Launched (TNG Novel)

Launched is the series opener of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
Commander John Branson gets promoted to captain of a ship, the USS Enterprise. He must navigate how to rescue his friend, while struggling with what to do about his life after what happened to him a long time ago.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
After the devastating engagement against the Reman warlord Shinzon the U.S.S. Enterprise and her crew were victorious in stopping him, but at the cost of Lieutenant Commander Data who gave his life to protect his ship and his friends. Now since the power vacuum was left by Shinzon's defeat the Romulan Star Empire has retreated back into its borders but only time will tell
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
COMM. BRANSON (voice over): No matter how many stars there are in the sky, no matter how many galaxies swirl beyond our own, no matter what the mathematical probabilities or the number of times we say 'we are not alone in the universe', our first visit from the stars is always the province of children's stories and science fiction. First contact with aliens always lives squarely in the impossible. First contact is just a dream... until one day, it isn't
INT-KILEY 179 OBSERVATION POST
Someone walks into the room.
KILEY COLONEL: Show me what you've got?
KILEY SCIENTIST: Something in a low orbit of the planet it appears to be an unidentified flying object.
Then the screen shows the USS Harrison NCC-789 a Excelsior-Class Starship as everyone is shocked at the sight.
[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....
The Enterprise leaps into warp.
=====
Theme Song:
======
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
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 Jane Kal
The Enterprise flies by a Interstellar dust cloud
Kevin Regan
 as
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
Delena "Dee" Lusk
 as
Ensign Jamie Kaye
The Enterprise approaches a nebula
Sadie Waymire
 as
Ensign Sito Jaxa
The Enterprise flies by a asteroid field
Jacob Elliot
 as
Doctor Paul Langford
Ferne Myers
 as
Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
The Enterprise flies under a comet.
Becky Elliot
 as
Lieutenant T'Mir
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
An establishing shot of Starbase 324 as Starfleet vessels are flying towards the base underneath the base are docking berths that house the larger Starfleet vessels, as the camera pans forward on one that holds the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E Century-Class.
CMDR. BRANSON'S [voice over]: First officer's Log Stardate 55436.1, The Enterprise has been docked at Starbase 324 for a few weeks now after escorting a damaged Bajoran freighter to DS9
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE COMMANDER BRANSON'S QUARTERS BEDROOM AREA
CMDR. BRANSON'S [voice over]: We're still awaiting the return of Captain Picard who was recalled to Earth for a debriefing at Starfleet Command, so far we've not heard when he's going to return to the ship
A shot of a bed and a young woman in the bed face down and her hand moves over to the empty side of the bed.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE COMMANDER BRANSON'S QUARTERS, KITCHEN AREA
John is in pajamas making breakfast while the movie Pearl Harbor is being played in the background.
JESSICA [O.S]: Pearl Harbor again?
John turns to face his wife.
JOHN [smiles]: Its about our history as a race and how much we changed since then, screen off I've made breakfast your favorite my famous scrambled eggs with scrambled sausage and bacon.
They're having breakfast then the screen flashes INCOMING TRANSMISSON Jessica looks at John.
JESSICA: Are you going to answer that?
John turns to the screen then back to his wife.
JOHN: Its probably nothing important.
Jessica looks at her husband.
JESSICA: John you've been ignoring Starfleet since the incident.
John looks at her.
JOHN: How can I go back when I know that I almost got Doctor Crusher killed?
Jessica looks at him.
JESSICA: I ship out tomorrow at 0600. Back in a month.
John holds her hand.
JOHN: Maybe we could get together when you come back I'll still be here.
John stands up with her and they kiss.
JESSICA: I hope you're not here when I get back cause you've got another place to be.
She leaves his quarters as John then hears the door chime.
JOHN: Come.
Doors opened and its Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard as he's standing on the other side.
JEAN-LUC: John?
John turns to see his former commanding officer and friend.
JOHN [smiles]: Jean-Luc what are you doing here at Starbase 324?
JEAN-LUC: Well you're not answering your coms so I decided to personally come to you.
JOHN: Really what are you doing here Jean-Luc?
JEAN-LUC: John?
JOHN: You're not hearing me Jean-Luc, we both agreed that I'd have until Enterprise left space dock.
Jean-Luc walks over to the table that has a photo of both John and Jessica at their wedding.
JEAN-LUC [sighs]: John, before deciding whether or not but then we lost contact with her.
He hands him the PADD and he hears the voice of Captain Jamie Towe.
CAPT. TOWE [com voice]: We've found something they've got here it appears to be warp technology, we're not sure how they got it but they have it we're attempting to get back to the beam down point but we're trapped here they're coming
Screen fizzes out.
JEAN-LUC: We've not heard from the Harrison since then all chance of reestablishing contact with them have failed.
JOHN: And?
JEAN-LUC: I'm pulling Enterprise out of space dock.
JOHN: She's still being refitted and upgraded if I remember correctly.
JEAN-LUC: She can skip the redundant systems checks. I want her crewed up and ready to fly by 1800.
John paces about and leans on the table crossing his arms.
JOHN: Jean-Luc?
JEAN-LUC: John you're the best officer, and I know that you're not having the best time after that last mission. But I need you to get back on that horse and face it.
John is worried.
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-PLANET ORBIT
An establishing shot of Starbase 324 as the camera shows the U.S.S. Enterprise docked at one of the docking areas on the bottom.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams is looking over the refitted engine room as the warp core is humming, she looks at the PADD.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Harris let's make sure the phase inducers are working properly so when the Captain says hit we're not stuck here at Starbase.
LTJG. HARRIS (nods): Yes, Commander.
They leave to get to work on the phase inducers.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson materialized onto the pad as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova is awaiting his arrival.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John, welcome aboard.
He walks down from the transporter pad and hands the PADD over to Chief Mackenzie.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Chief Mackenzie.
They leave the transporter room.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK SIX CORRIDOR
They're walking through the corridor.
CAPT. BRANSON: Where are we at?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Systems are all nominal. But as you know, no simulations were run. The main A.I. has been upgraded. Personnel rotation was in process. A few officers will have to billet after the mission. That includes the chief engineer and Lieutenant Kirk, whom I know you requested.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright that's good let's get to work.
They enter the lift.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TURBO-LIFT
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Deck 1, Main Bridge.
Lift starts moving as Captain Branson reviews the PADD.
CAPT. BRANSON: When is our new Chief Science Officer suppose to be aboard?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: According to Doctor Carlson she came aboard shortly before you beamed aboard.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The doors opened and (BOATSWAIN'S WHISTLE BLOWS)
LTJG. MASON: Captain on the Bridge!
The crew snaps to attention.
CAPT. BRANSON: As you all were.
They resume their work as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason walks over to them.
LTJG. MASON: Welcome aboard Captain Branson sir I'm Lieutenant Jack Mason your new Chief of Security and tactical officer.
They shook hands.
CAPT. BRANSON: You've got some pretty big shoes to fill Mister Mason.
LTJG. MASON (nods): I am well aware of that sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Alright, welcome back and welcome aboard everyone ready Ensign Kaye.
Ensign Kaye checks her console read out and reports.
ENS. KAYE: Course for Sector 234 has been plotted and laid is Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ops?
ENS. SITO: Lights are green across the board. She feels ready to me, Captain and Starbase Ops has cleared us for departure.
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then Mrs. Kaye take us out one-half impulse straight and steady.
ENS. KAYE (smiles): Aye, sir.
Ensign Kaye inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The moorings retract and umbilical cords release from the hull and the Enterprise's impulse engines power up and the ship slowly backs up from the docking bay and turns slowly.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows clear space.
ENS. CARLSON: We're five by five for warp sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it.
She activates the warp drive.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise leaps into warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson activates the ship-wide button on the left arm rest control panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: This is your captain. We're a little early out of the gates, so I hope we didn't catch anybody with your hair wet or your pants down.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS
The crew is listening to Captain Branson's speech.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: As you're all aware, Starfleet sends out a first contact team whenever our deep space probes detect signs of a working warp engine. Six days ago, the signature of a functioning warp drive appeared on Kiley 279. The USS Harrison went to say hello. We have since lost contact. Our mission is to find our people and bring them home. And maybe if we get lucky, make some new friends
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Nobody dies. This mission will not be anybody's last day. Captain out.
He ends the ship-wide.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let me know when we arrive I'll be in my ready room you've got the conn Commander.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and heads to his ready room as Commander Ivanova sits in the command chair.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise is on course for Kiley 279.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is looking out at the warp energy stream streaking by as the doors chimed twice.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Ivanova enters.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John are you alright?
He turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm alright Z.
She looks at him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John I could tell something is bothering you?
He walks over to the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Z I almost got Beverly killed when I served on this vessel.
ZHASA: I read the mission report it was a first contact mission and something went wrong?
JOHN (sighs): And ever since then I've been second guessing myself and now am I going to risk the lives of everyone on this ship and the Harrison?
ZHASA: John I've read the report from Fleet Captain Picard and he says that you were the best officer that he had ever served with and you did what you thought was right.
John looks at the desktop monitor seeing Doctor Crusher badly wounded when the com activates.
LTJG. MASON (com voice): Captain Branson report to the bridge
They leave the ready room.
The Enterprise drops out of warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Both John and Zhasa walk onto the bridge as Lieutenant Mason goes to the tactical console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
Lieutenant T'Mir a Romulan female officer who recently was assigned to the Enterprise is at the science station and reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: I'm detecting the Harrison she's on the night side of the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us over there.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Ensign Kaye inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
Enterprise approaches the Harrison.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the Daedalus-class vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Bio-signs.
ENS. SITO: I am detecting 176 bio-signs onboard.
Captain Branson leans forward in the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Have you been able to contact the Harrison?
LTJG. MASON: I've been trying sir but so far no response wait I am getting a hail its from the Harrison.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Harrison.
CAPT. TOWE [viewer]: John thank god the Enterprise is here
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie what is going on?
CAPT. TOWE [viewer]: Sensors detected a warp signature on the planet surface I sent a landing party down to the surface, and I've not heard from them since they've beamed down to the surface
CAPT. BRANSON: Strange have to got the location of the warp signature?
Lieutenant T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: I have it, sir. Although--
Captain Branson turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not really in the mood for although T'Mir.
LTJG. T'MIR: I'm having trouble locking on. Its location may be shielded. This warp signature's also got a pretty weird signal variance.
CAPT. BRANSON: Pretty weird?
Lieutenant Mason is at his station then looks up.
LTJG. MASON: I recommend we raise deflectors.
Captain Branson turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Why?
LTJG. T'MIR: Mister Mason any obviously defensive posture is in direct violation of first contact protocols.
LTJG. MASON: Look at the strange thing that's going on here sir No hails from the surface or sub-space chatter. No interplanetary traffic. Not one orbital dock.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's your point?
LTJG. MASON: This planet isn't showing any signs of colonialization.
Captain Branson put two and two together.
CAPT. BRANSON: Which means they're a century behind in creating warp drive.
Then T'Mir checks her console read out and reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: Detecting an energy spike! 
Lieutenant Mason checks his console and reports.
LTJG. MASON: It's coming from the surface.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it.
Transparent viewer shows energy blots heading towards them.
CAPT. BRANSON: DEFLECTORS UP!
Lieutenant Mason activates the deflectors.
EXT-KILEY SYSTEM, KILEY 279 ORBIT
The four energy blots strikes the forward deflectors of the Enterprise as the deflectors make a crackling sound.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
WHUMPH!
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage?
Ensign Sito checks her console read out and reports.
ENS. SITO: Minimal damage the deflectors are firming up if we didn't have our deflectors up it would of been a massive damage.
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. BRANSON: Great call Mister Mason.
LTJG. MASON: Thank you sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us up, Jamie. Maybe they'll think they got us. 
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: What is going on down there? Plasma torpedoes? That's 21st-century tech. How in the hell did these people develop a faster-than-light engine?
LTJG. T'MIR: They didn't I recommend we go to red alert sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Red Alert!
Lights dimmed as klaxons blare.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS (RED ALERT)
The crew heads to their battle stations.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: All battle stations are manned sir.
Captain Branson crosses his arms still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie come to our port side we'll use our deflectors to shield you in case they decide to fire weapons at us.
Captain Towe nods and transmission ends.
ENS. SITO: The Harrison has taken up its position along our port side sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: How are they able to fire at us?
LTJG. T'MIR: I have analyzed the signal variance Ensign Kaye isolated. These people have not built a warp drive. Based on these readings, they have built a warp bomb.
Captain Branson turns to him shocked as he turns back to the viewer.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-KILEY SYSTEM, KILEY 279 ORBIT
Both the Enterprise and Harrison are both in a high orbit.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
The senior staff are around the table.
LTJG. T'MIR: It would seem there are two warring factions. And their conflict has escalated to a crisis point. Surface scans of the planet are consistent with pre-warp society.
CAPT. BRANSON: How is that possible that they built a warp bomb?
LTJG. T'MIR: Unknown at the moment sir.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: We haven't figured out how they were able to do that.
He shakes his head.
LTJG. MASON: If those torpedoes are all they have to throw at us we should beam down and rescue our people.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: One problem.
CAPT. BRANSON: General Order 1 The Prime Directive.
LTJG. MASON: Which means?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Which means that we can't interfere in the development of a non-warp planet.
ENS. SITO: So we just leave our people down there?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm taking a landing party down to the surface T'Mir, Commander Williams, Mister Mason you're with me Z you've got the bridge.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed.
CUT TO:
EXT-KILEY 279 SURFACE, DAY
The Enterprise landing party materializes on the surface wearing civilian outfits and they look around the beam down point as Lieutenant T'Mir gets out her tricorder.
LTJG. T'MIR [re: Tricorder]: The Harrison landing party is in that direction.
They head towards the science building. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We're still detecting the source of the signal. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [to com]: Same here sir wish you would of allowed me to lead the landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: I know Z but I needed to do this myself
INT-KILEY 179 SCIENCE BUILDING
After sneaking by the guards the landing party moves towards the elevators.
LTJG. MASON: I am detecting the Harrison landing party.
EXT-PLANET ORBIT
The Enterprise along with the Harrison is in a high orbit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Commander Ivanova is at the engineering station where Assistance Chief Engineer Payne is at the console.
LTJG. PAYNE: So if we're going to get rid of it then we need to make sure they don't have the ability to make another one.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): But how we can't risk violating the Prime Directive.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (to com): Do you want me to prep a strike team?
CUT TO:
INT-PRISONER BLOCK B
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Standby for now.
They're searching the block and Mason unlocks the doors.
INT-PRISON CELL
Lieutenant Commander Clarkson is on the cot looking like he was tortured.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle its John.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON (smiles): John thank god you're here.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is going on here?
LTCMDR. TATE: We're not sure sir we were just searching when we were captured and put in here.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's get out of here.
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Mason, Lieutenant Commander Clarkson, Commander Tate, and Lieutenant Commander Carvus , Lieutenant Stephanie Williams and Lieutenant T'Mir leave the prison area.
INT-ELEVATOR
The doors close as the lift starts moving.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright Commander what the hell is going on?
Commander Tate remains firm.
CAPT. BRANSON: I just asked you a question Mister Tate?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: They got it from us during the last battle with the Romulans in sector 234 they saw something that was able to be seen from their world.
Captain Branson leans back in shock.
LT. WILLIAMS: So we're responsible?
LTCMDR. TATE: Yes it is our fault and that's why Starfleet Command sent us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well I'm here and I'll put an end to this you guys head back to the ship.
LTJG. T'MIR: Sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: You heard me.
Lieutenant Mason tapped his communicator.
LTJG. MASON (to com): Mason to Enterprise six to beam up leave the Captain and Mister Clarkson.
The landing party and the Harrison landing party dematerialized as Captain Branson and Commander Clarkson are ready and the doors opened and several guards are aiming their weapons at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hi take me to your leader.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-PLANET ORBIT
The Enterprise and Harrison are in orbit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
COMM. BRANSON (viewer): He's doing what now?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Yeah he's convince that he can talk them out of doing what we did to ourselves in the 21st century.
Commodore Branson rubs his temples.
CUT TO:
INT-GOVERNOR BUILDING
Captain Branson and Kyle are standing before the main leader as their communicators is on her desk. 
CAPT. BRANSON: The failure was ours. We owe your entire world a profound apology. 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: You're saying our ingenuity was actually- your mistake? 
Captain Branson puts his hands behind his back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: No, I'm saying that we should've been more circumspect about exposing our technologies. A tenet of our people is not to influence less-developed civilizations. 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: How perfectly noble. 
CAPT. BRANSON: The power you're harnessing can bridge the gap between worlds. But its capacity for destruction cannot be underestimated. 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: We have been in conflict with a seditious faction for centuries. This is our opportunity to end that conflict. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Through mass murder? 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: Have your people never put down civil unrest? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, but through peace talks and making treaties with each other. 
KILEY 179 GOVENOR: Tell me, are there groups who refuse to negotiate with you? Powerful groups? 
CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Oh, oh yes we have those kind of groups. 
KILEY 179 GOVENOR: And with those? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Governor, you remember when elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers. The Kikuyu people of Kenya, Africa, on Earth, they teach us that lesson every day. 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: You've given me a proverb, which is less useful than a big stick. Whoever has the biggest stick wins. 
Captain Branson still has his hands behind his back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Governor if will please understand that my regulations obligate me to.... 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR (annoyed): Your rules are not my rules, Captain. My job is to ensure our ability to govern future generations. If spilled blood is the price so be it. Take them. 
The two guards take both Kyle and John. 
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Great I'm going back to that cell. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What good is a rule if you're not willing to die for it? Or break it. Emergency communication from Captain Branson. Enterprise to lower orbit. Full visibility. Show 'em 
what you got. 
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: John what are you doing? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Wait for it. 
(ALARM BLARING) (INDISTINCT SHRIEKING, CLAMORING IN DISTANCE) 
EXT-LOW PLANET ORBIT
The Enterprise and all her glory can be seen by everyone on Kiley 179. 
INT-KILEY 179 GOVERNOR CHAMBER 
Captain Branson walks up next to the Governor. 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Just like you said whoever has the biggest stick wins. In this case that is me, nothing is going to change till you bring them to the peace table we've been through that numerous times throughout our own history. 
Kyle picks up the two communicators and hands one to John. 
CAPT. BRANSON: The choice is yours governor Branson to Enterprise two to beam up. 
Both Kyle and John dematerialize. 
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
The Harrison departs from orbit to head to the nearest Starbase to receive medical help for wounded officers, while the Enterprise remains in orbit. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Ivanova, and Lieutenant Junior Grade Mason are watching the meeting. 
LTJG. MASON: This is going well. They've become used to episodes of violence for centuries. 
The true cost of a civil war is abstract. Not believing you're gonna die is what gets you killed. 
John looks at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: What did you say?
Lieutenant Mason looks over at him.
LTJG. MASON [sighs]: Sorry, Captain. Just something Captain Jones said not long before he...Well, you read my file. You know the Gorn captured the U.S.S. Yeager and deposited us on one of their...planetary nurseries. Didn't understand what he meant at first. But I had a lot of time to think about it. About why I was the only one to survive. Do you know what I saw on the faces of so many of the people I loved as they died? Before they were slit open and fed on alive or used as breeding sacks.
Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are listening to his story.
LTJG. MASON: Do you know the last thing they felt? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Surprised.
LTJG. MASON: Yes.
CAPT. BRANSON: Because right up until the last moment, they...couldn't imagine dying. 
LTJG. MASON: Yes.
CAPT. BRANSON: But not you.
LTJG. MASON: No, sir not me.
CAPT. BRANSON: And that's what kept you...alive. Thank you, Lieutenant. 
LTJG. MASON: You're welcome Captain.
John gets up from his desk and looks at Commander Ivanova.
CAPT. BRANSON: Z, I'm gonna need access to the historical database. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I will see what I can do John.
Captain Branson toggles the com panel on his desk.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to Sito.
ENS. SITO [com voice]: Sito here
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: I need you to punch a signal down to the planet.
ENS. SITO [com voice]: Aye, sir
Captain Branson leaves the situation room (DOOR WHOOSHES OPEN) (DOOR CLOSES) as both Zhasa and Jack are surprised. 
CUT TO:
INT-KILEY 179 EMBASSY CHAMBER
OVERLAPPING SHOUTING continues as Captain Branson materializes in the middle as everyone stops talking. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Uh, hi sorry to interrupt your little debate I'm John Branson. My world is called Earth. And though it's far from here, uh, my people and yours are, uh, very much alike. This is my world today. 
Shows the current condition of Earth in the 24th century as everyone there is amazed by what their seeing. 
CAPT. BRANSON: That's Earth my home where I was born but we were not always peaceful. This is Earth in our 21st century. Before everything went wrong. It's a lot like your world today. 
Image shows Earth in the 21st century. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We had our wars and disputes and crimes and diseases pretty much like what you're going through right now, but then the darker days came to my world a global pandemic hit the planet worldwide killed over a billion people. We had race hate crimes everywhere then World War III. 
Everyone is watching the images as Captain Branson continues. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This was our last day. The day the Earth we knew ceased to exist. What began as an eruption in one nation, ended in the eradication of 600,000 species of animals and plants and 30% of Earth's population. 
Images show Earth's surface. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Global suicide. What we gave you is the means to exterminate yourselves. And from the looks of it you, you're gonna do it. You'll use competing ideas of liberty to bomb each other to rubble, just like we did, and then your last day will look just like this. 
They're listening to him. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs, looks at his wedding ring): Perhaps, somewhere, all your ends are written as indelibly as mine. But I choose to believe that your destinies are still your own. 
Both governors are listening. 
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: What do you propose Captain? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Join our Federation of Planets and reach for the stars. The choice is yours. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise travels at warp.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
An establishing shot of Starbase 1 a Frontier-Class base as the Enterprise is docked at the base.
INT-STARBASE 1 BRIEFING ROOM
Fleet Captain Picard, Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Ivanova are around the table as Picard looks at them.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Getting the Federation High Court not to throw you all in jail almost took more pull than I have. And I have a lot of pull. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks Jean-Luc.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Just don't make me do it a lot John.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: No promises Jean-Luc.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So what now?
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Well, that's up to John are you planning on keeping the chair?
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE 1 CORRIDOR
[INDISTINCT P.A. ANNOUNCEMENT] As John looks at a PADD as Lieutenant Mason walks over to him.
LTJG. MASON: You wanted to see me sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes I did Lieutenant.
LTJG. MASON: I should of told you the whole story sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've got time tell me now.
LTJG. MASON: The Gorn have a ritual. The last one... the one who survives...they send into space on a raft. Like throwing a fish back, I suppose. You're not really supposed to survive. 
Dumb luck the King Jr. ran into me. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Steph, was a Ensign on the King.
LTJG. MASON [nods]: She nursed me back to health with help of my brothers and her family my brother Derek encouraged me to apply for Starfleet.
CAPT. BRANSON: I understand Lieutenant you were worried that I didn't trust you to carry out the mission and you didn't trust me.
LTJG. MASON [nods]: Yes, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am in need of a chief tactical/security officer and I would like to offer you a commission onboard the Enterprise.
LTJG. MASON: I'd be honored to sir.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson looks out the window.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 56652.1, Earth...the dust and sky... is my hearth. But Enterprise is my home. We can go forward together, knowing that whatever shadows we bring with us, they make the light all the brighter. I am...a lucky man
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge as Commander Ivanova is waiting for him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Lieutenant Kirk is on his way to the bridge, as you requested. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you, Commander. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: New security chief is in place.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant Mason good to have you onboard.
The doors whooshed opened and Lieutenant Samuel Kirk walks onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Kirk welcome aboard the Enterprise.
LTJG. KIRK: Thank you sir.
They shook hands.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've read up on your great-great-great grandfather James T. Kirk he was a great man Starfleet feels lost without him.
Captain Branson walks over to the three chairs as Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, and Lieutenant Kirk sit in the three chairs.
ENS. KAYE: Ready to get underway sir what's our mission? 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Our mission? We explore. We seek out new life and new civilizations. We boldly go where no one has gone before. 
ENS. SITO: Cool.
John looks at her.
ENS. SITO: Sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign Kaye take us out warp factor 4, hit it. 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT 
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she enters warp. 
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Jamie Kaye
*Sadie Brickhouse as Ensign Sito Jaxa
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Kiley 179 Governor 
*Joshua Irwin as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Anthony Tate
*TBA as Ensign Paul Erickson
*TBA as Ensign Lux
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Marianna Taru
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jenny Sinclair
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===