The Captaincy (TNG Era episode)

The Captaincy is the series opener of Star Trek: The New Generation The New Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
After the Shinzon Incident in 2379 the U.S.S. Enterprise's former Commanding officer Captain Jean-Luc Picard is being promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain, as his XO Commander John Branson takes command his first mission is to escort Ambassador Spock to Deep Space 12 where he'll negotiate between the Son'a and Bak'u people. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-KEVRATAS ORBIT
YEAR: 2379
LOCATION: Kevratas
STARDATE: 53396.1
The USS Enterprise is in orbit of the planet Kevratas.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew are at their stations as they're walking by and working as the doors to the ready room open and Commander John Branson walks onto the bridge.
CMDR. BRANSON: Report?
Jack Mason a seasoned officer who has been in Starfleet since he graduated from Starfleet Academy in 50 and is at the age of 34 gets up from the Captain's chair, and turns to Commander Branson as he assumes his station.
LTJG. MASON: All systems are within normal operational capacity sir.
Commander Branson sits in the command chair.
CMDR. BRANSON: That's good anything from the strike team on the surface?
LTJG. MASON: No, sir.
Commander Branson is pacing about worried about Captain Picard who beamed down with a security force to search for Doctor Crusher.
CMDR. BRANSON: Keep at it.
LTJG. MASON (nods): Aye, sir.
Then the transparent viewer shows a explosion plump.
LTJG. MASON: An explosion just erupted near the strike teams position sir.
Commander Branson tapped his combadge.
CMDR. BRANSON (to com): Bridge to transporter room III lock onto the strike team and beam them directly to sickbay NOW!
Commander Branson leaves the bridge.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY [RED ALERT]
The strike team materializes as Picard is holding Crusher as Nurse Jones rushes over to them and takes Doctor Crusher to one of the bio-beds and starts running scans on her.
NURSE JONES: I need 10ccs of Inapprovaline stat!
One of the nurses gets the hypo and she injects the meds into Commander Crusher.
NURSE JONES: She's responding well to treatments.
The doors opened and Commander Branson enters and sees this as Picard turns to his first officer and nods, as John slumps down relieved.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
STAR TREK: THE NEW GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
(EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES)
A shot of Earth as ESD is in orbit of the planet as well as the Anti-Borg taskforce Delta and the orbital defense outposts.
In a dry-dock berth is the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E receiving a few upgrades to its systems and weapons.
CMDR. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Acting Captain's Log Stardate 5934.1, The Enterprise has been in Sol for little over a few months now receiving a much needed repairs and few upgrades to our systems
INT-U.S.S ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Commander John Branson is reviewing ship status reports and crew transfers and shore leave list when the com system activates.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: Bridge to Commander Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: We're receiving a transmission from Starfleet Command it's Admiral John Hayes
CMDR. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to the ready room. 
A few seconds later the desktop monitor shows the office of Admiral Hayes. 
CMDR. BRANSON [smiles]: Admiral Hayes what can I do for you? 
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: What's your status?
CMDR. BRANSON: Well, we're almost finished with the upgrades we'll be ready to depart when Captain Picard returns from his meeting with the Admiralty.
Admiral Hayes puts his hands on his desk with his fingers interlace.
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: Commander I don't know how to break this to you but I thought you should know Captain Picard isn't returning to the Enterprise he's taken a promotion to the rank of Fleet Captain and has been put in charge of the anti-Borg research development seeing he's the one who first encountered the Borg and has insight knowledge of how to fight them
CMDR. BRANSON [surprised]: Oh well who are we getting stuck with?
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: Well, that depends all on you Commander
CMDR. BRANSON [confused]: Me sir?
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: It seems that Captain Picard has spoken very highly of you ever since you became his XO, and has recommended you as his replacement as Captain of the Enterprise
CMDR. BRANSON: I-I don't know what to say sir only that I am honored.
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: Perfect, the change of command will take place at thirteen hundred hours
CMDR. BRANSON: I'll be there.
ADM. HAYES [monitor]: Hayes out
Transmission ends.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
Enterprise sits in her dry-dock berth.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MESS HALL
A large number of N.D. CREWMEMBERS are gathered here along with Mason, Kaye, Sito, and Langford also in dress uniforms.
Everyone is standing together facing the windows where a small podium has been erected. Picard is standing at	the podium, with Branson side. They are both earing dress uniforms.
CAPT. BRANSON: Attention to order.
Everyone snaps to attention as Picard reads from a PADD on the podium.
CAPT. PICARD [re: PADD]: To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, commanding Officer, USS Enterprise on Stardate 5934.1, you are hereby requested and required to transfer command of your vessel to Captain John Branson former First officer of U.S.S. Enterprise on this Stardate sign Admiral John Hayes Starfleet Command.
Picard turns to face Branson.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [to com]: Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain John Branson Voice authorization, Picard delta five.
COMPUTER: Transfer complete. USS Enterprise now under command of Captain John Branson
They shook hands.
CAPT. BRANSON: I relieve you.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: I stand relieved.
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed.
The crew resumes chatting as Jessica walks over to him.
JESSICA: Congratulations honey.
JOHN [smiles]: Thanks honey.
Jean-Luc walks over to them.
JEAN-LUC: Hope I am not interrupting?
JOHN: No not all.
JESSICA: Congratulations on your promotion as well sir.
JEAN-LUC: Can I steal your husband for awhile.
JESSICA: Just bring him back in one piece.
They walk from her.
JOHN: What's going on?
Jean-Luc turns to him.
JEAN-LUC: We have a mission for you how familiar are you with Deep Space 12?
JOHN: It replaced Starbase 40 in the Briar Patch in sector 4410 the same sector you visited in 2375 when Data was having his issues.
JEAN-LUC [sighs]: It appears that the Son'a are preparing to strike at the planet if they don't give them permission to send colonist down to Bak'u.
JOHN: What's our mission?
JEAN-LUC: Transport Ambassador Spock to Deep Space 12 so he can meditate the peace talks.
John crosses his arms.
JOHN: Isn't he on Romulus with the Unification movement?
JEAN-LUC: Captain Riker and the crew of the Titan rescued him from a Romulan prison he's currently on Vulcan recovering from it but I have been speaking with him on the situation he's ready for it.
JOHN: So, for our first mission we're a taxi service?
Jean-Luc puts his hand on John's shoulder.
JEAN-LUC: I know how you feel but if we don't do this it will cause a war that we're not prepared for.
JOHN [sighs]: Alright.
Jean-Luc leaves as John isn't happy about having to tell his wife.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Senior staff is around the table.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know you are wondering why we left space dock ahead of our original departure time without most of our senior staff, we're heading to Vulcan to pick up Ambassador Spock for a mission of great importance.
Wall Monitor shows the middle of Federation Space as it shows the Briar Patch.
CAPT. BRANSON: Our mission is escort Ambassador Spock to the Briar Patch to Deep 12 for a peace conference that could prevent a interstellar war.
They look at each other.
CAPT. BRANSON: The Son'a are trying to gain access to the rings of Bak'u and Fleet Captain Cole is preventing them from doing so the only vessel there is the U.S.S. Angeles.
LTJG. MASON: I've gone over Picard's last encounter with the Son'a and I think I can remodulate our deflectors to handle their weaponry should the talks breakdown.
DR. LANGFORD: I don't get it why are they choosing this time to attack?
CAPT. BRANSON: We're not sure but we are going to be getting our new first officer and new Chief Science Officer on route, I want you all to respect our chief science officer when she boards dismissed.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise emerges from warp and meets up with U.S.S. Growler another Sovereign-Class vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM II
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters.
CHIEF MACKENZIE: Growler is reporting the first officer and Chief Science officer are ready to beam aboard.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then by all means Chief energize.
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console and activates the transporter as both Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal a Trill Female with the rank pips of Lieutenant Commander on her collar and T'Mir a Romulan female with Lieutenant Junior Grade pips on her collar color of teal.
CAPT. BRANSON: Welcome aboard ladies I am John Branson Captain of this vessel and if you'd like chief Mackenzie can show you both to your quarters.
LTCMDR. KAL: Very well.
LTJG. T'MIR: Yes, sir.
They follow Chief Mackenzie.
EXT-SPACE
The two ships depart.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is reviewing Lieutenant T'Mir's service record when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Lieutenant T'Mir enters and stands in front of the desk.
LTJG. T'MIR: Lieutenant T'Mir reporting as ordered sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Lieutenant.
She goes to at ease.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've been reviewing your service record and I am impressed by it you served in the Romulan Star Navy for a few years before joining Starfleet.
LTJG. T'MIR: Yes, sir they fast tracked me through training and I was able to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
John looks at her.
CAPT. BRANSON: I assume you know our mission?
LTJG. T'MIR: Yes, sir and I know you're heading to Vulcan to pick up Ambassador Spock to have him mediate peace talks.
John leans back in the chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Romulan Intel never ceases to amaze me assume your station.
She leaves the ready room.
EXT-VULCAN SYSTEM, VULCAN ORBIT
Enterprise enters orbit of Vulcan as Vulcan vessels are in orbit of the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM II
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Kal, and Lieutenant Mason are facing the transporter room, as Chief Mackenzie reports.
CHIEF MACKENZIE: Ambassador Spock is ready to beam up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize.
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console and activates it and Ambassador Spock materialized on the pad.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ambassador Spock welcome aboard I'm John Branson Captain of the Enterprise these are my officers Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal my first officer and Lieutenant Jack Mason chief tactical/security officer.
AMBASSADOR SPOCK: Captain Branson you honor me with your presences.
CAPT. BRANSON: May Lieutenant Mason escort you to your quarters?
AMBASSADOR SPOCK: Yes you may.
Lieutenant Mason escorts Ambassador Spock to his quarters.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise continues on course for the Briar Patch.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Close on the replicator. An allegro chamber music piece in the background...
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Tea, Earl grey hot.
The tea appears as we pull back to reveal Branson studying a PADD... he reaches out for the tea without his eyes ever leaving his reading... walks across the room and sits at a dining table that has stacks of various work materials... more PADDS, charts and graphs and maps...as the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Kal enters.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've been going over the few star charts we have of this "Briar Patch". It's full of supernova remnants, false vacuum fluctuations...
Kal looks at the star charts.
LTCMDR. KAL: My past host encountered the Patch during an exploration mission.
CAPT. BRANSON: What can you tell me about it?
LTCMDR. KAL: Pretty much the same stuff you've told me but we won't be able to make but one third impulse speed.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: The Son'a helped the Dominion during the war with their white shortage after Sisko minded the wormhole and the Prophet's blocked anymore Dominion vessels from entering the Alpha Quadrant.
LTCMDR. KAL [handing him the PADD]: Nothing dangerous turned up in the astrometric survey...
CAPT. BRANSON: What about the environmental issues that were mentioned in the report?
LTCMDR. KAL [shrugs]: The only unusual readings were low levels of metaphasic radiation from interstellar dust across the region...
Then Lieutenant Mason's voice comes over the com.
LTJG. MASON [com voice]: Bridge to Captain Branson. We are approaching sector four-four-one
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Slow to impulse we're on our way.
EXT-OUTER EDGE OF THE BRIAR PATCH
The edge of the dangerous and beautiful region...moving to find the Enterprise approaching at impulse...
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Doors to the ready room opened as the transparent viewer shows the Patch as an N.D is at tactical while Lieutenant Mason is in command Ensign Kaye at helm and Ensign Sito Jaxa at Ops.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
ENS. SITO: Captain, we're about to lose all communications with Starfleet.
LTCMDR. KAL: That's to be expected we'll have contact with Deep Space 12 as soon as we clear the dense parts of the Patch.
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair as Lieutenant Mason goes to the tactical station.
CAPT. BRANSON: Slow to one-third take us in.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH
Enterprise enters the Patch.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are tensed up as Sito reports.
ENS. SITO: And we've lost contact with the outside.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maintain course and speed.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BAK'U ORBIT
An establishing shot of Deep Space 12 in orbit of the planet as the 12th battlegroup is between the base and a Son'a battlegroup as the Enterprise approaches the base and the two battlegroups.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the two battlegroups as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Both battlegroups have their weapons fully charged and deflectors raised.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie put us between the two battlegroups.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Ensign Kaye inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Enterprise comes between the two groups.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Klaxons blare as Captain Branson is standing in front of the ops and helm stations.
LTJG. MASON: We're being hailed by the U.S.S. Angeles its Fleet Captain Cole.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the U.S.S. Angeles and Fleet Captain Cole.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fleet Captain Cole what can I do for you?
FLT CAPT. COLE [viewer]: You're in the line of fire Captain
CAPT. BRANSON: Ma'am I am here at the request of Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard to bring Ambassador Spock to mediate the situation.
Cole thinks.
FLT CAPT. COLE [viewer]: Alright
Transmission ends.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Have Ambassador Spock head to the transporter room he'll be beaming over to the Station's conference room.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
LTCMDR. KAL: Well so far so good.
Captain Branson tenses up.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Enterprise is next to the station along with the 12th battlegroup and the Son'a battlegroup.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John gets ready to get some rest when the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Kal to Branson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We've got a problem
Captain Branson tenses up a bit.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Ambassador Spock is in a bio-bed.
DR. LANGFORD: He was heading back to the transporter room to beam back two people found him in this condition he's stable but he'll be out for a few days.
LTCMDR. KAL: This isn't good.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah it isn't good.
DR. LANGFORD: What are we going to do?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Spock was suppose to be the person to dictate the talks.
LTCMDR. KAL: This could cause a war.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The Son'a and Ba'ku Ambassador are sitting at the table as Captain Branson enters.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: Where's Ambassador Spock?
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: He was found on Deep Space 12 badly wounded and he's in a coma so I am taking over these talks.
He sits at the front of the table.
BA'KU AMBASSADOR: We're still refusing more Son'a colonist to our planet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes that's what I've read from one of my superior officers back at Earth and we're here to make sure that no one isn't going to start shooting.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: THIS WORLD BELONGED TO US LONG BEFORE THE BA'KU CAME HERE!
CAPT. BRANSON: Ambassador I understand that you and most of your people are determined to colonize Ba'ku but if the Ba'ku say no then we have to respect that.
The Son'a Ambassador gets up.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: We will not stand for this!
CAPT. BRANSON: Ambassador we're trying to prevent a war that the Federation doesn't want.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: Either you allow some of my people to colonize the other half of Ba'ku or there will be bloodshed.
She leaves as both the Ba'ku Ambassador and Captain Branson are worried.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Enterprise is next to the Excelsior.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
JOHN: Thank you for meeting with me Liz.
ELIZABETH: It's my pleasure John what's going?
John hands her a PADD.
JOHN: It's Doctor Langford's medical report on Ambassador Spock.
ELIZABETH [re: PADD]: Four broken ribs, blunt force trauma John these are wounds consistent of someone assaulting the Ambassador.
JOHN: I know but no one is talking the story is he was on his way to the transporter room to beam back over here when he was jumped by whoever attacked him.
ELIZABETH: There's more isn't there?
JOHN: The Son'a Ambassador is wanting us to force the Ba'ku into accepting new colonist on the other side of the planet.
ELIZABETH: I assume you told Starfleet about it?
JOHN [sighs]: No, not yet but I don't know if I can because Picard put his trust in me to get the job done if I report back that Spock is injured the Federation Council will freak out.
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We're receiving a distress call from Admiral Hayes onboard the U.S.S. Guanine
They both leave the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
They walk onto the bridge.
ADM. HAYES [viewer]: Enterprise, we're in need of assistance we've sustained critical damage to our warp plasma regulators we're attempting to shut it down we're......
Transmission fizzes out as Captain Branson looks at Ensign Sito who looks up at him and shakes her head.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Two towing vessels are towing the Guanine to the station as the Enterprise is escorting them.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Wounded officers are being brought in for treatment as Captain Branson enters.
CAPT. BRANSON: How bad?
DR. LANGFORD: Fourteen confirmed dead including the Admiral, first officer, and the ships entire engineering staff except for her she was the chief engineer on duty but she was in one of the Jefferies tubes at the time of the explosion.
Stephanie Williams is a human female with the rank of Lieutenant Commander on her collar and wearing the engineering/security gold color under her uniform jacket sitting on the bio-bed her uniform is singed and slightly torn, blood flows from a small wound in her shoulder and side of her face.
CAPT. BRANSON: Does she know?
DR. LANGFORD: Yeah she knows I'd recommend counseling but we don't have a counselor onboard.
The doors opened and Jack enters and sees his wife and rushes over to her and they hugged and kissed as Jack's happy that she's alive.
DR. LANGFORD: I thought this would be better for her to see him.
CAPT. BRANSON: When she's ready have her report to my ready room.
John walks out of sickbay.
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Same shot.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The peace talks are proceeding.
CAPT. BRANSON: The reason I've asked you both to come back aboard is so we can discuss this issue and put it to rest.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: I don't care if we have to destroy you we will strike and strike hard!
CAPT. BRANSON: Ambassador as I see it you have two choices either sit down or risk open warfare with the Federation Alliance!
The Son'a Ambassador sat down.
SON'A AMBASSADOR: We will hear your proposal.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH
Enterprise is heading out of the patch.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5935.4, After mediating an agreement to cease hostile actions against the Ba'ku the Son'a have agreed to not attack the Ba'ku planet and has agreed to not force colonize it
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is reviewing the incident that claimed the lives of Admiral Hayes and Commander Ferguson along with an entire engineering staff except for Commander Williams who is facing the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do you have anything else to add Commander?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: No, sir only that I hope that their families won't do anything to me.
CAPT. BRANSON: As soon as we've exited the patch I am going to relay the report to Starfleet Command as well as the transfer orders for you.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [confused]: Transfer orders sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah, Commander Laforge transferred to the Mars Fleetyards to design new and different vessels so I've been looking for a new Chief Engineer and you're record speaks for itself Commander.
Commander Williams thinks and looks at him.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [nods]: I accept the transfer sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Welcome aboard Commander.
They shook hands.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise exits the patch and leaps into warp.
[END OF ACT 5, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*TBA 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===
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Son'a Ambassador
*TBA as Ba'ku Ambassador
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Captain Elizabeth Shelby
*Joshua Irwin as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
*TBA as Ambassador Spock
*TBA as Admiral John Hayes
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Takes place days before the U.S.S. Guanine incident.
*A Romulan officer joins the crew.
*Takes place a year after the Shinzon Incident.