What Lies Beneath The Raptors Wing

What Lies Beneath The Raptors Wing is the 10th episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds SNW Season 1 Finale.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise battles a Romulan warbird that has been suspected of destroying several bases along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The U.S.S. Enterprise and the U.S.S. Excelsior are docked at Starbase 98 a Frontier-class Starbase.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John and Jessica are cuddling in bed.
JESSICA: You need to get up.
JOHN [groans]: I know.
Jessica looks at him.
JESSICA: Nervous?
John looks at her.
JOHN: A little bit I never did a wedding much less a wedding that involves two of my officers, especially while we're delivering supplies to Outpost 4.
Jessica gets out of bed as John follows her into the shower and they both giggle.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise undocks from the Frontier-class base and her warp engines power up and she leaps into warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CHAPEL
The crew is gathering for this special event as Captain Branson enters as he walks over to Commander Williams who is working a camera.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Good.
Then the groom enters and is also wearing his dress uniform and is nervous about getting married as Captain Branson walks over to him. 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Captain Branson sir? 
John puts his hand up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease are you nervous Mister Tomlinson? 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Y-Yes, sir but I'm going to love her with all my heart and I will by her side no matter what. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let me tell you something you two are great for each other and I am happy for you both. 
Doctor Carlson walks over to him. 
DR. CARLSON (sotto): Call for you from the bridge. 
Captain Branson walks somewhere and toggles the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson here.
CMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent. 
Captain Branson turns to see the bride. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Maintain course to outpost four. Keep me informed. Branson out. 
He ends the call and then the wedding music starts as the bride Lieutenant Angela Martine who's wearing a bridal gown and is being escorted by Doctor Carlson, as Captain Branson is at the podium as they're standing side by side. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. We are gathered here today with you, Angela Martine, and you, Robert Tomlinson, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs so that you may pledge your....
Then the red lights start flashing and klaxons blares as the com activates. 
COMPUTER VOICE: All decks, red alert. Repeat, all decks, red alert 
The crew scatters to head to their battle stations. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Just when I was getting to the best part of the wedding.
Then Lieutenant Commander Ivanova's voice comes over the com.
 
CMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Ivanova to Branson outpost four reports they're under attack by a space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Copy Z, I'm on my way. 
He leaves the Chapel. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhoa7oWPPhk
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CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. BRANSON [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!
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A shot over another Federation Starship as the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 is at Station keeping.
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STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
====
The Enterprise exits dry-dock berth. 
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON 
An underbelly shot of the ventral section of the Enterprise as the moon is in full view. 
FELECIA LINKOUS 
 AS
CMDR. ZHASA IVANOVA 
The Enterprise flying by an interstellar dust cloud. 
KEVIN REGAN 
 AS
LT. JACK MASON 
The Enterprise flying towards an M-Class planet. 
FERNE MYERS 
 AS
LTCMDR. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS 
Enterprise traversing a planetary debris field. 
JACOB ELLIOT 
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
Enterprise flying by a binary pulsar. 
DELENA "DEE" LUSK 
 AS
LT. KARA CARLSON
BLAKE WAYMIRE 
 AS
LT. TYSON MITCHELL
Enterprise heading towards Arcamon Science Station.
SADIE BRICKHOUSE 
 AS
LT. JULIA SMITH
Enterprise flying by a comet. 
BECKY ELLIOT 
 AS
LTCMDR. T'SHARA
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she leaps into warp. 
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
The Enterprise speeds towards Outpost Four.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 1709.2, While on an uneventful patrol along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border, we received emergency call from outpost 4. The U.S.S. Enterprise is moving to investigate and assist
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The turbo-lift doors opened and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge and he walks over to the command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Situation report Z?
CMDR. IVANOVA: Julia can brief you on the situation Lieutenant?
Commander Ivanova gets up and walks over to the First officer station.
LT. SMITH: Outpost Four reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates. 
Captain Branson walks in front the helm and ops stations sliding his two fingers across the top of the console's edge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Any word from Two or Three? 
LT. SMITH: Two has not responded to our hails. And Three has also gone silent. 
Captain Branson sits in the command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our speed?
LT. CARLSON: Warp factor 5 sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Increase speed to warp factor 6.5 Mister Mitchell what's our ETA to Outpost Four?
LT. MITCHELL: Position, eight minutes from Outpost four at this velocity, sir. 
Captain Branson toggles the com panel on the right side of the command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Engineering we need more speed if we're going to reach Outpost four.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (com voice): Aye, sir we'll give you all she's got and more
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Thank you Steph.
He ends the com call and turns to Lieutenant Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: Did Outpost 4 give anything at all on the attacking vessel, Lieutenant? 
LT. SMITH: None at all sir.
Then Lieutenant Mitchell chimes in about the attacks. 
LT. MITCHELL: I'm guessing it's the same attackers, sir. The Romulans. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's not make guesses just yet. I'd like to avoid a war if I can. Maintain course. Alert me when we're two minutes out. Z you've got the bridge. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir. 
Captain Branson gets up from the command chair and enters the ready room, as Commander Ivanova sits in the command chair worried about her friend. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds towards the border.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is reviewing what information Starfleet has on the Romulan Star Empire, when the com system activates. 
CMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Captain Branson report to the bridge
Captain Branson leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise emerges from warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Carlson reports.
LT. CARLSON: Enterprise is in position and holding, sir. Just out of weapons range. 
Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Detecting a fair amount of debris, but no sign of any attacking ship. 
Captain Branson sits down in the command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's triple check. Julia, see if there are any other Federation ships in the vicinity, in case we need backup. 
Lieutenant Smith checks her console and reports.
LT. SMITH: The Endeavour is on the other side of the zone.
John remains silent.
LT. SMITH: That's Captain Khatami vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ah yes I had forgotten.
Then she has two fingers on her ear piece and reports. 
LT. SMITH: Sir, we're being hailed. It's the outpost. Audio only. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it. 
She inputs commands into the communication console and then Commander Al-Salah's voice comes over the com.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outpost four. Do you read me, Enterprise? This is Commander Hansen Al-Salah
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson here, we're minutes away, Hansen. What's your status? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outposts two, three, and eight are gone
John closes his eyes to say a silent prayer for those who were killed on those three outposts.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Unknown weapon. Completely destroyed, even though we were alerted. Had our deflector shield on maximum. Hit by enormous power. First attack blew our deflector shield. If they hit us again with our deflector shield gone. Do you read me, Enterprise?
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Al-Salah What hit you, Commander? What vessel? Can you identify? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Negative. It all happened so fast. And it seems to have disappeared somehow. Switching to visual. Enterprise, can you see? 
(The viewscreen shows a man in a wrecked room, surrounded by fires and debris, as Captain Branson slowly gets up from his command chair shocked at what's he seeing.)
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER (RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED)
[ALARMS BLARING] 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Enterprise, can you see it? My command post here. We're a mile deep on an asteroid. Almost solid iron. And even through our deflectors, it did this. Can you see? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: We see it Commander was your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR, COMMAND POST (RED ALERT)
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, thank god no.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Everyone is shocked at seeing the battle damaged outpost.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander what do you have on the intruder?
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND POST (RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED)
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No identification. No answer to our challenge. Only a glimpse of it. Then they fired something at us, some form of high-energy plasma. Fantastic power. And then the whole vessel disappeared. But it's out there somewhere. Our sensors show that much. Enterprise, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Tie us in.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Tying in now
(A ship appears from nowhere on the screen) 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack do we have phasers?
LT. MASON: We're still out of range sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (tenses up): Commander do you have phasers we're still out of range. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead 
Captain Branson quickly turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia hail them. Warn that ship off. 
LT. SMITH: Trying to sir but they're not responding! 
[Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out, as the viewscreen switches to Hansen as the outpost is hit, then just bright light.]
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise is facing Outpost four as it erupts into a fiery explosion. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
[KLAXONS BLARE]
[Back to the attacking ship, which then vanishes.]
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Interesting how they became visible for just a moment. Perhaps necessary to use weapons. 
[Captain Branson still standing shocked by what just happened.]
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, we have to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Lieutenant you know that, T'Shara can we find away to engage them before they decide to attack another 
Federation outpost? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Analyzing their movement patterns now. Give me a moment. 
Then Lieutenant Carlson reports. 
LT. CARLSON: Sir? Incoming warp signature. 
LT. SMITH: We're being hailed its one of ours its the Endeavour.
CMDR. IVANOVA: That's Captain Khatami vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Lieutenant Smith works at the com station.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI: Enterprise, this is Captain Atish Khatami of the USS Endeavour, offering assistance.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
[Captain Branson is standing in front of the viewer with his hands behind his back.]
CAPT. BRANSON: John Branson good to meet you Captain.
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: We received Outpost Four's distress signal and pushed warp eight for as long as we safely could we have any idea who did this?
LT. MITCHELL: We may have an idea of who it is. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We're trying to determine, conclusively.
Then Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I may have a lead, sir. The ship in question appears to have a kind of cloaking device. But they still have a detectable gravitational presence. 
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI: Does that mean we can track them Commander?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: T'Shara ma'am, theoretically, yes. By detecting the micro-lensing of background stars we can determine an approximate location. 
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI: Nice work Commander.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Where's the intruder now? 
Commander T'Shara inputs commands into her console and reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: He has changed heading. At a very leisurely maneuver. They may not be aware of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How can that be true? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They had to decloak to fire. Their device may work both ways: it makes them invisible to our sensors, but requires a massive amount of energy. They are likely flying blind, without enough power to run their scanners. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI; So they can't see us but we can't see them?
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Yes. 
She then checks her console. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: His heading is now 1-1-1, mark 1-4. The exact heading a Romulan vessel would take toward the Neutral Zone and home. 
Then Lieutenant Mitchell looks at Captain Branson. 
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ty, We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war. 
LT. MITCHELL [annoyed]: They've destroyed three of our outposts. That's not an act of war? 
CAPT. BRANSON: We attack the Romulans without authorization, the Federation will consider us expendable. 
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: We do have another option. We can shadow the ship. Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time
LT. MITCHELL: Not an intercept course ma'am? 
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: No
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI: The Captain is right That would be a declaration of war.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: But if Enterprise and Endeavour match course and speed with the enemy ship, exactly, move for move, they might think we're just a reflection. Echoes on their sensors. That way we won't lose them while we wait to hear back from Starfleet
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's start shadowing them. Julia, send a message to Starfleet. Ask for permission to engage the Romulans.
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain Khatami we'll be talking.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI: I look forward to it Khatami out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends.
CMDR. IVANOVA: The Endeavour was at Starbase 47 when it was destroyed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah I know.
Then Lieutenant Smith reports.
LT. SMITH: Picking up communication. It's from their ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Pipe it in.
Smith does and over the speak is static.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Doesn't sound like a transmission.
LT. SMITH: It's not it sounds like code Commander.
T'Shara turns to her console and works on it.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I have a fix on it, Captain. I believe I can lock on it, get a picture of their Bridge.
Lieutenant Mitchell turns. 
LT. MITCHELL: So we finally get to see what they look like. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara put it on the viewer. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan vessel finally revealing the look of the Romulans, much to the shock of everyone as the camera pushes in on T'Shara who raises an eyebrow. 
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, ICARUS SYSTEM
Both Enterprise and Endeavour a Sombra-Class vessel are next to each other as in the background is a comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Khatami materialized on the pad.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Captain Khatami welcome aboard.
CAPT. KHATAMI: Thank you Captain.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, Commander T'Shara, Lieutenant Mitchell, Lieutenant Carlson, and Doctor Carlson along with Captain Khatami.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, we're not gonna get out of this problem by not talking about it. 
LT. MITCHELL: I'd like to hear what T'Shara has to say for herself. 
T'Shara has her arms folded. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I assure you Mister Mitchell I had no idea of the similarities between my people and the Romulans. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: It does seem suspicious. Not the similarity itself, but that we should discover it right now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you suggesting?
CAPT. KHATAMI: Well, it's no secret that the Vulcans and the humans are in alliance. Perhaps the Romulans allowed us to see that transmission in hopes that it would sow discord among us.
CMDR. IVANOVA: It is possible.
LT. MITCHELL: Even if we ignore the pointy-eared elephant in the room, we have another problem to worry about. We're going to lose our prey. 
LT. CARLSON: The Romulan vessel will cross the Neutral Zone in about an hour. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: I don't think we can wait, we have a choice to make here. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Say we do make that choice. Their plasma weapon can still slice through our deflectors. That, in conjunction with their cloaking device, gives them a tactical advantage. Even against our ships working in tandem. 
DR. CARLSON: Working in tandem for what? To destroy them? Say we're lucky enough to do that. Isn't that, technically, an act of war? 
LT. MITCHELL: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. CARLSON: This isn't a schoolyard Ty. Billions of lives are at stake here. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I want to hear everyone's opinion on the subject. 
DR. CARLSON: I vote against war. 
LT. MITCHELL: So do I. I just think that means killing Romulans. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Atish, your thoughts?
Captain Khatami leans forward.
CAPT. KHATAMI: What happens when they return to Romulus and tell their leaders that the Federation won't even fight back? I'm starting to lean toward attack. If we allow them to destroy our outposts with no repercussions, we run the risk of war. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I have to believe there's another way. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I think we should attack. 
Everyone turns to T'Shara. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, if the Romulans are an offshoot of my Vulcan blood, which I believe, then attack is indeed the only option. Vulcan, like Earth, had its aggressive colonizing period. Savage, even by human standards. If the Romulans retain this martial philosophy, then weakness is something we dare not show. 
LT. MITCHELL (smirks): Well, if T'Shara and I can agree, then there's hope for all of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We don't all agree. 
Then Khatami comes up with an idea.
CAPT. KHATAMI: Hold a moment. Captain Branson, that comet we're approaching might just be the alternative that you've been looking for. T'Shara, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Shara inputs commands into the PADD as the monitor changes to shows the comet. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: Currently, the Romulan ship is headed for the comet's tail. Now, I know that they're invisible and we can't lock on to their exact position. But the second they go through that, particle distortion will reveal their location. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll be boxing them in. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: They'll be pendent and we'll be able to get weapons locked. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good plan Captain.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Both the Enterprise and Endeavour are approaching the comet. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's personal log, Stardate 1709.2. Per Captain Khatami's plan, we are mounting a pincer move. Our two ships will slowly drift closer as the Romulans remain unaware. When they pass through the comet's tail giving us their exact location, we will be in weapons range Khatami, however, has agreed to my plan to neutralize, not destroy, the Bird-of-Prey, leaving open the possibility of dialogue
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson is sitting in the Captain's chair deep in thought.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over, continuing]: And yet I remain concerned this brash, young Starfleet captain follows her own rules
CAPT. BRANSON: Maintain present course and speed but be ready.
LT. CARLSON: I've got my foot on the gas just in case.
EXT-COMET DUST TRAIL
Enterprise proceeds in.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA [O.S]: Still tracking the gravitational presence of the Romulans. Their trajectory remains unchanged.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Holding position, Enterprise just let us know when you see them. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LT. CARLSON: We're passing though the tail now sir. 
Captain Branson turns in his command chair to face the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Any second now. 
Transparent viewer shows the debris then just open space as everyone is a bit confused. 
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Something isn't right?
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: The Captain is right we should of seen them by now. 
T'Shara turns to her scanner.
CAPT. KHATAMI [com voice]: Enterprise
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: I don't like this.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
T'Shara's monitor shows the Romulan signature. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Reading gravitational signature again. It's behind the Endeavour. 
John quickly gets up from his command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: KHATAMI GET OUT OF THERE!
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [tenses up]: Red Alert!
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Red Alert, Kara get us there as quick as you can.
Lieutenant Carlson works at her console.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [tenses up]: Attack pattern Khatami 4!
Ensign Branson works at the helm.
EXT-SPACE
The Endeavour quickly maneuvers as the Romulan fires its disruptors a few hits the ship's deflectors, as the ship moves quickly far off in the distances is the Enterprise moving to assist.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Khatami tenses up.
CAPT. KHATAMI: Get behind him.
ENS. BRANSON: Aye, sir.
EXT-SPACE
The Endeavour goes for an L-4.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Khatami tenses up as Lieutenant McCormack reports.
LT. MCCORMACK: Phasers locked on target.
CAPT. KHATAMI: FIRE!
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
As the Farragut fires her weapons she attempts to get behind the Romulan warbird it fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the Endeavour causing massive damage to the Sombra-Class vessel. 
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling as the crew are thrown from their stations, and Captain Khatami is thrown from her command chair. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan vessel flies off as the Endeavour is drifting as explosions erupt from where the vessel took the bad hit as debris floats from the vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARING]
The crew gets up from the floor as Captain Khatami gets to her Captain's chair.
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Bridge to engineering damage report!
LTCMDR. YATAO [com voice]: Main energizers are out we've got emergency power!
LT. ESTEDA: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities!
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Fire phasers Captain.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: We're out of range. We're just as likely to hit you as them.
INT-U.S.S. ENDEAVOUR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARING]
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Maybe you'll draw their fire.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack full phasers.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and presses the firing button. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Enterprise fires off a spread of phaser bolts as the Romulan vessel flies by the damaged Endeavour, as one of the blots scores a hit. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON [smiles]: Holy We actually clipped them.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good shooting Jack, Julia hail them I want them focused on us. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir hailing now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep firing. 
LT. MASON: Gladly sir.
Commander T'Shara turns from her station.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sensors are detecting a power increase from their forward weapons port.
CAPT. BRANSON: Divert power to the forward deflectors but keep firing.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
 
The Enterprise continues its barrage of phaser blots as the forward section of the Romulan vessel powers up and a red/orange energy cloud plums and lances towards the Enterprise. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows this. 
CAPT. BRANSON: ALL HANDS BRACE FOR IMPACT! 
Everyone on the bridge braces.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The plasma torpedo struck the underside of the saucer section causing the deflectors to flicker. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupts from the ceiling and one of the consoles, as John lost his balance but grabs the rail. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
Jack's tactical console shows the underside of the Enterprise and the deflector percentage as he reports.
LT. MASON: Ventral saucer section deflectors down to forty-seven percent. 
Lieutenant Mitchell reports as well.
LT. MITCHELL: Damage to Decks Six, Seven, and Nine. And weapon control is down. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): That should have destroyed us. How are we still standing? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target. 
Captain Branson turns to T'Shara. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Status of Endeavour?
Screen shows the damage to the Endeavour WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as T'Shara reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They have sustained heavy damage their life support is failing. 
LT. CARLSON: I can get us there in 30 seconds.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to transporter. Get the pads warmed up, Chief. We're about to test their upper limits. 
John leaves the bridge as Commander Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [RED ALERT]
Doors opened as Captain Branson enters as the transporter can be heard as the transporter pad shows the Endeavour survivors that have sustained injuries as he sees Tina being put on a stretcher.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is she going tot be alright?
DR. CARLSON: She's got a few cracked ribs and a concussion I'll send you a full medical report when I finish my examination of her.
The medical staff and Doctor Carlson leaves the transporter room, as the rest of the senior staff materialized.
CAPT. KHATAMI: Captain Branson we need to talk now.
She leaves the transporter room as John follows her.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTER [YELLOW ALERT]
They enter.
ATISH: You flinched. You deliberated and we lost.
JOHN: We fired, Atish. And we were fired upon. That's why you're still here.
ATISH: From the start, you wanted to cripple them, not take them out.
JOHN: We may have different points of view, but do not question my combat readiness, Captain.
ATISH: I'm saying caution means you're not going to put everything you have into the punch. And that's a good way to lose, because your enemy will see that and act accordingly.
JOHN: All of this because of a seconds delay.
Atish looks at him.
ATISH: Tell me I am wrong and I will back down.
JOHN: If you're saying you're more willing to take risks than I am, I don't disagree And let me remind you that you're saying that on my ship, after yours has been disabled.
Atish raises her hands up and backs up.
ATISH: Fair, I'm just saying I underestimated him. I'm not going to do it again.
Com activates. 
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captains Branson and Khatami please report to the bridge
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[TURBO-LIFT DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the Bird-of-Prey. They are trailing trilithium fragments. Their power supply is damaged. I do not believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: Do we know their course?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They are still on course for the Neutral Zone. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: We could overtake them before they reach Romulan Space. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our weapons status? 
CMDR. IVANOVA [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: The Romulans don't know that. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They will if we pull up on their six and can't fire. Lieutenant Smith, open a channel to the Romulan ship. 
LT. SMITH [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know. Open a channel. We're going to send them a message. 
CAPT. KHATAMI [confused]: What are you doing John? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Taking a risk. 
He walks to the viewer as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LT. SMITH: Channel opened sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: This is Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise. Our two cultures have been at war for 100 years. Long enough that we don't even question it. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk. For the first time in 100 years. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: That was unexpected. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They want to destroy us, but they also want to get home. Knowing what your opponent wants is key to a successful negotiation. 
CAPT. KHATAMI: Assuming they want to speak to you. 
Captain Branson looks at him as Lieutenant Smith report. 
LT. SMITH: Captain Branson the Romulans are hailing us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Looks like we're about to find out. On screen, please, Julia. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. KERAS: Captain Branson, it is good to make your acquaintance. 
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson still facing the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander. I know your ships attacked our outposts on the edge of the Neutral Zone. But I also know that our two cultures have been at war for generations without ever having been face-to-face. 
INT-ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON (viewer): But I also know that our two worlds have been at war for over a decade, and we're both still paying the bills that they had piled up for decades long before you and me were even born
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: So, we can blow each other out of the sky using what little power we have left, or we can try something different. We can explain ourselves to each other. Understand each other. Empathize. If we don't, this war between us will simply continue, unabated. And the cost for that is sure. Death. More and more death. 
INT-ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CMDR. KERAS: Our peoples are indeed different Captain not sure if your words are a show of force or weakness or. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew are worried about what Commander Decius is going to do.
CMDR. DECIUS [viewer]: A way of distracting us in time to make repairs and destroy my vessel, but I am interested in what you have to propose
CAPT. BRANSON: Both our ships are damaged. Your cloak is unstable, which leaves you vulnerable to our weapons. Maybe you have enough power to attack us. Maybe you have enough power to get back to Romulus without repairs. Conversely, maybe we can marshal our weapons and destroy you before you make it to the Neutral Zone. Or perhaps we chase you across the border and destroy you and get out before anyone's the wiser. 
INT-ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CMDR. KERAS [interested]: So what is it that you're suggesting, Captain? 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: A cease-fire both our ships are damaged and our weapons are off-line, now we can sit here and allow you to return to the Romulan side of the zone and make fun of our people calling them weak and not ready for a war with the Star Empire. 
CMDR. KERAS [viewer]: A cease-fire?
CAPT. BRANSON: We both know that we're damaged and we can barely fight each other, you've already showed us what you can do with your brand new plasma torpedo launchers. 
INT-ROMULAN MAIN BRIDGE 
Commander Keras thinks.
CMDR. KERAS: Very well then two hours. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Two hours and Commander I'm glad we had a chance to chat. 
CMDR. KERAS (viewer): Same here 
Transmission ends as Khatami looks at him as Captain Branson goes to the command chair as Lieutenant Mitchell turns to him. 
LT. MITCHELL: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Farragut right in front of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Stand down Ty. 
He pushes more. 
LT. MITCHELL: YOU CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THAT! 
CAPT. BRANSON (frustrated): STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT! Or I will have you removed from the bridge am I clear. 
LT. MITCHELL: Crystal sir. 
He turns back to his station as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair as T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement.
CAPT. KHATAMI: I wonder what they're doing over there.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hopefully the same thing we're doing.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan crew are at their stations as his old friend T'Auethn walks over to him.
T'AUETHN: A cease-fire?
CMDR. KERAS: Yes a cease-fire T'auethn.
They go to a place of the ship out of ear shot.
T'AUETHN: That wasn't the mission Keras?
CMDR. KERAS: I understand my friend.
T'AUETHN: Then why this sudden stab at diplomacy?
Keras thinks.
CMDR. KERAS: I don't know but if this peace game we're playing with the Federation will work. But I have to see it through. And if we achieve it, then, good.
T'AUETHN: Then if we don't?
CMDR. KERAS: Then the Praetor will have her war.
Keras walks away.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
John looks at the damage and causality reports when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Captain Khatami enters and walks over to his desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford.
CAPT. KHATAMI: You want me to tell you that I wouldn't have tried to blow those Romulans out of the sky? Well, I would have. But it wasn't my call.
CAPT. BRANSON: No it wasn't your call.
Khatami sits in front of the desk.
CAPT. KHATAMI: Well, we're here, now. And the truth is I don't know these Romulans can't be trusted. But I also don't know if they can. And neither do you.
CAPT. BRANSON: No, I don't trust them but we have 2 hours.
CAPT. KHATAMI: I'd like to explore a backup plan. If you'll give me the resources.
JOHN: I'm listening. 
ATISH: Look, the Romulans just bought themselves some time. Sure, they can use that time to make repairs. But remember, they're on the edge of the Neutral Zone. They could also use it to call for reinforcements. 
John looks at her.
JOHN: True, they could but Keras gave his word that we'd have a two hour cease-fire. 
ATISH: John, I'd like to suggest that we call for reinforcements as well. 
JOHN: Atish, we're on the far edge of Federation space. It takes days to get a message to Starfleet. We're weeks away from help getting to us, even at maximum warp. 
She leans forward.
ATISH: Yeah, but the Romulans don't know that. 
JOHN: What are you suggesting?
She leans forward.
ATISH: Captain Branson is it ok if I borrow a shuttle. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Star Trek fanfare music plays as the shuttle flies out of the shuttle bay and leaps into warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Commander Ivanova and Lieutenant Commander Williams are helping Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson and his staff get the weapons back on-line. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: Try it now. 
Commander Williams works at one of the consoles. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused. 
Commander Ivanova gets up from underneath one of the consoles just wearing her vest while her gold uniform jacket is on the console. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: I don't need to remind you that we have less than two hours to restore phaser control to working order. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (sighs): I'm an engineer not a miracle worker Commander. 
Then Commander Tomlinson comes up with an idea. 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Then we should try a bypass of the severed relays then Martine see if you can get a bypass to the secondary phaser couplings. 
LTJG. MARTINE: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Martine gets to work.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
LT. SMITH: Two minutes Captain. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Status? 
LT. MASON: Weapons are still down sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Weapons Control Room Status report? 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON (com voice): Working on it Captain, working on it
LT. SMITH: Two hours, Captain. And mark. 
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia, hail the Romulans. 
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan vessel. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Have you repaired your ship, Commander? 
INT-ROMULAN VESSEL MAIN BRIDGE
Commander Keras walks to the viewer.
CMDR. KERAS: Have you repaired yours, Captain? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Conventional wisdom suggests that our next move is to resume hostilities. To fight. You yourself told me that in your culture to do anything else would be a sign of weakness. But let me tell you a way in which humans are not weak. Our strength comes from our willingness to see a partner instead of an enemy. In our culture, that is an act of faith and strength, not a failure of character. Do Romulans have that kind of strength? 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CMDR. KERAS: I too tire of endless war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
[INTERMITTENT BEEPING] 
[ALARM BLARING] 
[Everyone starts working on their console as the aft monitor shows: PERIMETER ALERT and shows a bunch of Romulan symbols.] 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Massive warp signatures all Romulans.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The camera pushes back from the Enterprise as it shows the entire Romulan battlegroup emerge from warp one at a time. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transparent viewer shows the entire Romulan battlegroup as the crew is tensed up and Captain Branson is shocked seeing this. 
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is facing the Romulan battlegroup.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
 
Screens show the Romulan battlegroup around the bird of prey as the Commander Keras is shocked by this. 
CMDR. KERAS [shocked]: Why is the fleet here? I did not call for them.
DECUIS: I did Commander you were weak and believed that the Federation would allow us to return to Romulus we were sent to test the Federation!
Keras grabs his officer by his uniform collar and shoves him against the bulkhead.
CMDR. KERAS: YOU DISOBEYED MY DIRECT ORDERS!
SUB-CMDR. DECUIIS: IF WE HAD DESTROY THE ENTERPRISE WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE I WOULDN'T HAVE TO DISOBEY YOUR ORDERS!
CMDR. KERAS: You don't remember a time without war. But I do. Who wins an endless war with the Federation? 
SUB-CMDR. DECUIS: We will Commander.
CMDR. KERAS: An endless war, by definition, can never be won. Captain Branson will not trust my word now. 
SUB-CMDR. DECUIS: What does that matter? He will be dead soon. 
Commander Keras gets out his disruptor and shot the young officer as he's vaporized in front of everyone.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson remains standing facing the viewer as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LT. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed its the Romulan flagship. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan flagship as a female Romulan wearing the robes of a Romulan Praetor. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): Human I'm here to demand your surrender 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well hello to you as well I'm Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise and I didn't catch your name? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: You may address me as Praetor and it is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Seeing how we're not Romulans and this isn't a Romulan vessel you'll forgive us if we don't, and also we're holding to our side of the zone as are you and yet you demand my surrender? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (scoff): Typical human arrogates as always even though we almost defeated you in the last war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor if I remember correctly we won that war because of the arrogates of the last Romulan Praetor and his lust for power don't go down that road. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: Captain we've have you surrounded and you will surrender or we will destroy you have one minute to comply. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)'
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to face the bridge crew. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You know I don't like her. 
Then sensors beep as T'Shara reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Perimeter alert. We have ships incoming, sir. Dozens. 
Captain Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: More Romulans? 
T'Shara checks her console read out. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: No, they look like ours? 
John turns back to the viewer. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The small shuttle exits warp along with what appears to be older vessels. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is surprised by this. 
LT. SMITH: I've got a secure channel from the lead ship, sir. It's Captain Khatami.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the shuttle canopy. 
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: John, the reinforcements you ordered? Been 100 years since the Federation has seen the Romulans. We didn't know what their ships looked like, and so I figured they don't know what ours look like, either
LT. SMITH [confused]: All robotic mining craft? 
CUT TO:
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
CAPT. KHATAMI: Mining, hauling. Not one of them manned. But to the Romulans, who's to say we aren't a Federation armada? 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Nice work Atish. 
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: It's enough to bluff with, I hope. Try not to get us in a real fight
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: I'll do my best.
He walks to the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to Tomlinson status?
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [to com]: We're making progress. The conduits are severely damaged we're attempting to bypass the damaged relays but it may take sometime. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Work faster, Commander. We're going to need weapons soon or we're not going to need them at all. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [to com]: I'll do my best.
Then Zhasa notices purple gas escaping from a seal.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Crap!
Tomlinson turns to see it.
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: EVERYBODY OUT!
They start to evac.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LT. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed by the Romulan Praetor. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep a secure channel open for Captain Khatami to listen on. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Atish you ready to sell this. 
CAPT. KHATAMI [viewer]: 'As I'll ever be John''
Captain Branson walks back to the main viewer as the image of Khatami shrinks a bit and the Romulan Praetor appears again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What can I do for you now? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): A Federation battlegroup?
CAPT. BRANSON: Well you didn't like my idea. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (frustrated): This is an act of unwanted aggression on the border of our territory Captain. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: No, just a standard training maneuver that happened to land our fleet here the same time as yours. You want to know what actually is an act of unparalleled aggression? A Romulan Bird-of-Prey using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Praetor thinks then smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I know nothing of which you speak of. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll send you a recording of it de-cloaking right before destroying Outpost Four. 
He turns to Lieutenant Smith and nods she transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I see. 
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Lieutenant Carlson reports. 
LT. CARLSON: Romulan ship is de-cloaking and breaking formation. Heading our way. 
Captain Branson turns to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor what is this? 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: This is a culling, Captain. That commander should not have allowed himself to be caught. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. CARLSON: Sir, its the bird of prey we've been chasing. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia get me the Romulan Commander. 
She inputs commands into the communications console. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. KERAS: Captain. So, we see each other once again, after all. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you doing? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. KERAS: I never called for that armada. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: We can beam you and your crew to the Enterprise, you don't need to do 
this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
CMDR. KERAS: It is not our way. I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could've called you friend. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What purpose would it serve to die? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. KERAS: We are creatures of duty, you and I. Just one more duty to perform. Do not be upset. I have accepted my fate. Perhaps, someday, my sacrifice will lead to an end to this conflict between us. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The bridge crew can't believe this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Returning to his station, the commander and his bridge crew brace themselves. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Commander Keras closes his eyes. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The Romulan armada opens fire. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
[EXPLOSIONS ERUPT] 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan warship explodes into a thousand pieces. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew is shocked by what they just saw as Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LT. SMITH: The Praetor is hailing us. 
Captain Branson walks back to his command chair as he sits in it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Praetor appears on the viewer. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (Viewer): Our fleet is stronger now. And I am ready to accept your surrender
CAPT. BRANSON: This is really how you want to end 100 years of peace? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): What do Romulans care of peace? It means nothing to us. And your apparent affinity for it has sealed your fate. Thank you, Captain Branson. If not for your weakness, we would never have known what easy targets your Federation would be. Goodbye 
Transmission ends as Lieutenant Mason reports. 
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons again. 
Everyone is tensed up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Kara Zeta seven. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Romulan fleet begins opening fire on the automated drone fleet as the Enterprise is dodging weapons fire but takes a few hits as a plasma torpedo streaks by the ship destroying one of the drone freighters. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
A bright flash on the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Atish, get back here. We're about to warp out. 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Reflection of the hail of disruptor fire and the Enterprise moving to port and starboard.
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Acknowledged.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. CARLSON: Sir, warp drive will not engage. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What? 
LT. CARLSON: I'm not sure sir. 
He toggles the com button. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Engineering Steph what's going on with warp drive? 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (to com): We've got a bit of a power surge going on down here sir we're fixing it now. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Get it working Steph we'll need warp now.
Then Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, 14 starships are moving in around us. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Atish, what are you doing? 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
CAPT. KHATAMI [to com]: Covering your escape. Get those engines fixed. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The drones are between the Romulans and the Enterprise. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
Transparent viewer shows the drones gathering around the Enterprise. 
LT. MITCHELL: She's using the drones as a wall. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Romulan flagship fires its plasma torpedo as one of the drone freighters is between the plasma torpedo and the Enterprise, as the torpedo strikes the vessel destroying it the wave rocks the Enterprise as her deflectors took the brunt of it. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling and one of the consoles as the bridge crew are thrown from their consoles as Captain Branson is flung from his command chair as klaxons blare.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPON CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Just as everyone is about to leave the ship rocks harder as Tomlinson sees the sparks and the gas starts to turn to fire he pushes Zhasa out of the room as he's engulfed in the flames as debris flies through the door and Zhasa hit the bulkhead and lays on the floor as debris is scattered around her.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
They get up as power hums back on as Lieutenant Carlson reports. 
LT. CARLSON: We've got engines back. 
LT. MITCHELL: Captain Khatami has beamed aboard.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Picking up another power increase! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it! 
Lieutenant Carlson activates the warp drive. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise starts to wake up as debris floats around her as the Romulan flagship powers up another plasma torpedo and launches it but the Enterprise was able to enter warp. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Smoke is everywhere around the bridge as Captain Branson stands up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LT. MITCHELL: Reports coming from all decks. 
LT. SMITH: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed. 
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Z, T'Shara you've got the bridge.
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift and toggles the lever. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Medical. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY (RED ALERT) 
Doors opened as wounded are being rushed to bio-beds or to surgery as Captain Branson looks around surveying the injured among his crew, he walks over to one of the bio-beds and sees Lieutenant Martine who is sitting on a bio-bed.
DR. CARLSON: Commander Tomlinson was engulfed in the flames of the phaser coolant when it was ignited by a spark.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Just like Lieutenant Darden when we were ambushed by the Klingons last year, what about Commander Ivanova?
He leads him to her bio-bed. 
DR. CARLSON: She's got a severe concussion some broken ribs when we took the brunt of that plasma torpedo, but she'll make a full recovery. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches Starbase medical outpost 14. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR, AIRLOCK
Several wounded officers are being off-loaded for further treatment. 
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE MEDICAL 14 MESS HALL
Jessica is wearing a nice dress as John walks over to her and she hugs him and they kiss.
JESSICA: I heard what happened but we were on the other side of Federation Space.
JOHN [smiles]: I'm alright baby.
JESSICA: I was so worried.
He smiles. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE 
An established shot of Starbase Medical Outpost 14. 
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
John Branson 	Jarvis Davidson 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Zhasa Ivanova 	Felecia Linkous 	Commander 	Executive Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Jack Mason 	Kevin Regan 	Lieutenant 	Chief Tactical/Security Officer U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Kara Carlson 	Delena "Dee" Lusk	Lieutenant 	Chief Conn Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Tyson Mitchell 	Blake Waymire 	Lieutenant 	Chief Navigational Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Stephanie Williams	Ferne Myers 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Steven Carlson 	Jacob Elliot 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Julia Smith 	Sadie Waymire 	Lieutenant 	Chief Communications Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
T'Shara 	Becky Elliot 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
===Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s)	Rank 	Position
Harris Payne 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Assistance Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Kayla Mackenzie 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Transporter Chief, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Christine Chapel	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Assistance Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Angela Martine 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Armory Tech, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Robert Tomlinson	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander 	Armory Commander, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701
Hansen Al-Salah 	TBA 	Commander 	Commanding Officer, Outpost 4
===Special Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
Jessica Smith 	Ashley Kalfas	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Excelsior NCC-1718
Robert April 	TBA 	Admiral 	Commanding Officer, Starbase One and U.S.S. Normandy NCC-7878
Keras 	TBA 	Commander 	commanding officer of IRW Gal Gath'thong
T'Auethn 	TBA 	centurion 	Science Officer of IRW Gal Gath'thong
Atish Khatami 	TBA 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Katherine Stano 	TBA 	Commander 	Executive Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Kayla Iacovino 	TBA 	Ensign 	Science Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Marielise McCormack	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Navigator Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Tina Branson 	TBA 	Ensign 	Chief Helm Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Yataro 	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Hector Estrada 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Communicator, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
Anthony Leone 	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Endeavour NCC-1895
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by both Balance of Terror and A Quality of Mercy.
*First appearance of the Stormbird-class warbird.