Breaking the Ice (TOS Era episode)

Breaking the Ice is the 3rd episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds TOS Season 1.
==Plot==
With a Vulcan ship on their tail, the Enterprise decides to investigate a comet.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches an ice comet.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5965.1, We picked up a ice comet three days ago and we are studying it. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the comet as Captain Branson is standing behind both helm and nav stations as T'Lar reports her scans.
LTJG. T'LAR: The comet has a lot of magnetite deposits in it's core that we maybe able to extract and use for O2 scrubbers.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [smiles]: Sounds like we've got a digging mission.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Guess we do.
Then Lieutenant Mitchell reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir, sensors are detecting a vessel approaching us it reads as a Vulcan science vessel.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: The Vulcans? I thought they weren't going to spy on us.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am not sure Julia open a channel.
Captain Branson walks to the viewer as the screen changed to the Vulcan vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Greetings I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise is there something we can do for you?
CAPT. VANIAK (viewer): I'm Captain Vanik of the Vulcan cruiser Ti'Mur may I ask what are you doing here Captain?
Captain Branson crosses his arms.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're here to study this comet we picked it up three days ago.
CAPT. VANIAK (viewer): Mind if we observe
Captain Branson does the throat slash gesture and Lieutenant Smith mutes the transmission, as he walks over to Commander Ivanova.
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you think?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I say we wait and see what he has to say.
CAPT. BRANSON: Resume audio.
LTJG. SMITH: Audio open.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sure Captain you can observe.
CAPT. VANIAK (viewer): Thank you Captain
Transmission ends.
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair and turns to T'Lar.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar get me all information on a Captain Vaniak.
LTJG. T'LAR: Aye, sir.
Captain Branson is a bit worried.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
Theme Song:
=====
CAPTAIN BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life
and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before
======
Enterprise leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
=====
BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
The Enterprise flies over a gas giant's rings.
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. ZHASA IVANOVA
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
LTJG. KARA CARLSON
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LTJG. JULIA SMITH
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTJG. T'LAR
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
(Episode Notes: Opening Credits fall over opening scenes)
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise is next to the ice comet along with a Vulcan science vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Lieutenant T'Lar hands Captain Branson the PADD with Captain Vaniak's profile on it.
CAPT. BRANSON: This is all you were able to get?
LTJG. T'LAR: Yes my people didn't share much with Starfleet due to our early alliance with your people sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: For someone who is such an enligthen race he has a funny way of showing it.
LTCMDR. T'LAR (raises an eyebrow): Sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: This isn't the first time we've caught them lurking around. Remember three weeks ago, the planetary nebula? 
LTJG. T'LAR: That was nothing more than a survey ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: So why didn't they respond to our hails? Why'd they go to warp when we headed toward them? I'm starting to get the feeling they're looking over our shoulder a little too often. 
LTJG. T'LAR: That did seem a bit odd for a Vulcan cruiser.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fine. If Vanik is the kind of guy who likes to watch, let him anything else T'Lar?
She hands him another PADD.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: We are to record a message to the Princeton Elementary School at 1400 hours today.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right have Julia get to work on that and have the necessary officers report to the bridge when its ready.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Aye, sir also I have detected something in the comet.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise and the Vulcan cruiser are next to the asteroid.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Monitor shows the ore.
CAPT. BRANSON: Eisilium? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: It's an extremely rare mineral. This comet appears to contain large quantities of it. 
CAPT. BRANSON; I've never heard of eisilium. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Vulcan chemists have only obtained small amounts. They've never been able to study it in detail. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This could be your chance. Can we collect a sample with the transporter?
 
LTJG. T'LAR: Most of the eisilium deposits are at least twenty meters beneath the crust. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's too deep to get a lock. 
LTJG. MASON: We've got the portable drilling rig, sir. 
LTJG. CARLSON: The comet's certainly big enough to land on. We could take a shuttle. 
LTJG. T'LAR: I'd advise setting down near one of the two poles. If you're out of direct sunlight, the surface ice will be more stable. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How long would you need? 
LTJG. MASON: Shouldn't take more than three or four hours. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You up for a little comet walk? 
LT. MASON: By all means. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Get started. 
Both Lieutenants Mason and Carlson leave the briefing room to head to the shuttle bay.
LTJG. SMITH: What do we do about our guest?
CAPT. BRANSON: We let them watch us work oh and I'll need these people for the recorded message we'll be sending to Earth at 1400 hours.
He hands out the PADDs to Commander Williams, Doctor Carlson, and Lieutenant Smith.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DOCTOR CARLSON & COMMANDER T'LAR'S QUARTERS
T'Lar is meditating when the computer beeps and she walks over to the desk and the desktop monitor and activates it and Vulcan symbols appear on the screen as T'Lar studies the message.
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise and the Vulcan cruiser are next to the comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN SHUTTLE BAY
In the shuttlebay shuttlecraft Copernicus is being prep for take off as Captain Branson walks over to the landing party. 
LTJG. MASON: Captain we were just about to call you.
CAPT. BRANSON: Luckily I saved you the call I was just in the area and wanted to see how it was going.
LTJG. MASON: We're loading the drill up now.
LTJG. CARLSON: And we should be finished before the comet is out of range.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well remember we've got the Vulcans watching us so be careful.
LTJG. MASON: We will sir.
Captain Branson leaves as both Lieutenants Mason and Carlson enter the shuttle.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Shuttle craft Gardner approaches the comet.
INT-GARDNER CANOPY
Lieutenant JG Carlson is at the pilot station as Lieutenant Mason is at the co-pilot station.
LTJG. CARLSON: Wasn't expecting the turbulence to be this tough we should be in the eye of it.
LTJG. MASON: I wished I skipped lunch today.
Then the runabout stopped shaking.
LTJG. CARLSON: We're through the worst part of it which is a good thing, now all we need to do is to find a landing spot got one its about a kilometer from to Lieutenant T'Lar's ore.
Lieutenant JG Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The runabout lands and the door opened and both Lieutenant Mason and Lieutenant JG Carlson are in their EVA Suits and have the gear and are heading towards the drill site.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise and Vulcan cruiser next to the comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Lieutenant Smith enters and walks over to Commander Williams.
LTJG. SMITH: Commander you wanted to see me?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Take a look at something, will you?
She leads Julia to one of the console screens.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I've been running diagnostics and I found some kind of power surge in the transceiver array.
Lieutenant Smith examines the readings.
LTJG. SMITH: Its not a power surge or it would of overloaded by now, it looks like a encrypted transmission sent from the T'Miur.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Who was it sent to?
She checks.
LTJG. SMITH: Deck 5, section-A quarters 509.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Those are Lieutenant T'Lar's quarters.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson reads the PADD.
CAPT. BRANSON: Are you sure it was sent to their quarters?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I wish we were wrong sir but it appears that it was sent to their quarters.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia I want you to decrypt it.
LTJG. SMITH [nods]: Aye, sir.
She leaves the ready room.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: My question is why would they send a encrypted transmission to T'Lar they know they can go through official channels.
CAPT. BRANSON: Who knows why all I know is that we've got a Vulcan ship out there watching our every move and now a encrypted signal sent to my science officer without my knowledge.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise and Vulcan vessel are following the comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The people that are going to answer the questions are on the bridge.
LTJG. SMITH: We're coming at 1359 sir.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (at Jack's station): You sure you want me here for this? I've got a lot of work to do.
CAPT. BRANSON: You stay there Commander.
LTJG. SMITH: Whenever you're ready sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (Sighs): Let's do this then Julia start.
LTJG. SMITH: Channel is open and we're recording.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): To Mrs. Mullins class of Princeton Elementary in Princeton New Jersey, This is Captain John Branson aboard the starship Enterprise. On behalf of the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for your transmission. We all got a real kick out of your drawings and letters. You asked a lot of interesting questions. I wish we had time to answer all of them, but if we did that, we wouldn't get much exploring done. So I've selected a few, and hopefully our answers will give you a better idea of what life is like out here. Liam Brennan asks 'what do you eat?' For the most part, the same things you eat at home. Our Chef can make anything from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to turkey with all the trimmings. We have a hydroponic greenhouse onboard where we grow fruits and vegetables, and we can also replicate certain foods with our protein resequencer. Here's one from Geoff Miles. 'Is dating allowed on Enterprise?' Well, it's not discouraged, but there isn't a lot of privacy on a starship. Most of our crew share quarters with at least one other person, so it wouldn't exactly be practical. But if two crewmembers decide that they really like each other, there are a lot of places they can go to look at the stars. Chloe O'Shannon wants to know, 'how do we talk to aliens?' I think I'll give that one to my Chief Communications officer and my sister in law Lieutenant Julia Smith.
LTJG. SMITH: Well, Chloe, that's a very good question. We use a device called the universal translator. It's like an alien dictionary with hundreds of languages programmed into it, and it can learn new languages very quickly, but it doesn't always work, and when that happens it's up to me to try to translate. I'm sure I don't have to tell you it can be really hard sometimes. One wrong word can mean the difference between saying 'take my hand' or 'take my life'. So far I have managed to do pretty well. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Julia. Here's one from Molly McCook. 'When you flush the toilet, where does it go?' That sounds like an engineering question, so we'll ask Commander Stephanie Williams, our Chief Engineer. Steph. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Pause will you.
Lieutenant Smith pauses.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (A bit confused): A poop question, sir? Can't I talk about the warp reactor or the transporter? 
CAPT. BRANSON: I think its a very valid question Stephanie.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (sighs): Alright resume, The first thing you've got to understand is we recycle pretty much everything on a starship. That includes waste, and the first thing that happens to the waste is it gets processed through a machine called a bio-matter resequencer. Then it gets broken down into. Hold on. 
Julia pauses recording.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: They're going to think I'm the sanitation engineer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You're doing fine Steph.
The recording is resumed.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: So the waste is broken down into little molecules and then they get transformed into any number of things we can use on the ship. Cargo containers, insulation, boots, you name it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Very enlightening, Commander. Gabrielle Witty wants to know if germs can live in space, and for that I am going to hand that off to my Chief Medical Officer Doctor Steven Carlson.
DR. CARLSON: Thank you Captain hello children now Gabrielle that's a very valided question germs. They may be tiny but they are among the most resilient organisms known to medical science. They can survive almost anywhere, on your kitchen counter, under your fingernail, in the vacuum of space. Over two hundred million space-dwelling microbes have been catalogued. One of the most virulent species lives inside grains of interstellar dust. Polycocyx astris. They can drift in a dormant state for millions of years and still cause a nasty cold. I once discovered a peculiar colony of spores on the hull of a.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Steven I'm sure that you can record a class for them yourself when you have the time but I believe we've taken too much of their classtime, we miss home but we know that we're doing alot of good out here keeping the bad guys from getting to Earth and discovering new and different lifeforms and we're currently studying a comet the biggest one seen from anyone in the Alpha of Beta Quadrants Captain Branson out.
Transmission ends.
LTJG. SMITH: Channel closed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: That was fun.
Commander Williams leans on her husbands station.
CUT TO:
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The landing party is getting set up.
LTJG. MASON: I wish Steph could see this.
LTJG. CARLSON: I'm not sure she'd enjoy being on a comet in these damn EVA suits.
LTJG. MASON: True ah damn it.
LTJG. CARLSON: What?
LTJG. MASON: The ore is 20 meters deep we'll have to use charges in order to get to it.
LTJG. CARLSON: Lieutenant.
LTJG. MASON: Yes?
LTJG. CARLSON: What do you think?
She built a snowman.
LTJG. MASON: Impressive hang on.
Mason picks up a plasma torch and gives it two eyes and a smiling mouth, and sticks the charge in as a nose.
LTJG. CARLSON: Now all we need is a top hat and a pipe.
Then the com beeps.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Enterprise to away team
LTJG. MASON (to com): Mason here.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): How are you doing Jack?
LTJG. MASON (to com): Just fine sir we're having a bit of fun before we work.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the pair and the snowman.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): I'm sure I don't need to remind you we're being observed.
LTJG. MASON (com voice): No, sir
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We want this to go as smoothly as possible. 
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The pair are facing the snowman.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Make a good impression
LT. MASON (to com): Right. 
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: So tell me
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Who's the designer?
EXT-COMET SURFACE
LT. MASON (to com): It won't be here for long sir
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Lieutenant Smith enters holding a PADD.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: What did you find out?
LTJG. SMITH: Sorry it took so long. The code was pretty complex.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: What did it say?
LTJG. SMITH: Its in Vulcan you'll have to run it through the translation matrix.
She starts to leave as Commander Williams looks at the PADD.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You didn't read it?
LTJG. SMITH: I didn't feel it'd be right. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Thanks. 
She leaves. She goes to her console and translates it and is surprised on what she finds out.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
 Doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Lieutenant Commander Williams enters.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (sighs): Well, we decrypted the message. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What did you find out?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It's not exactly what we expected. It's a letter.
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): What did it say?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Its personal.
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): What do you mean personal?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Very personal. You could order me to tell you, sir, but you wouldn't be happy if I did.
CAPT. BRANSON: Why the hell was it encrypted? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'm not sure, That's what I want to know. Maybe Vulcans encrypt all their personal letters. All they had to do was send it through regular channels, mark it personal, and we'd have left it alone. But no, they had to encrypt it, force me to start snooping. I feel like I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let it go Steph you made a mistake.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I've got to tell her.
CAPT. BRANSON: What would that do?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It's the right thing to do. At least I'll be able to look her in the eye without feeling guilty. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You're a good woman. You might want to take a phaser with you. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I might need one.
She leaves the ready room as Captain Branson is a bit worried.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Commander Williams walks towards T'Lar.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: T'Lar you've got a minute?
LTJG. T'LAR: What's on your mind Commander?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (sighs): We found the message from the Vulcan ship.
LTJG. T'LAR: It was a personal matter. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Why wasn't it sent through normal Starfleet channels? 
LTJG. T'LAR: That takes time. The letter was important. 
 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: So they sent it in code? Do you have any idea how suspicious that looked? Think of everything we've been through these last few years T'Lar the war with the Romulans the Federation-Klingon war of 2256-2257 that's bound to cause a bit of confusion and worry. 
LTJG. T'LAR: You read my letter? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Believe me, I don't feel very good about it. 
 
LTJG. T'LAR: I have more letters in my quarters. Would you like to read those as well? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'm trying to apologize here. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Has anyone else read it?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: No just me.
LTJG. T'LAR: I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention it. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I won't, I promise.
She leaves the Bridge as Williams feels guilty.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise and the Vulcan ship are next to the ice comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Doctor Carlson is scanning his wife.
DR. CARLSON: When did these symptoms begin? 
LTJG. T'LAR: Two days ago. 
DR. CARLSON (checking her neck): Perhaps you slept in an awkward position. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: I haven't slept. 
DR. CARLSON: For two days? Something on your mind? It appears to be a tension headache. You know anything said between us is strictly confidential. Would you like to talk about what's troubling you? 
LTJG. T'LAR: No. 
DR. CARLSON: I don't know if there's anyone on this ship you would feel comfortable talking with, but if there is, it might feel good to get whatever's bothering you out in the open. (gives her a hypo) This is a simple analgesic. I can give you something later to help you sleep this evening, if you'd like. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Thank you, Steven. 
EXT-COMET SURFACE
(The snowman has gained a large pair of pointy ears.) 
LTJG. CARLSON: The ears are a nice touch. 
LTJG. MASON: I thought so. 
LTJG. CARLSON: We should get out more often. 
LTJG. MASON: Don't get too comfortable. This landscape is about to change. Mason to Enterprise. 
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Go ahead
LTJG. MASON: Charges are set. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON: Standby, Julia inform the Vulcans that its about to get loud.
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, sir.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: You think they'll care?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Z, Enterprise to Away Team.
LTJG. MASON (com voice): Go ahead sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Blast away.
CUT TO:
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The pair gets behind cover.
LTJG. MASON (to com): Aye, sir fire in the hole.
He flips the switch and the charges go off and they inspect the crater.
LTJG. CARLSON: Impressive.
LTJG. MASON: I was hoping for a little more symmetry.
LTJG. CARLSON [smiles]: I'll get the drill.
She goes to get the drill.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise and Vulcan cruiser is next to the comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is looking over reports and crew status reports when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Ivanova enters.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: The Away Team has started drilling they should be done in a few hours.
CAPT. BRANSON: As soon as we're done we'll set course for Starbase 216 hopefully the Starfleet Science Division can use these ores for something.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Same here.
CAPT. BRANSON: And soon we'll get rid of our spectators.
Then the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Julia enters.
LTJG. SMITH (re: PADD): Captain we've got a problem.
She hands him the PADD.
CAPT. BRANSON (re: PADD): Are you sure Julia?
LTJG. SMITH [nods]: I've gone over my sensor readings five times I've even had T'Lar review it and we've got at least two minutes before the Away Team's position is exposed to the sun.
The trio leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-COMET SURFACE
Carlson & Mason are drilling.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Enterprise to Away Team
LTJG. MASON (to com): Mason here go ahead sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Report?
LTJG. MASON (to com): We hit a layer of magnesite and cracked a drill bit, but we've replaced it. 
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Well you may want to pick up the pace a bit
LTJG. MASON (to com, confused): Sir?
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): The comet's rotational axis shifted when you set off those charges. In about two hours the runabout will be facing the star
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): The temperature's going to shoot up by a couple of hundred degrees. I want you out of there before then.
EXT-COMET SURFACE
LTJG. MASON: We'll be done with time to spare, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON [OC]: Be sure you are. Branson out
They get back to work.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE STEVEN & T'LAR'S QUARTERS
T'Lar is sitting on the floor meditating in front of a candle, when the doors chimed.
LTJG. T'LAR: Come in.
Doors opened and Commander Williams enters.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Are you going to tell me why they sent you a letter through an encrypted channel?
LTJG. T'LAR: Please have a seat Commander.
Stephanie sits down.
LTJG. T'LAR: As you are aware of is that Vulcans have their marriages arrange during childhood.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Yeah pretty much but you're married to Steven.
T'LAR: My mother think that it would be better if I was married to a Vulcan instead of a human.
STEPHANIE: But you and Steven are bonded if I remember correctly once the pair mated their bonded for life unless they die.
T'LAR (nods): Correct they don't know that we have bonded and mated.
STEPHANIE: Have you talked to the guy?
T'LAR: His name is Z'Tar he's the son of Ambassador Spock and T'Pring.
STEPHANIE: T'Lar you've been a great officer and a great friend you've got a loving daughter who works at Starbase 12 along the Klingon border, and you and Steven are very happy together. It would break his heart if you divorced him for a guy that you've barely known.
T'LAR: I have an obligation to my people.
STEPHANIE: I know that and I mean no disrespect to your culture and they're ways but you've got an obligation to yourself. You've spent the last year around humans. If there's one thing you should have learned it's that we're free to make our own decisions. There's a lot to be said for personal choice. 
Then several green energy bolts hit the Vulcan ship causing massive explosions to erupt.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Red Alert, all hands battle stations!
Klaxons blare as both officers head to the bridge.
EXT-SPACE
A Klingon D7-class warbird fires at the Vulcan cruiser destroying it.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Turbo-lift doors opened and Lieutenant T'Lar walks onto the bridge and to her station, as the Vulcan cruiser erupts in a massive explosion.
LTJG. T'LAR: The Vulcan cruiser has been destroyed!
CAPT. BRANSON: Helm, keep us between the comet and the warbird.
The relief conn officer inputs commands into the helm station.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: That's not good.
CAPT. BRANSON: Inform the Away Team they need to pack up and head back to the runabout.
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, sir.
EXT-COMET SURFACE
They see the debris from the Vulcan cruiser floating as they see a piece of the debris head towards them.
LTJG. MASON: MOVE!
They run to take cover but the piece falls knocking Carlson back into the crater.
LTJG. CARLSON: AHHHH!
Lieutenant Mason goes to her.
LTJG. MASON: You alright?
LTJG. CARLSON: My knee I think its broken.
He helps her up as he gets the containers that holds the ore and they start heading back to the runabout, as a white dawn is looming below the horizon.
LT. MASON: We're almost there Kara.
ENS. CARLSON: It might be faster without the suits. 
LTJG. MASON: Yes, and a lot colder. 
(The sun has risen. There's a cracking sound.) 
LTJG. CARLSON: What's that? 
(They look down to see a network of cracks appearing in the ice in front of them. As they approach the runabout, the cracks start to become crevasses,) 
 
LTJG. CARLSON: I hope I never see snow again. 
(They climb aboard the runabout.)
INT-GARDNER CANOPY
Alarms goes off.
LTJG. MASON: What's wrong?
LTJG. CARLSON: We're having trouble lifting off!
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The runabout falls into the crevasses.
INT-GARDNER CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Sparks fly from the ceiling and console screens fizzing in and out as red lights flash.
LTJG. MASON: You alright? 
LTJG. CARLSON: We should have never ignited the thrusters. 
LTJG. MASON: Well, it's not like we had a choice. 
It rumbles a bit.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Klingon vessel fires at the Enterprise
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern delta photon torpedoes full spread and fire.
relief tactical officer presses the firing button.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The forward launchers unleashed a spread of photons that score a deadly blow to the warbird.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the explosion.
CAPT. BRANSON: Find the runabout.
Lieutenant T'Lar checks the console read out.
LTJG. T'LAR: Got them they're in one of the caverns.
Captain Branson goes to the Captain's Chair and sits.
CAPT. BRANSON: Helm take us to them.
The relief conn officer inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise heads towards the ice comet.
INT-GARDNER CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Sparks are still raining down as Lieutenant Mason goes to one of the consoles as the screen says incoming transmission he presses the button.
LTJG. MASON [to com]: This is Lieutenant Jack Mason does anyone read?
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Are you two alright?
LTJG. MASON: Kara has been injured.
LTJG. CARLSON: How far did we fall?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): About eighteen meters. We'll get you out of there.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It'll be tough with the tractor beam they're in a narrow part of the cavern.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll get us close move Ensign.
The relief helm officer moves as Captain Branson sits at the helm station.
EXT-ABOVE COMET SURFACE
The Enterprise flies over the runabout's former landing site.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Bring us in another fifty meters. Two meters starboard. A little more. 
Captain Branson works at the helm.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: There, right there. Synchronize to the rotation. Almost got it. 
She works on the console to get a solid lock then T'Lar reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: Sir I'm detecting another vessel entering the system its not Klingon its Starfleet.
EXT-SPACE
The U.S.S. Dominion a Federation-Class Dreadnought emerges from warp approaching the Ice comet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'LAR: It's the Dominion.
Lieutenant Smith has two fingers on her ear piece.
LTJG. SMITH: Captain, we're being hailed by Commodore Grissom.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take a message, I'm busy.
LTJG. SMITH: He wants to know if we need help.
CAPT. BRANSON: No, tell him we've got everything under control.
He works on the helm station.
EXT-ABOVE THE COMET SURFACE
The Enterprise's ventral section fires a tractor beam, that locks onto the runabout and starts to lift it up but then it starts fizzing in and out of phase.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant T'Lar reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: We're losing the tractor.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ease them back down.
Commander Williams inputs command into the console.
EXT-COMET CAVERN
The tractor beam fizzes out and the Runabout falls.
INT-GARDNER CANOPY [RED ALERT]
More sparks erupt and Lieutenant Mason falls to floor.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Where are they?
LTJG. SMITH (Sighs): They've fallen another nine meters.
CAPT. BRANSON: Remodulate the Tractor beam we'll try again.
LTJG. T'LAR: Captain, they're moving out of the sunlight. The surface ice is recrystallizing. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (worried): In less than an hour that chasm will be sealed up again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'd better hurry then.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John, there is another way Commodore Grissom.
CAPT. BRANSON: I rather leave him out of this.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John I know that you have something called pride every Captain has it even Captain Kirk but you've got to learn to ask for help when you can't get the job done.
Captain Branson thinks.
CUT TO:
INT-GARDNER CANOPY [RED ALERT]
A big jolt.
LTJG. CARLSON: They've got us.
Console beeps as he presses it.
LTJG. MASON: Go ahead Enterprise?
COMM. GRISSOM (com voice): This is Commodore Samuel Grissom of the U.S.S. Dominion, stand by to ignite your engines and return to your ship
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The Gardner's engines come to life and it flies back to the Enterprise and enters the shuttle bay.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SHUTTLE BAY [RED ALERT]
A medical team takes Lieutenant Carlson to sickbay.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Dominion and Commodore Grissom.
CAPT. BRANSON: I thought you might want to take a look at the data we collected. You helped us bring it back, it's the least we can do. 
COMM. GRISSOM [viewer]: Thank you Captain we'll be able to get this back to Starfleet Command and the science division, how's your helm officer?
CAPT. BRANSON: She's got a broken knee but she'll make a full recovery.
COMM. GRISSOM (viewer): Safe travels Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Same to you and your crew.
Transmission ends.
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ahead warp factor 6.
EXT-SPACE
The two ships depart.
(END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS)
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Junior Grade Kara Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Security Officer Joshua Holiday
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
===Special Guest Stars===
*Frank Parker Jr. as Commodore Samuel T. Grissom
*TBA as Captain Vanik
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===