Taking Command

Taking Command is the pilot episode of Star Trek: The New Voyages Season 1.
==Plot==
When one of Branson’s old friends goes missing while on a secret mission for Starfleet, Branson has to come out of self-imposed exile. He must navigate how to rescue his friend, while struggling with what to do about his life after what happened to him a long time ago.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The USS Enterprise flies through a nebula cloud badly damaged with plasma venting from the starboard nacelle housing and several hull breaches along the ship's outer hull.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY (RED ALERT)
Wounded crew are being brought in as Doctor Carlson is treating a badly wounded Commander Spock.
DR. CARLSON: Give me 10ccs of Cordinazie.
NURSE CHAPEL: Aye, Doctor.
Nurse Chapel gives him the hypo and he injects Spock with it as the vital monitor shows his vitals are barely hanging in there, as the Sickbay doors opened and Captain John Branson and he looks like he's been in a huge battle.
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven how is he?
Doctor Carlson walks over to him.
DR. CARLSON (sighs): I've done all I can do the power surge ruptured multiple arteries the tissue regenerators are working but I don't know if they'll be quick enough all we can do now is just wait.
Captain Branson remains far from the bio-bed when Lieutenant Williams enters.
LT. WILLIAMS: Sir?
Captain Branson walks over to her.
LT. WILLIAMS: Communications are out and half the ship systems are gone.
Captain Branson folds his arms.
CAPT. BRANSON: Weapon systems are a top priority.
LT. WILLIAMS: I've got five teams working on restoring tactical systems but like I said half the ship systems are gone and life-support is failing on all decks.
CAPT. BRANSON: The Klingons have tasted blood they won't stop now start with the weapons systems we need them to defend ourselves.
LT. WILLIAMS: JOHN I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN'T GET THEM WORKING AGAIN! With all due respect Commander the Enterprise is lost abandoning ship is our best option.
CAPT. BRANSON: ABANDON SHIP HELL NO WE'RE NOT LOSING THIS SHIP NOT WHILE I'M IN COMMAND! I know its bad but we're not going to lose the Enterprise to those Klingon bastards, keep her together we're not going down without a fight dismissed engineer.
LT. WILLIAMS: Aye, sir.
She leaves sickbay as Commander Branson rubs his forehead when his communicator beeps.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson here.
ENS. MITCHELL (com voice): Sir sensors are detecting two contacts on the motion sensors you better get up here
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): I'm on my way.
He closes his communicator and heads out.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE, SECTOR 178
An unknown vessel is attacking the Enterprise causing massive damage to her.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
WHUMPH!
ENS. MITCHELL: Sir we've lost helm control!
CAPT. BRANSON: maneuvering thrusters Mister Mitchell, Bridge to Engineering Williams we need impulse power back on-line.
LT. UHURA: Word from Doctor Carlson Commander Spock is dead.
Captain Branson is shocked 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE, SECTOR 178
A unknown vessel has fired off a torpedo and a bright flash.
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT)
=====
STAR TREK: THE NEW VOYAGES
A STAR TREK FAN PRODUCTION
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
A shot of Earth Space Dock and a Federation-Class Dreadnought.
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, DAY
(Episode Notes: Opening Credits Fall Over Opening Scenes)
LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee
Stardate: 7412.4
Year: 2270
A shot of the Branson house.
INT-BRANSON HOUSE, BEDROOM
A shot of different photos on the tables and then a shot of a bed and a young woman in the bed face down and her hand moves over to the empty side of the bed.
INT-BRANSON HOUSE, KITCHEN
The movie of Pearl Harbor is being played in the background as someone is making eggs and bacon as the young woman dressed in her gold Starfleet uniform shirt and black pants walks into the room.
JESSICA (smiles): Really again?
And we see John Branson who has a beard.
JOHN (smiles): What honey its about our history and I made your favorite my famous eggs and bacon with scrambled sausage in the eggs.
Jessica shakes her head just smiling the pair are eating breakfast, then it switches over the FNS as reporter Julia Donovan is standing by.
JULIA DONOVAN (monitor): Hello and welcome to another FNS report I'm your host Julia Donovan a year has passed since the death of Starfleet Officer Commander Spock Chief Science Officer/First Officer onboard the USS Enterprise 1701, that was on a survey mission deep in Federation Space when it came under attack by an unknown force. That crippled the Enterprise and killed 24 officers including Commander Spock former Enterprise Captain newly promoted Commodore James Tiburis Kirk had this to say
COMM. KIRK (monitor): I'm deeply sadden to hear the loss of my best friend at the hands of unknown attackers who attacked the Enterprise without cause or reason, my condole goes out to Spock's mother and father as well as the many friends and family of those who were lost in the line of duty
JULIA DONOVAN (monitor): Current Enterprise Commanding Officer Captain John Branson has not been heard from nor seen since the attack and after the formal inquiry into what happened and how it could of been prevented many are blaming the young Captain for the death of 25 crewmen on the Enterprise during the survey mission
Jessica shuts the screen off.
JESSICA: Can you believe that woman talking bad about you?
John just sits there and puts his fork down and walks away from the table and looks out the window.
JESSICA: John hey its alright don't believe Mrs. Donovan what happened wasn't your fault.
The communicator beeps but John ignores it.
JESSICA: Are you going to answer that?
John turns to the communicator on the table then back to his wife.
JOHN: Its probably nothing important.
Jessica looks at her husband.
JESSICA: John you've been ignoring Starfleet since the incident.
John looks at her.
JOHN: How can I go back when I know that I got Spock killed?
Jessica looks at him.
JESSICA: I ship out tomorrow at 0600. Back in a month.
John holds her hand.
JOHN: Maybe we could get together when you come back I'll still be here.
John stands up with her and they kiss.
JESSICA: I hope you're not here when I get back cause you've got another place to be.
She leaves the house as John again hears the beep of the communicator and he goes outside to just get some air, when he hears the sound of a engine and sees a shuttle fly over the house and it lands as Commodore James T. Kirk walks out of the shuttle as John walks over to his former Commanding officer.
COMM. KIRK: JOHN!
John walks to his former CO on the Enterprise.
JOHN: What are you doing here Jim?
JIM: I got a first contact mission gone wrong I need solved.
JOHN: Not my problem.
JIM: John its important we've not heard from them in over a week.
JOHN: I'm on extended leave Jim you know that.
Jim walks over to him.
JIM: John we need you I need you.
JOHN: You're not hearing me Jim, we both agreed that I'd have until Enterprise left space dock.
JIM: John, before deciding whether or not but then we lost contact with her.
He hands him the PADD and he hears the voice of Captain Jamie Towe.
CAPT. TOWE (com voice): We've found something they've got here it appears to be warp technology, we're not sure how they got it but they have it we're attempting to get back to the beam down point but we're trapped here they're coming
Screen fizzes out.
JIM: We've not heard from the Harrison since then all chance of reestablishing contact with them have failed.
JOHN: And?
JIM: I'm pulling Enterprise out of space dock.
JOHN: She's still being refitted and upgraded if I remember correctly.
JIM: She can skip the redundant systems checks. I want her crewed up and ready to fly by 1800.
John paces about and leans on the patio crosses his arms as Jim walks over to John and puts his hand on his shoulder.
JIM: I know that you're not having the best time after that last mission. But I need you to get back on that horse and face it.
John is worried.
(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-LUNAR ORBIT
Four dry-dock berths are next to the Moon as they have four ships berthed in them one Farragut-class vessel, one Saladin-class vessel and one Shepard-class vessel as the one in the middle housed the Federation Flagship USS Enterprise NCC-1701.
A F-Class Shuttle approaches four dry-dock berths in orbit of the Moon.
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
John is reviewing the manifest of the Enterprise's new Chief of Security Officer.
STARFLEET PILOT (to com): Enterprise, this is Shuttle Galileo incoming - to transport coordinates
ENTERPRISE FLIGHT CONTROL (com voice): Galileo cleared to transport
John looks at the Enterprise.
EXT-SPACE
The shuttle flies over the Enterprise and takes up a position behind her.
INT-GALILEO CANOPY
John continues to look at the Enterprise.
STARFLEET PILOT: All scrubbed up and good as new, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Wish it were that easy. 
STARFLEET PILOT (confused): Sir? 
John stands up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Nevermind Energize.
Captain Branson dematerializes.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
Captain Branson materialized on the pad as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova looks at him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Welcome aboard sir I am wait John?
Captain Branson steps off the pad.
CAPT. BRANSON: Z, what are you doing here I thought you were on the Lexington?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Well I was onboard the Lexington till I heard that you needed a first officer so I took this posting.
They leave the transporter room.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK SIX CORRIDOR
The pair are walking through the corridor.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our status?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (re: PADD): Systems are all nominal. But as you know, no simulations were run. The main A.I. has been upgraded. Personnel rotation was in process. A few officers will have to billet after the mission. That includes the chief engineer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright that's good let's get to work.
They enter the lift.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE TURBO-LIFT
Captain Branson toggles the lever.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Deck 1, Main Bridge.
The lift starts moving as Captain Branson reviews the personnel roster.
CAPT. BRANSON (re: PADD): That's good a new Chief Science Officer that won't arrive for another fews due to honeymoon on Vulcan hasn't ended yet.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Lieutenant T'Lar and Doctor Carlson are married they're celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary if I remember correctly.
John turns to her as the lift stops.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The turbo-lift doors opened and both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova exits as Lieutenant Mason turns and gets up from the Captain's chair.
LTJG. MASON: CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!
The crew stands at attention.
CAPT. BRANSON: As you all were.
The crew resumes their duties as Lieutenant Mason walks over to them.
LTJG. MASON: Welcome aboard sir I'm Lieutenant Jack Mason your chief of security/tactical officer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Welcome aboard Lieutenant.
LTJG. MASON: Thanks sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Assume your station Lieutenant.
LTJG. MASON (nods): Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason assumes the tactical station as Commander Ivanova sits at the first officer station and Captain Branson sits at the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Alright, welcome back and welcome aboard everyone ready Ensign Carlson?
ENS. CARLSON: Course for Sector 234 has been plotted and laid is Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ops?
LTJG. MITCHELL: Lights are green across the board. She feels ready to me, Captain.
Captain Branson turns to communications on his right.
CAPT. BRANSON: Communications? Julia its good to have you aboard.
LTJG. SMITH: I'm very happy to be here sir, Enterprise has been cleared for launch.
CAPT. BRANSON: Very well then Mrs. Carlson take us out one-half impulse straight and steady.
ENS. CARLSON (smiles): Aye, sir.
Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The moorings retract and umbilical cords release from the hull and the Enterprise's impulse engines power up and the ship slowly moves out of dry-dock.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows clear space.
ENS. CARLSON: We're five by five for warp sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it.
She activates the warp drive.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise leaps into warp.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia give me ship-wide.
LTJG. SMITH: Aye, sir you're on.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): This is your captain. We're a little early out of the gates, so I hope we didn't catch anybody with your hair wet or your pants down.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): As you're all aware, Starfleet sends out a first contact team whenever our deep space probes detect signs of a working warp engine. Six days ago, the signature of a functioning warp drive appeared on Kiley 279. The USS Harrison went to say hello. We have since lost contact. Our mission is to find our people and bring them home. And maybe if we get lucky, make some new friends
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Nobody dies. This mission will not be anybody's last day. Captain out.
He ends the ship-wide.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let me know when we arrive I'll be in my ready room you've got the conn Commander.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and heads to his ready room as Commander Ivanova sits in the command chair.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise is on course for Kiley 279.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John is looking out the window at the warp tunnel as the doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Commander Ivanova enters.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John are you alright?
He turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm alright Z.
She looks at him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John I could tell something is bothering you?
He walks over to the desk.
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Z I got Spock killed when I served on this vessel.
ZHASA: I read the mission report it was a first contact mission and something went wrong?
John drinks a bottle of whiskey.
JOHN: Z, everywhere I look I see him badly wounded begging for me to help him and I couldn't get him to a nearby Medical Starbase.
ZHASA: John I've read the report from Commodore Kirk and he says that you were the best officer that he had ever served with and you did what you thought was right.
John looks at the desktop monitor seeing Spock badly wounded when the com activates.
LTJG. MASON (com voice): Captain Branson report to the bridge
They leave the ready room.
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
The Enterprise emerges from warp and enters orbit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova walk onto the bridge as Lieutenant Mason vacates the Captain's Chair and takes the tactical console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LT. HANSEN: I am detecting the Harrison on the night side of the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Bio-signs?
LT. HANSEN: There's at least 145 bio-signs onboard.
Then Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: We're being hailed by the Harrison.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's Chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Harrison and Lieutenant Carvus in command.
CAPT. BRANSON: Harrison I'm John Branson Captain of the Starship Enterprise we're here in response of your lack of contact.
LT. CARVUS (viewer): Enterprise thank god you're here we've lost contact with the landing party, and our subspace com array was damaged we're repairing it now.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long ago was it since their last contact?
LT. CARVUS (viewer): A few hours ago sir
Captain Branson thinks.
CAPT. BRANSON: Get the Harrison on our port side.
LT. CARVUS (viewer): Aye, sir
Transmission ends as Lieutenant Mitchell.
LTJG. MITCHELL: The Harrison is coming up on our port side sir.
Captain Branson turns Lieutenant Hansen.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do you have a lock on the warp signature?
Lieutenant Hansen works on the console.
LT. HANSEN: I have it, sir. Although--
Captain Branson turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm not really in the mood for Although.
LT. HANSEN: Right, sorry sir I'm having trouble locking on. Its location may be shielded. This warp signature's also got a pretty weird signal variance.
CAPT. BRANSON: Pretty weird?
Lieutenant Mason is at his station then looks up.
LTJG. MASON: I recommend we raise deflectors.
Captain Branson turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Why?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Any obviously defensive posture is in direct violation of first contact protocols.
LTJG. MASON: Look at the strange thing that's going on here sir No hails from the surface or sub-space chatter. No interplanetary traffic. Not one orbital dock.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's your point?
LTJG. MASON: This planet isn't showing any signs of colonialization.
ENS. CARLSON: Which means they're a century behind in creating warp drive.
LT. HANSEN: Detecting an energy spike! Its coming from the surface.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it.
Transparent viewer shows energy blots heading towards them.
CAPT. BRANSON: DEFLECTORS UP!
Lieutenant Mason activates the deflectors.
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
The four energy blots strikes the forward deflectors of the Enterprise.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
WHUMPH!
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
LTJG. MITCHELL: Minimal damage the deflectors are firming up if we didn't have our deflectors up it would of been a massive damage.
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Mason.
CAPT. BRANSON: Great call Mister Mason.
LTJG. MASON: Thank you sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us up, Kara. Maybe they'll think they got us. What is going on down there? Plasma torpedoes? That's 21st-century tech. How in the hell did these people develop a faster-than-light engine?
 
LT. HANSEN: They didn't I recommend we go to red alert sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Red Alert, Julia.
Lieutenant Smith activates the red alert as lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS (RED ALERT)
The crew heads to their battle stations.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)'
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: All battle stations are manned sir.
Captain Branson folds his arms still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: How are they able to fire at us?
LT. HANSEN: I have analyzed the signal variance Ensign Carlson isolated. These people have not built a warp drive. Based on these readings, they have built a warp bomb.
Captain Branson turns to him shocked as he turns back to the viewer.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
The Enterprise is in a high orbit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM (RED ALERT)
The senior staff are around the table.
LT. HANSEN: It would seem there are two warring factions. And their conflict has escalated to a crisis point. Surface scans of the planet are consistent with pre-warp society.
CAPT. BRANSON: How is that possible that they built a warp bomb?
LT. HANSEN: Unknown.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We haven't figured out how they were able to do that.
He shakes his head.
LTJG. MASON: If those torpedoes are all they have to throw at us we should beam down and rescue our people.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: One problem.
CAPT. BRANSON: General Order 1 The Prime Directive.
LTJG. MASON: Which means?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Which means that we can't interfere in the development of a non-warp planet.
LTJG. SMITH: So we just leave our people down there?
CAPT. BRANSON: No we're not going to do that but we have to do it within the bounderies of General Order 1.
They look at him.
EXT-KILEY 179 SURFACE, DAY
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Ivanova, Lieutenant Commander Pierce, and Lieutenant Hansen materialize outside the city wearing disguises.
CAPT. BRANSON: How far are we from the energy source?
LT. HANSEN (re: Tricorder): About half a kilometers.
They proceed.
EXT-KILEY 179, ORBIT
The Enterprise is next to the Harrison.
INT-USS HARRISON MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Lieutenant Mitchell and a engineer and medical team beam aboard.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Hold your fire we're friendlies Lieutenant Tyson Mitchell Chief Navigational officer USS Enterprise.
LT. CARVUS (sighs): Its good to have some help I am Lieutenant Jenn Carvus Chief engineer.
LTJG. MITCHELL: We're going to help you guys out.
LTJG. WILLIAMS: I'm Lieutenant Stephanie Williams Assistance Chief engineer if you would point me to your engine room I can get started on working on repairing your systems.
LT. CARVUS: Right this way.
He takes her off the bridge as the engineering team starts to work with the Harrison crew.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTJG. MASON (to com): Lieutenant Mitchell has reported that the Harrison took minimal damage but their main power is down.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Good keep me appraised of the situation Mister Mason
LTJG. MASON (to com): Sir I would of been down there instead of you.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): I know Lieutenant but I need you up there incase they decide to open up on the Enterprise
LTJG. MASON (sighs, to com): Acknowledged sir.
EXT-KILEY 179 SURFACE, DAY
Captain Branson is speaking into the communicator.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We're heading there now.
They head into the building.
INT-SCIENCE BUILDING
They are in the building searching for the landing party from the Harrison.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright we'll split up to cover more ground Jason you take Hansen and find that bomb and figure out how to take it out while me and Commander Ivanova search for the Harrison landing party.
They split up to search for the Harrison landing party.
CAPT. BRANSON: We need a way to find them then just a sensor reading.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'm not sure but I think I may know of a way to do it.
CAPT. BRANSON: How?
She walks over to one of the consoles and inputs commands into it and starts searching for prisoners that were brought in a few days ago.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (smiles): Got them upper floor.
Captain Branson presses a communication button on the device.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Pierce we found them and are proceeding towards their location, how are you coming along with searching for that warp bomb?
LTCMDR. PIERCE (com voice): We're searching for it still sir
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Keep me posted Branson out.
He ends the transmission and both him and Susan head to the prisoner block.
CUT TO:
INT-SCIENCE BUILDING SECTION A-14
Commander Pierce and Lieutenant Hansen are searching for the warp signature.
LT. HANSEN (re: Tricorder): So far I can't isolate the damn signature.
LTCMDR. PIERCE: Keep searching I'll keep looking for it.
She searches the place and then they see the warp device as science officers are working on it.
LTCMDR. PIERCE (re: Tricorder): It looks like they've got it working almost.
Both Hansen and Pierce are worried and shocked.
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT'
The Enterprise is in a high orbit with the USS Harrison.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTJG. MITCHELL (com voice): So far its going well over here we should be done in about a few hour
LTJG. MASON (to com): Good work Ty.
Lieutenant Smith turns to Lieutenant Mason.
LTJG. SMITH: I'm receiving a transmission from the Captain.
LTJG. MASON: Alright, open a channel Captain we've got good news we're almost done with helping the Harrison and her crew.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): We've found the Harrison landing party in a cell block
LTJG. MASON (to com): We're ready to beam them up on your order sir.
CUT TO:
INT-PRISONER BLOCK B
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Standby for now.
They're searching the block and Ivanova unlocks the doors.
INT-PRISON CELL
Lieutenant Commander Clarkson is on the cot looking like he was tortured.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle its John.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON (smiles): John thank god you're here.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is going on here?
CAPT. TOWE: We're not sure we were just searching when we were captured and put in here.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's get out of here.
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Chin-Riley, Lieutenant Commander Clarkson, Captain Towe, and Lieutenant Taru leave the prison block, they meet up with Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Pierce and Lieutenant Hansen who are already in the lift they enter.
INT-ELEVATOR
The doors close as the lift starts moving as Captain Branson turns to Captain Towe.
CAPT. BRANSON (frustrated): Alright, Jamie what's going on?
Captain Towe remains firm.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie please tell me what is going on here?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: We're responsible for this John.
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): How are we responsible?
CAPT. TOWE: They got it from us during the last battle with the Klingons in sector 234 they saw something that was able to be seen from their world.
Captain Branson leans back in shock.
LTCMDR. PIERCE: So we're responsible for this?
LT. TARU: Yes, sir that's why Starfleet Command ordered us here.
Captain Branson thinks.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright, me and Kyle will remain here and plead our case while Commander Ivanova takes the rest back up to the Enterprise.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA (to com): Ivanova to Enterprise four to beam up leave the Captain and Mister Clarkson on the surface.
Both landing parties dematerialized.
CAPT. BRANSON: You ready Kyle.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Not really.
The doors opened and several guards are aiming their weapons at him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hi take us to your leader.
(END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT)
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-KILEY 179 GOVERNORNESS'S OFFICE
Captain Branson and Lieutenant Commander Clarkson is standing before the main leader as his communicator is on his desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: The failure was ours. We owe your entire world a profound apology.
KILEY GOVENOR: You're saying our ingenuity was actually- your mistake?
Captain Branson puts his hands behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: No, I'm saying that we should've been more circumspect about exposing our technologies. A tenet of our people is not to influence less-developed civilizations.
KILEY GOVENOR: How perfectly noble.
CAPT. BRANSON: The power you're harnessing can bridge the gap between worlds. But its capacity for destruction cannot be underestimated.
KILEY GOVENOR: We have been in conflict with a seditious faction for centuries. This is our opportunity to end that conflict.
CAPT. BRANSON: Through mass murder?
KILEY GOVENOR: Have your people never put down civil unrest?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes, but through peace talks and making treaties with each other.
CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Oh, oh yes we have those kind of groups.
KILEY GOVENOR: And with those?
CAPT. BRANSON: Governor, you remember when elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers. The Kikuyu people of Kenya, Africa, on Earth, they teach us that lesson every day.
KILEY GOVENOR: You've given me a proverb, which is less useful than a big stick. Whoever has the biggest stick wins.
Captain Branson still has his hands behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: Governor if will please understand that my regulations obligate me to....
BETAZOID GOVENOR (annoyed): Your rules are not my rules, Captain. My job is to ensure our ability to govern future generations. If spilled blood is the price so be it. Take them.
The two guards take both Kyle and John.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Great I'm going back to that cell.
CAPT. BRANSON: What good is a rule if you're not willing to die for it? Or break it. Emergency communication from Captain Branson. Enterprise to lower orbit. Full visibility. Show 'em what you got.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: John what are you doing?
CAPT. BRANSON: Wait for it.
(ALARM BLARING) (INDISTINCT SHRIEKING, CLAMORING IN DISTANCE)
EXT-KILEY 179 LOW ORBIT
The Enterprise and all her glory can be seen by everyone on Kiley 179.
INT-KILEY GOVERNOR CHAMBER
Captain Branson walks up next to the Governor.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Just like you said whoever has the biggest stick wins. In this case that is me, nothing is going to change till you bring them to the peace table we've been through that numerous times throughout our own history.
Kyle picks up the two communicators and hands one to John.
CAPT. BRANSON: The choice is yours governor Branson to Enterprise two to beam up.
Both Kyle and John dematerialize as the Kiley 179 governor is still looking up at the Enterprise as she heads back into orbit.
EXT-KILEY 179 ORBIT
The Harrison departs from orbit to head to the nearest Starbase to receive medical help for wounded officers, while the Enterprise remains in orbit.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Ivanova, and Lieutenant Junior Grade Mason are watching the meeting.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long will it be till they finish?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'm not sure John it could be years from now but if they keep this up we could think of them joining the Federation one day.
John sits there thinking about what Jim told him before he took his self-imposed isolation.
CAPT. BRANSON: Z I need you and Julia to access Earth's historical database and have her send the images down.
Captain Branson leaves the situation room (DOOR WHOOSHES OPEN) (DOOR CLOSES) as both Zhasa and Jack are surprised.
CUT TO:
INT-KILEY 179 EMBASSY CHAMBER
OVERLAPPING SHOUTING continues as Captain Branson materializes in the middle as everyone stops talking.
CAPT. BRANSON: Uh, hi sorry to interrupt your little debate I'm John Branson. My world is called Earth. And though it's far from here, uh, my people and yours are, uh, very much alike. This is my world today. 
Shows the current condition of Earth in the 23rd century as everyone there is amazed by what their seeing.
CAPT. BRANSON: That's Earth my home where I was born but we were not always peaceful. This is Earth in our 21st century. Before everything went wrong. It's a lot like your world today.
Image shows Earth in the 21st century.
CAPT. BRANSON: We had our wars and disputes and crimes and diseases pretty much like what you're going through right now, but then the darker days came to my world a global pandemic hit the planet worldwide killed over a billion people. We had race hate crimes everywhere then World War III.
Everyone is watching the images as Captain Branson continues.
CAPT. BRANSON: This was our last day. The day the Earth we knew ceased to exist. What began as an eruption in one nation, ended in the eradication of 600,000 species of animals and plants and 30% of Earth's population. 
Images show Earth's surface.
CAPT. BRANSON: Global suicide. What we gave you is the means to exterminate yourselves. And from the looks of you, you're gonna do it. You'll use competing ideas of liberty to bomb each other to rubble, just like we did, and then your last day will look just like this. 
They're listening to him.
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs, looks at his wedding ring): Perhaps, somewhere, all your ends are written as indelibly as mine. But I choose to believe that your destinies are still your own.
Both governors are listening.
KILEY 179 GOVERNOR: What do you propose Captain?
CAPT. BRANSON: Join our Federation of Planets and reach for the stars. The choice is yours.
CUT TO:
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Enterprise soars at warp.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
An establishing shot of Starbase 1 a Frontier-Class base.
INT-STARBASE ONE COMMODORE KIRK'S OFFICE
Captain Branson, Lieutenant Commander Ivanova, and Lieutenant Mason.
COMM. KIRK: Getting the Federation High Court not to throw you all in jail almost took more pull than I have. And I have a lot of pull.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Sir we had to do what we did or it wouldn't of been a fun thing to think about.
COMM. KIRK (sighs): I've read Captain Towe's report before we lost contact with the Harrison, but I understand why you had to do what you did John so what are you planning on doing now John you going to keep the chair?
Captain Branson has a look on his face.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTJG. MASON: Tactical systems are in the green sir.
LTJG. MITCHELL: Navigational systems are ready.
LTJG. SMITH (to com): Starfleet Command, this is Enterprise. Requesting warp clearance.
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters the bridge as he sees his crew as he walks around the bridge.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Our new Chief Science Officer Lieutenant T'Lar is on her way up to the bridge, and her husband Doctor Carlson as been shown Sickbay.
The turbo-lift doors opened and Lieutenant T'Lar walks onto the bridge.
LTJG. T'LAR: Lieutenant T'Lar reporting for duty sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Lar its been too long and congrats on your marriage sorry I couldn't be there to see a Vulcan wedding.
LTJG. T'LAR: I understand sir.
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Assume your station.
T'Lar takes her station as Captain Branson sits in the command chair feeling at ease with himself.
ENS. CARLSON: Ready to get underway sir what's our mission?
CAPT. BRANSON (smiles): Our mission? We explore. We seek out new life and new civilizations. We boldly go where no one has gone before.
LTJG. SMITH (smiles): Cool.
Branson turns to her.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir.
Captain Branson sits back.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign Carlson take us out warp factor 4, hit it.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
The Enterprise's warp engines power up and she enters warp.
(END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS)
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous a Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Lieutenant Sean Hansen
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
===Special Guest Stars===
*Mike Longo as Commodore James T. Kirk
*Ashley M. Kaflas as Captain Jessica Smith
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*TBA as Lieutenant Jenn Carvus
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===