Command Performance (SNW episode)

Command Performance is the 2nd episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 1.
==Plot==
While on a survey mission, the USS Enterprise discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. They try to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet's icy surface is somehow stopping them. As the away team try to unlock the relic's secrets, Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova deal with a group of zealots who want to prevent the USS Enterprise from interfering. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE III SURFACE, DAY
The people of a desert village are going about their normal routine. Some have their eyes drawn upwards, where a comet crosses the sky. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
A comet flies by the USS Enterprise.
LTJG. SMITH'S (voice over): Lieutenant Smith's Log Stardate 2912.4. The Enterprise is surveying the Persephone System where the crew is studying the behavior of an ancient comet, C/2260 Quentin. I, however, am doing rotation in landing partty readiness protocols, which doesn't really involve comets, ancient or otherwise, so duties are pretty slow at the moment. Except, of course, for a recent invitation to dinner at the captain's cabin, for which I have been encouraged by Ensign Carlson to dust off my dress uniform
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Turbo-lift doors opened and she walks to the Captain's quarters checking her sleeves when she sees Kara in regular clothes. 
JULIA (sighs): You said it was formal? 
KARA: Actually, what I said was you might want to wear your dress uniform. 
JULIA: Are you kidding? This is your idea of a practical joke? 
KARA: Kinda. 
JULIA: I'm going to go change. 
She turns to go back to the lift when Kara stops her. 
KARA: You uh don't want to be late to the Captain's table especially since its your brother in law. 
She turns back towards her. 
JULIA: What is that suppose to mean? 
KARA: Come on Lieutenant you and I both know the reason that you got this assignment is because of your brother in law being the Captain of this ship. 
JULIA (rolls her eyes): Unbelievable the reason I got this assignment is because it was requested by Professor Uhura at Starfleet Academy, she knew John needed the best Communications officer and she recommended me. 
They walk to the Captain's quarters and the doors opened and John is wearing regular clothes as well. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS 
They enter as the doors closed and John walks over to Julia. 
JOHN (smiles): Come in and well its a bit over dressed Julia but we can fix that. 
JULIA: John its just being in the Captain's quarters means business sometimes. 
JOHN: True but here on the Enterprise we can let our hair down so to speak and just be people. 
John walks over to Nurse Chapel who's cutting up some vegetables. 
JULIA: Welcome aboard Lieutenant T'Lar we didn't get a chance to meet when you came aboard. 
T'LAR: It is nice to meet you I have read your file Lieutenant and I am interested in seeing what you can do. 
At the Captain's table everyone is eating. 
JOHN: So I was taking a stroll at Earth Outpost Five along the Romulan Neutral Zone with my wife, and the next thing I know someone jacked my communicator so I ran after him and then I tripped over a Naussican who had his pants down if it wasn't for Jessica being there I don't think I'd be here right now. 
T'LAR (confused): I've never understood the Human inclination to laugh at others' misfortune. It feels… impolite. 
STEVEN: Because its funny honey. 
T'LAR: Because it breaks a social expectation? 
JOHN: T'Lar you'll have to learn that sometimes things go so badly, you just have to laugh. 
T'Lar is still confused as Zhasa turns to Julia. 
ZHASA: So, Julia I hear you speak twelve languages. 
JULIA: Uh, 37 actually. 
JOHN: Wow 37 languages. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Julia is walking through the corridor with Tyson. 
TYSON: So you speak 37 different languages? 
JULIA: Yeah I'm still learning Klingon but I should know it soon. 
They enter the lift. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN BRANSON'S QUARTERS 
John is cleaning up as Zhasa is giving him a hand. 
Z: It was great to see Julia again after the last time I served with her. 
JOHN: Yeah it was before this I've not seen her since both me and Jessica got married. 
Zhasa looks at her friend. 
Z: John what's wrong? 
John puts the plate down and leans forward. 
JOHN: I had that same dream again Z the one where Spock dies during that battle with the Klingons. 
She walks over to him. 
ZHASA: John you can't continue beating yourself up about what happened in the past, you have to move forward to keep going that's something that Chris told me once. 
Then the com activates. 
LTJG. T'LAR (com voice): Captain Branson to the bridge. There is a problem with the comet
John walks over to the com panel. 
JOHN (to com): On my way T'Lar duty calls. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows a simulation of the planet being destroyed by the asteroid. 
LTJG. T'LAR: The computer simulation suggests that, when the comet strikes the planet in two days, there will be no survivors. Persephone III is an M-Class world. Previous surveys suggests it is home to an intelligent, pre-warp species that call themselves the Deleb. Given their current state of technological advancement, it is highly unlikely that they are aware of the danger they are in. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Options? 
LTJG. T'LAR: The Deleb cannot move the comet themselves so why if we move it for them? 
Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ion engines T'Lar? 
LTJG. T'LAR: Precise, four, programmed to fire in sequence to account for the comet's rotation. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Got it, Una thoughts could it work? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Its possible. 
LTJG. MASON: We could use photon torpedoes as launch vehicles. Take about an hour for the retrofit. 
LTCMDR. PIERCE: A rosy assessment, considering I'll be the one doing the retrofitting. 
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's get it done, people. We've got a planet to save before breakfast. 
The crew gets to work as Captain Branson leans over to Zhasa. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sotto): I love this job. 
LTJG. MASON: Torpedo modifications are ready sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire. 
He presses the firing button. 
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE 
The Enterprise launches the four torpedoes but they struck a strange field around the comet. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE 
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Does anyone want to tell me why a comet has a force field? 
Everyone is just as confused as Captain Branson is. 
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS)
===Act 1===
FADE IN
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Monitor shows the comet as Commander Ivanova is doing the briefing.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We've tried every hail, every scan you can think of. If there's life on the comet, we can't find it. But we did find a structure. It's enormous and mostly subterranean. A structure suggests alien intelligence.
Captain Branson sits at the head of the table in the chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I've asked Lieutenant Sean Hansen to join us we're familiar with your background in Xenoanthropology.
LT. HANSEN: Thank you Captain alright then so, let's start with the obvious. It looks like a comet, has shields like a starship, and a building on its surface like a planet, but no life signs. Maybe it's not a comet at all, but some kind of derelict spacecraft?
LTCMDR. PIERCE: So how do we stop a comet that has a deflector?
LTJG. MITCHELL: We can't tow it the tractor beam can't get a solid lock on the comet and we can't punch through it with our phasers.
LTJG. MASON: I could toss a couple of photons at it.
CAPT. BRANSON: Or we can beam a landing party over to get a look at the technology maybe find away to disable it there, and then we could launch tow vehicles to pull the comet away from the planet.
LTJG. MASON: Tactical sensors show no sign of anything that could be a threat to the landing party but I wouldn't trust the tactical sensors with this much interference from the force field.
Captain Branson looks at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright then Mister Mason you'll lead the landing party take Mister Hansen with you he can help with understanding Xenoanthropology.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE EVA ROOM
The landing party gets into their EVA suits as Nurse Chapel enters the room with a medical kit.
NURSE CHAPEL: The surface of the comet is bombarded by ridiculously high levels of cosmic rays. This will buy you two hours. Any more and your insides will turn to liquid.
She injects each member of the landing party with the hypo.
LT. HANSEN: Ouch ugh you could of warned me.
NURSE CHAPEL: Then you'd know it was coming.
After she injects each member of the landing party they get their helmets on and head to the transporter room.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
The team walks onto the pad.
LTJG. MASON: Phasers on stun chief energize.
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the console and activates the transporter.
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The landing party materializes on the surface of the comet.
LTJG. MASON: Alright let's move out.
They head towards the structure as Julia is amazed at the sight of it and being on the surface of a comet.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
The landing party enters the structure and turn their lights on the sides of their EVA suits on.
LTJG. MASON: I'll secure the area while you three look this over.
Lieutenant Mason begins his check of the area.
LTJG. T'LAR (re: Tricorder): This could be the source of the force field surrounding the comet.
Julia inspects it as well.
LTJG. SMITH: I don't see any sign of writing or anything that can tell me what language this is or what species made it.
Then the strange object starts glowing as Lieutenant Hansen walks up to it.
LTJG. MASON: Area secured nothing strange except that what is it?
LTJG. T'LAR: Not sure what it is but it is strange.
Lieutenant Hansen is close to the object.
LTJG. T'LAR (re: tricorder): Mister Hansen back away from the egg NOW!
Sean puts his hand on the egg and is knocked back as the landing party goes to him. 
LTJG. SMITH: I'm not reading any neural activity.
LTJG. T'LAR: His heart has stopped.
Lieutenant Mason gets out his communicator and flips it open.
LTJG. MASON (to com): Landing party to Enterprise come in, Enterprise do you read me.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTJG. MASON (com voice): Ent prise. We ne ergency beam out 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Jack your transmission is spotty transporter room beam the landing party back.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console.
CHIEF MACKENIZE (to com): Trying to sir but I can't seem to get a solid lock on them I'm compensating with emergency power now.
A Medical team enters as Doctor Carlson has a medical kit.
DR. CARLSON: Alright Chief energize.
Chief Mackenzie activates the transporter and the landing party appears for about a few seconds then vanishes.
CHIEF MACKENIZE (annoyed, to com): Damn it, Mackenzie to bridge I've lost their signal the force field is causing too much interference I can't get a solid lock on them even if I compensate with emergency power it won't be enough.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are worried but more worried is Lieutenant Mitchell.
CAPT. BRANSON: Not good.
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The comet is heading towards the planet as the Enterprise is next to it.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
The landing party rushes to save Hansen.
LTJG. T'LAR: I am using the tricorder as way to restart his heart clear.
Hansen jolts.
LTJG. MASON: Nothing hit him again.
LTJG. T'LAR: Clear.
Hansen jolts again.
LTJG. MASON: He's back but he's got severe neural trauma we need to get him back to the Enterprise.
LTJG. T'LAR: It is going to be hard with the force field back up.
LTJG. MASON: This will keep him under till we get him back to the Enterprise for further treatment.
He injects him with a sedative.
LTJG. MASON: Relax Lieutenant the Captain will get us out of here.
LTJG. SMITH: Sorry this is my first away mission in such a long time my last one was on the Gulliver a Hermes-Class Destroyer.
LTJG. MASON: I read about that mission it was near the Klingon border before the Neutral Zone was created, three members of the landing party was killed in a ambush by a Klingon raiding party it took the efforts of the Enterprise commanded by Vice Admiral Robert April and a few other Federation vessels to push the Klingons back to their side of the border.
LTJG. SMITH: I was in sickbay for a few months after that had to go through intense counseling sessions.
Jack pats her shoulder.
LTJG. MASON: We have a past trauma that we go through even the Captain.
Julia gets up and grabs her gear.
LTJG. SMITH: I'm going to get us out of here even if it takes me till we hit the planet.
She walks over to the egg as both T'Lar and Jack look at each other.
LTJG. MASON: I sure hope she's kidding.
T'Lar raises an eyebrow.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise is following the comet.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the comet as Captain Branson is still standing as he's worried about the landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything?
ENS. CHRISTINE: No, sir nothing.
Captain Branson walks back to the command chair.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir Julia is on that comet we've got to get them off before it hits the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): We will Ty we will.
He pats his shoulder.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got a planet full of people who will die without our help, and our crew members are trapped on that comet. We need to get through that force field. How?
LTJG. MITCHELL: Phaser harmonics?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: A phaser at a higher frequency could cause resonance. The right frequency could shatter it.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): I like that plan its a good plan let's do it Kara bring us around towards the comet Z take tactical standby to fire when ready.
Commander Ivanova takes the tactical console and ready's the phaser upgrades as Captain Branson is worried.
CUT TO:
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Smith is scanning the egg from a distance so she doesn't get hit with the same energy that hit Lieutenant Hansen, as Lieutenant T'Lar walks over to her.
LTJG. T'LAR: Report Lieutenant Smith.
LTJG. SMITH (re: PADD): At the moment, pretending not to be in way over my head. Too honest?
T'Lar puts her hands behind her back.
LT. T'LAR: I am Vulcan we are "too honest" by nature.
LTJG. SMITH: And also pain in the human race's ass your people were wanting to ground our exploration of our galaxy twice.
LT. T'LAR: Your people weren't ready to venture into the galaxy and it seems that my people were right, but after the efforts of President Jonathan Archer the first Captain of the Enterprise discovering a plot by the Romulans my people decided to as you humans put it "loosen the reins" and your people flourish quite well.
LTJG. SMITH: Alright.
She continues to work.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise is in position.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
ENS. CARLSON: We're in position sir.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Phasers are ready sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander you may fire when ready.
Before she could press the firing button the ship jolts slightly.
CAPT. BRANSON: What was that?
ENS. CARLSON: Incoming weapons fire.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Direct hit to the port nacelle deflectors down to seventy percent.
CAPT. BRANSON: What hit us?
Ensign Carlson points to what's on the viewer.
ENS. CARLSON: That.
Captain Branson gets up from the command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: What in the world is that?
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The large vessel is blocking the Enterprise.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the unknown vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yellow alert what is that?
Lights changed to yellow and the lights start flashing.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Unknown but whoever they are they're blocking us from getting a clear shot at the comet.
Captain Branson turns to Ensign Christina.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign open a channel to that vessel.
Transparent viewer changes to the bridge of the unknown vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson of the Federation starship Enterprise. Who are you and why are you attacking our vessel?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): We are the Shepherds
Branson turns to Ensign Christina.
CAPT. BRANSON: Really?
ENS. CHRISTINA: Its how the translator translated it sir.
He turns back to the viewer.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): We escort M'hanit
CAPT. BRANSON: The comet?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): The M'hanit is far more than a comet. M'hanit is one of the ancient arbiters of life
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Okay?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): If you tamper with it again, we will not hesitate to destroy you
John tenses up a bit after that threat from the Shepherd Captain.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON: Z full scan of that ship I wanna know what they're packing.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir.
She gets to work on scanning the vessel's weapons.
LTJG. MITCHELL: What are we going to do about the landing party on the comet sir?
Captain Branson is standing next to the navigational station.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Ty but we're not giving up on them.
Captain Branson walks to the transparent viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: I promise Captain our intentions were not hostile. M'hanit is on a collision course with an inhabited planet. We were simply trying to divert its trajectory.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Absurd. Would you adjust the height of the waves or the position of the stars? M'hanit's course is preordained
CAPT. BRANSON: There are millions of people on that planet. The impact will kill them all and likely blow your comet Uh Blow your M'hanit into just as many pieces.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Are you a reasonable man Captain Branson?
Captain Branson puts his hand behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: I-I seem to think so.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Then please entertain the proposition that M'hanit is not, as you continue to call him, a comet. It is an instrument, an ancient arbiter, one of the few remaining in the galaxy. If it is his will to move, he will move. If it is his will to bring life, he will bring life. If M'hanit wills the planet to die, even chooses to die with it, then that is what will happen. As I said, it is preordained. Since before our distant ancestors touched the sky and the stars beyond, my people have been charged with the protection of the arbiters. None of us even remember when the charge first came to us, but we accepted the mantle with honor. For centuries, we have protected the arbiters as they follow courses set long before our suns first burned in the sky, bringing life across the galaxy. It is not our prerogative to interfere, Captain, nor is it yours
CAPT. BRANSON: Please, excuse me pause communications.
Ensign Christina pauses the transmission as Captain Branson walks back over to the navigational and helm stations.
ENS. CARLSON: Wow sounds like the preachers back home.
Captain Branson walks over to the tactical console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Z what's their tactical status?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Their systems are incredibly advanced, their ships faster than ours, and their weapon systems Let's just say we don't want to piss them off.
Captain Branson turns back to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to prevent that comet from destroying the planet.
LTJG. MITCHELL: How we can't even touch it without them getting pissed off.
Captain Branson looks over at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to buy the landing party time to get that force field down and keep the Shepherds from finding out about them being on the surface. Ensign resume communications.
Transmission resumes.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sorry about that I had to chat in private with my senior staff but as I'm sure you understand me when I say this Captain, You have your sacred duty. We have ours. The Federation doesn't interfere in the development of species, but we also don't just let them die. We don't mean to disrespect M'hanit. We'd do the same for you if you were in danger.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You say you don't interfere, that you mean no disrespect, but your crew has desecrated the temple on the surface
Captain Branson tenses up.
ENS. CARLSON: I guess they already know about the landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Believe me when I say we had no idea that it was a sacred object we thought that if we beam over there we could find out how to turn it away from the planet to prevent the people on the planet from dying.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): ABSURD! Their presence is blasphemy. M'hanit will be their tomb. Any further action to rescue them will be considered an act of war
Transmission ends as the Shepherd vessel takes up a defensive posture.
LTJG. MITCHELL: They're taking up a defensive posture between us and the comet.
ENS. CARLSON: They've blocked us completely off from getting to the others.
CAPT. BRANSON: Find a way to get through to the landing party right now. Break the laws of physics if you have to.
The crew gets to work.
CUT TO:
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant T'Lar is checking on Lieutenant Hansen as Lieutenant Mason walks over to her.
LTJG. MASON: How is he doing?
LTJG. T'LAR: Stable and holding.
LTJG. SMITH: I think I found it the comet responds to song. 
She starts humming a tune her father would sing to her every night when she and Jessica were little, the walls of the structure lights up as T'Lar and Jack are amazed by that.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Ensign Christina is listening to something and then turns to Captain Branson.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Captain I'm picking up something on the low EM signature.
Captain Branson walks over to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it?
She listens.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Its music.
John listens and remembers the time Jessica hummed that same tune to him.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): That's Julia alright.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir the force field is down.
Captain Branson walks over to his chair.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to transporter room beam landing party back to the ship now.
CHIEF MACKENIZE (com voice): Got them sir
Captain Branson still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work red alert deflectors to maximum.
Lights change from yellow to red and klaxons blare.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM (RED ALERT)
The landing party materialized as the medical team goes to Lieutenant Hansen and takes him to sickbay as the others go to the bridge. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The rest of the landing party walk onto the bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Welcome back everyone where's Mister Hansen?
LTJG. MASON: He was taken to sickbay he was injured when he touched the strange object in the center.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed by the Shepherd's vessel.
Captain Branson walks to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
The bridge of the Shepherd vessel appears.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it now?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You continue to interfere
CAPT. BRANSON: Well technically we....
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You were warned!
CAPT. BRANSON: Look, let's talk about this. Find some common ground.
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to Ensign Carlson with a worried look on his face.
ENS. CARLSON: I think that went well.
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to sixty-eight percent! I'm reading three more torpedoes inbound!
CAPT. BRANSON: Full power to forward deflectors brace for impact!
(END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT)
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel fires at the Enterprise hitting her deflectors.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to sixty-seven percent!
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern delta.
Ensign Carlson works at the helm station.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise dodges the weapons fire as she flies over the Shepherd vessel as it continues to fire.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. MITCHELL: The Shepherds are in pursuit.
LTJG MASON: Return fire?
CAPT. BRANSON: No, Kara escape pattern Kirk Omega-3.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
She inputs commands into the helm.
LTJG. MASON: Sir as chief tactical officer its my recommendation that we retreat.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're already on the run.
LTJG. MASON: We need to warp out and regroup. Facing off with them is suicide. - We're outgunned here.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I have to agree with Jack on this one sir.
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to forty percent!
LT. T'LAR: Sir, when we were on the surface, I believe the comet - was trying to communicate with us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right, the music you guys recorded any idea what it means?
LTJG. SMITH: I haven't been able to translate it yet. It might take days.
LT. T'LAR: We have less than one hour before the comet hits Persephone III.
Julia turns to T'Lar.
LTJG. SMITH: You do a lot of reminding people of deadlines, ma'am.
T'Lar raises an eyebrow.
CAPT. BRANSON: She has a point T'Lar.
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Captain, unless we want them to blow us out of the sky.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lock phasers and photon torpedoes target weapons and engines I don't want to hurt them.
WHUMPH!
ENS. CARLSON: Wish they felt the same way about us.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console. 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to twenty-five percent phasers and photons locked on target. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara bring us about to one hundred eighty mark ten and fire! 
He presses the firing button. 
EXT-SPACE 
The Enterprise comes about and fires a spread of photon torpedoes and a blue phaser beam that scored a direct hit to the port side of the Shepherd vessel. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. MASON: Direct hit they're moving off probably to regroup which I suggest we do the same thing.
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to save that planet we brought down the force field so how to we move this comet?
ENS. CARLSON: Sir, let's face it, the crazy space monks will blow us out of the sky if we try anything to move that comet.
T'Lar turns to the Captain and walks over to him.
LTJG. T'LAR: What if we did not move the comet? What if it moved itself past the planet?
John turns to her.
EXT-PERSEPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel moves in on the Enterprise after recovering from that phaser and torpedo strike.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Turbo-lift doors close as we see the science station unoccupied.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright is everyone ready?
Everyone nods.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us in maximum impulse.
LTJG. MITCHELL: They're gaining on us.
LTJG. MASON: When they close they're going to go for the kill shot.
Captain Branson walks over to the helm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara you remember when you said that you were the best pilot to graduate the Academy. 
ENS.CARLSON: What's your point sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Time you show off those skills. 
ENS. CARLSON (smirks): Aye, sir. 
She gets to work. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come to course 216 mark 14. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
She inputs commands into the helm station as Captain Branson is worried. 
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise maneuvers as the Shepherd's vessel fires at the ship as it dodges, but takes hits and moves to the port side of the vessel heading towards the comet. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
LTJG. MASON: Sir are you taking us to that comet? 
CAPT. BRANSON: If we are near it they won't fire on it. 
The crew is worried as Captain Branson is worried as well. 
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Enterprise flies through the debris field as rocks are bouncing off the deflectors making them flicker as the Enterprise moves. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
Then console screens start flickering as Lieutenant Smith turns and reports. 
LTJG. SMITH: I think they're hailing us. Yeah, they are. Captain? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Not yet, Kara bring us about and hold our position. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir Rerouting to bearing 180 mark five. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Reverse thrusters, full stop. 
ENS. CARLSON: Reversing thrusters and we are coming to a full stop sir and what plan is this? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Its not completed yet Steph shut down all power except life-support. 
Power starts shutting down as coolant is still venting. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm ready for the Shepherds now Julia.
Captain Branson goes to the transparent viewer as Commander Ivanova joins him and the viewer shows the image of the Shepherd vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: We surrender your attack has cause a complete system failure. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Then we will destroy you for touching the M'hanit!
CAPT. BRANSON: Or you can help us we'll collide with the comet and when we do the trilithium resin in the warp core and utterly destroying it. And it will also happen if you destroy our ship. 
The Shepherd Captain doesn't respond. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Please help me and my crew I give you my word we'll never touch the M'hanit again. 
Transmission ends as Zhasa walks over to him. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: If this doesn't work. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know Z. 
Then Ensign Carlson checks her read out. 
ENS. CARLSON: They've locked a tractor beam on us and pulling us away. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles, to com): Branson to T'Lar you're up. 
CUT TO:
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
LTJG. T'LAR (to com): Very well Captain I'm on my way. 
She activates the shuttle systems. 
EXT-COMET DEBRIS TRAIL
The Galileo unclips from a piece of debris and heads towards the comet. 
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
T'Lar is working on the console. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transparent viewer shows the comet. 
LTJG. MASON: Its changing course. 
LTJG. SMITH: But what about Lieutenant T'Lar? 
Then a hint of static comes over the com. 
LT. T'LAR (com voice): Galileo to Enterprise I am returning to the ship now
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles, to com): Great work T'Lar we'll be waiting for your arrival, get me the Shepherd vessel now. 
Transparent viewer shows the shepherd vessel's main bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I gave you my word that we wouldn't touch it again and I kept my word as I always do my word is my bond. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): The glory and the mercy that is M'hanit 
CAPT. BRANSON: I agree. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Perhaps in the future, the Federation would not be so quick to judge the faith of others, and now, we need not part as enemies
CAPT. BRANSON: I will make that note to my superiors and we have witnessed a huge miracle as the people on the surface have been given a chance to live and grow. 
Shepherd Captain nods and transmission ends. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cancel red alert, Kara set course for Starbase Six warp factor three engage. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL 
The Enterprise is at warp. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Log Supplemental, We're on course for Starbase Six for some repairs and treatment of wounded
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
CAPT. BRANSON (to recorder): As I sit and wonder about the comet who made it and why was it abandoned and why did it pick that star system to go to, well I guess we'll never find out seeing that I gave the Shepherd Captain my word that we'll never bother the M'hanit. 
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Lieutenant Smith enters. 
LTJG. SMITH: John you got a minute? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sure Julia come in. 
She enters and the doors closed. 
JOHN: What's on your mind Julia?
She stands with her hands behind her back.
JULIA: I was wondering if you were going to transfer me to another vessel.
John looks confused.
JOHN: I'm sorry w-what transfer you to another vessel for what reason?
JULIA: Well we're family and Starfleet has strict regulations about family serving onboard a Federation vessel together, you risked the Enterprise to get not only your officers back aboard the Enterprise but me as well I can't have that on my mind if something like that happens again.
John gets up and walks over to her.
JOHN: Julia we're family but not by blood and you're apart of this crew and you proved that today.
JULIA (smiles): Thanks John I think I found where I belong.
They leave the ready room together.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL 
The Enterprise soars at high warp.
(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
*Delena Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Maquis solider #1
*TBA as Maquis soldier #2
*TBA as Amaros
*TBA as Kobb
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Rear Admiral Thomas Halsey
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===