First Duty

First Duty is the eleventh episode of Star Trek: New Voyages Season 1.
==Plot==
Following an accident during an Academy training exercise that leads to the death of her boyfriend, Tina Branson must decide whether loyalty or truth is the first duty. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM
Phoenix Squadron is doing their practice run for the ceremony that will have the presences of the Flagship of the Federation forces the USS Enterprise, and Captain Branson will be giving a speech at it as well. 
INT-PHOENIX EIGHT CANOPY
Cadet 3rd class Tina Branson is piloting her fighter. 
CADET 3RD CLASS SCOTT (com voice): Alright guys let's do what we talked about
Tina activates her plasma vent. 
CADET 2ND CLASS TAO (com voice): Henry you're to close to me vector off! 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM 
The two fighters collide as the others can't avoid it. 
INT-PHOENIX EIGHT CANOPY
CADET 3RD CLASS SCOTT (com voice): EVERYONE ACTIVATE YOUR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTER NOW!
Tina activates hers. 
INT-IO OUTPOST 
The squad materializes onboard the outpost as Tina looks around. 
CADET 3RD CLASS BRANSON: Henry? HENRY! NO GOD NO! 
The rest of the squadron is sadden by what happened as Rain comforts Tina. 
CUT TO:
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise is at high warp. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Log Stardate 6974.2, We're en route to Earth, where it will be my pleasant duty to deliver this year's commencement address at Starfleet Academy. I'm also looking forward to seeing my parents again as well to see my daughter Tina Branson. Her flight team will perform a demonstration near Saturn that will be transmitted to the graduation ceremonies
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Doors to the Captain's ready room open and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge, and walks over to the command chair as Commander Ivanova vacates the command chair. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We're on course for sector 001 ship systems are functioning normally. 
She goes to her station as John sits in the Captain's Chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Z. 
LTJG. SMITH: I can't wait to see these guys preform. 
ENS. CARLSON: You'll be impressed Julia. 
Lieutenant Smith turns to Captain Branson. 
LTJG. SMITH: Captain, Starfleet Academy is requesting an update on our estimated arrival. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ty?
Lieutenant Mitchell checks his console and reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: We should arrive at Earth in ten hours, sixteen minutes, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia please inform the Academy and send my regards to Superintendent McTigue. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Smith inputs commands into her console and sends the message, Commander Ivanova turns to him. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: Do you know Admiral McTigue? 
CAPT. BRANSON: No not personally no but he seems to be a impressive Superintendent of the Academy. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (ruefully): If he's anything like my superintendent...(off Branson's look) When I was at the Academy, we had a Vulcan superintendent who memorized the personnel file of every single cadet. He knew everything. It was like having your parents there with you. All the time. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Mine was a Rear Admiral who knew everything about the class, when he called you into his office. He didn't have to ask what you'd done. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (Smiles): You got called into the superintendent's office? That sounds like a story I'd like to hear. 
Lieutenant Smith has her two fingers on her ear piece and turns to report.
LTJG. SMITH: Captain we're being hailed by Starfleet Academy its Superintendant McTigue. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
There's a short beat as Branson waits for the screen to activate. 
LTJG. SMITH: Uh, he's asking for a private channel. 
Both John and Zhasa exchange puzzling looks as to why Admiral McTigue is asking for a private channel. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then in my ready room. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
The doors opened and Captain Branson enters, as he goes to his desk and sits at the desk and activates the desktop monitor and the screen shows the office of Fleet Admiral McTigue. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Admiral McTigue what can I do for you?
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (monitor): Captain its come to my knowledge that you and Captain Smith have a daughter?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, sir Tina Branson is something wrong? 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (monitor): I wanted to inform you personally... There's been an accident
Off Branson's reaction. 
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT)
=====
Theme song:
======
CAPTAIN'S OATH: 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....
The Enterprise leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: THE NEW VOYAGES
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
======
The Enterprise flies out of dry-dock
Jarvis Davidson
 as
Captain John Branson
Felecia Linkous
 as
Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
The Enterprise flies by a Interstellar dust cloud
Kevin Regan
 as
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
Delena "Dee" Lusk
 as
Ensign Kara Carlson
The Enterprise approaches a nebula
Blake Waymire 
 as
Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
Sadie Waymire
 as
Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
The Enterprise flies by a asteroid field
Jacob Elliot
 as
Doctor Steven Carlson
Ferne Myers
 as
Lieutenant Stephanie Williams
The Enterprise flies under a comet.
Becky Elliot
 as
Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she leaps into warp.
Created By:
Jarvis Davidson
 &
Jeremy Regan
===Act One===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM
(EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES)
The Enterprise emerges from warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John's sitting behind his desk as the desktop monitor shows the ready room of the USS Yorktown and Captain Jessica Smith behind her.
JOHN: According to the doctor she's got second degree burns on her chest and a multiple fracture of her right arm. But she's going to be fine.
JESSICA (monitor): Have they completed the regeneration series?
JOHN (sighs): I'm not sure yet.
JESSICA (monitor): Tina allergic to metorapan treatments. I think they'll have to use a bicaridine substitute. I should send her complete records to the Academy infirmary. Of course, they probably have them already, but you can't be too sure
John leans forward.
JOHN: Jess she's fine.
JESSICA (monitor): I know she's fine I know she's fine. How did it happen? 
JOHN: Apparently, her squadron was practicing on the Academy flight range near Saturn. they were flying a close formation. There was a collision. All five ships were destroyed. Four of the pilots managed to transport out. One didn't make it.
JESSICA (monitor): Who was it that didn't make it?
JOHN: A Henry Cross I believe his name was.
JESSICA (monitor): Tina mentioned him a few times they were lovers she must be devastated about this
JOHN: Jess our daughter is alright her pride maybe a bit bruised but she's going to be alright, Admiral McTigue will be holding a full briefing after we arrive. I'll let you know as soon as we're in orbit.
JESSICA (monitor): Thank you John
He nods and the transmission ends.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit of Earth.
EXT-EARTH SURFACE/STARFLEET ACADEMY CAMPUS
Est. shot of the Starfleet Academy campus. A large, sprawling campus in the San Francisco Bay Area.
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
This is one of the oldest buildings in the Academy, and a powerful sense of tradition pervades it. The room is probably used for both hearings and lectures. There are several tables, on the right wall is a large viewscreen, and several rows of benches form a gallery.
There's a small group of people sitting in the gallery: N.D. PARENTS of the flight team, including LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CROSS, the father of the dead cadet. John and Jessica are here as well. The atmosphere is somber and subdued. McTigue is standing in front of the small table; he's trying to keep this low-key and informal. He is holding a PADD which he consults periodically.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (refers to PADD): There was very little left to salvage from the wreckage. We did recover one of the ships' data recorders, but it was badly damaged. We're attempting to restore the information, but that will take some time. Standard procedure calls for an immediate investigation by two command level officers. Captain Hunter and I will be taking depositions from Phoenix Squadron at fifteen hundred hours today. Commander Cross. I'm sure that everyone in this room joins me in expressing my deepest sympathies to you on the tragic loss of your son. 
Commander Cross wants to know why his son is dead... he pushes McTigue.
LTCMDR. CROSS: Was there any indication of a problem before the crash? What exactly were they doing out there? Did they file a flight plan?
Captain Branson gets up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Whoa calm down there Commander you're way out of line.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I want to know how my son died and what those cadets were doing out there without a supervisor!
McTigue stops him. His attitude is sympathetic... he understands this is a very difficult time for him.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Commander Cross I understand how you feel and believe me when I say that I would want answers as well but we're not going to get them by turning on each other and making false reports.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I just want to know how my son died.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (gently): Commander... I'm sorry... right now, we don't have those answers. But I assure you we will investigate this matter thoroughly.
Commander Cross sits down and is still sadden by his loss as Captain Branson sits back down next to Jessica as McTigue continues.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: There will be a memorial service for Cadet Cross this evening in the west garden. It has been suggested that we should cancel the graduation ceremonies in the light of what's happened. Commander Cross and I have discussed this and we've agreed that commencement should go forward as planned. The cadets should know that even after a tragedy like this, there are still duties to perform and life continues. Thank you all for coming. 
As the meeting breaks Captain Branson walks over to Admiral McTigue and they shake hands.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Admiral McTigue so good to finally meet you.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Captain Branson finally I get to meet the man that Jim can't stop talking about making alot of good up there as Captain of the Enterprise, and I wish our first meeting was under better circumstances. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This is an unhappy way to begin commencement. If you require any assistance, then the Enterprise is at your disposal. 
CAPT. SMITH: So is the Yorktown.
He nods at the two Captains.
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY/CADET BRANSON'S DORM ROOM
In contrast to quarters on the Enterprise, the Academy dorm room looks older and more lived-in. It's sparsely furnished with a desk, a couple of chairs, and a single bed. Everything is neat and ship-shape. Tina is sitting on the edge of her bed. Her arm is in a 23rd-century therapeutic device. She's practicing flexing her arm... it's difficult to fully bend her arm and she winces in pain. The effort tires her and she takes off the device. She massages the arm with her other hand; it's still not a hundred percent. The door chimes. She gets up, straightens her uniform, and takes a deep breath. She moves to the door and opens it. It's Jessica and John. 
JESSICA: Oh thank god Tina you're safe.
She hugs her mother and then her father.
JOHN: Hey there shortcrop how are you feeling?
TINA: I've been better.
JESSICA: We're so sorry to hear about Henry. 
TINA: Thanks mom. 
JOHN: You feel like talking about? 
TINA (Sighs): No. I don't think so. No, thank you. I know you're trying to be helpful, dad, but it seems like that's all I've talked about for the last two days. I don't want to go through it again. 
JOHN (Smiles): Alright, I understand. But I want you to know I'm available if you should change your mind. 
She nods. 
JESSICA: Everyone onboard the Yorktown are thinking about you. 
TINA: That's nice.
 Then the door chimes as Tina gets up and opens the door and Cadet 3rd Class MATTHEW SCOTT enters. He's well-built, charismatic, a born leader. (Production note: cadet rank are signified by vertical bars in place of the rank pips normally worn by Starfleet officers.) As Scott walks in, he sees Both Branson and Smith and immediately comes to attention. 
CADET 1ST CLASS SCOTT (snaps to attention): Captains. 
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Cadet Scotts. 
Tina makes the introductions... but Scott's entrance has definitely put her on edge. 
TINA: This is my squadron leader, Matthew Scotts. This is my father Captain John Branson of the Enterprise. And my mother, Captain Jessica Smith from the Yorktown. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cadet Scotts nice to meet you. 
CADET SCOTTS: I came by to see if Tina had healed up alright. 
CAPT. BRANSON: She's fine just a bit sore and you how are you feeling? 
Cadet Scotts feelings are sincere...he's been deeply affected by the cadet's death. 
CADET SCOTTS (sighs): I've been better sir just never lost anyone under my command. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well I can tell you that it never gets any better. 
He nods and Tina is getting a bit more edgy as she wants both her parents out of there quickly. 
TINA: Dad, Mom, will you excuse us please? Matt and I have some things we need to talk about. 
JOHN: Alright, short crop it was great seeing you again. 
TINA (Smirks): Me to father. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll see you at the inquiry it was nice to meet you Mister Scotts. 
CADET SCOTTS: You to sir, ma'am. 
JESSICA: Tina if you need anything let me know. 
TINA (Smiles): I know. 
They leave as she closes the door and Cadet Scotts has more of a serious look on his face. 
CADET SCOTTS: That was too close you've got to more careful Tina. 
TINA: I know but I was lucky that I avoided the questions. 
CADET SCOTTS: The inquiry is scheduled for fifteen hundred hours. Are you ready? 
TINA (nods): Yeah I think so. 
MATT: Don't worry T everything will be alright. 
Tina nods, but she is clearly troubled. Off Tina's expression. 
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT) 
===Act Two===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit of Earth as its buzzing with activity as a shot of one of the Earth defense turrets.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John and Jessica are laying in bed together as John is laying in bed unable to sleep. 
JESSICA: Can't sleep? 
JOHN: No, Tina is in trouble and she knows something but she's not speaking. 
JESSICA: She's scared still John she watched her boyfriend blow up right next to her that would scare anyone not to talk. 
JOHN (sighs): I guess you're right. 
Jessica lays her head on his chest.
JESSICA (sighs): I'm worried about her as well John but we have to let her come to us when she's ready to.
JOHN: I guess you're right.
They lay in bed together.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY/CADET BRANSON'S DORM ROOM
Tina, Scotts, Jameson, and Lao are side by side. They are getting ready to go into the inquiry and Scotts, as squadron leader, is checking over the other three as they stand at loose attention. Scotts is a coach here, not a martinet... he's building them up, getting them ready for some tough times ahead. 
He brushes off some lint from Lao's uniform. Scotts stays in front of Jameson, who seems a little tense. 
CADET SCOTTS: Nervous? 
CADET LAO: No, yeah a little. 
CADET SCOTTS (Smiles): That's okay. So am I. But we're going to be all right. We've got some tough times ahead but we've always come through for each other. Whatever happens, I want you all to know that leading this team has been the high point of my years at the Academy. No one could have asked for a better team, or better friends. Let's go. 
They head to the hearing room. 
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
The room has been set up for an informal court of inquiry. 
The flags of the Federation and Starfleet have been displayed behind the judges' table. Admiral McTigue is seated at the head table facing the rest of the room along with COMMODORE JAKANDE, a male Human officer. An antique ship's bell sits on the table in front of them. Seated at a table facing these officers are the members of the cadet flight team: Cadet First Class RAIN LAO, a female human; Cadet Second Class STACY JAMESON, a female Human; and Sarah. SPECTATORS are seated behind the cadets, including Branson, Jamie, and the other parents seen earlier. LtCmdr. Cross is here also.
Scotts is standing near the large monitor, giving testimony. The monitor shows a schematic DISPLAY of SATURN, its MOONS, and the five small SHIPS of the Phoenix Squadron. The ships are moving slowly toward one of the moons. Scotts is pointing to the display as he speaks... his attitude is honest and straightforward...a completely believable cadet.
CADET SCOTTS: At this point, we accelerated and executed a starboard turn of twenty seven degrees. We came out of the turn on course for Titan. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: And you were still in the lead position? 
CADET SCOTTS: Yes, sir. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Continue. 
CADET SCOTTS: As we entered Titan's gravitational sphere, I gave the signal to tighten up and move into a diamond slot formation. 
The monitor shows what's going on and ZOOMS close on the graphic symbols for the ships as they change formation... four ships move into position as four "points" of a diamond, while one ship slides into the middle "slot" position. Each ship is clearly labeled by pilot: Scotts in the lead, Lao in the slot, Tina and Cross on either wing, and Jameson in the rear. 
CADET SCOTTS: Remaining in the diamond formation, we executed a low apogee turn around Titan... then began a z plus twenty-five degree climb in preparation for a Yeager loop. 
Named for Chuck Yeager, who broke the sound barrier in 1947. 
As they watch the proceedings. Branson is paying very close attention to the testimony and the computer simulation. Jessica is also watching carefully, but she can't help but glance at Tina every now and then. 
On the monitor The ships on the monitor begin to turn in an intricate looping maneuver. 
CADET SCOTTS (off screen): Approximately nine seconds later, Cadet Lao's ship collided with Cadet Jameson's. We had less than two seconds to activate our emergency transporters and beam to the evac stations at Mimas. Everyone made it except Henry. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Thank you, Mister Scotts. Cadet Jameson. 
(the young woman stands up) 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: As Team Navigator, you filed a flight plan with the Academy Range Officer before the exercise, correct? 
CADET JAMESON: No, sir. 
Fleet Admiral McTigue and Captain Hunter look at each other surprised and then back at Cadet Jameson, as Admiral McTigue picks up a PADD and examines it for a moment. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Then how do you explain the fact that the low apogee turn around Titan was at least two thousand kilometers closer to the moon than indicated in your plan? 
CADET JAMESON: I don't know sir, we were still within flight safety parameters, sir. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: That was not my question, Cadet. 
CADET JAMESON: We had discussed changing our approach after I filed the flight plan. The final decision was made en route to Saturn. I didn't consider it significant enough to mention here. I apologize for the confusion, sir. I should have been more precise. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Did you see Mister Cross's ship break formation before it collided with your ship?
CADET JAMESON (thinks): No, sir. My first indications of trouble was when my proximity alarm went off. 
COMM. JAKANDE: You may be seated. Did any of you see the collision take place? 
CADET SCOTTS: No, sir everything was fine till the collison.
COMM. JAKANDE: Thank Mister Scotts, Cadet Lao you were in the tail position, therefore you should have seen any sign of trouble from Cadet Cross. Yet you saw nothing? 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: That is correct sir.
COMM. JAKANDE: Did your attention falter?
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: No, sir. I was flying solely on sensor readings at the time. I did not have any visual contact with Cadet Cross's ship when he broke formation. 
Keeping his expression carefully neutral, Hunter shuts off the monitor. McTigue leans to confer with him as in the crowd Jessica leans over to John.
JESSICA (sotto): What's wrong?
JOHN (sotto): It's unusual to fly on sensors alone in that type of maneuver. A pilot relies on the visual cues from the other ships to maintain formation.
McTigue taps the bell and brings the room to order before John can speculate further.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: If you were flying on sensors alone, perhaps you could tell us the orientation of his ship before the collision. 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: I...don't know sir. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (voice hardens): You were flying a ship, travelling eighty thousand kph, with Cadet Cross's ship less than ten meters away and you don't know what his orientation was? 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: I don't remember sir. 
McTigue is about to really go after Lao when Cadet Scotts stands again. 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS: Admiral if I may. 
McTigue considers them both, then nods after a beat. 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS: Admiral.... 
Matt is struggling... he seems very uncomfortable with what he's about to say. 
3RD CADET SCOTTS: Henry, was a good pilot but lately he'd been having difficulties. He'd get nervous during close fly-bys and pull away in the final seconds. His formation flying was a little erratic. 
Both McTigue and Jakande are surprised about this. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: And you didn't report this to anyone? 
Scotts puts his hands behind his back. 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS (sighs): No sir, I didn't. We'd flown together a long time... I thought he could handle it if I gave him a chance. I was wrong. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Cadet are you saying that the accident was Cadet Cross's fault? 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS (beat, then very reluctant): I think he got frightened and tried to pull out of the turn prematurely, and then crashed into Cadet Lao. Henry was our friend. We didn't want him to be remembered as someone who panicked. 
Tina is shocked by what Scott's just said -- but keeps it inside. The other two cadets trade nervous glances, but try not to let their anxiety show as Commander Cross is shocked by what he's hearing as Captain Branson is disturbed by what he heard. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (sighs): You may be seated. 
Cadet Scotts sits down with his squadron. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: I'm very disturbed by what I've heard here today. By your own admission, you allowed your teammate to fly when you knew he was having difficulties maintaining formation. That demonstrates a serious lack of judgment. I am also disturbed by the fact that you did not come forward with this information immediately. We should have the first data from Cadet Branson's flight recorder tonight. We will reconvene at thirteen hundred hours tomorrow. 
He taps the bell and everyone stands up as the inquiry is recessed Phoenix Squadron stands up as Tina turns to face Matt who puts his hand on her shoulder. 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS: Everything is fine trust me. 
He EXITS along with the crowd. Lao and Jameson follow him and Tina is left feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions. 
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT) 
===Act Three===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
Enterprise in orbit of Earth.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova enters as Lieutenants Williams & T'Lar are at the large computer screen.
LT. WILLIAMS (dubious): Captain, the Academy has one of the best reconstructive analysis labs in Starfleet. I'm not sure we'll have much to contribute to the investigation.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, that may well be. But Tina's one of our own. 
LTJG. T'LAR: We could pull the sensor logs from Titan's outpost.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long will it take?
LT. WILLIAMS: About an hour give or take.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep me posted.
They both leave as Williams and T'Lar gets to work.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY, TINA'S DORM ROOM
Tina, Scotts, Lao, and Jameson are gathered in the room, in the middle of a heated discussion.
TINA: I can't believe you said that about my boyfriend!
MATT: Tina what did you want me to say I had to think of something.
RAIN: You shouldn't have said it, Matt. Henry wasn't responsible for what happened. 
TINA: We all agreed that we wouldn't lie about what happened.
MATT: Look, he was my friend too, Tina. I worked to get him on this team. But the truth is, he panicked.
TINA: We don't know that!
MATT: Of course we do... none of us has wanted to say it out loud... but we've all had the same thought. Haven't we?
He looks at Lao and Jameson... they don't deny it. Lao finally nods.
RAIN: He must have pulled away too soon. I think he got scared.
MATT: Stacy?
Stacy nods.
TINA (scoffs): I can't believe that you three would say that about the man that I loved and cared about who was the best pilot in this squad true he had problems but he never messed up nor pulled out of formations too soon!
Matt walks over to Tina who is looking out the window.
MATT (sighs): Tina I know you want to protect his memory and honor him, we all do. But we have to look out for ourselves now. What do you want us to do, walk in and tell them everything that happened? 
STACY: We might as well turn in our uniforms and start packing our bags.
MATT: Are we all ready for that?
A long beat. None of them, even Tina, is ready to leave the Academy. Stacy and Rain are now firmly with Matt although Tina is still struggling. Matt picks up a PADD.
MATT (re: PADD): We'll take this one step at a time. This is the preliminary report from your flight recorder. It was so badly damaged in the crash, that the lab could only retrieve a third of the total telemetry on the recorder. And all of it is before the collision. There's no problem here. 
Tina looks at the PADD for a beat... struggles...finally looks up at Matt.
TINA (sighs): I don't know if I can do this.
Matt knows this is a crucial moment, but he doesn't push... he doesn't want to come down too hard on Tina... that might make her dig in her heels. He lets Stacy step in.
STACY: You don't have to lie... just don't volunteer any new information.
It's three against one... but Tina still isn't entirely comfortable with this. Matt eyes her, smiles ruefully.
MATT (sighs): The first night I met you, Tina, I knew I wanted you on this squad. You, more than any of the rest, would understand what it means to be able to count on someone, you know you've got to be able to count on the people on your team, because your life is in their hands, and their lives are in yours. We made a promise to each other right in the beginning, that we'd stick together. We were Phoenix Squadron. Nobody else could say that. And even after we graduated, we'd try to get posted to the same duty. We were going to be a team for a long time. Henry can't be a part of those plans anymore, but I think he would still want us to be a team. What do you think? 
Tina looks at her friends... feels the bonds that tie her to these people... and finally nods in acceptance.
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY, ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
[Tina is checking the data from his flight recorder against the display on the screen, as the doors opened and Commander Cross enters.]
LTCMDR. CROSS: Cadet Branson.
[Tina turns and then snaps to attention.]
CADET 4TH CLASS BRANSON: Commander sir.
LTCMDR. CROSS: At ease, I hope I am not interrupting you.
CADET 4TH CLASS BRANSON: No, sir I was just getting ready for tomorrow's hearing.
LTCMDR. CROSS: They told me you'd be here. I found this in Henry's room. I think it belongs to you. 
[Tina takes the sweater.]
CADET 4TH CLASS BRANSON (smiles): My sweater we went on our second anniversary trip to Calgary, he bough this sweater there after I forgot to grab mine from my dorm room.
LTCMDR. CROSS: He told me you helped him with his classes.
CADET 4TH CLASS BRANSON: I did a little he only needed help in statistical mechanics. 
LTCMDR. CROSS (smiles): If Henry had a weakness, it was mathematics.
CADET 4TH CLASS BRANSON: No, he could do it. He just didn't like to.
LTCMDR. CROSS: His mother and I thought he'd never get out of calculus. Then he found out what the Academy entrance requirements were like. That turned him around. He stayed after class, got a tutor. He really worked hard. Never gave up on anything. And he had a lot of respect for you, and everybody on the team. I realize it was his fault. That everybody could have been killed. And I want to say that, I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry that he let you down. 
[Tina feels conflicted about the choice of believing that Henry caused the accident.]
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND, ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
[The next morning.]
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Are you ready Cadet Branson? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Yes, sir. 
Admiral McTigue touches a button on his table and the LIGHTS in the room DIM. 
The wall monitor activates and shows a caption reading "SHIP'S LOG: CADET FOURTH CLASS TINA BRANSON" and bearing the appropriate stardate. After a beat, the monitor comes to life and shows an INTERIOR VIEW of the cockpit of Tina's ship. 
The perspective is from over the head of the pilot, giving us a look out the front of his canopy. The top of Tina's flight helmet is visible in the bottom of the frame, but most of the cockpit is hidden from view. Superimposed over the picture are various computer readouts showing speed, course, g-forces, sensor information, etc. 
The footage is quite distorted; as Tina talks, the image JUMPS and FUZZES periodically and sometimes breaks up altogether. At the moment, no other ships can be seen out of the canopy. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: This is the beginning of our run toward Titan. I'm on the right wing. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Where was Mister Cross? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: He was on my port quarter, approximately fifty meters away. 
On the monitor the view out the front of the canopy changes... a ship comes into view on the right of Tina's canopy. The computer information on the screen indicates a change in course and speed. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: We've just received the signal to begin the diamond slot formation. That's Cadet Scotts coming into view. We're in a twenty degree turn around Titan. We should be coming out of Titan's gravity well about now. 
On the monitor it shows the view from Tina's ship changes... the stars move to indicate a turn... and then a MOON suddenly moves into view as the ship swoops down near its surface. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (o.c.): We're in a twenty degree turn, coming around Titan... 
The view from the canopy is almost completely taken up by the moon... the interference is getting worse and worse...Tina is having trouble making out what she's seeing on the screen. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: We should be coming out of Titan's gravity well about now... 
On the monitor The moon is just leaving the canopy on the screen when the picture finally BREAKS UP, in the crowd Captain Branson is confused about what happened. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: That is the extent of the data we were able to recover from the flight recorder. Cadet Branson, would you describe what happened after you left orbit of Titan? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Once we cleared the moon, Mister Scotts led us into a Yeager loop. Approximately nine seconds later, my proximity alarm went off. I tried to veer away, but it was too late and I was hit. I lost control of my ship. A power coupling exploded in my cockpit. I don't know how, but I managed to activate my escape transporter, and the next thing I remember is finding myself on the emergency evac station on Mimas with the rest of the squadron, except Henry. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Do you have anything to add to your testimony? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: No, sir. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Can you describe the Yeager Loop Cadet? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (demonstrates with hands): The ships begin in a diamond slot formation. They climb and loop backwards at a steep angle... at the peak of the loop, all five ships flip over and accelerate in a new direction.
Jakande gives Tina a very direct look.
COMM. JAKANDE: How long did your squadron remain in the loop?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: A few seconds before we broke the formation.
COMM. JAKANDE (to com): Computer, display Saturn NavCon file six dash three seven nine. These images were obtained by a navigational control satellite in orbit around Saturn during a standard sensor sweep. Computer, freeze image. Magnify sector gamma three and enhance.
The monitor comes alive again and shows a view of space as seen from Saturn. The rings can be seen stretching away from the camera and one or two moons are visible.
COMM. JAKANDE
This image was recorded when your ships moved briefly into the satellite's sensor range. According to the time index, what you see on the monitor took place seven seconds after Nova Squadron completed the Yeager loop. 
Both Captain Branson and Captain Smith were surprised by this.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Now Cadet Branson, are these ships in a diamond slot formation?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: No, sir.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: What is your explanation, Cadet?
Beat. Tina is forced to stonewall, and yet she maintains an outward appearance of confusion.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I have none sir.
On Tina's reaction....
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Commander Ivanova enters.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: You have something?
LT. WILLIAMS: We almost didn't see it but as we were examining the footage before the accident, we found this and you're not going to like it.
Commander Ivanova looks at the screen.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (shocked): You're right I don't like it but I don't think the Captain won't like it either.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY, TINA'S DORM ROOM
Jessica is in her daughter's room pacing about as Tina is sitting on the bed pacing about, her maternal instincts have been aroused, and she's looking for a way to protect her daughter. 
JESSICA: Everything's going to be okay, Tina. There's got to be an explanation for all this. 
Tina says nothing. As Jessica is on her feet, moving around the room, full of energy. 
JESSICA: Williams and T'Lar are working on the footage.
TINA: Why?
JESSICA: There must be something wrong with the satellite data. It might have been tampered with. 
TINA: Mom...that doesn't make any sense. 
JESSICA: Well, there must be some explanation for this. I know you're telling the truth but the satellite data made it look as if you were lying. I've spoken with the other parents. I am going to talk to Admiral McTigue and ask him to delay the inquiry. 
Tina can't let her mother put herself on the line like this. She stops her. 
TINA (firmly): Mom no, you can't do that. 
JESSICA (determined): I'm not going to let them destroy your career, Tina... you haven't done anything wrong. 
Tina looks at her for a long beat. Jessica's faith and belief in her daughter only compounds her sense of guilt. 
TINA: Mom, don't try to protect me. Please stay out of this. 
Jessica looks at Tina. She suddenly realizes she's telling her that she's not completely innocent. The revelation takes the wind out of her sails. Her reaction is one of shock and sorrow, not recrimination. She now knows just how much trouble Tina's in. 
A long beat. She reaches out for her. They hold each other and embrace tightly. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK EIGHT CORRIDOR
Both Jessica and John are heading towards Main Engineering.
JESSICA: She all but admitted to me that she was lying. 
JOHN: Did Tina say anything? 
JESSICA: She just asked me not to help her... but it was the way she said it ... the look on her face... John, I know our daughter, and she's in trouble. 
Branson's look says that he grimly agrees with her. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
They enter and walked towards both Lieutenants Williams and T'Lar.
CAPT. BRANSON: You've got something?
LT. WILLIAMS: We checked your daughter's flight recorder.
CAPT. BRANSON: And?
LT. WILLIAMS: The starboard power flow was fluctuating.
LTJG. T'LAR: However, it was well within operational limits. 
LT. WILLIAMS (thinking): Fluidic pressure in the landing struts was low, but I don't know what difference that would make. 
LTJG. T'LAR (thinks): We did find that Tina had opened her coolant interlock just before beginning the maneuver around Titan. 
CAPT. SMITH: Is that normal? 
LT. WILLIAMS: Not really, Normally the interlock is closed unless you're performing a check on the engine coolant levels. But there's no evidence Tina was performing that sort of check. 
CAPT. BRANSON (thinks): Filling the primary coolant tanks requires an open interlock but that can only be performed in a maintenance bay. Is there any other reason for opening the valve? 
LT. WILLIAMS: It's the first step in purging the plasma exhaust. 
LTJG. T'LAR: That procedure would be extremely hazardous while the ship was in flight. 
LT. WILLIAMS: Yeah, the engine would probably ignite the plasma. 
Suddenly, John puts it together... he suddenly understands it all. 
JESSICA: John? John you alright? 
JOHN (shocked): Ignite the plasma... that's exactly what they were trying to do. 
Branson stares at the screen and his face turns grim as he realizes the astonishing implications. On his reaction... 
(END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT) 
===Act Four===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit of Earth as its buzzing with life.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and 4th Class Cadet Branson enters and stands at attention. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Fourth Class Cadet Tina Branson reporting as ordered sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Cadet. 
She stands at ease Branson studies her for a moment... pointedly does not offer her a chair... then he turns around the terminal on his desk so that Tina can see it. Branson activates the terminal. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Can you tell me what this maneuver is? 
On the monitor we see five ships go into a circle, cross each other's paths and light up a five pointed star. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Its called a Kolvoord Starburst maneuver. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Five ships crossing within ten meters of each other and then igniting their plasma trails. One of the most difficult and spectacular demonstrations of precision flying. It hasn't been performed by an Academy team in over a century. Do you know why? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Because it was banned due to an accident. 
CAPT. BRANSON: An accident that claimed the lives of all five cadets. 
Tina is just standing there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I think that Mister Scotts wanted to end his Academy career in a blaze of glory. That he convinced the four of you to learn the Kolvoord Starburst for the commencement demonstration. If it worked, you would thrill the assembled guests and Scotts would graduate as a living legend. Only it didn't work, and your boyfriend paid the price. 
Tina has a grim look on her face but doesn't move. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Am I correct? 
Tina stands there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cadet, I asked you a question. Am I correct? 
Tina's head snaps up at the tone of command, but she doesn't yield. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I choice not to answer. 
Branson regards her seriously... he gets up from the desk and moves closer to Tina. His attitude is firm and unbending. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You choose not to answer? But you've already given an answer to the inquiry, and that answer was a lie. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I said the accident occurred after the loop. It did. 
Captain Branson is studying his daughter's reactions and presses more. 
CAPT. BRANSON (hard): But you neglected to mention the fact that following the loop your team executed a dangerous maneuver which was the direct cause of the crash.(beat) Yes, you told the truth... but only to a point. And a lie of omission is still a lie. 
Tina says nothing and Branson takes a couple of steps away from her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth. Whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle upon which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened you don't deserve to wear that uniform. I'm going to make this simple for you, Cadet Branson. Either you come forward and tell Admiral McTigue what really took place, or I will. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Captain I... 
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Cadet. 
Tina leaves the ready room as Captain Branson stands there hoping that he'd got through to his daughter.
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY/CADET BRANSON'S DORM ROOM 
Tina is pacing about freaking out as the door chimed and she opens it and Matt enters. 
MATT: What's wrong your call sounded urgent. 
TINA: My father called me to the Enterprise. when I got there he told me that he knows. The Kolvoord maneuver, the cover up, everything. He said that if I didn't come forward and tell the truth now, he would. 
Matt takes a moment to think... he takes a couple of steps around the room as he quickly considers the situation. 
MATT: You said he'd figured it out. Does he have any evidence? 
TINA: No. 
Scotts breathes a little easier... he sees a way out. 
MATT: Captain Branson doesn't know anything. He has a theory. So let him tell the inquiry what he thinks happened. They'll ask us, is it true? We'll say, no, sir. There's no evidence, so there's no case. We'll get off with a reprimand. 
TINA: Matt I can't call my father a liar. 
Matt can see that Tina is deeply conflicted...he moves to shore up his friend's doubts, but the strain of holding things together is starting to show on Matt. His tone has a slight edge to it. 
MATT: Tina... we just have to hold on a little longer... then this will all be over. 
TINA (quiet): Its wrong... 
MATT: Tina? 
TINA: No, Matt this is done I'm going to tell them what happened for real. 
Matt's eyes flash with anger and his temper beings to wear thin. 
MATT: You're going to tell them what happened? You? Alone? Are going to decide what happens to me, to Stacy, to Rain? You're going to decide that? 
TINA: Matt, I'm not going to lie to them again I can't live with this. 
Cadet Scotts is surprised what is going on. 
MATT: You can't lie to them... you can't live with it... you have to tell them what happened. Who the hell are you? 
As Matt asks Tina this last question, he SHOVES Tina back. Tina is surprised by the physical manifestation of Matt's betrayal. Matt keeps moving forward. 
TINA: Matt? 
MATT: You're going to turn us in? 
TINA: Now wait a minute. 
Matt backs up and gets a grip on his temper and sits back in chair. 
MATT: No, you wait a minute. He got to you, didn't he? your father told you some big story about duty and honor. It must've been a pretty good speech to make you turn your back on your friends. 
TINA: We're Starfleet cadets, we have a duty to the truth. 
MATT: What about your duty to your friends? I got you on this team. I gave you a chance when there were upperclassmen waiting in line. I said, She won't let us down. Her father is the commanding officer of the Enterprise. She knows what it's like to trust somebody with her life. I guess I was wrong. 
TINA: If we all come forward together and tell Admiral McTigue. 
MATT: We don't want to come forward...Stacy and Rain and me... we don't have a problem with this. 
Matt looks at Tina for a long beat. 
MATT: But if you do, then resign your appointment to the Academy and walk away. Don't make us pay for your guilty conscience. 
Tina paces about and then back at her squadron leader. 
TINA: You'd let me do that? You'd let me throw my career away just to save your neck? 
MATT: To save the team. That's more important than you, and it's more important than me. And if I was in your place I'd do it without hesitation. But that's me. 
Matt turns his back on Tina and walks out of the room. Off Tina's expression... 
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
It's the next day. The room is once again filled with spectators, the flight team, Jessica, Tina, John, and Cross. Everyone is waiting... finally McTigue and Jakande ENTER and take their seats. McTigue strikes the bell and brings the room to order. She regards the flight team with a grim expression... his tone is somewhat challenging... he knows that something's wrong and that the cadets hold the answer, but he can't do anything about it. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (sighs): Commodore Jakande and I have gone over your testimony and the physical evidence from the crash. Your statements cannot be reconciled with the data collected from the NavCon satellite. Your unwillingness to offer any explanation for this contradiction is disappointing, and raises suspicion. We cannot escape the conclusion that either the data is faulty in some way, or you have lied to us. However suspicion is not proof and I have no proof that you have lied to this inquiry. Therefore, if no further evidence is presented, I have no choice but to close this investigation. For filing an inaccurate flight plan, and for allowing Cadet Cross to fly when you knew he was having difficulties, I am ordering a formal reprimand placed on each of your permanent records. I am also revoking your flight privileges. This inquiry is closed. 
Then Tina stands up. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Sir, I have something else to add. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Proceed Cadet Branson. 
Tina picks up the PADD her father handed her before dismissing her from his ready room. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (re: PADD): Yesterday I testified that the crash occurred following a Yeager loop. That is not entirely true. We performed a loop, and afterwards broke formation and attempted a Kolvoord Starburst. We knew it was prohibited. We knew it was dangerous, but we wanted to do something spectacular for the commencement demonstration. We pushed Henry into it and he wasn't ready. We thought we could do it. We thought we could do anything. We were wrong, and Henry died. Henry didn't let us down, sir. It wasn't his fault. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Mister Scotts do you have anything to add? 
3RD CLASS CADET SCOTTS: No, sir. 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
Captain Branson looks out the window as the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Tina enters. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: You wanted to see me sir? 
Captain Branson turns to face his daughter. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Scotts has been expelled. 
Tina has an expression. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: What about the rest of the squadron? 
CAPT. BRANSON: He came clean and asked Admiral McTigue to spare you and the others. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: They should of expelled all of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They almost did. But... Mister Scotts made an impassioned plea for the rest of you. He said he used his influence as squadron leader to convince you all to try the Kolvoord maneuver and then to cover up the truth. He asked to take full responsibility. 
Hearing about his friend's final gesture makes this even harder on Tina. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (a sad laugh): He did exactly what he said he would. He protected the team. I feel awful. I've let down everyone. My mother, my friends, you. 
Captain Branson puts his hand on her shoulder. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You should feel bad... and you will pay for what you did. Admiral McTigue has given you all reprimands in your records but you will be able to advance with your class. 
Tina is surprised that she and the others are going to be able to advance with their class. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I was able to convince the Admiral to allow you and your squadron to advance, I said that maybe punishing them with not being able to advance is a bit harsh and I think the reprimands will make them work even harder to make up for what they've done. 
TINA (smiles): Thank you father. 
JOHN: I didn't have much to do with it you know what you had to do all you needed was a push in the right direction. 
They hugged. 
TINA: Goodbye dad. 
JOHN: Good luck Tina. 
Tina leaves his ready room. 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise departs Earth orbit heading off to its next adventure. 
(END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS) 
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Susan Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Security Officer Joshua Holiday
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Cadet Tina Branson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Karl Cross
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Fleet Admiral Alan McTigue
*Ashley Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Cadet Matthew Scotts
*TBA as Cadet Rain Lao
*TBA as Cadet Stacy Jameson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===