SeaQuest, rebuilt and stat-of-the-art refitted, solves those problems, having everything and everybody located in one place. She's a resourceful, speeding torpedo that can travel faster than anything else in the water, no matter what the conditions.

If one were to think of them as the seagoing firefighters of the scientific world, then New Cape Quest is the firehouse; the crew trying to cram relaxing moments into a schedule full of five-alarm fires. Continuing the metaphor, when the alarm does sound, they're professional enough to drop what they're doing and slide down the pole into seaQuest.

A floating laboratory of incredible resource, seaQuest and her complement of experts are invariably the first on-scene. And they remain there, stabilizing the situation, until long-term arrangements can be made to continue valuable research for the benefit of all mankind.

And in a first for UEO naval officers, several key members of our crew (Ortiz, O'Neill, etc.) have been given comprehensive training in scientific areas that directly complement their military functions -- in effect, turning them into valuable "mission specialists" able to serve both worlds.

Being honest, Bridger often finds himself in the same position that a current-day aircraft carrier captain is in. When sent to the coast of a warlike nation, he relies on the implied threat of the UEO to back up any aggression, not necessarily the seaQuest herself.

If battle were knowingly in the cards, the UEO would send in a fleet of pure, hardened military warships. The reality of the situation is simple: If someone was willing to pay the price -- physically and politically -- seaQuest could be sunk. Knowing this, Bridger's purpose in "steaming up the Yangtzee" is to reach an arrangement that precludes the war machine's involvement.

For instances involving a show of force, Bridger is fully willing to allow Commander Ford to take the lead. This trust in his First Officer is well rewarded, with Ford continually proving himself able to handle all facets of the helm, including diplomacy.

This latter aspect of Ford's command responsibilities often brings him into frictional confrontation with Navy SEAL Lieutenant James Brody, a man who itches for the challenges of combat. How ironic that Ford should find himself held in the same regard as he used to view Krieg.

The UEO has finally acknowledged these sorts of wondrous marvels do exist, and instead of continually being caught off-guard and unprepared, they've decided to confront them head-on, with foresight.

In essence: To seek out, explore, analyze, and interact with the inexplicable and the mysterious.

While men like Lieutenant Brody and General Thomas may regard the magic that is the unknown as a dangerous enemy, there are many others -- prominently including Bridger -- who see these revelations as opportunities.

Curiousity and humanism dominate as our "science-faction" encounters provide new and startling chances to interact with unique forms of life and intelligence, pushing back the boundaries by which those qualities are defined.

As the tour begins, only Bridger and a handful of others aboard seaQuest are aware of this mandate. Lucas has been included in the secret briefing, as Darwin will figure prominently into the proceedings. Also, new crewmembers Dr. Wendy Smith (Psychology being her on-the-record skill) and Seaman Tony Piccolo (himself testament to the fact that weird, amazing things do exist) were not chosen arbitrarily to join Bridger. This facet of their mission promises to be exciting, adventurous, and continually surprising to both crew and audience alike. "The reality of what actually lurks under the sea can be far more incredible than fantasy."