The Hippocratic Oath (episode)

The Hippocratic Oath is the 3rd episode of the second season of Starship Enterprise.
==Synopsis==
An alien couple comes to Dr. Langford with their terminally ill son. The child could be cured by a simple operation, but the parents' religion specifically forbids it.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise is next to a damaged vessel.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 51538.1, The Enterprise has answered a distress call from a damaged Onteen freighter, we were able to drive off the Breen pirates but we seem to have stumble across a medical emergency
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
A young alien boy (Onteen race) named Shon is being monitored by Dr. Langford and Nurse Takahashi while his parents, M'Ola and Tharg, watch over him. 
DR. LANGFORD [re: Medical Tricorder]: Blood pressure?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: 140/80 Doctor. 
DR. LANGFORD [re: medical tricorder]: Give him 5ccs of inapprovline. 
Nurse Takahashi injects Shon with the meds. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI [re: Medical Tricorder]: He's responding well but he has a congestive blockage in his upper air passages. 
DR. LANGFORD: It should be treatable don't worry you're going to be just fine and grow up to be big and strong, and one day join Starfleet. 
M'OLA: Please don't speak that way. No one knows what is written until the waters surround him. 
Doctor Langford looks at Nurse Takahashi then at the parents. 
DR. LANGFORD: I'm never wrong about these things keep the treatment going and we'll figure out what we can do. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI (nods): Yes, Doctor. 
Doctor Langford goes to his office. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, DOCTOR LANGFORD'S OFFICE 
Doctor Langford enters his office and sits behind his desk as M'ola and Tharg enter. 
M'OLA: Dr. Langford. My husband would like to speak with you candidly. May he do so? 
DR. LANGFORD [nods]: Sure.
THARG: The doctors on our world say there's no treatment for his watery breathing. They say that the boy is weak and he will die. He's our only son, Doctor. He is the last chance for our family's honor to fly on the winds of history. 
DR. LANGFORD: You must love him very much. 
THARG (half-smiles): On my world, it would be a sign of weakness......for me to acknowledge feelings to a stranger. But he has brought such joy and happiness into our lives. 
M'OLA: Can you save him? 
DR. LANGFORD: Shon's condition is very serious, but it is treatable. His upper air passages have a congestive blockage. It's common in species with internal air bladders. 
The parents gets worried. 
DR. LANGFORD: We've seen this before. Usually it happens as a result of an infection or a reaction to an injury. It's a normal response. Usually it clears up by itself, but...Sometimes the mass hardens, or grows. It's not a weakness it could happen to anyone a simple operation can correct the condition. 
M'OLA: Operation? 
THARG: You mean surgery? 
DR. LANGFORD: Its a simple operation he won't feel a thing and there won't be a scar. 
THARG: Get Shon. We will find no help here thank you. Sorry to have taken your time. 
Peter is a bit confused as he walks over to the parents. 
DR. LANGFORD: Wait, wait. Look, it's a simple procedure. He'll be stronger than ever. 
THARG: You don't understand Food animals are cut open. They don't have a soul, so it's all right. But the chosen of God may not be punctured. 
DR. LANGFORD: There won't be any scars and the blockage won't heal by itself. If Shon doesn't have this surgery, he'll die, very painfully. 
THARG: No one wants that. That's immaterial. You must not cut into the child. Now I know what is written. 
Doctor Langford is worried. 
(END OF TEASER, FADE OUT)
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Theme song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
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CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before
======
STARSHIP ENTERPRISE
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
======
A shot of the secondary hull of the Enterprise
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPTAIN JOHN MARTIN
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
COMMANDER RO LAREN
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LIEUTENANT JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COURTNEY JAMES
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LIEUTENANT JAMIE KAYE
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DOCTOR PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies under a California-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LIEUTENANT SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER T'MIR
The Enterprise flies by Earth and her warp nacelles power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is next to the vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
At one of the medical console screens Doctor Langford shows the parents how the operation will work.
DR. LANGFORD: So you see, removing the blockage is easy. The fluid-transfer system will regain integrity immediately. After that, it's a simple matter to reinflate the internal air sac. He'll need to rest, but he's young and strong. His recovery should be easy. It's a very simple procedure.
Both Doctor Langford and Nurse Takahashi look at the parents.
M'OLA: We understand all too well that is why we won't allow it.
THARG: Our veterinarians perform this surgery on distressed food animals.
DR. LANGFORD (frustrated): So you'll let him die? What kind of god do you worship?
THARG (frustrated): We can't discuss this any longer this is useless!
They start to leave but Doctor Langford stops them.
DR. LANGFORD: Wait, wait, wait. I think there might be another way. It will take longer, be far more uncomfortable.
M'OLA: The discomfort isn't the issue!
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Then what is?
THARG: We're the Children of Time. We can't break our pact......like you can't cease to descend from egg-sucking mammals!
M'ola comes between Doctor Langford and her husband.
M'OLA: Doctor Langford my husband intended no disrespect.
DR. LANGFORD: Of course. I think we can try something here that......might give Shon's natural defenses a chance to break up the blockage. If we use a combination of emollients and micro-beams......to provide a physical access for his internal fluids......we might help the body clear itself.
The parents are amazed.
DR. LANGFORD: I'm not promising that this procedure will work as well. 
NURSE TAKAHASHI: It may not work at all. But you won't find a doctor with a better idea. And you will lose valuable time if you go looking.
M'OLA: Can we discuss this alone please?
DR. LANGFORD (nods): Sure.
They go to chat about this alone as he turns to Laurel.
DR. LANGFORD: What are you doing?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: I'd ask you the same thing Doc.
DR. LANGFORD: Never insult a patient's beliefs. Work with them. Give them a reason to be on your side.
Laurel crosses her arms.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: By lying to them?
DR. LANGFORD: I wasn't lying.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Mineral oil and micro-beams won't dislodge that mass. It's rooted! That kid is going under the knife or into the freezer!
DR. LANGFORD: Sometimes you heal the family before the patient. This isn't some silly superstition to them. They're not gonna just let it go. If we insist, they'll put him back on their vessel. He won't survive the first jump. I am trying to find a way to save him!
NURSE TAKAHASHI: They're terrified! They're not ready to cut to the chase.
DR. LANGFORD: So we do a little of this and that.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Torturing the patient with remedies that don't work.
DR. LANGFORD: Until they let us do what we should have done in the first place. I don't like it either, but we don't get a vote.
They walk back to the pair.
M'OLA: Our son won't survive the trip will he?
DR. LANGFORD: No he won't this is the best think we can offer.
Tharg nods.
M'OLA: Save our son please.
Both Langford and Takahashi gets to work.
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise continues to tow the damaged vessel to Deep Space Nine for further repairs.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Shon is laying in the bio-beds.
DR. LANGFORD: Is there anything that I can get you the ship has educational and
entertainment channels you can...
M'OLA: No. We have seen some of that material. Those channels demonstrate false belief systems. We don't want him to see inappropriate information. He can study the Scrolls
if he gets bored.
DR. LANGFORD: Scrolls I've heard of your species had scrolls that can calm the mind.
THRAG (nods): In particular, the Parable of the 7th Declination in the Scroll of Herrel......where Herrel makes his final vow of commitment to family honor. I've always found that to be a most inspiring lesson.
Doctor Langford thinks.
DR. LANGFORD: I've got something for you here look.
He has a strange looking thing.
SHON (amazed): What is it?
DR. LANGFORD: Well, this......is a gloppit egg. Now, the gloppit is a very rare creature from the planet... .
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Planet Placebo.
DR. LANGFORD: The egg has to be held just like this. And petted just like this. And talked to softly. Just like this. Since I'll be too busy treating you to care for it......you're gonna have
to do that for me. Okay?
Shon looks at his parents.
SHON: It is all right, isn't it? Please? Monnya? Dottya?
M'OLA: Its not dangerous is it?
DR. LANGFORD: It is completely harmless my wife scanned it backwards and forwards with her science skills if she says its safe then its safe.
M'OLA: Sure sweetie.
THRAG: But not of sacred things. Those are for us.
SHON (smiles): Yes, Dottya. Thank you.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MESS HALL
Both Laurel and Peter are on break in the mess hall.
LAUREL: A Gloppit eggs?
PETER: He needs a friend.
LAUREL: So you gave him a glowing piece of industrial goo.
PETER: I gave him something to believe in.
LAUREL: What's wrong Steven?
PETER: You don't disapprove of superstition, if it's yours.
LAUREL: What does that mean?
PETER: They worship the Great Egg.
LAUREL: Come on Peter your god is medicine, and you can do no wrong. What's the difference?
PETER (sighs): I produce measurable results. What's your point?
LAUREL: Did you see their eyes? They're terrified. You didn't solve anything, you postponed it.
PETER: I gave them a chance to think, to reconsider.
LAUREL: You're so sure they'll change their minds?
PETER: Alright, look If you can find a better way, go ahead. Prove me wrong. You won't find anything. I'll bet a steak dinner on that.
LAUREL: You're on.
They shake on it.
(END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT)
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
The Enterprise heads to Starbase 157 with the Onteen vessel in tow.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The senior staff are around the table.
CMDR. RO: As you can see here the bulk of the Romulan forces have ramped up their patrol routes along their side of the border.
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: Admiral Ramses has dispatched the Warspite and Sovereign to patrol the border.
LT. MASON: So far I've scheduled battle drills for all hands while we're on route.
LTCMDR. JAMES: The Onteen vessel has sustained damage to their life support systems but we're working around the clock to repair it.
Doctor Langford is distracted as Captain Martin sees this.
CAPT. MARTIN: Doctor?
Pete is still in his own world.
CAPT. MARTIN: Pete?
Doctor Langford snaps out of it.
DR. LANGFORD: I'm sorry Captain we'll have medical supplies ready for wounded should we need them.
CMDR. RO: How's Shon?
DR. LANGFORD [sighs]: Boy's gonna die. Parents won't let me operate. What do I do?
LT. KAYE: You'll find a way Pete you always do.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Pete what do you think you should do?
DR. LANGFORD: I took an oath to save lives and I am being told that I can do that?
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: I wish there was a way that we could help but the Prime Directive is in effect here.
DR. LANGFORD: You could order me to save the boy that won't break the Prime Directive, Picard ordered Crusher to save the Romulan Ambassador during the conference at Babel.
CAPT. MARTIN: Resolve this another way.
DR. LANGFORD: You don't care if he dies?
CAPT. MARTIN: That's not the issue. If it were, we wouldn't be talking. But it's not the only issue.
Doctor Langford gets up.
DR. LANGFORD: But this isn't going to go away. Neither will I.
He leaves the room as everyone is surprised by how determined he is not to let the boy die in his sickbay.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Shon's condition continues to deteriorate.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: The non-invasive procedure isn't working Doctor.
DR. LANGFORD: Give me 10ccs of a mild sedative to ease his pain.
NURSE TAKAHASHI (nods): Got it.
Laurel hands Langford the hypo and he injects the boy with the pain meds.
SHON (breathes heavily): I'm afraid. Maybe this gloppit egg will have to hatch without me.
DR. LANGFORD: No, no, no. See? It's still glowing. That means you're doing a good job. You just keep holding it, just like that. Okay?
He takes the parents out of earshot.
THRAG: Your treatment isn't working. He's getting weaker. We might have got him to Thailateen.
DR. LANGFORD: He never would have survived. He was too weak.
THRAG: Because we trusted you, our son will die.
DR. LANGFORD: No. He will die because you won't trust me. You wanted me to save him. Well, let me save him, please. He needs that surgery, or he will choke to death on his own fluids.
THRAG: There are more important things. Without his spirit, he wouldn't be alive.
Doctor Langford paces about getting a bit frustrated.
DR. LANGFORD: He is your son, damn it. Do yourself a favor. No, do him a favor. Stop deluding yourselves. All right, no more superstition. We have the safety of the patient precedent. You force me to ask for suspension of your parental authority.
M'ola and Thrag look at each other as M'ola looks at him.
M'OLA: What do you mean?
DR. LANGFORD: I'll do what I have to in order to save your son. I will perform that surgery without your permission.
THRAG (frustrated): NO! YOU CAN'T DO THAT YOU MUSTN'T DO THAT!
DR. LANGFORD: I'm sorry but I have to think what's best for Shon.
THRAG: So do we.
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Both Captain Martin and Commander Ro are listening to M'ola and Thrag's issue with Doctor Carlson.
CAPT. MARTIN: I wish you had an ambassador. It would simplify my problem. I would ask for guidance.
M'OLA: She would tell you the same thing. Please don't let Dr. Langford operate.
CMDR. RO: Its not that simple when Pete has his mind made up its tough to get him to change it.
CAPT. MARTIN: And since you've got no Ambassador between the Onteen and the Federation, I have to represent you and I have to think of the child's life.
THRAG: He is not your responsibility.
CAPT. MARTIN: Unfortunately, he is. Doctor Langford has made an official request. And I have to rule on it. Thank you for explaining your side of it. I'll make my decision within 24 hours.
The parents leave the ready room as Commander Ro looks at him.
CMDR. RO You're going to grant Pete permission to operate on Shon?
Captain Martin leans back in the chair.
CAPT. MARTIN (sighs): I'm not sure Ro its tough right now but my training tells me to obey the Prime Directive but this is also as medical issue so I don't know what to do Martin to bridge get me Starfleet Command.
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, DOCTOR LANGFORD'S OFFICE
Peter is looking over Shon's medical information.
DR. CRUSHER: Stuck on something?
Doctor Langford turns to see his old mentor Doctor Beverly Crusher.
(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, DOCTOR LANGFORD'S OFFICE
Peter is looking at Doctor Crusher.
PETER: Beverly what are you doing here.
BEVERLY: John contacted me and Jean-Luc allowed me to come over to give you a hand.
She picks up the PADD and reviews the medical data on Shon.
PETER: The parents won't allow me to operate on him.
Beverly looks at the PADD as she sits in the chair in front of the desk.
BEVERLY [re: PADD]: Did you operate?
PETER [sighs]: There's a bit of an issue with that the parents are against operating due to their religion against medical operations both me and Laurel assured them that there would be no scars.
LAUREL [sighs]: Peter lied to them about an invasive medical work but its not working he's getting worse and these parents are so uptight about the spirit will be destroyed and the body will be a shell.
Doctor Crusher looks at the PADD.
BEVERLY [re: PADD, sighs]: This is a tough medical issue but we took an oath to do no harm and save lives.
They agree with him.
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LT. KAYE: We'll arrive at Starbase 157 in a few hours sir.
John is lost in his own thoughts as Lieutenant Kaye turns to him.
LT. KAYE: Captain?
CAPT. MARTIN: Hm, oh yes thank you Jamie.
Ro turns to him.
CMDR. RO: Are you alright John?
John turns to her.
CAPT. MARTIN: Can't stop thinking about this whole medical debate.
Commander Ro looks at him.
CMDR. RO: You're a father its got to be even tougher.
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Yeah.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
Captain Martin enters sickbay and walks over to the bio-bed where Shon's laying.
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: Hello, Shon I'm John Martin Commander of the USS Enterprise, what do you think of my ship?
SHON: I've not seen much of it just sickbay.
John sits next to the bio-bed.
CAPT. MARTIN: What's this?
SHON: It's a gloppit egg. Dr. Langford gave it to me.
CAPT. MARTIN: A gloppit egg? Actually, it's only a piece of......industrial goo. But, please, don't tell Dr. Carlson I said so. He still believes it's an egg. Shon, I have to ask you a very difficult question.
SHON: I know you've been thinking about it I do wanna live? Yes. Very much. But I don't want the operation. I don't wanna lose my spirit.
CAPT. MARTIN: had an operation once. A very serious operation, but I'm fine now.
SHON: But you are not one of the chosen. You are not born of the Egg.
CAPT. MARTIN (smiles): No I'm not tell me about the Egg.
CUT TO:
'INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Both Captain Martin and Doctor Carlson are in the room.
CAPT. MARTIN: Smart kid reminds me of both Tina and Sarah.
DR. LANGFORD: Are you going to give the order?
CAPT. MARTIN: Pete I understand your position here but the Prime Directive comes into question here.
DR. LANGFORD: Those parents are willing to see their son die because of their religion. You can't expect me to do nothing. May God save us from false religion.
CAPT. MARTIN (crosses arms): I'm ordering you not to preform the operation.
DR. LANGFORD: Is that your final order sir?
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes.
Then the com activates.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Takahashi to Langford
DR. LANGFORD [tapped combadge]: Langford here.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Shon's life-signs are dropping
DR. LANGFORD [to com]: I'm on my way.
Doctor Langford leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
M'ola and Thrag are with Shon.
THRAG: When the egg hatched and you first crept out......you were such a tiny morsel of life. I could hold you in my cradled hands. I was so proud of you then. As proud as I was of the day that you were born. Today, I'm even prouder Because you're meeting your destiny, like the true Child of the Egg.
M'OLA: We love you so much.
THRAG: I promise you......we will sing many songs for you......so that your journey will be fast and peaceful. And when you get to the other side, my son......you must sing for us. You must be our beacon home.
Doctor Langford, Doctor Crusher and Nurse Takahashi are watching this as they can't believe they're being forced to sit by and let a young boy die, as the parents walk over to them.
THRAG: He needs rest.
DR. LANGFORD: Very well.
THRAG: I am glad you didn't get your way. I am grateful for the Captain's wisdom. This is better.
DR. LANGFORD: Sorry I can't agree with you. The child deserves a chance at life.
THRAG (half-smiles, nods): Yes, but without a spirit, it isn't life at all. You know that.
DR. LANGFORD: I-I'll call if there's any change in his condition.
The parents leave sickbay.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: You two are going to do it aren't you?
DR. LANGFORD: They have their beliefs and I have mine.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: I took an oath and so did you Peter.
DR. LANGFORD: If I stand by and do nothing...
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Captain Martin will have you thrown off the ship Steven.
DR. LANGFORD: I've already packed my bags.
DR. CRUSHER: We're doing this that boy is gonna die in an hour if we don't operate. And no one, not you, not Captain Martin......not those poor, deluded parents, will stop us.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: You two are going to need an assistant.
And they begin with Dr. Langford saying a prayer of his own before they start. 
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
DR. LANGFORD: Its working.
DR. CRUSHER: Pressure?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: We're equalized to his internal bladder. He won't have any trouble.
DR. LANGFORD: Alright, let's get started.
DR. CRUSHER: Take it one step at a time Pete.
They treat his blockage.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: He's responding well to treatment you did it.
DR. LANGFORD (sighs): Thank you god and please preserve this boys spirit call the parents.
Doctor Crusher pats his shoulder.
DR. CRUSHER: You did it Pete I'm proud of you.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE
Peter looks over the medical report on Shon's condition as he's drinking a cup of Vulcan tea.
BEVERLY: How can you drink that stuff?
He looks over at Beverly.
PETER: I had an old Academy roommate who was a Vulcan he suggested to me, says it helps the soul Shon's resting right now.
The doors opened and both Thrag and M'ola enter and Peter can tell that something is wrong, both him and Leonard walk out of the officer.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
THRAG: In the name of the Egg, you did it. You did it anyway.
DR. LANGFORD: I did what was right and as a father I wouldn't want to watch my daughter die!
SHON: It's me! I don't feel any different. Listen, I'll sing songs for you.
THRAG: AWAY DEMON!
SHON: No, please its me.
M'OLA: What unholiness spawned you?
THRAG: NO!
NURSE TAKAHASHI: He is your son still!
M'OLA: What have you done!
SHON: No please don't leave me please don't.
They leave as Doctor Langford comforts a distraught Shon.
DR. LANGFORD: It's all right. It's okay.
SHON (upset): In the name of the Egg and the nest in which it resides.
DR. LANGFORD: Its alright.
Both Crusher and Takahashi are with them.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doctor Langford stands at attention as Captain Martin stands with him.
CAPT. MARTIN [upset]: I gave you an order. You disobeyed it. I should ask for your resignation.
DR. LANGFORD: It's yours John.
CAPT. MARTIN: Don't tempt me Peter who asked you to play god!
Doctor Carlson turns to him.
DR. LANGFORD: Every patient who comes in that door. People want doctors to be gods. They want us to make it better. They come to me when their prayers aren't enough. If I take the responsibility, I claim the authority too. I did good. And we both know it, and no one is gonna take that away.
Captain Martin remains firm.
CAPT. MARTIN: Peter the Prime Directive was in effect and you disobeyed it and my orders!
DR. LANGFORD: In a medical situation the Prime Directive doesn't apply!
Then the com activates.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [com voice]: Captain Martin and Doctor Langford report to sickbay.
They both look at each other.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY
The doors opened and both Captain Martin and Doctor Langford see a solemn Shon standing by his parents.
M'OLA: My husband asked me to tell you......he knows what you did, you did out of compassion. You meant no harm. And if it were in his power to forgive you, he would. I am not allowed to forgive either. But if I could, I would.
She shows them a robe.
CAPT. MARTIN: What is it?
M'OLA: My husband has brought the lamuda. The traveling robe for great journeys. We will take the boy now.
DR. LANGFORD: He needs to rest.
M'OLA (nods): He will.
SHON: Goodbye Doctor Langford.
They leave sickbay.
DR. LANGFORD: I'm waiting for an apology.
CAPT. MARTIN: If I were you I'd check the temperature in hell first.
John leaves.
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE SICKBAY/DOCTOR CARLSON'S OFFICE
Peter is doing his log entry.
DR. LANGFORD (to com): Vital signs stabilizing. All indications point to a speedy recovery. End report.
He ends the entry as Nurse Chapel walks over to him.
LAUREL: I owe you a steak dinner.
PETER (confused): Why?
LAUREL: You won the bet remember?
PETER: Oh yeah sorry its been a long day.
LAUREL: I finished the research on their people, as we discussed. It's all here. The Great Egg, the Great Journey, the Great Song. There's a lamuda. Traveling robe.
She hands him a PADD with the information on the Onteen species.
DR. LANGFORD (shocked): Oh my god.
He rushes out of his office and sickbay.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Doctor Langford is rushing to guest quarters.
DR. LANGFORD: MOVE! MOVE!
He enters his code and the doors opened.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
Doctor LANGFORD enters but is too late as he sees Shon's body on the bed as his parents are at his bedside.
DR. LANGFORD (distraught): Oh, my God. You did it. You did it.
M'ola turns to him.
M'OLA: Do not grieve. This was not our son. This was only a shell. There was nothing to do but end the pain of the shell.
Doctor Langford breaks down in tears. 
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel tows the damaged vessel to Starbase 157.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MESS HALL
Doctor Langford is at the bar drinking a bottle of Andorian ale as Captain Martin walks over to him.
PETER: You can have my resignation if you want.
JOHN: I've decided not to ask for it this time.
Peter drinks the ale.
PETER: You were right the Prime Directive was in effect.
JOHN: You wouldn't of obeyed it Pete you are a chief medical officer.
PETER: I'll know better next time.
JOHN: Would the child have died if you hadn't operated?
Peter turns to him.
PETER: Yes he would of died if I didn't operate on him the mass was rooted it was blocking his airway.
John pours himself a glass of Andorian ale.
JOHN: To Shon may he fine peace.
PETER: To Shon.
They drink the ale.
EXT-SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ONTEEN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
The Starfleet vessel and the damaged vessel approach Starbase 157.
[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
Beverly Crusher	TBA 	Commander	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-8293
Thomas Halsey 	TBA 	Admiral 	Starfleet Flag Officer
M'Ola 	TBA 	N/A 	N/A
Tharg 	TBA 	N/A 	N/A
Shon 	TBA 	N/A 	N/A
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by the Babylon 5 Season 1 episode Believers.
*A Doctor Peter Langford focus episode.