Children Of The Comet

Children of The Comet is the second episode of Star Trek: The New Voyages Season 1. 
==Plot==
While on a survey mission, the USS Enterprise discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. They try to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet's icy surface is somehow stopping them. As the away team try to unlock the relic's secrets, Branson and Commander Ivanova deal with a group of zealots who want to prevent the USS Enterprise from interfering. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-PERSPHONE III SURFACE, DAY
The people of a desert village are going about their normal routine. Some have their eyes drawn upwards, where a comet crosses the sky. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
Enterprise is next to a comet.
LTJG. SMITH'S [voice over]: Lieutenant Smith's Log Stardate 2912.4. The Enterprise is surveying the Persephone System where the crew is studying the behavior of an ancient comet, C/2260 Quentin. I, however, am doing rotation in landing party readiness protocols, which doesn't really involve comets, ancient or otherwise, so duties are pretty slow at the moment. Except, of course, for a recent invitation to dinner at the captain's cabin, for which I have been encouraged by Ensign Carlson to dust off my dress uniform
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK FIVE CORRIDOR
Turbo-lift doors opened and she walks to the Captain's quarters checking her sleeves when she sees Kara in regular clothes. 
JULIA (sighs): You said it was formal? 
KARA: Actually, what I said was you might want to wear your dress uniform. 
JULIA: Are you kidding? This is your idea of a practical joke? 
KARA: Kinda. 
JULIA: I'm going to go change. 
She turns to go back to the lift when Kara stops her. 
KARA: You uh don't want to be late to the Captain's table especially since its your brother in law. 
She turns back towards her. 
JULIA: What is that suppose to mean? 
KARA: Come on Lieutenant you and I both know the reason that you got this assignment is because of your brother in law being the Captain of this ship. 
JULIA (rolls her eyes): Unbelievable the reason I got this assignment is because it was requested by my teachers at Starfleet Academy, she knew John needed the best Communications officer and she recommended me. 
They walk to the Captain's quarters and the doors opened and John is wearing regular clothes as well. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
They enter as the doors closed and John walks over to Julia. 
JOHN (smiles): Come in and well its a bit over dressed Julia but we can fix that. 
JULIA: John its just being in the Captain's quarters means business sometimes. 
JOHN: True but here on the Enterprise we can let our hair down so to speak and just be people. 
John walks over to Nurse Chapel who's cutting up some vegetables. 
JULIA: Welcome aboard Lieutenant T'Lar we didn't get a chance to meet when you came aboard. 
T'LAR: It is nice to meet you I have read your file Lieutenant and I am interested in seeing what you can do. 
At the Captain's table everyone is eating. 
JOHN: So I was taking a stroll at Earth Outpost Five along the Romulan Neutral Zone with my wife, and the next thing I know someone jacked my communicator so I ran after him and then I tripped over a Naussican who had his pants down if it wasn't for Jessica being there I don't think I'd be here right now. 
T'LAR (confused): I've never understood the Human inclination to laugh at others' misfortune. It feels… impolite. 
STEVEN: Because its funny honey. 
T'LAR: Because it breaks a social expectation? 
JOHN: T'Lar you'll have to learn that sometimes things go so badly, you just have to laugh. 
T'Lar is still confused as Zhasa turns to Julia. 
Z: So, Julia I hear you speak twelve languages. 
JULIA: Uh, 37 actually. 
JOHN: Wow 37 languages. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK FIVE CORRIDOR
Julia is walking through the corridor with Tyson. 
TYSON: So you speak 37 different languages? 
JULIA: Yeah I'm still learning Klingon but I should know it soon. 
They enter the lift. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John is cleaning up as Zhasa is giving him a hand. 
ZHASA: It was great to see Julia again after the last time I served with her. 
JOHN: Yeah it was before this I've not seen her since both me and Jessica got married. 
Zhasa looks at her friend. 
ZHASA: John what's wrong? 
John puts the plate down and leans forward. 
JOHN: Nothing Z just got a lot on my mind right now.
ZHASA: This wouldn't have to do with the Klingons ambushing the Wraith and you keeping Commander Hunter from getting shot?
He nods.
ZHASA: John, you did everything right its her fault for not understanding you were saving her life.
JOHN: I know but I feel like she's going to know that I got this command and will do anything to cause me to lose it.
Then the com activates. 
LTJG. T'LAR [com voice]: Captain Branson to the bridge. There is a problem with the comet
John walks over to the com panel. 
JOHN [to com]: On my way T'Lar duty calls.
They leave the quarters.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows a simulation of the planet being destroyed by the asteroid. 
LTJG. T'LAR: The computer simulation suggests that, when the comet strikes the planet in two days, there will be no survivors. Persephone III is an M-Class world. Previous surveys suggests it is home to an intelligent, pre-warp species that call themselves the Deleb. Given their current state of technological advancement, it is highly unlikely that they are aware of the danger they are in. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Options? 
LTJG. T'LAR: The Deleb cannot move the comet themselves so why if we move it for them? 
Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ion engines T'Lar? 
LTJG. T'LAR: Precise, four, programmed to fire in sequence to account for the comet's rotation. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Got it, Z thoughts could it work? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Its possible. 
LTJG. MASON: We could use photon torpedoes as launch vehicles. Take about an hour for the retrofit. 
LT. WILLIAMS: A rosy assessment, considering I'll be the one doing the retrofitting. 
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's get it done, people. We've got a planet to save before breakfast. 
The crew gets to work as Captain Branson leans over to Zhasa. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sotto): I love this job. 
LTJG. MASON: Torpedo modifications are ready sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire. 
He presses the firing button. 
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise launches the four torpedoes but they struck a strange field around the comet. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE 
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Does anyone want to tell me why a comet has a force field? 
Everyone is just as confused as Captain Branson is. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS] 
===Act 1===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
Monitor shows the comet surface as Commander Ivanova is giving the briefing. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We've tried every hail, every scan you can think of. If there's life on the comet, we can't find it. But we did find a structure. It's enormous and mostly subterranean. A structure suggests alien intelligence. 
Captain Branson sits at the head of the table in the chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I've asked Lieutenant Sam Kirk to join us we're familiar with your background in Xenoanthropology. 
LT. KIRK: Thank you Captain alright then so, let's start with the obvious. It looks like a comet, has shields like a starship, and a building on its surface like a planet, but no life signs. Maybe it's not a comet at all, but some kind of derelict spacecraft? 
LT. WILLIAMS: So how do we stop a comet that has a deflector? 
LTJG. MITCHELL: We can't tow it the tractor beam can't get a solid lock on the comet and we can't punch through it with our phasers. 
LTJG. MASON: I could throw a couple of photons at the comet till its deflectors go down. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Or we can beam a landing party over to get a look at the technology maybe find away to disable it there, and then we could launch tow vehicles to pull the comet away from the planet. 
LTJG. MASON: Tactical sensors show no sign of anything that could be a threat to the landing party but I wouldn't trust the tactical sensors with this much interference from the force field. 
Captain Branson looks at him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright then Mister Mason you'll lead the landing party take Mister Kirk with you he can help with understanding Xenoanthropology. 
LTJG. MASON: Aye, sir. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE EVA ROOM
The landing party is getting suited up as Nurse Chapel is with them holding a hypo.
NURSE CHAPEL: The surface of the comet is bombarded by ridiculously high levels of cosmic rays. This will buy you two hours. Any more and your insides will turn to liquid. 
She injects each member of the landing party with the hypo. 
LTJG. SMITH: Ow, you could of warned me?
NURSE CHAPEL [smiles]: Then you'd know it was coming. 
After she injects each member of the landing party they get their helmets on and head to the transporter room. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
The team walks onto the pad. 
CHIEF MACKENIZE: Coordinates are ready Lieutenant. 
LTJG. MASON: Alright, set phasers to stun but be ready to increase power when we need it. 
They set their phasers to stun. 
LTJG. MASON: Energize. 
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console and activates the transporter and the landing party dematerialized off the pad. 
CUT TO:
EXT-COMET SURFACE
The landing party materializes on the surface of the comet. 
LTJG. MASON: Alright let's move out. 
They head towards the structure as Julia is amazed at the sight of it and being on the surface of a comet. 
LT. KIRK: You alright? 
LTJG. SMITH: I am standing on the surface of a comet. 
They follow the others.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
The landing party enters the structure and look around the place.
LTJG. T'LAR [re: tricorder]: Tricorder readings no bio-signs.
LTJG. SMITH: That's a good thing isn't it?
They look at Julia.
LTJG. MASON: I am going to check the area to be sure.
He gets his phaser out of the holster and powers it up and looks around the area to make sure its secured, as the others examine the strange looking egg in the middle of the room as Kirk and Smith approach the egg in the middle, seeing the markings he turns to her.
LT. KIRK: These markings. What do you think, decorative or linguistic?
Julia turns to him.
LTJG. SMITH: You're asking me?
LT. KIRK: Don't study linguistic if you don't want people to ask you questions about it.
LTJG. SMITH: Fine.
She examines the markings.
LTJG. SMITH: These markings, they repeat in a sequence.
LT. KIRK: A sequence, huh? Maybe a code?
LTJG. SMITH: Its possible. Just Everything seems to point to this egg. It's important, just
I don't know how.
LT. KIRK: Do you think these markings indicate some kind of control?
LTJG. SMITH: If they do, then perhaps this is how we can affect the comet's shields.
Then Lieutenant Mason walks back to them.
LTJG. MASON: Perimeter's clear. No one here but us.
Then Lieutenant Kirk steps up to the egg.
LTJG. SMITH: Uh, Lieutenant I don't think that's a good idea.
Then the room lights up.
LT. KIRK [chuckles]: Yahtzee. 
He turns to T'Lar who is looking over her tricorder readings. 
LT. KIRK: Its an old Earth game. 
LTJG. T'LAR: I am familiar with the game Lieutenant my husband Steven introduced it to me. 
Then she looks at her tricorder. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Mister Kirk back away from the egg NOW! 
Sam puts his hand on the egg and is knocked back as the landing party goes to him. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Get his helmet off.
Jack gets his helmet off.
LTJG. MASON: His heart has stopped. We need to get him to the ship.
Lieutenant Mason gets out his communicator and flips it open.
LTJG. MASON (to com): Landing party to Enterprise come in, Enterprise do you read me.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTJG. MASON (com voice): Ent prise. We ne ergency beam out
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Jack your transmission is spotty.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
LTJG. MASON [to com]: Lieutenant Kirk has been injured. Beam us out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRSIE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: transporter room beam the landing party back.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the transporter console.
CHIEF MACKENIZE [to com]: Trying to sir but I can't seem to get a solid lock on them I'm compensating with emergency power now.
A Medical team enters as Doctor Carlson has a medical kit.
DR. CARLSON: Alright Chief energize.
Chief Mackenzie activates the transporter and the landing party appears for about a few seconds then vanishes.
CHIEF MACKENIZE [annoyed, to com]: Damn it, Mackenzie to bridge I've lost their signal the force field is causing too much interference I can't get a solid lock on them even if I compensate with emergency power it won't be enough.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE 
The crew are worried but more worried is Lieutenant Mitchell.
CAPT. BRANSON: Not good.
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Kirk is laying on the ground lifeless as T'Lar uses the defibrillator function on her tricorder to try and restart Kirk's heart.
LTJG. T'LAR: Clear.
Lieutenant Kirk jolts.
LTJG. T'LAR: Clear.
He jolts again as his vitals are restored.
LTJG. T'LAR: He is stabilizing.
Lieutenant Mason checks the com frequencies.
LTJG. MASON: All frequencies are down. We're cut off from the ship. We're on our own.
They look at each other as Julia is worried.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Kirk is still down as Lieutenant Mason is scanning him.
LTJG. MASON: He sustained massive trauma from electrical shock. I've sedated him.
LTJG. SMITH: Maybe till we know what we're doing maybe we shouldn't touch anything that has the ability to do this to us.
T'Lar reports.
LTJG. T'LAR: He will not survive without prompt medical attention.
LTJG. MASON [re: tricorder]: Seems that force field is back. It appears the comet wishes to keep us here.
LTJG. SMITH [confused]: What kind of comet knows someone's walking on it?
T'Lar to her.
LTJG. T'LAR: A salient question, Lieutenant. One that I am afraid you may have to answer in order for us to escape.
LTJG. SMITH: This is my first time being on a comet much less a comet that can do this and has a force field.
LTJG. T'LAR: That may be, but the key to our escape may well be in these markings all around us, and you are the only linguistics expert here.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the comet as Captain Branson turns to face his crew.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right now, I need ideas. We've got a planet full of people who will die without our help, and our crew members are trapped on that comet. We need to get through
 that force field. How?
Lieutenant Mitchell chimes in.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Phaser harmonics?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: A phaser at a higher frequency could cause resonance. The right frequency could shatter it.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): I like that plan its a good plan let's do it Kara bring us around towards the comet.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
Ensign Carlson works at the helm station.
CUT TO:
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant Smith is examining the markings as T'Lar walks over to her.
LTJG. T'LAR: How are we doing, Lieutenant?
LTJG. SMITH: At the moment, pretending not to be in way over my head. Too honest?
T'Lar puts her hands behind her back.
LT. T'LAR: I am Vulcan we are "too honest" by nature.
LTJG. SMITH: And also pain in the human race's ass your people were wanting to ground our exploration of our galaxy twice.
LT. T'LAR: Your people weren't ready to venture into the galaxy and it seems that my people were right, but after the efforts of President Jonathan Archer the first Captain of the Enterprise discovering a plot by the Romulans my people decided to as you humans put it "loosen the reins" and your people flourished quite well.
LTJG. SMITH: Alright.
She continues to work.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise is in position.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
ENS. CARLSON: We're in position sir.
Captain Branson sits in the command chair.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Phasers are locked on target sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: On your command, Commander.
But before she can give the order [EXPLOSION].
ENS. CARLSON: Incoming weapons fire.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
A image of the Enterprise and the deflectors as well as the percentage shows up as Lieutenant Mitchell reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Minimal damage to port nacelle. Deflectors holding at 70%.
John leans forward.
CAPT. BRANSON: Who hit us?
ENS. CARLSON: Uh, they did sir.
Captain Branson looks up and gets up from the Captain's chair.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The camera pans back to show the small Enterprise facing a very large vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson remains standing and walks over to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hail them. On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the bridge of the unknown vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson of the Federation starship Enterprise. Who are you and why are you attacking our vessel?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: We are the Shepherds
Branson turns to Ensign Christina.
CAPT. BRANSON: Really?
ENS. CHRISTINA: Its how the translator translated it sir.
He turns back to the viewer.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: We escort M'hanit
CAPT. BRANSON: The comet?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: The M'hanit is far more than a comet. M'hanit is one of the ancient arbiters of life
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: Okay?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: If you tamper with it again, we will not hesitate to destroy you
John tenses up a bit after that threat from the Shepherd Captain.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the unknown vessel as well as its Captain as John turns to Lieutenant Mitchell.
CAPT. BRANSON: Scan the ship. What kind of weapons are we dealing with?
Lieutenant Mitchell starts running his scans.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain our intentions were not hostile. M'hanit is on a collision course with an inhabited planet. We were simply trying to divert its trajectory.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Absurd. Would you adjust the height of the waves or the position of the stars? M'hanit's course is preordained
CAPT. BRANSON: There are millions of people on that planet. The impact will kill them all and likely blow your comet Uh Blow your M'hanit into just as many pieces.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Are you a reasonable man Captain Branson?
Captain Branson puts his hand behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: I-I seem to think so.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Then please entertain the proposition that M'hanit is not, as you continue to call him, a comet. It is an instrument, an ancient arbiter, one of the few remaining in the galaxy. If it is his will to move, he will move. If it is his will to bring life, he will bring life. If M'hanit wills the planet to die, even chooses to die with it, then that is what will happen. As I said, it is preordained. Since before our distant ancestors touched the sky and the stars beyond, my people have been charged with the protection of the arbiters. None of us even remember when the charge first came to us, but we accepted the mantle with honor. For centuries, we have protected the arbiters as they follow courses set long before our suns first burned in the sky, bringing life across the galaxy. It is not our prerogative to interfere, Captain, nor is it yours''
CAPT. BRANSON: Please, excuse me pause communications. 
Ensign Christina pauses the transmission as Captain Branson walks back over to the navigational and helm stations. 
ENS. CARLSON: Wow sounds like the preachers back home. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Shepherd's more like zelaots what were you able to find out about their weapons. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Their systems are incredibly advanced, their ships faster than ours, and their weapon systems.
ENS. CARLSON: Let's just say we don't want to piss them off.
Captain Branson turns back to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to prevent that comet from destroying the planet.
LTJG. MITCHELL: How we can't even touch it without them getting pissed off.
Captain Branson looks over at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: We've got to buy the landing party time to get that force field down and keep the Shepherds from finding out about them being on the surface. Ensign resume communications.
Transmission resumes.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sorry about that I had to chat in private with my senior staff but as I'm sure you understand me when I say this Captain, You have your sacred duty. We have ours. The Federation doesn't interfere in the development of species, but we also don't just let them die. We don't mean to disrespect M'hanit. We'd do the same for you if you were in danger.
SHEPARD CAPTAIN [viewer]: You say you don't interfere, that you mean no disrespect, but your crew has desecrated the temple on his surface
John tenses up.
ENS. CARLSON: I guess he knows about the landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: Believe me when I say we had no idea that it was a sacred object we thought that if we beam over there we could find out how to turn it away from the planet to prevent the people on the planet from dying.
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): ABSURD! Their presence is blasphemy. M'hanit will be their tomb. Any further action to rescue them will be considered an act of war
Transmission ends as the Shepherd vessel takes up a defensive posture.
LTJG. MITCHELL: They're taking up a defensive posture between us and the comet.
ENS. CARLSON: They've blocked us completely off from getting to the others.
CAPT. BRANSON: Find a way to get through to the landing party right now. Break the laws of physics if you have to.
The crew gets to work.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-COMET STRUCTURE
Lieutenant T'Lar is checking on Lieutenant Hansen as Lieutenant Mason walks over to her.
LTJG. MASON: How is he doing?
LTJG. T'LAR: Stable and holding.
While Julia is working on understanding the comet humming to herself. T'Lar notices a resonance within the chamber; it was reacting to the humming. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Lieutenant. The cave seems to be reacting to your voice.
LTJG. SMITH: What do you mean?
LTJG. MASON: What are you getting at T'Lar?
LTJG. T'LAR: When Lieutenant Smith was humming the walls lit up.
LTJG. SMITH: Music, it responds to music.
She starts humming a tune her father would sing to her every night when she and Jessica were little, the walls of the structure lights up as T'Lar and Jack are amazed by that.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Ensign Christina is listening to something and then turns to Captain Branson.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Captain I'm picking up something on the low EM signature.
Captain Branson walks over to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it?
She listens.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Its music.
John listens and remembers the time Jessica hummed that same tune to him.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): That's Julia alright.
ENS. SHERIDAN: Sir the force field is down.
Captain Branson walks over to his chair.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to transporter room beam landing party back to the ship now.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
The landing party materialized as the medical team goes to Lieutenant Kirk and takes him to sickbay as the others go to the bridge. 
CHIEF MACKENIZE (to com): Got them sir
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson still standing as the rest of the landing party walk onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work red alert deflectors up.
[KLAXON BLARES]
ENS. CHRISTINA: Sir, the Shepherd are hailing us.
Captain Branson walks to the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
The bridge of the Shepherd vessel appears.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it now?
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You continue to interfere
CAPT. BRANSON: Well technically we....
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): You were warned!
CAPT. BRANSON: Look, let's talk about this. Find some common ground.
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to Ensign Carlson with a worried look on his face.
ENS. CARLSON: I think that went well.
WHUMPH!
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel launches four torpedoes.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: Captain, they've launched more torpedoes.
ENS. CARLSON: Yeah we really pissed them off.
CAPT. BRANSON: All hands brace for impact!
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to 50%.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, evasive maneuvers.
ENS. CARLSON: On it.
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise flies evasively to avoid the Shepherds' weapons fire.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MITCHELL: The Shepherds are in pursuit.
LTJG MASON: Return fire?
CAPT. BRANSON: No, Kara escape pattern Pike Omega-3.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
She inputs commands into the helm.
LTJG. MASON: Sir as chief tactical officer its my recommendation that we retreat.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're already on the run.
LTJG. MASON: We need to warp out and regroup. Facing off with them is suicide. We're outgunned here.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: He's right John.
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to 40%!
LTJG. T'LAR: Sir, when we were on the surface, I believe the comet was trying to communicate with us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Right, the music you guys recorded any idea what it means?
LTJG. SMITH: I haven't been able to translate it yet. It might take days.
LTJG. T'LAR: We have less than one hour before the comet hits Persephone III.
Julia turns to T'Lar.
LTJG. SMITH: You do a lot of reminding people of deadlines, ma'am.
T'Lar raises an eyebrow.
CAPT. BRANSON: She has a point T'Lar.
WHUMPH!
LTJG. MASON: Captain, unless we want them to blow us out of the sky.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lock phasers and photon torpedoes target weapons and engines I don't want to hurt them.
WHUMPH!
ENS. CARLSON: Wish they felt the same way about us.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console. 
LTJG. MASON: Deflectors down to twenty-five percent phasers and photons locked on target. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara bring us about to one hundred eighty mark ten and fire! 
He presses the firing button. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
The Enterprise comes about and fires a spread of photon torpedoes and a blue phaser beam that scored a direct hit to the port side of the Shepherd vessel. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: Direct hit they're moving off probably to regroup which I suggest we do the same thing.
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to save that planet we brought down the force field so how to we move this comet?
ENS. CARLSON: Sir, let's face it, the crazy space monks will blow us out of the sky if we try anything to move that comet.
T'Lar turns to the Captain and walks over to him.
LTJG. T'LAR: What if we did not move the comet? What if it moved itself past the planet?
John turns to her.
EXT-PERSEPHONE SYSTEM
The Shepherd vessel moves in on the Enterprise after recovering from that phaser and torpedo strike.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Turbo-lift doors close as we see the science station unoccupied.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright is everyone ready?
Everyone nods.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us in maximum impulse.
LTJG. MITCHELL: They're gaining on us.
LTJG. MASON: When they close they're going to go for the kill shot.
Captain Branson walks over to the helm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara you remember when you said that you were the best pilot to graduate the Academy. 
ENS.CARLSON: What's your point sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Time you show off those skills. 
ENS. CARLSON (smirks): Aye, sir. 
She gets to work. 
EXT-PERSPHONE SYSTEM
Enterprise maneuvers as the Shepherd's vessel fires at the Enterprise hitting her deflector making them flicker, and continues firing at the Enterprise scores hits on her secondary hull and starboard nacelle pylon making the deflectors flicker but then ceases fire.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: They've stopped firing.
CAPT. BRANSON: They don't want to hit the comet.
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Enterprise flies through the debris field as rocks are bouncing off the deflectors making them flicker as the Enterprise moves. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then console screens start flickering as Lieutenant Smith turns and reports. 
LTJG. SMITH: I think they're hailing us. Yeah, they are. Captain? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Not yet, Kara bring us about and hold our position. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir Rerouting to bearing 180 mark five. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Reverse thrusters, full stop. 
ENS. CARLSON: Reversing thrusters and we are coming to a full stop sir and what plan is this? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Its not completed yet Steph shut down all power except life-support. 
Power starts shutting down as coolant is still venting. 
as Captain Branson and Commander Chin-Riley approach the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia open a channel. 
Transparent viewer shows the Shepherd main bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We surrender your attack has cause a complete system failure. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN [viewer]: Then we will destroy you for touching the M'hanit!
CAPT. BRANSON: Or you can help us we'll collide with the comet and when we do the trilithium resin in the warp core and utterly destroying it. And it will also happen if you destroy our ship. 
The Shepherd Captain doesn't respond. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Please help me and my crew I give you my word we'll never touch the M'hanit again. 
Transmission ends as Z walks over to him. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: If this doesn't work. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know Z. 
Then Ensign Carlson checks her read out. 
ENS. CARLSON: They've locked a tractor beam on us and pulling us away. 
Captain Branson turns to Commander Ivanova.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to T'Lar you're up.
CUT TO:
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
LTJG. T'LAR [to com]: Acknowledged, Captain.
She works on the console.
EXT-COMET DUST TRAIL
The Galileo unclips from the rock it was on and flies through the trail.
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
LTJG. T'LAR [to com]: Approaching the nucleus of the comet. And diverting power through the shuttle's shields. Shields radiating heat at maximum intensity. The surface appears to be responding.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [POWERED DOWN]
The others are waiting on the results.
LTJG. T'LAR [com voice]: Maintaining position. Preparing to engage heat shields
Ensign Sheridan reports.
ENS. SHERIDAN: It's moving. The sublimation is nudging the comet off course.
Captain Branson is sitting the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: And for the record we didn't touch the comet.
Then a hint of static comes over the com. 
LTJG. T'LAR (com voice): Galileo to Enterprise I am returning to the ship now 
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles, to com): Great work T'Lar we'll be waiting for your arrival, get me the Shepherd vessel now. 
Transparent viewer shows the shepherd vessel's main bridge. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I gave you my word that we wouldn't touch it again and I kept my word as I always do my word is my bond. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): The glory and the mercy that is M'hanit
CAPT. BRANSON: I agree. 
SHEPHERD CAPTAIN (viewer): Perhaps in the future, the Federation would not be so quick to judge the faith of others, and now, we need not part as enemies
CAPT. BRANSON: I will make that note to my superiors and we have witnessed a huge miracle as the people on the surface have been given a chance to live and grow. 
Shepherd Captain nods and transmission ends. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Cancel red alert, Kara set course for Starbase Six warp factor three engage. 
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
EXT-WARP TUNNEL 
The Enterprise is at warp. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Log Supplemental, We're on course for Starbase Six for some repairs and treatment of wounded 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
CAPT. BRANSON (to recorder): As I sit and wonder about the comet who made it and why was it abandoned and why did it pick that star system to go to, well I guess we'll never find out seeing that I gave the Shepherd Captain my word that we'll never bother the M'hanit. 
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Lieutenant Smith enters. 
LTJG. SMITH: John you got a minute? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sure Julia come in. 
She enters and the doors closed. 
JOHN: What's on your mind Julia?
She stands with her hands behind her back.
JULIA: I was wondering if you were going to transfer me to another vessel.
John looks confused.
JOHN: I'm sorry w-what transfer you to another vessel for what reason?
JULIA: Well we're family and Starfleet has strict regulations about family serving onboard a Federation vessel together, you risked the Enterprise to get not only your officers back aboard the Enterprise but me as well I can't have that on my mind if something like that happens again.
John gets up and walks over to her.
JOHN: Julia we're family but not by blood and you're apart of this crew and you proved that today.
JULIA (smiles): Thanks John I think I found where I belong.
They leave the ready room together.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL 
The Enterprise soars at high warp.
[END OF ACT FIVE, 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
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
* Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Ensign Dana Christina
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Ensign Elias Sheridan
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Deleb mother
*TBA as Deleb child
*TBA as Shepard Captain
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by SNW Season 1.
*A Julia Smith focused episode.