The First Duty (TNG Novel)

The First Duty is the 10th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
Following an accident during a routine mission onboard the U.S.S. Luna a Luna-Class vessel that leads to the death of her boyfriend, Tina Branson must decide whether loyalty or truth is the first duty. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The U.S.S. Luna NCC-80100 a Luna-Class vessel is venting drive plasma from its port nacelle.
INT-U.S.S. LUNA MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Klaxons are blaring.
LT. LEFKIN: We're about a few minutes away from a warp core breach Captain!
Captain Kennedy is standing up.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Start the evacuation Mister Renner status?
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. LUNA MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
LT. RENNER [to com]: We're attempting to shut the warp core down now sir, Mister Cross help me with this.
ENS. CROSS [nods]: Aye, sir.
They get to work on shutting down the warp core but then he sees a crack forming as green light shines.
ENS. CROSS: LIEUTENANT!
Henry pushes him out of the way and gets vaporized by the plasma coolant as Lieutenant Renner rolls under the isolation doors, and finally shuts the core down as he breathes heavily.
LT. RENNER [to com]: Renner to bridge warp core breach has been stopped but we lost a man it was Ensign Cross he saved me sir.
INT-U.S.S. LUNA MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The bridge crew is silent as Tina who is sitting at the helm is in utter shock as Lieutenant Lefkin rubs her shoulder.
CAPT. KENNEDY [to com]: Acknowledged Mister Renner I need a full damage report and causality list.
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN [nods]: Aye, Captain.
Kennedy leaves the bridge.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of the Federation Dockyard as well as the U.S.S. Enterprise being repaired.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 53862.1, The Enterprise has been docked at the Federation Dockyard for the past few days after the Second Neutral Zone incursion and the damage we received from it
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE ARMORY [BATTLE DAMAGED]
Captain Branson and Commander Kal are being led by Commander Williams through the damaged room.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long will this take to repair?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: A few more hours double shifts.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll take to the Dock master about assigning you more help.
LTJG. MARTINE: That would be very helpful sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: And how are you doing Lieutenant?
LTJG. MARTINE: I've been better sir but I am keeping focus on the repairs.
He pats her shoulder when the com activates.
LTJG. T'MIR [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTJG. T'MIR [com voice]: Sir you've got an incoming transmission from the Stargazer its Fleet Captain Picard
John looks at his officers.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Transfer it to my ready room I'll be up there in a few Branson out.
LTCMDR. KAL: Wonder why the Fleet Captain is calling?
CAPT. BRANSON: Not sure but I'll go and find out.
He leaves the damaged armory.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John enters and sits at the desk and turns on the desktop monitor.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Jean-Luc what can I do for you?
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: John, its come to my knowledge that you and Captain Shelby have a daughter?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, sir Tina Branson is something wrong?
FLT CAPT PICARD [monitor]: I wanted to inform you personally...There's been an accident
Off Branson's reaction. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme music:
=====
Introduction:
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space The Final Frontier These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise its Continuing Mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no one has gone before!
======
A shot of Starbase 1 and the USS Enterprise as she slowly departs from the base, as her warp engines powered up and leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
======
'BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. JANE KAL
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LTJG. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
ENS. JAMIE KAYE
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
ENS. SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTJG. T'MIR
The Enterprise flies by Earth and her warp nacelles power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
(Episode Notes: Opening Credits fall over opening scenes)
The Luna is being towed by the U.S.S. Harrison and U.S.S. California two Excelsior-class vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is sitting at his desk talking to his ex-wife Captain Elizabeth Shelby of the U.S.S. Excelsior NCC-77246.
CAPT. BRANSON: According to the doctor she's got second degree burns on her chest and a multiple fracture of her right arm. But she's going to be fine.
CAPT. SHELBY (monitor): Have they completed the regeneration series?
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): I'm not sure yet.
CAPT. SHELBY (monitor): Tina allergic to metorapan treatments. I think they'll have to use a bicaridine substitute. I should send her complete records to the Luna's sickbay. Of course, they probably have them already, but you can't be too sure
John leans forward.
JOHN: Ellie she's fine.
ELIZABETH (monitor): I know she's fine I know she's fine. How did it happen? 
JOHN: Apparently, the Luna was testing a brand new configuration of the warp drive systems and it nearly caused a warp core breach, everyone is fine but one man didn't make.
ELIZABETH (monitor): Who was it?
JOHN: A Henry Cross.
We can see Shelby leaning back in her chair.
ELIZABETH (monitor): Tina spoke of him. They were lovers. She was so excited to be posted to the Luna. Of course, I was a little nervous, but I was proud of her. I always knew there was a chance that something like this might
JOHN: Ellie our daughter is alright her pride maybe a bit bruised but she's going to be alright, Fleet Admiral Ozawa is holding a briefing on the surface.
ELIZABETH [monitor]: Thank you John
He nods and the transmission ends.
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, SAN FRANSICO, CALIFORNIA, DAY
An establishing shot of Starfleet Command as well as Archer Arena in the background.
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, BRIEFING ROOM
This is one of the oldest buildings in Starfleet Command, and a powerful sense of tradition pervades it. The room is probably used for both hearings and lectures. There are several tables, on the right wall is a large viewscreen, and several rows of benches form a gallery.
There's a small group of people sitting in the gallery: N.D. PARENTS of the flight team, including LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CROSS, the father of the dead cadet. Branson and Elizabeth are here as well. The atmosphere is somber and subdued. Ozawa is standing in front of the small table; he's trying to keep this low-key and informal. He is holding a PADD which he consults periodically.
FLEET ADM. OZAWA (refers to PADD): There was very little left to salvage from the damage. We did recover one of the ships' data recorders, but it was badly damaged. We're attempting to restore the information, but that will take some time. Standard procedure calls for an immediate investigation by two command level officers. Captain Talath and I will be taking depositions from the Luna's crew at fifteen hundred hours today. Commander Cross. I'm sure that everyone in this room joins me in expressing my deepest sympathies to you on the tragic loss of your son. 
Commander Cross wants to know why his son is dead... he pushes Ozawa.
LTCMDR. CROSS: Was there any indication of a problem before the overload? What exactly were they doing testing a new warp theory? Did anyone know what would happen?
Captain Branson gets up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Whoa calm down there Commander you're way out of line.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I want to know how my son died and what that ship was doing out there testing something that we're not ready for!
Ozawa stops him. His attitude is sympathetic...she understands this is a very difficult time for him.
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: Commander Cross I understand how you feel and believe me when I say that I would want answers as well but we're not going to get them by turning on each other and making false reports.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I just want to know how my son died.
FLEET ADM. OZAWA (gently): Commander... I'm sorry... right now, we don't have those answers. But I assure you we will investigate this matter thoroughly.
Commander Cross sits down and is still sadden by his loss as Captain Branson sits back down next to Elizabeth as Ozawa continues.
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: There will be a memorial service for Ensign Cross this evening in the west garden thank you all for coming. 
As the meeting breaks Captain Branson walks over to Admiral Ozawa and they shake hands.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Admiral Ozawa so good to finally meet you.
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: Captain Branson finally I get to meet the man that Jean-Luc can't stop talking about making alot of good up there as Captain of the Enterprise, and I wish our first meeting was under better circumstances. 
CAPT. BRANSON: If you require any assistance, then the Enterprise is at your disposal. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: I'm sure we'll be able to conduct the investigation, but thank you for your offer.
CAPT. SHELBY: The Excelsior is also at your disposal should you need us as well.
She nods at the two Captains.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of the U.S.S. Luna being repaired.
INT-U.S.S. LUNA ENSIGN TINA BRANSON'S QUARTERS
In contrast to quarters on the Enterprise, the Luna quarters looks older and more lived-in. It's sparsely furnished with a desk, a couple of chairs, and a single bed. Everything is neat and ship-shape. Tina is sitting on the edge of her bed. Her arm is in a 24th-century therapeutic device. She's practicing flexing her arm... it's difficult to fully bend her arm and she winces in pain. The effort tires her and she takes off the device. She massages the arm with her other hand; it's still not a hundred percent. The door chimes. She gets up, straightens her uniform, and takes a deep breath. She moves to the door and opens it. It's Elizabeth and John. 
ELIZABETH: Oh Tina thank god you're safe. 
They hug and then she hugs her father. 
JOHN: How are you feeling Tina? 
Tina sits on her bed. 
TINA: I'm a bit sore but I'm feeling alright a bit shaken up. 
ELIZABETH: We're so sorry to hear about Henry. 
TINA: Thanks mom. 
JOHN: You feel like talking about? 
TINA (Sighs): No. I don't think so. No, thank you. I know you're trying to be helpful, dad, but it seems like that's all I've talked about for the last two days. I don't want to go through it again. 
JOHN (Smiles): Alright, I understand. But I want you to know I'm available if you should change your mind. 
She nods. 
ELIZABETH: Everyone onboard the Excelsior are thinking about you. 
TINA: That's nice. 
Then the doors chimed.
TINA: Come.
Doors opened and Captain Kennedy enters.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Oh Ensign sorry I didn't know you had company.
ENS. T BRANSON: It's alright sir this is my commanding officer, Captain Aaron Kennedy. This is my father Captain John Branson of the Enterprise. And my mother, Captain Elizabeth Shelby from the Excelsior. 
They shook hands but Kennedy reluctantly shakes John's hand.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've been wondering who picked my daughter to be posted to his vessel.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Since she's been posted to my vessel she's become a fine Starfleet Officer.
CAPT. SHELBY: How are you feeling?
CAPT. KENNEDY [sighs]: I've been better sir just never lost anyone under my command. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well I can tell you that it never gets any better. 
He nods and Tina is getting a bit more edgy as she wants both her parents out of there quickly. 
TINA: Dad, Mom, will you excuse us please? The Captain and I have some things we need to talk about. 
JOHN: Alright, short crop it was great seeing you again. 
TINA (Smirks): Me to father. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll see you at the inquiry it was nice to meet you Captain. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: You to Captains. 
ELIZABETH: Tina if you need anything let me know. 
TINA (Smiles): I know. 
They leave as she closes the door and Captain Kennedy has more of a serious look on his face. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: That was too close you've got to more careful Tina. 
TINA: I know but I was lucky that I avoided the questions. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: The inquiry is scheduled for fifteen hundred hours. Are you ready? 
TINA (nods): Yeah I think so. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Don't worry T everything will be alright. 
Tina nods, but she is clearly troubled. Off Tina's expression. 
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of the Federation Dockyard.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, BEDROOM AREA
John and Jessica are laying in bed together as John is laying in bed unable to sleep. 
JESSICA: Can't sleep? 
JOHN: No, Tina is in trouble and she knows something but she's not speaking. 
JESSICA: She's scared still John she watched her boyfriend blow up right next to her that would scare anyone not to talk. 
JOHN (sighs): I guess you're right. 
JESSICA: I'm surprised that you and Captain Shelby aren't trying to kill each other. 
John turns to her. 
JOHN: Same here but we both know that our daughter needs us more then ever cause of what she's lost. 
JESSICA (smiles): You'll be there for her. 
John kisses her. 
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND MAIN HALLWAY OUTSIDE HEARING ROOM
Captain Kennedy looks over his senior officers.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Nervous?
LT. LEFKIN: No, yeah a little.
CAPT. KENNEDY [smiles]: That's okay. So am I. But we're going to be alright. We've got some tough times ahead but we've always come through for each other. Whatever happens, I want you all to know that being your Captain has been the high point of my years as a Starfleet Officer. No one could have asked for a better crew, or better friends. Let's go. 
They head to the hearing room. 
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND HEARING ROOM 
The room has been set up for an informal court of inquiry. 
The flags of the Federation and Starfleet have been displayed behind the judges' table. Admiral Ozawa is seated at the head table facing the rest of the room along with CAPTAIN TALATH, a female Andorian officer. An antique ship's bell sits on the table in front of them. Seated at a table facing these officers are the members of the Luna's senior staff: Captain Aaron Kennedy a Human male, Lieutenant Commander Talia Shi'san an Andorian Female, Lieutenant Samantha Lefkin a Human female, Ensign Tina Branson a human female, and Lieutenant David Renner a human male are sitting at the table.
SPECTATORS are seated behind the senior staff, including Branson, Elizabeth, and the other parents seen earlier. LtCmdr. Cross is here also. Captain Kennedy is standing near the large monitor, giving testimony. The monitor shows a schematic DISPLAY of SATURN, its MOONS, and the U.S.S. Luna. The ship is moving slowly. Kennedy is pointing to the display as he speaks...his attitude is honest and straightforward...a completely believable officer. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: We were in Sector 232 where we proceed at warp 7.6 to Starbase 374.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: And when was the warp reactor on the verge of overload?
CAPT. KENNEDY: At 1430 hours.
The monitor shows what's going on and ZOOMS close on the graphic symbol for the ship, as Captain Branson is watching the monitor as well.
CAPT. KENNEDY: I had Ensign Branson increase our speed to warp 9.9 at 1354 hours so far the intermix ratio was holding.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Thank you Captain.
Captain Kennedy rejoins the rest of his senior staff.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Lieutenant Renner you were the chief engineer onboard the Luna at the time of the accident.
LT. RENNER: Yes, ma'am.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Did you find any indication of a possible warp core breach?
LT. RENNER: No, ma'am.
Fleet Admiral Ozawa and Captain Talath look at each other surprised and then back at Lieutenant Renner, as Admiral Ozawa picks up a PADD and examines it for a moment. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Who was the engineer helping you?
LT. RENNER: Ensign Cross he was the EPS expert.
CAPT. TALATH: And did he find anything wrong?
LT. RENNER: Not at first ma'am.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Was he at fault?
Then Captain Kennedy gets up and defends his officer.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Admiral.... 
Aaron is struggling... he seems very uncomfortable with what he's about to say. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Henry, was a good officer but lately he'd been having difficulties. He'd get nervous during tests in the final seconds. His engineering job was a little erratic. 
Both Ozawa and Talath are surprised about this. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: And you didn't report this to anyone? 
Kennedy puts his hands behind his back. 
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): No sir, I didn't... I thought he could handle it if I gave him a chance. I was wrong. 
CAPT. TALATH: Captain are you saying that the accident was Ensign Cross's fault? 
CAPT. KENNEDY (beat, then very reluctant): I think he got frightened and tried to stop it prematurely. Henry was our friend. We didn't want him to be remembered as someone who panicked. 
Tina is shocked by what Captain Kennedy just said -- but keeps it inside. The other two officers trade nervous glances, but try not to let their anxiety show as Commander Cross is shocked by what he's hearing as Captain Branson is disturbed by what he heard. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA (sighs): You may be seated. 
Captain Kennedy sits down with his senior staff. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: I'm very disturbed by what I've heard here today. By your own admission, you allowed your teammate to fly when you knew he was having difficulties maintaining formation. That demonstrates a serious lack of judgment. I am also disturbed by the fact that you did not come forward with this information immediately. We should have the first data from the Luna's flight recorder tonight. We will reconvene at thirteen hundred hours tomorrow. 
She taps the bell and everyone stands up as the inquiry is recessed as the Luna's senior staff stands up as Tina turns to face Captain Kennedy who puts his hand on her shoulder. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Everything is fine trust me. 
He EXITS along with the crowd. As the others follow him and Tina is left feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions. 
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of the Enterprise docked.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Captains Branson and Shelby walk into engineering as Commander Williams and Lieutenant T'Mir are at the main table.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (dubious): Captain, the Starfleet Corp of Engineers has one of the best reconstructive analysis labs in Starfleet. I'm not sure we'll have much to contribute to the investigation.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I know but Steph is one of our own.
LTJG. T'MIR: We could pull the sensor logs from Luna.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long will it take?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: About an hour give or take.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep me posted.
They both leave as Williams and T'Mir gets to work.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. LUNA BRIEFING ROOM
Captain Kennedy, Commander Shi'san, Lieutenant Renner, Ensign Branson and Lieutenant Lefkin are at the table.
ENS. T BRANSON [pissed off]: I can't believe you said that about my boyfriend! Sir.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Tina what did you want me to say I had to think of something.
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN: You shouldn't have said it, Aaron. Henry wasn't responsible for what happened. 
ENS. T BRANSON: We all agreed that we wouldn't lie about what happened.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Ensign I know you miss we miss him as well. But the truth is, he panicked.
TINA: We don't know that!
Aaron: Of course we do... none of us has wanted to say it out loud... but we've all had the same thought. Haven't we?
He looks at Lefkin and Renner... they don't deny it. Lao finally nods.
SAM: He must have pulled away too soon. I think he got scared.
AARON: David?
Lieutenant Renner nods.
TINA (scoffs): I can't believe that you three would say that about the man that I loved and cared about who was the best engineer on this vessel true he had problems but he never messed up nor would panic.
Aaron walks over to Tina who is looking out the window.
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): Tina I know you want to protect his memory and honor him, we all do. But we have to look out for ourselves now. What do you want us to do, walk in and tell them everything that happened? 
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN: And now with the Enterprise here we'll be found out by Captain Branson.
CAPT. KENNEDY: David can you send a feedback loop into the Enterprise's main sensor array?
LT. RENNER: Yeah, it should be doable.
ENS. T BRANSON: We're not really going to cripple my father's vessel are we?
CAPT. KENNEDY: In order to keep us from going out in disgrace yes.
LT. LEFKIN: We might as well turn in our uniforms and start packing our bags.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Are we all ready for that?
A long beat. None of them, even Tina, is ready to leave the Academy. Stacy and Rain are now firmly with Matt although Tina is still struggling. Matt picks up a PADD.
CAPT. KENNEDY (re: PADD): We'll take this one step at a time. This is the preliminary report from the sensor recorder. It was so badly damaged in the crash, that the lab could only retrieve a third of the total telemetry on the recorder. And all of it is before the collision. There's no problem here. 
Tina looks at the PADD for a beat... struggles...finally looks up at Kennedy.
TINA (sighs): I don't know if I can do this.
Kennedy knows this is a crucial moment, but he doesn't push... he doesn't want to come down too hard on Tina... that might make her dig in her heels. He lets Stacy step in.
LT. RENNER: You don't have to lie... just don't volunteer any new information.
It's three against one... but Tina still isn't entirely comfortable with this. Kennedy eyes her, smiles ruefully.
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): The first night I met you, Tina, I knew I wanted you onboard my ship. You, more than any of the rest, would understand what it means to be able to count on someone, you know you've got to be able to count on the people on your team, because your life is in their hands, and their lives are in yours. What do you think? 
Tina looks at her friends... feels the bonds that tie her to these people... and finally nods in acceptance.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is next to the U.S.S. Excelsior.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
John is working on his desktop when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Elizabeth enters. 
CAPT. SHELBY: Hey. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hey. 
ELIZABETH: You got a minute? 
JOHN: Sure I was just catching up on some crew status reports that have been piling up. 
Elizabeth sits in front of his desk. 
ELIZABETH: I've been thinking about what happened between us. 
JOHN: Oh really now? 
ELIZABETH: John I know it was wrong of me to do that to you we should of talked it out. 
JOHN: But instead you banged papa Smurf. 
ELIZABETH: I'm trying to say that I'm sorry for what I did but right now we need to focus on getting our daughter Tina out of this situation. 
JOHN: I know I've got Stephanie and T'Mir working on it. 
ELIZABETH: Same here with Lefler and S'Tal. 
Then the com activates as Commander Kal comes over the com. 
LTCMDR. KAL (com voice): Bridge to Captain Branson
Captain Branson tapped his combadge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Branson here go ahead. 
CMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Fleet Admiral Ozawa has resumed the hearing
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We're on our way. 
Both John and Elizabeth leave the ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, SAN FRANSICO, CALIFORNIA, DAY
Same shot as before.
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, HEARING ROOM
Tina is standing near the wall monitor and everyone else is in the same positions as seen in Act Two, including Branson and Shelby. The strain is starting to show on Tina...she is tired and worn. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Are you ready Ensign Branson?
ENS. T BRANSON: Yes, ma'am.
The wall monitor activates and shows a caption reading "SHIP'S LOG: U.S.S. LUNA REGISTRY: NCC-80100 STARDATE: 53878.4 SHIP TIME: 1354HRS. After a beat, the monitor comes to life and shows the U.S.S. Luna, 
The footage is quite distorted; as Tina talks, the image JUMPS and FUZZES periodically and sometimes breaks up altogether.
ENS. T BRANSON: We began our warp trial at Starbase 234 Captain Kennedy gave the order to engage at warp 1.4, he ordered me to slowly increase speed to 3.6 and slowly bring it up to warp 9.9.
CAPT. TALATH: And when did he have you increase speed to warp 9.98?
ENS. T BRANSON: At 1358hrs. Ma'am.
Then picture finally BREAKS UP, in the crowd Captain Branson is confused about what happened. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: That is the extent of the data we were able to recover from the flight recorder. Ensign Branson, would you describe what happened after you reached warp 9.98?
ENS. T BRANSON: We were able to hold it for about a few hours till our warp field started to fail, we had to drop out of warp but the breach was about to happen our engineering team stopped it.
Both Ozawa and Talath look at each other as John doesn't believe any of this.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: What is your explanation, Ensign? 
Beat. Tina is forced to stonewall, and yet she maintains an outward appearance of confusion. 
ENS. T BRANSON: I have none sir. 
On Tina's reaction.... 
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of the U.S.S. Luna being repaired.
INT-U.S.S. LUNA ENSIGN TINA BRANSON'S QUARTERS
Captain Shelby is in her daughter's room pacing about as Tina is sitting on the bed pacing about, her maternal instincts have been aroused, and she's looking for a way to protect her daughter. 
ELIZABETH: Everything's going to be okay, Tina. There's got to be an explanation for all this. 
Tina says nothing. Elizabeth is on her feet, moving around the room, full of energy. 
ELIZABETH: Williams, T'Mir, Lefler and S'Tal are already analyzing the Sensor recorder and the Engineering logs.
TINA: Why? 
ELIZABETH: There must be something wrong with the satellite data. It might have been tampered with. 
TINA: Mom...that doesn't make any sense. 
ELIZABETH: Well, there must be some explanation for this. I know you're telling the truth but the satellite data made it look as if you were lying. I've spoken with the other parents. I am going to talk to Admiral Ozawa and ask her to delay the inquiry. 
Tina can't let her mother put herself on the line like this. She stops her. 
TINA (firmly): Mom no, you can't do that. 
ELIZABETH (determined): I'm not going to let them destroy your career, Tina... you haven't done anything wrong. 
Tina looks at her for a long beat. Elizabeth's faith and belief in her daughter only compounds her sense of guilt. 
TINA: Mom, don't try to protect me. Please stay out of this. 
Elizabeth looks at Tina. She suddenly realizes she's telling her that she's not completely innocent. The revelation takes the wind out of her sails. Her reaction is one of shock and sorrow, not recrimination. She now knows just how much trouble Tina's in. 
A long beat. She reaches out for her. They hold each other and embrace tightly.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK SIXTEEN CORRIDOR
Both John and Elizabeth are walking to Engineering.
ELIZABETH: She all but admitted to me that she was lying. 
JOHN: Did Tina say anything? 
ELIZABETH: She just asked me not to help her... but it was the way she said it ... the look on her face... John, I know our daughter, and she's in trouble. 
Branson's look says that he grimly agrees with her.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
They enter and walk over to Commander Williams & Lieutenant T'Mir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [sighs]: Nothing conclusive. We do know that the overload occurred after they reached warp 9.99, but so far we've got nothing.
LTJG. T'MIR: We have unsuccessfully tried over fifty different computational models in an effort to simulate the movements of the Luna just prior to the accident. 
CAPT. SHELBY: You're saying that its next to impossible of helping our daughter? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: We're not giving up on Ensign Branson ma'am we're just saying that its next to impossible. 
Branson thinks for a moment. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What about the helm information on Tina's console was there anything out of the ordinary?
Both Williams and T'Mir think.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: The starboard power flow was fluctuating. 
LTJG. T'MIR: However, it was well within operational limits.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (thinking): Fluidic pressure in the port impulse reactor was low, but I don't know what difference that would make.
LTJG. T'MIR: We did find that Tina had opened the Luna's coolant interlock just before beginning the warp maneuver.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is that normal?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Not really, Normally the interlock is closed unless you're performing a check on the engine coolant levels. But there's no evidence that Lieutenant Renner was performing that sort of check. 
CAPT. BRANSON (thinks): Filling the primary coolant tanks requires an open interlock but that can only be performed in a maintenance bay. Is there any other reason for opening the valve? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It's the first step in purging the plasma exhaust. 
LTJG. T'MIR: That procedure would be extremely hazardous while the ship was in flight.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Yeah, the engine would probably ignite the plasma. 
Suddenly, John puts it together... he suddenly understands it all. 
ELIZABETH: John? John you alright? 
JOHN (shocked): Ignite the plasma... that's exactly what they were trying to do. 
Branson stares at the screen and his face turns grim as he realizes the astonishing implications. On his reaction... 
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Tina enters and stands at attention.
ENS. T BRANSON: Ensign Tina Branson reporting as requested sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Ensign. 
She stands at ease Branson studies her for a moment... pointedly does not offer her a chair... then he turns around the terminal on his desk so that Tina can see it. Branson activates the terminal. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Can you tell me what this is?
He shows her the monitor.
ENS. T BRANSON: It's called a transwarp drive. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Only one had been recovered by the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager in 2375 during Operation: Fort Knox, but it was considered drained of all power and wasn't useful till now.
Tina is just standing there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I think that Captain Kennedy wanted to end his Captaincy of the Luna in a blaze of glory, and he convinced you and the rest of his senior staff to work on this experimental drive so that if it worked he'd be hailed a hero and be promoted to Fleet Captain and given a better posting onboard a Galaxy-Class Dreadnought but he didn't and Henry paid the price of his actions.
Tina has a grim look on her face but doesn't move. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Am I correct? 
Tina stands there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign, I asked you a question. Am I correct? 
Tina's head snaps up at the tone of command, but she doesn't yield. 
ENS. T BRANSON: I choice not to answer. 
Branson regards her seriously... he gets up from the desk and moves closer to Tina. His attitude is firm and unbending. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You choose not to answer? But you've already given an answer to the inquiry, and that answer was a lie.
ENS. T BRANSON: I said the accident occurred after the loop. It did. 
Captain Branson is studying his daughter's reactions and presses more. 
CAPT. BRANSON (hard): But you neglected to mention the fact that following the loop your Captain executed a dangerous maneuver which was the direct cause of the near warp core overload.(beat) Yes, you told the truth... but only to a point. And a lie of omission is still a lie. 
Tina says nothing and Branson takes a couple of steps away from her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth. Whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle upon which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened you don't deserve to wear that uniform. I'm going to make this simple for you, Ensign Branson. Either you come forward and tell Admiral Ozawa what really took place, or I will. 
ENS. T BRANSON: Captain I... 
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Ensign. 
Tina leaves the ready room as Captain Branson stands there hoping that he'd got through to his daughter. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. LUNA CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Kennedy is writing letters to the parents of the officers that were lost in the accident, when the doors chimed.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Come.
Doors opened and Ensign Branson enters.
ENS. T BRANSON: My father knows.
Captain Kennedy puts the PADD down.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Whoa, whoa Ensign slow down.
ENS. T BRANSON: My father called me to the Enterprise. when I got there he told me that he knows. The transwarp drive, the cover up, everything. He said that if I didn't come forward and tell the truth now, he would. 
Kennedy takes a moment to think... he takes a couple of steps around the room as he quickly considers the situation. 
AARON: You said he'd figured it out. Does he have any evidence? 
TINA: No. 
He breathes a little easier... he sees a way out. 
AARON: Captain Branson doesn't know anything. He has a theory. So let him tell the inquiry what he thinks happened. They'll ask us, is it true? We'll say, no, sir. There's no evidence, so there's no case. We'll get off with a reprimand. 
TINA: Sir, I can't call my father a liar. 
Matt can see that Tina is deeply conflicted...he moves to shore up his friend's doubts, but the strain of holding things together is starting to show on Matt. His tone has a slight edge to it. 
AARON: Tina... we just have to hold on a little longer... then this will all be over. 
TINA (quiet): Its wrong... 
AARON: Tina? 
TINA: No, sir this is done I'm going to tell them what happened for real. 
Aaron's eyes flash with anger and his temper beings to wear thin. 
AARON: You're going to tell them what happened? You? Alone? Are going to decide what happens to me, to Sam, Talia, David? You're going to decide that? 
TINA: Aaron, I'm not going to lie to them again I can't live with this. 
Aaron is surprised what is going on. 
AARON: You can't lie to them... you can't live with it... you have to tell them what happened. Who the hell are you?
TINA: Await a minute.
AARON: No you wait a minute I am your commanding officer and I am giving you a direct order Ensign now dismissed.
She leaves as Captain Kennedy is frustrated.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, HEARING ROOM
It's the next day. The room is once again filled with spectators, the flight team, Elizabeth, Tina, John, Jessica. Everyone is waiting... finally Ozawa and Talath ENTER and take their seats. Ozawa strikes the bell and brings the room to order. She regards the Luna's senior staff with a grim expression...her tone is somewhat challenging...she knows that something's wrong and that the senior staffs hold the answer, but she can't do anything about it.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Captain Talath and I have gone over your testimony and the physical evidence from the accident. Your statements cannot be reconciled with the data collected from your sensor logs. Your unwillingness to offer any explanation for this contradiction is disappointing, and raises suspicion. We cannot escape the conclusion that either the data is faulty in some way, or you have lied to us. However suspicion is not proof and I have no proof that you have lied to this inquiry. Therefore, if no further evidence is presented, I have no choice but to close this investigation.
Then Tina stands up. 
ENS. T BRANSON: Sir, I have something else to add. 
FLEET ADM. OZAWA: Proceed Ensign Branson. 
Tina picks up the PADD her father handed her before dismissing her from his ready room.
ENS. T BRANSON [re: PADD]: Yesterday I testified that the accident occurred following our acceleration to warp 9.98 I lied we accelerated to warp 9.99 we were trying to finish what Voyager started in 2372, and Henry died because of it.
Everyone mutters.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Captain do you have something to say?
CAPT. KENNEDY: No, ma'am.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson looks out the window as the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Tina enters.
ENS. T BRANSON: You wanted to see me?
John puts the PADD down.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain Kennedy has been removed from command of the Luna.
TINA: What about the rest of the senior staff?
JOHN: He came clean and asked Admiral Ozawa to spare you and the others.
TINA: (a sad laugh): He did exactly what he said he would. He protected the crew. I feel awful. I've let down everyone. My mother, my friends, you. 
Captain Branson puts his hands on his desk.
JOHN: You should feel bad...and you will pay for what you did. Admiral Ozawa has given you all reprimands in your records.
TINA (smiles): Thank you father. 
JOHN: I didn't have much to do with it you know what you had to do all you needed was a push in the right direction. 
They hugged. 
TINA: Goodbye dad. 
JOHN: Good luck Tina. 
Tina leaves his ready room. 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise departs Earth orbit heading off to its next adventure. 
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Jamie Kaye
*Sadie Brickhouse as Ensign Sito Jaxa
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Ensign Elias Sheridan
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Angela Martine
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Jason Cross
*TBA as Flt Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
*TBA as Capt. Jessica Smith
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Fleet Admiral Alice Ozawa
*TBA as Captain Talath
*TBA as Ensign Matthew Scotts
*TBA as Ensign Rain Lao
*TBA as Ensign Stacy Jameson
*TBA as Captain Aaron Kennedy
*TBA as Commander Talia Shi'san
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Brian Pelletier
*TBA as Ensign Tina Branson
*TBA as Lt. Commander Saru Jaron
*TBA as Ensign Henry Cross
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*This episode is loosely inspired by the TNG episode "The First Duty".