The Massacre of Draken IV (TNG Novel)

The Massacre of Draken IV is the seventh episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
The Enterprise was on a exploration mission they receive a distress call from the Federation colony Draken IV, while on route John figures out that Doctors Anna Clarkson and Robert Clarkson were on the colony at the time of the attack.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER/DRAKEN SYSTEM/DRAKEN IV ORBIT
An establishing shot of Watchtower-class Starbase Outpost 9 as its flanked by two Nebula-class destroyers as cargo and transport vessels move to and from the Starbase.
DR. A CLARKSON'S [voice over]: Doctor Anna Clarkson's personal log Stardate 2632.1, For the past two days me and my husband has been restoring the colonies throughout the Federation-Romulan border after the Earth-Romulan War between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire, I am looking forward to seeing both my kids who are both in Starfleet
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
A woman uses a bike pump to get well water...a man works the soil in his fields, wipes his brow, waving to Doctors Anna Clarkson and Robert Clarkson who are there supervising the area, as we see Anna Clarkson dictating a letter to her daughter Anne Clarkson at Starfleet Headquarters.
DR. A CLARKSON [re: PADD]: We should be done in about two days Anne and we'll be able to see both you and Kyle in a few days. 
Her husband walks over to her. 
DR. CLARKSON: Anna you worry too much. 
She turns to him. 
DR. CLARKSON: Rob I'm just worried we're on the edge of Klingon Space and we only have two Federation vessels defending us, when we could of had a heavy cruiser or a dreadnought. 
DR. CLARKSON: Who knows what Starfleet does these days I just wish both Anne and Kyle didn't join it.
Anna shakes her head.
ROBERT: What? I am serious.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN ORBIT'
The Nebula-Class destroyers USS Elezbar and USS McKinley are in orbit of the planet.
INT-USS MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE
The bridge of the USS McKinley is like the bridge of the USS Shenzhou in the early 23rd century, as Captain Karl Stanley is sitting in the command chair when the chief operations officer reports.
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER: Captain sensors are detecting something at the edge of our sensors.
Captain Stanley gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. STANLEY: What is it?
CHIEF OPS OFFICER: Unknown at the moment.
Captain Stanley turns to the helm officer.
CAPT. STANLEY: Come to course 213 mark 10.
HELM OFFICER: Aye, sir.
The young helm officer inputs commands.
EXT-SPACE
The McKinley turns to port to head to the unknown disturbance.
INT-U.S.S. MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Stanley is standing behind the helm and ops stations.
CHIEF OPS OFFICER: INCOMING CONTACT ITS ORIONS!
CAPT. STANLEY: RED ALERT!!!
Lights dimmed but it was too late.
EXT-SPACE
A Orion taskforce destroys the McKinley and processes to the planet.
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
Robert follows his wife.
ROBERT: Anna all I am saying is that if Starfleet didn't push further into deep space we wouldn't be here still restoring this colony its their fault we're still working on this colony.
ANNA: Rob I am proud of our kids for being in Starfleet.
Then they hear a loud humming sound.
DR. A CLARKSON: Rob is there any construction going on?
Rob thinks.
DR. R CLARKSON: No that's not till tomorrow at 1700hrs. from now.
The sky darkens and they look up to see a battlegroup of Orion warships, both Anna and William are shocked at what they're seeing. 
DR. W CLARKSON: GET TO SHELTERS GO, GO, GO!
Everyone runs for their lives as green disruptor beams lance out and start destroying buildings and everything they hit, as Orion soldiers beam down and start killing the colonist that can't escape or have found shelter or who try to defend the colony. 
INT-ANNA & ROBERT'S COLONY HOUSE
They enter and barricade the door as Anna goes to one of the consoles and attempts to hail the ships in orbit. 
DR. A CLARKSON [to com]: This is Doctor Anna Clarkson to the USS Elezar we're under attack by the Orion's, and we're in need of Marines to help us. 
Static over the com she turns to her husband as she attempts to get in touch with the USS McKinley. 
DR. A CLARKSON [to com]: USS McKinley come in do you read we're in need of emergency assistance. 
More static over the com as Williams turns to her. 
ROBERT: Maybe their both destroyed. 
Then they hear banging on the door as William gets something to defend himself with as Anna activates the emergency distress beacon that Anne gave her before they left Earth. 
Anna inputs commands into the console to send a signal to the outpost. 
DR. A CLARKSON [to com]: Outpost 9 this is Doctor Anna Clarkson on the surface we've got Orion's on the surface, they're attacking people and slaughtering them and bombarding the surface with their disruptors.
Nothing but static over the com. 
Then the door is kicked in as Orion soldiers enter Robert uses the weapon to kill some Orion's before he's shot and he falls over dead as Anna goes into another room and locks it as she goes to one of the consoles and activates the com system. 
ANNA [to com]: This is Doctor Anna Clarkson of the Federation agricultural group we're under attack by Orion pirates and warships, we haven't heard from the two Starships in orbit we can only assume that they were destroyed along with the outpost and other vessels in orbit of the planet. The Orion's are murdering and slaughtering everyone in their path we need help please send help I beg of you please! 
Then the door is broken as she backs up and she's grabbed by two Orion pirates and is brought before the leader.
ORION COMMANDER: What is the defense codes to your command base?
ANNA [spits on his face]: Go to hell.
He shot her with a Dominion polaron disruptor pistol as she falls over dead.
ORION COMMANDER: DESTROY IT ALL!
He beams back to the lead vessel.
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Debris from the Outpost, civilian and transport ships are floating around as Klingon vessels continue to bombard the planet. 
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT)
=====
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-SHACKLETON EXPANSE
Enterprise is docked at Starbase 364.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5653.1, The Enterprise has been in the Shackleton Expanse for the past three weeks on deep space exploration missions, so far it has been uneventful which is a welcomed change for the crew
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTER, BEDROOM AREA
John is sitting on the bed reading a book that Picard gave him when he first took command of the Enterprise, as he's reading the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Kal to Branson
John tapped his combadge on his uniform.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We're receiving a distress call from the Draken IV colony
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Draken IV they're along the Romulan border what is the nature of their distress call?
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Unknown it terminated at the source we've been trying to reestablish contact with them so far no luck
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Inform Admiral Herbert where we're going and we'll be back as soon as we can I'm on my way.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Aye, sir
He gets out of bed and puts the book down and leaves his quarters.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise undocks from the Starbase and leaps into warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The senior staff are around the table as they're watching the distress call. 
ANNA CLARKSON (monitor): This is Doctor Anna Clarkson of the Federation agricultural group we're under attack by Orion soldiers and warships, we haven't heard from the two Starships in orbit we can only assume that they were destroyed along with the outpost and other vessels in orbit of the planet. The Orion's are murdering and slaughtering everyone in their path we need help please send help I beg of you please
Captain Branson turn the monitor off from the table. 
CAPT. BRANSON: That was Doctor Anna Clarkson she's Anne and Kyle's mother she's a good woman knows her way around a plant. 
LTCMDR. KAL [confused]: What were they doing on that planet anyway?
CAPT. BRANSON: From what I could gather is that they're helping restore colonies that were stricken by the war with the Dominion, some were in the path of their fleets and were beaten back to the stone age. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: All engineers and damage control teams are ready to seal hull breaches.
DR. LANGFORD: I have medical on standby for any wounded colonist we may have to beam board and I've got the main Cargo converted into a triage center. 
LTJG. MASON: I've drilled my security teams on how to repel boarders.
Captain Branson looks at his senior staff.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know that you all were hoping for some exploration I don't blame you me to but we've got a distress call to answer and we're going to do our best.
LTCMDR. KAL: We're with you sir.
Captain Branson activates the com.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: All hands battle stations.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS (RED ALERT)
The crew gets ready to combat the Orion's. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
Commander Williams and her engineering crew are working around the clock.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Initiate the force-field!
The force field goes around the warp core.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The bridge crew are arming themselves to repel boarders if the ship gets boarded by the Orion's, as Ensign Kaye reports.
ENS. KAYE: Approaching Draken IV now sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Drop us out of warp.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
[Transparent viewer shows the warp tunnel, then a large debris field suddenly appears.]
CAPT. BRANSON: EMERGENCY EVASIVE JAMIE!
[Ensign KAYE works at the helm station.]
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise moves up and moves to starboard and starts doing a barrel roll.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARING]
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
LTJG. T'MIR: Coming in now sir minor damage.
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are holding at ninety-one percent! 
ENS. SITO: Navigational array has taken a hit but we're not flying blind yet. 
LTJG. T'MIR: Sensors are detecting a large piece of debris directly ahead it matches the 
Outpost. 
Transparent viewer shows this. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie, full reverse, come about starboard ninety degrees, drop us underneath! 
Ensign Kaye inputs commands into the helm station and she activates the forward RCS Thruster. 
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise ducks under the large piece of debris from the station.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'MIR: Coming up on Draken IV now sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it. 
Transparent viewer shows the fires and devastation as Captain Branson is in utter shock by the sight. 
CAPT. BRANSON [shocked]: My god. 
Everyone is in utter shock by the sight of the destruction of the colony. 
LTCMDR. KAL: That's not good. 
Captain Branson is in shock still. 
EXT-DRAKEN IV ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[Transparent viewer shows this as Captain Branson is facing the viewer.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Bio-signs? 
Lieutenant T'Mir runs her scans and reports. 
LTJG. T'MIR: I am having trouble scanning for bio-signs due to the amount of radiation is in 
the air from the bombardment by at least 20 Orion warbirds. 
[Captain Branson walks to the turbo-lift.] 
LTCMDR. KAL [confused]: Where are you doing? 
[Captain Branson turns to her.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm going down there to see what is going on down there Jane you've got the bridge let me know if and when the Yorktown arrive. 
LTCMDR. KAL [nods]: Aye, sir. 
[Captain Branson and Lieutenant Mason enter the lift as the doors closed, as Commander Kal sits in the Captain's chair.]
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
 
EXT-DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise is above the planet. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [RED ALERT]
The search party enters as Captain Branson enters and joins the team on the transporter pad. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright we're going to search for survivors be ready to defend yourselves if we encounter Orion soldiers set phasers to stun. 
They set phasers to stun. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize chief. 
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands and the search party dematerialized. 
CUT TO:
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, CLOUDY RAINY
The search party materialized the Enterprise search teams are in the city. 
DR. LANGFORD: Rain? 
ENS. HOLIDAY: It smells of destruction and death. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Spread out. 
[They split up to cover more ground John searches the area where he knows that Kyle and Anne's parents would be at, as he sees the destruction everywhere from the disruptors and fires plumping he continues his search as Commander Kal comes over the.] 
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Kal to Branson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here. 
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: The Yorktown has arrived sir and they've reported they found no sign of any surviving ships, Captain Smith is sending down search parties and launching shuttles to do aerial surveys
[John looked up and sees the shuttles fly over head.] 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Acknowledged Jane continue scanning the area for Orion's Branson out. 
[He tapped his combadge and continues his own search for survivors.]
CUT TO:
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are in orbit sending down shuttles for aerial surveys.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Commander Kal is in command while Captain Branson is on the surface when Ensign Sito reports.
ENS. SITO: Commander we're being hailed by Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard from his flagship the U.S.S. Verity.
Commander Kal gets up from the Captain's chair.
LTCMDR. KAL: On screen.
The transparent viewer shows the office of the U.S.S. Verity a Odyssey-Class cruiser.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Report Commander?
LTCMDR. KAL: We just arrived at Draken IV sir we lost a bit of paint on the Starboard nacelle but nothing that Commander Williams can't fix, so far we've not found any survivors yet but we're not giving up hope. 
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Good I hope you find them it makes no sense for the Orion's to attack a defenseless colony
LTCMDR. KAL: It's a shocker sir.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: As soon as Captain Branson returns have him contact me to give me a full report on the surface
LTCMDR. KAL: Aye, sir. 
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]; Picard out
Transmission ends as Commander Kal sits in the Captain's chair.
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
[Captain Branson is walking through the colony and is trying to figure out where Kyle's parent's colony house is at.]
DR. LANGFORD [O.S]: CAPTAIN!!!!
[John rushes over to where Doctor Langford and Nurse Takahashi is at.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Pete? 
DR. LANGFORD: He was under some rubble me and Laurel were able to dig him out. 
They start treating him as John holds him. 
JOHN: Eric its Mister Branson can you hear me? 
MAJ. JONES: C-Captain Branson sir. 
Both Chapel and Langford are still working on him. 
JOHN: Eric what happened here? 
MAJ. JONES (coughs): I-It was the O-Orion's sir they attacked the colony blew right through the two Nebula-class destroyers that were in orbit, and started bombarding the surface beaming troops down and killed half of the colonist some made it to the transporter shuttles and shelters. 
John looks at both Christine and Peter. 
DR. LANGFORD: His injuries are to severe sir we can't save him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Major you're injuries are to severe we can't save you. 
MAJ. JONES: I know sir I'm sorry for how I treated Tina when we were dating t-t-tell her t-that I-I'm s-sorry. 
He dies as John places him on the ground and closes his eyes he stands up and looks over at Nurse Takahashi who's distraught. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You and Pete did everything you could to help him Laurel. 
She nods they see his dead body. 
CUT TO:
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are in orbit as shuttles are flying to and from both vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson looks out the window when the com does its boatswain whistle. 
LTCMDR. KAL (com voice): Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We're receiving a hail from Earth its a Lieutenant Commander Anne Clarkson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my ready room. 
The monitor shows Lieutenant Commander Anne Clarkson on Earth in her office. 
ANNE [monitor]: John what is it to report?
JOHN: So far we're still searching for survivors still we only found fourteen survivors so far but no sign of your parents. 
Anne is freaking out but keeps her composure. 
ANNE [monitor]: John find them please I'm worried about them they usually call me at this time unless they're busy, but they usually do call me at 1430 hours to see how I am doing and if I've checked on Kyle 
JOHN: Anne I will find them I promise you and Kyle that. 
ANNE [monitor]: I better get off here good luck John
He nods and the transmission ends as John leans back in his chair in front of his desk. 
EXT-SPACE
Unknown to them an Orion scout vessel is watching them.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are in orbit of the planet.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson is at his desk reviewing the colonist list and confused about what is going on there, when the com does its boatswain whistle.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
Captain Branson toggles the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: You've got an incoming hail from the USS Harrison
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my ready room.
John gets up from the chair and faces the wall monitor as it shows the Captain's quarter.
JOHN [smiles]: Jamie hey long time no see.
JAMIE [monitor]: John, your call sounded urgent what's wrong is everything on the Enterprise alright?
JOHN [smiles]: Yes everything is alright I was wondering if I can speak with Kyle its important.
JAMIE [monitor]: He's currently busy right now
JOHN: Jamie its his parents Draken IV was attacked by the Orion's.
JAMIE [monitor]: I'll speak to him about it
JOHN [nods]: Thank you Jamie.
JAMIE [monitor]: I will let him know Towe out
Transmission ends as John is worried.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we're being hailed by Fleet Captain Picard.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the ready room of Jean-Luc Picard on his flagship.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Captain what do you have to report?
CAPT. BRANSON: So far we're still searching for more survivors but we've not found Mr. or Mrs. Clarkson yet, but we're not giving up on searching for them. 
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: I've informed Rear Admiral Margaret Thorton at Starbase 212 she's coming to your position with a relief taskforce to help with the search, hopefully we can find them before the....
Transmission fizzes out as Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Mason. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What happened? 
LTJG. MASON [confused]: I-I'm not sure sir everything was fine till now.
Then Lieutenant T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: It appears that we're being jammed by some sort of localized dampening field bearing 2-1-1 mark 10, Captain it appears that we've got an Orion vessel on an intercept course.
CAPT. BRANSON [tenses up]: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows an Orion Interceptor approaching. 
LTJG. MASON: It's weapons are hot and ready to fire!
CAPT. BRANSON: RED ALERT!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare as John is a bit tensed up.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
The Enterprise fires her port phaser strip as the Orion Interceptor fires back hitting her port deflectors.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are down to 69%.
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Omega return fire try to disable their weapons.
Both Ensign Kaye and Lieutenant Mason comply with the order.
WHUMPH!
LTCMDR. KAL: Why are they so aggressive all of the sudden?
WHUMPH! Sparks erupt from one of the consoles sending the officer back.
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are down to 54% damage to secondary hull.
ENS. SITO: Minor hull buckling on decks 14-18.
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Omega seven Quantum Torpedoes.
LTJG. MASON: Torpedoes ready.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire!
Lieutenant Mason presses the firing button.
EXT-SPACE
The forward launcher unleashes a spread of quantum torpedoes that struck the forward section of the Orion vessel destroying the vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the Orion vessel exploding.
LTJG. MASON: Enemy vessel destroyed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maintain scans for any other Orion vessels in the sector I'll be in my ready room.
Captain Branson leaves the bridge as Commander Kal sits in the Captain's chair.
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise returns to orbit around Draken IV along with the Yorktown that was surprisingly ignored by the Orion vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Supplemental, The Enterprise, Yorktown are both in orbit of Draken IV after it was just attacked by the Orion's unprovoked assault, killing at least a dozen souls
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is reviewing the colony manifest as he sees the files of both Doctor Anna Clarkson and Robert Clarkson, as he's leaning back in his chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over, continuing]: Among the missing are agricultural researchers Doctors Anna and Robert Clarkson parents of both Kyle and Anne Clarkson, I just hope that we can find them and figure out what happened and why the Orion's attacked
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John toggles the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Sir, we're receiving a transmission from Earth its Commander Anne Clarkson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch her to my quarters.
After a few minutes he sits at his desk as the monitor changed to the office of Lieutenant Commander Anne Clarkson.
JOHN (smiles): Anne hey.
ANNE (monitor): John hey its good to see you again how are you doing?
JOHN: Well I am great wish I was calling to catch up but I got some bad news, but the Klingons have attacked the Federation colony Draken IV. And I was reviewing the colony manifest and I discovered that your parents are there working.
Anne feels a sudden rush of emotions.
ANNE (monitor): D-Does Kyle know?
JOHN: Jamie will inform him to contact me when he gets a chance.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Captain Branson report to the bridge
JOHN: Anne I've got to go and I will let you know what we find.
She nods and transmission ends as Captain Branson leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
John walks onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. KAL: Captain Smith is on the surface right now she wants you down there now she has something to show you.
CAPT. BRANSON: I better get down there.
Captain Branson leaves the bridge.
CUT TO:
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
Captain Branson materializes on the surface wearing a tactical vest and turns to see his wife and her search party. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica what did you find? 
CAPT. SMITH: Nothing so far but we're still looking. 
They walk together as they've got their phasers out of their holsters ready and moves to the door frame and John throws a stun grenade into the building and it goes off as he and Jessica moves into the building. 
INT-CLARKSON RESEARCH LABATORY [BATTLE DAMAGED, DARKEN]
They enter the lab as they are moving in a leapfrog cover formation, as they search the rooms for the two Doctors.
CAPT. SMITH: I don't see them. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They've got to be in here.
They continue searching the lab that's connected to their colony house both John and Jessica get on both sides of the door and Jessica cracks the door open and John tosses another stun grenade in and it goes off and they move into the house.
INT-WILLIAM & ANNA'S COLONY HOUSE [WRECKED, DARKEN]
The pair continue their search for the Doctors.
CAPT. SMITH: Damn it where could they be.
John lowers his hand phaser but then he sees something and he slowly walks towards the object and kneels down and turns it over and is shocked to see Mister Clarkson and then Jessica sees Anna Clarkson. 
CAPT. BRANSON: My god is she? 
Jessica checks her pulse. 
CAPT. SMITH (nods): Yeah she's dead John. 
CAPT. SMITH: John? 
Captain Branson reholsters his phaser after shutting it off. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm fine Jess. 
John is on one knee. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Doctor Carlson we found the bodies of both Doctors. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, MORGUE
Both bodies are put into the bays as Doctor Langford turns to him.
DR. LANGFORD: They were both executed.
CAPT. BRANSON: What was the cause of their deaths?
DR. LANGFORD: Mister Clarkson was stabbed by a knife.
CAPT. SMITH: And Mrs. Clarkson?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: She was killed by a Dominion poloron disruptor pistol point blank range.
DR. LANGFORD: But it appears the Orion's had their fun with her before they killed her those I am reading traces of Orion DNA on her body and clothes.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Thanks Pete, Laurel.
CAPT. SMITH [comforts her husband]: John are you alright?
He turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Just wish they were alive Jessica.
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Sir, the USS John Chamberlain and her escorts have arrived and Admiral Thorton is wanting to speak with you
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Very well have her escorted to my ready room I'm on my way.
He taps his combadge twice to turn it off and leaves sickbay as Jessica is a bit worried.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is working on a few reports when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Rear Admiral Margaret Thorton walks into the ready room, as Captain 
Branson puts the PADD down on his desk and stands up at attention. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Admiral Thorton welcome aboard the Enterprise ma'am. 
REAR ADM. THORTON: At ease Captain. 
John goes to at ease.
REAR ADM. THORTON: I've read your report it's strange that the Orion's attacked the colony it is way out of their range to attack.
CAPT. BRANSON: So what are we going to do?
REAR ADM. THORTON: That's being discussed at Starfleet Command right now.
Admiral Thorton is looking around the ready room as John is watching him. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Uh is there something that I can help you with sir? 
She then sees John's wedding photo and then turns back to him. 
REAR ADM. THORTON: Yes there is you being in command of this wonderful vessel. 
CAPT. BRANSON (more confused): Uh, excuse me Admiral? 
Admiral Thorton walks over to him.
REAR ADM. THORTON: There's a bunch of cadets that would love to have this command but no because of your friendship with Picard he chose you, when you have a reprimand in your record for forcing yourself onto a fellow officer during a critical situation. 
John is taken a back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: As my report on that will reflect sir she was about to be shot by a Cardassian soldier so I did the only thing I could do at that moment, I never meant to harm her. 
REAR ADM. THORTON: BUT YOU DID AND NOW SHE HAS TO GO THROUGH INTENSE COUNSELING TO GET HER MINDSET RIGHT! And here you are living comfortably onboard the 
Enterprise while she's suffering. 
She leaves the ready room as John is in utter shock at the situation he put his former crewmate in. 
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise and Yorktown are on course back to Earth with wounded and deceased.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, BEDROOM AREA
John is laying on the bed thinking about what Admiral Thorton said as Jessica looks over at him.
JOHN: She's right I shouldn't have the chair of this vessel.
JESSICA: John you've got a lot of good since taking command of the Enterprise, and this crew believes in your command decisions and I spoke to our friends we went to the Academy with that were on the bridge you did what you did to protect her from being shot and killed.
JOHN [smiles]: Thanks honey.
She looks at him.
JESSICA: Have you informed both Kyle and Anne?
JOHN: Not yet.
JESSICA: You need to.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is informing both Kyle and Anne of the grizzly discovery. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Anne, Kyle thanks for taking my call the reason I've called you both is that we found your parents, well I found them. 
ANNE [monitor]: And?
JOHN (sighs): I'm sorry to tell you both that they're dead they were killed defending themselves and sending the distress call after the two ships were destroyed. 
Both Anne and Kyle are in shock.
KYLE: But who would attack our parents and why?
JOHN: It was the Orion's they were looking for something but what we have no idea everything in their house and lab were in shambles.
ANNE [monitor, voice breaking]: Thank you John I'll be at the funeral when the Enterprise returns 
JOHN: I'll see you there Anne. 
Transmission ends as Kyle is the only one on the monitor.
JOHN: Kyle, you alright man?
KYLE: I-I don't know man I have to go.
Transmission ends as John is worried about his friends.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Federation Home battlegroup and the orbital defense platforms are in orbit as the Enterprise parks into a dry-dock berth.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN CARGO BAY
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters and sees the caskets of the dead colonist and walks over to the two caskets that belong to Anna and Robert Clarkson as he stands there looking at them then the doors opened again and both Kyle and Anne enter. 
JOHN: If you two want I'll leave you guys alone to say goodbye to them. 
ANNE: No its alright John you were like a brother to both me and Kyle you and your family were nice to us. 
Kyle just stands there looking at the caskets of his parents. 
ANNE (saddened): Why didn't you guys get off the planet before this happened? How can both me and my brother move on from your deaths? 
Kyle puts his hand on her shoulder.
KYLE: We'll find away sis we still have each other.
Anne and Kyle hug each other as John looks at them.
JOHN: The funeral will be at 1400 hours on Earth. 
John leaves the cargo bay. 
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, DAY 
An established shot of Starfleet Command. 
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND VICE ADMIRAL HALSEY'S OFFICE
Both Commander Kal and Captain Branson are at his desk.
VICE ADM. HALSEY: I would of thought that the Orion's would of attacked a well defended colony world not an agricultural colony that's lightly defended. 
Captain Branson is sitting in the chair in front of his desk wearing his dress uniform. 
CAPT. BRANSON: It was devastating they destroyed the entire city we only found 14 out of 1,230 colonist. 
LTCMDR. KAL: What is Starfleet Command going to do about it?
VICE ADM. HALSEY [sighs]: The Federation Council has decided not to pursue any formal declaration of war against the Orion's till we can find out why they attacked Draken IV. 
LTCMDR. KAL: What?
CAPT. BRANSON: Admiral you can't be serious?
VICE ADM. HALSEY: They are serious John we're not up to pre-Dominion war level yet we're still rebuilding from it.
CAPT. BRANSON: Admiral if the Orion's have found away to get tougher and to improve the tech then we're in big trouble.
LTCMDR. KAL: I have to agree with Captain Branson on this one sir.
VICE ADM. HALSEY: I understand you two and I am hearing your considers but my hands are tied.
CAPT. BRANSON [frustrated]: So, we're just going to sweep this under the damn rug?
VICE ADM. HALSEY: I didn't say that John but we are going to investigate and increase patrols along the Federation-Orion border. 
John is frustrated but understands that they can't pursue the Orion's till they attack something that is more of taste to them. 
JOHN: We better get going the funeral ceremony starts in half an hour. 
VICE ADM. HALSEY: I would go but I have to send out letters to the crews of the two ships that were destroyed give both Kyle and Anne my regards. 
John nod and leaves Halsey's office. 
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, CEMETARY, DAY
At the cemetery the crew of the Enterprise and Harrison are there to support the Clarkson siblings as Federation fighters fly over head. 
VICE ADM. CORNWELL: The Clarkson family has my deepest sympathy as I speak for everyone here when I say we're so sorry for you loss, both of your parents were respected by all and will be missed but we must move forward and remember that they didn't die in vain they died because of Orion's arrogates and dishonorment. 
As the caskets are being lowered into the ground Anne is crying in the arms of her husband, after the funeral John wearing his Starfleet dress uniform walks over to both Kyle and Jamie who are also wearing their dress uniforms. 
JOHN: Thanks for coming your parents would of loved it. 
KYLE [Sighs]: I know 
JAMIE: You needed this Kyle. 
Kyle walks over to the two gravestones as Anne walks over to them. 
ANNE: Thanks for coming John you don't know how much it means to me and Kyle that the Branson family are basically friends of the family. 
JOHN: Its my honor to be here my parents and Vice Admiral Halsey sends their regards. 
Anne's husband who's a Starfleet officer wearing his dress uniform as well. 
ANNE: Oh where are my manners John this is my husband Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts we work together in the JAG department, this is Captain John Branson and his wife Jessica Smith of the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown respectively. 
BUD: I've been wanting to meet you both for awhile especially you Captain Branson you're something of a talk in the JAG department. 
JOHN: That's nice Mister Roberts. 
ANNE: So what are they going to do about the Orion's? 
John knows that she doesn't want to hear it but he's got to give her the tough news. 
JOHN (sighs): Admiral Halsey has informed me that the Federation Council isn't going to pursue war with the Orion's at this time. 
ANNE: Wait what they're just going to sit by and allow them to continue to butcher innocent men and women our parents were slaughtered by them! 
JOHN: Anne I understand that but we're still recovering from the Dominion War but he has assured me that they'll increase border patrols. 
BUD: Honey its going to be alright we're going to make them pay for what they did. 
ANNE (sigh): Its just mine and Kyles parents were butchered by the Orion's and the council is letting them get off with nothing more then a slap on the wrist. 
Then they're watching Kyle who just puts a hand on the gravestones. 
[END OF ACT 5, 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 Laurel Takahashi
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Doctor Anna Clarkson
*TBA as Doctor Robert Clarkson
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Commander Anne Clarkson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===