The Massacre of Archanis IV (SNW episode)

The Massacre of Archanis IV is the 7th episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds SNW Season 1.
==Plot==
The Enterprise was on a exploration mission they receive a distress call from the Federation colony Archanis IV, while on route John figures out that Doctors Anna Clarkson and William Clarkson were on the colony at the time of the attack. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON BORDER
An establishing shot of Archanis IV a Federation Agricultural colony as the planet is flanked by Outpost Nine a Watchtower-class Starbase and two Saladin-Class Destroyers. 
DR. A CLARKSON'S (voice over): Doctor Anna Clarkson's personal log Stardate 2632.1, For the past two days me and my husband has been restoring the colonies throughout the Federation-Klingon border after the Four Years War between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, I am looking forward to seeing both my kids who are both in Starfleet
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
A woman uses a bike pump to get well water...a man works the soil in his fields, wipes his brow, waving to Doctors Anna Clarkson and William Clarkson who are there supervising the area, as we see Anna Clarkson dictating a letter to her daughter Anne Clarkson at Starfleet Headquarters. 
DR. A CLARKSON (re: PADD): We should be done in about two days Anne and we'll be able to see both you and Kyle in a few days. 
Her husband walks over to her. 
DR. CLARKSON: Anna you worry too much. 
She turns to him. 
DR. CLARKSON: Will I'm just worried we're on the edge of Klingon Space and we only have two Federation vessels defending us, when we could of had a heavy cruiser or a dreadnought. 
He shrugs his shoulders. 
DR. CLARKSON: Who knows what Starfleet does these days I just wish both Anne and Kyle didn't join it. 
Anna rolls her eyes.
WILL: What?
ANNA: You are so against Starfleet from the beginning.
WILL: Honey look at the wars we've been in since we started exploring the galaxy we lost 700,000 people to the Xindi and another 12,000,000 to the Romulans and god knows how many to the Klingons in the Four Years War.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Saladin-Class destroyers USS Elezbar and USS McKinley are in orbit of the planet. 
INT-USS MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
The bridge of the USS McKinley is like the bridge of the USS Shenzhou, as Captain Karl Stanley is sitting in the command chair. 
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER: Captain sensors are detecting something at the edge of our sensors. 
Captain Stanley gets up from the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. STANLEY: What is it? 
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER: Unknown at the moment. 
Captain Stanley turns to the helm officer. 
CAPT. STANLEY: Come to course 213 mark 10. 
HELM OFFICER: Aye, sir. 
The young helm officer inputs commands. 
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The McKinley comes to port to investigate what the strange disturbance is. 
INT-USS MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Stanley is standing behind the helm and navigational stations. 
SCIENCE OFFICER: INCOMING CONTACT ITS KLINGON! 
CAPT. STANLEY: RED ALERT!!! 
Lights dimmed. 
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON BORDER, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
A Klingon taskforce destroys the McKinley and processes to the planet. 
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE, DAY
Then they hear a loud humming sound. 
DR. A CLARKSON: Will is there any construction going on? 
Will thinks. 
DR. W CLARKSON: No that's not till tomorrow at 1700hrs. from now. 
The sky darkens and they look up to see a battlegroup of Klingon warships, both Anna and William are shocked at what they're seeing. 
DR. W CLARKSON: GET TO SHELTERS GO, GO, GO! 
Everyone runs for their lives as green disruptor beams lance out and start destroying buildings and everything they hit, as Klingon soldiers beam down and start killing the colonist that can't escape or have found shelter or who try to defend the colony. 
INT-ANNA & WILLIAMS COLONY HOUSE
They enter and barricade the door as Anna goes to one of the consoles and attempts to hail the ships in orbit. 
DR. A CLARKSON (to com): This is Doctor Ana Clarkson to the USS Elezar we're under attack by the Klingons, and we're in need of Marines to help us. 
Static over the com she turns to her husband as she attempts to get in touch with the USS McKinley. 
DR. A CLARKSON (to com): USS McKinley come in do you read we're in need of emergency assistance. 
More static over the com as Williams turns to her. 
WILLIAMS: Maybe their both destroyed. 
Then they hear banging on the door as William gets something to defend himself with as Anna activates the emergency distress beacon that Anne gave her before they left Earth. 
WILLIAM: Its possible they might be destroyed? 
Anna inputs commands into the console to send a signal to the outpost. 
DR. A CLARKSON (to com): Outpost 9 this is Doctor Anna Clarkson on the surface we've got Klingons on the surface, they're attacking people and slaughtering them and bombarding the surface with their disruptors. 
Nothing but static over the com. 
Then the door is kicked in as Klingon soldiers enter William uses the weapon to kill some Klingons, before he's stabbed by a bat'leth and he falls over dead as Anna goes into another room and locks it as she goes to one of the consoles and activates the com system. 
ANNA (to com): This is Doctor Anna Clarkson of the Federation agricultural group we're under attack by Klingon soldiers and warships, we haven't heard from the two Starships in orbit we can only assume that they were destroyed along with the outpost and other vessels in orbit of the planet. The Klingons are murdering and slaughtering everyone in their path we need help please send help I beg of you please! 
Then the door is broken as she backs up and she's stabbed several times by the Klingons and then K'Mock pulls out his disruptor pistol and shot her in the head. 
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON BORDER, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Debris from the Outpost, civilian and transport ships are floating around as Klingon vessels continue to bombard the planet. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS]
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5478.1, The Enterprise is on a deep space exploration
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
[The crew are at their stations as Captain Branson is sitting in the Captain's chair reviewing a PADD and hands it back to the Ensign.]
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over, continuing]: Currently this is an uneventful mission
Lieutenant T'Lar turns from her console and reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: Mapping of sector 108 has been completed Captain.
Captain Branson looks at Ensign Carlson.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign proceed to next grid.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station when Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Captain I am receiving a distress call from Archanis IV colony.
Captain Branson turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's the nature of their distress call?
Lieutenant Smith works at her station.
LTJG. SMITH: I-I'm not sure all I am getting is the carrier wave.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara set course warp factor 5.
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.
ENS. CARLSON: Course set and laid in sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it.
Ensign Carlson activates the warp drive.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise goes into a great arc and leaps into warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
The senior staff are around the table as they're watching the distress call. 
ANNA CLARKSON (monitor): This is Doctor Anna Clarkson of the Federation agricultural group we're under attack by Klingon soldiers and warships, we haven't heard from the two Starships in orbit we can only assume that they were destroyed along with the outpost and other vessels in orbit of the planet. The Klingons are murdering and slaughtering everyone in their path we need help please send help I beg of you please 
Captain Branson turn the monitor off from the table. 
CAPT. BRANSON: That was Doctor Anna Clarkson she's Anne and Kyle's mother she's a good woman knows her way around a plant. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Why were they there? 
CAPT. BRANSON: From what I could gather is that they're helping restore colonies that were stricken by the war with the Klingons in 2241, some were in the path of their fleets and were beaten back to the stone age. 
LT. WILLIAMS: All engineers and damage control teams are ready to seal hull breaches. 
DR. CARLSON: I have medical on standby for any wounded colonist we may have to beam board and I've got the main Cargo bay converted into a triage center. 
LTJG. MASON: I've drilled my security teams on how to repel boarders. 
Captain Branson looks at his senior staff. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know that you all were hoping for some exploration I don't blame you me to but we've got a distress call to answer and we're going to do our best. 
He toggles the com panel. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): All hands battle stations. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew gets ready to combat the Klingons. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Williams and her engineering crew are working around the clock. 
LT. WILLIAMS: Initiate the force-field! 
The force field goes around the warp core. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY [RED ALERT]
Doctor Carlson and his medical staff are getting prep for wounded from the colony when the Enterprise gets there.
NURSE CHAPEL: We've got a full supply of blood packs when we receive wounded that need transfusions.
DR. CARLSON: That's good Christine.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is at his desk reviewing the colonist list and confused about what is going on there, when the com does its boatswain whistle. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Bridge to Branson
Captain Branson toggles the com panel. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): You've got an incoming hail from the USS Harrison 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Patch it to my ready room. 
John gets up from the chair and faces the wall monitor as it shows the Captain's quarter. 
JOHN (smiles): Jamie hey long time no see. 
JAMIE (monitor): John, your call sounded urgent what's wrong is everything on the Enterprise alright? 
JOHN (smiles): Yes everything is alright I was wondering if I can speak with Kyle its important. 
JAMIE (monitor): He's currently busy right now
JOHN: Jamie its his parents Archanis IV was attacked by the Klingons. 
JAMIE (monitor): I'll speak to him about it but I can't promise you anything 
JOHN (nods): Thank you Jamie that's all I can ask for from you. 
JAMIE (monitor): I will let him know Towe out 
Transmission ends as John is worried. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise continues on course for Forcus III. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
John is pacing about as he's awaiting transmission to contact Commander Clarkson on Earth at the Starfleet JAG building, as the monitor changed to the office of Lieutenant Commander Anne Clarkson. 
JOHN (smiles): Anne hey. 
ANNE (monitor): John hey its good to see you again how are you doing?
JOHN: Well I am great wish I was calling to catch up but I got some bad news, but the Klingons have attacked the Federation colony Archanis IV. And I was reviewing the colony manifest and I discovered that your parents are there working. 
Anne feels a sudden rush of emotions. 
ANNE (monitor): D-Does Kyle know?
JOHN: Jamie will inform him to contact me when he gets a chance. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Captain Branson report to the bridge
JOHN: Anne I've got to go and I will let you know what we find. 
She nods and transmission ends as Captain Branson leaves the ready room. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
ENS. CARLSON: We're approaching Archanis IV sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Drop us out of warp Ensign.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
She inputs commands into the helm station as the power hums down as the viewer shows the debris field as alarms blare. 
CAPT. BRANSON: EMEGENCY EVASIVE!!!!! 
Ensign Carlson works on her console. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Enterprise does a barrel roll trying not to hit the debris from the ships or the Outpost. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are holding at ninety-one percent! 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Navigational array has taken a hit but we're not flying blind yet. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Sensors are detecting a large piece of debris directly ahead it matches the 
Outpost. 
Transparent viewer shows this. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, full reverse, come about starboard ninety degrees, drop us underneath! 
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station and she activates the forward RCS thrusters. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise drops underneath the large piece of debris from the Watchtower Starbase, but the top of the starboard nacelle loses half of its hull plating.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to ninety-one percent! 
LTJG. MITCHELL: We lost a bit of hull plating on the starboard nacelle but its still functional. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We can replace it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Right. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Coming up on Archanis IV now sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it. 
Transparent viewer shows the fires and devastation as Captain Branson is in utter shock by the sight. 
CAPT. BRANSON (shocked): My god. 
Everyone is in utter shock by the sight of the destruction of the colony. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: That's not good. 
Captain Branson is in shock still. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit. 
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise is in orbit above the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the surface of Archanis IV as Captain Branson has his hands behind his back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Bio-signs T'Lar? 
[Lieutenant T'Lar runs her scans.] 
LTJG. T'LAR: Unknown at the moment damage to the surface maybe causing interference. 
[Captain Branson walks to the turbo-lift.] 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (confused): Where are you doing? 
[Captain Branson turns to her.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm going down there to see what is going on down there Z you've got the bridge.
Both Captain Branson and Lieutenant Mason enters the lift as Commander Ivanova takes the command chair.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson enters the transporter room with the rescue team.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright we're going to search for survivors be ready to defend yourselves if we encounter Klingon soldiers set phasers to stun. 
They set phasers to stun. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize chief. 
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands and the search party dematerialized. 
CUT TO:
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
The search party materialized the Enterprise search teams are in the city. 
DR. CARLSON: Rain? 
ENS. HOLIDAY: It smells of destruction and death. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Spread out. 
[They split up to cover more ground John searches the area where he knows that Kyle and Anne's parents would be at, as he sees the destruction everywhere from the disruptors and fires plumping he continues his search as his communicator beeps and he gets it out and flips it open.]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: The Yorktown has arrived sir and they've reported they found no sign of any surviving ships, Captain Smith is sending down search parties and launching shuttles to do aerial surveys
[John looked up and sees the shuttles fly over head.] 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Acknowledged Z continue scanning the area for Klingons Branson out. 
[He closes his communicator when he sees something and walks into it.]
INT-AGURICULTURAL RESEARCH LAB, DARKEN/BATTLE DAMAGED
John enters the building with his phaser out and ready as he's jumped by a hooded figure causing him to drop his phaser and the two wrestle around as John trips the figure and gets his phaser and aims it at the person.
CAPT. BRANSON: Now tell me who the hell are you?
The person removes the hood and is revealed to be Lieutenant Marianna Taru.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant what were you doing on Archanis?
LTJG. TARU: I came to see Kyle's parents to see if I could get them off planet before the attack but I was too late.
Captain Branson still has his phaser trained on her.
CAPT. BRANSON: Huh, then how did you survivor this brutal attack?
Then before she could speak.
DR. CARLSON [O.S]: CAPTAIN!
He motions for Taru to move as she moves John still has his phaser trained on her John rushes over to where his chief medical officer is at and finds that he's holding Starfleet Marine Major Eric Jones Tina's ex-boyfriend from her high school days. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven? 
DR. CARLSON: He was under some rubble me and Christine were able to dig him out. 
They start treating him as John holds him. 
JOHN: Eric its Mister Branson can you hear me? 
MAJ. JONES: C-Captain Branson sir. 
Both Chapel and Carlson are still working on him. 
JOHN: Eric what happened here? 
MAJ. JONES (coughs): I-It was the K-Klingons sir they attacked the colony blew right through the two Saladin-class destroyers that were in orbit, and started bombarding the surface beaming troops down and killed half of the colonist some made it to the transporter shuttles and shelters. 
John looks at both Christine and Steven. 
DR. CARLSON: His injuries are to severe sir we can't save him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Major you're injuries are to severe we can't save you. 
MAJ. JONES: I know sir I'm sorry for how I treated Tina when we were dating t-t-tell her 
t-that I-I'm s-sorry. 
He dies as John places him on the ground and closes his eyes he stands up and looks over at 
Nurse Chapel who's distraught. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You and Steven did everything you could to help him Christine. 
She nods they see his dead body. 
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are in orbit.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE, BRIG AREA, BRIG CELL A [RED ALERT]
In the brig Marianna is sitting in the brig.
LTJG. TARU: Is this really how you treat your guests?
CAPT. BRANSON: Only if they are a threat to my ship and crew.
LTJG. TARU: Captain I have no reason to be here.
CAPT. BRANSON: You were on the planet after a massive attack by the Klingons Lieutenant.
LTJG. TARU: I was there to visit my parents they lived there.
CAPT. BRANSON: Huh, you have family on Archanis IV?
Marianna walks up to the force field.
LTJG. TARU: Yes I did the Klingons murdered them in front of me while my father was protecting me from them.
Captain Branson inputs commands into the panel and the force field vanishes as Lieutenant Taru steps out of the cell.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll assign you some guest quarters till we return to Earth.
LTJG. TARU: Thank you Captain.
A security officer escorts her to guest quarters on Deck eight.
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are above the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
The crew are at their stations working hard to locate some more survivors from this brutal attack, as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Captain we're being hailed by Commander Anne Clarkson.
Captain Branson hands a PADD to an Ensign.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
The transparent viewer shows Commander Anne Clarkson on Earth in her office. 
CMDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: John what do you have to report?
Captain Branson faces the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: So far we're still searching for survivors still we only found fourteen survivors so far but no sign of your parents. 
Anne is freaking out but keeps her composure. 
CMDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: John find them please I'm worried about them they usually call me at this time unless they're busy, but they usually do call me at 1430 hours to see how I am doing and if I've checked on Kyle
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll find them Commander we just have to keep turning over a lot of stones and debris.
CMDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: I better get off here good luck John
He nods and the transmission ends as Commander Ivanova walks over to him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Why would Commander Clarkson's parents call his sister and not him?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Z but if we find them I want to ask them.
Captain Branson leaves the bridge as Commander Ivanova is worried about him.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise and Yorktown are in orbit as shuttles are going to and from both vessels ferrying wounded who can't be beamed up due to injuries.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
[The crew are at their stations remaining alert as they are close to the Klingon border, as Lieutenant T'Lar is running her scans of the surface searching for more survivors.]
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar anything?
She turns to him.
LTJG. T'LAR: Sensor scans are still negative sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep searching.
LTJG. T'LAR: Aye, sir.
Captain Branson walks to the transparent viewer showing the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to find them.
Then T'Lar reports. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Sensors have detected something bearing 213 mark 25 at extreme sensor range. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows a squadron of Klingon D6-Class warships. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Klingons. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
A Klingon warship fires at the Enterprise hitting its deflectors making them flicker as the other two fly towards the Yorktown. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[Klaxon blares]
WHUMPH! 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to seventy-one percent! 
WHUMPH! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Omega. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
Ensign Carlson works at her console.
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise pitches to port as the D6-class warbird fires at the Enterprise hitting her dorsal deflectors making them flicker.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! 
WHUMPH! 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to sixty-four percent! Enemy vessels are down to seventy-one percent! 
LTJG. T'LAR: The other two Klingon vessels are keeping the Yorktown busy she cannot support us. 
WHUMPH! Sparks erupt from the ceiling as the ship takes another hit. 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are down to fifty-four percent! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Attack pattern delta two Jack standby a spread of photons. 
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
Enterprise pitches to starboard as the Klingon D6-class vessel fires another volley of torpedoes and hits the port nacelle breaking the port deflectors and causes the port nacelle to vent drive plasma. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Direct hit to the Port nacelle we're venting drive plasma! 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Seal it! 
LTJG. MASON: Port deflectors have failed! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia any response to our hails? 
She turns to him. 
LTJG. SMITH: No, sir. 
LTJG. MASON: Photons ready sir. 
WHUMPH! 
WHUMPH! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire! 
Lieutenant Mason presses the firing button. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The two double barrels on the ventral hull of the saucer section unleashes a spread of photon torpedoes, three impact the deflectors while fourth photon scores a deadly hit on the cruiser. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The transparent viewer shows the damaged Klingon cruiser.
CAPT. BRANSON: My god the crew get to the life pods, get to the life pods. 
Then a bright flash. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The D6-class warbird explodes into a thousand pieces.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'LAR: Enemy vessel destroyed sir. 
Captain Branson remains standing shocked. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara bring us about let's assist the Yorktown. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The two D-6 warbirds continue their assault on the U.S.S. Yorktown.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Sparks erupt from the ceiling as crew are running from console to console to keep critical systems on-line. 
CAPT. SMITH: Re-route power to secondary deflector emitters! 
LT. ERICKSON: Yes, ma'am. 
CAPT. SMITH: Give me phasers! 
ENS. JONES: I can't Captain the phaser banks are burnt out! 
CMDR. T'VAR: Captain the Enterprise is on her way! 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
A volley of photon torpedoes streak over the Yorktown as they decapitated the port D6-class cruiser destroying it, as the last one departs and enters warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'LAR: The remaining Klingon cruiser just departed from the system. 
[Captain Branson toggles the com panel.] 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Repair and medical teams assemble in the transporter room to help the Yorktown and her crew, stand down from red alert Z organize damage control teams. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir. 
Captain Branson leaves the bridge and enters his ready room. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Enterprise and Yorktown continues to send down shuttles and search parties after the attack by the Klingons. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Supplemental, The Enterprise, Yorktown are both in orbit of Archanis IV after it was just attacked by Klingons unprovoked assault, killing at least a dozen souls
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson is reviewing the colony manifest as he sees the files of both Doctor Anna Clarkson and Williams Clarkson, as he's leaning back in his chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over, continuing]: Among the missing are agricultural researchers Doctors Anna and William Clarkson parents of both Kyle and Anne Clarkson, I can't help but wonder why they left Kyle at Arcamon. I know he was a child when it happened but they do love him and Anne I just hope that we can find them and figure out what happened and why the Klingons attacked 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Sir, Captain Smith is on the surface and she says that she needs you down there she found something 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: On my way. 
Captain Branson leaves the ready room. 
CUT TO:
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
Captain Branson materializes on the surface wearing a tactical vest and turns to see his wife and her search party. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica what did you find? 
CAPT. SMITH: Nothing so far but we're still looking. 
CAPT. BRANSON [crosses his arms]: Then why did I beam down here?
She turns to him.
CAPT. SMITH: Because this building right here is the Clarkson's research lab.
They walk together as they've got their phasers out of their holsters ready and moves to the door frame and John throws a stun grenade into the building and it goes off as he and Jessica moves into the building. 
INT-CLARKSON RESEARCH LABATORY [BATTLE DAMAGED, DARKEN]
They enter the lab as they are moving in a leapfrog cover formation, as they search the rooms for the two Doctors. 
CAPT. SMITH: I don't see them. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They've got to be in here. 
They continue searching the lab that's connected to their colony house both John and Jessica get on both sides of the door and Jessica cracks the door open and John tosses another stun grenade in and it goes off and they move into the house. 
INT-WILLIAM & ANNA'S COLONY HOUSE [WRECKED, DARKEN]
The pair continue their search for the Doctors. 
CAPT. SMITH: Damn it where could they be. 
John lowers his hand phaser but then he sees something and he slowly walks towards the object and kneels down and turns it over and is shocked to see Mister Clarkson and then Jessica sees Anna Clarkson. 
CAPT. BRANSON: My god is she? 
Jessica checks her pulse. 
CAPT. SMITH (nods): Yeah she's dead John. 
CAPT. SMITH: John? 
Captain Branson reholsters his phaser after shutting it off. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm fine Jess. 
John is on one knee. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Doctor Carlson we found the bodies of both Doctors. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, MORGUE 
Both bodies are put into the bays as Doctor Carlson turns to him. 
DR. CARLSON: Both were stabbed by Klingon weapon but Ms. Clarkson was stabbed but she was still alive and she was shot by a Klingon disruptor at close range to the head. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks Steven. 
CAPT. SMITH [comforts her husband]: John are you alright? 
He turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Just wish they were alive Jessica. 
[BOATSWAIN WHISTLE SOUNDS] 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John toggles the com panel. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Sir, the USS John Chamberlain and her escorts have arrived and Commodore Austin is wanting to speak with you
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: I'm on my way Z. 
[John toggles the com panel and leaves the Sickbay.] 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
 
Captain Branson is working on a few reports when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Commodore Joseph Austin walks into the ready room, as Captain Branson puts the PADD down on his desk and stands up at attention. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Commodore Austin welcome aboard the Enterprise sir. 
COMM. AUSTIN: At ease Captain. 
John goes to at ease. 
COMM. AUSTIN: I've read your report its a shame that the Klingons attacked the colony, we've not heard from the Klingons in over 200 years since Captain Archer's last encounter with them during the Augment crisis and the Earth-Romulan War we thought that they would just go back into their borders and just fight with each other. 
CAPT. BRANSON: It would seem that Federation analysts were wrong about that sir. 
COMM. AUSTIN: Its also a shame that Mister and Misses Clarkson were killed down there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes sir it is. 
Commodore Austin is looking around the ready room as John is watching him. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Uh is there something that I can help you with sir? 
He then sees John's wedding photo and then turns back to him. 
COMM. AUSTIN: Yes there is you being in command of this wonderful vessel. 
CAPT. BRANSON (more confused): Uh, excuse me sir? 
COMM. AUSTIN: There's a bunch of cadets that would love to have this command but no because of your friendship with both Pike and Kirk they chose you, when you have a reprimand in your record for forcing yourself onto a fellow officer during a critical situation. 
John is taken a back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: As my report on that will reflect sir she was about to be shot by a Klingon warrior so I did the only thing I could do at that moment, I never meant to harm her. 
COMM. AUSTIN: BUT YOU DID AND NOW SHE HAS TO GO THROUGH INTENSE COUNSELING TO GET HER MINDSET RIGHT! And here you are living comfortably onboard the Enterprise while she's suffering. 
He leaves the ready room as John is in utter shock at the situation he put his former crewmate in. 
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp heading back to Earth with survivors and dead bodies.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson is sitting in the Captain's chair saddened that he didn't find Kyle and Anne's parents alive, as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir, we're being hailed by Commander Anne Clarkson and Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson.
Captain Branson gets up and has his arms behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows both Clarkson siblings.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anne, Kyle thanks for taking my call the reason I've called you both is that we found your parents, well I found them. 
ANNE [viewer]: And?
CAPT. BRANSON [Sighs]: I'm sorry to tell you both that they're dead they were killed defending themselves and sending the distress call after the two ships were destroyed. 
Anne is in utter shock but Kyle has a very cold look on his otherwise composed face. 
ANNE [viewer]: What? Why did they do this to them they weren't doing anything wrong?
CAPT. BRANSON: We're not sure but we think that they thought we were establishing a military base on Archanis IV, and they brutally attacked the colony we did find 15 survivors which included your crewmate from the Harrison Kyle Lieutenant Taru.
ANNE [viewer, voice breaking]: Thank you John I'll be at the funeral when the Enterprise returns
JOHN: I'll see you there Anne. 
Transmission ends as Kyle is the only one on the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Clarkson?
Kyle's facial expression hasn't changed making it hard to gauge his emotions. 
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: John my parents left me on Arcamon, while they were working a lot, and they never loved me they abandoned me there!
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle, your parents love both you and Anne.
[Kyle scoffs]
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: They always contacted Anne to ask about me, and never actually tried to contact me. Me! Their own son! (He sighs deeply) I don't expect you or your crew to ever understand
Kyle ends the transmission abruptly. Half shocked and half saddened by his friends words John closes his eyes.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Damn it.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
Marianna is looking out the window of her quarters at the warp energy stream streaking by, as the doors chimed.
MARIANNA: Come.
Doors whooshed opened and Captain Branson enters.
MARIANNA: Did you find Kyle's parents?
CAPT. BRANSON: We did but they're dead it seems the Klingons were ransacking their lab looking for something.
Lieutenant Taru turns to him.
MARIANNA: Does Kyle and his sister know?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes and he responded very coldly.
MARIANNA: I don't blame him they left him behind on a civilian outpost along the Vulcan border.
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll arrive at Earth in an hour.
MARIANNA: Thank you Captain.
John leaves her quarters as she looks out at the warp stream.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Federation Home battlegroup and the orbital defense platforms are in orbit as the Enterprise parks into a dry-dock berth. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN CARGO BAY 
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters and sees the caskets of the dead colonist and walks over to the two caskets that belong to Anna and William Clarkson as he stands there looking at them then the doors opened again and both Kyle and Anne enter. 
JOHN: If you two want I'll leave you guys alone to say goodbye to them. 
ANNE: No its alright John you were like a brother to both me and Kyle you and your family were nice to us. 
Kyle just stands there looking at the caskets of his parents. 
ANNE (saddened): Why didn't you guys get off the planet before this happened? How can both me and my brother move on from your deaths? 
Kyle folds his arms. 
KYLE (scoffs): Anne come on they never cared about me. 
ANNE: Really Kyle, they loved you but they knew you would of been bored going with them and they trusted Doctor T'Ver. 
KYLE (Coldly frustrated): I was just a child! I wouldn't have been bored because I WANTED to go with them! I WANTED to help them I didn't WANT to be raised by Vulcans and then be completely forgotten! I begged them not to leave me there! 
ANNE (Almost crying): They only did what they thought was best for you.... 
KYLE (With ice cold hardness): They never once checked in on me, Anne! You were the only one who ever did! Then they only ever talked to you. They couldn't ever be bothered to talk their only son! 
An awkward and deafening silence falls between them as John looks at them horrified at what he has just heard. 
JOHN (Awkwardly): The funeral will be at 1400 hours on Earth. 
John leaves the cargo bay. 
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, DAY
An establishing shot of Starfleet Command and Archer Arena.
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, FLEET CAPTAIN PIKE'S OFFICE
Fleet Captain Pike is standing looking out the window at the Golden Gate Bridge. 
FLT CAPT. PIKE: I would of thought that the Klingons would of attacked a well defended colony world not an agricultural colony that's lightly defended. 
Captain Branson is sitting in the chair in front of his desk wearing his dress uniform. 
CAPT. BRANSON: It was devastating they destroyed the entire city we only found 15 out of 1,230 colonist. 
Pike turns to face his former first officer. 
FLT CAPT. PIKE: The Federation Council has decided not to pursue any formal declaration of war against the Klingons till we can find out why they attacked Archanis IV. 
JOHN: Wait so we're just going to sweep this under the damn rug Chris they murdered my friends parents along with countless others in cold blood that's not a declaration of war? 
CHRIS: If we attack them now then the Federation Council will demand a reason for the war you know that. 
John leans back in the chair. 
JOHN: So we're just going to ignore this and pretend it didn't happen? 
CHRIS: I didn't say that John but we are going to investigate and increase patrols along the Federation-Klingon Border. 
John is frustrated but understands that they can't pursue the Klingons till they attack something that is more of taste to the Empire. 
JOHN: I better get going the funeral ceremony starts in half an hour. 
CHRIS: I would go but I have to send out letters to the crews of the two ships that were destroyed give both Kyle and Anne my regards. 
John nod and leaves Pike's office. 
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, CEMETARY, DAY
At the cemetery the crew of the Enterprise and Harrison are there to support the Clarkson siblings as Federation fighters fly over head. 
VICE ADM. CORNWELL: The Clarkson family has my deepest sympathy as I speak for everyone here when I say we're so sorry for you loss, both of your parents were respected by all and will be missed but we must move forward and remember that they didn't die in vain they died because of Klingon arrogates and dishonorment. 
As the caskets are being lowered into the ground Anne is crying in the arms of her husband, after the funeral John wearing his Starfleet dress uniform walks over to both Kyle and Jamie who are also wearing their dress uniforms. 
JOHN: Thanks for coming your parents would of loved it. 
KYLE (scoffs): Huh, I didn't come here by choice. 
JAMIE: You needed this Kyle. 
Kyle walks over to the two gravestones as Anne walks over to them. 
ANNE: Thanks for coming John you don't know how much it means to me and Kyle that the Branson family are basically friends of the family. 
JOHN: Its my honor to be here my parents and Fleet Captain Pike sends their regards. 
Anne's husband who's a Starfleet officer wearing his dress uniform as well. 
ANNE: Oh where are my manners John this is my husband Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts we work together in the JAG department, this is Captain John Branson and his wife Jessica Smith of the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown respectively. 
BUD: I've been wanting to meet you both for awhile especially you Captain Branson you're something of a talk in the JAG department. 
JOHN: That's nice Mister Roberts. 
ANNE: So what are they going to do about the Klingons? 
John knows that she doesn't want to hear it but he's got to give her the tough news. 
JOHN (sighs): Chris has informed me that the Federation Council isn't going to pursue war with the Klingons at this time. 
ANNE: Wait what they're just going to sit by and allow them to continue to butcher innocent men and women our parents were slaughtered by them! 
JOHN: Anne I understand that but we're still recovering from the Four Years War with them in the 2240s but he has assured me that they'll increase border patrols. 
BUD: Honey its going to be alright we're going to make them pay for what they did. 
ANNE (sigh): Its just mine and Kyles parents were butchered by the Klingons and the council is letting them get off with nothing more then a slap on the wrist. 
Then they're watching Kyle who just puts a hand on the gravestones. 
(END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS) 
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===​Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Delena Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Commander Anne Clarkson
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Marianna Taru
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Doctor Anna Clarkson
*TBA as Doctor William Clarkson
*Ashley M. Kaflas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*TBA as Fleet Captain Christopher Pike
*TBA as Vice Admiral Katrina Cornwell
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===