Romulan Encounter (Ent Era episode)

Romulan Encounter is the 3rd episode of first season of Starship Enterprise.
==Synopsis==
Captain Branson fights to keep the wreckage of a crashed Romulan warbird.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION-ROMULAN BORDER, PLANET ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Ganges-class vessel GN-07 Shenandoah is in orbit of the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Starlog Supplemental, We're conducting a mineral survey of Torga Four, an uninhabited planet along the Coalition-Romulan border believed to contain vast deposits of cormaline. Our mission is to determine the feasibility of establishing a mining operation on the planet's surface
EXT. TORGA FOUR, SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
The survey team led by Captain Branson is searching the area, as both Commander Williams and Ensign Rostov are looking at some rocks.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Rostov, what do you make of this?
Ensign Rostov gets out his scanner and scans the rock.
ENS. ROSTOV [re: scanner]: It's a class five pyroclastic debris and ash. Same morphology we've seen all the way up, ma'am.
Stephanie looks at him.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: We've been through this before Mike, its Commander not ma'am we're not in crunch time.
ENS. ROSTOV: No, you know more than they do. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [laughs]: I wouldn't go that far.
ENS. ROSTOV: True, Commander so very true.
He walks up as Stephanie follows.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You know something, Mike? You're due for a transfer. How does waste extraction sound? 
CUT TO:
EXT. BASE CAMP, TORGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY
Captain Branson walks over to Commander Williams.
CAPT. BRANSON: So, Steph how does it go?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Fine, sir. We finished our survey of the south slope. 
Williams hands the PADD to Branson as she takes a deep thirst-quenching drink of water. Branson looks over the data PADD as he steps over to T'Lar, sitting under a tarp covering some equipment. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you think T'Lar? Is this planet worth mining?
Commander T'Lar looks over the PADD.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Logically, it is out of Starfleet's way but it maybe the best place for a mining outpost.
Captain Branson walks over to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack?
LTJG. MASON: Strategically, the planet's location would make it difficult to maintain adequate support lines -- but not impossible. 
Branson nods as his communicator chirps as he gets it out of the pocket and flips it open.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]; Go for Branson.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, SHENANDOAH GN-07
Admiral Harris a human male who's in his late 30s early 40s is standing behind the helm station.
VICE ADM. HARRIS [to com]: Captain, our sensors have detected a ship dropping out of warp.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]; What kind of ship sir?
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER: Sensors can't get a good reading sir.
VICE ADM. HARRIS [to com]: We're not sure, Captain. We can't get a good reading on it -- plasma leaks from its warp nacelles are disrupting our sensors. 
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. BASE CAMP, TORGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY
VICE ADM. HARRIS [com voice]: But whatever it is -- it's fallen into the gravitational pull of the planet. It should enter the atmosphere near your position
Branson and T'Lar look up to the sky.
BRANSON'S POV [OPTICAL]
as a bright red-orange flair streaks across the sky like a giant shooting star, disappearing over the horizon. A second later, a BOOMING EXPLOSION ECHOES in the distance. 
ON BRANSON AND THE OTHERS
reacting to what they've just witnessed. 
VICE ADM. HARRIS [com voice]: Captain, -- the ship withstood the impact
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Sir, are there any survivors?
VICE ADM. HARRIS [com voice]: We're not sure our sensors can't penetrate the hull
Doctor Carlson gets one of medical officer K'Tar as well as a medical kit and a phase pistol as Lieutenant Mason gets a phase pulse rifle and tosses one to Ensign Johnson.
EXT. CRASH SITE, TORGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
In another equally inhospitable section of the sand- covered planet -- 2 shuttlepods lands as Branson, Carlson, T'Lar, Mason, Johnson, Williams, Rostov and K'Tar exit the pods. Branson looks around and reacts to --
BRANSON'S POV [OPTICAL]
An impressive-looking starship is burrowed into the rocky, sandy cliffside. The ship is UPSIDE DOWN, burrowed into the ground so only its tail juts out, like a whale plunging into the sea. 
WIDER
to include Williams and the others. Mason, Williams, T'Lar, Rostov and K'Tar ready their weapons.
LTJG. MASON: It's a warship...... a Romulan warship.
And on their looks of amazement and expectant danger, we: 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS]
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION-ROMULAN BORDER, TORGOA SYSTEM, TORGA IV ORBIT [OPTICAL]
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
The Shenandoah is in orbit of the planet.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, SHENANDOAH GN-07
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the crash site and the upside down Romulan warbird.
Camera pans back to show just Captain Branson and Vice Admiral Harris.
VICE ADM. HARRIS: What caused it to crash?
Captain Branson has his tactical vest still on as he looks at the Admiral.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're not sure I have T'Lar running her scans to see what caused the crash we should know in a few hours.
VICE ADM. HARRIS: I've advised Starfleet Command of the situation and they've dispatched Enterprise from Starbase 1 to rendezvous with us.
CAPT. BRANSON [nods]: Aye, sir. I'll have my team prep it for tow.
He leaves the bridge.
EXT. CRASH SITE, TORGOA IV SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
The survey team is examining the down Romulan vessel, Commander T'Lar scans the hull as the shuttlepod returns and lands as Captain Branson steps out of it and walks over to his team.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: No hull breach. The only damage I could find is a crushed guidance thruster, if that is what it is. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well that's good.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [O.S]: Captain!
Branson looks up to see Williams leaning over the lip of the ship's wing. She and Rostov are standing on the underbelly of the ship. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: -- I think we have an access point. 
Branson, T'Lar, Mason, K'Tan, and Johnson move around the ship to join Williams.
ANGLE ON WILLIAMS AND ROSTOV
kneeling down on the underbelly of the ship, examining what appears to be a large, rectangular access hatch. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: So....my young friend what are we looking at?
ENS. ROSTOV [re: scanner]: An upside down ship Commander.
Commander Williams shoots Rostov a look -- "don't get smart with me." 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: An airlock? A maintenance hatch?
ENS. ROSTOV: Maybe, but this is a warship, and on a warship you want a big access point on the belly to land troops. 
Williams is proud of her number one guy. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [smiles]: There's hope for you yet, Mike.
LTJG. MASON: Can you open it?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [re: scanner]: Sure give me a second.
She inputs commands into her scanner.
The hatch opens as Johnson hands Mason a stun grenade and he tosses it in and it goes off.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Mason take point Ensign K'tar you stay put.
Mason activates the light beacon on his rifle. Mason then ENTERS into the darkness. The others follow. 
As Rostov and Williams approach the hatch, Williams catches Rostov's eye and gives him a confident nod. Rostov EXHALES, bolstered by Stephanie's calm and easy demeanor. Rostov goes in after Williams, leaving only K'Tan on the hull, guarding.
INT. DECK 14 CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD [RED ALERT, DARKEN]
Mason leads Branson, Carlson T'Lar, Williams and Rostov through the canted, dark corridor. Since the ship is upside down, they are all walking on the ceiling of the ship's corridor. 
They move cautiously, hugging the walls -- their PALM AND PHASER RIFLE LIGHT BEACONS cut through the dense, SMOKE-FILLED atmosphere. 
LTJG. MASON: Strange.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it Jack?
LTJG. MASON: We should of encountered a Romulan security force by now.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's a good thing we haven't so far.
DR. CARLSON: Ahem to that.
They keep moving through the corridor. Some of the ship's systems have obviously been damaged in the crash -- a broken hose still shooting out gas- steam, a few pipes dripping water. 
The Away Team cautiously descends until they reach a fork in the road: an airlock passage with a hatch door leading upward, and a corridor that continues.
CAPT. BRANSON [to Mason, points down the corridor]: Lieutenant.
Mason nods and moves down the corridor, EXITING. 
Branson turns his attention to the hatch. He signals to Williams -- "open it." Williams climbs the ladder to the hatch as Branson positions himself to one side, his rifle aimed at the hatch. T'Lar keeps her phaser pointed the way they came, covering their backs. 
Using a high-tech hand tool, Williams trips the door's lock, then carefully opens it just a crack. We hear the familiar SOUND of the AIRLOCK SEAL being broken, then silence. Williams takes a beat before proceeding to open the hatch the rest of the way. Once the hatch door is open, Branson hands Williams a palmlight beacon, so she can peer into the dark shaft. One by one, they ENTER the hatch. 
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ROMULAN WARBIRD [RED ALERT, DARKEN]
Shafts of light from the palm beacons dance through the floor hatch (which normally functions as a ceiling hatch). Williams is the first to emerge, leading the others into what we will come to know as the "Command Center." Williams take a few steps into the room when her light comes upon a grisly sight -- the upside down FACE OF A ROMULAN SOLDIER hanging like a dead bat. Startled, Williams is about to open fire on the Romulan soldier before she realizes that the soldier is already dead -- his face frozen in agony. 
Doctor Carlson gets out his medical scanner and runs his scans as the others search the command center.
DR. CARLSON [re: medical scanner]: They're all dead.
CONTINUED:
Doctor Carlson runs his medical scanner on the two dead Romulan officers.
DR. CARLSON [re: medical scanner]: These men didn't die in the crash. They've been dead for hours. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What killed them?
Doctor Carlson scans them.
DR. CARLSON [re: medical scanner]: Massive osteonecrosis. Every bone in their body's been shattered. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Sounds like inertial damper failure. The ship accelerated and people were thrown into the bulkheads. Nobody was alive when this ship hit the planet, yet it survived the impact. Whoever designed this baby knew what they were doing.
They look around the command deck as John sees something as he works the console.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the last log entry of the Romulan Commander.
ROMULAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We've lost main power and the dampeners we're making our way to the nearest planet to set down! We....
Screen fizzed out.
ENS. ROSTOV: Sounds like they had issues.
LTJG. MASON: Yeah.
Commander Williams opens a panel as sparks erupt from it.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Looks like the main EPS conduit overloaded and caused the crash.
CAPT. BRANSON: Can it be repaired?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Yeah, just give me and Rostov a few days to figure this vessel's systems out. The one time we leave our coms officer behind when we need her the most.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: True, but Jess wanted to spend sometime with her before the Excalibur departed for Coridan IV.
Branson wipes the sweat from his brow. It was a boiling inferno outside the ship -- inside it's worse. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I suppose getting this ship up and running won't be easy. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [sighs]: I can't even determine if it has a warp drive. 
Branson walks around the room, taking in what he sees. 
LTJG. MASON: I wonder if this is what all the Romulan ships are like? 
CAPT. BRANSON: The bigger question is what's a Romulan ship doing all the way out here? We're at least three weeks from the nearest Romulan outpost. 
Ensign Johnson enters.
ENS. JOHNSON: Captain, there are twenty nine other bodies. No survivors. 
Branson nods, thinks for a moment and turns to Williams.
CAPT. BRANSON: Steph, could use the Shenandoah's grapplers to haul this vessel out of here and back to Starbase 1?
Everyone exchanges surprised looks -- they weren't expecting that question. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This would be the greatest intelligence find in the last ten years. We're not going to leave it here to rust. What do you say, Commander?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It would probably take two vessels with grapplers to do it.
CAPT. BRANSON: Command is dispatching Enterprise to our location for now let's get the ship prep for towing.
They get to work.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Enterprise docked at Starbase 1 as smaller vessels flyby.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[TURBO-LIFT DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] Commander Ivanova wearing her flight suit uniform with the yellow stripes showing that she's in the Command division and has the rank bars of Lieutenant Commander on the right side of the uniform.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Status report?
LTJG. SMITH: We've been given permission to depart Commander.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Alright, let's get started Kara release docking clamps. Aft thrusters at one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping. 
Ensign Carlson works at the helm station.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, Commander docking clamps released aft thrusters at one quarter, port and starboard at station keeping.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM, BERENGARIA VII ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Enterprise slowly moves away from Starbase 1 into open space.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01
ENS. CARLSON: We've cleared Starbase 1's defense grid Commander.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Set course for the Tonga system warp 4.
Ensign Carlson works the helm.
ENS. CARLSON: Course set and laid in Commander.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Hit it.
She activates the warp drive.
EXT. BERENGARIA SYSTEM [OPTICAL]
Enterprise's warp engines power up and flash and she shoots off into the distances into a burst of light.
CUT TO:
EXT. CRASH SITE, TONGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY
Re-establishing shot.
CLOSER ANGLE
to see Branson standing near Williams and Rostov, who are working on an open panel near the aft of the ship. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It's embedded about ninety meters into the rock. If I can shake it loose by firing the main thrusters, hauling it out of here'll be a lot easier. 
CAPT. BRANSON: There's a problem. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Well, to fire the main thrusters, I need to calibrate the plasma injectors. So far, I can't get a grip the ion regulator. 
ENS. ROSTOV: Want to try a hyper-spanner above the matrix? It might open it up a bit. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [good thought]: Maybe we won't send you to waste extraction just yet, Rostov. 
As Rostov reaches over and gives Williams the desired tool, Mason, Johnson and T'Lar approach carrying phaser rifles and covered in sweat, muck and dirt. Mason steps up to Branson. 
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we buried the bodies on the other side of that ridge. The DNA readings. Forty two Romulans.
[COM CHIRPS] As John gets out his communicator and opens it as it beeps.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Go for Branson.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, SHENANDOAH GN-07 [TACTICAL ALERT]
Red lights are flashing as the crew scrambles to their battle stations.
VICE ADM. HARRIS [alarmed, to com]: Captain, we've got a Romulan warbird has just dropped out of warp.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Sir, get out of orbit we'll be alright till Enterprise arrives.
TACTICAL OFFICER: They've locked their forward disruptors on us!
VICE ADM. HARRIS [urgent]: Full power to Hull plating ready phase cannons and photonic torpedoes, hard to port!
The helm officer works the helm controls.
SPARKS FLY as the ship ROCKS from a phaser hit.
TACTICAL OFFICER [urgent]: We've lost hullplating! They're charging their forward torpedo launcher!
VICE ADM. HARRIS: GET US OUT OF HERE W......
But it's too late -- the screen goes WHITE.
CUT TO:
EXT. CRASH SITE, TONGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY
John's communicator let's out an ear piercing squeal, Instinctively, he and his crew look to the sky --
BRANSON'S POV
In the middle of the clear blue sky, a star-sized object-momentarily GLOWS INTENSELY BRIGHT, then vanishes. 
CLOSE ON BRANSON
knowing the Shenandoah and its crew have just been destroyed. On his somber expression, we: 
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT. CRASH SITE, TONGA FOUR SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
Moments later. Everyone has grabbed their weapons and stands ready for battle. Branson barks out: 
CAPT. BRANSON: Inside. We don't stand a chance in the open-- 
Branson is cut off by a BLAST of PHASER FIRE. He turns to see K'Tan taking a phaser hit in the chest from a ROMULAN SOLDIER. K'Tan is killed instantly. Branson turns to see Three Romulan soldiers attacking.
CAPT. BRANSON: FALL BACK! GET INSIDE GO, GO!
Branson fires his phase pulse rifle that's clipped to him as a Romulan soldier goes down from the phaser hit, but more are firing at the team as they scramble up the hull to the hatch.
CLOSE ON ROSTOV [OPTICAL]
scrambling up the hull toward the landing ramp as a PHASER BLAST hits the hull right next to him, but a piece of the blast catches Rostov in the gut. 
Both Williams and Mason also scrambling up the hull, grab their wounded comrade, while Branson, Johnson, and T'Lar -- already at the landing ramp, offer covering FIRE. As soon as Williams and Mason have pulled Rostov into the hull, Branson and T'Lar close the hatch. 
INT. DECK 14 CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD [RED ALERT, DARKEN]
Doctor Carlson gets his medical scanner out and scans Rostov's wound, as Branson and T'Lar come around the corner.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Logic dictates that the Romulans will find a way to beam aboard this vessel and take it by force.
Branson knows that T'Lar's right.
ANOTHER ANGLE
as everyone stays very still and quiet -- fully expecting a squad of Romulan soldiers to materialize out of the darkness of the corridor. After a long silent beat, they hear MUFFLED FOOTSTEPS of the Romulans walking on the hull overhead. After another long beat, the footsteps stop. A long silence.
LTJG. MASON [tensed up, sotto]: Why do they not come? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Give them time. Watch our backs, Lieutenant. We're moving to the Command Center.
Rostov, who is leaning against the bulkhead gets to his feet, suppressing the pain he feels. Williams comes to his aid.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Can you walk?
ENS. ROSTOV: Faster than you can.
Branson leads the group down the corridor. Both Mason and Johnson stays back, covering their retreat.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ROMULAN WARBIRD [RED ALERT, EMERGENCY POWER]
Doctor Carlson is with Ensign Rostov checking his wound.
DR. CARLSON: Let me get a look at the wound.
CAPT. BRANSON: How is he Doc?
Doctor Carlson who still had his medical scanner scans him and looks at Captain Branson.
DR. CARLSON: He was grazed by the disruptor bolt he'll need treatment, where's the med kit?
ENS. JOHNSON: K'Tar had the medical kit when he went down.
Everyone has a shocked expression on their faces.
ENS. ROSTOV: I don't need it, sir. I'll be alright.
Branson doesn't believe him for a second, but he smiles at the crewman's attitude. 
DR. CARLSON: You let me be the judge of that Ensign I have one hypo and three vials of mild sedatives the rest are in the med kit that K'Tan had.
Doctor Carlson puts the first vial of sedative in the hypo and injects it into the Ensign's neck.
ENS. ROSTOV [sighs]: Thanks Doc the pain is manageable.
DR. CARLSON: We've got to do something about this bleeding those.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'll take care of that Doc.
DR. CARLSON: Alright, let me know if his condition changes.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Will do.
She looks around for something and sees the sash of a Romulan Commander and rips one side and makes a gaze pad out of it.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: "I'll be all right, Captain." Always kissing up to the officers, aren't you Rostov? 
ENS. ROSTOV [half-smiles]: Just following your example. You're my hero. 
Williams rips open Rostov's flight suit.
ENS. ROSTOV: Hey!
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I have to get to the wound.
ENS. ROSTOV: But this is my best uniform. It's the only one that fits right.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [snickers]: I'm sure you got another one in your locker in your quarters.
As Williams works on her makeshift gaze pad Ensign Rostov looks up at her to ask one question:
ENS. ROSTOV: So, how long till Enterprise arrives?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Two and a half days.
Two and a half hours in this place seems like a long time -- two and a half days, that's a lifetime. 
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD [DARKEN]
Later Commander T'Lar enters carrying a portable UEPA battery pack.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: We only got one portable generator. The rest are at the base camp. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Let me see it.
T'Lar hands it to her as Commander Williams begins connecting it to the console. Williams is standing on a piece of equipment so that she can work on the console (since the ship is upside down). 
Rostov is propped against the bulkhead, near a toolbox, handing the tools up to Williams as she needs them. We can see a spot of blood soaking through his bandage. Rostov is still in pain, but it's manageable. Mason looks at Rostov. 
LTJG. MASON: Looks, like you need another bandage Mike.
Mason starts to tend to the wounded Rostov removing his bloody bandage. The only other person in the room is Branson, who's reviewing the Romulan vessels mission logs before the crash.
Suddenly, the ship's emergency lights POP ON.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Thanks Commander.
Williams steps down to tend to the wounded Rostov.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'll take it from here Jack.
Williams grabs the Romulan sash that she found and rips another piece from it.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Do me a favor Mike stop bleeding before we run out of this sash.
ENS. ROSTOV: I'll do the best I can. 
Suddenly. we hear a burst of static and then a COMM VOICE:
FEMALE VOICE [com voice]: Captain Branson
Everyone is surprised.
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: I'm Commander T'Met of the Romulan Imperial warbird ChR Terrh'Dhael, and I'm in command of the Romulan garrison surrounding you. If you touch the triangular green panel on any of the control consoles, you'll be able to speak to me
LTJG. MASON: They know your name sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: True.
Captain Branson presses the panel.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: This is Captain John Branson of the United Earth Starship Enterprise, you've got my attention Commander T'Met.
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]; Captain, I'm so happy to hear your voice. I heard there were some casualties among your crew and I feared you may have been one of them
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Thank you for your concern. What do you want? 
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: To talk. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if you and I met face-to-face and discussed the situation, like reasonable people
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: I can be reasonable.
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: So I've heard. One escort each. Agreed?
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Agreed.
EXT. ROCK PLANET - ROMULAN SHIP - DAY
Captain Branson wearing a tactical vest with his particle rifle clipped to him as he has his forearms on the butt of the rifle, as he's face to face with T'Met a disquietingly attractive female Romulan with a drop-dead gorgeous body and intelligent eyes. 
Mason stands by the open landing hatch, weapon at the ready, eyeing his opposite number -- the Romulan escort for T'Met. Branson and T'Met are just out of earshot from either of their escorts. T'Met speaks with the slightly unctuous empathy of an able negotiator and experienced dealmaker. She smiles pleasantly at Branson. 
CMDR. T'MET: Your photograph doesn't do you justice. You're quite striking in person.
CAPT. BRANSON: You stole Starfleet service records from the Harrison when you boarded her?
CMDR. T'MET: It wasn't me Captain it was another Romulan Commander he was executed for his crime we have no issues with your people and we don't want to wish you harm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Look, Commander I'm a little busy so why don't we get down to business and discuss what you really are here for.
CMDR. T'MET [seductively smiles]: So let me "cut to the chase" -- I believe that is the correct expression. This is our ship. We want it back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Was your ship. Now it's mine.
Commander T'Met is taken aback -- she appears completely surprised by John's attitude.
CMDR. T'MET [shocked & surprised]: Captain, I'm a little disappointed. That's the attitude of a thief, not a Starfleet captain with a reputation for integrity. This is clearly our property. What gives you any claim to it? 
CAPT. BRANSON: It's an old legal tradition on my world salvage rights, we found a wreck ship with a dead crew, and we found it first.
CMDR. T'MET: A very interesting position. But I'm afraid the Romulan Star Empire doesn't recognize that tradition. What may be even more to the point, we have you completely surrounded and outnumbered. Would you like something to eat, Captain? Or maybe something to drink? 
INT. ROMULAN SHIP - CORRIDOR
Empty. Then a beat later, a ROMULAN SOLDIER MATERIALIZES. As soon as he's fully beamed in, he moves quickly and purposefully down the hall. And with the knowledge that a Romulan soldier is on board, we: 
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]'''
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT. CRASH SITE, TORGA IV SURFACE - DAY
A Romulan brings a small tray with nibbles and a cup and a flask on it.
CMDR. T'MET: It's a Romulan dish quite good and not poisoned if you're wondering.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks but I had a meal aboard the ship you blew out of the sky killing at least 180 men and women aboard her.
CMDR. T'MET: They left us no choice.
CAPT. BRANSON: Really?
CMDR. T'MET: I'm sure it's my fault that we seem unable to establish an understanding between us, Captain. I'm sorry I'm not more experienced in these matters. This is my first mission outside Romulan Space and my very first dealing with anyone from the Coalition. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I hope you'll at least try to consider my offer with an open mind. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm listening.
CMDR. T'MET: If you'll leave our ship, I'll take you and your crew back to your space station unharmed. Our accommodations may not be lavish, but I promise you'll all be well cared for, especially your wounded. (a beat) Now, that doesn't sound so bad, does it?
CAPT. BRANSON: If you think I'm going to deliver my people into your hands without a fight -- then this really must be your first mission.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Rostov is still propped against the bulkhead, his eyes closed, resting. Williams has changed his dressing Doctor Carlson is running a medical scan on the young officer. 
DR. CARLSON [re: medical scanner]: His vitals are still dropping damn if only we had that med kit.
He uses the second vial of mild sedative to manage the young officers pain.
Williams is still working on one of the upper consoles while T'Lar is looking at the science console.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Commander, can you get the viewer operational we need to see how that Captain's doing.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Not right away. I'm still trying to get the main power grid on-line.
Suddenly they hear a noise off-screen.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: What was that?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'm not sure.
DR. CARLSON: Go, I'll watch Rostov.
They head to the corridor.
INT. CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Commander T'Lar has her phase pistol at the ready and Williams, with a phase pulse rifle, ENTER the corridor and look around. No one in sight. Then Williams spots something -- 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That was not there before.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Are you sure?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Positive.
They approach it for a closer look. It's a spider-like DEVICE with a center body and BLINKIES extending in several directions. T'Lar pulls out her scanner.
LTCMDR. T'LAR [re: scanner]: Some kind of sensor device. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Whatever it is it doesn't look very friendly.
ENS. JOHNSON: Should we inform the Captain?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Logically, he would want to focus on Commander T'Met.
Williams raises her rifle and takes aim at the device. But before she can squeeze the trigger -- the Romulan soldier comes into view and elbows her knocking her rifle out of her hands, as he dispatches Ensign Johnson as well and closes the door of the room he tossed the young officer in.
TLar whirls -- squeezes off a SHOT, but the Romulan is fast and knocks the rifle away and throws her against the bulkhead. 
EXT. ROCK PLANET - ROMULAN SHIP - HULL - DAY [OPTICAL]
Mason reacts to the sound of the phaser blast inside the ship.
LTJG. MASON: CAPTAIN! THEY'RE INSIDE THE SHIP!
Lieutenant Mason rushes back inside the warbird, as Captain Branson glares at Commander T'Met. The Commander BEAMS OUT, followed by the Romulan. John bolts after Mason.
INT. CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD
The fight is still going on as the Romulan soldier overpowers T'Lar, Williams, and Carlson who was providing assistance, as the Romulan soldier gets out his honor blade and walks over to T'Lar who's bleeding from the side of her face.
ROMULAN SOLDIER [in ancient Vulcan]: You die Vulcan!
But then he's shot in back by a wounded Rostov who's holding his bleeding side.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [smiles]: I knew it. You've been goldbricking all along.
ENS. ROSTOV: Like I said, you taught me everything I know.
Mason and Branson rush into the corridor, stopping once they see that the action is over, as the door whooshed opened and Ensign Johnson rubs the back of his head.
DR. CARLSON: Come on, let's get that head wound checked and let's get you to sit down before you bleed out more.
He takes both T'Lar and Rostov back in the command center.
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Later. Williams holds the now defunct spider-like device in her hands, as Branson and the others look on... everyone except Rostov, who has been helped back to his spot against the bulkhead and Doctor Carlson who's scanning the young officer.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Whatever this sensor was supposed to do, it did it and then shut down.
LTJG. MASON: Probably a surveillance device to find out how many of us there are, how many weapons we have. 
Rostov stifles a painful GROAN; Williams quickly steps over to his side as the others continue their discussion. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I don't think so. They seem to know all that already.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It doesn't make sense. If he had a rifle, T'Lar and I would be dead. But all he had was a knife. 
ENS. JOHNSON: And why send only one Romulan soldier?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Logic dictates that they must of been trying to reactivating the vessel's self-destruct device to destroy the vessel preventing us taking it back to Starbase 1.
CAPT. BRANSON: This vessel has to have a medical bay search for it.
LTJG. MASON [nods]: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason, Doctor Carlson, and Ensign Johnson leave to search for the vessel's medical bay to look for medical supplies to treat Ensign Rostov's wound, Rostov lets out a painful GROAN. Williams is still attending to him.
ENS. ROSTOV: I'm leaking like a ruptured plasma conduit aren't I, ma'am? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: It's not that bad Mike.
ENS. ROSTOV: You're lying.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: What makes you say that?
ENS. ROSTOV: I called you ma'am and you didn't even flinch.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [smiles]: Now you listen to me, Mike. You're not dying unless I say you're dying. And I say you're going to make it. 
Captain Branson walks over to both Commander Williams and Ensign Rostov.
CAPT. BRANSON: How are you doing Ensign?
ENS. ROSTOV: We seem to be having a difference of opinion on that one, sir. But I would like to file a complaint. 
Williams removes Rostov's blood-drenched bandage in order to apply a new one. Rostov winces, trying his best to suppress the pain. 
ENS. ROSTOV: The nurses around here are all thumbs. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You watch it or I'll tighten this bandage like a tourniquet. 
Rostov strains to lean over to the Captain.
ENS. ROSTOV: And as for bedside manner, I've known nicer Vulcans. Certainly prettier ones.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Mike, if you keep moving you're going to bleed more.
CAPT. BRANSON: Listen to the Commander Ensign save your strength.
ENS. ROSTOV [nods]: Aye, sir.
He lays back as both Captain Branson and Commander Williams leave Rostov in the corner.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Captain, I'm worried about him I can't stop the bleeding.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maybe it's a side effect of the Romulan weapons. They must leave some kind of anti-coagulant.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: If I don't get him to a medical bay soon he's not going to make it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: None of us are going to make it if we don't get this ship operational. I need to get the power grid functioning and the aft turret weapon online. You're the only one who can do that. I'll take care of Rostov.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: But Captain....
CAPT. BRANSON: You have your orders Commander.
A beat, then Stephanie nods and, after looking back at Rostov for a moment, steps away to do as instructed. Williams picks up her tools but it's clear her mind is still on her injured crewmate. 
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise soars at warp.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01
The crew are at their stations.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Anything from the Shenandoah?
LTJG. SMITH: Not since they're original transmission about the Romulan warship.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: What's our speed Kara?
ENS. CARLSON: Warp four point three Commander.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Accelerate to warp four point eight.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, Commander.
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm to increase speed to warp four point eight.
EXT. CRASH SITE, TORGA IV SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
Re-establishing. 
INT. CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Mason and T'Lar are showing Williams something on a Federation PADD. Williams has been working on an open panel on the floor (which is really the ceiling). 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Commander, structurally, a lot about this ship's design matches the other Romulan warships we've seen.
LTJG. MASON: But there are significant differences. There are many systems that we are completely unfamiliar with.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [re: PADD]: I can start to restore power to the systems one at a time. That'll give us a chance to test them and establish their functions. But it's going to take a while.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: How long?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I wish I knew.
LTJG. MASON: You'll do it, Commander. I don't think anyone's invented a ship yet that you can't figure out. 
Stephanie only half smiles at the compliment, and from this, Jack can see her mind is elsewhere. 
LTJG. MASON: Hey, Rostov is strong he'll make it.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: No he will not.
Both Jack and Stephanie look sharply at T'Lar. 
T'Lar is speaking pragmatically, stating the truth as she sees it. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Ensign Rostov, will not survive to see tomorrow.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You keep that to yourself. I don't want him to hear that kind of talk.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: It does no good to shield him from the truth. Let him prepare for death. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: The hell I will. His only hope is to keep fighting. If he gives up, it's over.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: The needs of the many out way the needs of the few or the one.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Now you listen to me. That boy's life is in our hands and I won't let anybody give up on him. 
DR. CARLSON: T'Lar, honey what do you say we go take a look at that ion exchange matrix we found. And on the way maybe we can discuss some of the finer points of diplomacy. 
They leave as Commander Williams resumes working.
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Rostov is getting worse by the moment. He's now sweating buckets and shivering with a high fever. 
Captain Branson pats his brow with a wet cloth.
ENS. ROSTOV: It's cold in here....
Rostov starts shaking uncontrollably.
CAPT. BRANSON: Easy now.....
Suddenly the com chirps again....
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: Captain Branson?
Captain Branson ignores the Commander's voice.
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: Captain... you're annoyed with me. I understand. You feel betrayed. And with good reason
Williams ENTERS and steps up to Rostov, silently indicating to the Captain that he can take over for a moment. 
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: But I really think we should talk
John doesn't respond.
CMDR. T'MET [com voice]: If it will make you feel better, I'll come unarmed and without an escort but I won't hold you to the same restrictions
EXT. ROCK PLANET - ROMULAN SHIP - DAY
Captain Branson wearing a tactical vest with his particle rifle clipped to him as he has the rifle trained on Commander T'Met.
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you want Commander?
CMDR. T'MET: Sending my men into the ship was a mistake and I apologize. I trust no one was hurt?
CAPT. BRANSON: None of my people were hurt too bad.
CMDR. T'MET: That's good.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander, what do you need from me?
CMDR. T'MET: Nothing we were trying to prevent you and your crew from being hurt if we destroyed the vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sorry, to disappoint you we took that device out of the vessel here you go.
John tosses the device as its on.
They leap from where they were standing to take cover as it explodes, as John fires his rifle taking four Romulan soldiers down. As he scrambles back to the ship as the remaining Romulan soldiers fire their weapons at the Captain as he fires back before he enters the ship.
INT. CORRIDOR, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Captain Branson meets up with Lieutenant Mason as both men brace themselves.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
ANOTHER EXPLOSION rocks the ship as Branson and Mason ENTER the Command Center. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I take it that your chat with Commander T'Met didn't go well?
CAPT. BRANSON: No not really but that explosive device really did help me out thanks.
LTJG. MASON; You're welcome.
Branson looks over to Williams, working on an open panel as ANOTHER EXPLOSION shakes the ship. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: All the ship's systems are shutting down, Captain!
Rostov, semi-conscious, MOANS from the jolt of yet ANOTHER EXPLOSION. Williams instinctively starts toward, him. 
CAPT. BRANSON [sharply]: I need to know what's going on out there. Commander, get me some sensor readings. Doctor Carlson, take care of Rostov.
After a quick glance at Rostov, Commander Williams gets back to her work.
NEW ANGLE
as Doctor Carlson gets out his medical scanner as well as patting Rostov's forehead with a wet cloth to keep his fever down.
ENS. ROSTOV: I can't feel my legs.
DR. CARLSON [re: medical scanner]: You don't have nerve damage.
He taps the young officer's leg.
DR. CARLSON: Did you feel that?
ENS. ROSTOV [shakes head]: No.
Doctor Carlson gets worried, ANOTHER EXPLOSION. Rostov MOANS. Williams looks over at his crewmate. Branson nods to Stephanie, go ahead.
She takes over as Doctor Carlson checks his medical scanner and walks with Branson out of ear shot of the young officer.
DR. CARLSON: His blood pressure has dropped another 10% and his lower area is starting to lose all feeling.
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven, please tell me you were able to find medical supplies?
DR. CARLSON: All destroyed in the crash and I doubt it would of done any good anyway.
CAPT. BRANSON: So you're telling me that there's no way to save him?
DR. CARLSON: Unless Enterprise arrives faster then she's capable of then there's no way to save him.
John looks over at Ensign Rostov who's getting worse by the second, as Stephanie is patting his forehead with a wet cloth.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You got to hang in there Mike you've got family aboard Enterprise who want to work with you.
ENS. ROSTOV: I'm not afraid, Mama. It's beautiful. Precioso. Better than last year, don't you think? Los cuehetes, the fireworks of the carnival, they're terrific, aren't they?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [smiles]: Yeah, they are very terrific.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: That is no way for anyone to die. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I told you, he is not going to die. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: It is only a matter of time. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: So we might as well kill him, right? 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: If you truly are his friend, you would consider that option.
Branson calls out.
CAPT. BRANSON: Enough.
But both T'Lar's and Williams's blood is boiling too high to stop. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'm not some cold and logic Vulcan who sees someone who's beyond help!
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Had this been a Vulcan survey mission instead of a Starfleet one we would not be in this situation!
Stephanie takes a swing at T'Lar who grabs her arm and puts her in an hammerlock, as Stephanie winces in pain due to T'Lar's strength as a Vulcan.
CAPT. BRANSON [loud as hell]: I said, that's enough! 
Branson steps between the two women and physically separates them. 
CAPT. BRANSON [hard]: You're Starfleet officers. Now start acting like it!
T'Lar lets go of Williams. Both women let their passions cool in the face of Branson's fury. A tense moment. Steven tries to break it with:
DR. CARLSON: Tough girls. A little pressure and they buckle. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven! Maybe you haven't noticed, but no one's laughing. 
Carlson instantly realizes he's gone one step over the line. Branson glowers at his troops. They all look chastened. ANOTHER EXPLOSION. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Now I know it's hot, we're filthy, tired, And we've got ten isotons of explosives going off outside, but we will never get out of this if we don't pull it together and start to act like professionals. 
Rostov lets out a YELL, still lost in his delirium. Branson has to close his eyes while straining to not snap at the hallucinating crewman. This is a test of his own patience and professionalism. 
CAPT. BRANSON [a beat]: Commander Williams, I want that power grid up and running. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander T'Lar help Lieutenant Mason and Ensign Johnson, to see if you can get that turret to rotate. 
LTCMDR. TLAR: Aye, sir.
Everyone heads to their tasks. As they move, Branson steps over to Rostov. He lets out a long breath, looking down at the still delirious man.
CAPT. BRANSON: And you, Mister Rostov... (softly)... your orders are to stay alive. 
And as Branson looks pensively at Rostov. 
EXT. ROCK PLANET - ROMULAN SHIP - DAY
Re-establishing. WE DO NOT SEE OR HEAR any BOMBING. 
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Starlog Supplemental,The Romulan barrage has continued on and off for ten hours
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Mason, Johnson, T'Lar and Williams are working on some open console panels, side by side, as Carlson straps a semi-conscious Rostov to the bulkhead. 
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over, continuing]: Commander Williams has restored main power and helm control. If we can bring the ship's engines on-line we may be able to lift off and escape from here
As Captain Branson enters the room.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: As soon as we finish calibrating the induction reactors, we can fire up the main core.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good. Because unless there are any objections, I'd like to get the hell off this planet.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I'm all for that sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then by all means Commander start those engines.
A loud whirling SOUND begins as the ship's engines come on-line. Then, in rapid speech: 
ENS. JOHNSON: Ion thrusters fully charged. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ventral impellers, one quarter. 
LTJG. MASON: Plasma compensators, online.
 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thrusters to one half.
The ship starts VIBRATING as the engines kick into gear.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Commander, -- I'm getting some low frequency resonance in the main reactor housing. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: That's alright. Just keep compensating with the inertial dampers.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ventral jets to one half. 
The VIBRATING and SHAKING is now VIOLENT. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: It is working Captain!
LTJG. MASON: This might just work.
CLOSE ON BRANSON
CAPT. BRANSON: Increase power to one-half.
ENS. JOHNSON [concerned]: Main reactor housing destabilizing. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Reactor containment fields overloading, induction dampers disintegrating. Captain, if we don't cut power now we'll have a core breach.
CLOSE ON BRANSON
staying to the course, calm and controlled while the ship SHAKES ever more VIOLENTLY. The vibrating reaches a crescendo. 
Behind Williams, a console EXPLODES with a shower of SPARKS and Branson is forced to make the inevitable decision.
CAPT. BRANSON: Disengage thrusters. Power down all systems.
As the ship settles back and the VIBRATING stops, there's a moment of relative calm and quiet. It is a moment of undeniable defeat, made worse by ANOTHER EXPLOSION outside -- a grim reminder of their circumstances. 
After a beat, Branson turns to Williams, who is examining the damaged console. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How bad?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [downcast]: Main power grid is completely fused. Structural integrity field has collapsed.
But Branson remains undeterred.
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll have to wait till Enterprise gets here. She can pull us out with her grappler. That gives us 26 hours to complete repairs.
Branson grabs a tool.
CAPT. BRANSON: You all know what to do.
The group breaks apart as they all move on to their tasks.
ON WILLIAMS
as she steps over to Rostov and begins unstrapping him from the "brace." 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [smiles]: I could really use your help now, Mike. I'm surrounded with nothing but officers and you know what they're-- 
Once the strap is off Rostov, he slumps to one side... Williams stops herself as a dreadful realization comes over her. Rostov is dead. Williams tries to swallow back the shock, but a pained GASP escapes his throat. After a long moment...
ON BRANSON & T'LAR
as they look over to see Williams slumping near Rostov and realize what's happened. Mason takes a step toward Williams, but Branson holds him back. 
T'Lar sees what's occurred and silently looks on.
CLOSE ON WILLIAMS
Her face says it all.
INT. COMMAND CENTER, ROMULAN WARBIRD
Later. Branson is alone with his thoughts. Rostov's body is gone. T'Lar ENTERS. ANOTHER EXPLOSION. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Logic dictates that you push past this Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: I promised Rostov that he'd make it.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: That's what a captain's supposed to say.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I have got to get this ship back to the Starbase 1, T'Lar. one hundred and eighty-two people have died on this mission. I want to be able to tell their families why. 
T'Met MATERIALIZES a few steps away. Branson and the others instinctively point their weapons at her, expecting her Romulan soldiers to appear any moment. But she is alone and unarmed. Also gone is her imperious self-assured attitude; she looks somber and defeated. Branson steps up to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Where are your men?
CMDR. T'MET: Dead they killed themselves.
LTJG. MASON: Why?
CAPT. BRANSON: They allowed a Romulan Ambassador to die.
ROMULAN OFFICER [com voice]: Commander, we are detecting a vessel on approach it is the Starfleet vessel
CMDR. T'MET [to com]: Acknowledged standby. You should of trusted me Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: How could I? The first word out of your mouth was a lie. This isn't your first mission outside the Romulan, is it? 
CMDR. T'MET: I regret saying that, but my offer was genuine. All that mattered to me was the Ambassador. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Then you should have told me about him. 
CMDR. T'MET: You would of killed him or take him hostage.
CAPT. BRANSON: No....
T'Met studies Branson closely, realizing he's telling the truth. 
CAPT. BRANSON: All I wanted was the ship.
CMDR. T'MET: I believe you Captain.
The two enemies regard each other for a moment as T'Lar returns. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: It is true the Romulan soldiers died by their own hands.
Now it is John that reflects.
CAPT. BRANSON: Rostov.....The Shenandoah's crew...Your soldiers they'd all still be alive if we'd trusted each other.
CMDR. T'MET: May I take the Ambassador's body?
CAPT. BRANSON: Of course.
Captain Branson lowers his weapon allows Commander T'Met to walk to the body of the dead Ambassador, as she hides her feelings but she hides it well and puts a transport beacon on his chest and he dematerialized.
CMDR. T'MET: I have no way of stopping you from taking the ship.
She beams away as the rest of the team is relieved that they don't have to fight for their lives.
EXT. COALITION-ROMULAN BORDER [OPTICAL]
Enterprise tows the Romulan T'Varo-class cruiser to Starbase 1.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Starlog Supplemental, After the Enterprise arrived we're on course for Starbase One with the Romulan vessel in tow. So far everyone is doing well
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Captain Branson looks at the PADD.
[READY ROOM DOORS CHIRPED]
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
[READY ROOM DOOR WHOOSHED OPENED] As Commander Ivanova enters.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We'll arrive at Starbase 1 in a few hours sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: That's good Commander as soon as we arrive organize shore leave for all hands.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir. Are you alright Jack told me that it was a bit tense down there.
Captain Branson leans back in his chair after putting the PADD down.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Yeah it was but we made it.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: What did Starfleet have to say about our prize? 
CAPT. BRANSON: They were pleased.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [confused]: That's all? Just pleased? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Very pleased. They're giving us all medals. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'll add it to my collection.
CAPT. BRANSON [half-smiles]: Starfleet Command is waiting for my official report, but every time I try to get it started, I find myself staring at the casualty list and reading the same one hundred eighty-two names. Admiral Harris his crew aboard the Shenandoah, K'Tan, and Rostov. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA; It may sound cruel, but we both know that ship out there was worth it. Those one hundred eighty-two deaths may save five thousand lives, or maybe even five million. 
CAPT. BRANSON: And if I had to make the same trade all over again, I would. But one hundred and eighty-two people are dead. Fine men and women who deserved a lot more than to die on some lonely planet fifty thousand light years away from home. When you were at the Academy, was Professor Somak teaching? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [nods]: Moral and ethical issues of command.
CAPT. BRANSON: I remember her favorite speech. Always maintain emotional distance between yourself and those under your command.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Good advice.
CAPT. BRANSON: True but I seem to have forgotten it we have to remember they didn't die in vain.
CUT TO:
INT. CARGO HOLD, ENTERPRISE NX-01
The body of Rostov lies in a torpedo-like casket. As Commander Williams is sitting next to.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: We used a phase-conjugate graviton emitter in the grappler's magnets. That baby came out of the rock first time. You would've loved it, Mike.
Williams reacts to a noise offscreen -- she turns to see Jack ENTERING.
JACK: Hey, I brought you some food and drink.
STEPHANE [smiles]: Thanks. Oh I've been sitting here for over an hour telling Mike about how we got the warbird out of the cliff side.
JACK [smiles]: He would of loved to of seen it.
STEPHANIE [smiles]: Yeah.
Jack sits next to his wife as she holds his hand and puts her head on his shoulder.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
Actor 	Character 	Rank 	Position
Jarvis Davidson 	John Branson 	Captain 	CO
TBA 	Zhasa Ivanova 	Lieutenant Commander 	Executive Officer
Kevin Regan 	Jack Mason 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Tactical/Security Officer
Ferne Myers 	Stephanie Williams	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Engineer
Delena "Dee" Lusk 	Kara Carlson 	Ensign 	Chief conn Officer
Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire	Julia Smith 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Communications Officer
Jacob Elliot 	Steven Carlson 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Medical Officer
Becky Elliot 	T'Lar 	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Science Officer
===Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Harris Payne 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Engineer
TBA 	Kayla Mackenzie 	Chief Petty Officer	Transporter Chief
TBA 	Sean Hansen 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Science Officer
TBA 	Saskai Takahashi	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer
TBA 	Michael Rostov 	Ensign 	EPS expert
TBA 	Henry Johnson 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Armory Officer
===Special Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Jones Harris	Vice Admiral	Starfleet Flag Officer
TBA 	T'Met 	Commander 	Commanding Officer
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 5 Episode "The Ship".
*Shows the destruction of the United Earth vessel GN-07 Shenandoah.
*The death of Michael Rostov who made appearance in two episode of Season 1 of Enterprise.