Return To Duty (TNG Era episode)

Return to Duty is the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
Commander John Branson gets promoted to captain of a ship, the USS Enterprise while on a routine exploration mission the Enterprise encounters a Borg vessel will this be Captain Branson's last mission?
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE/SECTOR 887
The USS Wraith is under attack by a Cardassian warship taking heavy damage as coolant vents from the upper port nacelle housing.
INT-USS WRAITH MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Spark rains down and coolant vents from the ceiling and console screens flicker, as Lieutenant Commander Branson is helping defending the bridge from a Cardassian boarding party.
LTCMDR. BRANSON: Captain they're very hard fighting to get onto the bridge.
CAPT. YUNKER: We have to defend this bridge Commander!
Then Branson comes up with a plan.
LTCMDR. BRANSON: I think I have an idea if we vent atmosphere on decks 2-18 it would give us a fighting chance against the Cardies.
LTCMDR. HUNTER (Frustrated): Killing the crew on those decks!
LTCMDR. BRANSON: Its the only way that we can survive Commander.
She paces about.
LTCMDR. BRANSON: I rather be alive then dead Audrey!
Then they heard a Cardassian transporter hum as a squad of them beams onto the bridge and starts shooting as the Starfleet defense team is defending the bridge, John sees that Hunter is about to be shot he leaps to her and grabs her as the disruptor beam misses her by three meters and they land on each other.
LTCMDR. HUNTER: GET OFF ME!
She pushes him off her.
LTCMDR. BRANSON: You're welcome Commander.
They were able to subdue the boarding party on the bridge.
CAPT. YUNKER: Do it Commander.
Commander Branson inputs commands into the console and the life-support on decks 2-18 start to vent.
INT-DOUGLASS STATION
The USS Wraith is docked inside the Starbase as worker bees fly over the damaged vessel, as a Galaxy-Class vessel enters the Starbase.
INT-CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Captain Yunker is looking over the damage and causality reports when the doors chimed.
CAPT. YUNKER: Enter.
The doors opened and Lieutenant Commander Branson enters the ready room.
LTCMDR. BRANSON: Lieutenant Commander John Branson reporting as ordered sir.
He turns to see Vice Admiral George Mariner also in the ready room.
LTCMDR. BRANSON (Confused): Is there something that I am aware of?
VICE ADM. MARINER: Commander it has been brought to our attention that you assaulted a member of this crew during a crisis on this ship.
LTCMDR. BRANSON (Shocked): Excuse me sir?
CAPT. YUNKER: Commander Hunter has pressed charges of sexual assault during the engagement with the Cardassians, when the fire fight on the bridge you grabbed her and pulled her down and you were on top of her. And she said get off me and she had to push you off her am I right about that Commander?
LTCMDR. BRANSON: She wasn't in cover like the rest of sir I acted well with in Starfleet regulations sirs.
VICE ADM. MARINER: I understand that son but right now you need to make a choice either go to the New Zealand Penal Colony on Earth, or be transferred to be on a new ship dismissed.
Commander Branson leaves the ready room.
INT-USS WRAITH MESS HALL 
Commander John Branson and Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson are sitting at a table at night while the crew is asleep, their sharing a glass of ale. 
KYLE: To the new first officer of the USS Enterprise-E may you do a great job and be promoted to the rank of Captain. 
They drink the ale. 
JOHN: Thanks I would like to toast the new chief engineer of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers. 
They drink the ale. 
KYLE: Thanks my first posting ever to an Excelsior-class vessel since we both 
graduated from Starfleet Academy. 
JOHN: True. 
Kyle pours another drink of ale. 
JOHN: I didn't know that Captain Yunker would want to transfer me so quickly those. 
Kyle waves his hand. 
KYLE: John you made a tactical choice that day if you didn't Commander Hunter would be dead right now.
John drinks his ale.
JOHN: Yeah maybe it was either a transfer to another ship or serve a few months in the New Zealand Penal Colony on Earth, so I chose to be transfer.
John pours himself another glass of ale.
KYLE: Everything will be alright John. 
JOHN: True but the fallout between me and Commander Hunter is still strong she's not that into me. 
John drinks his ale. 
KYLE (Smiles): Who knows man you'll find that special someone and sweep her off her feet. 
John drinks his ale thinking about that.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
====
STAR TREK: THE NEW GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION'
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 53884.7, The Enterprise is passing by the Mcalister Nebula
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is sitting at his desk recording his log.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: We're also on the lookout for any Breen ships in the sector, even after the Dominion War. They are still not following the Bajor Peace Treaty that ended the war.
Then the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead Jane.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: We're picking up a distress call from a Federation colony
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Alter course to intercept I'm on my way.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds towards the Federation colony.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are at their stations with Commander Jane Kal sitting in the Captain's chair when the doors to the ready room opened and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. KAL: We're on course for the Setilk III colony so far no further communications with the colony.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant what do we know about the system?
LTJG. T'MIR: It was contested during the Federation-Cardassian war of the 2350s so far the Cardassians have left it alone.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Very well then inform Starfleet Command we'll try to assist the colony the best we can.
LTJG. MASON [nods]: Aye, sir.
Captain Branson turns to Commander Kal.
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you make of this Jane?
LTCMDR. KAL: Well in the wake of the Dominion War maybe the Cardassians recovered.
CAPT. BRANSON: It's possible Jack take us to red alert.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie drop us out of warp.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Ensign Kaye inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SETILK SYSTEM, SETILK III ORBIT
The Enterprise emerges from warp and approaches the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows debris floating by.
LTCMDR. KAL: Where did that debris come from?
A close up of Lieutenant T'Mir's console as she turns to Captain Branson.
LTJG. T'MIR; It seems to be from Cardassian vessels ma'am.
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: Why would the Cardassian vessels be here it makes no sense.
Then T'Mir reports.
LTJG. T'MIR: Unknown sir but I have ran scans of the weapons signatures it's Borg.
Everyone tenses up.
LTCMDR. KAL [shocked]: There's a name I've not heard since Voyager returned in 2377.
LTJG. MASON: I could go a lot longer without hearing it.
Captain Branson walks to the viewer showing the colony.
CAPT. BRANSON [shocked]: My God full sensor scans.
LTJG. T'MIR: Looks like something scooped everything up off the surface.
Ensign Sito reports.
ENS. SITO: Confirmed it matches what happened to the outposts along the Neutral Zone in 2364 and the Jouret IV colony in 2366.
Captain Branson is shocked.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-SETILK SYSTEM, SETILK III ORBIT
Enterprise is in orbit of Setilk III.
INT-U.S.S ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
At one of the aft stations the planet is shown.
LTJG. T'MIR: Scans taken by the U.S.S. Enterprise-D in 2364 and 2365 match the conditions of the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I thought they were crippled by the Janeway Virus in 2377 when Voyager returned from the Delta Quadrant.
LTJG. T'MIR: Unknown at the moment sir.
Captain Branson walks over to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any response from Species 8472?
LTJG. MASON: No, sir I've been piggy backing our signal on the MIDAS array wait I'm receiving a hail.
Captain Branson walks over to the screen and puts his hands behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the station simulation compound.
CMDR. ARCHER [viewer]; Who is this?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, I was wondering if you'll answer any questions I may have.
CMDR. ARCHER [viewer]: Do I know you?
CAPT. BRANSON: I am a close friend of Chakotay.
CMDR. ARCHER [viewer]: Very well then
CAPT. BRANSON: Well we're here at one of our colonies and we may have another Borg Invasion on our hands.
CMDR. ARCHER [viewer]: Why are you bringing this up to me and not someone at Starfleet Command?
CAPT. BRANSON: I plan to but I need to find out if they're back, you could send a ship and relay the data to me so I can give it to my superiors.
CMDR. ARCHER [viewer]: Very well you'll hear from me in 3 days
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Commander Enterprise out.
Transmission ends.
LTCMDR. KAL: Well, that was easy.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah it was.
EXT-SETILK SYSTEM, SETILK III ORBIT
Enterprise is in orbit of the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John is sitting at the desk working some reports when the com activates.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge
Captain Branson gets up and leaves his quarters.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Doors opened as Captain Branson is fixing his sleeves of his uniform.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. KAL: We just received a data burst from the Delta Quadrant looks like Archer came through.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Sito, relay that to command.
ENS. SITO: Aye, sir.
Then Ensign Kaye reports.
ENS. KAYE: Sir, I've traced the warp trail of the attacking vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Heading?
She checks and reports.
ENS. KAYE: 2-5-9 mark 7-8-9 speed warp 9.2. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Set a pursuit course and engage.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON: ETA?
Ensign Kaye checks and reports.
ENS. KAYE: We're a few hours away till we reach the source.
CAPT. BRANSON [tenses up]: Set weapons and deflectors on a rotating modulation.
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir.
LTCMDR. KAL; All security teams have been posted on all decks sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then Ensign drop us out of warp.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
ENS. SITO: Visual contact.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows a small Borg vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Full stop let's not alarm them.
Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: I'm not detecting any power generation from the vessel.
ENS. SITO: He's right me either they seem to be dead in the waters.
LTCMDR. KAYE: Any bio-signs?
Lieutenant T'Mir runs her scans.
LTJG. T'MIR: None onboard Commander.
CAPT. BRANSON: Go to a metaphasic scan Jamie standby to get us out of here in case they react.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Sito helps T'Mir runs the scan.
LTJG. T'MIR: Scan complete sir no one is aboard.
ENS. SITO; Confirmed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: What the hell could of happened to the crew?
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise is next to the Borg frigate.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Supplemental, While searching for whatever attacked the Setilk III colony, we've come across a Borg scout vessel all scans show no one is aboard but we're staying on guard I've informed Fleet Captain Picard of our discovery
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the Borg vessel.
LTCMDR. KAL: How many drones can this type of vessel hold?
ENS. SITO: 500 drones Commander.
Captain Branson has his arms crossed as he's thinking.
CAPT. BRANSON: We need to get aboard it.
LTJG. MASON: Captain?
CAPT. BRANSON: We need to find out why the Borg are back and also how much they've recovered from the Janeway virus Jane take a team aboard and find out why we've got a Borg vessel on this side of the galaxy after the Janeway virus took them out.
LTCMDR. KAL: Aye, sir Mason, Sito you're with me.
Kal, Mason, and Sito enter the lift.
CUT TO:
INT-BORG SCOUT VESSEL CORRIDOR
The boarding party materialized.
LTJG. MASON [re: tricorder]: Nothing on tricorder Commander.
LTCMDR. KAL: Run a metaphasic scan let's see if anyone is aboard.
They move out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ENS. JONES: Sir we're being hailed by Fleet Captain Picard.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows Fleet Captain Picard's office onboard his Flagship the U.S.S. Verity one of the new Odyssey-Class cruisers.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Report?
CAPT. BRANSON: So, far nothing from the Borg vessel sir it looks abandoned from the looks of it I've sent a boarding party over to survey the vessel to see what happened to the crew.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Very well then I've sent two science vessels to your location old your position till they arrive
CAPT. BRANSON [nods]: Aye, sir.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [viewer]: Picard out
Transmission ends.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: I swear that man has changed since he's married to Doctor Crusher and has a son.
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
A Borg Sphere is at impulse.
INT-BORG SPHERE
BORG COLLECTIVE: A Borg signal has been detected grid 2-2-7 alter course to intercept.
EXT-SPACE
Borg Sphere turns to port and enters transwarp.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise is next to the Borg vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
The senior staff are around the table.
LTJG. MASON: All function aboard the Borg vessel stopped at 1430 hours.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything out of the normal boarding happened?
LTCMDR. KAL: No, sir no sign of the crew but we didn't let our guard down while aboard.
LTJG. MASON: No sign of battle damage either in or out of the vessel it's as if the drones on it just left.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: So no clue as to figure out why this vessel has been abandoned then?
ENS. SITO: Sure looks like it sir.
Branson leans back.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Starfleet is dispatching two science vessels to rendezvous with us our orders are to hold our position, so I want continuous scans for Borg vessels and go to a level two security alert dismissed.
The senior staff gets up from the table and leaves as Captain Branson remains.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise is next to the Borg troop transport vessel as two Nova-Class vessels are next to the Enterprise.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Yellow lights are flashing as Lieutenant Commander Kal sits in the Captain's chair while Captain Branson is getting some sleep, when Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Commander we're being hailed by the U.S.S. Batavia its Captain Richardson.
LTCMDR. KAL: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the U.S.S. Batavia and her Captain Alexander Richardson.
LTCMDR. KAL: Captain Richardson sir.
CAPT. RICHARDSON [viewer]: Where's Captain Branson?
LTCMDR. KAL: He's in his quarters sir he was pretty worn out.
CAPT. RICHARDSON [viewer]: Well it's like you've reported to Fleet Captain Picard it's void of life and technology
LTCMDR. KAL [confused]: Why would anyone want to take Borg technology it's way too dangerous to be controlled.
CAPT. RICHARDSON [viewer]: You've got me
Then sensors beeped rapidly as Lieutenant Mason checks his console read out and reports.
LTJG. MASON: Commander sensors just picked up something off the port bow.
LTCMDR. KAL: What is it?
ENS. SITO: It's a Borg Transwarp conduit.
LTJG. T'MIR: Confirmed Commander.
LTCMDR. KAL: The Borg are on their way.
Everyone tenses up.
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise is at station keeping.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 55396.1, After learning that the Borg are on their way we've sent the Katana and Batavia away so they won't get in the line of fire
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew rushes to their battle stations.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors are at full power and weapons have been set on a rotating modulation but I suspect the Borg will adapt quickly we'll be able to fire 12 shots at most.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then we'll make every shot count what's the ETA on battlegroup bravo?
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===​Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Delena Lusk as Ensign Jamie Kaye
*Sadie Brickhouse as Ensign Sito Jaxa
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Captain Jason Yunker
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Audrey Hunter
*TBA as Vice Admiral George Mariner
*Joshua Irwin as Commodore Jean-Luc Picard
*Robin Hiert as Captain Alexander Richardson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===