Balance of Terror (First Frontier episode)

Balance of Terror is the 5th of Star Trek: First Frontier First Frontier Season 1.
==Plot==
The Enterprise and her crew battle a Romulan warbird suspected of destroying several outposts along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN BRANSON'S QUARTERS
John is getting his dress uniform jacket on as he's conducting a wedding between two of his officers, as the doors chimed as he's messing with the collar of his dress uniform.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors whooshed open as Commander Ivanova enters not wearing her dress uniform.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: You still not ready?
John turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am so not use to doing weddings I had to do one on Io Station once.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I remember you were nervous as hell.
She helps him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks how do I look?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Like you're going to a party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ha, ha, ha very funny I'll see you on the bridge when this is over.
He leaves his quarters as Commander Ivanova also leaves and heads to the turbo-lift to head to the bridge.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 1709.1, The Enterprise is on course for Starbase 98 for some well deserve R&R after a monthly exploration mission
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CHAPEL AREA
The crew is gathered for the wedding ceremony as Lieutenant Williams is working on the camera as Captain Branson enters and walks over to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: How is it coming?
LT. WILLIAMS: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good.
He walks over to the stand but Doctor Carlson walks over to him.
DR. CARLSON: Call for you from the bridge.
Captain Branson walks over to the com panel and toggles it.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Alter course for Outpost four inform Starbase 98 we'll be a bit late Branson out.
[He ends the com call and heads to the podium while , a young lady in gold uniform and a pretty head-dress takes Steven's arm and is escorted into the room, to the strains of 'Here Comes The Bride'. Branson goes to the rostrum.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. We are gathered here today with you, Angela Martine, and you, Robert Tomlinson, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs so that you may pledge your.....
[Klaxon blares]
COMPUTER VOICE: All decks, red alert. Repeat, all decks, red alert
The crew scatters as the soon to be married couple kisses and they go their separate ways, as Commander Ivanova's voice comes over the com.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Earth Outpost four reports they're under attack. A space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Copy, Z I am on my way.
John leaves the chapel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew head to their battle stations.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before
=====
Theme Song:
======
A shot of Starbase 1 and the USS Enterprise as she slowly departs from the base, as her warp engines powered up and leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: FIRST FRONTIER
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
======
'BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. ZHASA IVANOVA
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LTJG. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LT. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
BLAKE WAYMIRE
 AS
LTJG. TYSON MITCHELL
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
ENS. KARA CARLSON
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LTJG. JULIA SMITH
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTJG. T'LAR
The Enterprise flies by Earth and her warp nacelles power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is moving towards the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border to support Outpost Four.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[BOATSWAIN'S WHISTLE BLOWS]
CAPT. BRANSON: Situation report Commander?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Lieutenant Smith can brief you.
Commander Ivanova gets up from the Captain's chair and assumes her station, as Captain Branson walks to the helm and navigational stations where Ensign Carlson and Lieutenant Mitchell are at.
LTJG. SMITH: Outpost Four reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any word from Two or Three?
Branson walks to the Captain's chair as Julia finishes her briefing.
LTJG. SMITH: Two has not responded to our hails. And Three has also gone silent.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara what's our speed?
Ensign Carlson checks her console read out and reports.
ENS. CARLSON: Our speed is now maximum, sir. 
Captain Branson toggles the com panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to engineering Steph I need you to give me more speed.
LT. WILLIAMS [com voice]: We'll get more speed out of her
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Thanks Steph, Mister Mitchell how far are we from Outpost four?
Lieutenant Mitchell checks his console read out.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Eight minutes from Outpost Four at this velocity, sir.
Captain Branson turns to Julia.
CAPT. BRANSON: Did outpost four say anything else about the attacker before message terminated?
LTJG. SMITH: No identification, sir.
LTJG. MITCHELL: I'm guessing it's the same attackers, sir. The Romulans.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's not make guesses just yet. I'd like to avoid a war if I can. Maintain course. Alert me when we're two minutes out. Commander Ivanova you've got the bridge I'll be in my ready room I need to get some information on the Romulans.
Captain Branson gets up from the chair and heads to the ready room doors as Commander Ivanova sits in the chair.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: T'Lar keep an eye on sensors as we approach the Romulan Neutral Zone border.
LTJG. T'LAR: Aye, Commander.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds towards the Zone.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is sitting at his desk reviewing information on the Romulan Star Empire from the historical text from the Earth-Romulan War of 2156-2160, he's amazed at how much data is there during Archer's time fighting the Star Empire in that war when the com activates.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge
Captain Branson gets up from his desk and leaves the ready room.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise emerges from warp 2.3 light-years from the outpost.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge from the ready room and Commander Ivanova vacates the Captain's chair and takes her station.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTJG. T'LAR: Detecting a fair amount of debris, but no sign of any attacking ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's triple check. Julia, see if there's any other Federation ships in the sector in case we need back up.
Both officers comply with the order and Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: The Yorktown is closest. A couple hours away.
John remains silent.
LTJG. SMITH: That's my sister's vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes. I'd forgotten.
Lieutenant Smith then reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir, we're being hailed. It's the outpost. Audio only.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Enterprise, can you read me? This is Commander Hansen Al-Salah
Captain Branson leans forward in his command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Outpost four this is Branson we read you Commander what's your status? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Outposts Two, Three and Eight are gone. Unknown weapon completely destroyed. We had our deflector shields on maximum. Hit by enormous power. First attack blew through our shields. If they hit us again with our deflectors gone Do you read me, Enterprise?
Captain Branson says a silent prayer for those on the outposts that were destroyed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We read you, Al-Salah what hit you, Commander? What vessel? Can you identify? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Negative. It all happened so fast. And it seems to have cloaked. Switching to visual. Enterprise, can you see?
A few seconds later transparent viewer shows the command post as fires are plumping as a wounded Commander Al-Salah is at the console as Captain Branson gets up from his command chair in shock at what he's seeing on the viewer. 
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
[ALARMS BLARING] 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Enterprise, can you see it? My command post here. We're a mile deep on an asteroid. Almost solid iron. And even through our deflectors, it did this. Can you see? 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We see Commander was your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, no thank god. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander can you tell us about the attacker? 
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND POST [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
CMDR. AL-SALAH [PANTING]: We're not sure but it was massive and powerful
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are surprised by what he said. 
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMANDER OPS CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Commander Al-Salah looks at his console and reports. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Enterprise, there's something's on our sensors moving fast. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Send us your signal Commander. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Sending it now 
It switches to deep space when a vessel decloaks revealing it to be a brand new Romulan warbird as the crew is in shock at the sight of the new warbird. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Enterprise can you see?
CAPT. BRANSON: Phasers? 
LTJG. MASON: We're still out of range sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander do you have phasers we're still out of range. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead
Captain Branson quickly turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hail them. Warn that ship off! 
Lieutenant Smith works on her console. 
LTJG. SMITH: No response sir. 
Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out. 
'INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND POST (RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
WHUMPH! Everything explodes around the Commander as he's sent flying from his post. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Bright light flashes from the explosion as the bridge crew shield their eyes, then the flash dimishes, as the warbird cloaks and Captain Branson is surprised by that as he turns to Lieutenant T'Lar.
LTJG. T'LAR: Interesting how they became visible for just a moment. Perhaps necessary to use weapons.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir, we've got to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Lieutenant you know that.
T'Lar turns to her station and beings to work on the console.
LTJG. T'LAR: Analyzing their movement patterns now. Give me a moment. 
Then Lieutenant Mitchell reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir, incoming warp signature.
Lieutenant Smith turns to Captain Branson with two fingers on her ear piece.
LTJG. SMITH: LTJG. SMITH: We're being hailed its one of ours its the Yorktown.
CAPT. BRANSON: She was on the side of the Neutral Zone who's hailing us?
LTJG. SMITH: Its Captain Jessica Smith.
[Captain Branson is surprised.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia on screen.
CUT TO:
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
The crew are at their stations. 
CAPT. SMITH: Enterprise, this is Captain Jessica Smith of the USS Yorktown, offering assistance.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
[Captain Branson is standing in front of the viewer with his hands behind his back.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica I thought you had a date on the other side of the Zone.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: We received Outpost Four's distress signal and pushed warp eight for as long as we safely could we have any idea who did this?
LTJG. MITCHELL: We may have an idea of who it is. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We're trying to determine, conclusively.
Then T'Lar reports. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Captains, I have a blip on the motion sensor. Could be the intruder. 
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CMDR. T'VAR: Same here ma'am it seems they are heading to the Neutral zone on a course of one eleven mark fourteen. 
CAPT. SMITH: Home, its heading back to Romulus. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. MITCHELL: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ty, We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war. 
LTJG. MITCHELL (annoyed): They've destroyed three of our outposts. That's not an act of war? 
CAPT. BRANSON: We attack the Romulans without authorization, the Federation will consider us expendable. 
CAPT. SMITH (viewer): We do have another option 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica what's the plan? 
CAPT. SMITH (viewer): We can shadow the ship. Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time
LTJG. MITCHELL: Don't you mean interception course ma'am? 
CAPT. SMITH (viewer): No
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: The Captain is right That would be a declaration of war. But if Enterprise and Yorktown match course and speed with the enemy ship, exactly, move for move, they might think we're just a reflection. Echoes on their sensors. That way we won't lose them while we wait to hear back from Starfleet.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: I like that idea I'll have Julia inform Admiral Nogura at Starbase 98, in the meantime how about you come aboard and we'll compare notes. 
Jessica nods and the transmission ends.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise and Yorktown are side by side.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM (YELLOW ALERT)
Captain Branson is reviewing the information on the Romulans when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Lieutenant Smith enters.
LTJG. SMITH: You got a minute?
John looks up at his sister in law.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Sure, what's up?
JULIA: Its Tyson I am worried about him.
JOHN: Me to he's got some sort of grudge against the Romulans for?
Julia sits in the chair in front of the desk.
JULIA: He's got some family history is great-great grandfather fought in the war with the Romulan Star Empire in the late 22nd century.
John leans forward.
JOHN: Julia should we be worried that he could start a war?
JULIA: I hope not John.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Both vessels are next to each other.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The MSD mission ops console screen shows an EM signal.
LTJG. SMITH: There's a comet ahead, and its trail is reflecting a signal on an unused EM frequency. It is encoded. T'Lar is trying to decipher. But we think it might be from the enemy ship. 
Lieutenant T'Lar leads them over to the science console. 
LTJG. T'LAR: They cut off transmission, but we managed to make a copy. I think it's the feed from their bridge, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan vessel seeing the Romulans, much to the shock of everyone as the camera pushes in on T'Lar.
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is next to the Farragut as a comet is far in the distance.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Jessica materialized on the transporter pad.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain Smith welcome aboard the Enterprise.
CAPT. SMITH: Glad to be back aboard her.
They hug each other.
CAPT. SMITH: I'm still jealous.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, Lieutenant T'Lar, Lieutenant Smith, Lieutenant Mason, Ensign Carlson, Doctor Carlson, and Captain Smith are around the table.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, we're not gonna get out of this problem by not talking about it. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: I'd like to hear what T'Lar has to say for herself. 
T'Lar has her arms crossed. 
LTJG. T'LAR: I assure you Mister Mitchell I had no idea of the similarities between my people and the Romulans. 
CAPT. SMITH: It does seem suspicious. Not the similarity itself, but that we should discover it right now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you suggesting? 
CAPT. SMITH: Well, it's no secret that the Vulcans and the humans are in alliance. Perhaps the Romulans allowed us to see that transmission in hopes that it would sow discord among us. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Even if we ignore the pointy-eared elephant in the room, we have another problem to worry about. We're going to lose our prey. 
ENS. CARLSON: The Romulan vessel will cross the Neutral Zone in about an hour. 
CAPT. SMITH: I don't think we can wait, we have a choice to make here. 
LT. T'LAR: Say we do make that choice. Their plasma weapon can still slice through our deflectors. That, in conjunction with their cloaking device, gives them a tactical advantage. Even against our ships working in tandem. 
DR. CARLSON: Working in tandem for what? To destroy them? Say we're lucky enough to do that. Isn't that, technically, an act of war? 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. CARLSON: This isn't a schoolyard Ty. Billions of lives are at stake here. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I want to hear everyone's opinion on the subject. 
DR. CARLSON: I vote against war. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: So do I. I just think that means killing Romulans. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain your thoughts? 
CAPT. SMITH: What happens when they return to Romulus and tell their leaders that the Federation won't even fight back? I'm starting to lean toward attack. If we allow them to destroy our outposts with no repercussions, we run the risk of war. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I have to believe there's another way. 
LT. T'LAR: I think we should attack. 
Everyone turns to T'Lar. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar? 
LT. T'LAR: Sir, if the Romulans are an offshoot of my Vulcan blood, which I believe, then attack is indeed the only option. Vulcan, like Earth, had its aggressive colonizing period. Savage, even by human standards. If the Romulans retain this martial philosophy, then weakness is something we dare not show. 
LTJG. MITCHELL (smirks): Well, if T'Lar and I can agree, then there's hope for all of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We don't all agree. 
Then Jessica comes up with an idea.
CAPT. SMITH: Hold a moment. Captain Branson, that comet we're approaching might just be the alternative that you've been looking for. T'Lar, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Lar inputs commands into the PADD as the monitor changes to shows the comet. 
CAPT. SMITH: Currently, the Romulan ship is headed for the comet's tail. Now, I know that they're invisible and we can't lock on to their exact position. But the second they go through that, particle distortion will reveal their location. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll be boxing them in. 
CAPT. SMITH: They'll be pendent and we'll be able to get weapons locked. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good plan Captain. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise and Yorktown are side by side but split off to flank the Romulan vessel as we hear Captain Branson's log entry.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Personal Log Stardate 1709.2. Per Captain Smith's plan, we are mounting a pincer move. Our two ships will slowly drift closer as the Romulans remain unaware. When they pass through the comet's tail giving us their exact location, we will be in weapons range
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair deep in thought as we continue hearing the Captain's log.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: My wife, however, has agreed to my plan to neutralize, not destroy, the Bird-of-Prey, leaving open the possibility of dialogue. And yet I remain concerned this brash, young Starfleet captain follows her own rules
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, maintain present course and speed.
ENS. CARLSON: I got my foot on the gas just in case.
EXT-COMET DUST TRAIL
Enterprise moves deeper.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'LAR: Still tracking the gravitational presence of the Romulans. Their trajectory remains unchanged.
CUT TO:
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Holding position, Enterprise just let us know when you see them.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
ENS. CARLSON: We're passing though the tail now sir.
Captain Branson turns in his command chair to face the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any second now.
Transparent viewer shows the debris then just open space as everyone is a bit confused.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Something isn't right.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LTJG. T'LAR: The Captain is right we should of seen them by now.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Enterprise, I don't like this.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
T'Lar's monitor shows the Romulan signature.
LTJG. T'LAR: Reading gravitational signature again. It's behind the Yorktown.
John quickly gets up from his command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: JESSICA GET OUT OF THERE!
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: RED ALERT!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Red alert Kara get us over there as fast as you can.
Ensign Carlson gets to work on her station.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Evasive maneuver Delta Seven!
Ensign Larson works on the helm station.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
A Romulan warbird is behind the Yorktown as the warbird fires at the Federation vessel as far in the distance is the U.S.S. Enterprise rushing to support the Yorktown.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Sam get us behind them.
ENS. LARSON: Aye, Captain.
He works to get the ship behind the Romulan vessel.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
As the Yorktown attempts to get behind the Romulan warbird it fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the Yorktown causing massive damage to the Sombra-Class vessel.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling as the crew are thrown from their stations, and Captain Smith is thrown from her command chair.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan vessel flies off as the Yorktown is drifting as explosions erupt from where the vessel took the bad hit as debris floats from the vessel.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Klaxons blare as coolant spews from the ceiling as console screens flicker and lights flicker as Captain Smith gets up from the floor.
CAPT. SMITH (to com): Enterprise fire phasers now.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We're out of range we might hit you on accident Jess.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH (to com): Or you could draw their fire.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack fire phasers.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and presses the firing button.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise fires off a spread of phaser bolts as the Romulan vessel flies by the damaged Yorktown, as one of the blots scores a hit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. MASON (smiles): We just clipped their wing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good shooting Jack, Julia hail them I want them focused on us. 
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, sir hailing now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep firing. 
Jack inputs commands into the tactical console as T'Lar reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: Detecting a power increase they are getting ready to fire!
Captain Branson tenses up.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The forward section of the Romulan vessel powers up and a green energy cloud plums and lances towards the Enterprise.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transparent viewer shows this.
CAPT. BRANSON: ALL HANDS BRACE FOR IMPACT!
Everyone on the bridge braces.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The plasma torpedo struck the underside of the saucer section causing the deflectors to flicker.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupts from the ceiling and one of the consoles, as John lost his balance but grabs the rail. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LTJG. MASON: Ventral saucer section deflectors down to forty-seven percent. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Damage to Decks Six, Seven, and Nine. And weapon control is down. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): That should have destroyed us. How are we still standing? 
LTJG. T'LAR: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target.
Captain Branson turns to T'Lar.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's the status of the Yorktown?
Screen shows the damage to the Yorktown WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as T'Lar reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: They have sustained heavy damage their life support is failing.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to transporter. Get the pads warmed up, Chief. We're about to test their upper limits.
John leaves the bridge as Commander Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM (RED ALERT)
Captain Jessica Smith and her senior staff are on the transporter pad as some are injured as a medical team helps them off the transporter pads, and take them to sickbay.
CAPT. SMITH: We need to talk now.
They leave the transporter room.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM (RED ALERT)
The pair enters the room.
CAPT. SMITH: You hesitated John you didn't take the chance to fire on the enemy vessel.
John turns to face his wife.
CAPT. BRANSON: I couldn't take the risk of hitting the Yorktown Jessica you guys were crippled and in the line of fire!
Jessica walks up to him.
CAPT. SMITH: I thought you wanted to cripple the Romulan vessel!
CAPT. BRANSON: I still do want to cripple them but not at your expense!
Captain Branson paces about.
CAPT. BRANSON: You must not get it Jessica you were in the line of fire I couldn't take the chance of hitting the Yorktown.
Jessica calms down a bit.
CAPT. SMITH: I know so what are we going to do?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure with the Yorktown crippled and down for the count, the Enterprise is the only remaining vessel along this section of the Neutral Zone border.
Com activates.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captains Branson and Smith please report to the bridge''
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[READY ROOM DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED]
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
Lieutenant T'Lar looks at them and reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the Bird-of-Prey. They are trailing trilithium fragments. Their power supply is damaged. I do not believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus.
CAPT. SMITH: Do we know their course.
LTJG. T'LAR: They are still on course for the Neutral Zone.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We could overtake them before they reach Romulan Space.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our weapons status?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack.
CAPT. SMITH: The Romulans don't know that.
CAPT. BRANSON: They will if we pull up on their six and can't fire. Lieutenant Smith, open a channel to the Romulan ship.
LTJG. SMITH [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know. Open a channel. We're going to send them a message.
CAPT. SMITH [confused]: What are you doing John?
CAPT. BRANSON: Taking a risk. This is Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise. Our two cultures have been at war for 100 years. Long enough that we don't even question it. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk. For the first time in 100 years.
CAPT. SMITH: That was unexpected.
CAPT. BRANSON: They want to destroy us, but they also want to get home. Knowing what your opponent wants is key to a successful negotiation.
CAPT. SMITH: Assuming they want to speak to you.
Captain Branson looks at her as Lieutenant Smith report.
LTJG. SMITH: Captain Branson the Romulans are hailing us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Looks like we're about to find out. On screen, please, Julia.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain Branson, it is good to make your acquaintance.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is standing in front of the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander. I know your ships attacked our outposts on the edge of the Neutral Zone. But I also know that our two cultures have been at war for generations without ever having been face-to-face. I don't know why your ancestors attacked Earth or what my ancestors did in retaliation. I only know that we're paying a bill that was written long before
you and I were ever born. Perhaps it's time we reconsider the cost. So, we can blow each other out of the sky using what little power we have left, or we can try something different.
We can explain ourselves to each other. Understand each other. Empathize. If we don't, this war between us will simply continue, unabated. And the cost for that is sure. Death. More and more death.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Are peoples are indeed different Captain not sure if your words are a show of force or weakness or.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commander R'Lok is on the viewer as the bridge crew are tensed up wondering what he is going to do. 
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: A way of distracting us in time to make repairs and destroy my vessel, but I am interested in what you have to propose 
CAPT. BRANSON: Both our ships are damaged. Your cloak is unstable, which leaves you vulnerable to our weapons. Maybe you have enough power to attack us. Maybe you have enough power to get back to Romulus without repairs. Conversely, maybe we can marshal
our weapons and destroy you before you make it to the Neutral Zone. Or perhaps we chase you across the border and destroy you and get out before anyone's the wiser.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK [interested]: So what is it that you're suggesting, Captain?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: A good faith gesture. Two hours. Enough time to repair our ships and bury the dead. And maybe this bit of mercy will lead to something further and better between our two cultures.
INT-ROMULAN MAIN BRIDGE 
The Romulan Commander thinks. 
CMDR. R'LOK: Very well then two hours. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Two hours and Commander I'm glad we had a chance to chat. 
CMDR. R'LOK (viewer): Same here 
Transmission ends as Jessica looks at her husband. 
CAPT. SMITH: So that's it we're just going to let them repair their weapons and let them blow us out of the sky? 
John looks at her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: No, we're also going to be repairing our weapons and deflectors. 
As he's walking to his command chair Lieutenant Mitchell turns to him. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Yorktown right in front of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Stand down Ty. 
He pushes more. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: YOU CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THAT! 
CAPT. BRANSON (frustrated): STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT! Or I will have you removed from the bridge am I clear. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Crystal sir. 
He turns back to his station. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement. 
Jessica still standing next to her husband's command chair. 
CAPT. SMITH: I wonder what they're doing? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hopefully the same thing that we are repairing our vessel. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Both the Romulan Commander and his first officer are working as the Sub-Lieutenant is a bit annoyed.
SUB-COMMANDER: A cease-fire? This is Federation weakness. Is it not the Romulan way to attack when we are given advantage like this? 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: We are engaged in a cease-fire, Sub-commander. We have two hours. Put all hands to repair our engines. If we do not, we will not make it back to Romulus. 
SUB-COMMANDER (annoyed): Sir, we should commit all hands to weapons repair. The Federation has given us the advantage. We can strike before this ridiculous cease-fire is completed. 
They walk away from ear shot. 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: This is your fourth mission, is it not, Sub-commander? 
SUB-COMMANDER: Third sir. 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: I served with your Uncle Tarqan during the Reman campaign, did you know that, Sub-commander? 
SUB-COMMANDER: I did. 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: His death was a great victory for Romulus. Yes, he was brave. His commander, however, was a fool. He forced him to fight after we'd lost weapons, and the only logical choice was retreat. He did not have to die.
SUB-COMMANDER: Sir? 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: His death was a waste. And it was stupid. It left us weaker. Now, I can say that because I'm old enough and I don't care what people think of me. Pride is not something we can afford. We look at the world clearly on my ship. We do not make choices based on ego. Engines first. Then, weapons. That is my order. Or are you so arrogant you think you know better than your Commander? 
SUB-COMMANDER: No, sir. 
ROMULAN COMMANDER: Good. 
He walks away as the Sub-Commander can't believe that his commanding officer isn't going to destroy the Enterprise.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN BORDER
The Enterprise remains at station keeping.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson is thinking when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Commander Ivanova enters holding a PADD. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (re: PADD): A repair report from Lieutenant Williams. 
She hands it to him and reviews it. 
CAPT. BRANSON (re: PADD): How long till we have tactical systems? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: He estimates that we'll have phasers in a few hours but he's having issues with the primary couplings that control the phasers. 
Captain Branson puts the PADD down as he is worried. 
CAPT. BRANSON: He gave us one hour for both vessels to complete our repairs. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: You took a bold move to hail them John. 
He looks at his xo. 
CAPT. BRANSON: History 101 Z know your enemy and how to talk to him both me and Kyle learned that at the Academy, I've made it a point to remember that course even in this situation. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I hope we get back up soon. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Me too Z, me too. 
John tenses up a bit then the doors opened and Jessica walks into the ready room. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: If you'll excuse me I'm going to give Steph a hand repairing the phasers. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep me posted. 
She nods and leaves as Jessica walks over to her husband's desk. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Are you going to yell at me some more about my command style? 
Jessica sits in the chair in front of the desk. 
JESSICA: No, I was surprised that you took a big risk contacting the Romulan vessel John. 
JOHN: I took the risk of doing that I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford. You want me to tell you that I wouldn't have tried to blow those Romulans out of the sky? 
JESSICA: Well, I would have. But it wasn't my call. Okay. We're here, now. And the truth is I don't know these Romulans can't be trusted. But I also don't know if they can. And neither do you. 
JOHN: Fair enough. 
JESSICA: I'd like to explore a backup plan. If you'll give me the resources. 
JOHN: I'm listening. 
JESSICA: Look, the Romulans just bought themselves some time. Sure, they can use that time to make repairs. But remember, they're on the edge of the Neutral Zone. They could also use it to call for reinforcements. 
John looks at her. 
JOHN: True, they could but the Romulan Commander gave his word that we'd have a two hour cease-fire. 
JESSICA: John, I'd like to suggest that we call for reinforcements as well. 
JOHN: Jessica, we're on the far edge of Federation space. It takes days to get a message to Starfleet. We're weeks away from help getting to us, even at maximum warp.
JESSICA: Yeah, but the Romulans don't know that.
JOHN: What are you suggesting?
JESSICA: Captain Branson is it ok if I borrow a shuttle.
CUT TO:
INT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Star Trek fanfare music plays as the shuttle flies out of the shuttle bay and leaps into warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Commander Ivanova and Lieutenant Williams are helping Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson and his staff get the weapons back on-line. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Try it now. 
Lieutenant Williams works at one of the consoles. 
LT. WILLIAMS: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused. 
Commander Ivanova gets up from underneath one of the consoles just wearing her vest while her gold uniform jacket is on the console. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I don't need to remind you that we have less than two hours to restore phaser control to working order. 
LT. WILLIAMS (sighs): I'm an engineer not a miracle worker Commander. 
Then Commander Tomlinson comes up with an idea. 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Then we should try a bypass of the severed relays then Martine see if you can get a bypass to the secondary phaser couplings. 
LT. MARTINE (nods): Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Martine gets to work. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. SMITH: Two minutes Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Status?
LTJG. MASON: Weapons are still down sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Weapons Control Room Status report?
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON (com voice): Working on it Captain, working on it
LTJG. SMITH: Two hours, Captain. And mark.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia, hail the Romulans.
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Have you repaired your ship, Commander? 
INT-ROMULAN VESSEL MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Have you repaired yours, Captain? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
CAPT. BRANSON: Conventional wisdom suggests that our next move is to resume hostilities. To fight. You yourself told me that in your culture to do anything else would be a sign of weakness. But let me tell you a way in which humans are not weak. Our strength comes from our willingness to see a partner instead of an enemy. In our culture, that is an act of faith and strength, not a failure of character. Do Romulans have that kind of strength? 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CMDR. R'LOK: I too tire of endless war.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
[INTERMITTENT BEEPING] 
[ALARM BLARING] 
[Everyone starts working on their console as the aft monitor shows: PERIMETER ALERT and shows a bunch of Romulan symbols.]
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The camera pushes back from the Enterprise as it shows the entire Romulan battlegroup emerge from warp one at a time. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
Transparent viewer shows the entire Romulan battlegroup as the crew is tensed up and Captain Branson is shocked seeing this. 
(END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT)
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is facing the might of the Romulan battlegroup.
INT-ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY MAIN BRIDGE
Screens show the Romulan battlegroup around the bird of prey as the Commander R'Lok is shocked by this. 
CMDR. R'LOK (shocked & surprised): Why is the fleet here? I did not call for them. 
ROMULAN SUB-COMMANDER: I alerted them of our situation, Commander. The Federation showed weakness. It is the Romulan way to strike. You were not going to. I took matters into my own hands. 
Commander R'Lok looks at his officer. 
CMDR. R'LOK (frustrated & angry): You disobeyed a direct order. 
ROMULAN SUB-COMMANDER: Had you not negotiated with the Federation, I would not have needed to. We undertook this mission to test the strength of the Federation. They showed us they lack it. We should have destroyed them the moment they did. 
CMDR. R'LOK: You don't remember a time without war. But I do. Who wins an endless war with the Federation? 
ROMULAN SUB-COMMANDER: We will, Commander. 
CMDR. R'LOK: An endless war, by definition, can never be won. Captain Branson will not trust my word now. 
ROMULAN SUB-COMMANDER: What does that matter? He will be dead soon. 
Commander R'Lok gets out his disruptor and shot the Sub-Commander vaporizing him in front of the entire crew as the Commander R'Lok is worried.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows this as Captain Branson remains standing as Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LTJG. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed its the Romulan flagship. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan flagship as a female Romulan wearing the robes of a Romulan Praetor. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): Human I'm here to demand your surrender
CAPT. BRANSON: Well hello to you as well I'm Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise and I didn't catch your name? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: You may address me as Praetor and it is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Seeing how we're not Romulans and this isn't a Romulan vessel you'll forgive us if we don't, and also we're holding to our side of the zone as are you and yet you demand my surrender? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (scoff): Typical human arrogates as always even though we almost 
defeated you in the last war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor if I remember correctly we won that war because of the arrogates of the last Romulan Praetor and his lust for power. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: Captain we've have you surrounded and you will surrender or we will destroy you have one minute to comply. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to face the bridge crew. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You know I don't like her. 
Then sensors beep as T'Lar reports. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Perimeter alert. We have ships incoming, sir. Dozens.
Captain Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: More Romulans? 
T'Lar checks her console read out.
LTJG. T'LAR: No, they look like ours?
John turns back to the viewer.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The small shuttle exits warp along with what appears to be older vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is surprised by this.
LTJG. SMITH: I've got a secure channel from the lead ship, sir. It's Captain Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the shuttle canopy.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: John, the reinforcements you ordered? Been 100 years since the Federation has seen the Romulans. We didn't know what their ships looked like, and so I figured they don't know what ours look like, either
LTJG. SMITH [confused]: All robotic mining craft?
CUT TO:
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
CAPT. SMITH: Mining, hauling. Not one of them manned. But to the Romulans, who's to say we aren't a Federation armada?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Nice work Jess.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: It's enough to bluff with, I hope. Try not to get us in a real fight
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll try to do my best thanks Jessica, Bridge to Weapons control Z we need weapons.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL (RED ALERT) 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (to com): We're making progress. The conduits are severely damaged we're attempting to bypass the damaged relays but it may take sometime. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Work faster, Z. We're going to need weapons soon or we're not going to need them at all. 
Then Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LTJG. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed by the Romulan Praetor. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep a secure channel open for Captain Smith to listen on.
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jess you ready to sell this.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: As I'll ever be John
Captain Branson walks back to the main viewer as the image of his wife shrinks a bit and the Romulan Praetor appears again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What can I do for you now? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): A Federation battlegroup? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well you didn't like my idea. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (frustrated): This is an act of unwanted aggression on the border of our territory Captain. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: No, just a standard training maneuver that happened to land our fleet here the same time as yours. You want to know what actually is an act of unparalleled aggression? A Romulan Bird-of-Prey using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Praetor thinks then smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I know nothing of which you speak of. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll send you a recording of it de-cloaking right before destroying Outpost Four. 
He turns to Lieutenant Smith and nods she transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I see. 
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Ensign Carlson reports. 
ENS. CARLSON: Romulan ship is de-cloaking and breaking formation. Heading our way. 
Captain Branson turns to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor what is this? 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: This is a culling, Captain. That commander should not have allowed himself to be caught. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
ENS. CARLSON: Sir, its the bird of prey we've been chasing. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia get me the Romulan Commander. 
She inputs commands into the communications console. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain. So, we see each other once again, after all. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you doing? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: I never called for that armada. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: We can beam you and your crew to the Enterprise, you don't need to do this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: It is not our way. I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could've called you friend. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What purpose would it serve to die? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: We are creatures of duty, you and I. Just one more duty to perform. Do not be upset. I have accepted my fate. Perhaps, someday, my sacrifice will lead to an end to this conflict between us. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The bridge crew can't believe this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
Returning to his station, the commander and his bridge crew brace themselves. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. MASON: They're powering weapons. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Commander closes his eyes. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The Romulan armada opens fire. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
[EXPLOSIONS ERUPT] 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan warship explodes into a thousand pieces. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew is shocked by what they just saw as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: The Praetor is hailing us.
Captain Branson walks back to his command chair as he sits in it.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Praetor appears on the viewer. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (Viewer): Our fleet is stronger now. And I am ready to accept your surrender
CAPT. BRANSON: This is really how you want to end 100 years of peace? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): What do Romulans care of peace? It means nothing to us. And your apparent affinity for it has sealed your fate. Thank you, Captain Branson. If not for your weakness, we would never have known what easy targets your Federation would be. Goodbye
Transmission ends as Lieutenant Mason reports. 
LTJG. MASON: They're powering weapons again. 
Everyone is tensed up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Kara Zeta seven.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan fleet begins opening fire on the automated drone fleet as the Enterprise is dodging weapons fire but takes a few hits as a plasma torpedo streaks by the ship destroying one of the drone freighters.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A bright flash on the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jess, get back here. We're about to warp out.
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Reflection of the hail of disruptor fire and the Enterprise moving to port and starboard.
CAPT. SMITH [to com]: Acknowledged.
CUT TO
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON: Sir, warp drive will not engage.
CAPT. BRANSON: What?
ENS. CARLSON: I'm not sure sir.
He toggles the com button.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Engineering Steph what's going on with warp drive?
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LT. WILLIAMS (to com): We've got a bit of a power surge going on down here sir we're fixing it now.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTJG. T'LAR: Sir, 14 starships are moving in around us.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jess, what are you doing?
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH [to com]: Covering your escape. Get those engines fixed.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The drones are between the Romulans and the Enterprise.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the drones gathering around the Enterprise.
LTJG. MITCHELL: She's using the drones as a wall.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan flagship fires its plasma torpedo as one of the drone freighters is between the plasma torpedo and the Enterprise, as the torpedo strikes the vessel destroying it the wave rocks the Enterprise as her deflectors took the brunt of it.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling and one of the consoles as the bridge crew are thrown from their consoles as Captain Branson is flung from his command chair as klaxons blare and they get up as power hums back on as Ensign Carlson reports.
ENS. CARLSON: We've got engines back.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Captain Smith has beamed aboard.
LTJG. T'LAR: Picking up another power increase!
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it!
Ensign Carlson activates the warp drive.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise starts to wake up as debris floats around her as the Romulan flagship powers up another plasma torpedo and launches it but the Enterprise was able to enter warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Smoke is everywhere around the bridge as Captain Branson stands up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
LTJG. MITCHELL: Reports coming from all decks.
LTJG. MASON: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit.
CAPT. BRANSON: Z, T'Lar you've got the bridge.
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift and toggles the lever.
CAPT. BRANSON: Medical.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY (RED ALERT)
Doors opened as wounded are being rushed to bio-beds or to surgery as Captain Branson looks around surveying the injured among his crew, he walks over to one of the bio-beds and sees Lieutenant Martine who is next to the bio-bed as her husband lies there dead. 
DR. CARLSON: A plasma conduit explodes caught him right in the face there was nothing I could of done to save him. 
Doctor Carlson pats the young woman on her shoulder as she's holding her husband's lifeless hand crying as John turns to Steven.
CAPT. BRANSON: What about Commander Ivanova?
He leads him to her bio-bed.
DR. CARLSON: She's got a severe concussion some broken ribs when we took the brunt of that plasma torpedo, but she'll make a full recovery. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches Starbase medical outpost 14.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR, AIRLOCK
Several wounded officers are being off-loaded for further treatment.
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE MEDICAL 14 MESS HALL
Jessica is wearing a nice dress as John walks over to her. 
JOHN: Hey I'm glad that you got my call. 
JESSICA: I almost didn't come after what happened in your ready room. 
They sit at the table. 
JOHN: Yeah about that Jess you were right the Romulans can't be dealt with by talking to them, they only know one thing and that's war and I hope you can forgive me for being a jerk to you. 
She takes his hand. 
JESSICA (smiles): I've already forgiven you John. 
He smiles. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
An established shot of Starbase Medical Outpost 14. 
(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
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven 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 Lieutenant Commander Robert Tomlinson
*TBA as Lieutenant Angela Martine
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Hansen Al-Salah
*TBA as Commander R'Lok
===Special Guest Stars===
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Commander John Garrovick
*TBA as Lieutenant Dylan Mulholland
*TBA as Yorktown Crewmen
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Sara Jones
*TBA as Lieutenant Elizabeth Palmer
*TBA as Ensign Samuel Larson
*TBA as Doctor Ashley Peterson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*This episode was inspired by the TOS episode Balance of Terror and the Strange New Worlds season 1 finale episode A Quality of Mercy.
*A John focus episode.