Return To Duty (Phase II Era episode)

Return to Duty is the series opener of Star Trek: Phase II Season 1.
==Plot==
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-EARTH SURFACE/WOODEN AREA
A person is running through the woods as we hear voices and see images as he's holding his head, as we hear the ship's bell dinging.
COMM. ENWRIGHT: How do you plead Commander Branson?
CMDR. BRANSON: Not guilty sir.
The image fades as he runs some more coming to a tree and is visibility shaken panting.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Debris floats around as a Klingon D-7 warship floats along with a damaged Constitution-Class heavy cruiser that is badly damage.
INT-U.S.S. RONAOKE MAIN BRIDGE [BATTLE DAMAGED]
Wires are hanging as support beams are on the floor along with the dead bodies of most of the crew, as we're shown that Commander John Branson is sitting in the Captain's chair wounded but alive as he wakes up.
CMDR. BRANSON (Coughs, groans, to com): First Officer's Log Stardate 5894.1, We encountered a Klingon squadron attempting to attack a Federation mining colony. Captain Jones and a strike team beams over to the lead vessel to attempt to stop them from attacking the colony, I ordered the crew to abandon ship and the Klingons destroyed the escape pods only Captain Jones and me are alive.
Coolant vents from the ceiling as Commander Branson activates the ship to ship com.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to Jones.
Com fills with static.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Ron respond please.
CAPT. RONSON [com voice]: Yeah I'm here John what's your status?
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: All hands lost except us Ron the crew, the Klingons killed them all 437 of them.
A few minutes of silence then Captain Jones speaks.
CAPT. JONES [com voice]: Yeah I saw what happened John and I'm sorry for what you had to do but you were thinking of their safety
John hangs his head.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Yeah I guess the Roanoke is operating on emergency power the port nacelle is gone its currently floating next to the ship, weapons array has been destroyed but there's alot of anti-matter in the storage pods.
A few minutes of silence over the com as Captain Jones speaks again knowing what John must do to prevent the Klingons from taking over the mining colony.
CAPT. RONSON [com voice]: Then you have no choice John you have to set the Roanoke's stardrive section on a collision course with the Klingon vessel
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Ron you're still onboard the warship you're asking me to ram the Klingon vessel?
CAPT. JONES [com voice]: Yes that's what I'm telling you to do
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: But Ron you'll be killed your wife and kids will need you.
CAPT. JONES [com voice]: I'm giving you a direct order Commander and I except you to carry it out someone has got to warn Starfleet Command of has happened here, and with our com system destroyed you're the only one who can do it. you've been a damn fine executive officer John and a good friend.
John thinks and is a bit hesitate to follow the order but he knows that it has to be done.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Aye, sir its been an honor serving with you.
CAPT. JONES [com voice]: The honor is mine John
Transmission ends as John slowly gets up and walks over to the helm station and inputs commands into the station to program the warp pods to overload, and to engage the impulse engines.
EXT-FEDERATION MINING COLONY ORBIT
A close up of the Roanoke's impulse engines power up and the damaged vessel slowly moves.
INT-U.S.S. RONANOKE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Commander Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Computer standby for saucer separation and eject log buoy launch!
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
A close up of the underside of the Stardrive section launches the log buoy.
INT-U.S.S. RONAOAKE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
CMDR. BRANSON: Forgive me Ron mark.
EXT-SPACE
The Saucer section separates from the stardrive section as the saucer section moves to port as the Stardrive section collides with the Klingon warship destroying it, as a shockwave knocks the Saucer section forward.
INT-U.S.S. RONAOAKE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Commander Branson is thrown from the Captain's chair as he's thrown around some more.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS]
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, WOODEN AREA, DAY
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
John is upset and on the ground but he gets up and heads back to his home with his wife.
CUT TO:
INT-BRANSON HOUSE HOLD, KITCHEN
Jessica is washing dishes and is worried about her husband as she hears the door opened and smiles, and goes over to him.
JESSICA: Welcome back honey how are you feeling?
JOHN: I'm home and tired and worn out had to go and do some thinking.
They embrace and kissed.
JESSICA: Are you sure you're alright?
JOHN [nods]: Yeah just a bit shaken still.
JESSICA: Sorry I left early Admiral Johnson wanted to speak with me.
John sits on the couch.
JOHN: What did he want to talk to you about?
Jessica sits next to him.
JESSICA: About you getting back in the saddle.
John leans back on the couch.
JOHN: Jess I d-don't know if I am ready to get back on duty, this what I went through along the border it set me back. How do I return to who I was before this do they think that they can trust me?
John puts his face in his hands leaning forward as Jessica comforts her husband rubbing his back laying her head on his back as well.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, SAN FRANSICO CALIFORNIA, DAY
A shot of the golden gate bridge as a tram heads towards Starfleet Command From this vantage, we can SEE all of twenty-third century San Francisco stretched out before us. In the b.g., the familiar forms of the carefully preserved Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid Building serve as our only reminders that this is, indeed, San Francisco. The AIR TRAM (an anti-gravitational train flying several feet above the ground) DECELERATES sharply, settles to the ground with a whisper.
INT. AIR TRAM STATION - DAY
As Branson strides into the graceful Starfleet HQ building. Many PEOPLE are about, civilians and uniformed personnel; most of them with some air of urgency. (NOTE: ALIENS interspersed among them, Vulcans, blue-skinned Andorians, high-domed Vegans, ect.) Branson continues on when suddenly he reacts, surprised as he sees: Lt. Commander Kyle Clarkson a human, Lt Commander; short, dark with a bit white-haired, grizzled, hurrying along. Kyle sees John and calls to him:
KYLE: John hey man.
John turns to see his old friend.
JOHN [Smiles]: Hey Kyle how are you doing man?
Kyle joins him.
KYLE: I'm great its great to see you here man.
JOHN [sighs]: Yeah it does feel good to be here so what are you doing here I thought you were going to be on the Harrison for a few weeks?
KYLE: Well yeah the Harrison is here for resupplying and some rest I was visiting my sister Anna, then we're heading towards Epsilon IX relay station what about you man.
JOHN: Well Jim wanted to see me about something I don't know what but I'll find out.
KYLE: Wonder what it could be?
JOHN [shrugs shoulders]: Don't know man but I'm going to find out.
They stopped.
KYLE: Well I better get back to the Harrison but hey we should hang out one day.
JOHN [nods]: Yeah I'd like that man see ya.
Kyle heads to the shuttle to go the Harrison as John heads towards Fleet Captain Kirk's office.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, FLEET CAPTAIN KIRK'S OFFICE
Fleet Captain Kirk is sitting at his desk looking at some mission reports from different ships along the Federation border, when the doors chimed and Admiral Kirk puts the PADD down.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Branson enters and stands at attention.
CMDR. BRANSON: Commander John Branson reporting as ordered sir.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: At ease Commander its good to see that you're alive and well John.
JOHN [sighs]: Its good to be alive and here the Klingons got us good out there.
They sit down at the desk.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: I read the mission report its ashame that Captain Jones was lost in the fight with the Klingons, I only met him once when the Enterprise was docked at Starbase Vanguard after our encounter with the Galactic Barrier that killed half of my crew including my best friend Gary Mitchell.
John leans back in the chair.
JOHN [sighs]: Yeah I sent a letter to his wife and kids.
Kirk leans forward.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: At least we stopped them from attacking and taking over the colony.
JOHN: Jim what did you want to see me about?
Kirk hands him a PADD.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: I want you to take command of the Enterprise she needs a Captain and your name was on the list of people that recommended to take command of her.
John reviews the PADD.
JOHN: Jim I d-don't know about it after what happened at the mining colony I'm not sure if I want to be in Starfleet at the moment, I could of done something to save the crew of the Roanoke and Captain Jones.
Kirk interlaces his fingers.
FLT CAPT. KIRK: John I understand but we need good people in the center chair and you got back in one piece, and the best way to honor the memory of your Captain and crew would be to take command of the Enterprise my friend.
John reviews the PADD.
JOHN [nods]: Alright I'll do it.
FLT CAPT. KIRK [smiles]: Good congrats Captain the Enterprise is currently docked at Starbase One, she's receiving an upgrade to the newest class of starship the boys at the Starfleet Corp of Engineers are building. Its called the Jefferies-Class and the Enterprise will be the testing bed for new technology that we're develop that could give us an edge we need against the Klingons or the Romulans.
Kirk hands him the PADD as he's reviewing it John sees the yellow shirt with Captain Bars on it.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 with a two torpedo launcher at the base of the neck and the nacelle struts have been elongated.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [voice over]: First Officer's Log Supplemental, The Enterprise remains docked at ESD so far the upgrades are proceeding nicely I'm proud of the efforts this crew has done to get these upgrades done in more then a few weeks, after they're complete we'll head out on our shakedown cruise to make sure that nothing goes wrong with the upgrades to the engines but Lieutenant Williams is still worried about testing the warp drive
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
PADDs are all over the desk as Lieutenant Commander ZHASA IVANOVA, Lieutenant Commander's stripes, beautiful, in her early 30's; is sitting behind the desk reviewing the PADDs, when the com activates.
LTJG. SMITH [com voice]: Bridge to Commander Ivanova
Commander Ivanova activates the com panel.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [to com]: Ivanova here go ahead.
LTJG. SMITH [com voice]: We're receiving a hail from Starfleet Command its Fleet Captain James T. Kirk
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [to com]: Patch him through.
A few seconds later the monitor on the desk activates and Fleet Captain Kirk appears on the screen.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [smiles]: Jim, its good to see you again.
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: You to Z
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So, what do I owe the pleasure of this transmission?
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: What's the Enterprise's status?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I've been up to my neck in ship status reports we'll be able to depart within a few hours assuming everything goes good with the shakedown cruise we'll be able to start our five-year mission.
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: I'm guessing you're wondering why I'm calling about?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [nods]: Yeah so what's the news about who's commanding the Enterprise?
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: It's about that
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So, what's the verdict?
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: Z you're not getting the command we're going with a new Captain
Ivanova seems shocked into silence; she can only peer at Kirk on the monitor who is also silence allowing her to collect herself before they resume speaking to each other.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I-I understand Jim so who's the new CO?
Kirk inputs commands into the console on his end.
FLT CAPT. KIRK [monitor]: Sending his file to you now, Z I'm sorry I know that you were wanting the command
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I know Jim, I know Ivanova out.
Transmission ends as Commander Ivanova looks at John's file.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
A class-F shuttle flies up from Earth and approaches the dry-dock berths.
INT-SHUTTLE CRAFT CANOPY
A Starfleet Ensign is piloting the shuttle.
STARFLEET ENSIGN [to com]: Enterprise, this is Shuttle Stamets incoming to transport coordinates.
ENTERPRISE FLIGHT CONTROL OFFICER [com voice]: Stamets cleared to transport
John is sitting in the co-pilot chair reviewing Lieutenant Mason's record finding out that he was the survivor against the Tressaurians, as he looks outside seeing the Enterprise as the Star Trek theme plays.
STARFLEET ENSIGN: All scrubbed up and good as new, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Wish it were that easy. 
STARFLEET PILOT (confused): Sir? 
John stands up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize. 
As the window shows the Enterprise as bright yellow light as well as the transporter humming. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson materialized onto the pad as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova is awaiting his arrival. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John, welcome aboard. 
He walks down from the transporter pad and hands the PADD over to Chief Mackenzie. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Chief Mackenzie. 
They leave the transporter room. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK SIX CORRIDOR
They're walking through the corridor. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Where are we at? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Systems are all nominal. But as you know, no simulations were run. The main A.I. has been upgraded. Personnel rotation was in process. A few officers will have to billet after the mission. That includes the chief engineer and Lieutenant Kirk, whom I know you requested. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright that's good let's get to work. 
They enter the lift. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TURBO-LIFT CART
John toggles the lever. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Deck 1, Main Bridge. 
The lift starts moving as Captain Branson reviews the personnel roster. 
CAPT. BRANSON (re: PADD): That's good a new Chief Science Officer that won't arrive for another few days due to honeymoon on Vulcan hasn't ended yet. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Lieutenant T'Lar and Doctor Carlson are married they're celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary if I remember correctly. 
John turns to her as the lift stops. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The doors opened and (BOATSWAIN'S WHISTLE BLOWS) 
LTJG. MASON: Captain on the Bridge! 
The crew snaps to attention. 
CAPT. BRANSON: As you all were. 
They resume their work as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason walks over to them. 
LTJG. MASON: Welcome aboard Captain Branson sir I'm Lieutenant Jack Mason your new Chief of Security and tactical officer. 
They shook hands. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You've got some pretty big shoes to fill Mister Mason. 
LTJG. MASON (nods): I am well aware of that sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Alright, welcome back and welcome aboard everyone ready Ensign Carlson? 
ENS. CARLSON: Course for Sector 234 has been plotted and laid is Captain. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ops? 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Lights are green across the board. She feels ready to me, Captain. 
Captain Branson turns to communications on his right. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Communications? Julia its good to have you aboard. 
LTJG. SMITH: I'm very happy to be here sir, Enterprise has been cleared for launch. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then Mrs. Carlson take us out one-half impulse straight and steady. 
ENS. CARLSON (smiles): Aye, sir. 
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station. 
EXT-SPACE
The moorings retract and umbilical cords release from the hull and the Enterprise's impulse engines power up and the ship slowly moves out of dry-dock. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows clear space. 
ENS. CARLSON: We're five by five for warp sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it. 
She activates the warp drive. 
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise leaps into warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is decorating his ready room as he's putting a picture of him and his wife Jessica at their wedding on his desk the com activates.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John goes to his desk and activates the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Sorry to disturb you sir but we're receiving a hail from Commodore Joseph Austin at Starbase Six
John hangs his head.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs, to com]: What now transfer it to my ready room.
He spins the monitor to face him as the screen activates showing the office of Commodore Joseph Austin a human male, who is in his mid-thirties wearing Commodore's uniform.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Commodore Austin what can I do for you?
COMM. AUSTIN [monitor]: Spare me your pleasures Captain you shouldn't even be in command of the flagship of the Federation forces, but you got it due to your friendship with Fleet Captain Kirk
Captain Branson crosses his arms.
CAPT. BRANSON: Huh, so what's going on sir?
COMM. AUSTIN [monitor]: We need the Enterprise to escort the Excalibur back here for an extensive refit and repairs
Captain Branson continues to decorate his desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: Isn't she still a wreck after the M-5 Disaster?
COMM. AUSTIN [monitor]: Yes she is still a wreck but the crew that was killed needs to be brought home so they can be laid to rest, even you should know that Captain you served onboard the Excalibur once
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Yeah I was her tactical officer, but sir we're getting prep for our shakedown cruise to test our new systems. There must be a few tugs at Starbase Six that can do the job?
COMM. AUSTIN [monitor]: Captain you have your orders and you can conduct your shakedown while on route to where the Lexington found her, I expect you to follow my orders to the letter and we've also got a team onboard to secure her and cover the fallen
CAPT. BRANSON: Aye, sir.
COMM. AUSTIN [monitor]: Austin out
Transmission ends as Captain Branson isn't happy about having to cancel his dinner date with his wife.
[END O ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5894.1, The Enterprise is on course for an uncharted sector of Federation Space, where the hulk of the derelict vessel USS Excalibur is currently at right now we're currently planning for the mission
Enterprise is on course to meet up with the Excalibur.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The large screen shows the scenes from TOS Season Two: The Ultimate Computer, where the Enterprise under M-5 control chasing the Excalibur blasting the heavy cruiser. The Enterprise under M-5 control is blasting the Excalibur with phasers and strikes near the impulse manifolds and then unleashes a spread of photon torpedoes and destroyed the bridge dome as the Enterprise flies over the now hulk Excalibur as Captain Branson deactivates the monitor and sits at the table.
CAPT. BRANSON: That's all that we all know about I served onboard her before the wargame.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I remember reading on the incident Doctor Daystrom was placed in a medical ward.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah he's still in the ward.
DR. CARLSON: Why are we going there if the whole crew is dead?
CAPT. BRANSON: Because Commodore Austin is ordering us to go and we're going to follow his orders.
LT. WILLIAMS [sighs]: Sir this vessel is state of the art and we're towing a hunk of junk starship that was blasted by this vessel under the control of an untested computer.
Captain Branson leans forward.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I know that we've wanted to go on our shakedown cruise but we've got orders and we're going to follow them.
Lieutenant Williams leans back in her chair frustrated folding her arms.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Steven we'll need Cargo Bay two converted into a morgue when we arrive and Steph we need to have the tractor beam ready to tow the Excalibur.
DR. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
LT. WILLIAMS: Aye, sir.
LTJG. MASON: My security teams are ready to repel boarders.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I hate that we're doing this.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I know Z but we've got orders dismissed.
The senior staff leaves.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise emerges from warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
ENS. CARLSON: We're secure from warp sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Scan for the Excalibur.
Ensign Sheridan scans and reports.
ENS. SHERIDAN: Found the Excalibur bearing 2-3-4 mark 23.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Got them.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see them.
Transparent viewer shows the Excalibur as the entire crew is shocked at what they're seeing as Captain Branson gets up from his chair shocked seeing the once proud Constitution-Class vessel now a hulk of its former self.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: My god the Enterprise really did a number on her.
Ensign Sheridan scans the Excalibur and reports.
ENS. SHERIDAN: Her port nacelle has been destroyed, multiple hull breaches the bridge dome is destroyed and I'm reading three bio-signs onboard her.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Must be the salvage team.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia hail them.
Lieutenant Smith inputs commands into the communications console.
LTJG. SMITH: They're responding audio only.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Excalibur this is John Branson Captain of the USS Enterprise we've been ordered by Commodore Austin to help you tow the Excalibur to Starbase Six.
CMDR. MASON [com voice]: Enterprise this is Commander Derek Mason its good to hear your voice, we've got a bit of a situation onboard
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Do you need assistance?
CMDR. MASON [com voice]: No we've got it under control
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Come underneath us and we'll lock a tractor beam onto you and tow the rest of the way.
CMDR. MASON [com voice]: Aye, sir
LTJG. MITCHELL: Excalibur coming underneath us sir.
Then Ensign Sheridan reports.
ENS. SHERIDAN: Captain sensors are detecting a tachyon emission, it is a Klingon cruiser.
CAPT. BRANSON: What?
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
A Klingon D7-class warbird decloaks in front of the Enterprise.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Lieutenant Mason looks at his console read out.
LTJG. MASON: They're charging weapons!
CAPT. BRANSON [tensed up]: RED ALERT, DEFLECTORS UP!
Lights dimmed as klaxons blare and the crew heads towards their battle stations.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is between the Klingon vessel and the Excalibur.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew heads to their battle stations as klaxons are blaring.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Mason looks at his tactical console read out and reports.
LTJG. MASON: Phaser banks are fully charged, torpedo launchers are fully loaded and deflectors are fully charged.
Captain Branson turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hold on my order Lieutenant I would like to avoid a shooting war if possible Julia hail them.
Lieutenant Smith inputs commands into the communications console.
LTJG. SMITH: Their responding now.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Klingon warship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Greetings I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, your presences here is a violation of the Neutral Zone Treaty of 2266 explain yourself!
CMDR. KARGH [viewer]: Federation vessel you will surrender the other vessel to me or suffer the fate of your comrades on the other vessel
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander you're in Federation space you have no rights to make demands.
CMDR. KARGH [viewer]: You have no rights either Captain this is neutral space and by the treaty we have free rein to go where we want and when we want
Captain Branson walks over to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander, you're not threating a damaged Starship this is a fully operational Jefferies-Class heavy cruiser, I suggest you take a good look at her because you'll be seeing more of them.
Transmission ends.
LTJG. MASON: Their disruptor cannons are on hot standby but haven't locked onto us yet.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: At least not until reinforcements get here.
Captain Branson tenses up.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is facing a Klingon D7-class warbird.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commodore Austin is on the main viewer.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: What's the situation so far?
CAPT. BRANSON: So far they've not started shooting at us but it's only a matter of time till Kargh gets impatient and starts opening up on us.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: I wish I could dispatch some vessels but most of them are out on patrol on the otherside of the Neutral Zone and it would take most of them a week at maximum warp to get to your position to provide assistances
CAPT. BRANSON: Sir, I don't know if the Klingons are going to leave.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: You have your orders Captain get the Excalibur back here anyway you can Austin out
Transmission ends as Captain Branson stands in front of the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON [frustrated]: What does he think that I am trying to do here I am not sleeping on the job.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Klingon vessel's weapons are locking onto us!
CAPT. BRANSON: Full power to deflectors!
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are holding.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire phasers. Evasive pattern, delta four.
Both Lieutenant Mason and Ensign Carlson comply with the orders.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise fires her phasers at the Klingon vessel scoring some good hits on the vessel as the Klingon vessel flies over head firing at the Enterprise hitting her dorsal deflectors making them flicker.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling sending an officer to the deck.
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are down to 65%!
CAPT. BRANSON: Emergency evasive keep us between the Klingons and the Excalibur!
ENS. CARLSON: Going to course 2-1-3 mark 3-5-5 increasing to two thirds impulse.
Captain Branson sits in his chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Mason see if you can take out their weapons array.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical station.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise fires a spread of photon torpedoes that score a devastating blow to the Klingon vessels underbelly.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the photons score its hits.
ENS. SHERIDAN: Damage to Klingon ventral deflectors. starboard deflectors obliterated. Loss of maneuver power. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: He's badly damaged, Captain. Continuing away at reduced speed. 
Captain Branson leans back in his chair.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Secure from general quarters, organize damage control teams Z.
Lights brighten up as Commander Ivanova dispatches damage control teams.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, resume our course towards Starbase Six and have a tractor beam locked onto the Excalibur
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
Ensign Carlson works at her console.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise is docked at Starbase Six as the Excalibur is being towed into one of the dry-dock berths by two Ptolemy-class tug vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is reviewing the damage report on the desktop monitor as the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Mason enters.
CMDR. MASON: Commander Derek Mason reporting as ordered sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Commander I was just going over your report before you submitted it to Commodore Austin, I am very surprised by the fact that you and your team encountered Zombies onboard a derelict vessel.
CMDR. MASON: It was very, very strange indeed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm glad that you and your team made it back as well if my daughters lost Jamie I don't what they'd do.
Derek looks at him in surprise.
CMDR. MASON [surprised]: I-I had no idea that you and Lieutenant Archer were a couple?
CAPT. BRANSON: We were a couple we were married for a while till the incident at the Federation Mining colony near the Klingon Neutral Zone but it was way before the Zone was made.
CMDR. MASON: It's good to see Jack here on the Enterprise he was always the best out of the family.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, best not keeping I know that the Commodore would want to debrief you and Lieutenant Beck.
They shook hands and Commander Mason leaves as John looks out the window of his ready room at the badly damaged Excalibur as worker bees are swarming her.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 6652.1, Earth...the dust and sky... is my hearth. But Enterprise is my home. We can go forward together, knowing that whatever shadows we bring with us, they make the light all the brighter. I am...a lucky man
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge as Commander Ivanova is waiting for him. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Lieutenant Kirk is on his way to the bridge, as you requested. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you, Commander. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: New security chief is in place. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant Mason good to have you onboard. 
The doors whooshed opened and Lieutenant T'Lar walks onto the bridge along with Lieutenant Kirk. 
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Sam, Welcome to Enterprise. How's the family? 
They shook hands. 
LT. KIRK: Good. 
Then he walks over to T'Lar. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Lieutenant T'Lar reporting for duty sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar its been too long and congrats on your marriage sorry I couldn't be there to see a Vulcan wedding. 
LTJG. T'LAR: I understand sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Assume your station. 
T'Lar takes her station as Captain Branson sits in the command chair feeling at ease with himself. 
ENS. CARLSON: Ready to get underway sir what's our mission? 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Our mission? We explore. We seek out new life and new civilizations. We boldly go where no one has gone before. 
LTJG. SMITH (smiles): Cool. 
Branson turns to her. 
LTJG. SMITH: Sir. 
Captain Branson sits back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign Carlson take us out warp factor 4, hit it. 
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she enters warp. 
[END OF ACT FIVE, 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 Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Commander Kargh
===Special Guest Stars===
*Mike Longo as Fleet Captain James T. Kirk
*Joshua Irwin as Commodore Joseph Austin
*Tyler Dunivan as Commander Derek Mason
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information==