First Duty (episode)

First Duty is the 4th episode of the fifth season of Starship Enterprise.
==Synopsis==
Following an accident during a warp drive test that leads to the death of her boyfriend, Lieutenant Martin must decide whether loyalty or truth is the first duty.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The U.S.S. Luna NCC-80100 a Luna-Class vessel is venting drive plasma from its port nacelle.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, U.S.S. LUNA [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARING] As crew are rushing from console to console as the ship is shaking about.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Report!
LT. LEFKIN: We're about a few minutes away from a warp core breach Captain!
Captain Kennedy is standing up.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Start the evacuation Mister Renner status?
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, U.S.S. LUNA [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARING] Coolant vents from the warp reactor as the engineering crew are working hard at each station to prevent the core from breaching.
LT. RENNER [to com]: We're attempting to shut the warp core down now sir, Mister Cross help me with this.
ENS. CROSS [nods]: Aye, sir.
They get to work on shutting down the warp core but then he sees a crack forming as green light shines.
ENS. CROSS: LIEUTENANT!
Henry pushes him out of the way and gets vaporized by the plasma coolant as Lieutenant Renner rolls under the isolation doors, and finally shuts the core down as he breathes heavily.
LT. RENNER [to com]: Renner to bridge warp core breach has been stopped but we lost a man it was Ensign Cross he saved me sir.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, U.S.S. LUNA [RED ALERT]
Red lights are flashing as everyone is shocked as Tina covers her mouth and tears up and starts crying as Sam comforts her.
CAPT. KENNEDY [to com]: Acknowledged Mister Renner I need a full damage report and causality list.
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN [nods]: Aye, Captain.
Kennedy leaves the bridge.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. WARP SPACE
The Enterprise soars at warp.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 53785.1, The Enterprise is currently on course for Starbase 324 to discuss the Romulan situation further I am also happy to see my daughters Sarah and Tina
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
MARTIN and RO are at their seats; MASON is at tactical, SITO at ops, KAYE at helm, and T'MIR at the science station.
LT. MASON: Captain, Starbase 324 is requesting an update on our estimated arrival.
CAPT. MARTIN: Jamie?
Lieutenant Kaye checks the helm console and reports.
LT. KAYE: We should arrive at Starbase 324 in ten hours, sixteen minutes, sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Mister Mason, please inform the Starbase of our estimated time of arrival and send my regards to Admiral Perry.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
Commander Ro turns to John.
CMDR. RO: You know Admiral Perry?
CAPT. MARTIN: No not personally no but he was my sponsor to get me into Starfleet Academy along with Admiral Picard when he was still a Captain.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: Captain we're being hailed by Stargazer its Vice Admiral Picard.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
There's a short beat as Martin waits for the screen to activate.
LT. MASON: Uh, he's asking for a private channel.
Both John and Ro exchange puzzling looks as to why Admiral Picard is wanting a private channel.
CAPT. MARTIN: Very well then transfer it to my ready room you've got the bridge Ro.
John gets up from the Captain's chair and heads to the doors of his ready room.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
John enters and sits at the desk and turns on the desktop monitor.
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: Jean-Luc what can I do for you?
VICE ADM. PICARD [monitor]: John, its come to my knowledge that you and Captain Shelby have a daughter?
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes, sir Tina Branson is something wrong?
VICE ADM PICARD [monitor]: I wanted to inform you personally...There's been an accident
Off John's reaction. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0MFmhCS08A
=====
INTRO:
CAPT. BRANSON'S [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 as go before! 
======
A shot of the top of the Federation Dockyard as shuttles fly over the Federation base in orbit of Earth, as a Class-12 shuttle is shown launching and heads towards the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E docked at the Dockyards.
=====
STARSHIP ENTERPRISE
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
====
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
==== 
The docking clamps release from the port side of the saucer.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPT. JOHN MARTIN
Enterprise flies from Earth.
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
CMDR. RO LAREN
Enterprise flies through a nebula
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
The Enterprise flies over Vulcan as ships are coming and going.
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
The Enterprise flies towards a strange looking nebula
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies over a planet with a planet in the background
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
The Enterprise approaches Starbase 157 as the 7th fleet is flanking the base.
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'MIR
A Starfleet-Klingon battlegroup is shown as the Enterprise departs from the group and her warp engines power up and she leaps into warp in a burst of light.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
A FLASH. The Enterprise slowly slips out of warp and approaches Starbase 324.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
John is sitting at his desk talking to his ex-wife Captain Elizabeth Shelby of the U.S.S. Excelsior NCC-77246.
JOHN: According to the doctor she's got second degree burns on her chest and a multiple fracture of her right arm. But she's going to be fine.
LIZ [monitor]: Have they completed the regeneration series?
JOHN: I'm not sure yet.
LIZ [monitor]: Tina allergic to metorapan treatments. I think they'll have to use a bicaridine substitute. I should send her complete records to the Luna's sickbay. Of course, they probably have them already, but you can't be too sure
John leans forward.
JOHN: Ellie she's fine.
ELIZABETH [monitor]: I know she's fine I know she's fine. How did it happen? 
JOHN: Apparently, the Luna was testing a brand new configuration of the warp drive systems and it nearly caused a warp core breach, everyone is fine but one man didn't make.
ELIZABETH [monitor]: Who was it?
JOHN: A Henry Cross.
We can see Shelby leaning back in her chair.
ELIZABETH [monitor]: Tina spoke of him. They were lovers. She was so excited to be posted to the Luna. Of course, I was a little nervous, but I was proud of her. I always knew there was a chance that something like this might
JOHN: Ellie our daughter is alright her pride maybe a bit bruised but she's going to be alright, Fleet Admiral Ozawa is holding a briefing on the surface.
ELIZABETH [monitor]: Thank you John
He nods and the transmission ends.
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Luna is being towed by the U.S.S. Harrison-A and U.S.S. California two Excelsior-class vessels.
INT. BRIEFING HALL, STARBASE 324
The room is probably used for both hearings and lectures. There are several tables, on the right wall is a large viewscreen, and several rows of benches form a gallery.
There's a small group of people sitting in the gallery: N.D. PARENTS of the flight team, including LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CROSS, the father of the dead officer. John and Elizabeth are here as well. The atmosphere is somber and subdued. Perry is standing in front of the small table; he's trying to keep this low-key and informal. He is holding a PADD which he consults periodically.
VICE ADM. PERRY [re: PADD]: There was very little left to salvage from the damage. We did recover one of the ships' data recorders, but it was badly damaged. We're attempting to restore the information, but that will take some time. Standard procedure calls for an immediate investigation by two command level officers. Captain Vorata and I will be taking depositions from the Luna's crew at fifteen hundred hours today. Commander Cross. I'm sure that everyone in this room joins me in expressing my deepest sympathies to you on the tragic loss of your son. 
Commander Cross wants to know why his son is dead... he pushes Perry.
LTCMDR. CROSS: Was there any indication of a problem before the overload? What exactly were they doing testing a new warp theory? Did anyone know what would happen?
CAPT. MARTIN: Whoa calm down there Commander you're way out of line.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I want to know how my son died and what that ship was doing out there testing something that we're not ready for!
Perry stops him. His attitude is sympathetic...he understands this is a very difficult time for him.
VICE ADM. PERRY: Commander Cross I understand how you feel and believe me when I say that I would want answers as well but we're not going to get them by turning on each other and making false reports.
LTCMDR. CROSS: I just want to know how my son died.
VICE ADM. PERRY (gently): Commander... I'm sorry... right now, we don't have those answers. But I assure you we will investigate this matter thoroughly.
Commander Cross sits down and is still sadden by his loss as Captain Martin sits back down next to Elizabeth as Perry continues.
VICE ADM. PERRY: There will be a memorial service for Ensign Cross this evening in the west garden thank you all for coming. 
As the meeting breaks Captain Martin walks over to Admiral Perry and they shake hands.
CAPT. MARTIN (smiles): Admiral Perry so good to finally meet you.
VICE ADM. PERRY [smiles]: Captain Martin finally I get to meet the man that Jean-Luc can't stop talking about making alot of good up there as Captain of the Enterprise, and I wish our first meeting was under better circumstances. 
CAPT. MARTIN: If you require any assistance, then the Enterprise is at your disposal. 
VICE ADM. PERRY: I'm sure we'll be able to conduct the investigation, but thank you for your offer.
CAPT. SHELBY: The Excelsior is also at your disposal should you need us as well.
He nods at the two Captains.
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
An establishing shot of the U.S.S. Luna being repaired.
INT. LIEUTENANT MARTIN'S QUARTERS, U.S.S. LUNA
In contrast to quarters on the Enterprise, the Luna quarters looks older and more lived-in. It's sparsely furnished with a desk, a couple of chairs, and a single bed. Everything is neat and ship-shape. Tina is sitting on the edge of her bed. Her arm is in a 24th-century therapeutic device. She's practicing flexing her arm... it's difficult to fully bend her arm and she winces in pain. The effort tires her and she takes off the device. She massages the arm with her other hand; it's still not a hundred percent. The door chimes. She gets up, straightens her uniform, and takes a deep breath. She moves to the door and opens it. It's Elizabeth and John. 
ELIZABETH: Oh Tina thank god you're safe. 
They hug and then she hugs her father. 
JOHN: How are you feeling Tina? 
Tina sits on her bed. 
TINA: I'm a bit sore but I'm feeling alright a bit shaken up. 
ELIZABETH: We're so sorry to hear about Henry. 
TINA: Thanks mom. 
JOHN: You feel like talking about? 
TINA (Sighs): No. I don't think so. No, thank you. I know you're trying to be helpful, dad, but it seems like that's all I've talked about for the last two days. I don't want to go through it again. 
JOHN (Smiles): Alright, I understand. But I want you to know I'm available if you should change your mind. 
She nods. 
ELIZABETH: Everyone onboard the Excelsior are thinking about you. 
TINA: That's nice. 
Then the doors chimed.
TINA: Come.
Doors opened and Captain Kennedy enters.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Oh Lieutenant sorry I didn't know you had company.
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: It's quite alright Captain Kennedy I wanted to meet the man that requested my daughter's piloting skills.
LT. MARTIN: It's alright sir this is my commanding officer, Captain Aaron Kennedy. This is my father Captain John Martin of the Enterprise. And my mother, Captain Elizabeth Shelby from the Excelsior. 
They shook hands but Kennedy reluctantly shakes John's hand.
CAPT. BRANSON: I've been wondering who picked my daughter to be posted to his vessel.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Since she's been posted to my vessel she's become a fine Starfleet Officer.
CAPT. SHELBY: How are you feeling?
CAPT. KENNEDY [sighs]: I've been better sir just never lost anyone under my command. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well I can tell you that it never gets any better. 
He nods and Tina is getting a bit more edgy as she wants both her parents out of there quickly. 
TINA: Dad, Mom, will you excuse us please? The Captain and I have some things we need to talk about. 
JOHN: Alright, short crop it was great seeing you again. 
TINA (Smirks): Me to father. 
CAPT. MARTIN: We'll see you at the inquiry it was nice to meet you Captain. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: You to Captains. 
ELIZABETH: Tina if you need anything let me know. 
TINA (Smiles): I know. 
They leave as the doors closed and Captain Kennedy has more of a serious look on his face. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: That was too close you've got to more careful Tina. 
TINA: I know but I was lucky that I avoided the questions. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: The inquiry is scheduled for fifteen hundred hours. Are you ready? 
TINA (nods): Yeah I think so. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Don't worry T everything will be alright. 
Tina nods, but she is clearly troubled. Off Tina's expression. 
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise sits in a orbital dry-dock.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, BEDROOM AREA, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
John and Jessica are laying in bed together as John is laying in bed unable to sleep. 
JESSICA: Can't sleep? 
JOHN: No, Tina is in trouble and she knows something but she's not speaking. 
JESSICA: She's scared still John she watched her boyfriend blow up right next to her that would scare anyone not to talk. 
JOHN (sighs): I guess you're right. 
JESSICA: I'm surprised that you and Captain Shelby aren't trying to kill each other. 
John turns to her. 
JOHN: Same here but we both know that our daughter needs us more then ever cause of what she's lost. 
JESSICA (smiles): You'll be there for her. 
John kisses her. 
INT. OUTSIDE BRIEFING HALL, STARBASE 324
The senior staff are wearing their dress uniforms as Captain Kennedy looks over his senior officers.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Nervous?
LT. LEFKIN: No, yeah a little.
CAPT. KENNEDY [smiles]: That's okay. So am I. But we're going to be alright. We've got some tough times ahead but we've always come through for each other. Whatever happens, I want you all to know that being your Captain has been the high point of my years as a Starfleet Officer. No one could have asked for a better crew, or better friends. Let's go. 
They head to the hearing room. 
INT. BRIEFING HALL, STARBASE 324
The room has been set up for an informal court of inquiry. 
The flags of the Federation and Starfleet have been displayed behind the judges' table. Admiral Ozawa is seated at the head table facing the rest of the room along with CAPTAIN Vorata, a male Andorian officer. An antique ship's bell sits on the table in front of them. Seated at a table facing these officers are the members of the Luna's senior staff: Captain Aaron Kennedy a Human male, Lieutenant Commander Talia Shi'san an Andorian Female, Lieutenant Samantha Lefkin a Human female, Ensign Tina Branson a human female, and Lieutenant David Renner a human male are sitting at the table.
SPECTATORS are seated behind the senior staff, including John, Elizabeth, and the other parents seen earlier. LtCmdr. Cross is here also. Captain Kennedy is standing near the large monitor, giving testimony. The monitor shows a schematic DISPLAY of SATURN, its MOONS, and the U.S.S. Luna. The ship is moving slowly. Kennedy is pointing to the display as he speaks...his attitude is honest and straightforward...a completely believable officer. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: We were in Sector 232 where we proceed at warp 7.6 to Starbase 374.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: And when was the warp reactor on the verge of overload?
CAPT. KENNEDY: At 1430 hours.
The monitor shows what's going on and ZOOMS close on the graphic symbol for the ship, as Captain Branson is watching the monitor as well.
CAPT. KENNEDY: I had Lieutenant Martin increase our speed to warp 9.9 at 1354 hours so far the intermix ratio was holding.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Thank you Captain.
Captain Kennedy rejoins the rest of his senior staff.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Lieutenant Renner you were the chief engineer onboard the Luna at the time of the accident.
LT. RENNER: Yes, ma'am.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Did you find any indication of a possible warp core breach?
LT. RENNER: No, ma'am.
Fleet Admiral Ozawa and Captain Vorata look at each other surprised and then back at Lieutenant Renner, as Admiral Ozawa picks up a PADD and examines it for a moment. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Who was the engineer helping you?
LT. RENNER: Ensign Cross he was the EPS expert.
CAPT. VORATA: And did he find anything wrong?
LT. RENNER: Not at first ma'am.
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Was he at fault?
Then Captain Kennedy gets up and defends his officer.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Admiral.... 
Aaron is struggling... he seems very uncomfortable with what he's about to say. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Henry, was a good officer but lately he'd been having difficulties. He'd get nervous during tests in the final seconds. His engineering job was a little erratic. 
Both Ozawa and Vorata are surprised about this. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: And you didn't report this to anyone? 
Kennedy puts his hands behind his back. 
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): No ma'am, I didn't... I thought he could handle it if I gave him a chance. I was wrong. 
CAPT. VORATA: Captain are you saying that the accident was Ensign Cross's fault? 
CAPT. KENNEDY [beat, then very reluctant]: I think he got frightened and tried to stop it prematurely. Henry was our friend. We didn't want him to be remembered as someone who panicked. 
Tina is shocked by what Captain Kennedy just said -- but keeps it inside. The other two officers trade nervous glances, but try not to let their anxiety show as Commander Cross is shocked by what he's hearing as Captain Martin is disturbed by what he heard. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA (sighs): You may be seated. 
Captain Kennedy sits down with his senior staff. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: I'm very disturbed by what I've heard here today. By your own admission, you allowed your teammate to fly when you knew he was having difficulties maintaining formation. That demonstrates a serious lack of judgment. I am also disturbed by the fact that you did not come forward with this information immediately. We should have the first data from the Luna's flight recorder tonight. We will reconvene at thirteen hundred hours tomorrow. 
She taps the bell and everyone stands up as the inquiry is recessed as the Luna's senior staff stands up as Tina turns to face Captain Kennedy who puts his hand on her shoulder. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Everything is fine trust me. 
He EXITS along with the crowd. As the others follow him and Tina is left feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions. 
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise sits in a orbital dry-dock.
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
Captains Martin and Shelby walk into engineering as Commander James and Lieutenant T'Mir are at the main table.
LTCMDR. JAMES (dubious): Captain, the Starfleet Corp of Engineers has one of the best reconstructive analysis labs in Starfleet. I'm not sure we'll have much to contribute to the investigation.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I know but Tina is one of our own.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: We could pull the sensor logs from Luna.
CAPT. MARTIN: How long will it take?
LTCMDR. JAMES: About an hour give or take.
CAPT. MARTIN: Keep me posted.
They both leave as James and T'Mir gets to work.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. BRIEFING ROOM, U.S.S. LUNA
Captain Kennedy, Commander Shi'san, Lieutenant Renner, Lieutenant Martin and Lieutenant Lefkin are at the table.
LT. MARTIN [pissed off]: I can't believe you said that about my boyfriend! Sir.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Tina what did you want me to say I had to think of something.
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN: You shouldn't have said it, Aaron. Henry wasn't responsible for what happened. 
LT. MARTIN: We all agreed that we wouldn't lie about what happened.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Tina, I know you miss we miss him as well. But the truth is, he panicked.
TINA: We don't know that!
AARON: Of course we do... none of us has wanted to say it out loud... but we've all had the same thought. Haven't we?
He looks at Lefkin and Renner... they don't deny it. Lao finally nods.
SAM: He must have pulled away too soon. I think he got scared.
AARON: David?
Lieutenant Renner nods.
TINA (scoffs): I can't believe that you three would say that about the man that I loved and cared about who was the best engineer on this vessel true he had problems but he never messed up nor would panic.
Aaron walks over to Tina who is looking out the window.
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): Tina I know you want to protect his memory and honor him, we all do. But we have to look out for ourselves now. What do you want us to do, walk in and tell them everything that happened? 
LTCMDR. SHI'SAN: And now with the Enterprise here we'll be found out by Captain Martin.
CAPT. KENNEDY: David can you send a feedback loop into the Enterprise's main sensor array?
LT. RENNER: Yeah, it should be doable.
ENS. T BRANSON: We're not really going to cripple my father's vessel are we?
CAPT. KENNEDY: In order to keep us from going out in disgrace yes.
LT. LEFKIN: We might as well turn in our uniforms and start packing our bags.
CAPT. KENNEDY: Are we all ready for that?
A long beat. None of them, even Tina, is ready to leave Starfleet. Samantha, Talia, Brian, David and Rain are now firmly with Aaron although Tina is still struggling. Aaron picks up a PADD.
CAPT. KENNEDY (re: PADD): We'll take this one step at a time. This is the preliminary report from the sensor recorder. It was so badly damaged in the accident, that the lab could only retrieve a third of the total telemetry on the recorder. And all of it is before the warp drive failed. There's no problem here. 
Tina looks at the PADD for a beat... struggles...finally looks up at Kennedy.
TINA (sighs): I don't know if I can do this.
Kennedy knows this is a crucial moment, but he doesn't push... he doesn't want to come down too hard on Tina... that might make her dig in her heels. He lets David step in.
LT. RENNER: You don't have to lie... just don't volunteer any new information.
It's three against one... but Tina still isn't entirely comfortable with this. Kennedy eyes her, smiles ruefully.
CAPT. KENNEDY (sighs): The first night I met you, Tina, I knew I wanted you onboard my ship. You, more than any of the rest, would understand what it means to be able to count on someone, you know you've got to be able to count on the people on your team, because your life is in their hands, and their lives are in yours. What do you think? 
Tina looks at her friends... feels the bonds that tie her to these people... and finally nods in acceptance.
INT. HEARING ROOM, STARBASE 324
The room is empty and the lighting is subdued. Tina is standing near the large monitor, holding the PADD seen earlier. On the screen is another SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM of Saturn and the U.S.S. Luna similar to the one seen earlier during Kennedy's testimony. Tina looks from the screen to the PADD and makes some notations on the PADD. Cross's voice interrupts her work. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: Lieutenant Martin? 
Tina turns around to find Lt. Cmdr. Cross has just entered and is standing near the back of the room. He is carrying a sweater in one hand. Tina quickly stands at attention. 
LT. MARTIN: Commander. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: At ease. Am I interrupting? 
LT. MARTIN: No, sir. I was just going over my deposition for tomorrow. 
Tina touches a control on the wall and the image on the monitor DISAPPEARS. Cross moves into the room...this is an awkward meeting for her... but she needs to do this. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: They'd told me I would find you here. 
Tina nods and there is a long beat. Cross looks at the sweater for a moment. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: I...found this in Henry's room...I... I think it belongs to you. 
He hands the sweater to Tina, who looks at it for a moment... then remembers. 
TINA [smiles]: Our anniversary trip to Calgary when the Exeter was last here I had to leave early to see uncle Kyle before he left and I forgot it he must of packed it in his bag for me. 
Commander Cross nods and there is a silent beat as Tina looks at the jacket. This is a very difficult conversation for both of them. Cross is trying to reach out to Tina... even to apologize in some small way for his son's mistake, and this only makes Tina's feelings of guilt even more intense. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: I never thought that he would die like this he wanted to be Chief Engineer one day, he was on his way towards that position something happened in that engine room Tina I know my son wouldn't of messed up. 
Commander Cross's emotions are coming to the surface despite his best efforts. Tina feels trapped, unable to put this man's mind at ease and yet horrified at the pain Cross is 
obviously in. Cross steels himself and looks Tina straight in the eye. 
LTCMDR. CROSS: I wanted to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry he let you down. 
Commander Cross turns and EXITS before his feelings get the better of him. Tina is left standing alone in the room holding his jacket and feeling a swirl of conflicting emotions.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. HEARING ROOM, STARBASE 324
Tina is standing near the wall monitor and everyone else is in the same positions as seen in Act Two, including Martin and Shelby. The strain is starting to show on Tina... she is tired and worn.
VICE ADM. PERRY: Are you ready to begin Lieutenant?
LT. MARTIN: Yes, sir.
The wall monitor activates and shows a caption reading "SHIP'S LOG: U.S.S. LUNA REGISTRY: NCC-810100 STARDATE: 55369.4 SHIP TIME: 1354HRS. After a beat, the monitor comes to life and shows the U.S.S. Luna, the footage is quite distorted; as Tina talks, the image JUMPS and FUZZES periodically and sometimes breaks up altogether. 
LT. MARTIN: We began our warp trial at Starbase 13 Captain Kennedy gave the order to engage at warp 1.4, he ordered me to slowly increase speed to 3.6 and slowly bring it up to warp 9.9. 
CAPT. VORATA: And when did he have you increase speed to warp 9.98?
LT. MARTIN: At 1358hrs. Ma'am. 
Then picture finally BREAKS UP, in the crowd Captain Martin is confused about what happened. 
VICE ADM. PERRY: That is the extent of the data we were able to recover from the flight recorder. Lieutenant Martin, would you describe what happened after you reached warp 9.98? 
LT. MARTIN: We were able to hold it for about a few hours till our warp field started to fail, we had to drop out of warp but the breach was about to happen our engineering team stopped it. 
Both Perry and Vorata look at each other as John doesn't believe any of this.
VICE ADM. PERRY: What is your explanation, Lieutenant?
 
Beat. Tina is forced to stonewall, and yet she maintains an outward appearance of confusion. 
LT. MARTIN: I have none sir. 
On Tina's reaction.... 
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
An establishing shot of the U.S.S. Luna being repaired.
INT. LIEUTENANT MARTIN'S QUARTERS, U.S.S. LUNA
Captain Shelby is in her daughter's room pacing about as Sarah is sitting on the bed pacing about, her maternal instincts have been aroused, and she's looking for a way to protect her daughter.
ELIZABETH: Everything's going to be okay, Tina. There's got to be an explanation for all this.
Tina says nothing. Elizabeth is on her feet, moving around the room, full of energy.
ELIZABETH: James, T'Mir, Lefler and S'Tal are already analyzing the sensor recorder and the satellite transmission.
Tina reacts with surprise.
TINA: Why?
ELIZABETH: There must be something wrong with the satellite data. It might have been tampered with. 
TINA: Mom...that doesn't make any sense.
ELIZABETH: Well, there must be some explanation for this. I know you're telling the truth but the satellite data made it look as if you were lying. I've spoken with the other parents. I am going to talk to Admiral Perry and ask him to delay the inquiry.
Tina can't let her mother put herself on the line like this. She stops her.
TINA [firmly]: Mom no, you can't do that.
ELIZABETH [determined]: I'm not going to let them destroy your career, Tina... you haven't done anything wrong.
Tina looks at her for a long beat. Elizabeth's faith and belief in her daughter only compounds her sense of guilt.
TINA: Mom, don't try to protect me. Please stay out of this.
Elizabeth looks at Sarah. She suddenly realizes he's telling her that he's not completely innocent. The revelation takes the wind out of her sails. Her reaction is one of shock and sorrow, not recrimination. She now knows just how much trouble Tina's in.
A long beat. She reaches out for her. They hold each other and embrace tightly.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. DECK SIXTEEN, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE'''
Both John and Elizabeth are heading towards Main Engineering.
ELIZABETH: She all but admitted to me that she was lying.
JOHN: Did Tina say anything?
ELIZABETH: She just asked me not to help her... but it was the way she said it ... the look on her face... John, I know our daughter, and she's in trouble.
Martin's look says that he grimly agrees with her.
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
Both Martin and Shelby enter and walk over to Commanders James & T'Mir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Report?
LTCMDR. JAMES: Nothing conclusive. We do know that the overload occurred about four seconds after the satellite images were recorded, but we still don't know how or why the overload occurred. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Luna's sensors were badly damaged due to the overload so we don't have much information to go on.
CAPT. SHELBY: You're saying that its next to impossible of helping our daughter?
LTCMDR. JAMES: We're not giving up on your daughter ma'am we're just saying that its next to impossible.
John thinks for a moment.
CAPT. MARTIN: What about the helm sensor logs were they useful?
LTCMDR. JAMES: Just the standard helm updates like starboard warp conduit was at 115% above normal nothing out of the ordinary with that info.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Those there was a slight power issue with the EPS conduit that controls the impulse engines.
CAPT. MARTIN: Is that normal? 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Not really, Normally the interlock is closed unless you're performing a check on the engine coolant levels. But there's no evidence that Commander Renner was performing that sort of check. 
CAPT. MARTIN (thinks): Filling the primary coolant tanks requires an open interlock but that can only be performed at a Starbase or a orbital dry-dock facility. Is there any other reason for opening the valve? 
LTCMDR. JAMES: It's the first step in purging the plasma exhaust. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: That procedure would be extremely hazardous while the ship was in flight. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: Yeah, the engine would probably ignite the plasma. 
Suddenly, John puts it together... he suddenly understands it all. 
CAPT. SHELBY; John? John you alright?
CAPT. MARTIN (shocked): Ignite the plasma... that's exactly what they were trying to do.
Martin stares at the screen and his face turns grim as he realizes the astonishing implications. On his reaction...
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise sits in a orbital dry-dock.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Come. 
Doors opened and Tina enters and stands at attention. 
LT. MARTIN: Lieutenant Tina Martin reporting as requested sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN: At ease Lieutenant. 
She stands at ease John studies her for a moment... pointedly does not offer her a chair... then he turns around the terminal on his desk so that Tina can see it. Branson activates the terminal. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Can you tell me what this is? 
He shows her the monitor. 
LT. MARTIN: It's called a transwarp drive. 
CAPT. MARTIN: A piece of technology that hasn't been thought of since the creation of warp drive. 
Tina is just standing there. 
CAPT. MARTIN: I think that Captain Kennedy wanted to end his Captaincy of the Exeter in a blaze of glory, and he convinced you and the rest of his senior staff to work on this experimental drive so that if it worked he'd be hailed a hero and be promoted to Fleet Captain and given a better posting onboard a Galaxy-Class Dreadnought but he didn't and Henry paid the price of his actions. 
Tina has a grim look on her face but doesn't move. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Am I correct? 
Tina stands there. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Lieutenant, I asked you a question. Am I correct? 
Tina's head snaps up at the tone of command, but she doesn't yield.
LT. MARTIN: I choice not to answer.
Martin regards her seriously... he gets up from the desk and moves closer to Tina. His attitude is firm and unbending.
CAPT. MARTIN [shocked]: You choose not to answer? But you've already given an answer to the inquiry, and that answer was a lie.
Tina looks at her father.
LT. MARTIN: I said the core started to overload after we increased speed to warp 9.98.
CAPT. MARTIN: But you neglected to mention the fact that following the loop your Captain executed a dangerous maneuver which was the direct cause of the near warp core overload.(beat) Yes, you told the truth... but only to a point. And a lie of omission is still a lie. 
Tina says nothing and Martin takes a couple of steps away from her. 
CAPT. MARTIN: The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth. Whether it's scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle upon which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened you don't deserve to wear that uniform. I'm going to make this simple for you, Lieutenant Martin. Either you come forward and tell Admiral Perry what really took place, or I will. 
LT. MARTIN: Captain I...
CAPT. MARTIN: Dismissed Lieutenant.
Tina leaves the ready room and John looks on hoping that he got through to his daughter.
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
An establishing shot of the U.S.S. Luna being repaired.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, U.S.S. LUNA
Captain Kennedy is writing letters to the parents of the officers that were lost in the accident, when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. KENNEDY: Come. 
Doors opened and Lieutenant Martin enters.
LT. MARTIN: My father called me to the Enterprise. when I got there he told me that he knows. The transwarp drive, the cover up, everything. He said that if I didn't come forward and tell the truth now, he would.
Aaron takes a moment to think... he takes a couple of steps around the room as he quickly considers the situation.
CAPT. KENNEDY: You said he'd figured it out. Does he have any evidence? 
TINA: No. 
He breathes a little easier... he sees a way out. 
AARON: Captain Branson doesn't know anything. He has a theory. So let him tell the inquiry what he thinks happened. They'll ask us, is it true? We'll say, no, sir. There's no evidence, so there's no case. We'll get off with a reprimand. 
TINA: Sir, I can't call my father a liar. 
Aaron can see that Tina is deeply conflicted...he moves to shore up his friend's doubts, but the strain of holding things together is starting to show on Aaron. His tone has a slight edge to it. 
AARON: Tina... we just have to hold on a little longer... then this will all be over. 
TINA (quiet): Its wrong... 
AARON: Tina? 
TINA: No, sir this is done I'm going to tell them what happened for real. 
Aaron's eyes flash with anger and his temper beings to wear thin. 
AARON: You're going to tell them what happened? You? Alone? Are going to decide what happens to me, to Sam, Talia, Brian, Saru, David? You're going to decide that? 
TINA: Aaron, I'm not going to lie to them again I can't live with this. 
Aaron is surprised what is going on. 
AARON: You can't lie to them... you can't live with it... you have to tell them what happened. Who the hell are you? 
TINA: Await a minute. 
AARON: No you wait a minute I am your commanding officer and I am giving you a direct order Lieutenant now dismissed. 
She leaves as Captain Kennedy is frustrated. 
INT. BRIEFING HALL, STARBASE 324
It's the next day. The room is once again filled with spectators, the flight team, Elizabeth, John, Jessica, and Sarah. Everyone is waiting... finally Ozawa and Vorata ENTER and take their seats. Ozawa strikes the bell and brings the room to order. She regards the flight team with a grim expression... her tone is somewhat challenging... she knows that something's wrong and that the senior staffs hold the answer, but she can't do anything about it. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Captain Vorata and I have gone over your testimony and the physical evidence from the accident. Your statements cannot be reconciled with the data collected from your sensor logs. Your unwillingness to offer any explanation for this contradiction is disappointing, and raises suspicion. We cannot escape the conclusion that either the data is faulty in some way, or you have lied to us. However suspicion is not proof and I have no proof that you have lied to this inquiry. Therefore, if no further evidence is presented, I have no choice but to close this investigation. 
Then Tina stands up. 
LT. MARTIN: Admiral, I have something else to add. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Proceed Lieutenant Martin. 
Tina picks up the PADD her father handed her before dismissing her from his ready room. 
LT. MARTIN [re: PADD]: Yesterday I testified that the accident occurred following our acceleration to warp 9.98 I lied we accelerated to warp 9.99 we were trying to finish what Voyager started in 2372, and Henry died because of it. 
Everyone mutters. 
FLT ADM. OZAWA: Captain do you have something to say? 
CAPT. KENNEDY: No, ma'am. 
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise sits in a orbital dry-dock.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
Doors chimed. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Come. 
Doors opened and Tina enters.
LT. MARTIN: You wanted to see me?
John puts the PADD down.
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes, Captain Kennedy has been relieved of command of the Luna.
TINA: What about the rest of the senior staff? 
JOHN: He came clean and asked Admiral Ozawa to spare you and the others. 
TINA: (a sad laugh): He did exactly what he said he would. He protected the crew. I feel awful. 
I've let down everyone. My mother, my friends, you. 
Captain Martin puts his hands on his desk. 
JOHN: You should feel bad...and you will pay for what you did. Admiral Ozawa has given you all reprimands in your records. 
TINA (smiles): Thank you father. 
JOHN: I didn't have much to do with it you know what you had to do all you needed was a push in the right direction. 
They hugged. 
TINA: Goodbye dad. 
JOHN: Good luck Tina. 
Tina leaves his ready room. 
EXT. FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise departs from Starbase 324 to resume her mission of exploration.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
John Martin 	Jarvis Davidson 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Ro Laren 	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 Commander	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Jamie Kaye 	Delena "Dee" Lusk	Lieutenant 	Chief Conn Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Sito Jaxa 	Sadie Waymire 	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
Kayla Mackenzie 	TBA 	Chief Petty Officer 	Transporter Chief, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Laurel Takahashi	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Assistance Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Peter Johnson 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Security Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Ethan Novakovich	TBA 	Crewmen second class 	Science division, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Elizabeth Cutler	TBA 	Crewmen first class 	entomologist, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Sean Hansen 	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander 	Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Elisa Sheridan 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Assistance Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
===Special Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
Jean-Luc Picard 	Josh Irwin 	Vice Admiral 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Sarah Martin 	TBA 	Commander 	First Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Sasha Urtern 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Chief Tactical, Security Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Sing 	TBA 	Ensign 	Chief Operations Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Kemi 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Helm Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Beverly Crusher 	TBA 	Commander 	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-82893
Elizabeth Shelby	TBA 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Excelsior NCC-77246
Jessica Smith 	Ashley Kalfas	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Yorktown NCC-1717-A
Aaron Kennedy 	TBA 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Luna NCC-810100
Talia Shi'san 	TBA 	Commander 	First Officer, U.S.S. Luna NCC-810100
Brian Pelletier 	TBA 	Lieutenant Commander 	Chief Security, Tactical Officer, U.S.S. Luna NCC-810100
David Renner 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Engineer, U.S.S Luna NCC-810100
Samantha Lefkin 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Operations Officer, U.S.S. Luna NCC-810100
Tina Martin 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Chief Helm Officer, U.S.S. Luna NCC-810100
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by: Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 episode of the same name.
*The appearance of a second Luna-Class vessel.