Politics (TOS episode)

Politics is the 2nd episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 5.
==Plot==
The Enterprise proceeds to a rendezvous near the Federation-Klingon Neutral Zone border under complete communications blackout. After an important passenger and her aide are aboard the Enterprise is being tracked by a Klingon warbird at extreme range of their sensors. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Military Log Combat Date 5789.3, The Enterprise is on route to Starbase 6, Admiral Kirk has requested that we run on communications blackout I hope he has a good reason for us to do this black out
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Branson walks onto the bridge out of his ready room and goes to the Captain's Chair and turns to Lieutenant Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
Lieutenant Smith turns to him.
LT. SMITH: Still on a communications blackout Captain as per Starfleet's orders. 
Carlson chimes in. 
LT. CARLSON: We're still on course for Starbase 6 are warp six point five.
Then Commander Ivanova turns to him.
CMDR. IVANOVA: I wonder why we're on an all coms blackout for anyway, (beat) it's not like we were invaded by a warrior alien race. 
Branson shrugs his shoulders.
CAPT. BRANSON: According to Admiral Kirk a high-level person is visiting the Starbase for some reason. 
Carlson chimes in. 
LT. CARLSON: We're approaching Starbase 6 now sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Drop us out of warp.
Lieutenant Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise emerges from warp and approaches the Starbase.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON (To com): Starbase 6 this is Captain John Branson Commanding Officer of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise requesting permission to dock. 
STARBASE CONTROL (Over com): Permission granted Enterprise welcome back, Command has an important mission for you and your crew
Then Commander T'Lar reports.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Captain something is heading our way it is a Federation Starship it is Federation One. 
Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are surprised. 
EXT-SPACE
Federation One approaches the Starbase and parks next to the Constitution-Class vessel. 
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT, STARTING CREDITS)
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is next to the Starbase as well as Federation One.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, and acting chief tactical officer Lieutenant Mitchell, Doctor Carlson, Lieutenant Commander Williams, and Lieutenant Commander Clarkson are in their dress uniforms, awaiting the arrival of the President of the United Federation of Planets. 
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: God I hate these things.
CAPT. BRANSON: Protocol Kyle.
Then Chief Mackenzie reports.
CHIEF MACKENZIE: Captain the delegates from Federation One is ready to beam over.
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize Chief.
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands into the console and runs her fingers on the transporter beams, as the transporter pad activates a crewmen blows a traditional bo'suns pipe call as the President, Senator, and Admiral Kirk beams aboard the ship Pike steps off the pad and shakes Captain Branson's hand. 
ADM. KIRK: John its good to see you again.
CAPT. BRANSON: You to Jim what's going on here?
Then John sees his cousin Danielle Branson.
MADAM PRESIDENT BRANSON: I was the one who told Admiral Kirk to order the com blackout on the Enterprise couldn't take the risk of anyone knowing I was going to board the Enterprise.
CAPT. BRANSON: I think we need to be briefed.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Just Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are present due to the sensitive nature of the mission.
ADM. KIRK: Ever since the reveal of Commander Taru's Identity being a spy for the Klingons.
CAPT. BRANSON: By force.
MADAM PRESIDENT BRANSON: Was it by force or was it just her trying to make you and Commander Clarkson feel for her?
CMDR. IVANOVA: She told Kyle her brother forced her to spy on our defenses and gain knowledge of our deployments.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our mission?
ADM. KIRK: Your mission is to escort President Branson to a conference at Deep Space K-7.
CMDR. IVANOVA: K-7?
FEDERATION PRESIDENT BRANSON [nods]: I am to mediate a dispute between the Andorians and Tellarites it appears that they're trying to find blame for a recent battle with the Klingons and if anyone of them breaks away it could mean the end of the Federation as we know it and the Klingons will move through Federation Space unchallenged by our forces.
VICE PRESIDENT T'LOK: Logic dictates that we should make haste in our journey.
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then Commander will you show our guests to their quarters.
CMDR. IVANOVA [nods]: Yes, sir if you two will follow me.
The three leaves the ready room as Captain Branson turns to Admiral Kirk.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jim, what was that about?
ADM. KIRK: John you've got to understand how everything is.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander Taru saved everyone at the cost of her own life and this is how you treat her sacrifice?
ADM. KIRK: She was a spy for the Klingons and who knows what tactical information she sent them during her time.
CAPT. BRANSON: So we just throw her under the shuttle when she's not here to defend herself she was forced by her brother to become a spy for the Empire it was either that or death.
ADM. KIRK [sighs]: Maybe its my time facing them I sometimes forget what happened.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise soars at warp on course for Deep Space K-7.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LT. CARLSON: We're at warp 4 sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you Kara maintain current course and speed.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
LT. MITCHELL: Great we're a limo for the Federation President in the middle of a war with the Klingons.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know the feeling Ty but we need the Andorians and Tellarites if we don't have them we're finished.
LT. MITCHELL: True sir.
Captain Branson walks over to his command chair and sits down in it.
CMDR. IVANOVA: I can't believe that they threw Commander Taru under the shuttle.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know Z.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MESS HALL
Kyle is sitting at the bar drink an ale as President Branson enters and walks over to the bar.
DANIELLE: A gin a tonic strong.
KYLE: Doesn't sound like the type of drink for the President of the Federation.
Danielle turns to him.
DANIELLE: I am just here as myself my Vice President has retired to his quarters for meditation to prepare for our arrival at K-7.
Kyle takes a sip of his ale.
KYLE: So, you're going to dishonor Taru's sacrifice like every other person within the Federation or are you going to acknowledge it.
She looks over at him.
DANIELLE: Kyle, I have to keep the Federation together cause if we don't then the Andorians and Tellarites will leave the Federation and the Klingons will a field day.
Kyle finishes his ale.
KYLE: And that's why I don't like this.
He walks away and leaves the mess hall.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is on course for Deep Space K-7.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Both Captain Branson and Commander T'Lar are at her station as she gives him a report.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: At first it appeared to be a sensor ghost, but I have run checks on all the instrumentation. All the equipment is functioning perfectly.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hydrogen cloud reflection? 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: None in this area. Nothing that would account for it. The ghost appears intermittently. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Speculation? 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: None, Captain. Insufficient data. 
CAPT. BRANSON [crosses arms]: It's not an instrument malfunction. It's not a reflection from a natural phenomenon. A spaceship? 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: It is possible sir.
Commander Ivanova chimes in.
CMDR. IVANOVA: We are along the Klingon Neutral Zone border.
Captain Branson walks back to the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar, continue monitoring the precise position of the echo. Any sudden change in its behavior, initiate Yellow Alert. 
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Aye, sir.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp as an unknown vessel continues to pace the Federation vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is sitting behind his desk working on a few crew status reports and looking over tactical information along the front lines of the war while his ship is on an escort duty, then Commander Ivanova comes over the com.
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson to the bridge
Captain Branson leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
LT. MITCHELL: Lost contact Commander.
Captain Branson walks over to the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Captain, we had a momentary fix on the object enough to establish it was a spaceship. 
CAPT. BRANSON [tense up]: Whose?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: No data yet.
LT. CARLSON: Captain! Distant bearing, sir, mark seven three point five. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen extreme magnification.
Transparent viewer shows a Klingon warbird as Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Our ghost has materialized. 
CAPT. BRANSON [shocked]: A Klingon warship.
Captain Branson tenses up.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp as a Klingon vessel is following the vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
John is standing in front of the helm and navigational station facing the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any change, T'Lar?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Negative, Captain. The Klingon ship has simply moved into contact range. She is pacing us, precisely matching our warp speed and on a parallel course.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia, open up the hailing frequency, identify us, and ask the Klingon his intentions. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Smith works at her console and then turns to report.
LT. SMITH: Captain, no response from the Klingon vessel on any channel. 
Captain Branson still facing the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maintain yellow alert Julia monitor all frequencies Ty standby all weapons.
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir.
LT. MITCHELL: Aye, sir.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp as the Klingon D7 warbird is following.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
FEDERATION PRESIDENT BRANSON: A Klingon warship?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes it's currently following us on a parallel course so far she's not powered her weapons array.
VICE PRESIDENT T'LOK: It would appear that your vessel has a leak onboard.
CAPT. BRANSON: How about we worry about that later and focus on the Klingon vessel following us.
Then klaxons blare as Commander Ivanova comes over the com.
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge
Captain Branson leaves the quarters.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR [RED ALERT]
The crew on the deck are rushing to their battle stations as Captain Branson heads to a turbo-lift to head up to the bridge.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Turbo-lift doors opened and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
CMDR. IVANOVA: The Klingon vessel has powered its weapons array.
Commander Ivanova vacates the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ready phasers and load aft torpedo launchers.
Lieutenant Mitchell works on his console.
LT. MITCHELL: Ready sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Drop us out of warp.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir dropping to impulse.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise emerges from warp as the Klingon cruiser is behind her.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SMITH: We're being hailed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it.
KLINGON COMMANDER [com voice]: Enterprise, prepare to be boarded or destroyed
WHUMPH! Crew hangs onto their posts and the rails.
LT. MITCHELL: Deflectors are holding sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, bring her to one four three mark two. Keep our forward shields to him. 
Lieutenant Carlson works on her helm.
LT. MITCHELL: She's coming about.
EXT-SPACE
The Klingon warbird fires a spread of disruptors striking the port deflectors making them flicker.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! 
LT. MITCHELL: Port deflectors are down to 88%!
LT. CARLSON: She's fast sir whoever is behind the helm is a good pilot.
CAPT. BRANSON: But you're better Kara.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Klingon warship arming photons.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, evasive pattern Omega seven.
Lieutenant Carlson works on the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The Klingon warbird fires a volley of torpedoes as two hit the port deflectors and the other two struck the outer hull.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Sparks erupt from the ceiling and MSD as the crew are hanging onto their posts and rails as wires and debris rain down from the ceiling as coolant spews from the ceiling.
EXT-SPACE
A close up of the breach as crewmen is vented out into space.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise has a breach on its port side as well as damage to the port nacelle.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
Smoke and wires are exposed as crewmen are running through the hallways.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A wounded officer is laying on the floor as Captain walks over to Commander T'Lar.
CAPT. BRANSON: Shut that off Ty arm forward launchers.
Transparent viewer shows the D7-class warbird cloak.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damn it.
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, if he's not changed his course.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hold your fire Ty we may need them T'Lar damage report.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: We've sustained damage to several aft decks we also have a breach on deck 7 emergency bulkheads are in place and holding, Doctor Carlson is reporting heavy causalities.
CAPT. BRANSON: Engine status?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Commander Williams is reporting we have damage to the port nacelle but it has not hammered our ability to go to warp.
CMDR. IVANOVA: We can't go to warp with that warbird following us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Agreed Julia send a general distress call we've been attacked by a Klingon vessel and has taken minor damage we have the Federation President onboard and can't protect her.
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir sending distress call.
Commander Ivanova walks over to him.
CMDR. IVANOVA: If we don't take care of this vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know Z we're dead.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise is at station keeping.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
Commander Williams is working with Commander Clarkson.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: That should about do it.
He gets up from under one of the stations.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Let's see what we've got.
She reactivates it as the console shows the damage reports.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [amazed]: That's a lot of damage.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Breach on deck 9 damage to the port nacelle housing but no major damage to it, so why doesn't John warp us out of here?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I am sure the Captain has his reasons of remaining here.
Kyle leaves main engineering.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is at his desk reviewing the damage and causality reports when the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Kyle enters.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle what can I do for you?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: May I ask why we're remaining here?
CAPT. BRANSON: We've taken damage and we need to repair the breach before we leave or otherwise its a target.
Kyle sits down in front of the desk.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: I know we taken some damage but we can repair that on route to Deep Space K-7, we don't need to remain here waiting for that Klingon warbird to come and finish us off.
CAPT. BRANSON: If we continue to K-7 we'd be leading the Klingons to it and the people there are good as dead Kyle you know that.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: But we're a heavy cruiser we should be able to take it out.
CAPT. BRANSON: Not with the cloaking device we can't detect them till they decloak to fire you know that as well.
Then John comes up with an idea and leaves the ready room as Kyle follows behind him.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
CMDR. IVANOVA: John is something up?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah Z I am fine I got an idea Kyle I need you to shut everything down except for weapons, deflectors, and life-support and vent plasma from the port nacelle.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [nods]: Aye, sir.
He goes to the engineering console.
CAPT. BRANSON: I need you prepare a volley of photon torpedoes but leave them deactivated that means you need to arm them in about 30 seconds.
LT. MITCHELL [smiles]: I love a good challenge sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar I need you on sensors as soon as you get a blip on the motion detectors feed it to tactical.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Aye, sir.
The crew gets ready to go round two with the D7 cruiser.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Ready sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Cut power vent plasma.
EXT-SPACE
The starboard nacelle vents drive plasma as the D7 decloaks to move in for the kill.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commander T'Lar reports.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Sensors are detecting something on the motion sensors feeding to tactical.
CAPT. BRANSON: Standby to fire on my orders.
LT. MITCHELL: Ready sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Activate power.
WHUMPH! Sparks fly.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fire.
Mitchell presses the firing button on the station.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise unleashes a blue energy beam of phasers and then unleashes a full volley of photon torpedoes scoring a deadly hit destroying the D7.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the D7 warbird exploding into a thousand pieces.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Enemy target destroyed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Good proceed to K-7 under impulse.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise next to Deep Space K7.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Military Log Supplemental, The Enterprise has arrived at Deep Space K7 so far we've not encountered further Klingon warbirds, but its only a matter of time before we hear something
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Doors opened as John and Danielle enter.
JOHN: So how long do you think these meetings will last?
DANIELLE: I'm not sure but hopefully this won't take long.
She steps onto the pad.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good luck.
PRESIDENT BRANSON: You to John.
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize.
Chief Mackenzie engages the transporter and President Branson dematerialized.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise departs from the station after being repaired.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Kara Carlson
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Lieutenant Joshua Holiday
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
===Special Guest Stars===
*Mike Longo as Admiral James T. Kirk
*TBA as Federation President Danielle Branson
*TBA as Vice President T'Lok
*TBA as Klingon Commander
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===