Romulan Resurgence (TNG Novel)

Romulan Resurgence is the 9th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
The Enterprise battles a Romulan starship suspected of destroying outposts near the Neutral Zone. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN CARGO BAY
The crew are gathering for the wedding of Commander Tomlinson and Lieutenant Martine as Captain Branson enters wearing his dress uniform, and walks over to Commander Williams who is working a camera.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good.
He walk over to the stand as Doctor Langford walks over to him.
DR. LANGFORD: Call for you from the bridge.
John walks somewhere out of ear shot and tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent
John sees Lieutenant Martine wearing her wedding dress.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Maintain course to outpost four. Keep me informed. Branson out.
[At the door, a young lady in wedding dress and a pretty head-dress takes Langford'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...
COMPUTER VOICE: Alert! Alert! All decks alert! Alert! Alert!
The crew scatters as the bride and groom kiss and goes to their duty stations as Commander Kal comes over the com.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Earth Outpost four reports they're under attack. A space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Acknowledged Jane I'm on my way.
Captain Branson leaves the cargo bay.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
Crew heads to their battle stations.
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT)
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Theme music:
=====
Introduction:
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space The Final Frontier These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise its Continuing Mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no one has gone before!
======
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: THE NEXT GENERATION
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. JANE KAL
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LTJG. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
ENS. JAMIE KAYE
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
ENS. SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTJG. T'MIR
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 speeds towards the Neutral Zone.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 53685.1, Patrolling outposts guarding the neutral zone between planets Romulus and Remus and the rest of the galaxy, received emergency call from outpost 4. The U.S.S. Enterprise is moving to investigate and assist
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge and walks over to Commander Kal.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. KAL: Lieutenant Mason will report to you.
LTJG. MASON: Outpost 4 reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates.
Captain Branson walks in front of the ops and helm stations as he listens to the report.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any word from Two or Three?
LTJG. MASON: Two has not responded to our hails. And Three has also gone silent.
CAPT. BRANSON: How far out are we, Jamie?
ENS. KAYE: Eight minutes from Outpost Four at this velocity, sir.
Captain Branson looks over at Lieutenant Mason at tactical.
CAPT. BRANSON: Did Outpost 4 say anything about attacker?
LTJG. MASON: No, sir message terminated before we received the distress call.
ENS. KAYE: 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. Jane you've got the bridge. 
LTCMDR. KAL: Aye, sir. 
[Captain Branson gets up from the command chair and enters the ready room, as Commander Kal sits in the command chair worried about her friend.]
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise continue towards Outpost Four.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is reviewing past encounters with the Romulans from the 22nd century Coalition of Planets information during the Earth-Romulan Wars and what they were able to gain from President Archer's encounters with the Star Empire in 2152 and 2154 and Kirk's encounters in the 23rd century and Picard's as well when the com activates.]
LTCMDR. KAL [to com]: Captain Branson reports to the bridge we're receiving a transmission from Outpost 4
[Captain Branson leaves his ready room.]
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise dropped out of warp and proceeds at impulse.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge from the ready room and Commander Kal 
vacates the Captain's chair and takes the first officer chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report? 
LTJG. T'MIR: Sweeping the area of Outpost two. Sensor reading indefinite. Double-checking Outpost three. I read dust and debris. Both Earth outposts gone, and the asteroids they were constructed on, pulverized. 
LTCMDR. KAL: What could do this?
LTJG. T'MIR: Unknown Commander.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any sign of the enemy vessel?
LTJG. T'MIR: Negative sir.
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 Mason reports. 
LTJG. MASON: The U.S.S. Yorktown is the closest a couple of hours away.
John remains silent.
ENS. SITO: That's Sarah's ship John.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ah, yes I had forgotten.
Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Sir, we're receiving a hail from Outpost Four.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do we have visual?
LTJG. MASON: We're to far out but we're able to get audio.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it.
He inputs commands into the tactical console and brings the voice of Commander Hansen Al-Salah commanding officer of the Outpost.
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 [to com]: 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 [to com]: 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
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Can you locate the intruder for us? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [com voice]: Negative. It seems to have disappeared somehow. I have you on my screen now. Switching to visual
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, tie us in.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and 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. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Enterprise, can you see it?
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
[ALARMS BLARING]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: 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-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We're looking at it now Commander is your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR, COMMAND POST [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, thank god no. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at seeing the battle damaged outpost. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander what do you have on the intruder? 
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No identification. No answer to our challenge. Only a glimpse of it. Then they fired something at us, some form of high-energy plasma. Fantastic power. And then the whole vessel disappeared. But it's out there somewhere. Our sensors show that much.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Enterprise, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander tie us in.
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Switching
[Transparent viewer shows a brand new Romulan warbird design that's never been seen before.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack do we have phasers? 
LTJG. MASON: We're still out of range sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON [tenses up]: Commander do you have phasers we're still out of range. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead 
[Captain Branson quickly turns to Lieutenant Mason.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Make a challenge. Warn that ship off!
LTJG. MASON: Trying to sir, no responses.
LTJG. T'MIR: Picking up a power increase!
[Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out, as the transparent switches to Hansen as the outpost is hit, then just bright light.] 
[KLAXONS BLARE] 
[Back to the attacking ship, which then vanishes.] 
LTJG. T'LAR: Interesting how they became visible for just a moment. Perhaps necessary to use weapons. 
[Captain Branson still standing shocked by what just happened.] 
LTJG. T'MIR: Outpost four disintegrated, Captain.
ENS. KAYE: Sir, we've got to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Ensign you know 
that. 
T'Mir turns to her station and beings to work on the console. 
LTJG. T'MIR: Analyzing their movement patterns now. Give me a moment. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How far are we from the Outpost?
ENS. KAYE: We're almost there sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: When we get there scan for survivors and beam a sample aboard.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Sir, incoming warp signature. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Who is it?
LTJG. MASON: It's one of our vessels its the Yorktown we're being hailed its Captain Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: On screen.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: U.S.S. Enterprise this is Captain Jessica Smith of the U.S.S. Yorktown we're here to assist.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson gets in front of the transparent viewer showing the bridge of the Yorktown.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Jess what are you doing here I thought you had a prior engagement on the other side of the Zone.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: We did till we picked up Outpost Four's distress call and pushed warp 9.8 for as long as we could hold it, do we know what happened?
ENS. KAYE: We might have an idea.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're trying to determine, conclusively.
LTJG. T'MIR: The ship in question appears to have a kind of cloaking device. But they still have a detectable gravitational presence.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Can we track them Lieutenant?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'MIR; T'Mir, Ma'am theoretically, yes. By detecting the micro-lensing of background stars we can determine an approximate location.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Impressive Lieutenant.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We're the intruder now?
Lieutenant T'Mir works on her station and then reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: Blip has changed its heading. And in a very leisurely maneuver. They may not be aware of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How can that be?
LTJG. T'MIR: Our cloaking devices can sometimes blind our sensors till the object is close to us before we can ID it, their heading is 1-11 mark 14 a course a Romulan vessel would take back to Romulus.
ENS. KAYE: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out.
CAPT. BRANSON: We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war.
ENS. KAYE [frustrated]: 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 one other option we could shadow the Romulans
Captain Branson turns to face the viewer.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: We can shadow the ship. Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ENS. KAYE: Not an intercept course ma'am?
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: No
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: The Captain's right. That would be a declaration of war. But if Enterprise and Farragut 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-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's start shadowing them Lieutenant send a hail to Starbase 39-Sierra. Ask for permission to engage the Romulans. Captain Smith, we'll be talking.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: I look forward to it Smith out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends as Commander Williams walks onto the bridge holding a sample of the debris.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Here's the sample of what's left of the outpost sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hold it till Captain Smith beams aboard.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [nods]: Aye, sir.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Sir, I'm picking up something.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it?
Lieutenant Mason works on his console and walks over to the aft area.
LTJG. MASON: There's a comet ahead, and its trail is reflecting a signal on an unused EM frequency. It is encoded. Lieutenant T'Mir is trying to decipher. But we think it might be from the enemy ship.
LTJG. T'MIR: I have a fix on it, Captain. I believe I can lock on it, get a picture of their Bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see who we're dealing with.
[Up shimmers an image of a group of four humanoids around a console. One leaves his post and salutes the figure with his back to us. That figure then turns, as Ensign Kaye looks over at T'Mir who's also surprised to see her father.]
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise and Yorktown side by side.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM II [RED ALERT]
Captain Smith materialized aboard the Enterprise.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Captain Smith welcome aboard the Enterprise.
CAPT. SMITH [smiles]: Thank you Captain Branson.
They hugged.
CAPT. SMITH: Quite the ship you got here.
CAPT. BRANSON: You're jealous.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
The senior staff and Captain Smith are around the table.
LTJG. T'MIR: From the outpost's protective shield. Cast rodinium. This is the hardest substance known to our science. 
[She crushes it in her hand.]
LTJG. T'MIR; Lab theorizes an enveloping energy plasma forcing an implosion.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, we're not gonna get out of this problem by not talking about it.
ENS. KAYE: Agreed, I think T'Mir should have something to say about it.
LTJG. T'MIR: I was just as shocked as you were Ensign.
CAPT. SMITH: Well, it makes sense that they would easily allow you guys to tap into the visual of their bridge showing the bridge.
ENS. KAYE: 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. SITO: 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. 
LTJG. T'MIR: 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. LANGFORD: Working in tandem for what? To destroy them? Say we're lucky enough to do that. Isn't that, technically, an act of war? 
ENS. KAYE: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. LANGFORRD: 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. LANGFORD: I vote against war. 
ENS. KAYE: 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. 
LTJG. T'MIR: I think we should attack. 
Everyone turns to T'Mir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Mir? 
LTJG. T'MIR: Sir, if my father is in command then we should attack.
ENS. KAYE [smirks]: Well, if T'Mir 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'Mir, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Mir 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 57096.1. 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]
[DISTANCE CHATTER.]
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over, continuing): Smith, 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 course and speed.
ENS. CARLSON: I'll keep my foot over the gas just in case. 
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Enterprise continues through the comet trail.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LTJG. T'MIR: 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. KAYE: 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'MIR: 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'Mir's monitor shows the Romulan signature.
LTJG. T'MIR: 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 Jamie get us over there as fast as you can.
Ensign Kaye 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
The Yorktown quickly maneuvers as the Romulan fires its disruptors a few hits the ship's deflectors, as the ship moves quickly.
INT-USS 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
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: FIRE!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Yorktown fires several phaser beams but the Romulan warbird fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the Yorktown causing massive damage to the California-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.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Yorktown is heavily damaged.
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 beams as the Romulan vessel flies by the damaged Yorktown, and scores a single hit on the port side of the Romulan vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: Holy we manage to clip them.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good shooting Jack, Sito hail them I want them to focus on us.
ENS. SITO: Aye, sir hailing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep firing.
Jack inputs commands into the tactical console as T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: 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. 
ENS. SITO: 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'MIR: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
LTCMDR. KAL: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target.
Captain Branson turns to T'Mir.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's the status of the Yorktown?
Screen shows the damage to the Yorktown WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: 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)
The doors whooshed open as the first batch of Yorktown officers are beamed aboard.
CMDR. S BRANSON: Clear the pad there's another group coming.
She walks over to her father and hugs him.
CMDR. S BRANSON: Am I glad to see you father.
CAPT. J. BRANSON [smiles]: And I you Sarah and congrats on your promotion to Commander I thought you were posted to the Century?
CMDR. S BRANSON: I-I was but when the XO position was opened onboard the Yorktown I put in a transfer the atmosphere wasn't how I liked it on the Century.
Captain Jessica Smith and the rest of 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.
She leaves the transporter room as Captain Branson looks at his daughter and left 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.
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson we've got an incoming hail from the U.S.S. Verity its Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my ready room.
A few minutes later Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard appears on the screen.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: John, what's your status?
CAPT. BRANSON: Bad Jean-Luc we've engaged a Romulan warbird along the zone after the destruction of three of our outposts along the Zone sir, the Yorktown is badly damaged and adrifted but can be recovered.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: Course of the Romulan vessel?
CAPT. SMITH: She's on a heading of one eleven mark one four she's returning to the Neutral Zone their homeworld of Romulus.
Jean-Luc thinks.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: John, I wish I could dispatch a battlegroup to you but we're stretched thin along the Neutral Zone border, and we're still recovering from the Dominion War
CAPT. BRANSON: We understand sir and in the meantime what do you want us to do?
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: Continue trailing the Romulan vessel but make no attempts to enter the Neutral Zone
CAPT. BRANSON: Aye, sir.
Transmission ends.
CAPT. SMITH: So we're not going to cross the border?
CAPT. BRANSON: Per his orders Jessica.
They walks out of the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
They walk onto the bridge as Commander Kal vacates the command chair and sits in the XO chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTJG. T'MIR: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the warbird. They are trailing trilithium fragments. Their power supply is damaged. I do not believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do we know their heading?
LTJG. MASON: Same as before sir towards the Neutral Zone.
CAPT. BRANSON: Tactical status?
LTJG. MASON [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack.
CAPT. SMITH: But the Romulans don't know that.
CAPT. BRANSON: They will if we roll up on their six and can't fire Mister Mason open a channel to the Romulans.
LTJG. MASON [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know, we're going to send them a message.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walk in front of the ops and helm stations.
CAPT. SMITH [confused]: What are you doing?
He turns to his wife.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm going to have a chat with the Romulan Commander.
LTJG. MASON: Channel opened sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Attention Romulan vessel this is John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, for at least a 100 years our two cultures have been at war with each other we put that on hold to fight together to stop a dangerous and violent race from the Gamma Quadrant from taking over the Alpha and Beta Quadrants we even worked together to stop Shinzon from destroying my world. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk.
John nods at Jack who ends the hail.
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 Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: 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 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is facing the viewer showing the bridge of the Romulan warbird.
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.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON [viewer]: But 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
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 Captain Branson goes to the command chair as Ensign Kaye looks at him.
ENS. KAYE: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Yorktown right in front of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Stand down Jamie. 
She pushes more. 
ENS. KAYE: YOU CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THAT! 
CAPT. BRANSON (frustrated): STAND DOWN ENSIGN! Or I will have you removed from the bridge am I clear. 
ENS. KAYE: Crystal sir. 
She turns back to her station as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair as T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement.
CAPT. SMITH: I wonder what they're doing over there.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hopefully the same thing we're doing.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan crew are at their stations 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? 
CMDR. R'LOK: 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. 
CMDR. R'LOK: This is your fourth mission, is it not, Sub-commander? 
SUB-COMMANDER: Third sir. 
CMDR. R'LOK: I served with your uncle Tarqan during the Reman campaign, did you know that, Sub-commander? 
SUB-COMMANDER: I did. 
CMDR. R'LOK: 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? 
CMDR. R'LOK: 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. 
CMDR. R'LOK: 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 NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise remains at station keeping. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is thinking when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Commander Kal enters holding a PADD. 
LTCMDR. KAL [re: PADD]: A repair report from Commander Williams. 
She hands it to him and reviews it. 
CAPT. BRANSON (re: PADD): How long till we have tactical systems? 
LTCMDR. KAL: She estimates that we'll have phasers in a few hours but she'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. KAL: You took a bold move to hail them John. 
He looks at his xo. 
CAPT. BRANSON: History 101 Jane 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. KAL: I hope we get back up soon. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Me too Jane, me too. 
John tenses up a bit then the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Jessica enters.
LTCMDR. KAL: 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 Smith sits down in the chair in front of the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford.
CAPT. SMITH: You want me to tell you that I wouldn't have tried to blow those Romulans out of the sky? Well, I would have. But it wasn't my call.
CAPT. BRANSON: No it wasn't your call.
CAPT. SMITH: Well, 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.
CAPT. BRANSON: No, I don't trust them but we have 2 hours.
CAPT. SMITH: 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 Commander R'Lok 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, you heard Jean-Luc they can't get reinforcements out here and even if they did we'd be outnumbered should they decide to uncloak. 
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:
EXT-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 Kal and Lieutenant Commander Williams are helping Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson and his staff get the weapons back on-line. 
LTCMDR. KAL: Try it now. 
Commander Williams works at one of the consoles. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused. 
Commander Kal gets up from underneath one of the consoles just wearing her vest while her red uniform jacket is on the console. 
LTCMDR. KAL: I don't need to remind you that we have less than two hours to restore phaser control to working order. 
LTCMDR. 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. 
LTJG. MARTINE (nods): Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Martine gets to work.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
LTJG. T'MIR: Two minutes Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Status?
ENS. KAYE: We still have both warp and impulse.
LTJG. MASON: Weapons are still down.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to armory report?
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [com voice]: Working on it Captain, working on it
LTJG. MASON: And mark.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, hail the Romulan vessel.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
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.] 
LTJG. T'MIR: Massive warp signatures all Romulans!
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 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is facing 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]
Captain Branson remains standing facing the viewer as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: We're being hailed by the Romulan flagship sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan flagship as Praetor Tal'aura is seen.
PRAETOR TAL'AURA [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.
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TA'LAURA: It is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-U.S.S. 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
PRAETOR TAL'AURA (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
PRAETOR TAL'AURA: 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 Lieutenant T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: 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 as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: We're being hailed by the lead vessel its Captain Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the shuttle canopy.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: John, your reinforcements
ENS. KAYE [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: Clever girl.
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 Jess, Bridge to Weapons control Mister Tomlinson we need weapons. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [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-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Work faster, Commander. We're going to need weapons soon or we're not going to need them at all. 
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Sir, we're being hailed by the Romulan flagship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep a secure channel open for Captain Smith to listen on. 
LTJG. MASON: 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 Jessica shrinks a bit and the Romulan Praetor appears again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: By now you've probably noticed our armada of Starfleet Delta Class attack ships. But we won't have to use them, will we, Praetor?
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TA'LAURA (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 warbird using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Praetor Ta'Laura thinks then smirks. 
PRAETOR TA'LAURA: 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 Mason and nods he transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
PRAETOR TA'LAURA: I see. 
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Lieutenant T'Mir reports. 
LTJG. T'MIR: 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)
LTJG. T'MIR: Sir, its the bird of prey we've been chasing. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, pause communications and patch into Commander R'Lok.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
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)
T'Mir gets up from her station.
LTJG. T'MIR: Father please let us beam you aboard the Enterprise.
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: My dear sweet daughter you are so much like your mother she would be so proud of you right now
T'Mir tenses up fights back the tears.
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 T'Mir hangs her head as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: We're being hailed by Praetor Ta'Laura sir.
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. 
PRAETOR TA'LAURA (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? 
PRAETOR TA'LAURA (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 Jamie 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. KAYE: Sir, warp drive will not engage. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What? 
ENS. KAYE: I'm not sure sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to engineering Steph what's going on with warp?
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. 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'MIR: 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. MASON: 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. KAYE: We've got engines back. 
LTJG. MASON: Captain Smith has beamed aboard. 
LTJG. T'MIR: Picking up another power increase! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it! 
Ensign Kaye 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? 
ENS. SITO: Reports coming from all decks. 
LTJG. MASON: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed. 
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir. 
ENS. SITO: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jane, T'Mir you've got the bridge. 
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift. 
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 fiancée lies there dead. 
DR. LANGFORD: A plasma conduit explodes caught him right in the face there was nothing I could of done to save him. 
Doctor Langford pats the young woman on her shoulder as she's holding her husband's lifeless hand crying as John turns to Pete. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What about Commander Kal? 
He leads him to her bio-bed. 
DR. LANGFORD: 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 and she hugs him and they kiss.
JESSICA: I heard what happened but we were on the other side of Federation Space.
JOHN [smiles]: I'm alright baby.
JESSICA: I was so worried.
He smiles. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE 
An established shot of Starbase Medical Outpost 14. 
[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
*TBA as Ensign Elias Sheridan
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Robert Tomlinson
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Angela Martine
===Special Guest Stars===
*Joshua Irwin as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Commander Sarah Branson
*TBA as Farragut Crewmen
*TBA as Commander R'Lok
*TBA as Commander Hansen Al-Salah
==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.