Chain of Command (New Voyages episode)

Chain of Command is the 21 episode of Star Trek: New Voyages New Voyages Season 2.
==Synopsis==
Captain Branson must relieve his old commanding officer from duty onboard a heavily armed Federation Starship after the vessels fires on and destroyed a Klingon base. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-KLINGON SPACE
The Klingon base has several D7-class warships and Vo'n'talk-class warships swarming around it.
INT-KLINGON OUTPOST COMMAND AREA
KLINGON CAPTAIN: Send our reports to High Command.
He hands the young officer back the PADD.
KLINGON TACTICAL OFFICER: Sir sensors are picking up a Starfleet vessel bearing 2-3-4 mark 2-3-2.
KLINGON CAPTAIN: Hail it.
He sends a transmission.
KLINGON TACTICAL OFFICER: No response its arming weapons!
KLINGON CAPTAIN: Order them to break off their attack!
EXT-KLINGON SPACE
The unknown vessel unleashes a spread of photon torpedoes and phasers.
INT-KLINGON OUTPOST COMMAND AREA
KLINGON TACTICAL OFFICER: They've unleashed a spread of photon torpedoes!
KLINGON CAPTAIN: SEND A DISTRESS CALL TO CENTRAL COMMAND!!!!
EXT-KLINGON SPACE
The Klingon outpost explodes into a thousand pieces, as the unknown Starfleet vessel flies over the debris field.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is along the border.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's log, stardate 4429.6. We are on a mapping survey near the Klingon sector. It has been nearly a year since a peace treaty ended the long conflict between the Federation and Kronos 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LT. MITCHELL: Captain, we are nearing the periphery of Sector twenty one five oh three. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Be on the lookout for a Klingon patrol ship, T'Shara. They should be hailing us soon.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Aye, sir.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Even with the Organian Peace Treaty, they're still skittish about protecting their border.
CAPT. BRANSON: True, I hope their scout ship makes contact soon. It's not a good idea to stay too long on a Klingon border without making your intentions known. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Commander Clarkson walks over to Commander Williams.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: The daily engineering report you asked for Commander.
Stephanie takes the PADD.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [amazed]: Impressive work Commander.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Thank you Commander.
[Ship slightly jolts.]
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: What was that?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Felt like weapons fire.
COMPUTER VOICE: Red alert. Take emergency stations
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise is under attack by a Klingon warship.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone on the Bridge at their stations and functioning.
LT. MASON: Klingon ship preparing to fire again, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Increase power to forward shields. Hail them again, Julia. 
LT. SMITH: No response sir.
Another explosion jolts the Enterprise.
CMDR. IVANOVA: What the hell is he doing? Damage report.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Minor damage to secondary hull before we put our deflectors up, sir. No casualties. Structural integrity intact.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [com voice]: Engineering to Bridge. Starboard power coupling is down
And another, bigger explosion rips at the reeling Enterprise, causing the Bridge to shudder, lights play off and on. In the midst of this chaos.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
Theme Song:
=====
CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. 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
=====
STAR TREK: NEW VOYAGES
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
=====
BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
Enterprise flies by a Gas Giant.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPTAIN JOHN BRANSON
Enterprise flies by a interstellar dust cloud.
FELECIA LINKOUS 
 AS
COMMANDER ZHASA IVANOVA
Enterprise approaches a nebula.
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LIEUTENANT JACK MASON
Enterprise approaches a Starbase in orbit of an M-Class planet.
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
Enterprise flies by a Pioneer-class vessel.
BLAKE WAYMIRE
 AS
LIEUTENANT TYSON MITCHELL
Enterprise fires her phasers and photon torpedoes.
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LIEUTENANT KARA CARLSON
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DOCTOR STEVEN CARLSON
Enterprise flies over Starbase 12.
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER T'SHARA
Enterprise flies over Earth and her warp engines power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
Enterprise is still being attacked by the Klingon cruiser.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Still in upheaval.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant Carlson, evasive action, delta sequence. Ready phasers, Mister Mason.
LT. CARLSON: Delta sequence aye, sir.
LT. MASON: Phasers ready.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire.
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise fires a single blue energy beam lances toward the Klingon ship.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Direct hit, sir. Moderate damage to their aft deflector generators. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Continue phaser fire.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Multiple hits, sir. Power failure in forward deflectors.
LT. MASON: Klingon vessel is standing down sir.
Lieutenant Smith turns from her station.
LT. SMITH: The Klingon vessel is hailing us now sir.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's Chair and walks in front of the helm and navigational stations, as the transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Klingon cruiser.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise.
KANG [viewer]: Ah, Captain Branson it is good to see you again
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Captain Kang it's good to see you again as well why are you shooting at my ship?
CAPT. KANG [viewer]: A curious question, Captain. In war, one attacks one's enemies
John turns to Zhasa then back to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: As far as I know the Organian Peace Treaty is still in effect Kang.
CAPT. KANG [viewer]: Perhaps that fact was unknown to the Federation starship which destroyed our space station in the Forcus System two days ago
Branson is taken aback -- this is news to him.
CAPT. BRANSON [shocked]: A Federation Starship?
CAPT. KANG [viewer]: Attacked an unarmed science station. They had barely enough time to send an emergency signal before they were incinerated
CAPT. BRANSON: Kang, the Federation and the Klingons have struggled too hard for peace to abandon it so easily.
CAPT. KANG [viewer]: We are not the ones who abandoned it, Captain
CAPT. BRANSON: Let me talk to my superiors, find out what's behind this. Give me one hour. The alternative is for us to continue firing at one other, and in such a contest, you would be at a disadvantage.
Kang thinks.
CAPT. KANG [viewer]: Very well. One hour
His image is replaced with that of the ship. On Branson's troubled expression....
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is facing the Klingon cruiser.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM- CLOSE ON MONITOR - INTERCUTTING WITH BRANSON [OPTICAL]
and the image of Admiral Austin.
ADM. AUSTIN [monitor]: Captain, we've confirmed your report. It was the starship Federation, under the command of Joseph Walker
CAPT. BRANSON [surprised]: Captain Walker. But he's one of Starfleet's finest captains. He must have had provocation.
ADM. AUSTIN [monitor]: I wish we knew. He's gone on silent running. Doesn't answer our communiqués
CAPT. BRANSON: So he's still in Klingon Space?
ADM. AUSTIN [monitor]: The station he destroyed was in sector twenty one five oh five. You're the nearest starship. We want you to go in and find him
CAPT. BRANSON: Will the Klingons cooperate?
ADM. AUSTIN [monitor]: They've granted you safe passage. We've agreed that you'll take along a delegation of observers as a show of good faith. John, I don't have to tell you the Federation is not prepared for a new sustained conflict. You must preserve the peace, no matter what the cost. Austin out
The screen goes blank and Branson sits for a moment, reflecting on the precariousness of the situation.
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is face to face with the Klingon cruiser.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Branson briefs the crew.
CAPT. BRANSON: There will be three Klingons transporting aboard. Their Captain, Captain Kang and his wife and one of his officers. My intention is to be as open as possible with them, allow them to share in our search for the Federation.
LT. MASON: Sir, it is necessary to assign them a security detail. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They're our guests, Mister Mason. I don't want them to feel like prisoners.
Lieutenant Mason is silent, but his look is eloquent.
CMDR. IVANOVA: I tend to agree with Jack, Captain. I think we should limit their access while they're on board. They don't need to have the run of the ship. 
A minor rebellion here. Branson faces them.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I understand your concerns. And I realize... that we have had a long and difficult history with the Klingons.
He leans forward and puts his hands on the table, formulating his thoughts.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: However... it is not an exaggeration to say that the
difference between peace... and war... is up to us. And the way we treat the Klingons may make the difference.
LT. MASON: At least allow me to post guards in some of the sensitive areas of the ship. 
CAPT. BRANSON [considers]: Very well, let's limit their access. But you instruct your people they are guests.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara who once served with Captain Walker?
She looks at him.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: You and Commander Clarkson sir.
Then he turns towards Lieutenant Tanner who joined the meeting.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant, I want you to stay as close to the crew as possible. Some of them may feel uncomfortable with Klingons on board. I don't want any incidents.
LT. TANNER [nods]: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander you've got the bridge I'll meet our guests.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson and Lieutenant Tanner enter the transporter room.
CHIEF MACKENIZE: The delegation is ready to come aboard, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize then chief.
She manipulates her controls, there is the shimmering EFFECT, and three Klingons Captain Kang his wife Mara and one of his aides MATERIALIZE on the pad. Branson steps forward as they descend.
CAPT. BRANSON: Welcome aboard Kang and Mara.
CAPT. KANG: Thank you Captain this is my aide K'Dan.
The aide nods at Branson and Tanner.
CAPT. BRANSON: If you'd follow me we'll take you to the briefing room.
They leave the transporter room as Branson is worried.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-KLINGON SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The senior staff are around the table along with Kang his wife and K'Dan.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: And with long range sensors, we've been scanning a radius of ten light years. We can effectively scan one sector in a day.
CMDR. IVANOVA: We've scanned the Forcus System and found no sign of the Federation.
CAPT. KANG [challenging]: In fact, you have no assurance that the ship is still in the Forcus System.
CMDR. IVANOVA [right back at Kang]: In fact, we don't have any idea where it is. But the last known coordinates seemed like a reasonably good place to start.
CAPT. BRANSON [jumping in to smooth things over]: We would welcome any additional intelligence your forces could provide.
CAPT. KANG: Captain Picard, you can understand that we are skeptical. Do you expect us to believe that you are using every means at your disposal to track down one of your own? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Of course you are concerned, Kang. It is precisely because of that fact that I have included you in every aspect of our effort. You're present with my staff. You're hearing reports as I hear them, nothing edited, nothing withheld.
CAPT. KANG: Very well then with your permission I would like to contact the High Council to see if any of our vessels have located the Federation.
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then.
Kang leaves under escort.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Kyle turns to John.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: I've been looking over the USS Federation's schematics and I think I know how to disable her without destroying her.
CAPT. BRANSON: How?
He inputs commands into the engineering console.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: This looks like the primary EPS conduit if we hit it here we'll disable her main power grid.
LT. MASON: It should be doable.
Then Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Captain sensors have detected the USS Federation bearing 2-3-4 mark 2-2-1 within the Forcus System.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, set an intercept course.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia, send a message by subspace. Tell them to prepare for a rendezvous. 
Kang walks onto the bridge under escort.
CAPT. KANG: Captain, might I make a suggestion.
Captain Branson turns to Kang.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sure.
CAPT. KANG: We have a number of ships in the Forcus System. If you will give us more precise coordinates and the ship's coded transponder frequency, we would be able to intercept Walker far more quickly than you.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: I'm sure that's true. However, given the circumstances, I would prefer to make the initial contact myself. I'm sure you would, if the situation were reversed. 
These are two shrewd masters of verbal fencing. Kang makes one last exploratory thrust.
CAPT. KANG: Captain, time is crucial. You have a dangerous man out there with a huge arsenal at his command. If he is intent on revenge against my people he must be stopped before he can do more damage. 
CAPT. BRANSON: At the moment, we have an isolated incident. If I reach him first, diplomatic efforts can still prevail. [beat] But if one of your ships decides
to retaliate against the Federation... we risk losing control of the situation.
CAPT. KANG: Then you will not give us the means to find his precise location? 
Captain Branson turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Nope.
Captain Branson turns away from him as Kang can't believe that Branson won't giving him the ship's transponder signal.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK TWELVE JUNCTION TUBE TWENTY
Kyle is working on one of the conduits as Commander Williams walks to the tube.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Hey how's the warp plasma regulators doing?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: I've recalibrated them and they're at 100% peek performance.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's good.
Kyle climbs out of the tube.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Yeah.
He toggles the com panel.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [to com]: Clarkson to bridge you've got full warp power at your command.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Thanks Kyle
He ends the com chat.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
A tactical display is on the viewer, with ship designations.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara, the pursuing ship is the Federation.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Yes, sir.
CAPT. KANG: And the other one?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: It appears to be a Klingon cargo vessel.
CAPT. KANG: How would you know that?
CAPT. BRANSON: We are able to make that determination.
Kang looks from one to the other.
CAPT. KANG: You can read our transponder codes.
CAPT. BRANSON: The important thing at the moment is that one of your ships may be in jeopardy. Julia, has there been any answer to our communication?
LT. SMITH: No, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Put a repeating message on all sub-space channels. Make it a Priority One communique -- break off pursuit immediately.
LT. SMITH (Nods): Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Smith keeps sending the hail.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kang, you see we are doing everything in our power to reach the Federation.
CAPT. KANG: And accomplishing nothing. (looks at screen) Can you show me the location of our other ships?
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara.
Commander T'Shara manipulates controls, and other red blips appear on the screen...one of them within striking distance of the Federation.
CAPT. KANG: There, you see? We have a warship which could intercept the Phoenix before it's too late. If you will give us the transponder frequency. Or are you going to stand there while our ship is destroyed, Captain?
Captain Branson paces about then he makes a tough choice.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything from them?
LT. SMITH: No sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (Sighs): Very well...prepare to relay the transponder code of the Federation to the Klingon warship.
Mason doesn't like this idea. A lot.
LT. MASON: Sir?...
CAPT. BRANSON: And then send a message to Captain Walker... advise him that we have relayed his location to the Klingons.
Lieutenant Mason turns to his task. Ivanova is upset enough that she risks questioning the Captain in front of the crew.
CMDR. IVANOVA [worried]: Begging your pardon, Captain...the transponder code will allow them to track all our ships.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm aware of that. Julia-- any response from the Federation?
LT. SMITH: No, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara any change in the Federation's speed?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: No, sir its continuing to bear down on the cargo vessel.
There is a long, tense moment. Then --
CAPT. BRANSON (Sighs): Very well then Julia contact the Klingon vessel and inform them that we're transmitting the Federation's transponder codes.
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: John, they'll be able to dismantle its deflecors! The Federation won't have a chance.
CAPT. BRANSON: I cannot allow Captain Walker to ambush that supply ship. Mister Mason now.
Lieutenant Mason stares down at him, almost trembling in his distress. Finally --
LT. MASON: Yes, Captain.
He begins working the controls Ivanova's distressed. On Branson--nothing, except perhaps, deep in his eyes, the anguish of hard choices.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise moving to intercept the Federation.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Branson, Ivanova, Carlson, Smith, T'Shara, Clarkson, Kang, and Mason -- all watching the viewscreen.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, the Klingon warship is moving on the Federation.
ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) - INTERCUTTING
The Okudagram shows that the Klingon ship has turned toward the Federation and is rapidly bearing down on it.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara, overlay weapon ranges of the two ships...
On the screen, two circles appear around the flashing blips. They are just beginning to touch.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: The warship is three hundred thousand kilometers from the Klingon. It is opening fire. The Federation has taken a direct hit.
Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova stare at the screen as T'Shara, narrates the grim battle Captain Branson leans forward in the Captain's chair as he's tensed up.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: The Federation is beginning evasive maneuvers. (beat) It has positioned itself outside the weapons range of the opposing ship. (beat) The Federation has powered up with both phasers and photon torpedoes. (beat) The Federation is firing photon torpedoes.
On the screen, the Federation has turned and is engaged with the warship. The blips flutter a moment on the screen... and then the Klingon ship simply disappears.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: The Klingon warship has been destroyed.
CAPT. KANG [shocked]: He's destroyed one of our warships.
CAPT. BRANSON: Does the supply vessel carry any weapons?
CAPT. KANG: Very limited. Certainly not enough to defeat a Federation-class starship.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir...
She turns to looks at the screen... as the smaller blip of the supply ship flashes and then vanishes. The men watching are grimly silent. Finally --
CAPT. KANG [shocked]: The warship carried a crew of six hundred, the supply ship, fifty.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Mitchell estimated time to intercept with the Federation.
Lieutenant Mitchell checks his navigational read out.
LT. MITCHELL: At our present speed of warp four, sixteen hours, forty four minutes.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant Carlson increase to warp seven.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
Captain Kang leaves the bridge in utter shock at what he just saw.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is looking out at the stars streaking by.
CAPT. BRANSON: Joseph what are you doing?
Captain Branson reviews Captain Walker's Starfleet profile.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise is next to the USS Federation.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Log Supplemental, We have established communication with Captain Walker, and he has agreed to come on board
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Ivanova and Mackenzie wait as a figure MATERIALIZES on the pad. Seconds later, CAPTAIN JOSEPH WALKER steps off. He is not at all what one might have expected. Slight of build, short greying hair, chiseled, angular face -- he could be Lenin. Or Lennon.
But in the eyes there is warmth -- and humor. Creases at the edges testify to a lifetime of smiles and laughter. He is genuinely at ease with himself, and consequently puts others at ease. Ivanova steps forward.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Welcome aboard Captain Walker I'm Commander Zhasa Ivanova first officer of this vessel.
CAPT. WALKER (Smiles): I know all about you Commander its finally good to meet you.
They shook hands.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Same here sir I'm to take you to see Captain Branson.
CAPT. WALKER: Lead the way Commander.
They both leave the transporter room.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The turbo-lift doors opened and both Commander Ivanova and Captain Walker enter the bridge.
CAPT. WALKER: What a sweet ship this is... I'll admit, I've always wanted a Constitution-class vessel...
He comes face to face with Captain Kang, who stands straight, steely, looking him in the eye.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Captain...Captain Kang his wife and one of his aides are guest aboard our vessel.
CAPT. WALKER: I see.
Neither commanding officer offers a hand. The warmth is gone from Walker's eyes. There is a silence before Ivanova steps in again.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Captain Branson is waiting for you in his ready room.
They head to the Captain's Ready Room as Kang never broke eye contact with Captain Walker till he enters the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
CMDR. IVANOVA: Captain Walker may I present Captain John Branson.
Branson rises, extends his hand. Each man is appraising the other, swiftly and carefully.
CAPT. BRANSON: Its good to see you again sir.
CAPT. WALKER: Oh you don't have to call me sir we're the same rank.
CAPT. BRANSON: Please have a seat that will be all Z thank you.
Commander Ivanova leaves.
CAPT. WALKER: You must think I've gone mad.
CAPT. BRANSON: The thought had occurred.
CAPT. WALKER: John, I have to tell you... I was grateful when I realized it was you Starfleet sent after me. Somebody who knows what it's really like out here.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know of nothing out here that could possibly justify what you have done. 
Walker presses his fingers together like a professor calmly explaining a difficult theorem to a student.
CAPT. WALKER (Smirks): Then listen to this. The Klingons are arming again. That so-called science station? Military supply port.
CAPT. BRANSON: How do you know this?
CAPT. WALKER: Information comes my way and I go and take a look at it.
CAPT. BRANSON: You took a mother from her six year old daughter just so you can do what hunt down and kill innocent Klingons?
CAPT. WALKER: I know what they're doing. I can smell it. There's no good reason for a science station in the Forcus System, but it's a hell of a strategic site for a military transport station. A jumping-off point into three Federation sectors. They're running supply ships back and forth and nobody's going to tell me it's for scientific research. 
CAPT. BRANSON: But whatever circumstances you encountered, why didn't you notify Starfleet? 
CAPT. WALKER: And wait six months while the bureaucrats sit around reading reports, trying to figure out what to do? They don't know what's going on out here. But you should, John. You know what it's like to be under fire. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You weren't under fire. 
CAPT. WALKER: Lives were at stake. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Whose lives? 
CAPT. WALKER: We had to act now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Why? 
A beat as Walker stares at him, the good-buddy, out here in trenches together bull-stuff is gone.
CAPT. WALKER (sniffs): It smells musty in here. Like a bureaucrat's office. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You have killed nearly seven hundred people and you have taken us to the brink of war. 
CAPT. WALKER: I have prevented war, or at the very least delayed it a good long time. The peace treaty was a ruse, to give them breathing room, time to regroup.
CAPT. BRANSON: And so all alone you decided to dispose of the treaty. 
CAPT. WALKER (Frustrated): I took the initiative... I did what had to be done...
CAPT. BRANSON: What had to be done'? For whom, Joe? (beat) Why does a man with your long, brilliant service suddenly abandon the fundamental principles that he has believed in, even fought for, all his life... ? I'll tell you what I believe... it was because of what they did to your wife.
CAPT. WALKER: Not true, not true.
CAPT. BRANSON: To avenge her death.
Walker is wounded, frustrated, realizing he cannot win this confrontation...
CAPT. WALKER: What happened to you John you use to be someone who wouldn't stop to get to the truth, you're a fool John history will look at you and say this man is a fool.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll accept the judgement of history.
CAPT. WALKER: When it becomes clear what the Klingons have done, I will be vindicated.
CAPT. BRANSON: What the Klingons have or have not done is irrelevant.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're not going after any more Klingon ships. You're going to return to your bridge and set a course for Starbase Six. The Federation and the Enterprise will return to Federation space together. Those are Starfleet's orders. I will permit you the dignity of retaining your command during the voyage. The only alternative is to put you in the brig and to tow your ship back to Starbase in disgrace. 
There's not much choice and Walker knows that. When he speaks, he is broken, lost.
CAPT. WALKER: I will return to my ship. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You understand your orders?
CAPT. WALKER: Yes, Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Mister Mason report to my ready room my guest is ready to leave.
LT. MASON [com voice]: Aye, sir
Walker stares straight ahead; Branson does not try to meet his eyes. It is a difficult moment for both.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise and the Federation are in formation heading back to Federation-held Space.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Log Stardate 5745.3, With the Federation in close formation, we are proceeding directly to Starbase Six
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Branson, Ivanova, Mitchell, Carlson, Kang, T'Shara, Mason, crew.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Mitchell how long until we clear Klingon space? 
LT. MITCHELL: At our present speed, three hours, twenty minutes, sir. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia can you send our ETA to Admiral Slater at Starbase Six.
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir.
Then Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Captain the Federation is changing course.
Captain Branson looks at transparent viewer shows the Federation-class vessel veering to starboard.
CAPT. KANG: What is he doing?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Kara set a pursue course.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant Smith hail the Federation.
Lieutenant Smith turns to report.
LT. SMITH: No response, sir. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: T'Shara what is his course?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, the Federation is heading directly for a Klingon vessel point one two light years from our location.
CAPT. KANG: He'll attack that ship just as he did the others.
CAPT. BRANSON: Continue the hail, Lieutenant. Priority one message. Do you know what that ship might be?
CAPT. KANG: I imagine it's a supply ship, headed for the research station in the Kelrabi system.
LT. SMITH: The Federation still isn't responding.
CAPT. BRANSON: Warp six overtake.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Captain, the Federation has accelerated to warp eight. We will not be able to reach him before he intercepts the Klingon ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Warp seven, Mister Mason arm phasers Lieutenant Smith continue the hail.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise speeds after the Federation.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: The Federation has dropped out of warp.
CAPT. BRANSON: Slow to impulse stay with him.
LT. CARLSON: That was my intent.
LT. MASON: Both vessels are within visual range.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see them.
Transparent viewer shows both the Klingon supply vessel and the U.S.S. Federation.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Has the Federation activated its weapon systems?
Jack checks and reports.
LT. MASON: Not yet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hail them.
Julia inputs commands into the communications console.
LT. SMITH: He's responding.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the California.
CAPT. WALKER (Viewer): Alright, John. You need proof? You've got it now
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain Walker you've disobeyed a direct order.
CAPT. WALKER (viewer): Board the ship, you'll see that everything I've been saying is true
CAPT. BRANSON: The Klingon vessel will not be boarded. You will transport yourself aboard the Enterprise. 
CAPT. WALKER (viewer): If you don't board that vessel I'll destroy it.
Captain Branson walks down to the helm station.
CAPT. BRANSON: And I will use whatever force is necessary to prevent you from taking that action, Captain.
Walker studies Branson incredulously for a beat, then hits a panel and ends the transmission. The screen goes back to the Federation and the Klingon ship.
LT. MASON: Captain the Federation has transferred power to its forward deflectors, she's loading her forward launchers and powering her phaser banks!
CAPT. BRANSON: RED ALERT, DEFLECTORS UP!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
LT. MASON: Phaser banks are ready and torpedo launchers are fully loaded.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hold for my order Jack.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
Captain Branson goes back to his command chair.
CMDR. IVANOVA: You think he'll force our hand.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Z.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. FEDERATION MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. BROWNING : Phasers are locked on target and ready to fire on your orders.
CAPT. WALKER: And the Enterprise?
She checks.
LTJG. BROWNING: They've got their phasers and torpedoes locked onto us.
CMDR. LOPER: You told us the Enterprise wouldn't lock weapons onto us?
CAPT. WALKER: I wasn't expecting John nor Kyle to defend the Klingons!
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Federation you've got 30 seconds to surrender or we'll open fire
Commander Loper gets a phaser out and aims it at Captain Walker.
CAPT. WALKER [shocked]: What are you doing?
CMDR. LOPER: Stopping you from plunging the Federation into war with the Klingon Empire, take Captain Walker to the brig.
Two security officers take Captain Walker off the bridge as Commander Loper goes to the Captain's chair and toggles the com panel on the arm rest.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. LOPER [com voice]: Federation to Enterprise Captain Walker has been relieved of command we're standing down our weapon systems, and are willing to except whatever punishment Command hands us
Captain Branson leans back in the Captain's chair breathing a sigh of relief.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise and Federation are in formation heading out of Klingon Space.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (Voice over): Captain's Log Supplemental, Captain Walker has turned his ship over to his First Officer and transported aboard the Enterprise. I have confined him to quarters for the return voyage
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
CAPT. BRANSON: I've submitted my report to Admiral Slater at Starbase Six.
CAPT. KANG: Same here to my government.
CAPT. BRANSON: One more thing, Kang. Walker was right. Those ships were not carrying scientific equipment, were they? A research station within arm's reach of three Federation sectors? Cargo ships running with high energy subspace fields that jam sensors?
A beat. Kang studies him curiously.
CAPT. KANG: If you believed the transport ship was carrying weapons, Captain, why didn't you board it as Walker requested? 
CAPT. BRANSON: I was here to protect the peace. A peace that I firmly believe is in the interests of both our peoples. If I had attempted to board that ship I am quite certain that you and I would not be having this pleasant conversation, and that ships on both sides would now be arming for war.
CAPT. KANG: Captain, I assure you.
CAPT. BRANSON [interrupting]: Take this message to your leaders, Kang. We'll be watching.
Kang blinks, nods and EXITS. On Branson's last look...
[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 Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Kara Carlson
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Sadie Waymire as Lieutenant Julia Smith
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Shara
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Lieutenant Harris Payne
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Lindsey Tanner
===Special Guest Stars===
*Josh Irwin as Admiral Joseph Austin
*TBA as Captain Kang
*TBA as Klingon Aide #1
*TBA as Mara
*TBA as Captain Joseph Walker
*TBA as Commander Pamela Loper
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspiration from TNG Season 4 episode "The Wounded".