The Hippocratic Oath (Ent Era episode)

The Hippocratic Oath is the 6th episode of first season of Starship Enterprise.
==Synopsis==
While rendering medical aide to a young boy named Shon Doctor Carlson has to contend with his overprotective parents, that insist on not letting him operate on their son with fear that it will destroy his living soul.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION-ROMULAN BORDER [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise is docked next to a damaged Alien vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Starlog January 7th, 2155, The Enterprise has answered a distress call from a damaged Onteen freighter, we were able to drive off Romulan raiders but we seem to have stumble across a medical emergency
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
A young alien boy (Onteen race) named Shon is being monitored by Dr. Carlson and Nurse Takahashi while his parents, M'Ola and Tharg, watch over him.
DR. CARLSON [re: Medical scanner]: Blood pressure?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: 140/80 Doctor.
DR. CARLSON [re: Medical Scanner]: I see the root but I'd like to get a closer look at it prep him for the imaging chamber.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Yes, Doctor.
Doctor Carlson walks over to the parents.
M'OLA: How's our son?
DR. CARLSON: Well, we'll get a better understanding of what we're dealing with once I get an image of the root that's blocking his airway.
M'OLA: Dr. Carlson. My husband would like to speak with you candidly. May he do so? 
DR. CARLSON: Of course.
THRAG: The doctors on our world say there's no treatment for his watery breathing. They say that the boy is weak and he will die. He's our only son, Doctor. He is the last chance for our family's honor to fly on the winds of history. 
DR. CARLSON: You must love him very much.
THRAG [half-smiles]: On my world, it would be a sign of weakness......for me to acknowledge feelings to a stranger. But he has brought such joy and happiness into our lives. 
DR. CARLSON [smiles]: I know what you mean me and my wife T'Lar who's the chief science officer aboard this vessel have a daughter she's currently a graduate of our Academy on my homeworld.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Doctor, the image is ready.
They walk over to the screen.
ANGLE - MEDICAL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows Shon's condition a large tumor like growth can be seen in the airway of Shon.
DR. CARLSON: There it is now how do we get it out?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Surgery is the only way.
Both M'ola and Thrag shudder at the word.
THRAG: NO! You mustn't do it!
DR. CARLSON: Wait, wait. Look, it's a simple procedure. He'll be stronger than ever. 
THRAG: You don't understand Food animals are cut open. They don't have a soul, so it's all right. But the chosen of God may not be punctured. 
DR. CARLSON: There won't be any scars and the blockage won't heal by itself. If Shon doesn't have this surgery, he'll die, very painfully. 
THRAG: No one wants that. That's immaterial. You must not cut into the child. Now I know what is written. 
Doctor Carlson is worried. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS]
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION-KLINGON BORDER [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is docked with the Onteen transport vessel.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
ANGLE - MEDICAL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the operation procedure.
As the camera pans back showing Doctor Carlson, Nurse Takahashi, M'ola, and Tharg.
DR. CARLSON: So you see, removing the blockage is easy. The fluid-transfer system will regain integrity immediately. After that, it's a simple matter to re-inflate the internal air sac. He'll need to rest, but he's young and strong. His recovery should be easy. It's a very simple procedure. 
Both Carlson and Takahashi looks at the parents.
M'OLA: We understand all too well that is why we won't allow it. 
THRAG: Our veterinarians perform this surgery on distressed food animals. 
DR. CARLSON [frustrated]: So you'll let him die? What kind of god do you worship? 
THRAG [frustrated]: We can't discuss this any longer this is useless! 
They start to leave but Doctor Carlson stops them. 
DR. CARLSON: Wait, wait, wait. I think there might be another way. It will take longer, be far more uncomfortable. 
M'OLA: The discomfort isn't the issue! 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Then what is? 
THARG: We're the Children of Time. We can't break our pact......like you can't cease to descend from egg-sucking mammals! 
M'ola comes between Doctor Carlson and her husband. 
M'OLA: Doctor Carlson my husband intended no disrespect. 
DR. CARLSON: Of course. I think we can try something here that......might give Shon's natural defenses a chance to break up the blockage. If we use a combination of emollients and micro-beams......to provide a physical access for his internal fluids......we might help the body clear itself. 
The parents are amazed. 
DR. CARLSON: I'm not promising that this procedure will work as well. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: It may not work at all. But you won't find a doctor with a better idea. And you will lose valuable time if you go looking. 
M'OLA: Can we discuss this alone please? 
DR. CARLSON [nods]: Sure. 
They go to chat about this alone as he turns to Saskai. 
DR. CARLSON: What are you doing? 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: I'd ask you the same thing Doc. 
DR. CARLSON: Never insult a patient's beliefs. Work with them. Give them a reason to be on your side. 
Saskai crosses her arms. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: By lying to them? 
DR. CARLSON: I wasn't lying. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Mineral oil and micro-beams won't dislodge that mass. It's rooted! That kid is going under the knife or into the freezer! 
DR. CARLSON: Sometimes you heal the family before the patient. This isn't some silly superstition to them. They're not gonna just let it go. If we insist, they'll put him back on their vessel. He won't survive the first jump. I am trying to find a way to save him! 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: They're terrified! They're not ready to cut to the chase. 
DR. CARLSON: So we do a little of this and that. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Torturing the patient with remedies that don't work. 
DR. CARLSON: Until they let us do what we should have done in the first place. I don't like it either, but we don't get a vote. 
They walk back to the pair. 
M'OLA: Our son won't survive the trip will he? 
DR. CARLSON: No he won't this is the best think we can offer. 
Tharg nods. 
M'OLA: Save our son please. 
Both Carlson and Takahashi gets to work. 
EXT. COALITION-ROMULAN BORDER [OPTICAL]
Enterprise escorts the damaged vessel to Starbase 1 aka Salem 1.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Shon is laying on the bio-bed.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Is there anything that I can get you the ship has educational and entertainment channels you can... 
M'OLA: No. We have seen some of that material. Those channels demonstrate false belief systems. We don't want him to see inappropriate information. He can study the Scrolls if he gets bored. 
Saskai rolls her eyes when M'ola isn't looking at her as Steven walks up to her.
DR. CARLSON: I've heard of your scrolls from the reports of the Challenger NX-03 I have a classmate from Starfleet Medical Academy aboard her.
THRAG: They've been apart of our religion for generations.
Saskai grumbles as she's hearing this as she knows that Shon needs the surgery to live, but she's not going to press the issue.
DR. CARLSON: I've got something for you here look. 
He has a strange looking thing. 
SHON (amazed): What is it? 
DR. CARLSON: Well, this......is a gloppit egg. Now, the gloppit is a very rare creature from the planet... . 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Planet Placebo. 
DR. CARLSON: The egg has to be held just like this. And petted just like this. And talked to softly. Just like this. Since I'll be too busy treating you to care for it......you're gonna have to do that for me. Okay? 
Shon looks at his parents. 
SHON: It is all right, isn't it? Please? Monnya? Dottya? 
M'OLA: Its not dangerous is it? 
DR. CARLSON: It is completely harmless my wife scanned it backwards and forwards with her science skills if she says its safe then its safe. 
M'OLA: Sure sweetie. 
THRAG: But not of sacred things. Those are for us. 
SHON (smiles): Yes, Dottya. Thank you. 
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise escorts the Onteen transport to Starbase 1.
INT. MESS HALL, ENTERPRISE NX-01
SASKAI: A Gloppit eggs?
STEVEN: He needed a friend.
SASKAI: So you gave him a glowing piece of industrial goo.
STEVEN: I gave him something to believe in. 
SASKAI: What's wrong Steven?
STEVEN: You don't disapprove of superstition, if it's yours. 
SASKAI: What does that mean?
STEVEN: They worship the Great Egg. 
SASKAI: Come on Steven, your god is medicine, and you can do no wrong. What's the difference? 
STEVEN: I produce measurable results. What's your point?
SASKAI: Did you see their eyes? They're terrified. You didn't solve anything, you postponed it. 
STEVEN: I gave them a chance to think, to reconsider. 
SASKAI: You're so sure they'll change their minds? 
STEVEN: Alright, look If you can find a better way, go ahead. Prove me wrong. You won't find anything. I'll bet a steak dinner on that. 
SASKAI: You're on. 
They shake on it. 
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise provides escort and protecting for the Onteen vessel.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the star chart of Coalition Space and Romulan Space border lines.
As Commander Ivanova is briefing the senior staff.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: As you can see here the bulk of the Romulan forces have ramped up their patrol routes along their side of the border. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Starfleet Command has ramped up patrol routes along the border to prevent the Romulans from crossing the border.
John then sees that Doctor Carlson is a bit distracted.
Steven's still distracted.
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven?
Steven snaps out of his daze.
DR. CARLSON: Oh sorry Captain.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: How's Shon?
DR. CARLSON: Boy's gonna die and I have a way to save him but the Parents are refusing to allow me to operate on him.
ENS. CARLSON: You'll find a way to help him bro you always do.
DR. CARLSON: Yeah, but this blockage is rooted and if I don't operate he'll die very painfully.
CAPT. BRANSON: What do the parents want?
DR. CARLSON [sighs]: They won't allow me to operate.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Well, if they say no then what can we do.
DR. CARLSON: You could order me to operate on Shon to save his life.
CAPT. BRANSON: While I admire you dedication to your patients Steven we have to respect the wishes of the parent.
DR. CARLSON [shocked]: Even if it means that the boy dies?
CAPT. BRANSON: That's not the issue. If it were, we wouldn't be talking. But it's not the only issue.
 
Doctor Carlson gets up from the chair.
DR. CARLSON: I'm not going to give up on trying to save Shon.
Steven leaves the conference room.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Enterprise and the Onteen vessel approaches the Watchtower Starbase that's flanked by several cargo vessels and the NX-05 Atlantis.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Shon's condition continues to deteriorate. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: The non-invasive procedure isn't working Doctor. 
DR. CARLSON: Give me 10ccs of a mild sedative to ease his pain. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI (nods): Got it. 
Takahashi hands Carlson the hypo and he injects the boy with the pain meds. 
SHON (breathes heavily): I'm afraid. Maybe this gloppit egg will have to hatch without me. 
DR. CARLSON: No, no, no. See? It's still glowing. That means you're doing a good job. You 
just keep holding it, just like that. Okay? 
He takes the parents out of earshot. 
THRAG: Your treatment isn't working. He's getting weaker. We might have got him to Thailateen. 
DR. CARLSON: He never would have survived. He was too weak. 
THRAG: Because we trusted you, our son will die. 
DR. CARLSON: No. He will die because you won't trust me. You wanted me to save him. Well, let me save him, please. He needs that surgery, or he will choke to death on his own fluids. 
THRAG: There are more important things. Without his spirit, he wouldn't be alive. 
Doctor Carlson paces about getting a bit frustrated. 
DR. CARLSON: He is your son, damn it. Do yourself a favor. No, do him a favor. Stop deluding yourselves. All right, no more superstition. We have the safety of the patient precedent. You force me to ask for suspension of your parental authority. 
M'ola and Thrag look at each other as M'ola looks at him. 
M'OLA: What do you mean? 
DR. CARLSON: I'll do what I have to in order to save your son. I will perform that surgery without your permission. 
THRAG (frustrated): NO! YOU CAN'T DO THAT YOU MUSTN'T DO THAT! 
DR. CARLSON: I'm sorry but I have to think what's best for Shon. 
THRAG: So do we. 
They leave sickbay.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are listening to M'ola and Thrag's issue with Doctor Carlson. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I wish you had an ambassador. It would simplify my problem. I would ask for guidance. 
M'OLA: She would tell you the same thing. Please don't let Dr. Carlson operate. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I wish it was that simple once Steven's mind is made up its really hard to change his mind.
CAPT. BRANSON: And since there's no Ambassador between the Onteen and the Coalition, I have to think about the child's wellbeing.
Both M'ola and Thrag looks at each other then at Captain Branson.
M'OLA: What does that mean?
CAPT. BRANSON: It means that I'll have to overrule your choice to not allow my chief medical officer to preform the surgery, but I won't make that decision just yet I'll have to think about it and weigh in the ramifications that it will cause.
THRAG: When will you know?
CAPT. BRANSON: Within the hour.
They get up from the chairs.
M'OLA: Thank you for hearing us out Captain.
She sees photos of his daughters.
M'OLA: You're a parent yourself?
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Yeah, two girls both in Starfleet and if it was them I would be having the same issues that you're having right now.
They leave the ready room as Ivanova looks at him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: What are you going to do?
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I'm not sure Z but whatever I have to do I better think long and hard about it.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'm sure you'll figure something out.
Captain Branson toggles the com panel on the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to bridge get me Fleet Captain Archer on subspace.
LTCMDR. T'LAR [com voice]: Aye, sir
CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Doctor Carlson sits at the medical computer looking over Shon's condition while he's sleeping.
DR. PHLOX; Stuck on something?
Steven turns to see Doctor Phlox.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
ANGLE - MEDICAL MONITOR OVER IMAGING CHAMBER [OPTICAL]
shows Shon's medical data.
DR. PHLOX: You are stuck on something Steven.
DR. CARLSON: Yeah.
DR. PHLOX: What can you tell me about the parents?
DR. CARLSON: The parents are against operating due to their religion against medical operations both me and Saskai assured them that there would be no scars. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Those hacks refuse saying that it would be an insult to the Great Egg, and Steven lied to them about an invasive medical work but its not working he's getting worse and these parents are so uptight about the spirit will be destroyed and the body will be a shell. 
DR. PHLOX: Let's try our best to treat him.
They agree and get to work on saving Shon.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
On the monitor is Fleet Captain Jonathan Archer.
FLT CAPT. ARCHER [monitor]: What's the situation so far?
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: For now its peaceful but there's only a matter of time till the parents decide to take their son out of Doctor Carlson's care.
FLT CAPT. ARCHER [monitor]: I've spoken to the Vulcans and they agree that we should respect the parents wishes
CAPT. BRANSON: Is that your final word sir?
FLT CAPT. ARCHER [monitor]: Yes, I know that you don't like it John but we can't afford to lose any respect among the Coalition if the Romulans decide to attack
CAPT. BRANSON: You're right I don't like it.
FLT CAPT. ARCHER [monitor]: I know John keep me posted Archer out
Transmission ends as John leans back.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPEN] As Captain Branson enters and walks over to where Shon's laid up at.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, hello Shon I'm John Branson Commanding officer of this vessel.
SHON [smiles]: Please to meet you Captain.
John sits next to the bio-bed.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's this?
SHON: It's a gloppit egg. Dr. Carlson gave it to me. 
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: A gloppit egg? Actually, it's only a piece of......industrial goo. But, please, don't tell Dr. Carlson I said so. He still believes it's an egg. Shon, I have to ask you a very difficult question. 
SHON: I know you've been thinking about it I do wanna live? Yes. Very much. But I don't want the operation. I don't wanna lose my spirit. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I Had an operation once. A very serious operation, but I'm fine now. 
SHON: But you are not one of the chosen. You are not born of the Egg. 
CAPT. BRANSON: No I'm not tell me about the Egg. 
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Both Captain Branson and Doctor Carlson are in the room. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Smart kid remains me of both Sarah and Tina at that age.
DR. CARLSON: So, are you going to allow me to preform the operation?
John walks behind his desk and looks at him.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I'm sorry Steven but Fleet Captain Archer has ordered us to respect the parents request.
DR. CARLSON [shocked]; Those parents are willing to see their son die because of their religion. You can't expect me to do nothing. May God save us from false religion. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This is a new a new Alliance.
DR. CARLSON: So, he's just going to listen to the Vulcans when he didn't like what they were doing to the Warp 5 program in the early years of the 2150s?
[COM CHIRPS] As Nurse Takahashi comes over the com.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Takahashi to Carlson
Doctor Carlson presses the com panel.
DR. CARLSON [to com]: Carlson here.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Shon's life-signs are dropping
DR. CARLSON [to com]: On my way.
Doctor Carlson leaves the ready room as Captain Branson is worried he'll disobey his orders.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
M'ola and Thrag are with Shon. 
THRAG: When the egg hatched and you first crept out......you were such a tiny morsel of life. I could hold you in my cradled hands. I was so proud of you then. As proud as I was of the day that you were born. Today, I'm even prouder Because you're meeting your destiny, like the true Child of the Egg. 
M'OLA: We love you so much. 
THRAG: I promise you......we will sing many songs for you......so that your journey will be fast and peaceful. And when you get to the other side, my son......you must sing for us. You must be our beacon home. 
Doctor Carlson, Doctor McCoy and Nurse Chapel are watching this as they can't believe they're being forced to sit by and let a young boy die, as the parents walk over to them. 
THRAG: He needs rest. 
DR. CARLSON: Very well. 
THRAG: I am glad you didn't get your way. I am grateful for the Captain's wisdom. This is better. 
DR. CARLSON: Sorry I can't agree with you. The child deserves a chance at life. 
THRAG [half-smiles, nods]: Yes, but without a spirit, it isn't life at all. You know that. 
DR. CARLSON; I-I'll call if there's any change in his condition. 
The parents leave sickbay. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: You two are going to do it aren't you? 
DR. CARLSON: They have their beliefs and I have mine. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: I took an oath and so did you Steven. 
DR. CARLSON: If I stand by and do nothing... 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Captain Branson will have you thrown off the ship Steven. 
DR. CARLSON: I've already packed my bags. 
DR. PHLOX: We're doing this that boy is gonna die in an hour if we don't operate. And no one, not you, not Captain Branson......not those poor, deluded parents, will stop us. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: You'll need an assistant.
DR. CARLSON [smiles]: What are we waiting for let's do this.
They get ready to preform the operation.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Shon's laying on the bio-bed as Doctor Carlson, Phlox, and Takahashi are ready to begin the surgery.
DR. CARLSON: Pressure?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: We're equalized to his internal bladder. He won't have any trouble. 
DR. CARLSON: Alright, let's get started. 
DR. PHLOX: Take it one step at a time Steven. 
They treat his blockage. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: He's responding well to treatment you did it. 
DR. CARLSON [sighs]: Thank you god and please preserve this boys spirit call the parents. 
Doctor Phlox pats his shoulder. 
DR. PHLOX: You did it Steven I'm proud of you. 
DR. CARLSON [sighs]: Thanks Phlox.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As the parents walked into sickbay as they see their son.
THRAG: In the name of the Egg, you did it. You did it anyway.
 
DR. CARLSON: I did what was right and as a father I wouldn't want to watch my daughter die! 
SHON: It's me! I don't feel any different. Listen, I'll sing songs for you. 
THRAG: AWAY DEMON! 
SHON: No, please its me. 
M'OLA: What unholiness spawned you? 
THRAG: NO! 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: He is your son still! 
M'OLA: What have you done! 
SHON: No please don't leave me please don't. 
They leave as Doctor Carlson comforts a distraught Shon. 
DR. LANGFORD: It's alright. It's okay. 
SHON (upset): In the name of the Egg and the nest in which it resides. 
DR. CARLSON: Its alright. 
Both Phlox and Takahashi are with them.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Both Phlox and Carlson are facing Captain Branson who's pacing about.
CAPT. BRANSON: I gave you an order. You disobeyed it. I should ask for your resignation. 
DR. CARLSON: It's yours John. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Don't tempt me Peter who asked you to play god! 
Doctor Carlson turns to him. 
DR. CARLSON: Every patient who comes in that door. People want doctors to be gods. They want us to make it better. They come to me when their prayers aren't enough. If I take the responsibility, I claim the authority too. I did good. And we both know it, and no one is gonna take that away. 
Captain Branson remains firm. 
CAPT. BRANSON: So, you disobeyed my orders?
DR. PHLOX: Captain, if I may say that Steven followed the Hippocratic Oath and for you to dress him down like.....
CAPT. BRANSON: Phlox you may not be a member of this crew but you are a guest aboard my ship, and aboard my ship you'll follow the rules and regulations as if they were Captain Archers.
DR. PHLOX: Yes, Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Doctor.
Phlox leaves the ready room as Doctor Carlson remains.
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven, what gave you the right to disobey my orders besides the Oath of Doctors?
Steven turns to him.
DR. CARLSON: My heart as a father John when I looked at Shon in that situation it made me think of T'Les.
CAPT. BRANSON: A reprimand will be put into your permeant record.
DR. CARLSON: I understand sir.
[COM CHIRPS] As Nurse Takahashi comes over the com.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Sickbay to Captain Branson
John toggles the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Captain, can you and Doctor Carlson report to sickbay its important
Both John and Steven look at each other and leaves the ready room.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As both Captain Branson and Doctor Carlson enter. 
And they see Thrag, M'ola as well as Shon hand in hand.
M'OLA: My husband asked me to tell you......he knows what you did, you did out of compassion. You meant no harm. And if it were in his power to forgive you, he would. I am not allowed to forgive either. But if I could, I would. 
She shows them a robe. 
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: What is it?
M'OLA: My husband has brought the lamuda. The traveling robe for great journeys. We will take the boy now. 
DR. CARLSON: He needs to rest. 
M'OLA (nods): He will. 
SHON: Goodbye Doctor Carlson. 
They leave sickbay. 
DR. CARLSON: I'm waiting for an apology. 
CAPT. BRANSON: If I were you I'd check the temperature in hell first. 
John leaves. 
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. SICKBAY, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Doctor Carlson sits at one of the stations as he's finishing up his report.
DR. CARLSON [to com]: Vital signs stabilizing. All indications point to a speedy recovery. End report. 
Saskai walks over to him.
SASKAI: I owe you a steak dinner.
STEVEN [confused]: Why?
SASKAI: You won the bet remember? 
STEVEN: Oh yeah sorry its been a long day. 
SASKAI: True.
[SICKBAY DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Lieutenant Smith enters holding a PADD.
LTJG. SMITH: Hope I am not interrupting anything?
DR. CARLSON: I won the bet.
LTJG. SMITH: Congrats, what was the bet?
SASKAI: A steak dinner.
JULIA: Congrats.
STEVEN: What do you have for me?
JULIA: I finished the research on their people, as we discussed. It's all here. The Great Egg, the Great Journey, the Great Song. There's a lamuda. Traveling robe. 
She hands him a PADD with the information on the Onteen species. 
STEVEN [re: PADD, shocked]: Oh, my god.
He gets up from the chair and leaves his office as both Saskai and Julia are confused.
INT. E DECK CORRIDOR, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Steven rushes to the guest quarters.
DR. CARLSON: MOVE! OUT OF MY WAY!
He continues to the quarters and toggles the door panel but no one responds he inputs his code.
INT. GUEST QUARTERS, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Steven arrived but he's too late as he sees both M'ola and Thrag at the edge of the bed and Shon laying on the bed dead.
DR. CARLSON [distraught, disgusted]: Oh, my God. You did it. You did it. 
M'ola turns to him.
M'OLA: Do not grieve. This was not our son. This was only a shell. There was nothing to do but end the pain of the shell. 
Doctor Carlson breaks down in tears as he toggles the com panel near him.
DR. CARLSON [to com]: Security to Guest Quarters E Deck section A-12.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing shot.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
DR. CARLSON: They should be taken to prison for murdering their own son!
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven we're not denying that a murder took place but it was well within their right.
DR. CARLSON [scoffs]: So, we just turn a blind eye to what I just saw?
LTJG. SMITH: I've gone over their religious information and they were well in the right to do what they did.
DR. CARLSON: So, what do we do now?
CUT TO:
INT. BRIG AREA, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[BRIG AREA DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Captain Branson enters and walks over to the brig cell holding both Thrag and M'ola as he toggles the speaker.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Why did you kill your son?
M'OLA [com voice]: As we told your doctor That shell was not our son. There was nothing to do but end the pain of the shell
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: So, you came aboard my ship asked for help treating your son only to kill him because he was a "shell"? 
THRAG [com voice]: We asked that he be treated not cut up like an animal Captain, your Doctor disrespected our wishes
CAPT. BRANSON: I've already punished Doctor Carlson.
M'OLA [com voice]: What are you going to do with us?
Captain Branson presses the panel.
[BRIG CELL DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As both Thrag and M'ola walked out of the brig cell.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take a message to your people avoid sectors that will get your transports shot at.
They leave the brig area.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Onteen vessel departs from Starbase 1 after the vessel was repaired and received treatment for their wounded.
INT. STEVEN & T'LAR'S QUARTERS, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Steven sits at the desk with goolpit egg as its glowing.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
Actor 	Character 	Rank 	Position
Jarvis Davidson 	John Branson 	Captain 	CO
Felecia Linkous 	Zhasa Ivanova 	Lieutenant Commander 	Executive Officer
Kevin Regan 	Jack Mason 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Tactical/Security Officer
Ferne Myers 	Stephanie Williams	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Engineer
Delena "Dee" Lusk 	Kara Carlson 	Ensign 	Chief conn Officer
Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire	Julia Smith 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Communications Officer
Jacob Elliot 	Steven Carlson 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Medical Officer
Becky Elliot 	T'Lar 	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Science Officer
===Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Harris Payne 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Engineer
TBA 	Kayla Mackenzie 	Chief Petty Officer	Transporter Chief
TBA 	Sean Hansen 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Science Officer
TBA 	Saskai Takahashi	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer
TBA 	Henry Johnson 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Armory Officer
===Special Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Saskai Takahashi	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer
TBA 	Jonathan Archer 	Fleet Captain	Starfleet Flag Officer
TBA 	Phlox 	N/A 	Chief Medical Officer
TBA 	M'ola 	N/A 	N/A
TBA 	Thrag 	N/A 	N/A
TBA 	Shon 	N/A 	N/A
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by Babylon 5 Season 1: "The Believers".