Children of The Comet (Ares episode)

Children of the Comet is the 2nd episode of Star Trek: Ares Season 1.
==Synopsis==
While on a survey mission, the USS Ares discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. They try to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet's icy surface is somehow stopping them. As the away team try to unlock the relic's secrets, Captain Branson and Commander Kal deal with a group of zealots who want to prevent the USS Ares from interfering. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE III SURFACE, DAY
The people of a desert village are going about their normal routine. Some have their eyes drawn upwards, where a comet crosses the sky. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The U.S.S. Ares is at impulse speed next to a comet.
LT. SITO [voice over]: Lieutenant Sito's Log Stardate 54678.1, The Enterprise is surveying the Persephone System where the crew is studying the behavior of an ancient comet, C/2260 Quentin. I, however, am doing rotation in landing partty readiness protocols, which doesn't really involve comets, ancient or otherwise, so duties are pretty slow at the moment. Except, of course, for a recent invitation to dinner at the captain's cabin, for which I have been encouraged by Lieutenant Kaye to dust off my dress uniform
INT-U.S.S. ARES DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Turbo-lift doors opened as Sito walks to the Captain's quarters checking her sleeves when she sees Jamie in regular clothes.
SITO: You said it was formal? 
JAMIE: Actually, what I said was you might want to wear your dress uniform. 
SITO: Are you kidding? This is your idea of a practical joke? 
JAMIE: Kinda. 
SITO: I'm going to go change. 
She turns to go back to the lift when Kara stops her. 
JAMIE: You uh don't want to be late to the Captain's table especially since its your former lover. 
She turns back towards her. 
SITO: What is that suppose to mean? 
JAMIE: Come on Lieutenant you and I both know the reason that you got this assignment is because of your former lover.
They walk to the Captain's quarters and the doors opened and John is wearing regular clothes as well. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
They enter as the doors closed and John walks over to Julia. 
JOHN (smiles): Come in and well its a bit over dressed Julia but we can fix that. 
SITO: John its just being in the Captain's quarters means business sometimes. 
JOHN: True but here on the Ares we can let our hair down so to speak and just be people. 
John walks over to Nurse Chapel who's cutting up some vegetables. 
SITO: Welcome aboard Lieutenant T'Mir we didn't get a chance to meet when you came aboard. 
T'MIR: It is nice to meet you I have read your file Lieutenant and I am interested in seeing what you can do. 
At the Captain's table everyone is eating. 
JOHN: So I was taking a stroll at Earth Outpost Five along the Romulan Neutral Zone with my wife, and the next thing I know someone jacked my communicator so I ran after him and then I tripped over a Naussican who had his pants down if it wasn't for Jessica being there I don't think I'd be here right now. 
T'MIR: The Naussicans have always tried to invade the Romulan border we repelled them twice.
JOHN: Well, I hope they don't try to invade Federation Space.
JANE: What about you Sito.
Sito looks at everyone.
SITO [sighs]: Well, I'm sure you all know of the Nova Squadron incident in 2368 I spent those days trying to regain the trust of my peers but no one wanted to take the flight test with me it had to be the flight instructor and then I was posted to the Enterprise under Picard the rest is history.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Sito and T'Mir are walking through the corridor.
T'MIR: I know there's more then you were explaining to the group Sito.
Sito looks over a her.
SITO: I was chosen for a mission to the Cardassian border to return a Cardassian soldier that was working for Starfleet Intelligence, but the mission was a failure I was captured and I don't know what happened to Joret Dal.
T'Mir looks at her as they continued to walk.
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Both John and Jane are cleaning up after the dinner.
JANE: It was great to see Sito again after the last time I served with her on the Norway. 
JOHN: Yeah it was before this I've not seen her since she was declared dead.
JANE: John, are you alright?
JOHN: Yeah me and Commodore Shelby made peace somewhat we both agreed that our issue shouldn't interfere with our jobs, especially when she'll call to give us our assignments.
JANE [smiles]: That's great John.
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [com voice]: Captain Branson to the bridge. There is a problem with the comet
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows a simulation of the planet being destroyed by the asteroid.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The computer simulation suggests that, when the comet strikes the planet in two days, there will be no survivors. Persephone III is an M-Class world. Previous surveys suggests it is home to an intelligent, pre-warp species that call themselves the Deleb. Given their current state of technological advancement, it is highly unlikely that they are aware of the danger they are in. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Options? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Deleb cannot move the comet themselves so why if we move it for them? 
Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ion engines T'Mir? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Precise, four, programmed to fire in sequence to account for the comet's rotation. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Got it, Jane thoughts could it work? 
LTCMDR. KAL: Its possible. 
LT. MASON: We could use photon torpedoes as launch vehicles. Take about an hour for the retrofit. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: A rosy assessment, considering I'll be the one doing the retrofitting. 
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's get it done, people. We've got a planet to save before breakfast. 
The crew gets to work as Captain Branson leans over to Una. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sotto): I love this job. 
LTJG. MASON: Torpedo modifications are ready sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire. 
He presses the firing button. 
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
The Ares launches the four torpedoes but they struck a strange field around the comet.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE
The crew is surprised by what just happened as Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: Does anyone want to tell me why a comet has a force field? 
Everyone is just as confused as Captain Branson is. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
Theme Song:
=====
STAR TREK: ARCHER
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
=====
The U.S.S. Archer flying by a asteroid.
BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
Archer flies through a dust cloud.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. JANE KAL
Archer flies by an interplanetary system
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
Ares flies through a planetary debris field
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. KARA CARLSON
Ares flies by a comet
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'MIR
Ares flies by Earth as she cranks up her nacelles and leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSEPHONE SYSTEM
U.S.S. Ares is next to the comet.
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
INT-U.S.S. ARES BRIEFING ROOM
The senior staff is gathered around the table as Commander Kal conducts the briefing.
LTCMDR. KAL: We've tried every hail, every scan you can think of. If there's life on the comet, we can't find it. But we did find a structure. It's enormous and mostly subterranean. A structure suggests alien intelligence.
Captain Branson sits at the head of the table in the chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I've asked Lieutenant Sean Hansen to join us we're familiar with your background in Xenoanthropology.
LT. HANSEN: Thank you Captain alright then so, let's start with the obvious. It looks like a comet, has shields like a starship, and a building on its surface like a planet, but no life signs. Maybe it's not a comet at all, but some kind of derelict spacecraft?
LTCMDR. JAMES: So how do we stop a comet that has a deflector?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Unknown.
LT. KAYE: We can't tow it the tractor beam can't get a solid lock on the comet and we can't punch through it with our phasers. 
LT. MASON: I could throw a couple of photons at the comet till its deflectors go down. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Or we can beam a landing party over to get a look at the technology maybe find away to disable it there, and then we could launch tow vehicles to pull the comet away from the planet. 
LT. MASON: Tactical sensors show no sign of anything that could be a threat to the landing party but I wouldn't trust the tactical sensors with this much interference from the force field. 
Captain Branson looks at him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright then Mister Mason you'll lead the landing party take Mister Hansen with you he can help with understanding Xenoanthropology.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir Sito you're with me.
LT. SITO: Got it.
CAPT. BRANSON: Have Doctor Langford give you something to defend against the radiation.
LT. MASON [nods]: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES EVA ROOM
The Away Team is getting prep.
DR. LANGFORD: The surface of the comet is bombarded by ridiculously high levels of cosmic rays. This will buy you two hours. Any more and your insides will turn to liquid. 
He injected them with the hypospray.
LT. HANSEN: Ow, you could of warned me?
DR. LANGFORD [smiles]: Then you'd know it was coming. 
After he injects each member of the landing party they get their helmets on and head to the transporter room. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES TRANSPORTER ROOM II
They walk onto the pad.
LT. MASON: Set phasers to stun be ready to increase power if we have to.
The team sets their phasers to stun.
LT. MASON: Energize.
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the console and activates the transporter.
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The landing party materializes on the surface of the comet. 
LTJG. MASON: Alright let's move out. 
They head towards the structure as Sito is amazed at the sight of it and being on the surface of a comet. 
LT. HANSEN: You alright? 
LT. SITO: I am standing on the surface of a comet. 
They follow the others.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
The landing party enters the structure and look around the place.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [re: tricorder]: Tricorder readings no bio-signs.
LT. SITO: That's a good thing isn't it?
They look at Sito.
LT. MASON: I am going to check the area to be sure.
He gets his phaser out of the holster and powers it up and looks around the area to make sure its secured, as the others examine the strange looking egg in the middle of the room as Hansen and Sito approach the egg in the middle, seeing the markings he turns to her.
LT. HANSEN: These markings. What do you think, decorative or linguistic?
Sito turns to him.
LT. SITO: You're asking me?
LT. HANSEN: Don't study linguistic if you don't want people to ask you questions about it.
LT. SITO: Fine.
Sito gets out her tricorder and starts scanning.
LT. SITO: These markings, they repeat in a sequence.
LT. HANSEN: Sequence, huh? Maybe a code?
LT. SITO : Its possible. Just Everything seems to point to this egg. It's important, just I don't know how.
LT. HANSEN: Do you think these markings indicate some kind of control?
LT. SITO: If they do, then perhaps this is how we can affect the comet's shields.
Then Lieutenant Mason walks back to them.
LT. MASON: Perimeter's clear. No one here but us.
Then Lieutenant Hansen steps up to the egg.
LT. SITO: Uh, Lieutenant I don't think that's a good idea.
Then the room lights up.
LT. HANSEN [chuckles]: Yahtzee. 
He turns to T'Mir who is looking over her tricorder readings. 
LT. HANSEN: Its an old Earth game. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I am familiar with the game Lieutenant my husband Peter introduced it to me. 
Then she looks at her tricorder. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Mister Hansen back away from the egg NOW! 
Sean puts his hand on the egg and is knocked back as the landing party goes to him. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Get his helmet off.
Jack gets his helmet off.
LT. MASON: His heart has stopped. We need to get him to the ship.
Lieutenant Mason presses his combadge.
LT. MASON [to com]: Landing party to Ares come in, Ares do you read me.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE
LT. MASON (com voice): Ares. We ne ergency beam out
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Jack your transmission is spotty.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
LT. MASON [to com]: Lieutenant Hansen has been injured. Beam us out.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to transporter room 2 beam the landing party back now.
INT-U.S.S. ARES TRANSPORTER ROOM II
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console.
CHIEF MACKENIZE [to com]: Trying to sir but I can't seem to get a solid lock on them I'm compensating with emergency power now.
A Medical team enters as Doctor Langford has a medical kit.
DR. LANGFORD: Alright Chief energize.
Chief Mackenzie activates the transporter and the landing party appears for about a few seconds then vanishes.
CHIEF MACKENIZE [annoyed, to com]: Damn it, Mackenzie to bridge I've lost their signal the force field is causing too much interference I can't get a solid lock on them even if I compensate with emergency power it won't be enough.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are shocked.
CAPT. BRANSON: Not good.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Hansen is laying on the ground lifeless as T'Mir uses the defibrillator function on her tricorder to try and restart Hansen's heart.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Clear.
Lieutenant Hansen jolts.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Clear.
He jolts again as his vitals are restored.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: He is stabilizing.
Lieutenant Mason checks the com frequencies.
LT. MASON: All frequencies are down. We're cut off from the ship. We're on our own.
They look at each other as Sito is worried.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Hansen is laying on the ground.
LT. MASON: He sustained massive trauma from electrical shock.
LT. SITO: Maybe till we know what we're doing maybe we shouldn't touch anything that has the ability to do this to us.
T'Mir reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: He will not survive without prompt medical attention.
LT. MASON: He's stabilized I've got to keep him sedated.
Lieutenant Mason sedates Hansen.
LT. MASON [re: tricorder]: Seems that force field is back. It appears the comet wishes to keep us here.
LT. SITO [confused]: What kind of comet knows someone's walking on it?
T'Mir to her.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: A salient question, Lieutenant. One that I am afraid you may have to answer in order for us to escape.
LT. SITO: This is my first time being on a comet much less a comet that can do this and has a force field.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: That may be, but the key to our escape may well be in these markings all around us, and you are the only linguistics expert here.
Sito paces about.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Yellow alerts are flashing.
LT. KAYE: I can't find a hole for us to land the ship to get he landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep trying to find away to get us through that field, what we can do.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
She continues to find away to get the ship to get through the land on the surface.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right now, I need ideas. We've got a planet full of people who will die without our help, and our crew members are trapped on that comet. We need to get through that force field. How?
Commander Kal looks over at him.
LT. KAYE: Phaser harmonics?
LTCMDR. KAL: A phaser at a higher frequency could cause resonance. The right frequency could shatter it.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): I like that plan its a good plan let's do it Jamie bring us around towards the comet.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Kaye inputs commands into the helm.
CUT TO:
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Hansen is still on the floor as Lieutenant Sito is examining the markings as T'Mir walks over to her.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: How are we doing, Lieutenant?
LT. SITO: At the moment, pretending not to be in way over my head. Too honest?
T'Mir puts her hands behind her back.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I am Romulan we are "too honest" by nature.
LT. SITO: And also pain in the human race's ass your people almost tookover the Alpha Quadrant.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Coalition was getting to close to our borders.
LT. MASON: So that justified attacking a Starbase that was brand new killing innocent people I know that you weren't alive but you are Romulan.
LT. SITO: Alright.
She continues to work.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Ares is in position.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LT. KAYE: We're in position sir.
Captain Branson is standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: On your command, Commander.
But before she can give the order [EXPLOSION].
ENS. CARLSON: Incoming weapons fire.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
A image of the Ares and the deflectors as well as the percentage shows up as Commander Kal reports.
LTCMDR. KAL: Minimal damage to port nacelle. Deflectors holding at 70%.
John leans forward.
CAPT. BRANSON: Who hit us?
LT. KAYE: Uh, they did sir.
Captain Branson looks up and gets up from the Captain's chair.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The camera pans back to show the small Ares facing a very large vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the vessel.
Captain Branson remains standing and walks over to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hail them. On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the bridge of the unknown vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson of the Federation starship Ares. Who are you and why are you attacking our vessel?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: We are the Shepherds
Branson turns to Ensign Christina.
CAPT. BRANSON: Really?
ENS. CHRISTINA: Its how the translator translated it sir.
He turns back to the viewer.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: We escort M'hanit
CAPT. BRANSON: The comet?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: The M'hanit is far more than a comet. M'hanit is one of the ancient arbiters of life
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: Okay?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: If you tamper with it again, we will not hesitate to destroy you
John tenses up a bit after that threat from the Shepherd Captain.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the unknown vessel as well as its Captain as John turns to Commander Kal.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jane, scan that ship I need to know their tactical status.
LTCMDR. KAL: You've got it.
Commander Kal runs the scans.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain our intentions were not hostile. M'hanit is on a collision course with an inhabited planet. We were simply trying to divert its trajectory.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Absurd. Would you adjust the height of the waves or the position of the stars? M'hanit's course is preordained
CAPT. BRANSON: There are millions of people on that planet. The impact will kill them all and likely blow your comet Uh Blow your M'hanit into just as many pieces.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Are you a reasonable man Captain Branson?
Captain Branson puts his hand behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: I-I seem to think so.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Then please entertain the proposition that M'hanit is not, as you continue to call him, a comet. It is an instrument, an ancient arbiter, one of the few remaining in the galaxy. If it is his will to move, he will move. If it is his will to bring life, he will bring life. If M'hanit wills the planet to die, even chooses to die with it, then that is what will happen. As I said, it is preordained. Since before our distant ancestors touched the sky and the stars beyond, my people have been charged with the protection of the arbiters. None of us even remember when the charge first came to us, but we accepted the mantle with honor. For centuries, we have protected the arbiters as they follow courses set long before our suns first burned in the sky, bringing life across the galaxy. It is not our prerogative to interfere, Captain, nor is it yours''
CAPT. BRANSON: Please, excuse me pause communications. 
Ensign Christina pauses the transmission as Lieutenant Kaye turns from the helm station.
LT. KAYE: Wow sounds like the preachers back home. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Shepherd's more like zelaots what were you able to find out about their weapons.
Captain Branson walks back over to the tactical station.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jane?
LTCMDR. KAL: Their systems are incredibly advanced, their ships faster than ours, and their weapon systems.
LT. KAYE: Let's just say we don't want to piss them off.
Captain Branson turns back to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to prevent that comet from destroying the planet.
LTCMDR. JAMES: How we can't even touch it without them getting pissed off.
Captain Branson looks over at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to buy the landing party time to get that force field down and keep the Shepherds from finding out about them being on the surface. Ensign resume communications.
Transmission resumes.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sorry about that I had to chat in private with my senior staff but as I'm sure you understand me when I say this Captain, You have your sacred duty. We have ours. The Federation doesn't interfere in the development of species, but we also don't just let them die. We don't mean to disrespect M'hanit. We'd do the same for you if you were in danger.
SHEPARD CAPTAIN [viewer]: You say you don't interfere, that you mean no disrespect, but your crew has desecrated the temple on his surface
John tenses up.
LT. KAYE [sotto]: I guess he knows about the landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Believe me when I say we had no idea that it was a sacred object we thought that if we beam over there we could find out how to turn it away from the planet to prevent the people on the planet from dying.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): ABSURD! Their presence is blasphemy. M'hanit will be their tomb. Any further action to rescue them will be considered an act of war
Transmission ends as the Shepherd vessel takes up a defensive posture.
LT. KAYE: They've taken a defensive posture between us and the comet.
LTCMDR. JAMES: They've blocked us completely off from getting to the others.
CAPT. BRANSON: Find a way to get through to the landing party right now. Break the laws of physics if you have to.
The crew gets to work.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
The landing party is trapped as Lieutenant Sito is studying the egg.
LT. SITO: How is he?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: He's stable.
While Julia is working on understanding the comet humming to herself. T'Mir notices a resonance within the chamber; it was reacting to the humming. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Lieutenant. The cave seems to be reacting to your voice.
LT. SITO: What do you mean?
LT. MASON: What are you getting at T'Mir?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: When Lieutenant Sito was humming the walls lit up.
LTJG. SMITH: Music, it responds to music.
She starts humming a tune her father would sing to her every night when she was little.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Ensign Christina is at the ops console reports.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Captain I'm picking up something on the low EM signature.
Captain Branson walks over to the ops console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Where's it coming from?
ENS. CHRISTINA: The super structure on the surface the force field has dropped.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to transporter room 2 get a lock on the away team and beam them up.
INT-USS ARES TRANSPORTER ROOM
The landing party materialized as the medical team goes to Lieutenant Hansen and takes him to sickbay as the others go to the bridge. 
CHIEF MACKENIZE (to com): Got them sir
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson still standing as the rest of the landing party walk onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work red alert deflectors up.
[KLAXON BLARES]
LT. SITO: Sir, the Shepherd are hailing us.
Captain Branson walks to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
The bridge of the Shepherd vessel appears.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it now?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You continue to interfere
CAPT. BRANSON: Well technically we....
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You were warned!
CAPT. BRANSON: Look, let's talk about this. Find some common ground.
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Kaye with a worried look on his face.
LT. KAYE: I think that went well.
WHUMPH!
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel launches four torpedoes.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Captain, they've launched more torpedoes.
LT. KAYE: Yeah we really pissed them off.
CAPT. BRANSON: All hands brace for impact!
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel fires at the Ares making her deflectors flickers.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Deflectors down to 50%.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie, evasive maneuvers.
LT. KAYE: On it.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Ares flies evasively to avoid the Shepherds' weapons fire.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE: The Shepherds are in pursuit.
LT. MASON: Should I return fire?
CAPT. BRANSON: No, escape pattern Pike Omega-3.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
She inputs commands into the helm.
LT. MASON: Sir as chief tactical officer its my recommendation that we retreat.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're already on the run.
LT. MASON: We need to warp out and regroup. Facing off with them is suicide. We're outgunned here.
LTCMDR. KAL: He's right John.
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Deflectors down to 40%!
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Sir, when we were on the surface, I believe the comet was trying to communicate with us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right, the music you guys recorded any idea what it means?
LT. SITO: I haven't been able to translate it yet. It might take days.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: We have less than one hour before the comet hits Persephone III.
Sito turns to T'Mir.
LT. SITO: You do a lot of reminding people of deadlines, ma'am.
T'Mir raises an eyebrow.
CAPT. BRANSON: She has a point T'Mir.
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Captain, unless we want them to blow us out of the sky.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lock phasers and photon torpedoes target weapons and engines I don't want to hurt them.
WHUMPH!
LT. KAYE: Wish they felt the same way about us.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console. 
LT. MASON: Deflectors down to twenty-five percent phasers and photons locked on target. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie bring us about to one hundred eighty mark ten and fire! 
He presses the firing button. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Ares comes about and fires a spread of photon torpedoes and a blue phaser beam that scored a direct hit to the port side of the Shepherd vessel. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Direct hit.
LT. SITO: They're falling back.
LT. KAYE: I suggest we do the same.
CAPT. BRANSON: No not yet we've got a planet to save we brought down the force field so how to we move this comet?
LT. KAYE: Sir, let's face it, the crazy space monks will blow us out of the sky if we try anything to move that comet.
Then T'Mir gets an idea.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: What if we did not move the comet? What if it moved itself past the planet?
John turns to her.
EXT-PERSEPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel moves in on the Ares after recovering from that phaser and torpedo strike.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Turbo-lift doors close as we see the science station unoccupied.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright is everyone ready?
Everyone nods.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us in maximum impulse.
LT. SITO: They're gaining on us.
LTJG. MASON: When they close they're going to go for the kill shot.
Captain Branson walks over to the helm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie you remember when you said that you were the best pilot to graduate the Academy. 
She looks over at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Word gets around.
LT, KAYE: What's your point sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Time you show off those skills. 
LT. KAYE (smirks): Aye, sir. 
She gets to work. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM 
Ares maneuvers as the Shepherd's vessel fires at the Ares hitting her deflector making them flicker, and continues firing at the Ares scores hits on her secondary hull making the deflectors flicker but then ceases fire.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: They've ceased firing.
CAPT. BRANSON: They don't want to hit the comet. 
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Ares flies through the debris field as rocks are bouncing off the deflectors making them flicker as the Ares moves. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then console screens start flickering as Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: I think they're hailing us. Yeah, they are. Captain? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Not yet, Jamie bring us about and hold our position. 
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir Rerouting to bearing 180 mark five. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Reverse thrusters, full stop. 
LT. KAYE: Reversing thrusters and we are coming to a full stop sir and what plan is this? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Its not completed yet Court shut down all power except life-support. 
Power starts shutting down as coolant is still venting as Captain Branson and Commander Kal approach the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the Shepherd main bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We surrender your attack has cause a complete system failure. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Then we will destroy you for touching the M'hanit! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Or you can help us we'll collide with the comet and when we do the trilithium resin in the warp core and utterly destroying it. And it will also happen if you destroy our ship. 
The Shepherd Captain doesn't respond. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Please help me and my crew I give you my word we'll never touch the M'hanit again. 
Transmission ends as Jane turns to him. 
LTCMDR. KAL: If this doesn't work. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know Jane. 
Then Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: They've locked a tractor beam on us and pulling us away. 
Captain Branson turns to Commander Kal. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to T'Mir you're up. 
CUT TO:
INT-RUNABOUT TENNESSEE CANOPY
LTCMDR. T'MIR [to com]; I'm on my way.
She works the console.
EXT-COMET DUST TRAIL
The Tennessee unclips from the rock it was on and flies through the trail. 
INT-RUNABOUT TENNESSEE CANOPY 
LTCMDR. T'MIR [to com]: Approaching the nucleus of the comet. And diverting power through the shuttle's shields. Shields radiating heat at maximum intensity. The surface appears to be responding. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [POWERED DOWN]
The others are waiting on the results. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR [com voice]: Maintaining position. Preparing to engage heat shields
Ensign Sheridan reports. 
ENS. SHERIDAN: It's moving.The sublimation is nudging the comet off course. 
Captain Branson is sitting the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: And for the record we didn't touch the comet. 
Then a hint of static comes over the com. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR [com voice]: Tennessee to Ares I am returning to the ship now
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles, to com): Great work T'Mir we'll be waiting for your arrival, get me the Shepherd vessel now. 
Transparent viewer shows the shepherd vessel's main bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I gave you my word that we wouldn't touch it again and I kept my word as I always do my word is my bond. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): The glory and the mercy that is M'hanit
CAPT. BRANSON: I agree. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Perhaps in the future, the Federation would not be so quick to judge the faith of others, and now, we need not part as enemies
CAPT. BRANSON: I will make that note to my superiors and we have witnessed a huge miracle as the people on the surface have been given a chance to live and grow. 
Shepherd Captain nods and transmission ends. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cancel red alert, Jamie set course for Starbase Six warp factor three engage. 
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Ares is at warp.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Log Supplemental, We're on course for Starbase Six for some repairs and treatment of wounded. As I sit and wonder about the comet who made it and why was it abandoned and why did it pick that star system to go to, well I guess we'll never find out seeing that I gave the Shepherd Captain my word that we'll never bother the M'hanit
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
John sits at his desk drinking a cup of tea pondering about the comet as the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Lieutenant Smith enters. 
LT. SITO: John you got a minute? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sure Sito come in. 
She enters and the doors closed. 
JOHN: What's on your mind Sito?
She stands with her hands behind her back.
SITO: I was wondering if you were going to transfer me to another vessel.
John looks confused.
JOHN: I'm sorry w-what transfer you to another vessel for what reason?
SITO: Well we're family and Starfleet has strict regulations about former and current family members serving onboard a Federation vessel together, you risked the Ares to get not only your officers back aboard the Ares but me as well I can't have that on my mind if something like that happens again.
John gets up and walks over to her.
JOHN: Sito you're apart of this crew and you proved that today.
SITO (smiles): Thanks John I think I found where I belong.
They leave the ready room together.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Ares soars at high warp.
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Courtney James
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Sadie Waymire as Lieutenant Sito Jaxa
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Jamie Kaye
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Harris Payne
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Sean Hansen
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Deleb mother
*TBA as Deleb child
*TBA as Shepard Captain
==Trivia Note==
===Background Information===