The First Duty (First Frontier episode)

The First Duty is the 12th of Star Trek: First Frontier First Frontier Season 1.
==Plot==
Following an accident during an Academy training exercise that leads to the death of her boyfriend, Tina Branson must decide whether loyalty or truth is the first duty.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, NEAR TITAN
A squadron of Federation fighters are in formation.
INT-PHOENIX EIGHT CANOPY 
Cadet 3rd class Tina Branson is piloting her fighter. 
CADET 3RD CLASS SCOTT (com voice): Alright guys let's do what we talked about
Tina activates her plasma vent. 
CADET 2ND CLASS TAO (com voice): Henry you're to close to me vector off! 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM
The two fighters collide as the others can't avoid it. 
INT-PHOENIX EIGHT CANOPY 
CADET 3RD CLASS SCOTT (com voice): 'EVERYONE ACTIVATE YOUR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTER NOW!''
Tina activates hers. 
INT-IO OUTPOST
The squad materializes onboard the outpost as Tina looks around. 
CADET 3RD CLASS BRANSON: Henry? HENRY! NO GOD NO! 
The rest of the squadron is sadden by what happened as Rain comforts Tina.
CUT TO:
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp on course for Sector 001.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Supplemental, We're en route to Earth, where it will be my pleasant duty to deliver this year's commencement address at Starfleet Academy. I'm also looking forward to seeing my parents again as well to see my daughter Tina Branson. Her flight team will perform a demonstration near Saturn that will be transmitted to the graduation ceremonies
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
[The crew are all at their stations as doors to the Captain's ready room open and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge, and walks over to the command chair as Commander Ivanova vacates the command chair.]
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We're on course for sector 001 ship systems are functioning normally. 
She walks over to her station as Captain Branson sits in the command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Z. 
LTJG. SMITH: I can't wait to see these guys preform. 
ENS. CARLSON: You'll be impressed Julia. 
Lieutenant Smith turns to Captain Branson. 
LTJG. SMITH: Captain, Starfleet Academy is requesting an update on our estimated arrival.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ty?
Lieutenant Mitchell checks his console read out and reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: We should arrive at Earth in ten hours, sixteen minutes, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia please inform the Academy and send my regards to Superintendent Chandra. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Smith inputs commands into her console and sends the message, Commander Ivanova turns to him. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Do you know him?
CAPT. BRANSON: Not personally no but from what Tina has told me he's a pretty impressive Superintendent.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: (ruefully): If he's anything like my superintendent...(off Branson's look) When I was at the Academy, we had a Vulcan superintendent who memorized the personnel file of every single cadet. He knew everything. It was like having your parents there with you. All the time. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Mine was a Rear Admiral who knew everything about the class, when he called you into his office. He didn't have to ask what you'd done. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (Smiles): You got called into the superintendent's office? That sounds like a story I'd like to hear. 
Branson is not about to tell; he self-consciously straightens his uniform. They're interrupted by a beeping from Julia's console. 
LTJG. SMITH (off console): Captain we're being hailed by Starfleet Academy its Superintendent Chandra.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
There's a short beat as Branson waits for the screen to activate. 
LT. SMITH: Uh, he's asking for a private channel. 
Both John and Susan exchange puzzling looks as to why Admiral Chandra is asking for a private channel. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then in my ready room. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson walks over to his desk and then activates his desktop monitor.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Admiral Chandra what can I do for you?
VICE ADM. CHANDRA [monitor]: Captain its my understanding that you and Lieutenant Acher has a daughter?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, sir her name is Tina is something wrong?
Admiral Chandra puts his hands on his desk.
VICE ADM. CHANDRA [monitor]: I wanted to inform you personally... There's been an accident
Off Branson's reaction. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
======
INTRO:
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Space the Final Frontier, these are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise its five-year mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds to Seek Out New Life and New Civilizations To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before....
 ======
 A shot over another Federation Starship as the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 is at Station keeping. 
STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
The Enterprise exits dry-dock berth. 
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON 
An underbelly shot of the ventral section of the Enterprise as the moon is in full view. 
FELECIA LINKOUS 
 AS
LTCMDR. ZHASA IVANOVA 
The Enterprise flying by an interstellar dust cloud. 
KEVIN REGAN 
 AS
LTJG. JACK MASON 
The Enterprise flying towards an M-Class planet. 
FERNE MYERS 
 AS
LT. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS 
Enterprise traversing a planetary debris field. 
JACOB ELLIOT 
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
Enterprise flying by a binary pulsar. 
DELENA "DEE" LUSK 
 AS
ENS. KARA CARLSON
BLAKE WAYMIRE 
 AS
LTJG. TYSON MITCHELL
Enterprise heading towards Arcamon Science Station.
SADIE BRICKHOUSE 
 AS
LTJG. JULIA SMITH
Enterprise flying by a comet. 
BECKY ELLIOT 
 AS
LTJG. T'LAR
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she leaps into warp. 
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
Fade In
(Episode Notes: Opening Credits Fall Over Opening Scenes)
EXT-SOL SYSTEM
The Enterprise emerges from warp and approaches Earth.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is chatting with his ex-wife.
JOHN: According to the doctor she's got second degree burns on her chest and a multiple fracture of her right arm. But she's going to be fine.
JAMIE [monitor]: ''Have they completed the regeneration series?
JOHN (sighs): I'm not sure yet.
JAMIE (monitor): Tina allergic to metorapan treatments. I think they'll have to use a bicaridine substitute. I should send her complete records to the Academy infirmary. Of course, they probably have them already, but you can't be too sure
John leans forward.
JOHN: Jamie she's fine.
JAMIE (monitor): I know she's fine I know she's fine. How did it happen?
JOHN: Apparently, her squadron was practicing on the Academy flight range near Saturn. they were flying a close formation. There was a collision. All five ships were destroyed. Four of the pilots managed to transport out. One didn't make it. 
JAMIE (monitor): Who was it?
JOHN: A Henry Cross.
We can see Jamie leaning back in her chair.
JAMIE (monitor): Tina spoke of him. They were lovers. Tina was so excited to make the flight team. Of course, I was a little nervous, but I was proud of her. I always knew there was a chance that something like this might
JOHN: Jamie our daughter is alright her pride maybe a bit bruised but she's going to be alright, Admiral McTigue will be holding a full briefing after we arrive. I'll let you know as soon as we're in orbit.
JAMIE (monitor): Thank you John
He nods and the transmission ends.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit of Earth.
EXT-EARTH SURFACE/STARFLEET ACADEMY CAMPUS
Est. shot of the Starfleet Academy campus. A large, sprawling campus in the San Francisco Bay Area.
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
This is one of the oldest buildings in the Academy, and a powerful sense of tradition pervades it. The room is probably used for both hearings and lectures. There are several tables, on the right wall is a large viewscreen, and several rows of benches form a gallery.
There's a small group of people sitting in the gallery: N.D. PARENTS of the flight team, including LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CROSS, the father of the dead cadet. Branson and Jamie are here as well. The atmosphere is somber and subdued. McTigue is standing in front of the small table; he's trying to keep this low-key and informal. He is holding a PADD which he consults periodically.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (refers to PADD): There was very little left to salvage from the wreckage. We did recover one of the ships' data recorders, but it was badly damaged. We're attempting to restore the information, but that will take some time. Standard procedure calls for an immediate investigation by two command level officers. Commodore Kirk and I will be taking depositions from Phoenix Squadron at fifteen hundred hours today. Commander Cross. I'm sure that everyone in this room joins me in expressing my deepest sympathies to you on the tragic loss of your son. 
Commander Cross wants to know why his son is dead... he pushes McTigue.
LTCMDR. CROSS: Was there any indication of a problem before the crash? What exactly were they doing out there? Did they file a flight plan?
Captain Branson gets up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Whoa calm down there Commander you're way out of line.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I want to know how my son died and what those cadets were doing out there without a supervisor!
McTigue stops him. His attitude is sympathetic... he understands this is a very difficult time for him.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Commander Cross I understand how you feel and believe me when I say that I would want answers as well but we're not going to get them by turning on each other and making false reports.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I just want to know how my son died.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (gently): Commander... I'm sorry... right now, we don't have those answers. But I assure you we will investigate this matter thoroughly.
Commander Cross sits down and is still sadden by his loss as Captain Branson sits back down next to Jamie as McTigue continues.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: There will be a memorial service for Cadet Cross this evening in the west garden. It has been suggested that we should cancel the graduation ceremonies in the light of what's happened. Commander Cross and I have discussed this and we've agreed that commencement should go forward as planned. The cadets should know that even after a tragedy like this, there are still duties to perform and life continues. Thank you all for coming. 
As the meeting breaks Captain Branson walks over to Admiral McTigue and they shake hands.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Admiral McTigue so good to finally meet you.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Captain Branson finally I get to meet the man that Jim can't stop talking about making alot of good up there as Captain of the Enterprise, and I wish our first meeting was under better circumstances. 
CAPT. BRANSON: This is an unhappy way to begin commencement. If you require any assistance, then the Enterprise is at your disposal. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: I'm sure we'll be able to conduct the investigation, but thank you for your offer.
LTCMDR. ARCHER: The Excalibur is also at your disposal should you need us as well.
INT-CADET BRANSON'S DORM ROOM
In contrast to quarters on the Enterprise, the Academy dorm room looks older and more lived-in. It's sparsely furnished with a desk, a couple of chairs, and a single bed. Everything is neat and ship-shape.
Tina is sitting on the edge of her bed. Her arm is in a 23rd-century therapeutic device. She's practicing flexing her arm... it's difficult to fully bend her arm and she winces in pain. The effort tires her and she takes off the device. She massages the arm with her other hand; it's still not a hundred percent.
The door chimes. She gets up, straightens her uniform, and takes a deep breath. She moves to the door and opens it. It's Jamie and John.
JAMIE (smiles): Oh thank god Tina you're alright.
She hugs her parents.
JOHN: How are you feeling Tina?
Tina sits on her bed.
TINA: I'm a bit sore but I'm feeling alright a bit shaken up.
JAMIE: We're so sorry to hear about Henry.
TINA: Thanks mom.
JOHN: You feel like talking about?
TINA (Sighs): No. I don't think so. No, thank you. I know you're trying to be helpful, dad, but it seems like that's all I've talked about for the last two days. I don't want to go through it again.
JOHN (Smiles): Alright, I understand. But I want you to know I'm available if you should change your mind.
She nods.
JAMIE: Everyone onboard the Excalibur is thinking about you.
TINA: That's nice.
Then the door chimes as Tina gets up and opens the door and Cadet 1st Class MATTHEW SCOTT enters. He's well-built, charismatic, a born leader. (Production note: cadet rank are signified by vertical bars in place of the rank pips normally worn by Starfleet officers.) As Scott walks in, he sees Both Branson and Archer and immediately comes to attention.
CADET 1ST CLASS SCOTT (snaps to attention): Captain, Lieutenant Commander.
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Cadet Scotts.
Tina makes the introductions... but Scott's entrance has definitely put her on edge.
TINA: This is my squadron leader, Matthew Scotts. This is my father Captain John Branson of the Enterprise. And my mother, Lieutenant Commander Jamie Archer chief Engineer of the USS Excalibur.
CAPT. BRANSON: Cadet Scotts nice to meet you.
CADET SCOTTS: I came by to see if Tina had healed up alright.
CAPT. BRANSON: How are you feeling?
Cadet Scotts feelings are sincere... he's been deeply affected by the cadet's death.
CADET SCOTTS: I've been better sir just never lost someone under my command before.
John knows the feeling of how that effected him during the one of the battles with the Klingons.
CAPT. BRANSON: I can tell you one thing it never gets easier telling the parents of an officer the tragic news.
He nods and Tina is getting a bit more edgy as she wants both her parents out of there quickly.
TINA: Dad, Mom, will you excuse us please? Matt and I have some things we need to talk about.
JOHN: Alright, shortcrop it was great seeing you again.
TINA (Smirks): Me to father.
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll see you at the inquiry it was nice to meet you Mister Scotts.
CADET SCOTTS: You to sir, ma'am.
JAMIE: Tina if you need anything let me know.
TINA (Smiles): I know.
They leave as she closes the door and Cadet Scotts has more of a serious look on his face.
CADET SCOTTS: That was too close you've got to more careful Tina.
TINA: I know but I was lucky that I avoided the questions.
CADET SCOTTS: The inquiry is scheduled for fifteen hundred hours. Are you ready?
TINA (nods): Yeah I think so.
MATT: Don't worry T everything will be alright.
Tina nods, but she is clearly troubled. Off Tina's expression.
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit of Earth.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN BRANSON'S QUARTERS
John and Jessica are laying in bed together as John is laying in bed unable to sleep.
JESSICA: Can't sleep?
JOHN: No, Tina is in trouble and she knows something but she's not speaking.
JESSICA: She's scared still John she watched her boyfriend blow up right next to her that would scare anyone not to talk.
JOHN (sighs): I guess you're right.
JESSICA: I'm surprised that you and Commander Archer aren't trying to kill each other.
John turns to her.
JOHN: Same here but we both know that our daughter needs us more then ever cause of what she's lost.
JESSICA (smiles): You'll be there for her.
John kisses her.
CUT TO:
INT-TINA'S DORM ROOM
Tina, Scotts, Jameson, and Lao are side by side. They are getting ready to go into the inquiry and Scotts, as squadron leader, is checking over the other three as they stand at loose attention. Scotts is a coach here, not a martinet... he's building them up, getting them ready for some tough times ahead.
He brushes off some lint from Lao's uniform. Scotts stays in front of Jameson, who seems a little tense.
CADET SCOTTS: You nervous? 
CADET LAO: No, yes.
CADET SCOTTS (smiles): That's okay. So am I. But we're going to be all right. We've got some tough times ahead but we've always come through for each other. Whatever happens, I want you all to know that leading this team has been the high point of my years at the Academy. No one could have asked for a better team, or better friends. Let's go. 
They head to the hearing room.
INT-ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
The room has been set up for an informal court of inquiry.
The flags of the Federation and Starfleet have been displayed behind the judges' table. Admiral McTigue is seated at the head table facing the rest of the room along with COMMODORE JAKANDE, a male Human officer. An antique ship's bell sits on the table in front of them. Seated at a table facing these officers are the members of the cadet flight team: Cadet First Class RAIN LAO, a female human; Cadet Second Class STACY JAMESON, a female Human; and Sarah. SPECTATORS are seated behind the cadets, including Branson, Jamie, and the other parents seen earlier. Lieutenant Commander Cross is here also.
Scotts is standing near the large monitor, giving testimony. The monitor shows a schematic DISPLAY of SATURN, its MOONS, and the five small SHIPS of the Phoenix Squadron. The ships are moving slowly toward one of the moons. Scotts is pointing to the display as he speaks... his attitude is honest and straightforward...a completely believable cadet.
CADET SCOTTS: At this point, we accelerated and executed a starboard turn of twenty seven degrees. We came out of the turn on course for Titan. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: And you were still in the lead position? 
CADET SCOTTS: Yes, sir.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Continue.
CADET SCOTTS: As we entered Titan's gravitational sphere, I gave the signal to tighten up and move into a diamond slot formation.
The monitor shows what's going on and ZOOMS close on the graphic symbols for the ships as they change formation... four ships move into position as four "points" of a diamond, while one ship slides into the middle "slot" position. Each ship is clearly labeled by pilot: Scotts in the lead, Lao in the slot, Tina and Cross on either wing, and Jameson in the rear.
CADET SCOTTS: Remaining in the diamond formation, we executed a low apogee turn around Titan... then began a z plus twenty-five degree climb in preparation for a Yeager loop.
Named for Chuck Yeager, who broke the sound barrier in 1947.
As they watch the proceedings. Branson is paying very close attention to the testimony and the computer simulation. Jamie is also watching carefully, but she can't help but glance at Tina every now and then.
On the monitor The ships on the monitor begin to turn in an intricate looping maneuver.
CADET SCOTTS (off screen): Approximately nine seconds later, Cadet Lao's ship collided with Cadet Jameson's. We had less than two seconds to activate our emergency transporters and beam to the evac stations at Mimas. Everyone made it except Josh.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Thank you, Mister Scotts. Cadet Jameson. 
 
(the young woman stands up) 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: As Team Navigator, you filed a flight plan with the Academy Range Officer before the exercise, correct?
CADET JAMESON: No, sir.
Fleet Admiral McTigue and Commodore Jakande look at each other surprised and then back at Cadet Jameson, as Admiral McTigue picks up a PADD and examines it for a moment.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Then how do you explain the fact that the low apogee turn around Titan was at least two thousand kilometers closer to the moon than indicated in your plan? 
CADET JAMESON: I don't know sir, we were still within flight safety parameters, sir. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: That was not my question, Cadet.
CADET JAMESON: We had discussed changing our approach after I filed the flight plan. The final decision was made en route to Saturn. I didn't consider it significant enough to mention here. I apologize for the confusion, sir. I should have been more precise. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Did you see Mister Cross's ship break formation before it collided with your ship?
CADET JAMESON (thinks): No, sir. My first indications of trouble was when my proximity alarm went off. 
COMM. JAKANDE: You may be seated. Did any of you see the collision take place? 
CADET SCOTTS: No, sir everything was fine till the collision.
COMM. JAKANDE: Thank Mister Scotts, Cadet Lao you were in the tail position, therefore you should have seen any sign of trouble from Cadet Cross. Yet you saw nothing? 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: That is correct sir.
COMM. JAKANDE: Did your attention falter?
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: No, sir. I was flying solely on sensor readings at the time. I did not have any visual contact with Cadet Cross's ship when he broke formation. 
Keeping his expression carefully neutral, Hunter shuts off the monitor. McTigue leans to confer with him as in the crowd Jamie leans over to John.
JAMIE (sotto): What's wrong?
JOHN (sotto): It's unusual to fly on sensors alone in that type of maneuver. A pilot relies on the visual cues from the other ships to maintain formation.
McTigue taps the bell and brings the room to order before John can speculate further.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: If you were flying on sensors alone, perhaps you could tell us the orientation of his ship before the collision. 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: I...don't know sir.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (voice hardens): You were flying a ship, travelling eighty thousand kph, with Cadet Cross's ship less than ten meters away and you don't know what his orientation was? 
2ND CLASS CADET LAO: I don't remember sir.
McTigue is about to really go after Lao when Cadet Scotts stands again.
1ST CADET SCOTTS: Admiral if I may.
McTigue considers them both, then nods after a beat.
1ST CADET SCOTTS: Admiral....
Matt is struggling... he seems very uncomfortable with what he's about to say.
1ST CADET SCOTTS: Henry, was a good pilot but lately he'd been having difficulties. He'd get nervous during close fly-bys and pull away in the final seconds. His formation flying was a little erratic. 
Both McTigue and Jakande are surprised about this.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: And you didn't report this to anyone?
Scotts puts his hands behind his back.
1ST CLASS CADET SCOTTS (sighs): No sir, I didn't. We'd flown together a long time... I thought he could handle it if I gave him a chance. I was wrong.
COMM. JAKANDE: Cadet are you saying that the accident was Cadet Cross's fault? 
1ST CLASS CADET SCOTTS (beat, then very reluctant): I think he got frightened and tried to pull out of the turn prematurely, and then crashed into Cadet Lao. Henry was our friend. We didn't want him to be remembered as someone who panicked. 
Tina is shocked by what Matt just said -- but keeps it inside. The other two cadets trade nervous glances, but try not to let their anxiety show as Commander Cross is shocked by what he's hearing as Captain Branson is disturbed by what he heard.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (sighs): You may be seated.
Cadet Scotts sits down with his squadron.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: I'm very disturbed by what I've heard here today. By your own admission, you allowed your teammate to fly when you knew he was having difficulties maintaining formation. That demonstrates a serious lack of judgment. I am also disturbed by the fact that you did not come forward with this information immediately. We should have the first data from Cadet Branson's flight recorder tonight. We will reconvene at thirteen hundred hours tomorrow.
He taps the bell and everyone stands up as the inquiry is recessed Phoenix Squadron stands up as Tina turns to face Matt who puts his hand on her shoulder.
1ST CLASS CADET SCOTTS: Everything is fine trust me.
He EXITS along with the crowd. Lao and Jameson follow him and Tina is left feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
Fade In
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova enters as Lieutenant Williams & Lieutenant T'Lar are at the large computer screen.
LT. WILLIAMS (dubious): Captain, the Academy has one of the best reconstructive analysis labs in Starfleet. I'm not sure we'll have much to contribute to the investigation.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, that may well be. But Tina's one of our own. 
LTJG. T'LAR: We could pull the sensor logs from Titan's outpost.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long will it take?
LT. WILLIAMS: About an hour give or take.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep me posted.
They both leave as Williams and T'Lar gets to work.
CUT TO:
INT-CADET TINA BRANSON'S DORM ROOM
Tina, Scotts, Lao, and Jameson are gathered in the room, in the middle of a heated discussion.
TINA: I can't believe you said that about my boyfriend!
MATT: Tina what did you want me to say I had to think of something.
RAIN: You shouldn't have said it, Matt. Henry wasn't responsible for what happened. 
TINA: We all agreed that we wouldn't lie about what happened.
MATT: Look, he was my friend too, Tina. I worked to get him on this team. But the truth is, he panicked.
TINA: We don't know that!
MATT: Of course we do... none of us has wanted to say it out loud... but we've all had the same thought. Haven't we?
He looks at Lao and Jameson... they don't deny it. Lao finally nods.
RAIN: He must have pulled away too soon. I think he got scared.
MATT: Stacy?
Stacy nods.
TINA (scoffs): I can't believe that you three would say that about the man that I loved and cared about who was the best pilot in this squad true he had problems but he never messed up nor pulled out of formations too soon!
Matt walks over to Tina who is looking out the window.
MATT (sighs): Tina I know you want to protect his memory and honor him, we all do. But we have to look out for ourselves now. What do you want us to do, walk in and tell them everything that happened? 
STACY: We might as well turn in our uniforms and start packing our bags.
MATT: Are we all ready for that?
A long beat. None of them, even Tina, is ready to leave the Academy. Stacy and Rain are now firmly with Matt although Tina is still struggling. Matt picks up a PADD.
MATT (re: PADD): We'll take this one step at a time. This is the preliminary report from your flight recorder. It was so badly damaged in the crash, that the lab could only retrieve a third of the total telemetry on the recorder. And all of it is before the collision. There's no problem here. 
Tina looks at the PADD for a beat... struggles...finally looks up at Matt.
TINA (sighs): I don't know if I can do this.
Matt knows this is a crucial moment, but he doesn't push... he doesn't want to come down too hard on Tina... that might make her dig in her heels. He lets Stacy step in.
STACY: You don't have to lie... just don't volunteer any new information.
It's three against one... but Tina still isn't entirely comfortable with this. Matt eyes her, smiles ruefully.
MATT (sighs): The first night I met you, Tina, I knew I wanted you on this squad. You, more than any of the rest, would understand what it means to be able to count on someone, you know you've got to be able to count on the people on your team, because your life is in their hands, and their lives are in yours. We made a promise to each other right in the beginning, that we'd stick together. We were Phoenix Squadron. Nobody else could say that. And even after we graduated, we'd try to get posted to the same duty. We were going to be a team for a long time. Henry can't be a part of those plans anymore, but I think he would still want us to be a team. What do you think? 
Tina looks at her friends... feels the bonds that tie her to these people... and finally nods in acceptance.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is next to the U.S.S. Excalibur.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is working on his desktop when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Jamie enters.
JAMIE: Hey.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hey.
JAMIE: You got a minute?
JOHN: Sure I was just catching up on some crew status reports that have been piling up.
Jamie sits in front of his desk.
JAMIE: I've been thinking about what happened between us.
JOHN: Oh really now?
JAMIE: John I know it was wrong of me to do that to you we should of talked it out.
JOHN: But instead you banged papa Smurf.
JAMIE: I'm trying to say that I'm sorry for what I did but right now we need to focus on getting our daughter Tina out of this situation.
JOHN: I know I've got Stephanie and T'Lar working on it.
JAMIE: Amanda is working on it was well.
Then the boatswain whistle sounds off.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Bridge to Captain Branson
Captain Branson activates the com.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson here go ahead Z.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (com voice): Fleet Admiral McTigue has resumed the hearing
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We're on our way.
Both John and Jamie leave the ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE/STARFLEET ACADEMY
Same shot as before.
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
Tina is standing near the wall monitor and everyone else is in the same positions as seen in Act Two, including Branson and Archer. The strain is starting to show on Tina... she is tired and worn.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Are you ready Cadet Branson?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Yes, sir.
Admiral McTigue touches a button on his table and the LIGHTS in the room DIM.
The wall monitor activates and shows a caption reading "SHIP'S LOG: CADET FOURTH CLASS TINA BRANSON" and bearing the appropriate stardate. After a beat, the monitor comes to life and shows an INTERIOR VIEW of the cockpit of Tina's ship.
The perspective is from over the head of the pilot, giving us a look out the front of his canopy. The top of Tina's flight helmet is visible in the bottom of the frame, but most of the cockpit is hidden from view. Superimposed over the picture are various computer readouts showing speed, course, g-forces, sensor information, etc.
The footage is quite distorted; as Tina talks, the image JUMPS and FUZZES periodically and sometimes breaks up altogether. At the moment, no other ships can be seen out of the canopy.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: This is the beginning of our run toward Titan. I'm on the right wing. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Where was Mister Cross?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: He was on my port quarter, approximately fifty meters away.
On the monitor the view out the front of the canopy changes... a ship comes into view on the right of Tina's canopy. The computer information on the screen indicates a change in course and speed.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: We've just received the signal to begin the diamond slot formation. That's Cadet Scotts coming into view. We're in a twenty degree turn around Titan. We should be coming out of Titan's gravity well about now. 
On the monitor it shows the view from Tina's ship changes... the stars move to indicate a turn... and then a MOON suddenly moves into view as the ship swoops down near its surface.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (O.C.): We're in a twenty degree turn, coming around Titan...
The view from the canopy is almost completely taken up by the moon... the interference is getting worse and worse...Tina is having trouble making out what she's seeing on the screen.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: We should be coming out of Titan's gravity well about now...
On the monitor The moon is just leaving the canopy on the screen when the picture finally BREAKS UP, in the crowd Captain Branson is confused about what happened.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: That is the extent of the data we were able to recover from the flight recorder. Cadet Branson, would you describe what happened after you left orbit of Titan?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Once we cleared the moon, Mister Scotts led us into a Yeager loop. Approximately nine seconds later, my proximity alarm went off. I tried to veer away, but it was too late and I was hit. I lost control of my ship. A power coupling exploded in my cockpit. I don't know how, but I managed to activate my escape transporter, and the next thing I remember is finding myself on the emergency evac station on Mimas with the rest of the squadron, except Henry. 
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Do you have anything to add to your testimony?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: No, sir.
COMM. JAKANDE: Can you describe the Yeager Loop Cadet?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (demonstrates with hands): The ships begin in a diamond slot formation. They climb and loop backwards at a steep angle... at the peak of the loop, all five ships flip over and accelerate in a new direction.
Jakande gives Tina a very direct look.
COMM. JAKANDE: How long did your squadron remain in the loop?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: A few seconds before we broke the formation.
COMM. JAKANDE (to com): Computer, display Saturn NavCon file six dash three seven nine. These images were obtained by a navigational control satellite in orbit around Saturn during a standard sensor sweep. Computer, freeze image. Magnify sector gamma three and enhance.
The monitor comes alive again and shows a view of space as seen from Saturn. The rings can be seen stretching away from the camera and one or two moons are visible.
COMM. JAKANDE: This image was recorded when your ships moved briefly into the satellite's sensor range. According to the time index, what you see on the monitor took place seven seconds after Phoenix Squadron completed the Yeager loop. 
Both Captain Branson and Commander Archer were surprised by this.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Now Cadet Branson, are these ships in a diamond slot formation?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: No, sir.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: What is your explanation, Cadet?
Beat. Tina is forced to stonewall, and yet she maintains an outward appearance of confusion.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I have none sir.
On Tina's reaction....
CUT TO:
INT-TINA'S DORM ROOM
Jamie is in her daughter's room pacing about as Tina is sitting on the bed pacing about, her maternal instincts have been aroused, and she's looking for a way to protect her daughter.
JAMIE: Everything's going to be okay, Tina. There's got to be an explanation for all this.
TINA says nothing. Jamie is on her feet, moving around the room, full of energy.
JAMIE: Williams, T'Lar and Beck are already analyzing the flight recorder and the satellite transmission.
Tina reacts with surprise.
TINA: Why?
JAMIE: There must be something wrong with the satellite data. It might have been tampered with. 
TINA: Mom...that doesn't make any sense.
JAMIE: Well, there must be some explanation for this. I know you're telling the truth but the satellite data made it look as if you were lying. I've spoken with the other parents. I am going to talk to Admiral McTigue and ask him to delay the inquiry.
Tina can't let her mother put herself on the line like this. She stops her.
TINA (firmly): Mom no, you can't do that.
JAMIE (determined): I'm not going to let them destroy your career, Tina... you haven't done anything wrong.
Tina looks at her for a long beat. Jamie's faith and belief in her daughter only compounds her sense of guilt.
TINA: Mom, don't try to protect me. Please stay out of this.
Jamie looks at Tina. She suddenly realizes she's telling her that she's not completely innocent. The revelation takes the wind out of her sails. Her reaction is one of shock and sorrow, not recrimination. She now knows just how much trouble Tina's in.
A long beat. She reaches out for her. They hold each other and embrace tightly.
CUT TO:
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise, Excalibur, and Yorktown are in orbit.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK FIFTEEN CORRIDOR
Both John and Jamie are heading towards Main Engineering.
JAMIE: She all but admitted to me that she was lying.
JOHN: Did Tina say anything?
JAMIE: She just asked me not to help her... but it was the way she said it ... the look on her face... John, I know our daughter, and she's in trouble.
Branson's look says that he grimly agrees with her.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
They enter and walk over to Commander Williams & Lieutenant T'Lar.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Nothing conclusive. We do know that the collision occurred about four seconds after the satellite images were recorded, but we still don't know how the ships got into the new formation or why the crash occurred. 
LTJG. T'LAR: We have unsuccessfully tried over fifty different computational models in an effort to simulate the movements of Phoenix Squadron just prior to the crash.
LTCMDR. ARCHER: You're saying that its next to impossible of helping our daughter?
LT. WILLIAMS: We're not giving up on Cadet Branson ma'am we're just saying that its next to impossible.
Branson thinks for a moment.
CAPT. BRANSON: What about Tina's flight recorder??
Stephanie looks at T'Lar and tries to think.
LT. WILLIAMS: The starboard power flow was fluctuating.
LTJG. T'LAR: However, it was well within operational limits.
LT. WILLIAMS (thinking): Fluidic pressure in the landing struts was low, but I don't know what difference that would make.
LTJG. T'LAR (thinks): We did find that Tina had opened her coolant interlock just before beginning the maneuver around Titan.
JAMIE: Is that normal?
LT. WILLIAMS: Not really, Normally the interlock is closed unless you're performing a check on the engine coolant levels. But there's no evidence Sarah was performing that sort of check. 
CAPT. BRANSON (thinks): Filling the primary coolant tanks requires an open interlock but that can only be performed in a maintenance bay. Is there any other reason for opening the valve? 
LT. WILLIAMS: It's the first step in purging the plasma exhaust.
LTJG. T'LAR: That procedure would be extremely hazardous while the ship was in flight.
LT. WILLIAMS: Yeah, the engine would probably ignite the plasma.
Suddenly, John puts it together... he suddenly understands it all.
LTCMDR. ARCHER: John? John you alright?
CAPT. BRANSON (shocked): Ignite the plasma... that's exactly what they were trying to do.
Branson stares at the screen and his face turns grim as he realizes the astonishing implications. On his reaction...
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is over Earth.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and 4th Class Cadet Branson enters and stands at attention.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Fourth Class Cadet Tina Branson reporting as ordered sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: At ease Cadet.
She stands at ease Branson studies her for a moment... pointedly does not offer her a chair... then he turns around the terminal on his desk so that Tina can see it. Branson activates the terminal.
CAPT. BRANSON: Can you tell me what this maneuver is?
On the monitor we see five ships go into a circle, cross each other's paths and light up a five pointed star.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Its called a Kolvoord Starburst maneuver.
CAPT. BRANSON: Five ships crossing within ten meters of each other and then igniting their plasma trails. One of the most difficult and spectacular demonstrations of precision flying. It hasn't been performed by an Academy team in over a century. Do you know why?
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Because it was banned due to an accident.
CAPT. BRANSON: An accident that claimed the lives of all five cadets.
Tina is just standing there.
CAPT. BRANSON: I think that Mister Scotts wanted to end his Academy career in a blaze of glory. That he convinced the four of you to learn the Kolvoord Starburst for the commencement demonstration. If it worked, you would thrill the assembled guests and Scotts would graduate as a living legend. Only it didn't work, and your boyfriend paid the price.
Tina has a grim look on her face but doesn't move.
CAPT. BRANSON: Am I correct? 
Tina stands there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cadet, I asked you a question. Am I correct? 
Tina's head snaps up at the tone of command, but she doesn't yield.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I choice not to answer.
Branson regards her seriously...he gets up from the desk and moves closer to Tina. His attitude is firm and unbending.
CAPT. BRANSON: You choose not to answer? But you've already given an answer to the inquiry, and that answer was a lie. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: I said the accident occurred after the loop. It did. 
Captain Branson is studying his daughter's reactions and presses more.
CAPT. BRANSON (hard): But you neglected to mention the fact that following the loop your team executed a dangerous maneuver which was the direct cause of the crash.(beat) Yes, you told the truth... but only to a point. And a lie of omission is still a lie.
Tina says nothing and Branson takes a couple of steps away from her.
CAPT. BRANSON: The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth. Whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle upon which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened you don't deserve to wear that uniform. I'm going to make this simple for you, Cadet Branson. Either you come forward and tell Admiral McTigue what really took place, or I will. 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Captain I...
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Cadet.
Tina leaves the ready room as Captain Branson stands there hoping that he'd got through to his daughter.
CUT TO:
INT-CADET TINA BRANSON'S DORM ROOM
Tina is pacing about freaking out as the door chimed and she opens it and Matt enters.
MATT: What's wrong your call sounded urgent.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: My father called me to the Enterprise. when I got there he told me that he knows. The Kolvoord maneuver, the cover up, everything. He said that if I didn't come forward and tell the truth now, he would.
Matt takes a moment to think... he takes a couple of steps around the room as he quickly considers the situation.
2ND CLASS CADET SCOTTS: You said he'd figured it out. Does he have any evidence? 
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: No.
Scotts breathes a little easier... he sees a way out.
2ND CLASS CADET SCOTTS: Captain Branson doesn't know anything. He has a theory. So let him tell the inquiry what he thinks happened. They'll ask us, is it true? We'll say, no, sir. There's no evidence, so there's no case. We'll get off with a reprimand. 
TINA: Matt I can't call my father a liar.
Matt can see that Tina is deeply conflicted...he moves to shore up his friend's doubts, but the strain of holding things together is starting to show on Matt. His tone has a slight edge to it.
MATT: Tina... we just have to hold on a little longer... then this will all be over.
TINA (quiet): Its wrong...
MATT: Tina?
TINA: No, Matt this is done I'm going to tell them what happened for real.
Matt's eyes flash with anger and his temper beings to wear thin.
MATT: You're going to tell them what happened? You? Alone? Are going to decide what happens to me, to Stacy, to Rain? You're going to decide that? 
TINA: Matt, I'm not going to lie to them again I can't live with this.
Cadet Scotts is surprised what is going on.
MATT: You can't lie to them... you can't live with it... you have to tell them what happened. Who the hell are you?
As Matt asks Tina this last question, he SHOVES Tina back. Tina is surprised by the physical manifestation of Matt's betrayal. Matt keeps moving forward.
TINA: Matt?
MATT: You're going to turn us in?
TINA: Now wait a minute.
Matt backs up and gets a grip on his temper and sits back in chair.
MATT: No, you wait a minute. He got to you, didn't he? your father told you some big story about duty and honor. It must've been a pretty good speech to make you turn your back on your friends.
TINA: We're Starfleet cadets, we have a duty to the truth. 
MATT: What about your duty to your friends? I got you on this team. I gave you a chance when there were upperclassmen waiting in line. I said, She won't let us down. Her father is the commanding officer of the Enterprise. She knows what it's like to trust somebody with her life. I guess I was wrong. 
TINA: If we all come forward together and tell Admiral McTigue.
MATT: We don't want to come forward...Stacy and Rain and me... we don't have a problem with this.
Matt looks at Tina for a long beat.
MATT: But if you do, then resign your appointment to the Academy and walk away. Don't make us pay for your guilty conscience. 
Tina paces about and then back at her squadron leader.
TINA: You'd let me do that? You'd let me throw my career away just to save your neck? 
MATT: To save the team. That's more important than you, and it's more important than me. And if I was in your place I'd do it without hesitation. But that's me.
Matt turns his back on Tina and walks out of the room. Off Tina's expression...
CUT TO:
INT-STARFLEET ACADEMY HEARING ROOM
It's the next day. The room is once again filled with spectators, the flight team, Jamie, Sarah, John, and Allen. Everyone is waiting... finally McTigue and Jakande ENTER and take their seats. McTigue strikes the bell and brings the room to order. She regards the flight team with a grim expression... his tone is somewhat challenging... he knows that something's wrong and that the cadets hold the answer, but he can't do anything about it.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE (sighs): Commodore Jakande and I have gone over your testimony and the physical evidence from the crash. Your statements cannot be reconciled with the data collected from the NavCon satellite. Your unwillingness to offer any explanation for this contradiction is disappointing, and raises suspicion. We cannot escape the conclusion that either the data is faulty in some way, or you have lied to us. However suspicion is not proof and I have no proof that you have lied to this inquiry. Therefore, if no further evidence is presented, I have no choice but to close this investigation. For filing an inaccurate flight plan, and for allowing Cadet Cross to fly when you knew he was having difficulties, I am ordering a formal reprimand placed on each of your permanent records. I am also revoking your flight privileges. This inquiry is closed. 
Then Tina stands up.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: Sir, I have something else to add.
FLEET ADM. MCTIGUE: Proceed Cadet Branson.
Tina picks up the PADD her father handed her before dismissing her from his ready room.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (Re: PADD): Yesterday I testified that the crash occurred following a Yeager loop. That is not entirely true. We performed a loop, and afterwards broke formation and attempted a Kolvoord Starburst. We knew it was prohibited. We knew it was dangerous, but we wanted to do something spectacular for the commencement demonstration. We pushed Henry into it and he wasn't ready. We thought we could do it. We thought we could do anything. We were wrong, and Matthew died. Matthew didn't let us down, sir. It wasn't his fault. 
COMM. JAKANDE: Mister Scotts do you have anything to add?
1ST CLASS CADET SCOTTS: No, sir.
EXT-EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise is in orbit.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Captain Branson looks out the window as the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Tina enters.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: You wanted to see me sir?
Captain Branson turns to face his daughter.
CAPT. BRANSON: Mister Scotts has been expelled.
Sarah has an expression.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: What about the rest of the squadron?
CAPT. BRANSON: He came clean and asked Admiral McTigue to spare you and the others.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON: They should of expelled all of us.
CAPT. BRANSON: They almost did. But... Mister Scotts made an impassioned plea for the rest of you. He said he used his influence as squadron leader to convince you all to try the Kolvoord maneuver and then to cover up the truth. He asked to take full responsibility.
Hearing about his friend's final gesture makes this even harder on Tina.
4TH CLASS CADET BRANSON (a sad laugh): He did exactly what he said he would. He protected the team. I feel awful. I've let down everyone. My mother, my friends, you.
Captain Branson puts his hand on her shoulder.
CAPT. BRANSON: You should feel bad... and you will pay for what you did. Admiral McTigue has given you all reprimands in your records but you will be able to advance with your class.
Tina is surprised that she and the others are going to be able to advance with their class.
CAPT. BRANSON: I was able to convince the Admiral to allow you and your squadron to advance, I said that maybe punishing them with not being able to advance is a bit harsh and I think the reprimands will make them work even harder to make up for what they've done.
TINA (smiles): Thank you father.
JOHN: I didn't have much to do with it you know what you had to do all you needed was a push in the right direction.
They hugged.
TINA: Goodbye dad.
JOHN: Good luck Tina.
Tina leaves his ready room.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Enterprise departs Earth orbit heading off to its next adventure.
(END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS)
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Security Officer Joshua Holiday
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Cadet 3rd class Tina Branson
*TBA as Cadet 4th class Matthew Scott
*TBA as Cadet 2nd class Rain Lao
*TBA as Cadet 3rd class Stacy Jameson
===Special Guest Stars===
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Lieutenant Jamie Archer
*TBA as Commander Sarah Branson
*TBA as Vice Admiral Nensi Chandra
*TBA as Fleet Captain Imari Jakande
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===