Fortune Son (TNG Era episode)

Fortune Son is the 9th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation The Next Generation Season 1.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise is sent to assist the ECS Fortunate, an Earth freighter that has been attacked by Nausicaan pirates. But the Fortunate may not be as innocent as it seems. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The ECS Fortunate is at warp.
INT-ECS FORTUNATE CARGO MODULE FOUR]
[Two men are throwing an oval ball between each other in the reduced gravity.]
CAPT. KEENE: Hauled down in the corner of the end zone. Touchdown! 
CMDR. RYAN: Like to see you make that catch with the gravity plating at Earth sea level. 
CAPT. KEENE: I doubt you could throw the ball ten meters on Earth. 
CMDR. RYAN: One more reason not to go. 
CAPT. KEENE: Did you find out what was causing that vibration in module two? 
CMDR. RYAN: The cargo handlers at Jupiter Station. They didn't balance the load. Shaw and I, we, er, we trimmed it out. 
CAPT. KEENE: Keep an eye on it. 
(There's a judder.) 
VOICE [OC]: Bridge to Captain Keene. We're under attack, sir. It's the Nausicaans
CAPT. KEENE: Drop out of warp. Charge the plasma cannon.
[WHUMPH!]
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
A Nausicaan vessel fires at the cargo vessel.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
====
Theme music:
=====
Introduction:
CAPT. MARTIN'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 MARTIN
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. JANE KAL
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. JAMIE KAYE
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. 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
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
Enterprise is at high warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Martin is awaken by the com signal.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin here go ahead.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: Sorry to disturb you sir, but I have an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command. It's Admiral Janeway
John gets up from the bed and grabs his shirt.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Patch her through.
He walks over to his desk and activates the desktop monitor.
CAPT. MARTIN: Admiral, it's good to see you.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: You to John
CAPT. MARTIN: What can I do for you?
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: We picked up an automated distress signal from a cargo freighter, the ECS Fortunate. The nearest Starfleet vessel is three weeks away at its maximum warp, but you could be there in a day and a half
CAPT. MARTIN: We'll get it done ma'am.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Keep me informed Janeway out
Transmission ends as John thinks.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise heads to the Fortune's position.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The senior staff is around the table.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Earth cargo ship Fortunate. Y-class freighter, maximum speed warp one point eight. Crew complement twenty three.
LT. KAYE: Not counting newborn babies. 
John turns to her.
CAPT. MARTIN: Lieutenant?
LT. KAYE: I grew up on a J-class, a little smaller but the same basic design, and one thing I can tell you is that at warp one point eight you've got a lot of time on your hands between ports. That's how my parents wound up with me.
LTCMDR. KAL: Do you have any helpful information on this vessel beyond its recreational activities? 
LT. MASON: For example, what kind of weapons they carry.
LT. KAYE: Well, typically nothing more than a low-yield plasma cannon, but most freight haulers would've upgraded the first chance they got.
LT. SITO: Why's that?
LT. KAYE: Think about it. You're a dozen light years from home with twenty kilotons of dilithium ore in your hold, armed with nothing but a pop-gun for shooting oncoming meteors. What would you do? 
They look at each other.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches the Fortune as debris is floating around the vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXON BLARING]
Transparent viewer shows the Fortune drifting.
CAPT. MARTIN: Full sensor scans.
LT. SITO: I'm reading hull damage. Their warp reactor's offline and most of their primary systems are down.
CAPT. MARTIN: Any vessels in the sector?
LT. MASON: None in the area sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Open a channel.
Lieutenant Mason works on the console.
LT. MASON: Channel open sir.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Fortunate, this is Captain John Martin of the Starship Enterprise. 
[Static over the com.]
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Fortunate please respond.
[Static still over the com.]
LT. SITO: Their com system maybe damaged.
CAPT. MARTIN: Bio-signs?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I'm reading twenty four bio-signs.
Captain Martin leans over to Commander Kal.
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander take an away team over there and see what's going on.
LTCMDR. KAL: Aye, sir Jack, Sito you're with me have Doctor Langford meet us in transporter room 2.
Commander Kal, Lieutenant Mason, and Lieutenant Sito enter the turbo-lift.
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR [RED ALERT]
The away team materialized as Commander Ryan and three crewmen await their arrival.
LTCMDR. KAL: I'm Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal first officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
They shook hands.
CMDR. RYAN: I'm Matthew Ryan, first officer.
LTCMDR. KAL: Sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances. What happened here?
CMDR. RYAN: Nausicaans. They tried to board us. We managed to fight them off but not before we took a few bruises.
LTCMDR. KAL: Their raids are getting bolder and bolder they raided a science outpost four years ago.
DR. LANGFORD: Commander if you have any injured I'd like to see if I can help.
CMDR. RYAN: Alright.
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE SICKBAY
Doctor Langford is treating Captain Keene's injuries.
CMDR. RYAN: Is he going to die?
DR. LANGFORD: Not any time soon. The Nausicaan weapon disrupted his neural pathways. I've started him on a cortical regeneration but it'll take some time.
CMDR. RYAN: How long?
DR. LANGFORD: Two to three days.
LTCMDR. KAL: Since we have to stick around, we might as well help you get your ship up and running. 
CMDR. RYAN: That's alright. 
LTCMDR. KAL: I understand you're used to doing things on your own, but we're here. Use us. We might be able to upgrade your hull plating, your weapons. Couldn't hurt the next time you run into these Nausicaans. The sooner you're back at warp, the sooner that cargo you're hauling gets to where it's supposed to go. 
Matthew nods.
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR
[Shaw and Matthew are walking through the cargo module.]
SHAW: You're letting them send over more people? 
CMDR. RYAN: A few engineers, that's all. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We can't have people crawling all over the place. 
CMDR. RYAN: We'll keep them where they're supposed to be. 
CREWMEN SHAW: And what if they find him? 
CMDR. RYAN: What do you want me to do, throw him off the ship? 
(A group of men are concealed behind some containers, standing over a Nausicaan who has been beaten up.) 
CMDR. RYAN: Anything? 
SECURITY OFFICER: No he's been quiet.
CMDR. RYAN: Keep at it. 
He leans in on the Nausicaan prisoner.
CMDR. RYAN: I want those codes. 
Nausicaan prisoner remains determined not to give up the codes.
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is next to the ECS Fortune.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Commander James examines the warp coil.
LTCMDR. JAMES: These valve seals are shot. We'll have to synthesize some new ones. Give me about forty minutes. If you want, our resident boomer here can give you a tour.
CMDR. RYAN: Jamie's onboard?
LTCMDR. JAMES [nods]: Yeah she is.
Lieutenant Kaye walks from the Jefferies tube.
LT. KAYE [surprised]: Matt?
CMDR. RYAN [smiles]: Jamie it's good to see you again.
LT. KAYE: You to.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Jamie you wanna show our guest around?
LT. KAYE: Yeah sure.
She escorts him out of the engine room.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK SIXTEEN CORRIDOR
They're walking through the corridor.
MATTHEW: How long have you been aboard?
JAMIE: Since she was relaunched under Captain Martin.
MATTHEW: Impressive.
They continue walking.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
On the desktop monitor shows the office of Admiral Janeway.
CAPT. MARTIN: So, far we've not detected any Nausicaan vessels in the sector, it appears that our presences has made them rethink their plans.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: The Nausicaans that's a surprise we've not heard from them in awhile since the Dominion War
CAPT. MARTIN: Their Captain was injured according to Doctor Langford he's started him on cortical regeneration he'll be out for a few days we're currently on course for Starbase 217.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: That's good at least you're there protecting them till they get to the Starbase
CAPT. MARTIN: Hopefully but they seem a bit testy with our presence.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Well, cargo crews prefer to do stuff themselves and a presence of a Federation vessel would make them testy
Captain Martin leans forward on his desk.
CAPT. MARTIN: How do you want us to proceed?
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Tread lightly for now keep assisting with their repairs till you reach Starbase 217
CAPT. MARTIN: Aye, Admiral.
ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Janeway out
Transmission ends as John looks at his wedding photo of him and Jessica.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MESS HALL
Both Jamie and Matt are sitting at a table.
JAMIE: Save room for dessert, home made ice-cream.
MATT: You eat this well all the time?
JAMIE: Chef's the best in Starfleet. I heard the Captain had to call in a lot of favors to get him on board. It's good you stayed away from the resequenced meat loaf. They still haven't gotten that right. 
MATT: Resequenced? It looks real.
JAMIE: Well, it is.
MATT: You know the last time I had a steak? Eighteen months ago. All we've got left now are hydroponics and nutri-paks. 
JAMIE: I remember those. What did we used to call them? 
BOTH: Mystery meals. 
JAMIE: My dad was a pretty good cook. He could do magical things with those nutri-paks.
MATT: When it was someone's birthday my mother would bake a cake. We knew batter than to ask what it was made of. 
JAMIE: Didn't stop you from eating it?
MATT: Nope.
JAMIE: Your parents on the Fortunate? 
MATT: No. They were on the North Star. 
[Gloom descends.]
JAMIE: I-I heard about what happened I am sorry I couldn't be there at the service the war was keeping me very busy.
MATT: The war was devastating for freighters the Dominion had those damn bug ships and then that large Cardassian carrier out and about if Sisko didn't encounter the wormhole my parents would still be alive.
JAMIE: Matt, you ever think about doing something else? 
MATT: You mean join Starfleet? 
JAMIE: The food's not bad. 
Matt snickers a bit.
MATT: Was this premeditated? Buy me lunch and give me the recruiting pitch? 
JAMIE: No, but you've spent more time in space than most Starfleet Captains. There are 
three more Sovereign-class ships on the drawing boards. They're going to need experienced people. 
MATT: If Starfleet gets all the good crews, who does that leave to run the freighters? 
JAMIE: Don't worry, not everybody's going to go. 
MATT: You did. 
JAMIE: You think leaving the Horizon was easy for me? That I just took off because I got tired of the food? That ship was my home. 
MATT: So why'd you leave it? Why did you abandon your family. 
JAMIE: Being in Starfleet is the best thing that ever happened to me. My parents weren't happy I left, but they respected my decision. 
MATT: Did they? Or were they just saying what you wanted to hear so you wouldn't feel guilty. Commander James should be done with my valve assembly by now. Thanks for lunch. 
Matt leaves as Jamie remains.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise continues to escort the Fortune to Starbase 217.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE
Lieutenant Mason is working on their tactical console.
LT. MASON: What are you getting T'Mir?
Commander T'Mir checks the read out.
LTCMDR. T'MIR; Forward deflectors are at 20% aft deflectors are at 56% but port and starboard deflectors are still down and ventral is at 19%.
LT. MASON: What about weapons?
Commander T'Mir checks.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Forward plasma cannons are on-line but aft are still down.
LT. MASON: We've got to get these weapons to full or these people aren't going anywhere.
Then T'Mir sees an extra bio-sign in the fourth cargo module.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
LTCMDR. T'MIR [com voice]: T'Mir to Martin
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin here.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [com voice]: The repairs are almost finished, Captain
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Acknowledged.
LTCMD. T'MIR [com voice]: But there is something I need to speak to you about, in private
John's confused.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise escorts the Fortune.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Martin and Lieutenant Commander T'Mir are in the ready room as Commander Ryan walks in.
CAPT. MARTIN: Those engine parts Commander James gave you working out okay? 
CMDR. RYAN: Some of the connections were off by a few microns, but they should be fine. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Good. Doctor Langford tells me Captain Keene's condition is improving. 
CMDR. RYAN: Well he's still unconscious but the burns are healing, thanks to your doctor.
CAPT. MARTIN: We should reach Starbase 217 by tomorrow morning and we'll be out of your hair.
CMDR. RYAN: That's not necessary Captain.
Captain Martin looks at him.
CAPT. MARTIN: Also, Commander T'Mir detected a Nausicaan bio-sign aboard your vessel.
CMDR. RYAN: Are you saying we've got a stowaway? 
CAPT. MARTIN: You know that's not what we're saying. Why don't you tell us what's going on over there. 
CMDR. RYAN: Well, what are you talking about? 
Captain Martin gets in his face.
CAPT. MARTIN: You know exactly what I am talking about Commander!
LTCMDR. T'MIR: My bioscans indicated this Nausicaan was injured. 
CMDR. RYAN: Okay. Not that it's any of your business, but there is a Nausicaan aboard. He's my prisoner. 
CAPT. MARTIN: What gives you the right to take prisoners? 
CMDR. RYAN: They have been attacking our ship for months, stealing our cargo. They nearly killed my Captain. Now what gives them the right to do that? 
CAPT. MARTIN: I want to see him. 
CMDR. RYAN: And what would you do? Take him back to Nausicaa? They'd probably give him a medal. 
CAPT. MARTIN: What do you plan to do with him? 
CMDR. RYAN: That is my business. Starfleet doesn't have any jurisdiction over what goes on aboard my ship. 
CAPT. MARTIN: You're right, but there is one thing I do have jurisdiction over. Martin to James. 
LTCMDR. JAMES [OC]: Go ahead, Captain. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I want you to remove all the spare parts and equipment you installed on the Fortunate. 
LTCMDR. JAMES [OC]: Sir? 
CAPT. MARTIN: You heard me, Courtney. 
CMDR. RYAN: You wouldn't do that. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Watch me. 
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE EIGHT
Captain Martin, Lieutenant Mason, Lieutenant Commander T'Mir, and Doctor Langford are aboard following Commander Ryan.
CMDR. RYAN: He's over there.
They walk over to where he's directing them.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [re: tricorder]: I'm reading one bio-sign, but it's not Nausicaan. 
[It's Shaw with a rifle. Ryan picks up a pistol too.]
CAPT. MARTIN: DON'T DO THIS COMMANDER!
[Mason fires the first shot but it misses Ryan.]
LT. MASON: Get down!
DR. LANGFORD: Under the circumstances, I defer to your experience.
 
[Martin also has a phaser.]
CAPT. MARTIN: Ryan! You're making a big mistake. (to Mason, sotto) Go. 
[Mason fires before they both move to try and flank the pair. Ryan fires at the bulkhead above T'Mir before leaving the module and sealing the door.]
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Captain! We've got a hull breach!
CAPT. MARTIN: RYAN!
[There's a jolt.]
LT. MASON: What was that?
CAPT. MARTIN: He jettisoned the module.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The module is freed from the Fortune.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
[Transparent viewer shows what's going on.]
LTCMDR. KAL: What the hell's going on over there? 
LT. SITO: There are four bio-signs on the module. It's the away team. 
LTCMDR. KAL [to com]: Enterprise to away team.
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE EIGHT
Captain Martin tapped his combadge.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Are you all right?
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: We're fine I don't want the Fortune leaving they have a Nausicaan prisoner aboard their ship.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTCMDR. KAL [to com]: Understood, hail them.
LT. SITO: No response their charging weapons!
LTCMDR. KAL: Raise deflectors!
EXT-SPACE
The Fortune fires its weapons at the Enterprise hitting her port deflectors making them flicker.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE EIGHT
LTCMDR. T'MIR [re: tricorder]: The Fortune has fired their weapons.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin to Enterprise, Jane report?
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: They're getting a little trigger-happy, sir. Stand by. Load starboard tubes three and four. Target their engines
LT. KAYE [com voice]: Aye, Commander
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE: Their warp drive is coming on-line.
LTCMDR. KAL: Fire!
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise launches a photon but the little orange streak doesn't get there in time.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE EIGHT
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Enterprise report?
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We're okay, sir. We didn't take too much damage, but the Fortunate just went to warp
CAPT. MARTIN: Follow them.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [re: Tricorder]: Captain, considering our rate of decompression, I'd suggest Enterprise retrieve us as quickly as possible. 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Belay that order Jane come and beam us back we've sprung a leak.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise next to the floating module.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
LT. MASON: We're trying to track their warp trail, but their plasma cannon knocked out our long range sensors.
CAPT. MARTIN: How long till we have them back.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Give me four hours.
LT. KAYE: We don't know where they are, but we know who they're looking for. The Nausicaans. Ryan's after revenge, sir.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: A very primitive emotion, but it would explain his irrational behavior.
LT. KAYE: It's rational to him. Those pirates attacked his ship. That's his family. If we want to find the Fortunate, we need to find the Nausicaans.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Fortune is at warp.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR
Commander Ryan looks at the Nausicaan prisoner.
CMDR. RYAN: The frequencies. 
NAUSICAAN: You're not very skilled at interrogation. I could give you some lessons. 
CMDR. RYAN: (kicking him in the chest) Give me the frequencies. 
NAUSICAAN: You know my shipmates will come for me. 
CMDR. RYAN: I'm counting on it. 
[Then he just starts beating the Nausicaan prisoner senseless.]
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE CORRIDOR
Both Commander Ryan and Crewmen Shaw are walking through the corridor.
CMDR. RYAN: That wasn't so difficult, was it. 
CREWMEN SHAW: You nearly killed him. 
CMDR. RYAN: Remodulate the weapons. 
CREWMEN SHAW: What about the Nausicaan? 
CMDR. RYAN: Keep him locked up. We might still need him. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We've got what we wanted. Let's just get him off the ship. 
CMDR. RYAN: How? 
CREWMEN SHAW: An escape pod. 
CMDR. RYAN: So his friends can pick him up and he can tell them to change their shield 
modulations? What was the point of all this? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I've been asking myself the same question. We've always dealt with the Nausicaans without taking hostages or beating information out of them. 
CMDR. RYAN: If we don't show them that we're serious, they're never going to leave us alone. 
CREWMEN SHAW: How would the Captain want us to handle this? 
CMDR. RYAN: I'm responsible for this ship now, and I need to know that you are going to help me do whatever it takes to protect her. 
(Shaw nods.) 
CMDR. RYAN: We've taken enough casualties. It's time we started inflicting some of our own.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log, supplemental. We've picked up a faint warp trail that could be the Fortunate, but we don't know for sure until our long range sensors are back online
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE JEFFERIES TUBE 23
Both Commander James and Lieutenant Kaye are repairing the sensors.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Anything?
Lieutenant Kaye checks.
LT. KAYE: No. Try bypassing circuit L-47. 
CREWMAN: Aye, Lieutenant. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: I don't know what's going on with that guy. I can understand taking on those pirates. I probably would have done the same thing. But firing on a Starfleet vessel? He's got a lot more than pirates to worry about now. 
LT. KAYE: Never thought I'd see a Y-class running from any ship I was on. When I was growing up on the Horizon, anything that happened on board you handles yourself. If someone on the crew got into a fight, you just worked it out. You took care of your own. If Starfleet suddenly showed up and told my father what he could and couldn't do on his own ship? 
LTCMDR. JAMES: I understand that Jamie but things are changing. Ryan's going to have to figure that out. 
LT. KAYE: Maybe he has and he just doesn't like it.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Got it. Sensors are back online.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
[Doors chimed.]
CAPT. MARTIN: Come in.
Doors opened and Lieutenant Kaye walks in.
LT. KAYE: Do you have a minute, sir? 
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: I think I can squeeze you in.
[John gestures for her to sit.]
LT. KAYE: Permission to speak freely sir?
CAPT. MARTIN: I welcome it.
LT. KAYE: I'm worried that we're not handling the situation the right way. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Go on. 
LT. KAYE: You know I'd never question your orders. 
CAPT. MARTIN: You served on one of those freighters. I want to hear your opinion. 
LT. KAYE: Maybe Ryan's right. Maybe this isn't any of our business. If he doesn't want our help, why force it on him. 
CAPT. MARTIN: So you think we should just let Ryan take on the Nausicaans? 
LT. KAYE: Don't underestimate a freighter crew, sir. My father never ran into any trouble he couldn't handle himself, Nausicaans included. 
CAPT. MARTIN: So what happens to the Nausicaans? 
LT. KAYE: Sir? 
CAPT. MARTIN: Suppose Ryan finds the ship that attacked him. Maybe it's been damaged and the Fortunate is more than a match for them. What do you think Ryan'll do? 
LT. KAYE: He'd probably try to blow them out of the sky. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I don't know about you, Jamie, but that doesn't sit right with me. Human beings have a code of behavior that applies whether they're Starfleet officers or space boomers, and it isn't driven by revenge. Just because someone isn't born on Earth doesn't make him any less human. 
LT. KAYE: You're right, sir. I suppose I should understand that more than anyone. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Any other orders of mine you'd like to question? 
LT. KAYE: Not today, sir. Thank you, sir. 
[She leaves the ready room as John leans back and smiles.]
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Fortune is at warp.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. RYAN: Are you sure? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I've seen that hull signature enough times. 
CMDR. RYAN: The new shield frequencies? 
CREWMEN SHAW: Loaded and standing by. 
CMDR. RYAN: Bring the cannons online, drop out of warp. 
CREWMEN SHAW: They're just sitting there, a hundred kilometers ahead near a small asteroid. 
CMDR. RYAN: Put it on the viewer. 
(A little ship makes a dash.) 
CMDR. RYAN: They've seen us. Lay in an intercept course. Full impulse. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We're closing. Twenty kilometers. They're firing.
[WHUMPH!]
CREWMEN SHAW: Deflectors are holding.
CMDR. RYAN: Can you get a weapons lock? 
CREWMEN SHAW: We're out of range. 
(Another hit.) 
CMDR. RYAN: Then get us into range. 
CREWMEN SHAW: Ten kilometers, nine. Cannons locked on target. 
CMDR. RYAN: Return fire. 
CREWMEN SHAW: They've gone behind the asteroid. I've lost the lock.
EXT-SPACE
As Fortunate pursues, we see that the asteroid is a docking port and facility for lots of Nausicaan ships.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: This must be where they offload stolen cargo. 
CREWMEN SHAW: I'm getting us out of here. 
CMDR. RYAN: Hold your course. 
CREWMEN SHAW: Ryan! 
CMDR. RYAN: We still have their shield frequencies. Lock weapons on the first ship and fire.
Shaw presses the firing button.
EXT-SPACE
The Fortune fires four blots at the small Nausicaan vessel but nothing happens.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: Again. 
CREWMEN SHAW: No effect. 
CMDR. RYAN: Are you sure you programmed the right frequencies? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I used the ones he gave us.
EXT-SPACE
Other ships undock and start attacking Fortunate.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
CMDR. RYAN: Go to warp! 
CREWMEN SHAW: The reactor is offline. 
CMDR. RYAN: Full impulse, then. Hull plating to maximum. 
(Another big hit and explosions.) 
CREWMEN SHAW: We've lost impulse. They're hailing us. 
NAUSICAAN 2 [on viewscreen]: Our scans show you have one of our crewmen aboard. I assume you're here to return him
CMDR. RYAN: He's our prisoner. 
NAUSICAAN 2 [on viewscreen]: He won't be for long
(a jolt and an alarm sounding) 
CREWMEN SHAW: They've latched onto us. 
Commander Ryan tenses up.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise soars at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: Long range sensors are picking up weapons fire.
CAPT. MARTIN: Who's doing the shooting?
LT. MASON: It's difficult to be sure at this distance, sir. Looks like some kind of plasma discharge. I can't rule out our boomer friends.
CAPT. MARTIN: Lay in a course.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
EXT-SPACE
Two Nausicaan cruisers are circling the disabled cargo vessel while one of them is docked.
INT-ECS FORTUNE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CREWMEN SHAW: They're in the access corridor, section D. 
CMDR. RYAN: How many? 
CREWMEN SHAW: Three. 
CMDR. RYAN: Pass out weapons. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We know what they're after. Why not just let them have him> 
CMDR RYAN: We fought them off before, we can do it again. 
CREWMEN SHAW: It was one ship, not three. 
CMDR. RYAN: Weapons. 
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE CORRIDOR SECTION D [RED ALERT]
Ryan opens fire on the Nausicaans and a shooting match ensues. A crewman is hit.
CREWMEN SHAW: We should fall back!
[They retreat into a cargo module and the Nausicaans try to cut in.]
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise emerges from warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: It's the Fortunate, sir, and three smaller ships.
LT. SITO: It's Nausicaans sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's see them.
[Transparent viewer shows two small ships circling the Fortunate.]
LTCMDR. T'MIR: There are four Nausicaan bio-signs on board the Fortunate and I'm detecting weapon discharges. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Hail the lead vessel.
LT. MASON: It's responding.
[Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the lead Nausicaan cruiser.]
CAPT. MARTIN: Greetings I am John Martin Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, what are you doing with that cargo vessel?
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We are engaged in a rescue operation
CAPT. MARTIN: There's an awful lot of shooting for a rescue mission Commander.
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We want our crewman back
LT. KAYE: He wouldn't be there if you hadn't attacked them in the first place.
CAPT. MARTIN: Perhaps there's away we can improve our relation with each other.
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We're happy with our relations the way they are
CAPT. MARTIN: I have a proposal for you. We'll get your man back and then you'll let the Fortunate continue on her way. 
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [on viewscreen]: You're facing three of my ships. We are not interested in your proposals
LT. MASON: Captain, picking up two vessels it's Starfleet.
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
U.S.S. Voyager-A and U.S.S. Batavia emerge from warp.
INT-U.S.S. VOYAGER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ADM. JANEWAY [to com]: This Admiral Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager we're here to render aid.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. BATAVIA MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. RICHARDSON: This is Captain Alexander Richardson of the U.S.S. Batavia we've got your back Enterprise.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: What will it be Commander?
NAUSICAAN 2 [on viewscreen]: If you think you can convince them to return our crewman, do it quickly. Otherwise we'll be forced to take our chances
Transmission ends.
CUT TO:
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
(The Nausicaans break through the door, and the shooting starts again.) 
CAPT. MARTIN [OC]: Enterprise to Ryan. This is John Martin. We're ten thousand meters off your starboard bow. I know you can hear me. Why don't you think about what's best for your crew and let us help you?
CMDR. RYAN: What a relief. Starfleet's come to save the day. 
CAPT. MARTIN [OC]: I've spoken
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Nausicaan Commander. He's willing to let the Fortunate go if you turn over his crewman. 
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: What, and you believe him? You believe they're just going to let us fly away?
CAPT. MARTIN [OC]: I've got two other Starfleet vessels that will make sure they do
CMDR. RYAN: What about next time, when another freighter gets jumped.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [com voice]: In the middle of nowhere. What then? 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: You've got a chance to stop this before anyone else gets hurt. 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: I'm dealing with them the only way they understand
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Release the hostage.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: He's my prisoner, and I'm going to handle.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
RYAN [OC]: This in my way
LT. KAYE [to com]: What are you going to do, kill him? 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: Oh, you again. 
LT. KAYE: Sir, with your permission. You think killing one of them is going to accomplish anything? 
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: What, your Captain decide a little boomer to boomer talk would persuade me? 
LT. KAYE [OC]: Just shut up and listen to me. I don't give a damn about you any more
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [to com]: I'm just thinking about my and my brother's parents. 
RYAN [OC]: What have they got to do with this?
LT. KAYE [to com]: What's going to happen to the next freighter that runs into the Nausicaans? What if it's the Horizon and they have to pay the price for your 
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [OC]: Stubborn stupidity
RYAN [to com]: I'm doing this for them. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [to com]: The hell you are! This isn't about protecting cargo ships. 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: That is just what it's about
LT. KAYE: Don't kid yourself into thinking you're doing this for some greater good. This is about revenge, nothing else.
CMDR. RYAN [com voice]: This is about protecting others!
LT. KAYE [to com]: You don't like me because I left the Horizon to join Starfleet. You're afraid that if more people do that there won't be anyone left to run the freighters. Maybe you're right.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [com voice]: Maybe not
CMDR. RYAN [to com]; Jamie I don't hate you for that I am afraid of that!
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [to com]: The Nausicaans are going to kill you and your crew, and then there'll be twenty three fewer people out there to run those freighters.
INT-ECS FORTUNE CARGO MODULE FOUR [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE [OC]: No maybes
[Ryan hauls the Nausicaan to his feet.]
CMDR. RYAN: Hold your fire! Take him. 
[The Nausicaans leave, quickly.]
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: The Nausicaans are powering down their weapons. They're moving off, sir. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise, Voyager and Batavia are next to the Fortune.
INT-ECS FORTUNE SICKBAY
CAPT. MARTIN: Need a hand? 
(Keene eases himself off the bed.) 
CAPT. KEENE: Just a little stiff. Thank your doctor for me. I've got some Drilaxian whisky stashed away, if you'd like to join me. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I'm on duty. 
CAPT. KEENE: Too bad. If you've never had it, you're missing one of the galaxy's real pleasures. I'm reducing Mister Ryan's rank to Able Crewman. He gets to spend the rest of the trip purging hydraulic pumps. 
CAPT. MARTIN: If you think he's going to be a problem, we could take him back to Earth. 
CAPT. KEENE: No, we take care of our own. Besides, that would leave me a man short. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Understood. 
CAPT. KEENE: I made him my first officer because I trusted him with my ship. It's going to take him quite a while to earn that back. 
CAPT. MARTIN: His intentions were good, but someone should teach him to accept help when it's offered. 
CAPT. KEENE: The ones that grew up out here feel they have some special claim, that this particular stretch of space is theirs. They see another ship within ten light years, they get jumpy. 
CAPT. MARTIN: They're going to be seeing a lot more ships than they're used to. 
CAPT. KEENE: The ships get faster. It's progress, I suppose. My family's been on the Fortunate for three generations. Now, I'm going to need at least a warp three engine to stay in business. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Maybe that's not so bad. At warp three, help's a lot closer than before. You won't have to go it alone. 
CAPT. KEENE: Going it alone's all I've ever done, and for some of us it's the reason we're out here. A chance to prove ourselves. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I think you've already done that. 
CAPT. KEENE: Well, we'll adapt, we always have, but things just won't be the same. 
(They shake hands.) 
CAPT. MARTIN: Good luck. 
CAPT. KEENE: Sure you won't join me for that drink? 
CAPT. MARTIN: Thanks, but my crew's anxious to get underway. Next time.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The vessels approach Starbase 217.
[END OF ACT FIVE FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Martin
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Courtney James
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Jamie Kaye
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Sito Jaxa
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Harris Payne
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Nurse Laurel Takahashi
*TBA as Nausicaan Captain
*TBA as Nausicaan Prisoner
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Captain Jackson Keene
*TBA as Commander Matthew Ryan
*TBA as Crewmen Adam Shaw
*TBA as Admiral Kathryn Janeway
*Robin Hiert as Captain Alexander Richardson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===