Star Trek: Aegis/planning

== Title: Star Trek: Aegis ==
== Setting: ==
Star Trek: Aegis is set in the year 2387, aboard the USS Aegis, a state-of-the-art starship assigned to explore and protect the edges of the Beta Quadrant. The Aegis is equipped with advanced technology and a reinforced hull, making it ideal for deep space missions where the ship encounters unknown dangers, rogue factions, and potential threats to the Federation.
The USS Aegis operates in a region known as the "Shattered Expanse," a volatile sector of space where the fabric of reality is unstable due to a series of mysterious subspace anomalies. The Shattered Expanse is home to uncharted territories, strange alien civilizations, and remnants of ancient empires that once dominated the galaxy. The crew's mission is to explore these uncharted regions, establish diplomatic relations with new species, and protect the Federation from emerging threats.
== Characters ==
=== Main characters ===
==== Captain Marcus Steele — Commanding officer ====
Played by Idris Elba.
* Background: Captain Marcus Steele is a seasoned and authoritative leader with a reputation for being both strategic and unyielding in his command. His extensive experience in both combat and diplomacy has earned him deep respect throughout Starfleet. Steele is known for his ability to make tough decisions under pressure and his commitment to the safety and success of his crew.
* Personality: Steele is charismatic, decisive, and deeply committed to his role as captain. He commands with a blend of stern authority and genuine concern for his crew. While he respects the expertise of Sofia and Jayden, he expects nothing less than perfection from his officers.
* Motivation: Captain Steele is driven by a desire to uphold his family's storied legacy within Starfleet. He is constantly motivated to prove himself as a capable and worthy leader, balancing his own instincts with the weight of expectations placed upon him by his lineage. Steele is committed to maintaining the safety of his crew and the success of the USS Aegis, but his struggle to live up to his family's reputation often influences his decisions.
==== Commander Jonathan "Jack" Harrisson — Executive officer ====
Played by ______.
* Background: Commander Jack Harrison is a tactical genius with a background in special operations. Harrison is known for his quick thinking and ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations, making him an invaluable asset as the ship’s second-in-command. His leadership style is hands-on, often joining away teams on high-risk missions.
* Personality: Jack is confident, charming, and sometimes a bit of a risk-taker. He has a strong rapport with both Sofia and Jayden, often acting as a mediator when their professional disagreements escalate. His easy-going nature and sense of humor make him popular among the crew, though he knows when to switch to a more serious demeanor.
* Motivation: Commander Harrison is motivated by a deep-seated loyalty to Starfleet and the principles it stands for. A pragmatic and experienced officer, he aims to support Captain Steele while also ensuring that the Aegis operates efficiently and effectively. Harrison is driven by a sense of duty and responsibility, both to his crew and to the mission, and he often acts as the voice of reason on the bridge. He also has a personal motivation to prove that he can lead under pressure, preparing himself for a potential future command.
==== Lieutenant Commander Sofia Ramirez — Chief intelligence officer, second officer ====
Played by Eiza Gonzalez.
* Background: Sofia Ramirez is a brilliant strategist with a sharp mind for uncovering secrets and analyzing threats. Born in Los Angeles, California, she excelled at Starfleet Academy and quickly rose through the ranks due to her keen intellect and resourcefulness. Sofia is known for her ability to see patterns where others see chaos, making her an invaluable asset to the crew of the Aegis. Despite her sometimes serious demeanor, she is also able to recognize when to relax. She has a deep sense of loyalty to her friends and is willing to take calculated risks to protect them.
* Personality: Sofia is observant, methodical, and slightly introverted. She is often seen quietly working at her station, piecing together intelligence reports or crafting intricate strategies. She can be wary of others and doesn't trust easily, but once someone earns her trust, she is fiercely protective of them. She has a complex relationship with Jayden Montano, oscillating between respect for his bravery and frustration with his often impulsive actions.
* Motivations: Sofia is motivated by a deep sense of duty to protect the Federation from unseen threats. As the Chief Intelligence Officer, she is driven by the need to uncover and neutralize dangers before they can harm her ship or the broader Federation. Her past experiences have instilled in her a determination to succeed, and she is often motivated by a desire to ensure that what happened to her in the past does not repeat. Sofia's motivation is also rooted in her desire to prove her worth in a role that is critical but often thankless.
==== Lieutenant Commander Jayden Montano — Chief security officer, tactical officer ====
Played by ______.
* Background: Jayden Montano is a highly skilled combatant with a reputation for being unflinchingly brave and fiercely loyal to his crew. Raised in a family with a strong Starfleet tradition, Jayden followed in their footsteps, becoming one of the most respected security officers in the fleet. His hands-on approach and no-nonsense attitude have earned him respect from his peers, though his tendency to act first and think later sometimes puts him at odds with Sofia Ramirez.
* Personality: Jayden is charismatic, confident, and has a strong moral compass. He is the first to jump into action when danger arises, preferring to deal with threats head-on. He has a warm and approachable demeanor, making him popular among the crew. Despite his tough exterior, he harbors a deep sense of responsibility for the safety of his team. His dynamic with Sofia is complex; while they often clash over methods, there's an underlying respect and unspoken bond between them.
* Motivations: Jayden is driven by a commitment to the security and safety of the USS Aegis and its crew. His motivation stems from a deep sense of responsibility as the Chief Security Officer, ensuring that the ship and crew are protected from both internal and external threats. Montano's background has instilled in him a strong sense of justice and a desire to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves, which drives his actions on the ship. Additionally, he is motivated by a personal need to prove that he can protect his team at all costs, stemming from past experiences where he felt he could have done more.
==== Lieutenant Commander Victor Stavos — Chief engineer ====
Played by Tom Hardy (tentatively).
* Background: Victor Stavos is a gruff but brilliant engineer with a knack for keeping the ship running under the most challenging conditions. He has a deep understanding of the Aegis's systems and can often be found in the engine room, fine-tuning the warp core or solving complex technical problems. Stavos is known for his no-nonsense attitude and direct communication style.
* Personality: Stavos is practical, gruff, and has little patience for bureaucracy. He values efficiency and results over protocol, which sometimes puts him at odds with more rule-abiding officers. Despite his tough exterior, he cares deeply about his engineering team and the well-being of the ship.
* Motivations: Victor is motivated by his passion for engineering and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology. As the Chief Engineer, he is committed to maintaining the USS Aegis at peak performance and is always seeking innovative solutions to the challenges the ship faces. Stavos is also driven by a personal need to prove that his unconventional methods and ideas can lead to breakthroughs, even when others doubt him. His motivation is fueled by a combination of intellectual curiosity and a desire to leave a lasting impact on Starfleet technology.
==== Lieutenant Commander Amelia Carter — Chief operations officer ====
Played by Lily James
* Background: Amelia Carter, hailing from the Federation colony of Vega IX, has a robust background in Starfleet operations. Her early experiences on a resource-challenged colony have given her a practical and adaptable approach to problem-solving. Her career has included pivotal roles on various starships, where her operational expertise has been crucial in maintaining efficiency and managing resources.
* Personality: Amelia is pragmatic and composed, with a strong ability to handle pressure and manage complex systems. She is known for her organizational skills and her ability to balance operational demands with the broader mission objectives. Amelia communicates directly and effectively, with a touch of empathy and concern for her team. Her leadership style is hands-on, and she leads by example, ensuring that every system and function on the ship is optimized.
* Motivations: Amelia is driven by a commitment to operational excellence and efficiency. Her background on a resource-challenged colony has instilled in her a strong sense of practicality, and she is motivated by the need to ensure that the USS Aegis functions smoothly, even in the most challenging situations. Amelia is also motivated by a desire to prove that she can excel in a senior role despite the immense pressures of space exploration. Her focus on resource management and system optimization is also driven by a personal need to ensure that she never repeats the mistakes of her past, where she felt resources were mismanaged with dire consequences.
* Relationships with other characters:
** With Sofia Ramirez: Amelia respects Sofia’s intelligence and often collaborates with her to ensure that operational strategies are aligned with intelligence data. Their interactions are based on mutual respect, though their different approaches sometimes lead to discussions on priorities.
** With Jayden Montano: Amelia and Jayden have a strong professional rapport, working together to ensure the safety and efficiency of the ship. Their teamwork is essential during high-stress situations, and they find common ground in their commitment to the ship and crew.
** With Captain Steele and Commander Harrison: Amelia’s efficiency and reliability have earned her the trust of Captain Steele and Commander Harrison. She provides critical operational insights that aid in decision-making during tense situations.
==== Lieutenant Dr. Elias Ross Chief Medical Officer ====
* Background: Dr. Elias Ross is a highly experienced physician with a reputation for being both brilliant and unconventional. Having served on several deep-space missions, Ross is well-versed in xenobiology and emergency medicine. He is the kind of doctor who isn’t afraid to challenge authority if he believes it's in the best interest of his patients.
* Personality: Ross is witty, sarcastic, and somewhat eccentric, with a bedside manner that’s as likely to disarm patients as it is to bewilder them. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, even to senior officers, and often serves as the ship’s unofficial counselor, dispensing wisdom and sharp-tongued advice in equal measure.
* Motivations: Dr. Ross is motivated by a deep compassion for his patients and a commitment to medical ethics. As the Chief Medical Officer, his primary motivation is to ensure the health and well-being of the crew, often putting his own needs second to those of his patients. Ross is driven by a need to make up for past failures, where he felt he could have done more to save lives. This guilt drives him to be the best doctor he can be, often pushing himself to the brink in his pursuit of medical excellence. Additionally, he is motivated by a personal desire to explore new medical frontiers and contribute to the advancement of medical science within Starfleet.
==== Lieutenant, j.g. Oliva Reed— Chief flight control officer ====
Played by ______.
* Background: Olivia Reed is a skilled pilot with a reputation for pushing the limits of what a starship can do. Her background includes serving on starbases near the Romulan Neutral Zone, where she honed his navigation and piloting skills in some of the most treacherous parts of space.
* Personality: Reed is daring, quick-witted, and has a love for speed and precision flying. She’s always up for a challenge, whether it’s navigating a dangerous asteroid field or executing a complex maneuver under fire. Her confidence sometimes borders on cockiness, but she has the skills to back it up.
* Motivations: Olivia is motivated by a love of exploration and the thrill of piloting the USS Aegis through the most challenging regions of space. As the Chief Flight Control Officer, she is driven by a desire to master the art of starship navigation and ensure the safety of the crew during perilous missions. Her background as a skilled pilot has instilled in her a deep pride in her abilities, and she is determined to prove herself as one of the best in Starfleet. Olivia is also motivated by a desire to earn the respect of her senior officers, particularly in a role where precision and quick thinking are crucial.
==== Lieutenant Serena — Chief science officer ====
Played by Gemma Chen.
* Background: Serena Feng grew up on Earth, in a family of accomplished scientists and engineers who encouraged her curiosity from a young age. With a natural aptitude for the sciences, she excelled in her studies and earned a prestigious scholarship to Starfleet Academy, where she specialized in xenobiology and astrophysics. Despite her family's scientific legacy, Serena forged her own path, becoming fascinated by the unknown phenomena of the universe. Her thesis on exotic particles in unexplored regions of space earned her recognition within the scientific community and a position aboard the USS Aegis as Chief Science Officer.
* Personality: Serena is analytical and methodical, always striving to understand the underlying principles behind the phenomena she encounters. She has a calm and composed demeanor, which allows her to stay focused even in high-pressure situations. Despite her serious nature, Serena possesses a quiet sense of humor and enjoys engaging in intellectual debates with her colleagues. She is highly dedicated to her work, often losing herself in research for hours on end, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the universe. Though she is relatively young and new to her role, Serena is confident in her abilities and determined to prove herself as a valuable member of the senior staff. Her passion for discovery and knowledge makes her an inspiring figure to the crew, as she constantly seeks to push the boundaries of what is known.
* Motivations: Serena is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown. As the Chief Science Officer, her primary motivation is to uncover the secrets of the Shattered Expanse and expand the Federation's scientific knowledge. Serena is motivated by a personal quest for discovery, often driven by the belief that understanding the universe's mysteries can lead to profound advancements for the Federation. She is also motivated by a desire to prove her worth as a junior officer among a crew of seasoned veterans, eager to make her mark and contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Aegis.
==== Series Dynamics - Characters ====
The dynamic between the more experienced, predominantly male senior staff and the younger officers like Sofia and Jayden can add an interesting layer of mentorship, challenge, and growth. The interactions between these characters, especially under the command of the stern but fair Captain Steele, will be key to the series' development. Their individual strengths and differences will play a crucial role in how they handle the intense and unpredictable challenges of the Shattered Expanse.
== Conflict(s): ==
1. External Conflict – The Shattered Expanse:
* The Shattered Expanse is riddled with dangerous subspace anomalies, ancient alien artifacts, and hostile factions vying for control of the region. The crew of the Aegis must navigate these challenges while maintaining the Federation's mission of exploration and diplomacy. The ship often encounters ancient remnants of a powerful civilization known as the Kalothians, whose technology is both a potential threat and a source of great power. The crew must decide whether to use this technology to their advantage or destroy it to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
2. Internal Conflict – The Dynamic Between Sofia Ramirez and Jayden Montano:
* The relationship between Sofia Ramirez and Jayden Montano is one of mutual respect tempered by frequent clashes over how to handle security threats. Sofia's analytical approach often conflicts with Jayden's more direct and aggressive tactics, leading to tension between the two. As they work together on increasingly dangerous missions, they must learn to trust each other's instincts and find common ground to protect the ship and its crew. Their evolving relationship is a key subplot, with moments of intense conflict and eventual understanding.
3. Philosophical Conflict – The Role of the Federation in a Changing Galaxy:
* As the galaxy faces new and unpredictable threats, the crew of the Aegis grapples with the question of whether the Federation's ideals of exploration and diplomacy are still viable in an increasingly dangerous universe. Captain Voss, in particular, struggles with the balance between upholding the Federation's values and ensuring the safety of her crew. This ongoing conflict is a central theme of the series, with the crew often facing moral dilemmas that challenge their beliefs and force them to reconsider their roles in the galaxy.
4. Captain Elijah Steele's Dilemma of Legacy:
Captain Elijah Steele, a decorated Starfleet officer with a lineage of esteemed Starfleet captains in his family, struggles with the immense pressure of living up to his family’s legacy. His father and grandfather were both renowned for their bravery and success in command, and the weight of their reputations hangs heavily over him. As the captain of the Aegis, Steele is constantly torn between following his own instincts and adhering to the legacy of his forebears. This internal conflict often leads him to second-guess his decisions, especially in critical moments, as he fears that any mistake could tarnish his family’s name and his own career.
Impact: Steele's internal struggle affects his leadership style, sometimes making him overly cautious or, conversely, too eager to prove himself through bold actions. His attempts to reconcile his own identity with the expectations placed on him create tension with his crew, especially with his executive officer, Commander Harrison. Harrison, who respects Steele but is frustrated by his moments of hesitation or impulsiveness, tries to help Steele find a balance, but their differing views on leadership often lead to conflict. This personal dilemma will drive much of Steele’s character development as he learns to embrace his unique command style while honoring his family’s legacy in his own way.
5. Unseen Enemy – The Silent Threat of the Kalothians (continued):
* The Kalothians, an ancient and long-thought-extinct civilization, are revealed to be behind many of the subspace anomalies and strange occurrences in the Shattered Expanse. Though their empire crumbled millennia ago, remnants of their advanced technology and intelligence networks persist, operating in the shadows. The crew of the Aegis begins to suspect that the Kalothians are not entirely gone but are instead manipulating events from the shadows. This unseen enemy becomes a growing threat, as the crew must uncover the Kalothians' motives and stop their plans before they destabilize the entire quadrant.
== Plot Arcs ==
1. The Kalothian Conspiracy:
* Throughout the first season, the crew gradually uncovers evidence of the Kalothians' involvement in the anomalies and conflicts in the Shattered Expanse. Each episode reveals more about the Kalothians' history, culture, and technology, culminating in a season finale where the Aegis discovers a hidden Kalothian base. The crew must make a difficult decision—whether to engage the Kalothians in open conflict or attempt a dangerous diplomatic mission to prevent a larger war.
2. The Evolution of Sofia and Jayden's Relationship:
* Sofia and Jayden's relationship evolves from professional rivalry to a deep, if complicated, friendship. Their partnership is tested in various missions, including a crucial episode where they are stranded on an inhospitable planet and must rely on each other to survive. This experience forces them to confront their differences and ultimately strengthens their bond, setting the stage for future collaboration and perhaps even a romantic tension.
3. Captain Voss's Redemption:
* Captain Voss's arc revolves around her journey to overcome the guilt of her past failure. Her leadership is put to the test when the Aegis faces an impossible choice—sacrifice a colony to save the ship or risk everything to save both. Through her struggles and the support of her crew, Voss learns to forgive herself and regain confidence in her command, which plays a crucial role in the series' overarching narrative.
4. The Ethical Dilemmas of Advanced Technology:
* The crew frequently encounters powerful and potentially dangerous Kalothian technology. These encounters raise ethical questions about whether they should harness this technology for the Federation’s benefit or destroy it to prevent misuse. Episodes will explore the moral implications of these decisions, leading to heated debates among the crew and impacting their relationships with other species and factions in the Shattered Expanse.
5. The Federation's Role in the Galaxy:
* As the Aegis navigates the challenges of the Shattered Expanse, the series explores the larger theme of the Federation’s place in a rapidly changing galaxy. The crew must often choose between upholding Federation ideals of exploration, diplomacy, and peace, and the harsh realities of survival in a dangerous and unpredictable frontier. This tension will be a recurring theme, with the crew’s choices influencing the political landscape of the Beta Quadrant and the future of the Federation itself.
== Antagonists (Groups+Indivduals) ==
=== 1. The Veilborn Collective: ===
* Background: The Veilborn Collective is a mysterious and ancient race that inhabits the Shattered Expanse. They are a highly advanced civilization that exists partially in a parallel dimension, giving them the ability to manipulate space-time. The Collective believes that their dimension was fractured by the Federation's expansion, and they seek to close the "breaches" by any means necessary, including the destruction of the USS Aegis and other Starfleet vessels.
* Motivation: The Veilborn see the Federation's presence as a threat to their very existence and are determined to protect their dimension at all costs, even if it means waging war against Starfleet.
* More notes: The Vielborn believe the subspace and spatial-distortions in the Shattered Expanse are caused by Starfleet and the "primitive species" of the galaxy. Instead, these subspace distortions are a result of their manipulation of the space-time continuum. 
=== 2. Commodore Nadia Renko: ===
* Played by: 
* Background: Commodore Renko is a rogue Starfleet officer who went missing years ago in the Shattered Expanse. She has since formed her own splinter faction, believing that the Federation’s ideals are no longer viable in this dangerous region. Renko's group operates under the philosophy of "survival by any means," which often puts them in direct conflict with the crew of the Aegis.
* Motivation: Renko’s disillusionment with Starfleet drives her to pursue a more authoritarian approach to maintaining order in the Expanse. She sees herself as the true protector of the Federation’s interests, even if it means taking extreme measures.
=== 3. The Umbra Syndicate: ===
* Background: The Umbra Syndicate is a powerful and shadowy criminal organization that thrives in the lawless regions of the Shattered Expanse. Specializing in smuggling, piracy, and illegal technology trade, the Syndicate has been expanding its influence, disrupting Starfleet operations, and exploiting the chaotic nature of the Expanse.
* Motivation: The Syndicate seeks to establish a criminal empire in the Expanse, using its vast resources and merciless tactics to eliminate any threats to their growing power, including the USS Aegis and its crew.
=== 4. The Exiled Queen of Lorathar: ===
* Played by: Tilda Swinton
* Background: The Exiled Queen is the deposed monarch of the Lorathar Empire, a once-great civilization that was decimated by internal strife and external enemies. Now in exile, the Queen commands a loyal fleet of followers who roam the Shattered Expanse, seeking to reclaim her throne by any means necessary, even if it means forging dangerous alliances or resorting to acts of terror.
* Motivation: The Queen is driven by a deep desire to restore her empire to its former glory. She sees the Federation as a potential ally or enemy, depending on whether they support or oppose her quest for power.
=== 5. The Wraithborn Entity: ===
* Background: The Wraithborn Entity is a malevolent, non-corporeal being that was accidentally unleashed during an experimental Starfleet mission in the Shattered Expanse. The entity feeds on fear and chaos, possessing individuals and manipulating events to sow discord among the crew of the Aegis. It seeks to spread its influence throughout the galaxy by creating chaos wherever it can.
* Motivation: The Entity’s sole purpose is to grow stronger by feeding on the emotional turmoil it creates. It views the Aegis as both a source of sustenance and a tool to further its malevolent agenda across the Expanse and beyond.
== Plot brainstorm ideas ==
=== Main plot ===
==== Introduction ====
* Sofia Ramirez and Jayden Montano are having drinks at a bar. Sofia notices that another lieutenant keeps eyeing 
* Marcus Steele and Jonathan "Jack" Harrisson meet with Admiral Blackwell about their mission to the Shattered Expanse.
==== Rising action ====
* Discovery of Kalothian artifacts.
** The artifact has non-recognized markings on it, requiring our heroes to find a cypher to unlock the secrets of the artifact.
* Discovery of the Kalothian cypher.
** The crew visits an alien world which is friendly towards outsiders. One of the senior staff (either Feng, Carter, or both) find an object with a similar symbol to the artifact.
* Investigation of space-time distortions.
==== Climax ====
* Big space battle with USS Aegis and other Starfleet ships against the Kalothians.
=== Ramirez & Montano subplot ===
==== Climax ====
* Mission to Planet 81-7A
** Montano, Ramirez, Ensigns Liam Oakey and T'Loni, and petty officer Santiago Juarez, and crewmen James Elson and Varan Soff, are ordered to take the runabout to the surface of a planet with a large ion storm, preventing transporters and sensors.
** The runabout is shot down by members of the Umbra Syndicate, causing it to crash down in a canyon.
*** Ensign T'Loni and petty officer Juarez die in the crash.
*** Ramirez has a severe cut across her abdomen.
**** She jokes to Montano that his reckless behavior kept him safe.
*** Varan Soff broke his left leg, causing him to stay on the crashed ship.
*** James Elson
*** Liam Oakey was bruised along the arms and neck.
*** Montano was the most lucky having minor bruising and cuts on his hands and head. 
** The team, now down to five of the seven assigned to the mission, go about treating their wounds.
*** Montano treats Ramirez's cut across the abdomen by using a large wrap bandage, as the dermal regenerator wouldn't work for the cut on Ramirez's torso. Meanwhile, Ramirez did use the dermal regenerator to heal the cuts on Montano's hands and head.
*** Oakey requested to begin work on creating the grave for T'Loni and Juarez. Montano, who was treating Ramirez's injury was skeptical of Oakey's physical well-being considering the coloration of the bruises. Nevertheless, Montano agreed and Oakey began working on the grave.
*** Elson was able to create a splint to keep Soff's leg immobilized. Afterwards, he joined Oakey digging they grave after which they marked the grave with a pile of stones.
** With their wound's being treated, Ramirez ordered them to split up into two teams, she, Montano, and Elson would begin trying to find help, or at the very least a shelter for them to stay in, meanwhile, Oakey would stay with Soff who obviously couldn't move due to his broken leg.
** Alpha Team leaves the crash site in search for help.
*** As Montano, Ramirez, and Elson are preparing to leave the crash site, there's a moment where Montano hesitates, looking back at the graves of T'Loni and Juarez. The loss of his comrades weighs heavily on him, but he hides his emotions behind a stern exterior. Ramirez, noticing his hesitation, offers a moment of empathy, reminding him that their priority now is the survival of the living.
*** The group of three navigate the jagged rocky terrain of the planet which is even more difficult due to the lack of light being caused by the dark swirling clouds from the ion storm, which occasionally discharges bolts of lightning, illuminating the desolate landscape.
*** As the group continues to move, Ramirez's injury slows her down, but she tries to hide the pain to avoid appearing weak. Montano, however, notices her discomfort and insists on taking breaks, despite Ramirez's protests. Their dynamic of mutual respect and tension is highlighted in this interaction—Ramirez is a strong-willed officer, but Montano’s protective instincts make him stubborn about her well-being.
** Elson separates from the Alpha Team
*** As Ramirez, Montano, and Elson are navigating the landscape, they encounter a series of seismic tremors that destabilize the ground around them. During one of the more severe tremors, a deep crevasse opens up beneath them, cutting off the way forward. Elson, who has been analyzing the terrain with his tricorder, identifies two potential routes around the crevasses, one of them leads to where the group was intending to go, a small settlement with life-signs, while the other is a route that would lead them to higher-ground—a safer area that might have better chances for sending a distress signal. Elson believes that at least someone should go to this higher ground and he volunteers himself.
**** Montano and Ramirez are initially skeptical, however, after a brief discussion they agree that Elson should take the alternate route and attempt to reach a vantage point that overlooks the canyon where their runabout crashed. From this position, Elson would be able to use his equipment to send out a localized distress beacon, increasing their chances of being found by the Aegis.
**** Ramirez and Montano are hesitant to split up, but Elson insists, pointing out that their chances of rescue will be greater if they cover more ground. He reassures them that he’ll be careful and promises to rejoin them as soon as he sets up the beacon.
**** With a final exchange of determined looks, Elson parts ways with Ramirez and Montano, heading off on his own to complete the crucial task. As he disappears into the rocky landscape, Ramirez and Montano are left to continue their own perilous journey, knowing that Elson’s mission could be their best hope for survival.
** The Cave
*** After Elson leaves to set up the distress beacon, Ramirez and Montano continue their journey. As the day wears on, the weather worsens, with the ion storm intensifying and temperatures dropping rapidly. Montano spots a small cave nestled into the side of a rocky hill—a potential refuge from the worsening conditions.
*** They scramble into the cave, greateful for the shelter it provides. The interior is dimly lit, with only the occasional flicker of lightning outside casting shadows on the rough walls. Montano quickly secures the entrance with a makeshift barrier of rocks. Meanwhile Ramirez, clearly fatigued and in pain from her injury, leans against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Despite the circumstances, she’s determined not to show any weakness.
*** Once the entrance is secure, Montano turns his attention to Ramirez. He notices how pale she's become and insists on checking her wound. Ramirez, ever the resilient one, tries to brush him off, quipping that she’s not so fragile. Montano smirks and responds with a playful jab about how she’s always too stubborn for her own good, but he won’t take no for an answer. He gently lifts her shirt to inspect the bandage wrapped around her abdomen. The sight of the blood-soaked cloth visibly worries him.
*** Montano takes out the med-kit from his backpack and gets out more wrapped bandages. He asks Ramirez to take off her uniform top off so he can better tend to her injuries. She tried to do so but the pain was too much, noticing this, Montano tells her, he'll take it off. Once Ramirez's uniform is off, Montano lifts her undershirt and carefully unwraps and rewraps her bandage, the close quarters bring them together in a way they’re not used to. Their usual banter is still present, but there’s a softer undercurrent to it. The rivalry they’ve shared is momentarily set aside, and they’re simply two people looking out for each other.
*** Ramirez, in an attempt to lighten the mood, teases Montano about how he always has to play the hero, even when it’s not necessary. Montano fires back with a grin, reminding her that she’s just as guilty of always needing to be in control. Their friendly rivalry is evident in their exchange, but there’s also mutual respect and admiration.
*** As the conversation becomes more serious, Montano admits that seeing her hurt during the crash was the most terrifying part of any mission he's been with her. He’s always seen her as unbreakable, and it caught him off guard. Ramirez, touched by his honesty, admits that she respects him more than she lets on, especially his ability to stay calm under pressure and his bravery. There’s a vulnerability in her voice that catches Montano off guard.
*** Their usual competitiveness gives way to a more intimate connection. The playful banter softens, and for a moment, they simply look at each other, the weight of their situation bringing a new depth to their relationship. Montano’s hand lingers on her bandaged side, and the air between them becomes charged with unspoken feelings. Ramirez, sensing the tension, feels a mix of emotions—relief at being cared for and a burgeoning attraction to the man who’s been her protector, friend, and rival, in more ways than one.
*** The closeness of the moment draws them in, and for a brief second, it seems like they might cross the line between friendship and something more. But before they can act on it, a loud crash of thunder from the storm interrupts, bringing them back to reality. Montano quickly pulls away, clearing his throat and suggesting they rest for a while to regain their strength. Ramirez, slightly flustered, agrees, the moment leaving them both with something to think about.
*** As they settle down to rest, the tension between them lingers. Their rivalry has always been a cornerstone of their relationship, but this moment has added a new layer to their dynamic. It’s clear that their connection is more complex than either of them might have realized, setting the stage for future developments.
** Ramirez and Montano make their way to an abandoned facility.
*** Ramirez and Montano wake up after a few hours of uneasy rest. The storm outside has lessened slightly, but the atmosphere remains tense. The cave is still dark, with only faint light seeping in from the outside.
*** As they prepare to leave the cave, Montano notices something unusual on the cave wall—a series of ancient markings or carvings. Ramirez, despite her injury, examines them closely and realizes they might be some sort of coordinates or a map. She speculates that they could lead to a place where they might find help or a way to send a distress signal.
*** Although time is of the essence, they decide to follow the markings. The map leads them deeper into the cave, where they find a hidden passageway. The passage is narrow and difficult to navigate, but their determination pushes them forward. As they progress, they encounter natural hazards, such as unstable ground and poisonous flora, which they must overcome together.
*** Deep within the cave, they stumble upon a small outpost or hidden facility, seemingly abandoned. It’s unclear whether it was once used by the Umbra Syndicate, another group, or an unknown civilization. Inside, they find basic supplies and, more importantly, an ancient communication array that appears to still be operational, albeit damaged.
*** While exploring the facility, they unexpectedly encounter a survivor—an injured member of the Umbra Syndicate, barely hanging on. He’s wary of them, and Montano is initially ready to neutralize him, but Ramirez convinces him to let her try to communicate. They manage to extract crucial information from the man before he succumbs to his injuries: there’s a stronger communication relay on the other side of the planet that could reach the Aegis, but it’s heavily guarded by the Syndicate.
*** Ramirez and Montano realize they need to get to that communication relay. However, with their limited resources and her injury, it’s a risky proposition. They decide to use the facility’s remaining power to boost the signal from the damaged communication array, hoping to send a distress signal strong enough for the Aegis to pick up.
*** As they work together to repair and power the communication array, the tension between them builds again—not just from the stress of the situation, but also from their earlier moment of near-intimacy. Their teamwork is seamless, but there’s an undercurrent of unspoken feelings that both of them are trying to push aside to focus on the mission.
*** After several attempts, they manage to send a faint distress signal, though it’s unclear if it’s strong enough to be received by the Aegis. They have no choice but to wait and hope that the message got through. During this time, Montano expresses his frustration about the situation and his concern for Ramirez’s well-being. Ramirez, always the strategist, tries to keep him focused, though she appreciates his concern more than she lets on.
*** Back on the Aegis, Lieutenant j.g. Olivia Reed, the chief flight control officer, picks up the faint distress signal. She alerts Captain Steele, who immediately orders a rescue operation. Reed pilots a shuttlecraft through the remnants of the ion storm, as she expertly pilots the ship to the planet’s surface.
*** As the shuttlecraft approaches, Ramirez and Montano spot Syndicate forces converging on their location, alerted by the same signal they sent. Ramirez and Montano are forced to hold off the attackers with whatever weapons they have left. It’s a desperate fight, but they work in perfect sync, their rivalry turned into a seamless partnership. Just as they’re about to be overwhelmed, Reed and a security team from the Aegis arrive, providing cover fire and helping them evacuate.
*** Once safely aboard the shuttlecraft, Ramirez and Montano share a moment of relief. The intensity of their experience has brought them closer, though neither is quite ready to acknowledge what that might mean. Back on the Aegis, they’re debriefed by Captain Steele, who commends them on their resourcefulness and teamwork.
*** In the aftermath, Ramirez and Montano return to their duties, but there’s a noticeable shift in their dynamic. They’re still rivals, but there’s an unspoken bond between them that didn’t exist before. The experience on the planet has made them more aware of each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities, setting the stage for further development of their relationship, both professional and personal, as they continue their missions aboard the Aegis.
== Story outline ==
=== Scene 1 ===
* What needs to happen in this scene? Many screen
* What would happen if this scene got omitted?
* Point 2
** Location: Admiral Blackwell's office
** Characters: Marcus Steele
* Point 3:
** Location: Public area with a fountain
** Characters: Jonathan "Jack" Harrisson, Montano, Ramirez, and Steele