The Balance Of Terror

The Balance Of Terror is the 10th episode of Star Trek: The New Generation, TNG Season 1 finale.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise must battle a Romulan vessel suspected of destroying several Federation Outposts along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
An establishing shot of Outpost Four on one of the asteroids.
CMDR. AL-SALAH [voice over]: Commander Al-Salah's Log Stardate 51709.1, Outpost 4 is currently awaiting the arrival of the U.S.S. Enterprise with some much needed supplies and parts to reconfigure our outpost's main sensor relay
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER
Crew are at their stations working or going on break as Commander Al-Salah walks over to his first officer. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: What's the ETA of the Enterprise? 
FIRST OFFICER: According to Lieutenant Mason the vessels communications officer they'll arrive in a few hours at warp 9. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Good the sooner we get the sensors refitted the better even though the Romulans are in isolation we have to remain on guard. 
FIRST OFFICER [nods]: Aye, sir. 
COM OFFCIER: Uh, Commander I lost contact with Outposts 2, 3, and 8. 
Commander Al-Salah walks over to the com officer. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Could it be a glitch? 
COM OFFICER: I'm not sure sir but I did receive a garbled transmission from outpost 8. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Let's hear it. 
The young officer inputs commands into the com station. 
OUTPOST 8 COMMANDER [com voice]: Unknown----just----oh god---
Then they see a Romulan vessel decloak. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: SEND A DISTRESS CALL!
CUT TO:
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE OFFICER'S MESS
The crew are gathering for the wedding of Commander Tomlinson and Lieutenant Martine as Captain Martin enters wearing his dress uniform, and walks over to Commander James who is working a camera.
LTCMDR. JAMES: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Good.
Doctor Langford walks over to him.
DR. LANGFORD: Call for you from the bridge.
John walks out of ear shot of everyone and tapped his combadge..
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin here go ahead.
CMDR. Y'NAR [com voice]: Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent
John sees Lieutenant Martine wearing her wedding dress.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Maintain course to outpost four. Keep me informed. Branson out. 
[John tapped his combadge twice to turn it off and goes to podium as at the door, a young lady in wedding dress and a pretty head-dress takes Langford's arm and is escorted into the room, to the strains of 'Here Comes The Bride'. Martin goes to the rostrum.] 
CAPT. MARTIN: Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. We are gathered here today with you, Angela Martine, and you, Robert Tomlinson, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs so that you may pledge your....
COMPUTER VOICE: Alert! Alert! All decks alert! Alert! Alert!
The crew scatters as the bride and groom kiss and goes to their duty stations as Commander Y'Nar comes over the com.
CMDR. Y'NAR [com voice]: Earth Outpost four reports they're under attack. A space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Copy Y'Nar I'm on my way.
Captain Martin leaves the cargo bay. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
Crew heads to their battle stations. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
=====
Introduction:
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Space The Final Frontier These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise its Continuing Mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no one has gone before!
======
A shot of Starbase 1 and the USS Enterprise as she slowly departs from the base, as her warp engines powered up and leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
======
'BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN MARTIN
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
CMDR. Y'NAR ELLIS
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. JOANNA FAUR
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'MIR
The Enterprise flies by Earth and her warp nacelles power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise soars at warp to support Outpost 4.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 51709.1, Patrolling outposts guarding the neutral zone between planets Romulus and Remus and the rest of the galaxy, received emergency call from outpost 4. The U.S.S. Enterprise is moving to investigate and assist
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Turbo-lift doors opened and Captain Martin walks onto the bridge as the crew are at their stations, as Captain Martin walks over to Commander Y'Nar.
CAPT. MARTIN: Report?
CMDR. Y'NAR: Lieutenant Mason can brief you.
LT. MASON: Outpost 4 reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates.
Captain Martin walks in front of the ops and helm stations as he listens to the report.
CAPT. MARTIN: Any word from Two or Three?
LT. MASON: Two has not responded to our hails. And Three has also gone silent.
Captain Martin sits in the command chair. 
CAPT. MARTIN: What's our speed? 
LT. KAYE: Warp factor 5 sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Increase speed to warp factor 6.5 Sito what's our ETA to Outpost Four? 
LT. SITO: Position, eight minutes from Outpost four at this velocity, sir. 
Captain Martin tapped his combadge.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin to engineering Courtney we need more speed.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Aye, sir we'll give you all she's got and more
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Thank you Courtney. 
He ends the com call as Captain Martin looks over at Lieutenant Mason at tactical.
CAPT. MARTIN: Jack, what's our tactical status?
Lieutenant Mason checks the tactical console and reports.
LT. MASON: All phaser banks are fully powered and torpedoes are fully loaded and deflectors are at 100%.
CAPT. MARTIN: Did Outpost 4 say anything about attacker?
LT. MASON: No, sir message terminated before we received the distress call.
LT. FAUR: I'm guessing it's the same attackers, sir. The Romulans. 
Commander T'Mir turns to look at the young officer but remains focus on her work.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's not make guesses just yet. I'd like to avoid a war if I can. Maintain course. Alert me when we're two minutes out. Y'Narr you've got the bridge. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: Aye, sir. 
[Captain Martin gets up from the command chair and enters the ready room, as Commander Y'Nar sits in the command chair worried about her friend.]
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise continue towards Outpost Four.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
[Captain Martin is reviewing past encounters with the Romulans from the 22nd century Coalition of Planets information during the Earth-Romulan Wars and what they were able to gain from President Archer's encounters with the Star Empire in 2152 and 2154 and Kirk's encounters in the 23rd century and Picard's as well when the com activates.]
CMDR. Y'NAR [to com]: Captain Martin reports to the bridge we're receiving a transmission from Outpost 4
[Captain Martin leaves his ready room.]
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise dropped out of warp and proceeds at impulse.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin walks onto the bridge from the ready room and Commander Y'Nar vacates the Captain's chair and takes the first officer chair. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Report? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Sweeping the area of Outpost two. Sensor reading indefinite. Double-checking Outpost three. I read dust and debris. Both Earth outposts gone, and the asteroids they were constructed on, pulverized. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: What could do this?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Unknown Commander.
CAPT. MARTIN: Any sign of the enemy vessel?
LT. SITO: Negative sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's triple check. Jack, see if there's any other Federation ships in the 
sector in case we need back up. 
Both officers comply with the order and Lieutenant Mason reports. 
LT. MASON: The U.S.S. Horizon is the closest a couple of hours away.
John remains silent.
LT. SITO: That's Gwen's vessel.
CAPT. MARTIN: Ah, yes I had forgotten.
Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: Sir, we're receiving a hail from Outpost Four.
CAPT. MARTIN: Do we have visual?
LT. MASON: We're to far out but we're able to get audio.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's hear it.
He inputs commands into the tactical console and brings the voice of Commander Hansen Al-Salah commanding officer of the Outpost.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outpost four. Do you read me, Enterprise? This is Commander Hansen Al-Salah
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Commander, this is Captain John Martin what's your status?
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outposts two, three, and eight are gone
John closes his eyes to say a silent prayer for those who were killed on those three outposts.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Unknown weapon. Completely destroyed, even though we were alerted. Had our deflector shield on maximum. Hit by enormous power. First attack blew our deflector shield. If they hit us again with our deflector shield gone. Do you read me, Enterprise?
CAPT. MARTIN (to com): Al-Salah What hit you, Commander? What vessel? Can you identify? Can you locate the intruder for us? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [com voice]: Negative. It seems to have disappeared somehow. I have you on my screen now. Switching to visual
CAPT. MARTIN: Jack, tie us in.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and a few seconds later transparent viewer shows the command post as fires are plumping as a wounded Commander Al-Salah is at the console as Captain Martin gets up from his command chair in shock at what he's seeing on the viewer. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Enterprise, can you see it?
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
[ALARMS BLARING]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: My command post here. We're a mile deep on an asteroid. Almost solid iron. And even through our deflectors, it did this. Can you see?
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: We're looking at it now Commander is your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR, COMMAND POST [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, thank god no. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at seeing the battle damaged outpost. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander what do you have on the intruder? 
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No identification. No answer to our challenge. Only a glimpse of it. Then they fired something at us, some form of high-energy plasma. Fantastic power. And then the whole vessel disappeared. But it's out there somewhere. Our sensors show that much.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Enterprise, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander tie us in.
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Switching
[Transparent viewer shows an unknown warbird design that's never been seen before.]
CAPT. MARTIN: Jack do we have phasers? 
LT. MASON: We're still out of range sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Photon torpedoes then full spread fire when ready.
Lieutenant Mason works at his console and presses the firing button.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise's two forward launchers unleashes a spread of photons that slam against the deflectors of the unknown warbird as it flickers not even causing the vessel to flinch.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at the result.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: PICKING UP A POWER INCREASE!
CAPT. MARTIN (tenses up): Commander do you have phasers. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead 
CAPT. MARTIN: Make a challenge. Warn that ship off!
LT. MASON: Trying to sir, no responses.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Picking up a power increase!
[Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out, as the viewscreen switches to Hansen as the outpost is hit, then just bright light.]
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Outpost splits in two as fiery pieces.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARE]
[Everyone has their eyes unshielded as the Romulan vessel cloaks.]
LT. SITO: I've lost all sensor contact switching to metaphasic scans nothing still sir whatever vessel that is I can't seem to detect them.
[Captain Martin still standing shocked by what just happened as Lieutenant Faur turns to Captain Martin.]
LT. FAUR: Sir, we have to take them out. 
CAPT. MARTIN: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Lieutenant you know that.
Then Lieutenant Faur reports.
LT. FAUR: Incoming warp signature.
LT. MASON: We're being hailed it's one of ours the Horizon.
CAPT. MARTIN: Gwen's vessel who's hailing us?
LT. MASON: It's Captain Sam Harriman.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Enterprise this is Captain Sam Harriman of the U.S.S. Horizon we're here to assist.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: Captain John Martin good to see you Captain.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: We received Outpost Four's distress signal and pushed warp nine for as long as we safely could. Do we know who did this?
LT. FAUR: We may have an idea of who it is. 
CAPT. MARTIN: We're trying to determine, conclusively.
Then Commander T'Mir chimes in.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The ship in question appears to have a kind of cloaking device. But they still have a detectable gravitational presence.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Can we track them Commander?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'MIR; T'Mir, sir theoretically, yes. By detecting the micro-lensing of background stars we can determine an approximate location.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Impressive Commander T'Mir.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: Where's the intruder now?
Commander T'Mir works on her station and then reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Blip has changed its heading. And in a very leisurely maneuver. They may not be aware of us. 
CAPT. MARTIN: How can that be?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Our cloaking devices can sometimes blind our sensors till the object is close to us before we can ID it, their heading is 1-11 mark 14 a course a Romulan vessel would take back to Romulus.
LT. FAUR: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out.
CAPT. MARTIN: We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war.
LT. FAUR [frustrated]: They've destroyed three of our outposts. That's not an act of war?
CAPT. MARTIN: We attack the Romulans without authorization, the Federation will consider us expendable.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: We do have another option
Captain Martin turns to face the viewer.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: We can shadow the ship. Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time
LT. FAUR: Not an intercept course sir?
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: No
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: The Captain's right. That would be a declaration of war.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin and the crew listens to Captain Harriman's plan.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: But if the Enterprise and Horizon match course and speed with the enemy ship, exactly, move for move
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: They might think we're just a reflection. Echoes on their sensors.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: That way we won't lose them while we wait to hear back from Starfleet
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's start shadowing them Lieutenant send a hail to Starbase 39-Sierra. Ask for permission to engage the Romulans. Captain Harriman, we'll be talking.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: I look forward to it Harriman out.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends as Commander James walks onto the bridge holding a sample of the debris.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Here's the sample of what's left of the outpost sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Hold it till Captain Harriman beams aboard.
LTCMDR. JAMES [nods]: Aye, sir.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: Sir, I'm picking up something.
CAPT. MARTIN: What is it?
Lieutenant Mason works on his console and walks over to the aft area.
LT. MASON: There's a comet ahead, and its trail is reflecting a signal on an unused EM frequency. It is encoded. Commander T'Mir is trying to decipher. But we think it might be from the enemy ship.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I have a fix on it, Captain. I believe I can lock on it, get a picture of their Bridge.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's see who we're dealing with.
[On the transparent viewer shimmers an image of a group of four humanoids around a console. One leaves his post and salutes the figure with his back to us. That figure then turns, as Lieutenant Faur looks over at T'Mir who's also surprised to see her father and brother.]
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise is next to the U.S.S. Horizon as there's a comet in the background.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM II
Captain Harriman beams aboard.
CAPT. MARTIN: Captain Harriman welcome aboard the Enterprise.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [smiles]: Feels good to be back aboard her no matter if they changed her design again.
CAPT. MARTIN: Ah, yes you were an engineer aboard her serving under Commander Laforge.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
The senior staff are around the table.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: From the outpost's protective shield. Cast rodinium. This is the hardest substance known to our science. 
[She crushes it in her hand.]
LTCMDR. T'MIR; Lab theorizes an enveloping energy plasma forcing an implosion.
CMDR. Y'NAR: The Romulans used plasma torpedoes during the war in the 22nd century.
LT. MASON: And during the first Neutral Zone incursion.
CAPT. MARTIN: Comments?
LT. MASON: Obviously, their weaponry is superior to ours.
LTCMDR. JAMES: And they have a cloaking device.
DR. LANGFORD: You're discussing tactics. Do you realize what this really comes down to? Millions and millions of lives hanging on what this vessel does. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Or on what this vessel fails to do, Doctor. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Well, we're not gonna get out of this problem by not talking about it. 
LT. FAUR: I agree that Commander T'Mir should explain herself.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I was just as surprised as you when I saw my father and brother on that bridge.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: It does seem suspicious. Not the similarity itself, but that we should discover it right now. 
CAPT. MARTIN: What are you suggesting? 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Well, it's no secret that Commander T'Mir's father is a highly respected Commander in the Star Navy, perhaps the Romulans allowed us to see it to mistrust her.
CMDR. Y'NAR: It is possible.
LT. FAUR: Even if we ignore the pointy-eared elephant in the room, we have another problem to worry about. We're going to lose our prey. 
LT. SITO: The Romulan vessel will cross the Neutral Zone in about an hour. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: I don't think we can wait, we have a choice to make here. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Say we do make that choice. Their plasma weapon can still slice through our deflectors. That, in conjunction with their cloaking device, gives them a tactical advantage. Even against our ships working in tandem. 
DR. LANGFORD: Working in tandem for what? To destroy them? Say we're lucky enough to do that. Isn't that, technically, an act of war? 
LT. FAUR: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. LANGFORD: This isn't a schoolyard Joanna. Billions of lives are at stake here. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Which is why I want to hear everyone's opinion on the subject. 
DR. LANGFORD: I vote against war. 
LT. FAUR: So do I. I just think that means killing Romulans. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Captain Harriman your thoughts?
CAPT. HARRIMAN: What happens when they return to Romulus and tell their leaders that the Federation won't even fight back? I'm starting to lean toward attack. If we allow them to destroy our outposts with no repercussions, we run the risk of war. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I have to believe there's another way.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I vote we attack.
They all look at T'Mir.
CAPT. MARTIN [surprised]: T'Mir?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: If my father and brother are aboard that vessel and they are ordered to attack Federation outposts, then weakness is something we dare not show. 
LT. MITCHELL (smirks): Well, if T'Shara and I can agree, then there's hope for all of us. 
CAPT. MARTIN: We don't all agree. 
Then Captain Harriman comes up with an idea.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Hold a moment. Captain Martin, that comet we're approaching might just be the alternative that you've been looking for. T'Mir, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Mir inputs commands into the PADD as the monitor changes to shows the comet. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Currently, the Romulan ship is headed for the comet's tail. Now, I know that they're invisible and we can't lock on to their exact position. But the second they go through that, particle distortion will reveal their location.
CAPT. MARTIN: We'll be boxing them in. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: They'll be pendent and we'll be able to get weapons locked. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Good plan Captain. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise and Horizon are side by side but split off to flank the Romulan vessel as we hear Captain Martin's log entry.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Personal Log Stardate 517096.1. Per Captain Harriman's plan, we are mounting a pincer move. Our two ships will slowly drift closer as the Romulans remain unaware. When they pass through the comet's tail giving us their exact location, we will be in weapons range
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
[DISTANCE CHATTER.]
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over, continuing]: Harriman, however, has agreed to my plan to neutralize, not destroy, the warbird, leaving open the possibility of dialogue. And yet I remain concerned this brash, young Starfleet captain follows his own rules
CAPT. MARTIN: Joanna maintain course and speed.
LT. FAUR: I'll keep my foot over the gas just in case. 
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Enterprise continues through the comet trail.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Still tracking the gravitational presence of the Romulans. Their trajectory remains unchanged.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [to com]: Holding position, Enterprise just let us know when you see them.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LT. FAUR: We're passing though the tail now sir.
Captain Martin turns in his command chair to face the viewer.
CAPT. MARTIN: Any second now.
Transparent viewer shows the debris then just open space as everyone is a bit confused.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [confused]: Something's not right?
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Captain is right we should of seen them by now.
Sito runs her scans.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [com voice]: Enterprise
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [to com]: I don't like this.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Sito's monitor shows the Romulan signature.
LT. SITO: Reading gravitational signature again. It's behind the Horizon!
John quickly gets up from his command chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: HARRIMAN GET OUT OF THERE!
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: RED ALERT!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: Red alert Joanna get us over there as fast as you can.
Lieutenant Faur works the helm console.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Attack pattern Harriman four.
Lieutenant Keeley works the helm station.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The U.S.S. Horizon quickly maneuvers as the Romulan vessel fires far off in the distance is the U.S.S. Enterprise coming to assist as the warbird fires more of its disruptors a few hits the ship's deflectors, as the ship moves quickly.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Anna get behind them.
LT. KEELEY: Aye, sir.
She works the helm.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Horizon pulls off an L-4.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A close up of Sam's face.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: FIRE!
EXT-SPACE
The Horizon starts firing her photon torpedoes.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Davis reports.
LT. DAVIS: Picking up a power increase in their forward weapons array!
CAPT. HARRIMAN: FULL POWER TO FORWARD DEFLECTORS!
EXT-SPACE
The Horizon fires several torpedo volleys but the Romulan warbird fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the vessel causing massive damage.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON FORWARD SECTION [RED ALERT]
Hull breaches and four crewmen are vented into deep space.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling as power shuts off and the crew are thrown from their stations.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan vessel flies off as the Horizon is drifting as explosions erupt from where the vessel took the bad hit as debris floats from the vessel.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Horizon is drifting badly damaged on her forward section.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT, EMERGENCY POWER]
Red lights are flashing as the klaxons are blaring.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: DAMAGE REPORT!
LT. SMITH: Tactical systems are off-line!
LT. DAVIS: We've got a hull breach decks 3-9 we're venting atmosphere!
CAPT. HARRIMAN: SEAL OFF EFFECTED AREAS! Fire phasers Captain!
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: We're out of range we'll likely to hit you as well.
INT-U.S.S. HORIZON MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [to com]: Maybe you'll draw their fire?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin turns to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. MARTIN: Jack, fire full phasers.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical station.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise fires a barrage of phaser beams at the Garidian warbird and one beam struck the port side causing the deflectors to flicker.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Holy we managed to clip them.
CAPT. MARTIN: Nice shooting Jack.
LT. MASON: Thanks sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Sito, hail them I want them focused on us.
LT. SITO: Aye, sir hailing now.
CAPT. MARTIN: Keep firing. 
Jack inputs commands into the tactical console as T'Mir reports. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Detecting a power increase they are getting ready to fire! 
Captain Martin tenses up. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The forward section of the Romulan vessel powers up and a green energy cloud plums and lances towards the Enterprise. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows this. 
CAPT. MARTIN: ALL HANDS BRACE FOR IMPACT! 
Everyone on the bridge braces. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The plasma torpedo struck the underside of the saucer section causing the deflectors to 
flicker. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupts from the ceiling and one of the consoles, as John lost his 
balance but grabs the top of the ops station.
CAPT. MARTIN: Damage report?
LT. SITO: Damage to decks 6-9.
LT. MASON: Ventral saucer deflectors are down to forty-one percent we've lost weapons.
CAPT. MARTIN (confused): That should have destroyed us. How are we still standing? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target.
Captain Martin turns to Sito.
CAPT. MARTIN: What's the status of the Horizon?
Screen shows the damage to the Horizon WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as Sito reports.
LT. SITO: They have sustained heavy damage their life support is failing.
CAPT. MARTIN (to com): Martin to transporter. Get the pads warmed up, Chief. We're about to test their upper limits.
John leaves the bridge as Commander Y'Nar sits in the Captain's chair.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise parks next to the fatally wounded Horizon.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [RED ALERT]
The doors whooshed open as the first batch of 'Horizon officers are beamed aboard as Doctor Langford and his medical staff are helping the wounded as well as his niece who's the XO of the Horizon.
CMDR. MARTIN: Clear the pad there's another group coming.
She walks over to her uncle and hugs him.
GWEN: Am I glad to see you uncle.
JOHN: How are you and your crew?
GWEN: We're alright but shaken up.
He walks over to Doctor Langford and his medical staff.
CAPT. MARTIN: Report?
Doctor Langford looks at him.
DR. LANGFORD: We've got 23 survivors off the Horizon so far more are arriving I've turned Cargo Bay 1 into a secondary sickbay.
Then Captain Harriman and his senior staff materialized as some are injured as a medical team helps them off the transporter pads, and take them to sickbay.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [frustrated]: Captain Martin we need to talk now.
He leaves the transporter room as John follows far behind him.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
The pair enters his ready room.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [frustrated]: You flinched. You deliberated and we lost.
John turns to face Captain Harriman.
CAPT. MARTIN: We fired Sam. And we were fired upon. That's why you're still here.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: From the start you wanted to disable them not destroy them.
CAPT. MARTIN: We may have different points of view, but do not question my combat readiness, Captain.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: I'm saying caution means you're not going to put everything you have into the punch. And that's a good way to lose, because your enemy will see that and act accordingly.
CAPT. MARTIN [surprised]: All of this because of a seconds delay. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Tell me I am wrong and I will back down. 
CAPT. MARTIN: If you're saying you're more willing to take risks than I am, I don't disagree And let me remind you that you're saying that on my ship, after yours has been disabled.
Sam holds his hands up and backs off.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Fair enough, I'm just saying I underestimated him. I'm not going to do it again. 
Com activates. 
CMDR. Y'NAR [com voice]: Bridge to Branson we've got an incoming hail from the U.S.S. Stargazer its Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Patch it to my ready room.
A few minutes later Captain Jean-Luc Picard appears on the screen.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: John, what's your status?
CAPT. MARTIN: Bad Jean-Luc we've engaged a Romulan warbird along the zone after the destruction of three of our outposts along the Zone sir, the Horizon is badly damaged and adrifted but can be recovered.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: Course of the Romulan vessel?
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Still to the Neutral Zone sir.
Jean-Luc thinks.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: John, I wish I could dispatch a battlegroup to you but we're stretched thin along the Neutral Zone border, and we're still recovering from the Dominion War
CAPT. MARTIN: We understand sir and in the meantime what do you want us to do?
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: Continue trailing the Romulan vessel but make no attempts to enter the Neutral Zone
CAPT. MARTIN: Aye, sir.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [monitor]: Keep me posted Picard out
Transmission ends.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Great so we're just going to trail the Romulan vessel till they enter the Zone.
CAPT. MARTIN: Per his orders Sam.
John leaves the ready room as Captain Harriman is behind him.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
They walk onto the bridge as Commander Y'Nar vacates the command chair and sits in the XO chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: Report?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the warbird. They are trailing trilithium fragments. Their power supply is damaged. I do not believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus or Garid.
CAPT. MARTIN: Do we know their heading?
LT. MASON: Same as before sir towards the Neutral Zone.
CAPT. MARTIN: Tactical status?
LT. MASON [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: But the Garidians don't know that.
CAPT. MARTIN: They will if we roll up on their six and can't fire Jack open a channel to the Romulans.
LT. MASON [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before.
CAPT. MARTIN: I know, we're going to send them a message.
Captain Martin walks behind the helm station as Commander Kal and Captain Harriman joins him.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: What are you doing?
CAPT. MARTIN: I'm going to have a chat with the Commander.
LT. MASON: Channel open sir.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Attention Romulan vessel this is John Martin Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, for at least a 100 years our two cultures have been at war with each other we put that on hold to fight together to stop a dangerous and violent race from the Gamma Quadrant from taking over the Alpha and Beta Quadrants we even worked together to stop Shinzon from destroying my world. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk.
Captain Martin turns to Mason at tactical and nods to end the transmission as Harriman is surprised.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: That was different.
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: Well, they want to get home knowing what your enemy wants can lead to a successful negotiation.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Assuming they'll respond.
Captain Martin has his hands behind his back as looks at Captain Harriman as the com beeps.
LT. MASON: Captain we're being hailed.
CAPT. MARTIN: Well looks like we're about to find out.
He turns to face the viewer.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen Mister Mason.
Jack obeys the order and the bridge of the warbird appears on the viewer.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain Martin, it is good to make your acquaintance. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A shot of the crew tensed up as Captain Martin remains determined to end the fighting without bloodshed.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin is facing the viewer showing the bridge of the Romulan warbird.
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander. I know your ships attacked our outposts on the edge of the Neutral Zone. But I also know that our two cultures have been at war for generations.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. MARTIN [viewer]: But I don't know why your ancestors attacked Earth or what my ancestors did in retaliation. I only know that we're paying a bill that was written long before you and I were ever born. Perhaps it's time we reconsider the cost
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: So, we can blow each other out of the sky using what little power we have left, or we can try something different. We can explain ourselves to each other. Understand each other. Empathize. If we don't, this war between us will simply continue, unabated. And the cost for that is sure. Death. More and more death. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Our peoples are indeed different Captain not sure if your words are a show of force or weakness or. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commander R'Lok is on the viewer as the bridge crew are tensed up wondering what he is going to do. 
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: A way of distracting us in time to make repairs and destroy my vessel, but I am interested in what you have to propose
CAPT. MARTIN: Both our ships are damaged. Your cloak is unstable, which leaves you vulnerable to our weapons. Maybe you have enough power to attack us. Maybe you have enough power to get back to Romulus without repairs. Conversely, maybe we can marshal our weapons and destroy you before you make it to the Neutral Zone. Or perhaps we chase you across the border and destroy you and get out before anyone's the wiser. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK [interested]: So what is it that you're suggesting, Captain? 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: A good faith gesture. Two hours. Enough time to repair our ships and bury the dead. And maybe this bit of mercy will lead to something further and better between our two cultures. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Commander thinks. 
CMDR. R'LOK: Very well then two hours. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN (nods): Two hours and Commander I'm glad we had a chance to chat. 
CMDR. R'LOK (viewer): Same here
Transmission ends as Captain Martin goes to the command chair as Lieutenant Faur looks at him.
LT. FAUR: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Horizon right in front of us. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Stand down Joanna. 
She pushes more. 
LT. FAUR: YOU CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THAT! 
CAPT. MARTIN (frustrated): STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT! Or I will have you removed from the bridge am I clear. 
LT. FAUR: Crystal sir. 
She turns back to her station as Captain Martin sits in the Captain's chair as Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: I wonder what they're doing over there.
CAPT. MARTIN: Hopefully the same thing we're doing.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan crew are at their stations as his son Sub-Commander T'Lok walks over to him.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK [annoyed]: A cease-fire? This is Federation weakness. Is it not the Romulan way to attack when we are given advantage like this? 
CMDR. R'LOK: We are engaged in a cease-fire, Sub-commander. We have two hours. Put all hands to repair our engines. If we do not, we will not make it back to Romulus. 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK [annoyed]: Sir, we should commit all hands to weapons repair. The Federation has given us the advantage. We can strike before this ridiculous cease-fire is completed. 
They walk away from ear shot. 
CMDR. R'LOK: This is your fourth mission, is it not, Sub-commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Third.
CMDR. R'LOK: I served with your uncle Tarqan during the Reman campaign, did you know that, Sub-commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Yes I did know that you would tell me and T'Mir stories about the Reman campaign when we were kids.
CMDR. R'LOK: His death was a great victory for Romulus. Yes, he was brave. His commander, however, was a fool. He forced him to fight after we'd lost weapons, and the only logical choice was retreat. He did not have to die. 
T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Father?
CMDR. R'LOK: His death was a waste. And it was stupid. It left us weaker. Now, I can say that because I'm old enough and I don't care what people think of me. Pride is not something we can afford. We look at the world clearly on my ship. We do not make choices based on ego. Engines first. Then, weapons. That is my order. Or are you so arrogant you think you know better than your Commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: No, sir.
CMDR. R'LOK: Good. Because I need you. I don't know if this peace game we're playing with
the Federation will work. But I have to see it through. And if we achieve it, then, good.
T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: And if it doesn't work?
R'Lok puts his hand on his son's shoulder.
CMDR. R'LOK: Then you'll get your war my son.
R'Lok walks back to the main area of the bridge as T'Lok isn't happy that his father isn't focusing on weapons so he goes to send a secret transmission to Romulus about the Federation being weak.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise remains at station keeping. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin sits at his desk working on crew reports as Commander T'Mir is standing in front of his desk.
CAPT. MARTIN: Do you want some coffee?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I don't drink coffee but I do drink tea.
CAPT. MARTIN: Alright, would you like some tea?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: No, thank you Captain.
CAPT. MARTIN [chuckles]: For a Romulan you do have a sense of humor T'Mir I am sorry that this situation has you fighting your father.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I am not sure why my father is commanding that vessel last I saw of him he was aboard the scout ship that brought me and my mother to Starbase 157 to escape the power vacuum that the Shinzon coup created.
CAPT. MARTIN: Maybe he was forced by whoever is in charge of the Romulan Senate.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: It's possible.
The doors chimed.
CAPT. MARTIN: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Y'Nar enters holding a PADD. 
CMDR. Y'NAR [re: PADD]: A repair report from Commander James. 
She hands it to him and reviews it. 
CAPT. MARTIN (re: PADD): How long till we have tactical systems? 
CMDR. Y'NAR: She estimates that we'll have phasers in a few hours but she's having issues with the primary couplings that control the phasers. 
Captain Martin puts the PADD down as he is worried. 
CAPT. MARTIN: He gave us one hour for both vessels to complete our repairs. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: You took a bold move to hail them John. 
He looks at his xo. 
CAPT. MARTIN: History 101 Y'Nar know your enemy and how to talk to him both me and Kyle learned that at the Academy, I've made it a point to remember that course even in this situation. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: I hope we get back up soon. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Me too Y'Nar, me too. 
John tenses up a bit then the doors chimed.
CAPT. MARTIN: Come.
Doors opened and Captain Harriman enters.
CMDR. Y'NAR: you'll excuse me I'm going to give Steph a hand repairing the phasers. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Keep me posted. 
She nods as both Y'Nar and T'Mir leave the ready room as Captain Harriman sat down in the chair in front of the desk.
CAPT. MARTIN: I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: You want me to tell you that I wouldn't have tried to blow those Romulans out of the sky? Well, I would have. But it wasn't my call.
CAPT. MARTIN: No it wasn't your call.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Well, we're here, now. And the truth is I don't know these Romulans can't be trusted. But I also don't know if they can. And neither do you.
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: No, I don't trust them but we have 2 hours.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: I'd like to explore a backup plan. If you'll give me the resources.
CAPT. MARTIN: I'm listening. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Look, the Romulans just bought themselves some time. Sure, they can use that time to make repairs. But remember, they're on the edge of the Neutral Zone. They could also use it to call for reinforcements.
CAPT. MARTIN: Sam, the Romulan Senate is in shambles even if they got reinforcements here most probably won't have a full crew.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: John, I'd like to suggest that we call for reinforcements as well.
CAPT. MARTIN: Sam, you heard Jean-Luc they can't get reinforcements out here and even if they did we'd be outnumbered should they decide to uncloak. 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Yeah but the Romulans don't know it.
CAPT. MARTIN: Captain Harriman what are you suggesting? 
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Captain Martin is it ok if I borrow a shuttle?
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Star Trek fanfare music plays as the shuttle flies out of the shuttle bay and leaps into warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Commander Y'Nar and Lieutenant Commander James are helping Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson and his staff get the weapons back on-line. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: Try it now. 
Commander James works at one of the consoles. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused. 
Commander Y'Nar gets up from underneath one of the consoles just wearing her vest while her red uniform jacket is on the console. 
CMDR. Y'NAR: I don't need to remind you that we have less than two hours to restore phaser control to working order. 
LTCMDR. JAMES (sighs): I'm an engineer not a miracle worker Commander. 
Then Commander Tomlinson comes up with an idea. 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Then we should try a bypass of the severed relays then Martine see if you can get a bypass to the secondary phaser couplings. 
LTJG. MARTINE (nods): Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Martine gets to work.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: Two minutes Captain. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Status? 
LT. MASON: Weapons are still down sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN (to com): Branson to Weapons Control Room Status report? 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON (com voice): Working on it Captain, working on it
LT. SITO: Two hours, Captain. And mark. 
Captain Martin gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Jack, hail the Romulans. 
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan vessel. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Have you repaired your ship, Commander? 
CUT TO:
INT-GARIDIAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Have you repaired yours, Captain? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: Conventional wisdom suggests that our next move is to resume hostilities. To fight. You yourself told me that in your culture to do anything else would be a sign of weakness. But let me tell you a way in which humans are not weak. Our strength comes from our willingness to see a partner instead of an enemy. In our culture, that is an act of faith and strength, not a failure of character. Do Romulans have that kind of strength? 
INT-GARIDIAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: I too tire of endless war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT) 
[INTERMITTENT BEEPING] 
[ALARM BLARING] 
[Everyone starts working on their console as the aft monitor shows: PERIMETER ALERT and shows a bunch of Romulan symbols.] 
LT. SITO: Massive warp signatures all Romulans!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The camera pushes back from the Enterprise as it shows the entire Romulan battlegroup emerge from warp one at a time. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transparent viewer shows the entire Romulan battlegroup as the crew is tensed up and Captain Martin is shocked seeing this. 
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is face to face with the Romulan battlegroup.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
Screens show the Romulan battlegroup around the bird of prey as the Commander R'Lok is shocked by this. 
CMDR. R'LOK (shocked & surprised): Why is the fleet here? I did not call for them.
Commander T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: I did father you were weak and believed that the Federation would allow us to return to Romulus we were sent to test the Federation!
R'Lok grabs his son by his uniform collar and shoves him against the bulkhead.
CMDR. R'LOK: YOU DISOBEYED MY DIRECT ORDERS!
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: IF WE HAD DESTROY THE ENTERPRISE WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE I WOULDN'T HAVE TO DISOBEY YOUR ORDERS!
CMDR. R'LOK: You don't remember a time without war. But I do. Who wins an endless war with the Federation? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: We would father.
CMDR. R'LOK: An endless war, by definition, can never be won. Captain Martin will not trust my word now. 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: What does that matter? He will be dead soon. 
Then T'Lok activates a transport device and dematerialized as R'Lok can't believe that his own son would betray him like this.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin remains in front of the ops and helm stations as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: We're being hailed by the lead Romulan vessel.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the lead vessel as a female Romulan wearing the robes of a Romulan Praetor. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): Human I'm here to demand your surrender 
CAPT. MARTIN: Well hello to you as well I'm Captain John Martin of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise and I didn't catch your name? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: You may address me as Praetor and it is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: Seeing how we're not Romulans and this isn't a Romulan vessel you'll forgive us if we don't, and also we're holding to our side of the zone as are you and yet you demand my surrender? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (scoff): Typical human arrogates as always even though we almost defeated you in the last war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: Praetor if I remember correctly we won that war because of the arrogates of the last Romulan Praetor and his lust for power don't go down that road. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: Captain we've have you surrounded and you will surrender or we will destroy you have one minute to comply. 
Transmission ends as John turns from the viewer.
CAPT. MARTIN: You know I don't like her.
Then sensors beep as Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Perimeter alert. We have ships incoming, sir. Dozens. 
Captain Martin turns to her. 
CAPT. MARTIN: More Romulans? 
Sito checks her console and reports.
LT. SITO: No, they look like ours? 
John turns back to the viewer. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The small shuttle exits warp along with what appears to be older vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: We're being hailed it's Captain Harriman.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the shuttle canopy.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: John, your reinforcements have arrived
LT. FAUR [confused]: All robotic mining craft? 
CUT TO:
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
Harriman sits in the pilot side.
CAPT. HARRIMAN: Mining, hauling. Not one of them manned. But to the Romulans, who's to say we aren't a Federation armada?
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: Way to go.
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
CAPT. HARRIMAN: It's enough to bluff with, I hope. Try not to get us in a real fight.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: I'll try to do my best thanks Captain.
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
CAPT. HARRIMAN: My pleasure Captain.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Bridge to Weapons control Mister Tomlinson we need weapons. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [to com]: We're making progress. The conduits are severely damaged we're attempting to bypass the damaged relays but it may take sometime. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Work faster, Commander. We're going to need weapons soon or we're not going to need them at all. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [to com]: I'll do my best.
Then Y'Nar notices purple gas escaping from a seal.
CMDR. Y'NAR: Crap!
Tomlinson turns to see it.
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: EVERYBODY OUT!
They start to evac.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Mason reports. 
LT. MASON: Sir we're being hailed by the Romulan Praetor.
CAPT. MARTIN: Keep a secure channel open for Captain Harriman.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Captain you ready to sale this?
CAPT. HARRIMAN [viewer]: Ready as I'll ever be
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
Captain Martin walks back to the main viewer as the image of Harriman shrinks a bit and the image of the Romulan Praetor.
CAPT. MARTIN: What can I do for you now? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): A Federation battlegroup?
CAPT. MARTIN: Well you didn't like my idea. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (frustrated): This is an act of unwanted aggression on the border of our territory Captain. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: No, just a standard training maneuver that happened to land our fleet here the same time as yours. You want to know what actually is an act of unparalleled aggression? A Romulan Bird-of-Prey using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Praetor thinks then smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I know nothing of which you speak of. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. MARTIN: We'll send you a recording of it de-cloaking right before destroying Outpost Four. 
He turns to Lieutenant Mason and nods he transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I see. 
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Lieutenant Faur reports. 
LT. FAUR: Romulan ship is de-cloaking and breaking formation. Heading our way. 
Captain Martin turns to the viewer. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Praetor what is this? 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: This is a culling, Captain. That commander should not have allowed himself to be caught. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. FAUR: Jack, pause communications and patch into Commander R'Lok. 
LT. MASON: Aye, sir. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain. So, we see each other once again, after all. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: What are you doing? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: I never called for that armada. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: We can beam you and your crew to the Enterprise, you don't need to do this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: It is not our way. I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a different reality, I could've called you friend. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: What purpose would it serve to die? 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: We are creatures of duty, you and I. Just one more duty to perform. Do not be 
upset. I have accepted my fate. Perhaps, someday, my sacrifice will lead to an end to this conflict between us. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
T'Mir gets up from her station. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Father please let us beam you aboard the Enterprise. 
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: My dear sweet daughter you are so much like your mother I am so proud of you
T'Mir tenses up fights back the tears.
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Returning to his station, the commander and his bridge crew brace themselves. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Commander R'Lok closes his eyes. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The Romulan armada opens fire.
EXT-FEDERATION-GARIDIAN BORDER
The Romulan vessel is destroyed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew is shocked by what they just saw as T'Mir hangs her head as Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: The Praetor is hailing us. 
Captain Martin walks back to his command chair as he sits in it. 
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Praetor appears on the viewer. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (Viewer): Our fleet is stronger now. And I am ready to accept your surrender
CAPT. MARTIN: This is really how you want to end 100 years of peace? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): What do Romulans care of peace? It means nothing to us. And your apparent affinity for it has sealed your fate. Thank you, Captain Martin. If not for your weakness, we would never have known what easy targets your Federation would be. Goodbye 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends as Lieutenant Mason reports.
 
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons again. 
Everyone is tensed up. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Evasive pattern Joanna Zeta seven. 
EXT-FEDERATION/GARIDIAN BORDER
The Romulan fleet begins opening fire on the automated drone fleet as the Enterprise is dodging weapons fire but takes a few hits as a plasma torpedo streaks by the ship destroying one of the drone freighters. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A bright flash on the viewer. 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Harriman get back here we're about to warp out.
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Reflection of the hail of disruptor fire and the Enterprise moving to port and starboard.
CAPT. HARRIMAN [to com]: Acknowledged.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. FAUR: Sir, warp drive will not engage. 
CAPT. MARTIN: What? 
LT. FAUR: I'm not sure sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Bridge to engineering Courtney what's going on with warp?
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. JAMES (to com): We've got a bit of a power surge going on down here sir we're fixing it now. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Sir, 14 drone vessels are forming around us.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Sam, what are you doing?
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
CAPT. HARRIMAN [to com]: Covering your escape get those engines fixed.
EXT-SPACE
The drones are between the Romulans and the Enterprise. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
Transparent viewer shows the drones gathering around the Enterprise. 
LT. MASON: He's using the drones as a wall. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: PICKING UP A POWER INCREASE!
CAPT. MARTIN: HARD STARBOARD!!!
Lieutenant Faur works the helm.
EXT-FEDERATION-GARIDIAN BORDER
The Romulan flagship fires its plasma torpedo as one of the drone freighters is between the plasma torpedo and the Enterprise, as the torpedo strikes the vessel destroying it the wave rocks the Enterprise as her deflectors took the brunt of it. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling and one of the consoles as the bridge crew are thrown from their consoles as Captain Martin is flung from his command chair as klaxons blare.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPON CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Just as everyone is about to leave the ship rocks harder as Tomlinson sees the sparks and the gas starts to turn to fire he pushes Y'Nar out of the room as he's engulfed in the flames as debris flies through the door and Y'Nar hit the bulkhead and lays on the floor as debris is scattered around her.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
They get up as power hums back on as Lieutenant Faur reports. 
LT. FAUR: We've got engines back. 
LT. MASON: Captain Harriman has beamed aboard. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Picking up another power increase! 
CAPT. MARTIN: Hit it! 
Lieutenant Faur activates the warp drive. 
EXT-FEDERATION-GARIDIAN BORDER
The Enterprise starts to wake up as debris floats around her as the Romulan flagship powers up another plasma torpedo and launches it but the Enterprise was able to enter warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Smoke is everywhere around the bridge as Captain Martin stands up. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Damage report? 
LT. SITO: Reports coming from all decks. 
LT. MASON: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Joanna, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed. 
LT. FAUR: Aye, sir. 
LT. SITO: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit. 
CAPT. MARTIN [shocked]: Y'Nar, T'Mir you've got the bridge. 
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Medical. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY [RED ALERT] 
Doors opened as wounded are being rushed to bio-beds or to surgery as Captain Martin looks around surveying the injured among his crew, he walks over to one of the bio-beds and sees Lieutenant Martine who is sitting on a bio-bed.
DR. LANGFORD: Commander Tomlinson was engulfed in the flames of the phaser coolant when it was ignited by a spark.
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: Just like Lieutenant Darden when we were ambushed by the Romulans, and Y'Nar?
He leads him to her bio-bed. 
DR. LANGFORD: She's got a severe concussion some broken ribs when we took the brunt of that plasma torpedo, but she'll make a full recovery. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches Starbase medical outpost 14. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR, AIRLOCK
Several wounded officers are being off-loaded for further treatment. 
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE MEDICAL 14 MESS HALL
Jessica is wearing a nice dress as John walks over to her and she hugs him and they kiss.
JESSICA: I heard what happened but we were on the other side of Federation Space.
JOHN [smiles]: I'm alright baby.
JESSICA: I was so worried.
He smiles. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE 
An established shot of Starbase Medical Outpost 14. 
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
John Martin 	Jarvis Davidson 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Y'Nar Ellis 	Felecia Linkous 	Commander 	Executive Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Jack Mason 	Kevin Regan 	Lieutenant 	Chief Tactical, Security Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Courtney James	Ferne Myers 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Peter Langford	Jacob Elliot 	Lieutenant 	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Joanna Faur 	Delena "Dee" Lusk	Lieutenant 	Chief Helm Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Sito Jaxa 	Sadie Brickhouse 	Lieutenant 	Chief Operations Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
T'Mir 	Becky Elliot 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
===Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s)	Rank 	Position
Harris Payne 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Assistance Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Elisa Sheridan 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Assistance Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Kayla Mackenzie 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Transporter Chief, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Laurel Takahashi	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Robert Tomlinson	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander 	Armory officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Angela Martine 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Armory Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Hansen Al-Salah 	TBA 	Commander 	Commanding Officer, Outpost 4
===Special Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
Jean-Luc Picard 	Josh Irwin 	Fleet Captain	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-8293
Sam Harriman 	Marcus Churchill	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Horizon NCC-75193
Gwyneth "Gwen" Martin	TBA 	Commander 	First Officer, U.S.S. Horizon NCC-75193
William Davis 	Sam Cockings 	Lieutenant 	Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Horizon NCC-75193
Anna Keeley 	Nimran Saund 	Lieutenant 	Chief Conn Officer, U.S.S. Horizon NCC-75193
Robert Smith 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief of Security, Tactical Officer, U.S.S. Horizon NCC-75193
R'Lok 	TBA 	Commander 	Commanding Officer, IRW Asmar-A
[[T'Lok 	TBA 	Sub-Commander	Executive Officer, IRW Asmar-A
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===