I will, Father.

Doug:
So, why colonize the oceans? You'll only pollute 'em even more.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
No way. ORCA's there so we can research things that might solve all the problems.

Doug:
Yes, well, if we hadn't abused the Earth in the first place, there'd be no need to look for an escape in the oceans.

Patti:
I just wanted to be like a normal person. But I'm not normal, am I?

Neri:
Is it so important to be normal? You are special. I can tell. But I do not think you know it.

Patti:
You sound so gentle. I know you have a lovely face.

[Jason and Neri entering the lift]

H.E.L.E.N.:
Hello, Neri. Neri...

[laughs]

H.E.L.E.N.:
...who is not here.

Jason Bates:
Just take us to gamma level, H.E.L.E.N.

H.E.L.E.N.:
Yes, Jason. As programmed, during the transit of Neri, who doesn't exist, no stops will be made and no other personnel will be admitted.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Sometimes the whale seems to have something swimming with him. Sometimes it's not there.

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
Why?

Dr. Winston Seth:
If we knew the answer to that, it would produce ten new questions to puzzle us with. Life, after all, is a mystery, within a mystery... surrounded by a mystery.

Brett Bates:
Is that another old Chinese saying?

Dr. Winston Seth:
As a matter of fact, I saw it on last week's episode of Star Trek.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Don't be afraid. I just wanted to say thank you.

Neri:
You are... Mother.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Yes. Jason and Brett's mother. Yes.

Neri:
Where are they?

Dr. Dianne Bates:
You'll see them soon. Neri, thanks. I owe you my life.

Jason Bates:
Mum. You know how you told me to be reliable and honest and not to lie?

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Yeah.

Jason Bates:
Well, I think Neri can stay onboard, but we're gonna have to tell some whoppers.

Jason Bates:
She's completely taken Neri over.

Brett Bates:
Why did she have to find out about her?

Jason Bates:
Well, we'll just have to stick with them all the time, okay? You know how Mum's like when she's off on a science trip.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
When you talk to your friend, is it in words? Like us?

Neri:
Different.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
How?

Neri:
Not words.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
What? Sounds? Pictures? Or do you just feel what he says? How's it different?

Neri:
Just is.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Oh, I'm sorry. Sometimes I... I just ask too many questions.

Neri:
Me too.

Kal:
Opal Planet, known to its people as Earth. Cognitive inhabitants known as Humans number approximately 6,994,000,000.

Lena Hellegren:
An extraterrestrial mermaid?

Jason Bates:
You can't put labels on Neri. She's like... a guardian. Her people know how important the oceans are to the balance of this world. Even if we don't.

Lena Hellegren:
And where does this Synchronium come in?

Jason Bates:
Well, there are nine pieces that make it up. Each bit was sent here separately. Neri's father was one of the few to be trusted with the secret. The Synchronium's supposed to fix what's going wrong with the oceans.

Lena Hellegren:
But how does it work?

Jason Bates:
Well, we don't know. Neither does Neri yet. But it's incredibly powerful and we know what happens when something like that gets into the wrong hands.

Lena Hellegren:
Like my father's.

Lena Hellegren:
You look troubled, Father.

Dr. Hellegren:
Disloyalty is always troubling. But it is not your problem. A rotten apple.

Lena Hellegren:
Rotten apple?

Dr. Hellegren:
UBRI has a spy, it seems. Delivering our secrets to the enemy.

Lena Hellegren:
I didn't realize you had any enemies, Father.

Dr. Hellegren:
You are very naive, my dear.

Mera:
You have no time. The ocean's are in danger.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
I know she can swim to extraordinary depths at extraordinary speeds without any breathing apparatus. Correct? And as she managed to lift me to the surface, I can only presume she's unusually strong. And... she can communicate with the whale. Is there anything else? Right. First thing tomorrow, I want you to bring her here. Or we can go out and track her down. We'll have no trouble locating her now that the tag is working again.

Brett Bates:
Neri's special!

Jason Bates:
You have to promise you won't tell anyone about her.

Brett Bates:
And you won't hurt her.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Of course I'm not going to hurt her. I still don't know if I believe it yet. I mean, if she can talk to this whale... She's dynamite. She could cut short our research by years. She's potentially the most amazing thing that science has seen this century.

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
Go on. Access the signals from the whale's tag.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Patience, Froggy. A frog only travels...

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
I know. One hop at a time.

Mera:
How do I know I can trust you?

Jason Bates:
If we can prove that, will you come with us to see Neri?

Mera:
Yes. I would.

Jason Bates:
Haven't you noticed? Neri's kind of changing. She hasn't even mentioned Charley in the last couple of days. It's like she's... turning off or something.

Brett Bates:
You know, I'm beginning to wish things were back to the way they were, before any adults interfered.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Winston, it's impossible.

Dr. Winston Seth:
As a scientist, I try to avoid that word.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Look, I know you don't know me very well and, well, this must all seem very confusing, but I think I know what you're going through. You feel like a stranger, don't you? You see, Brett, Jason and I, when we first came to ORCA, that's how we felt.

Mera:
At least you still got to sleep in proper beds. And eat proper food.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
You're right. I mean, it did take a while to get used to it, but, I mean, one day, the island will feel like home to you.

Mera:
The island's Neri's home. It's not mine.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
You know what? You might be more like your sister than you think. I'm sure with a little time it'll get better.

Mera:
I used to think that about life on the mainland. It never did.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Oh, well, that's because you were someone called Jane Seaforth, someone who didn't even exist.

Mera:
Right now, I don't know who I am. Where I belong.

Zoe:
There must be some way we can find Neri's sister.

Brett Bates:
Maybe we could put an ad in the paper under "missing persons".

Vanessa:
Yeah. "Wanted: girl who fell to earth in space-pod." Great.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Perhaps, one day, evolution will catch up, and provide and extra hand for more complex tasks.

Joanne Rhodes:
More arms, more legs. Where would it stop?

Dr. Winston Seth:
Suction pads for our fingers?

Joanne Rhodes:
Like an octopus with a fashion problem.

Dr. Winston Seth:
You have a twisted sense of humor.

Joanne Rhodes:
Thanks.

Dr. Hellegren:
There is no doubt about it. She is the thing communicating with the whale.

Parker Forsyth:
But the distances involved.

Dr. Hellegren:
I know it cannot be verbal. Perhaps some kind of mental telepathy, hmm?

Parker Forsyth:
That's... That would be extraordinary, Doctor.

Dr. Hellegren:
Everything about this girl is extraordinary, Mr. Forsyth. That is why, wherever she is, I want her!

Brett Bates:
Mum's gonna hate. No, first, she's gonna kill me, then she's gonna hate me.

Kimberly McGinnis:
Sometimes, score reports aren't as bad as you expect.

Brett Bates:
Yeah, well, mine are always worse.

Lee Lucas:
Jason and I are just friends.

Jodie:
Then why is he always looking at you? And going out of his way to be nice?

Lee Lucas:
He is?

Damien Geoffries:
Hey, Lee. Didn't Neri just arrive?

Lee Lucas:
So?

Damien Geoffries:
Well, it's funny, don't you think? I mean, why come all the way out here on a boat, then turn around and have to go back again?

Lee Lucas:
Maybe she just wants to be with you, Dags.

Neri:
Who lives here?

Jason Bates:
It's a church.

Neri:
Church?

Jason Bates:
Kind of, like, God's house.

Neri:
Big house. God has many friends.

Dr. Winston Seth:
The mongoose is really out of the sack now.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Now it'll be a little bit cramped but don't worry, we'll manage.

Neri, Mera:
Thank you, Mother.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Winston, how's the hydrograph?

Dr. Winston Seth:
As the old Eskimo saying goes, "Fine."

Jason Bates:
"Fine" is an old Eskimo saying?

Dr. Winston Seth:
They were people of very few words. You try talking with a mouth full of snow.

Mera:
What's wrong? Sister should talk. So you keep saying.

Neri:
I help find something under the sea. Something they call "titanium." Mother says if it is learned of, many greedy men will come here and search.

Mera:
Well, then, it must be kept secret.

Neri:
The one they call Captain already knows. And if he tells others, they will tear the heart out of the ocean. I don't understand. There is everything anyone could want here. Isn't it enough for them?

Mera:
You said Father warned. For some men, there is never enough.

Dr. Winston Seth:
[looking at whale] Pity we can't talk to him. We could use his help right now.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Look, I'm sorry, we have to call the search off.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
But this is a ten-year-old boy we're talking about. You can't just abandon him.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Doctor, it's dark outside. On top of that, there's a tropical storm about to hit this area like an express train.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
That's all the more reason to keep searching.

Commander Jack Lucas:
I will not risk other lives in these conditions.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Fine. Then I'll take a boat and go and look for him myself.

Commander Jack Lucas:
You do that and I'll throw you in the brig for your own protection. Look, I promise when it's safe, we'll widen the search. But, for all we know, the boy may have been found or been picked up somewhere.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
I wonder, I wonder what you would do if that were your own child out there.

Commander Jack Lucas:
I would do exactly the same thing, Doctor, because I have no choice.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Yep. I believe you would.

Neri:
You eat bad berries. Drink, or you go away forever.

Brett Bates:
You don't mean... die?

[Neri nods; Brett drinks from cup]

Neri:
Now you sleep. I must go be wet.

Brett Bates:
Huh?

Neri:
If I am away from water long, I feel bad. Sick. I be back soon.

Brett Bates:
Who are you? What's your name?

Neri:
Neri.

Brett Bates:
Uh, Dad, this is Neri.

Paul Bates:
Pleased to meet you, Neri.

Neri:
You are the father?

Paul Bates:
[chuckles lightly] Ever been in a helicopter before?

Neri:
Don't fly. Swim.

Neri:
Come.

Mera:
Must I? I can't get used to the clean, clear sunlight. No Red Virus and no death in the oceans.

Neri:
But here is not safe.

Mera:
I thought you said the whole island was safe.

Neri:
Jason says we must be careful now. Stay where it is hard to find.

Mera:
[smiles] Well, if Jason says so, it must be right. Hmm?

Neri:
Jason cares for us.

Mera:
[laughs] Almost as much as you care for him.

Neri:
You make big talk about nothing.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
You seen Brett?

Benny Malcovitch:
He's gone to the island.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
Again?

Benny Malcovitch:
He was worried about Mera.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
So, maybe he should move out there permanently.

Benny Malcovitch:
Anybody else, I would've said they were jealous.

Agent Elly Hauser:
So, the Red Virus is already ravaging your Ocean Planet? And your people are convinced that the only way to escape is by migrating to Earth?

Ilona:
But Malakat says the human race will fight us off. That if we wish to live here, we will have to make war with the Earth people, and turn them into slaves.

Ilona's Mother:
If only more of us knew humans are not the warlike monsters Malakat says. If only they believed we could come to you in peace in their haearts. Our people don't want war any more than you do.

Agent Elly Hauser:
I understand.

Ilona:
But I'm afraid the damage is done.

Damien Geoffries:
What do you think it'll be like?

Lee Lucas:
What?

Damien Geoffries:
You know, dying.

Lee Lucas:
Different, I guess. What do you think?

Damien Geoffries:
Who cares what I think? I'm the underwater idiot, remember?

Lee Lucas:
I care. And I don't think you're like that at all. You're just...

Damien Geoffries:
Different.

Lee Lucas:
At least you've lived. I'd give anything to be different. I'm always trying to fit in with Dad's idea of what I should be.

Jason Bates:
Who else could've told her?

Brett Bates:
Yeah, but how do they do it? Do they rap away in her language or in his?

Jason Bates:
Look, I don't know. But until we get some straight answers, we'll just have to live with the fact that she and this whale can actually talk somehow.

Brett Bates:
Wouldn't Mum be cheesed off if she knew? I mean, she's sitting in there with a trillion dollars worth of equipment trying to do the same thing.

Jason Bates:
Yeah, that's why we gotta keep our mouths shut. If they knew, they'd be all over Neri like a rash.

Neri:
Safe? Mother and friends, are they... cool?

Brett Bates:
Hey, she's starting to speak like a real person these days.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Why didn't you speak up louder, boy?

Jason Bates:
Why didn't you listen?

Commander Jack Lucas:
Perhaps you'd like to explain how you obtained this information ahead of the ORCA sensors?

Jason Bates:
It was... the sea life while I was diving this morning. They were all acting weird.

Commander Jack Lucas:
You're telling me a fish told you?

Jason Bates:
Yes!

Jason Bates:
What are you doing here?

Neri:
Talk.

Jason Bates:
Not while Vanessa's there. You gotta get outta here.

Neri:
Water bad. Go now.

Jason Bates:
Why?

Neri:
Big shake. Wave will come. Go now.

Jason Bates:
What do you mean "shake"? Earthquake?

Neri:
Earthquake, earthshake. Go now!

Dr. Winston Seth:
Jason, there's an old Japanese saying. "The carp smiles at the surface, for he has seen the wonders below."

Jason Bates:
What does that mean?

Dr. Winston Seth:
How would I know? I'm from India. [laughs]

Dr. Winston Seth:
You don't appear to be looking forward to your stay in ORCA, Jason.

Jason Bates:
Look, I wasn't given any say in this. I was just dragged away from my mates, my aeroboard, my laserblades, everything, to be buried alive in this dump. And for what? I mean, how much more is there for you guys to learn?

Dr. Winston Seth:
Oh, we haven't even scratched the surface yet, Jason. There are things under the sea that we don't even know about yet.

Brett Bates:
There's one thing that explains it all, of course. You've finally gone crazy.

Jason Bates:
I'm not crazy, you little creep.

Brett Bates:
That's what crazy people always say though, isn't it?

Jason Bates:
Listen. I did see a girl. I don't know how and I don't know why, but she must be out there somewhere. And I'm going to prove it. Even if I have to stay here for the rest of my life, I'm not leaving until I find her.

Brett Bates:
When in doubt, follow Neri.

Agent Jake Shelby:
Today! Not yesterday, not tomorrow! Not when the full moon kisses the Sphinx's ear but right now!

Jason Bates:
You were right. If I hadn't have stopped him, Brett would've walked right into it.

Lena Hellegren:
Well, since I told you about my father, maybe you should tell me more about this... ocean girl?

Dr. Dianne Bates:
I don't like this. We're sandwiched between PRAXIS agents, who obviously answer to no one, and these ocean people, of whom we know nothing.

Brett Bates:
Except they all wanna find Neri as badly as we do.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Then, let's see if we can patch H.E.L.E.N. into PRAXIS. Perhaps there's been some communication between the two.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Indeed, Dianne. If we're gonna be the ham in the sandwich, we might as well add a little mustard.

Jason Bates:
Jakamarra, we've turned up twice in the cave without warning and you've never asked who we are or how we got there. Why?

Jakamarra:
When certain people appear in the landscape, you can't help but read the signs.

Jason Bates:
What signs?

Jakamarra:
Signs that say that they're a part of the landscape. That they belong.

Richter:
So, what you're saying is ORCA, a marine research colony, is a cover for an alien-run operation?

Agent Jake Shelby:
The commander there, Dianne Bates, she's covering up something. We know that.

Agent Elly Hauser:
In light of this new information, sir, it is imperative that we return to the area immediately. We know from the DNA tests this girl is an alien, sir. We've never been this close before. We cannot let her slip through our fingers.

Richter:
On the contrary. You seem to be very good at that.

Mera:
Maybe the PRAXIS people are right.

Jason Bates:
What do you mean?

Mera:
Well, maybe the only way to stop Malakat is by destroying the pyramid.

Neri:
Destroying is never the way, sister.

Jason Bates:
Yeah, you're right.

Neri:
Never a thing that is beautiful.

Jason Bates:
And powerful. Just think, if we could harness that power to fix what's wrong with the world...

[Mera quietly laughs]

Jason Bates:
What, something funny?

Mera:
Just how you always agree with Neri.

Jason Bates:
I only agree with her when she's right.

Mera:
In that case, she must always be right.

Jason Bates:
Yeah, well, she... she is, um... al-almost always right.

Neri:
Oh? When am I wrong, Jason?

Jason Bates:
Oh, well... [laughs nervously] You know, we... we all make mistakes, sometimes.

Mera:
They're making me go. Today. Someplace called... UBRI.

Zoe Kondelos:
UBRI?

Mera:
You know it.

Brett Bates:
You bet we do.

Jason Bates:
It's a bad place, Mera. They use science for the wrong reasons. They tried to trap Cha... a whale. They wanted to take him prisoner.

Mera:
Prisoner?

Brett Bates:
That's probably what you'd be, too.

Jason Bates:
Leave with us now, Mera. Before it's too late.

[after Dr. Hellegren tells Mera she'll be moved to UBRI; Mera says nothing and shows no emotion]

Liselle:
You are so rude. You should be honored.

Mera:
I would rather stay.

Liselle:
Nobody says no to Dr. Hellegren. So, you might as well make the most of this because you're going. Whether you like it or not.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
I'd really like you to stay here, Neri, but I don't think you'd be any safer. I'm afraid you couldn't count on my authority.

Neri:
But you are commander now.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
I command ORCA. PRAXIS has power beyond that.

Neri:
I will always trust you. That's enough.

Madame President:
But in any case, if their intentions were peaceful, don't you think they would try to establish contact? No. We must assume a hostile purpose.

Brett Bates:
Neri doesn't... didn't have a hostile bone in her body.

Madame President:
Neri?

Brett Bates:
Neri, who PRAXIS captured and... who died because of the way they treated her.

Madame President:
Oh, yes. The alien girl. I see from these reports you'd befriended her. Weren't you taking a tremendous risk?

Brett Bates:
Risk? No way. Neri was the gentlest person I ever met. All she wanted to do was see everybody live in harmony. The only thing that made her angry was when other people got destructive.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
It's so wonderful to see you again.

Mera:
And you, Mother.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Ha ha. The lark sings sweetest when all her chicks are home.

Mera:
It's good to be back.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
We could certainly do with your help.

Mera:
I wish that you did not. Your people have caused this. The sea is dying, and other worlds will die with it.

Neri:
Sister!

Mera:
I do not blame you, Mother. But there is so much to lose.

Neri:
Mera and I, we have a plan.

Mera:
To get the key while your father sleeps.

Lena Hellegren:
Go to the house? No.

Mera:
It will only be a small party. Just us.

Lena Hellegren:
It's too dangerous. I couldn't.

Mera:
I know it's hard, but you can't put loyalty to him ahead of the destruction he's causing.

Mera:
You have done well, Sister.

Neri:
But we must do more if we are to save this world and our own.

Brett Bates:
Her name's Camilla and she's a real spunk. For her age.

Lena Hellegren:
Well, that's nice for Winston. I wish my luck would change.

Brett Bates:
You want a boyfriend?

Lena Hellegren:
I meant with H.E.L.E.N.

Jason Bates:
What? Not going too good?

Lena Hellegren:
Yesterday, I really thought I was onto something. Today, I spend four hours cross-checking and what does it turn out to be? A weather balloon.

Camilla Sabato:
Well, I mean, you've got the whole ocean to play in. You must have seen some amazing things.

Brett Bates:
Yeah, well, schoolwork and training courses. I mean, we don't exactly spend the whole day splashing around with mermaids.

Camilla Sabato:
And, um, have you ever seen a mermaid, Brett.

Brett Bates:
Yeah. Just between you and me, I'm a big fan of the tooth fairy as well.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
They went into the pyramid alone?

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
It was them or Neri.

Dr. Winston Seth:
Neri feels there's still time to negotiate a settlement.

Cassandra 'Cass' Clayborn:
Neri wanted to go but Jason wouldn't let her.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Do they realize the danger they're in?

Dr. Winston Seth:
So far as Neri's wishes are concerned, telling the boys not to fulfill them would be like telling the wind not to blow.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Do you realize what you've done?

Lee Lucas:
Yes, Dad. And I'd do it again if I had to. I'm sorry. I know what duty means to you. But sometimes there are more important things. Like Neri. This is her territory. She belongs here and so does Charley. No one's got the right to take either of them away and put them in a cage. They have to be set free. Don't you see that? They're part of the ocean. And, Dad, isn't protecting the ocean why ORCA's here in the first place?

Jason Bates:
Well, some of you already know that we brought you here because of Neri. She needs our help. But first, I'm gonna tell you a little bit about her. Starting from how we really met. I warn you, you're gonna find this a bit unbelievable, but we swear, every word of this is true.

Neri:
Your friends will take away the things in the sea?

Jason Bates:
Not all of us like messing up the ocean.

Neri:
I would like to meet your friends.

Jason Bates:
One day.

Neri:
ORCA must be a beautiful place. So many things to see.

Jason Bates:
Millions.

Brett Bates:
It's breaking the rules to dive alone.

Lee Lucas:
Sometimes you have to break the rules.

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
I'm gonna be grounded forever. On a sugar-free diet.

Lee Lucas:
He wouldn't just make it up, Dad. I know him.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Lee, I don't want to discuss this any further.

Lee Lucas:
You always say that. About everything.

Commander Jack Lucas:
He was given a responsible job, he left his post. Correct?

Lee Lucas:
He must've had a reason.

Commander Jack Lucas:
Well, Jason's liberties have been restricted severely.

Lee Lucas:
But what if he's right?

Commander Jack Lucas:
Lee, this is the most advanced marine research station in the Southern Hemisphere. Now, I think we'd know if we had a toxic spill on our own doorstep.

Brett Bates:
Does this mean we can't even tell Mum?

Jason Bates:
Especially not Mum. If she knew about the girl and the whale... Well, you know how she is about her job. And in no time flat, everyone in ORCA would know. Besides, I don't want to share her. So, as long as we keep Neri our little secret, little bro, we got some great times ahead.

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
Scientific progress was never meant to be easy.

Dr. Dianne Bates:
And now that you're back, you can help us if you like.

Neri:
Yes, Mother. I may still call you Mother?

Dr. Dianne Bates:
Of course. [hugs Neri] Always.

H.E.L.E.N.:
Material submitted consists of two distinct writing systems. The first, a simple pictogram similar to early heiroglyphics. The second is a form of script unrecorded in my memory banks.

Jake 'Froggy' Reilly:
Can you read it?

H.E.L.E.N.:
Negative. I am programmed for all known dialects spoken on Earth. This does not equate with any of them.

Vanessa Lane:
That's impossible. It has to.

Jason Bates:
Not if the person who wrote it didn't come from Earth.

Neri:
Synchronium will make Earth well. Make oceans of Earth well. Must do. Oceans may soon be in much danger. People of the Earth are not wise. They make the sea poisoned. Oceans can then die. Because nothing will grow. Reef will go, plants will go, all fish will die. If oceans die, whole planet Earth can change course. Whole universe will fall into chaos. Destroy even our own planet, Planet of the Oceans. So, oceans of Earth must not die. Must be saved.

When the moon vanishes, the forest is full of silence. Dr. Seth, when finding out Neri died.