Fortunate Daughter (Ent Era episode)

Fortunate Daughter is the 9th episode of first season of Starship Enterprise.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise is sent to assist the ECS Fortunate, an Earth freighter that has been attacked by Nausicaan pirates. But the Fortunate may not be as innocent as it seems. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The ECS Fortunate is at warp.
INT-ECS FORTUNATE CARGO MODULE FOUR
[Two men are throwing an oval ball between each other in the reduced gravity.]
CAPT. KEENE: Hauled down in the corner of the end zone. Touchdown! 
CMDR. RYAN: Like to see you make that catch with the gravity plating at Earth sea level. 
CAPT. KEENE: I doubt you could throw the ball ten meters on Earth. 
CMDR. RYAN: One more reason not to go. 
CAPT. KEENE: Did you find out what was causing that vibration in module two? 
CMDR. RYAN: The cargo handlers at Jupiter Station. They didn't balance the load. Shaw and I, we, er, we trimmed it out. 
CAPT. KEENE: Keep an eye on it. 
(There's a judder.) 
VOICE [OC]: Bridge to Captain Keene. We're under attack, sir. It's the Nausicaans
CAPT. KEENE: Drop out of warp. Charge the plasma cannon.
[WHUMPH!]
CUT TO:
EXT. COALITION SPACE
A Nausicaan vessel fires at the cargo vessel.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
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A shot over another Federation Starship as the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E is at Station keeping.
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STARSHIP ENTERPRISE
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
====
The Enterprise exits dry-dock berth. 
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPTAIN JOHN BRANSON
An underbelly shot of the ventral section of the Enterprise as the moon is in full view. 
FELECIA LINKOUS 
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ZHASA IVANOVA
The Enterprise flying by an interstellar dust cloud. 
KEVIN REGAN 
 AS
LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE JACK MASON 
The Enterprise flying towards an M-Class planet. 
FERNE MYERS 
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER STEPHANIE WILLIAMS 
Enterprise traversing a planetary debris field. 
JACOB ELLIOT 
 AS
DOCTOR STEVEN CARLSON
Enterprise flying by a binary pulsar. 
DELENA "DEE" LUSK 
 AS
ENSIGN KARA CARLSON
Enterprise heading towards Arcamon Science Station.
SADIE BRICKHOUSE 
 AS
LIEUTENANT JUNOR GRADE JULIA SMITH
Enterprise flying by a comet. 
BECKY ELLIOT 
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER T'LAR
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she leaps into warp. 
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
Enterprise is at warp.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, ENTERPRISE NX-01
John is sleeping in his bed when the com activates as he stirs.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
CREWMAN [com voice]: Sorry to disturb you sir, but I have an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command. It's Fleet Admiral Gardner
John gets up from the bed and grabs a shirt and walks over to the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my quarters.
A few second later Fleet Admiral Gardner appears on the monitor.
CAPT. MARTIN: Admiral what can I do for you?
FLT ADM. GARDNER [monitor]: We picked up an automated distress signal from a cargo freighter, the ECS Fortunate. The nearest Starfleet vessel is three weeks away at its maximum warp, but you could be there in a day and a half
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well.
FLT ADM. GARDNER [monitor]: Keep me informed Gardner out
Transmission ends as John thinks.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise heads to the Fortune's position.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
The senior staff is around the table.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: The Earth cargo ship Fortunate. Y-class freighter, maximum speed warp one point eight. Crew complement twenty three.
ENS. CARLSON: Not counting newborn babies. 
John turns to her.
CAPT. MARTIN: Ensign?
ENS. CARLSON: Me and Steven grew up on a J-class, a little smaller but the same basic design, and one thing I can tell you is that at warp one point eight you've got a lot of time on your hands between ports. That's how my parents wound up with us.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Do you have any helpful information on this vessel beyond its recreational activities? 
LTJG. MASON: For example, what kind of weapons they carry.
ENS. CARLSON: Well, typically nothing more than a low-yield plasma cannon, but most freight haulers would've upgraded the first chance they got.
LTJG. SMITH: Why's that?
ENS. CARLSON: Think about it. You're a dozen light years from home with twenty kilotons of dilithium ore in your hold, armed with nothing but a pop-gun for shooting oncoming meteors. What would you do? 
They look at each other.
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise drops out of warp.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE [TACTICAL ALERT]
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the Fortune drifting as Captain Branson stands in front of the helm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Full scans.
LTJG. MASON: No other vessels are in the area sir.
LTCMDR. T'LAR [re: scanner scope]: I'm reading hull damage. Their warp reactor's offline and most of their primary systems are down.
CAPT. BRANSON: Open a channel.
Lieutenant Smith works on the console.
LTJG. SMITH: Channel open sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Fortunate, this is Captain John Branson of the Starship Enterprise. 
[Static over the com.]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Fortunate please respond.
[Static still over the com.]
LTJG. SMITH: Their com systems may be down. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Bio-signs.
Commander T'Lar turns from her station.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: I'm reading 24 bio-signs aboard the Fortunate.
Captain Martin turns to Z.
CAPT. MARTIN: Z, take an away team over there and see what's going on.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [nods]: Aye, sir Jack, T'Lar you're with me have Doctor Carlson meet us in transporter room.
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, Commander.
Commander Ivanova, Lieutenant Mason, and Lieutenant Commander T'Lar enter the turbo-lift.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, bring us into transporter range.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise enters transporter range.
INT. DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR, FORTUNATE SON [TACTICAL ALERT]
The away team materialized as Commander Ryan and three crewmen await their arrival.
CMDR. IVANOVA: Greetings I am Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova First Officer of the Enterprise.
They shook hands.
CMDR. RYAN: I'm Matthew Ryan, first officer.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances. What happened here?
CMDR. RYAN: Nausicaans. They tried to board us. We managed to fight them off but not before we took a few bruises.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Their raids are getting bolder and bolder they raided a science outpost four years ago I've got repair teams standing by. What can we do? 
CMDR. RYAN: Oh, we can handle this ourselves, Commander, but thank you. 
LTJG. MASON: If you didn't need our help, why did you send out a distress call? 
CMDR. RYAN: One of our younger crewmembers panicked, hit the emergency beacon. With our com down we had no way to tell Starfleet to ignore it. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Where's your Captain? 
CMDR. RYAN: He was wounded in the attack. I'm in command until he's back on his feet. I'm sorry we took valuable time away from your mission. 
DR. CARLSON: Commander if you have any injured I'd like to see if I can help.
CMDR. RYAN: Alright.
DR. CARLSON: Commander if you have any injured I'd like to see if I can help.
CMDR. RYAN: Alright.
CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY, ECS FORTUNATE
Doctor Carlson is treating Captain Keene's injuries.
CMDR. RYAN: Is he going to die?
DR. CARLSON: Not any time soon. The Nausicaan weapon disrupted his neural pathways. I've started him on a cortical regeneration but it'll take some time.
CMDR. RYAN: How long?
DR. CARLSON: Two to three days.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Since we have to stick around, we might as well help you get your ship up and running. 
CMDR. RYAN: That's alright. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I understand you're used to doing things on your own, but we're here. Use us. We might be able to upgrade your deflectors, your weapons. Couldn't hurt the next time you run into these Nausicaans. The sooner you're back at warp, the sooner that cargo you're hauling gets to where it's supposed to go. 
Matthew nods.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE
[Shaw and Matthew are walking through the cargo module.]
SHAW: You're letting them send over more people? 
CMDR. RYAN: A few engineers, that's all. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We can't have people crawling all over the place. 
CMDR. RYAN: We'll keep them where they're supposed to be. 
CREWMEN SHAW: And what if they find him? 
CMDR. RYAN: What do you want me to do, throw him off the ship? 
(A group of men are concealed behind some containers, standing over a Nausicaan who has been beaten up.) 
CMDR. RYAN: Anything? 
SECURITY OFFICER: No he's been quiet.
CMDR. RYAN: Keep at it. 
He leans in on the Nausicaan prisoner.
CMDR. RYAN: I want those codes. 
Nausicaan prisoner remains determined not to give up the codes.
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is now docked with the Fortunate to off-load spare parts and medical supplies.
INT. D DECK CORRIDOR, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Kara examines a piece of equipment.
ENS. CARLSON: Commander Williams'll get a kick out of this, it's older than she is. The Quartermaster won't have anything like it but Engineering should be able to make one for you. 
CMDR. RYAN: We've got our own machine shop.
ENS. CARLSON: I'm sure your guys have their hands full. We're happy to do it. 
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Commander Williams examines the warp coil.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: These valve seals are shot. We'll have to synthesize some new ones. Give me about forty minutes. If you want, our resident boomer here can give you a tour.
CMDR. RYAN: Thanks. I've already seen most of the ship. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: You missed the best part. The best warp 5 engine in the fleet. 
CMDR. RYAN: I've heard about it. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Once they get installed in the next generation of freighters it'll change a whole lot of things. 
LT. CARLSON: Even with a warp three engine you'd be able to cut a five year cargo run down to six months. 
CMDR. RYAN: Warp one point eight works just fine for us. Any faster and there'd be no time to enjoy the trip. 
Both Williams and Carlson look at each other in surprise.
INT. MESS HALL, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Both Kara and Matt are sitting at a table.
KARA: Save room for dessert, home made ice-cream.
MATT: You eat this well all the time?
KARA: Chef's the best in Starfleet. I heard the Captain had to call in a lot of favors to get him on board. It's good you stayed away from the resequenced meat loaf. They still haven't gotten that right. 
MATT: Resequenced? It looks real.
KARA: Well, it is.
MATT: You know the last time I had a steak? Eighteen months ago. All we've got left now are hydroponics and nutri-paks. 
JAMIE: I remember those. What did we used to call them? 
BOTH: Mystery meals. 
JAMIE: My dad was a pretty good cook. He could do magical things with those nutri-paks.
MATT: When it was someone's birthday my mother would bake a cake. We knew batter than to ask what it was made of. 
KARA: Didn't stop you from eating it?
MATT: Nope.
KARA: Your parents on the Fortunate? 
MATT: No. They were on the North Star. 
[Gloom descends.]
KARA: I-I heard about what happened I am sorry I couldn't be there at the service.
MATT: Thanks.
KARA: Matt, you ever think about doing something else? 
MATT: You mean join Starfleet? 
KARA: The food's not bad. 
Matt snickers a bit.
KAA: Was this premeditated? Buy me lunch and give me the recruiting pitch? 
KARA: No, but you've spent more time in space than most Starfleet Captains. There are 
four more NX-class ships on the drawing boards. They're going to need experienced people. 
MATT: If Starfleet gets all the good crews, who does that leave to run the freighters? 
KARA: Don't worry, not everybody's going to go. 
MATT: You and Steven did. 
KARA: You think leaving the Nightingale was easy for me and Steve? That we just took off because we got tired of the food? That ship was our home. 
MATT: So why'd you two leave it? Why did you two abandon your family. 
KARA: Being in Starfleet is the best thing that ever happened to us. Our parents weren't happy we left, but they respected our decision. 
MATT: Did they? Or were they just saying what you and Steven wanted to hear so you wouldn't feel guilty. Commander Williams should be done with my valve assembly by now. Thanks for lunch. 
Matt leaves as Kara remains.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
John paces about as he's recording log.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: So, far the Fortunate has only minor damage but with any luck with both crews working together we should be able to get her back on her original course.
He ends the log recorder.
[DOORS CHIMED]
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
[READY ROOM DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Lieutenant Smith enters holding a PADD.
LTJG. SMITH: Here you are sir.
John takes the PADD.
CAPT. BRANSON [re: PADD]: Thank you Julia is this all the information?
LTJG. SMITH [nods]: Yes, sir may I ask why did you need it?
CAPT. BRANSON: Because this feels too familiar.
Julia remains.
LTJG. SMITH: I know what you mean.
CAPT. BRANSON [re: PADD]: Bingo.
LTJG. SMITH: What?
CAPT. BRANSON: Send an encoded transmission to T'Lar through her scanner tell her to without raising suspicion scan for Naussican bio-signs.
LTJG. SMITH [nods]; Aye, sir.
She leaves the ready room.
As John's worried.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Re-established shot.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the fourth module of the Fortunate.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: This is where the Naussican bio-sign is coming from.
CAPT. BRANSON: And these two dots?
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Armed guards.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'm confused how did you know there'd be a Naussican aboard the Fortunate?
CAPT. BRANSON: I had Julia go over past Enterprise missions and this one was the first one she found in 2151 Captain Archer was ordered by Admiral Forrest to assist the Fortunate with whatever they have.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So now that we know about this what do we do?
CAPT. BRANSON: For now let's play it safe I don't want to risk the Naussican's life, but should we find a way to get him off that vessel I want to take it dismissed.
They leave as Commander Ivanova stands next to John.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So, we're just going to allow Ryan to keep this guy as his prisoner?
CAPT. BRANSON: Z, we can't risk his life have Ryan come to the bridge.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir.
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is still docked with the Fortunate.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
[TURBO-LIFT DOOR WHOOSHED OPENED] As Commander Ryan walks onto the bridge amazed at the design as he walks down to the situation area where both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova.
CAPT. BRANSON: Those engine parts Commander Williams gave you working out okay? 
CMDR. RYAN: Some of the connections were off by a few microns, but they should be fine. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good. Doctor Langford tells me Captain Keene's condition is improving. 
CMDR. RYAN: Well he's still unconscious but the burns are healing, thanks to your doctor.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything else we can do? 
CMDR. RYAN: Thanks, but we're anxious to get underway. Goodbye, Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: There's one other question I'd like to ask you. Are there only humans on board your ship? 
CMDR. RYAN: I think one of the kids has a Teneebian skunk as a pet, if that's what you mean. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: It isn't.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar's scanner picked up a Nausicaan biosign. 
CMDR. RYAN: Are you saying we've got a stowaway? 
CAPT. BRANSON: You know that's not what we're saying. Why don't you tell us what's going on over there. 
CMDR. RYAN: Well, what are you talking about? 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Our science officer's scans indicated this Nausicaan was injured. 
CMDR. RYAN: Okay. Not that it's any of your business, but there is a Nausicaan aboard. He's my prisoner. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What gives you the right to take prisoners? 
CMDR. RYAN: They have been attacking our ship for months, stealing our cargo. They nearly killed my Captain. Now what gives them the right to do that? 
CAPT. BRANSON: I want to see him. 
CMDR. RYAN: And what would you do? Take him back to Nausicaa? They'd probably give him a medal. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you plan to do with him? 
CMDR. RYAN: That is my business. Starfleet doesn't have any jurisdiction over what goes on aboard my ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: You're right, but there is one thing I do have jurisdiction over. (To com) Branson to Williams.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [com voice]: Williams here
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Steph, I want you to remove all the spare parts and equipment you installed on the Fortunate. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [com voice]: Sir?
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: You heard me Steph.
CMDR. RYAN: You wouldn't do that. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Watch me. 
JUMP CUT TO;
INT. CARGO MODULE EIGHT, ECS FORTUNATE
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Mason, Lieutenant Commander T'Lar, and Doctor Carlson are aboard following Commander Ryan.
CMDR. RYAN: He's over there.
They walk over to where he's directing them.
LTCMDR. T'LAR [re: tricorder]: I'm reading one bio-sign, but it's not Nausicaan. 
[It's Shaw with a rifle. Ryan picks up a pistol too.]
CAPT. BRANSON: DON'T DO THIS COMMANDER!
[Mason fires the first shot but it misses Ryan.]
LTJG. MASON: Get down!
DR. CARLSON: Under the circumstances, I defer to your experience.
 
[Martin also has a phase pistol.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Ryan! You're making a big mistake. (to Mason, sotto) Go. 
[Mason fires before they both move to try and flank the pair. Ryan fires at the bulkhead above T'Lar before leaving the module and sealing the door.]
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Captain! We've got a hull breach!
CAPT. BRANSON: RYAN!
[There's a jolt.]
LTJG. MASON: What was that?
CAPT. BRANSON: He jettisoned the module.
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is still docked with the Fortunate as its impulse engines powered up.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
Enterprise shudders.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA; What the hell's going on?
ENS. CARLSON: The Fortunate's trying to undock with the seals locked.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Engage the emergency clamps. 
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Fortunate shears off the airlock gangway.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
Enterprise shudders.
ENS. CARLSON: They broke free!
ENS. HANSEN: Commander, I'm detecting four bio-signs on that module its the boarding party.
Commander Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair and toggles the com panel.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [to com]: Enterprise to boarding party.
CUT TO:
INT. CARGO MODULE EIGHT, ECS FORTUNATE
John gets out his communicator.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Are you alright?
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: We're fine. I don't want the Fortunate leaving We're fine I don't want the Fortune leaving they have a Nausicaan prisoner aboard their ship.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [to com]: Understood. Open a channel.
LTJG. SMITH: Hailing them now no response.
ENS. CARLSON: They're charging weapons.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: All power to hullplating!
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Fortunate fires its weapons at the Enterprise hitting her port deflectors making them flicker.
CUT TO:
INT. CARGO MODULE EIGHT, ECS FORTUNATE
LTCMDR. T'LAR [re: tricorder]: The Fortunate has fired their weapons.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Martin to Enterprise, Z report?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: They're getting a little trigger-happy, sir. Stand by. Load starboard tubes three and four. Target their engines
ENS. JOHNSON [com voice]: Aye, Commander
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the Fortune fleeing.
ENS. CARLSON: Their warp drive's coming online.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: FIRE!
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
A close of the four launchers as two photonic torpedoes streak out of the two tubes but the two orange bolts don't get there in time.
INT. CARGO MODULE EIGHT, ECS FORTUNATE
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Enterprise report?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: We're okay, sir. We didn't take too much damage, but the Fortunate just went to warp
CAPT. BRANSON: Follow them.
LTCMDR. T'LAR [re: Tricorder]: Captain, considering our rate of decompression, I'd suggest Enterprise retrieve us as quickly as possible. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Belay that order Z come and beam us back we've sprung a leak.
INT. SITUATION ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the Fortunate's warp trail before the sensors were knocked out.
LTJG. MASON: We're trying to track their warp trail, but their plasma cannon knocked out our long range sensors. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How long till we get them back on-line?
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Give me four hours.
ENS. CARLSON: We don't know where they are, but we know who they're looking for. The Nausicaans. Ryan's after revenge, sir.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: A very primitive emotion, but it would explain his irrational behavior.
ENS. CARLSON: It's rational to him. Those pirates attacked his ship. That's his family. If we want to find the Fortunate, we need to find the Nausicaans.
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
Fortunate is at warp.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE
Commander Ryan looks at the Nausicaan prisoner.
CMDR. RYAN: The frequencies. 
NAUSICAAN: You're not very skilled at interrogation. I could give you some lessons. 
CMDR. RYAN [kicking him in the chest]: Give me the frequencies. 
NAUSICAAN: You know my shipmates will come for me. 
CMDR. RYAN: I'm counting on it. 
[Then he just starts beating the Nausicaan prisoner senseless.]
CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR, ECS FORTUNATE
Both Commander Ryan and Crewmen Shaw are walking through the corridor.
CMDR. RYAN: That wasn't so difficult, was it. 
CREWMEN SHAW: You nearly killed him. 
CMDR. RYAN: Remodulate the weapons. 
CREWMEN SHAW: What about the Nausicaan? 
CMDR. RYAN: Keep him locked up. We might still need him. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We've got what we wanted. Let's just get him off the ship. 
CMDR. RYAN: How? 
CREWMEN SHAW: An escape pod. 
CMDR. RYAN: So his friends can pick him up and he can tell them to change their shield 
modulations? What was the point of all this? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I've been asking myself the same question. We've always dealt with the Nausicaans without taking hostages or beating information out of them. 
CMDR. RYAN: If we don't show them that we're serious, they're never going to leave us alone. 
CREWMEN SHAW: How would the Captain want us to handle this? 
CMDR. RYAN: I'm responsible for this ship now, and I need to know that you are going to help me do whatever it takes to protect her. 
(Shaw nods.) 
CMDR. RYAN: We've taken enough casualties. It's time we started inflicting some of our own.
Ryan heads back to the bridge as Shaw has second thoughts.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is at warp.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's starlog, supplemental, We've picked up a faint warp trail that could be the Fortunate, but we don't know for sure until our long range sensors are back online
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
Commander Williams and Ensign Carlson are working the long range scanners.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Anything?
Ensign Carlson checks.
ENS. CARLSON: No. Try bypassing circuit L-47. 
CREWMAN: Aye, Lieutenant. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I don't know what's going on with that guy. I can understand taking on those pirates. I probably would have done the same thing. But firing on a Starfleet vessel? He's got a lot more than pirates to worry about now. 
ENS. CARLSON: Never thought I'd see a Y-class running from any ship I was on. When I was growing up on the Nightingale, anything that happened on board you handles yourself. If someone on the crew got into a fight, you just worked it out. You took care of your own. If Starfleet suddenly showed up and told my father what he could and couldn't do on his own ship? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: I understand that Kara but things are changing. Ryan's going to have to figure that out. 
ENS. CARLSON: Maybe he has and he just doesn't like it.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Got it. Sensors are back online.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPTAIN READY ROOM, ENTERPRISE NX-01
[READY ROOM DOOR CHIMED.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
[READY ROOM DOOR WHOOSHED OPENED] And Ensign Carlson enters.
ENS. CARLSON: You've got a minute sir?
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: I think I can squeeze you into my schedule have a seat.
Kara sits in front of the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's on your mind Kara?
ENS. CARLSON: Permission to speak freely, sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: I welcome it.
ENS. CARLSON: I'm worried that we're not handling the situation the right way. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Go on. 
ENS. CARLSON: You know I'd never question your orders. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You served on one of those freighters. I want to hear your opinion. 
ENS. CARLSON: Maybe Ryan's right. Maybe this isn't any of our business. If he doesn't want our help, why force it on him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: So you think we should just let Ryan take on the Nausicaans? 
ENS. CARLSON: Don't underestimate a freighter crew, sir. My father never ran into any trouble he couldn't handle himself, Nausicaans included. 
CAPT. BRANSON: So what happens to the Nausicaans? 
ENS. CARLSON: Sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Suppose Ryan finds the ship that attacked him. Maybe it's been damaged and the Fortunate is more than a match for them. What do you think Ryan'll do? 
ENS. CARLSON: He'd probably try to blow them out of the sky. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I don't know about you, Jamie, but that doesn't sit right with me. Human beings have a code of behavior that applies whether they're Starfleet officers or space boomers, and it isn't driven by revenge. Just because someone isn't born on Earth doesn't make him any less human. 
ENS. CARLSON: You're right, sir. I suppose I should understand that more than anyone. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Any other orders of mine you'd like to question? 
ENS. CARLSON: Not today, sir. Thank you, sir. 
[She leaves the ready room as John leans back and smiles.]
EXT. WARP TUNNEL
Fortunate is at warp.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: Are you sure? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I've seen that hull signature enough times. 
CMDR. RYAN: The new shield frequencies? 
CREWMEN SHAW: Loaded and standing by. 
CMDR. RYAN: Bring the cannons online, drop out of warp. 
CREWMEN SHAW: They're just sitting there, a hundred kilometers ahead near a small asteroid. 
CMDR. RYAN: Put it on the viewer. 
(A little ship makes a dash.) 
CMDR. RYAN: They've seen us. Lay in an intercept course. Full impulse. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We're closing. Twenty kilometers. They're firing.
[WHUMPH!]
CREWMEN SHAW: Deflectors are holding.
CMDR. RYAN: Can you get a weapons lock? 
CREWMEN SHAW: We're out of range. 
(Another hit.) 
CMDR. RYAN: Then get us into range. 
CREWMEN SHAW: Ten kilometers, nine. Cannons locked on target. 
CMDR. RYAN: Return fire. 
CREWMEN SHAW: They've gone behind the asteroid. I've lost the lock.
EXT. SPACE
As Fortunate pursues, we see that the asteroid is a docking port and facility for lots of Nausicaan ships.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: This must be where they offload stolen cargo. 
CREWMEN SHAW: I'm getting us out of here. 
CMDR. RYAN: Hold your course. 
CREWMEN SHAW: Ryan! 
CMDR. RYAN: We still have their shield frequencies. Lock weapons on the first ship and fire.
Shaw presses the firing button.
EXT. SPACE
The Fortunate fires four blots at the small Nausicaan vessel but nothing happens.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN: Again. 
CREWMEN SHAW: No effect. 
CMDR. RYAN: Are you sure you programmed the right frequencies? 
CREWMEN SHAW: I used the ones he gave us.
EXT. SPACE
Other ships undock and start attacking Fortunate.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ECS FORTUNATE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
CMDR. RYAN: Go to warp! 
CREWMEN SHAW: The reactor is offline. 
CMDR. RYAN: Full impulse, then. Hull plating to maximum. 
(Another big hit and explosions.) 
CREWMEN SHAW: We've lost impulse. They're hailing us. 
NAUSICAAN 2 [on viewscreen]: Our scans show you have one of our crewmen aboard. I assume you're here to return him
CMDR. RYAN: He's our prisoner. 
NAUSICAAN 2 [on viewscreen]: He won't be for long
(a jolt and an alarm sounding) 
CREWMEN SHAW: They've latched onto us. 
Commander Ryan tenses up.
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise soars at warp.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01
Commander T'Lar turns from her station and reports.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Captain, long range sensors are detecting weapons fire.
CAPT. BRANSON: Who's doing the shooting?
LTJG. MASON: It's difficult to be sure at this distance, sir. Looks like some kind of plasma discharge. I can't rule out our boomer friends.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lay in a course.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
Two Nausicaan cruisers are circling the disabled cargo vessel while one of them is docked.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CREWMEN SHAW: They're in the access corridor, section D. 
CMDR. RYAN: How many? 
CREWMEN SHAW: Three. 
CMDR. RYAN: Pass out weapons. 
CREWMEN SHAW: We know what they're after. Why not just let them have him> 
CMDR RYAN: We fought them off before, we can do it again. 
CREWMEN SHAW: It was one ship, not three. 
CMDR. RYAN: Weapons. 
CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR SECTION D, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
Ryan opens fire on the Nausicaans and a shooting match ensues. A crewman is hit.
CREWMEN SHAW: We should fall back!
[They retreat into a cargo module and the Nausicaans try to cut in.]
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
A Flash. Enterprise slowly slips out of warp.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01
LTJG. MASON: It's the Fortunate, sir, and three smaller ships.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: Nausicaans. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see them.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows two small ships circling the Fortunate while the third is docked.
LTCMDR. T'LAR: There are four Nausicaan bio-signs on board the Fortunate and I'm detecting weapon discharges. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hail the lead vessel.
Lieutenant Smith works at the com station.
LTJG. SMITH: They're responding.
CAPT. BRANSON: Greetings I am John Martin Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, what are you doing with that cargo vessel?
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We are engaged in a rescue operation
CAPT. BRANSON: There's an awful lot of shooting for a rescue mission Commander.
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: We want our crewman back
ENS. CARLSON: He wouldn't be there if you hadn't attacked them in the first place.
CAPT. BRANSON: I have a proposal for you. We'll get your man back and then you'll let the Fortunate continue on her way. 
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [on viewscreen]: You're facing three of my ships. We are not interested in your proposals
CAPT. BRANSON: We've scanned your ships. Mister Mason.
LTJG. MASON: Fore and aft plasma cannons. I doubt those deflectors of theirs would hold up to our torpedoes and phasers.
CAPT. MARTIN: You're not sneaking up on an old freighter this time. This is a NX- Class Starship. Take a good look, because you'll be seeing more of them. Now, you can reconsider my offer or you can take your chances.
NAUSICAAN COMMANDER [viewer]: If you think you can convince them to return our crewman, do it quickly. Otherwise we'll be forced to take our chances
Transmission ends.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [RED ALERT]
(The Nausicaans break through the door, and the shooting starts again.) 
CAPT. BRANSON [OC]: Enterprise to Ryan. This is John Branson. We're ten thousand meters off your starboard bow. I know you can hear me. Why don't you think about what's best for your crew and let us help you?
CMDR. RYAN: What a relief. Starfleet's come to save the day. 
CAPT. BRANSON [OC]: I've spoken
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Nausicaan Commander. He's willing to let the Fortunate go if you turn over his crewman. 
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: What, and you believe him? You believe they're just going to let us fly away?
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: I've got an armory of torpedoes and phase cannons that will make sure they do
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: What about next time, when another freighter gets jumped.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [com voice]: In the middle of nowhere. What then?
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: You've got a chance to stop this before anyone else gets hurt. 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: I'm dealing with them the only way they understand
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Release the hostage.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: He's my prisoner, and I'm going to handle.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [com voice]: This in my way
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: What are you going to do, kill him? 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: Oh, you again. 
ENS. CARLSON: Sir, with your permission. 
John nods as she gets up from the helm.
ENS. CARLSON: You think killing one of them is going to accomplish anything? 
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: What, your Captain decide a little boomer to boomer talk would persuade me? 
ENS. CARLSON [OC]: Just shut up and listen to me. I don't give a damn about you anymore
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: I'm just thinking about mine and my brother's parents. 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: What have they got to do with this?
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: What's going to happen to the next freighter that runs into the Nausicaans? What if it's the Nightingale and they have to pay the price for your 
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [OC]: Stubborn stupidity
CMDR. RYAN [to com]: I'm doing this for them.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: The hell you are! This isn't about protecting cargo ships. 
CMDR. RYAN [OC]: That is just what it's about
ENS. CARLSON: Don't kid yourself into thinking you're doing this for some greater good. This is about revenge, nothing else.
CMDR. RYAN [com voice]: This is about protecting others!
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: You don't like me and Steven because we left the Nightingale to join Starfleet. You're afraid that if more people do that there won't be anyone left to run the freighters. Maybe you're right.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [OC]: Maybe not
CMDR. RYAN [to com]; Kara, I don't hate you for that I am afraid of that!
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [to com]: The Nausicaans are going to kill you and your crew, and then there'll be twenty three fewer people out there to run those freighters.
INT. CARGO MODULE FOUR, ECS FORTUNATE [TACTICAL ALERT]
ENS. CARLSON [OC]: No maybes
[Ryan hauls the Nausicaan to his feet.]
CMDR. RYAN: Hold your fire! Take him. 
[The Nausicaans leave, quickly.]
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, ENTERPRISE NX-01 [TACTICAL ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: The Nausicaans are powering down their weapons. They're moving off, sir. 
Captain Branson pats Kara on the shoulder.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work Ensign.
INT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise is next to the ECS Fortunate.
INT. SICKBAY, ECS FORTUNATE
CAPT. BRANSON: Need a hand? 
(Keene eases himself off the bed.) 
CAPT. KEENE: Just a little stiff. Thank your doctor for me. I've got some Drilaxian whisky stashed away, if you'd like to join me. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm on duty. 
CAPT. KEENE: Too bad. If you've never had it, you're missing one of the galaxy's real pleasures. I'm reducing Mister Ryan's rank to Able Crewman. He gets to spend the rest of the trip purging hydraulic pumps. 
CAPT. BRANSON: If you think he's going to be a problem, we could take him back to Earth. 
CAPT. KEENE: No, we take care of our own. Besides, that would leave me a man short. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Understood. 
CAPT. KEENE: I made him my first officer because I trusted him with my ship. It's going to take him quite a while to earn that back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: His intentions were good, but someone should teach him to accept help when it's offered. 
CAPT. KEENE: The ones that grew up out here feel they have some special claim, that this particular stretch of space is theirs. They see another ship within ten light years, they get jumpy. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They're going to be seeing a lot more ships than they're used to. 
CAPT. KEENE: The ships get faster. It's progress, I suppose. My family's been on the Fortunate for three generations. Now, I'm going to need at least a warp three engine to stay in business. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Maybe that's not so bad. At warp three, help's a lot closer than before. You won't have to go it alone. 
CAPT. KEENE: Going it alone's all I've ever done, and for some of us it's the reason we're out here. A chance to prove ourselves. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I think you've already done that. 
CAPT. KEENE: Well, we'll adapt, we always have, but things just won't be the same. 
(They shake hands.) 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good luck. 
CAPT. KEENE: Sure you won't join me for that drink? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks, but my crew's anxious to get underway. Next time.
EXT. COALITION SPACE [OPTICAL]
Enterprise departs from the Fortunate.
[END OF ACT FOUR FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
Actor 	Character 	Rank 	Position
Jarvis Davidson 	John Branson 	Captain 	CO
Felecia Linkous 	Zhasa Ivanova 	Lieutenant Commander 	Executive Officer
Kevin Regan 	Jack Mason 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Tactical/Security Officer
Ferne Myers 	Stephanie Williams	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Engineer
Delena "Dee" Lusk 	Kara Carlson 	Ensign 	Chief conn Officer
Sadie Brickhouse-Waymire	Julia Smith 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Communications Officer
Jacob Elliot 	Steven Carlson 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Medical Officer
Becky Elliot 	T'Lar 	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Science Officer
===Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Harris Payne 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Engineer
TBA 	Kayla Mackenzie 	Chief Petty Officer	Transporter Chief
TBA 	Sean Hansen 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Science Officer
TBA 	Saskai Takahashi	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer
TBA 	Henry Johnson 	Ensign 	Assistance Chief Armory Officer
===Special Guest Stars===
Actor	Character 	Rank 	Position
TBA 	Samuel Gardner	Fleet Admiral	Starfleet Flag Officer
TBA 	Jackson Keene 	Captain 	Commanding Officer
TBA 	Matthew Ryan 	Commander 	Executive Officer
TBA 	Adam Shaw 	Ensign 	Chief Conn Officer
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===