The Defector (TNG episode)

The Defector is the 13th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation The Next Generation Season 2.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise grants asylum to a defector from the Romulan Empire, who claims to have vital information concerning a renewed Romulan offensive against the Federation. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is at impulse.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 57839.2, The Enterprise is along the border, so far it has been an uneventful patrol
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John is looking at the desktop monitor on the recent reports from the Neutral Zone outposts, as the com activates.
CMDR. KAL [com voice]: Kal to Martin
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin here go ahead.
CMDR. KAL [com voice]: Sensors are picking up an unidentified craft in the Neutral Zone... It's heading toward Federation space...
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: I'm on my way.
Captain Martin gets up from the chair and grabs his uniform jacket and heads out of his quarters.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Commander Kal is at an aft station. MASON at tactical. SITO at Ops and KAYE at Conn. Martin ENTERS the bridge. Monitors at the stations show a SCHEMATIC DISPLAY of the Neutral Zone.
CMDR. KAL: Outpost Sierra Six confirms our readings, sir. They identify it as a Romulan scout ship. Bearing two seven zero mark one four. 
As Martin, Kal, and T'Mir huddle over it...The Enterprise is clearly labeled and shown as a steady dot, and a flashing point of light in the Zone shows the Romulan vessel.
CAPT. MARTIN: A scout ship? What would a scout ship be doing this far into the Neutral Zone?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The only reason a scout vessel would be this far into the zone would be to plan a future invasion.
Mason looks over at the aft console.
LT. MASON: Captain. Shall we transmit a warning to withdraw, sir? 
CAPT. MARTIN: Open a hailing frequency. 
Lieutenant Mason works at his console.
LT. MASON [stops and looks up in surprise]: Captain, the Romulan is hailing us. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Visual?
LT. MASON: Negative to far out but we're receiving audio.
CAPT. MARTIN: Open a channel.
Much interference, static...
CMDR. L'MAR [com voice]: Federation ship...do you read...I require urgent assistance...
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS...
CMDR. L'MAR [com voice]: Federation ship... please help me... requesting asylum... under pursuit...
CAPT. MARTIN: Pursuit?
CMDR. KAL: Why is he being pursued?
LT. MASON: Visual range. On screen, Captain. 
Transparent viewer shows A ROMULAN SCOUT SHIP is moving toward us. In the b.g. a ROMULAN WARSHIP suddenly DECLOAKS.
Off their reactions...
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
Theme Song:
======
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....
Enterprise leaps into warp.
======
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION'
=====
Enterprise emerges from warp.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
Enterprise flies by a Gas Giant
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPT. JOHN MARTIN
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
CMDR. JANE KAL
Enterprise flies by a Watchtower-Class Starbase
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
Enterprise flies by a interstellar dust cloud
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMESS
Enterprise flies over Vulcan as Vulcan cruisers and frigates are flying by as there's a shot of a Vulcan Starbase in orbit.
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
Enterprise departs from a Watchtower-class Starbase
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. JAMIE KAYE
Enterprise flies over a comet
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'MIR
Enterprise flies over Earth and her warp engines power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
The Romulan scout ship is overmatched... the warship is relentless and it FIRES TORPEDOES at the smaller craft. One of the torpedoes finds its mark.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
As before... watching the viewscreen.
CAPT. MARTIN: Red Alert. Open a channel to the warship. 
CMDR. KAL: Jamie, come to intercept course. Keep us out of the Neutral Zone. 
LT. KAYE: Aye, Commander.
LT. MASON: Channel opened sir.
CMDR. KAL: When will the scout cross into Federation territory?
LT. SITO: Forty-one seconds, ma'am.
CAPT. MARTIN: Romulan warbird, you have crossed into the Neutral Zone, and are engaged in hostile action.Explain yourself and your intent.
Beat.
LT. MASON: No reply sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Hail the scout vessel.
LT. MASON: Responding.
Commander L'Mar , a Romulan male of about fifty (human) years of age is sitting at the controls of his small ship. There is evident damage in his bridge.
CMDR. L'Mar [viewer]: Federation craft. Please, you must help me!
CAPT. MARTIN: We are moving to intercept. Maintain your course and power.
Suddenly, a muffled EXPLOSION and L'Mar's ship is rocked violently. The transmission is abruptly cut off and replaced with the starfield. The damaged scout ship is clearly visible.
LT. SITO: Scout ship is severely damaged, Captain. Engines inoperative, deflectors are down.
CMDR. KAL: Position?
LT. SITO: Coordinates one-four-zero by two-zero-five.
CMDR. KAL: Federation Space.
CAPT. MARTIN: Right.
Captain Martin sits in the Captain's chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: Jamie, move to within five kilometers.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Kaye works at the helm.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Bridge to engineering Courtney, prepare to extend.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN [com voice]: Our deflectors around the Romulan scout ship
LTCMDR. JAMES [to com]: At that range, the shields won't be able to take much punishment, Captain. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: Five kilometers, sir. 
CMDR. KAL: All stop.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Extend deflectors.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Deflectors extended
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. JAMES [to com]: We've got the scout ship, Captain.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise is near the scout ship, which is drifting as the Romulan warship slows as it approaches the Enterprise and the scout ship, and then stops. The ships face each other.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
On the viewscreen, the Romulan warship sits facing the Enterprise.
LT. MASON [tensed up]: Weapons on the warbird are fully powered, sir. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Ready phasers, open a channel to the warbird.
LT. MASON: Ready.
CAPT. MARTIN: Romulan vessel, you are now in Federation territory. Unless you withdraw...
Transparent viewer shows the warbird turn 180 degrees and cloaks.
CMDR. KAL: No argument? 
LT. MASON: Warbird has re-entered the Neutral Zone. Heading for Romulan territory.
LT. SITO: Massive power failure to the scout ship, sir. All systems are going offline, including life support. 
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Transporter two, prepare to beam the occupant of the scout ship directly aboard.
CHIEF MACKENZIE [com voice]: Aye, sir
CMDR. KAL: Jack.
Both Commander Kal and Lieutenant Mason leave the bridge.
CAPT. MARTIN: Sito, lock onto the scout ship. Take it in tow. 
LT. SITO: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM II
Chief Mackenzie is at the controls as both Commander Kal and Lieutenant Mason enter, 
CMDR. KAL: Energize.
Chief Mackenzie works at the controls and Commander L'mar materialized onto pad.
CMDR. L'MAR: I must see your captain immediately. 
Kal steps forward. Mason, behind Kal, watches L'mar with great distrust.
CMDR. KAL [noticing injured arm]: We'll take you to Sickbay, after that 
CMDR. L'MAR: This cannot wait. I have information vital to your survival.
On their reactions...
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise at station keeping with the scout ship in tow.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's log, Stardate 53462.5. We have beamed aboard an apparent Romulan defector, who claims to be a low ranking logistics officer with extraordinary information about a secret offensive
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
A guard stands behind L'mar as he tells his story to Martin, Kal, Sito, Mason, James, T'Mir. The Romulan is nearing the end of his account. He speaks with great fervency. A man demanding to be heard. Martin listens with a decidedly even expression.
CMDR. L'MAR: The humiliating defeat at the Battle of Cheron has not been forgotten. The new leaders have vowed to discard the treaty and claim the Neutral Zone. Nelvana Three is just the first step. 
CMDR. KAL [skeptical]: You're saying an entire base has already been established there?
CMDR. L'MAR: In forty-eight hours, the reactor core will be on line.
CMDR. KAL [impossible]: So the Federation sensors that monitor the Neutral Zone just missed it?
CMDR. L'MAR: It would seem so. In two days, a fleet of Romulan warbirds will be within striking distance of fifteen Federation sectors.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: But we're currently in a civil war period.
CMDR. L'MAR: Who are you?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I am T'Mir daughter of R'Lok.
Commander L'mar remembers her father's name as Captain Martin turns to face him.
CAPT. MARTIN: Well, I'm sure you are fatigued by your ordeal and you require medical attention. Lieutenant Worf, will you accompany Commander L'mar to the Sickbay. We will attend to your quarters. 
CMDR. L'MAR: No doubt you will wish to question me further.
CAPT. MARTIN: No doubt.
Martin nods, that's all. L'Mar looks at him, frustrated, that's not what he wanted to hear. Martin looks back evenly. After a beat, L'mar leaves. The tension level drops considerably as the officers lean back in their chairs, glance at each other.
CMDR. KAL: He tells a hell of a story.
CAPT. MARTIN: You don't believe him?
CMDR. KAL: The Empire knows that we'd never allow them to maintain a base within the Neutral Zone. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Captain, it would be impossible for my people to wage war against the Federation with them being in a civil war at this moment.
CMDR. KAL: I think he's a plant to draw us into the Neutral Zone. Then we'll look like the aggressors.
CAPT. MARTIN: And the Romulans would have a legitimate excuse for responding in force.
Courtney looks out the viewport at the craft.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Well, at least he's given us the chance to get a look at some Romulan technology close up.
CAPT. MARTIN: Courtney, you will lead the away team over to the scout. Commander, you and Lieutenant Mason will conduct L'mar's interrogation.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Captain, permission to observe the interrogation?
CAPT. MARTIN: No, T'Mir. I need you on the Bridge with me. There is much to be done. We have less than forty eight hours to prevent a war. Or perhaps to start one. This will depend on establishing the truth of 
Suddenly the Scout Ship EXPLODES. As all react:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY'
Doctor Langford administers to L'mar's neck as Kal questions him. Mason and the security guard stand nearby.
CMDR. L'MAR [of course]: I set the auto-destruct sequencer before I left the ship. 
CMDR. KAL [confused]: Why?
CMDR. L'MAR: Wouldn't you? To prevent your ship from being captured? 
Commander Kal turns to Lieutenant Mason and then back to L'mar.
CMDR. KAL: Excuse me for being a little confused, L'mar, but I thought you were defecting. 
CMDR. L'MAR: I am not a traitor. All you can see is the opportunity to exploit me. The Federation credo, exploitation. You couldn't get aboard my ship fast enough. Strip it down. What secrets might it reveal that we can use? You're a short sighted people. Can't you understand? I came to stop a war. 
L'mar winces in pain.
DR. LANGFORD: If you could just hold still?
He uses a medical tool to relieve the pain.
DR. LANGFORD: With your metabolism, this will heal in a few moments.
CMDR. L'MAR: Thank you Doctor.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
The doors open and L'mar is escorted in by Kal...an n.d. security guard remains outside the door. L'mar looks over his new home, unimpressed by what he sees. Kal shows him the food slot.
CMDR. KAL: This is the food station... you can reach me through the com panel. (at the door)
Later, there are a few more questions we'd like to ask you...
L'mar sighs in frustration. Kal gives him a look and EXITS. L'mar looks out the window and thinks about what he's doing. The look on his face is tortured.
CMDR. L'MAR: Computer, water. 
COMPUTER VOICE: Temperature?
CMDR. L'MAR: Twelve onkians. 
COMPUTER: This system is calibrated to the Celsius metric system
L'mar frowns, what the hell is that? Frustrated, he can't even order a glass of water in this new environment. Finally...
CMDR. L'MAR [frustrated]: Any temperature at all on the cold side of whatever your system is. 
The water MATERIALIZES. He takes it. Drinks. He sits down on his bed. He pulls off his boot, removes his wristband, flips it open to reveal a...tiny compartment containing a thin blue chip (NOTE: Not obviously for ingestion, we shouldn't know what the hell it is...something that could destroy the Enterprise? What is his plot?) As L'mar stares at it, then snaps the wristband closed.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Close up of one of the monitors as it shows graphic. A look at the scanners' interpretation of the Neutral Zone...
LTCMDR. T'MIR: There is no unusual activity in the Nelvana System, sir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Let's isolate and magnify that system.
Commander T'Mir works at the console.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Nothing on the sensors.
CAPT. MARTIN: How do you know L'mar?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: My father served with him during the Dominion War.
CAPT. MARTIN: Do you believe him?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: If this was a Romulan vessel he would be put to death but during my time aboard this vessel and my marriage to Peter I am a bit skeptical but if they are planning to attack the Federation we have to be ready.
COMPUTER VOICE: Captain Martin, priority one message from Starfleet coming in on secured channel
On the move --
CAPT. MARTIN: My ready room. Delay time, computer...?
COMPUTER VOICE: Two hours, twenty-two minute delay from time of transmission
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Martin enters and walks over to his desk and sits behind it and activates the desktop monitor.
CAPT. MARTIN: Computer, key access four one two mark eight zero. Martin, John. Starfleet priority code Gamma. Decode.
As he sits, the colors zip around and form a Federation logo with the text: EYES ONLY - CAPTAIN J.T MARTIN emblazoned across it. In the corner of the screen: a digital time of transmission as well as the real time... is indicated throughout the message...
CAPT. MARTIN: Begin message.
The logo fades out to be replaced by VICE ADMIRAL JAMES MARTIN, a stocky command officer. Because of the distance between the Enterprise and Starfleet, static both visual and auditory interfere with the playback.
VICE ADM. MARTIN [monitor]: Captain, we have received an official protest from the Romulan Empire demanding the return of your defector. Obviously, we are refusing to comply. I join in your skepticism, but if it is a deception, the Romulans are certainly making a good show of it. The Federation Council has convened in emergency session. There is no doubt in my mind that this will eventually fall on your shoulders, John. You've got him. You must decide if he's telling the truth. For now, I suggest you proceed along the Neutral Zone border toward a Federation position proximate to Nelvana Three
The admiral's picture disappears, leaving only the real time clock running on the blank screen, John has a consider look on his face as he tapped his combadge.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Martin to Mason can you join me in my ready room.
LT. MASON [com voice]: I am on my way sir
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is on patrol.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DEBRIEFING ROOM
The debriefing takes place on a raised platform in the middle of the room. L'mar sits across from Kal and Mason. An n.d. security guard (the same one we've seen before) stands nearby.
A flashing light on his chair indicates the conversation is being recorded. Kal has a PADD with notes that she refers to occasionally.
CMDR. KAL: You've never actually stepped foot on Nelvana Three.
CMDR. L'MAR: That's right.
CMDR. KAL [re: PADD]: You were a sector command officer assigned to sector eight-one-five...
CMDR. L'MAR [recognizing ploy]: Eight-one-four.
CMDR. KAL [re: PADD]: Eight-one-four, yes. So your conclusions about the secret base
are solely based on a few files you happened to see in a computer.
CMDR. L'MAR: Massive files, Commander...transport schedules, troop movements... construction reports...
Commander Kal looks over at Lieutenant Mason then back and Commander L'mar.
CMDR. KAL: And where are they? (off her look) All these files? Why not bring the files to prove what you're saying?
CMDR. L'MAR: It was not a simple matter of just taking them... Romulan security is unmatched...
LT. MASON: And yet you managed to get across the Neutral Zone in a one man ship, and was able to reach us quite an impressive achievement.
CMDR. L'MAR: I saw an opportunity... I took it... by the time they realized I had the scout ship... it was too late...
LT. MASON: Do you expect anything out of this for yourself?
CMDR. L'MAR [reacts]: The idea of a Romulan pursuing a noble cause is impossible, I suppose.
LT. MASON: It was only a question.
CMDR. L'MAR (getting angry]: Do you realize I have given up my life for this? I can never
go back. Do you think I did this for wealth, a new home, what?
CMDR. KAL: We're trying to get to the truth here, Commander.
CMDR. L'MAR: You have the truth before you. You are too blind to see it. [softly] I have seen enough bloodshed for one lifetime.
CMDR. KAL [not buying it]: So have we all.
CMDR. L'MAR [with sudden passion]: Then do as I ask! I know how difficult it is for you to believe me. I feel the same suspicions toward you. But we must look beyond our long-standing animosity and work toward the good of both our people.
He reaches out with both hands, palms upward in a gesture of supplication.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
At the engineering console the monitor shows the Romulan warbird chasing the scout ship.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Slow playback. Display engine logs and power data of both vessels.
The picture slows... the computer adds a graphic overlay that identifies the speed and power of both Romulan vessels...As Captain Martin, Lieutenant Sito, Commander T'Mir, and Doctor Langford are watching.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Now... look what happens at zero-nine-five-four-three-three on the clock...The scout has sustained engine damage, forcing him to slow to point six one five impulse power. The warship should overtake him, but it doesn't. Now, just two point six seconds later, the warbird slows to precisely the same speed. Three times, three speed fluctuations. The warship kept its distance every time. I don't think they wanted to catch up.
DR. LANGFORD: And yet they fired at the scout ship. They could have killed him.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Not necessarily, Doctor. The Romulans have the same capability to direct the impact of their weapons as we do.
LT. SITO: So you're saying that they could of lowered the power of the disruptors to give him what a love tap?
CAPT. MARTIN: Pete, is there any possibility his wound was self-inflicted?
DR. LANGFORD: They're very bad burns. I hardly think...
CAPT. MARTIN: A possibility...
Peter sighs, forced to acknowledge the possibility. Looking at the monitor again... on Martin, realizing the import of this..
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
CAPT. MARTIN [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 53965.1, We're holding a position at the Neutral Zone border proximate to Nelvana Three. If our guest is telling the truth, there are twenty one hours left before the Romulan base becomes functional
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Martin sits in the chair behind the desk as the transmission from his father aboard his flagship.
VICE ADM. MARTIN [monitor]: The Monitor and the Hood are headed in your direction though
they will arrive too late to be of assistance. Warnings have gone out to all outposts along the
border... as well as several independent vessels in nearby sectors. (a beat) No one here wants a war, John''
John sipping a cup of Earl Grey Tea as we can tell that his father has a grim look on his face.
VICE ADM. MARTIN [monitor]: But we are prepared to take them on if that's what they want. All Federation starships have been placed on Yellow Alert
John tenses up as he's aware the Enterprise has moved closer to war. There is a chime.
CAPT. MARTIN: Come.
Doors opened and Commander T'Mir enters.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: You wanted to see me sir?
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes T'Mir please have a seat.
Commander T'Mir sits at a chair in front of the desk.
CAPT. MARTIN: I want you to prepare a class one probe. Set the sensors for maximum scan. I want every meter of Nelvana Three monitored.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Very well Captain is there anything else?
CAPT. MARTIN: How's the crew spirits?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: They are concerned, of course, Captain, but confident. Do you not see that, sir? 
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes I do see it T'Mir.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Is there anything else Captain?
CAPT. MARTIN: That's be all T'Mir.
Commander T'Mir leaves the ready room.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DEBRIEFING ROOM
Commander L'mar is tired of questions.
CMDR. L'MAR: Why must we waste time playing this ridiculous game? 
LT. MASON: There's more here than you're telling us. You're forcing yourself to hold back. 
CMDR. T'MAR: I have told you everything relevant about Nelvana Three. 
LT. MASON: I'm not talking about the base. 
CMDR. L'MAR: The base is all that matters. 
CMDR. KAL: You're lying, Setal. 
CMDR. L'MAR: Go to Nelvana Three, and you will see. 
CMDR. KAL: We're not going anywhere until we get to the truth You're a spy, aren't you? 
CMDR. L'MAR: No. 
CMDR. KAL: Then prove it. You can begin by telling me something about the location and strength of the Romulan fleet. 
CMDR. L'MAR: I don't know it. 
CMDR. KAL: You're a sector commander.
CMDR. L'MAR: For one sector only.
CMDR. KAL: Who's your superior officer?
CMDR. L'MAR: General Tomalak.
LT. MASON: How do we break the deflectors of the base?
CMDR. L'MAR: I don't know.
CMDR. KAL: The location and strength of the Romulan fleet. 
CMDR. L'MAR: Irrelevant. 
LT. MASON: The number of troops under your general's command? 
SETAL: Irrelevant. Irrelevant. 
CMDR. KAL: I guess you're right. It's not worth playing this game. 
CMDR. L'MAR: What a fool I've been. To come looking for courage in a lair of cowards. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Martin is inputting commands into the right arm rest console.
LT. SITO: Sensors are configured for planetary probe, sir. Ready for launch.
CAPT. MARTIN: Proceed.
Lieutenant Sito launched the probe.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
A shot of the forward launcher as the probe is launched.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. MARTIN: Sito, coordinate your analysis with Commander. I want this report with dispatch. 
LT. SITO: Aye, sir.
Sito leaves the bridge.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING
Commander James and Lieutenant Sito are reviewing the sensor probe data.
LT. SITO: Sensor scans are coming in now Commander.
Commander James is with her at one of the consoles.
LTCMDR. JAMES: I don't know, Sito. My gut tells me we ought to be listening to what this guy's trying to tell us. 
LT. SITO: It is because of T'Mir's past with this guy?
LTCMDR. JAMES: No not really.
LT. SITO: Then what is it Court?
LTCMDR. JAMES: It's just that with the war scars from the Dominion War.
Commander James reacts a beat, then, noticing on her console...
LTCMDR. JAMES: Hello.
[END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT]
===Act Four===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Commander James and Lieutenant Sito. They are revealing the surprising results of their probe analysis.
LT. SITO: As the probe went into orbit around Nelvana Three, it began picking up low level subspace radio emissions. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Could they be naturally occurring?
LT. SITO: No, sir. The patterns are clearly artificial.
LTCMDR. JAMES: The signal was so faint our ship sensors couldn't read it from this distance.
CAPT. MARTIN: Can we decode it?
LT. SITO: T'Mir is working on it.
CAPT. MARTIN: What about the planet surface? 
LTCMDR. JAMES: Reading nothing but barren rock. I don't know. They might be able to hide a base from our probe. Its capabilities are limited. The only way we'll know for sure is if we go and take a look for ourselves. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
L'mar sits at table drinking a cup of Romulan Ale as the doors chimed.
CMDR. L'MAR: Enter.
Doors opened and Captain Martin enters.
CMDR. L'MAR: Ah, Captain Martin I was wondering when I would speak with you.
John walks over to him.
CAPT. MARTIN: How's the drink?
CMDR. L'MAR: A fair approximation. Somewhat lacking in aroma. Real kali-fal should forcibly open one's sinuses well before the first sip. 
CAPT. MARTIN: We don't have much experience in replicating Romulan beverages.
CMDR. L'MAR: Too bad.
CAPT. MARTIN: The briefing my officers conducted revealed a lot about you Commander.
CMDR. L'MAR: And I have learned a lot about you Captain.
Captain Martin paces about.
CAPT. MARTIN: You see, I'm just not convinced that you are telling the truth.
CMDR. L'MAR: What must I do?
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: You must convince me. If I had irrefutable evidence? But you did not bring irrefutable evidence. You brought no evidence at all. Now, here, you are not the man you claimed to be. Admiral, your credibility is stretched beyond belief. A Romulan defector is almost a contradiction in terms. But Commander Telek L'mar crossing the lines? 
CMDR. L'MAR: I explained my motives to your interrogators.
CAPT. MARTIN: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Peace in our galaxy. Except, Commander, you are not a man of peace. Your military record, what we know of it, is clear.
CMDR. L'MAR: I am not proud of what I had to do.
CAPT. MARTIN: Am I to decide? Your good word? Are you willing to help us overpower the Romulan B-type warbirds we may encounter? Are you prepared to help us detect them through their cloaking shields? You see my problem, Admiral. You ask us for faith in circumstances which are hardly possible to believe, compounded by lies and your refusal to tell us all you know. 
CMDR. L'MAR: I cannot betray my people I am not Commander T'Mir.
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander T'Mir was sent to Federation along with her mother, you've already betrayed your people, Commander. You've made your choices, sir. You're a traitor. Now, if the bitter taste of that is unpalatable to you, I am truly sorry. But I will not risk the lives of my crew because you think you can dance on the edge of the Neutral Zone. You've crossed over, Admiral. You make yourself comfortable with that.
Commander L'mar swallows hard, he knows he cannot ride the fence much longer. He jumps off it in an odd direction...
CMDR. L'MAR: Do you have any children, Captain Martin? A family? 
CAPT. MARTIN [nods]: Yes two daughters both in Starfleet as well as a sister and a girlfriend, what about you?
CMDR. L'MAR: Two little girls.
Commander L'mar continues.
CMDR. L'MAR: It is for them that I am here. Not to destroy the Romulan Empire, but to save it. 
John let's him continue.
CMDR. L'MAR: For months, I tried to persuade the high command that another war would destroy the empire. They grew tired of my arguments, and finally censored me, sent me off to command a distant sector. This was my only recourse. I will never see my children smile again, Captain. They will grow up believing their father was a traitor. But they will grow up.
(beat) If you act, Martin. If we stop the war before it begins...
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
The senior staff except for Lieutenant Kaye are around the table as Captain Martin enters.
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander L'mar has provided me with the locations, strengths and tactical plans of the Romulan fleet.
Everyone there is surprised.
CAPT. MARTIN: Courtney you and T'Mir will be provided data regarding engines, weapons and the cloaking systems of the warbird class starship. But I believe his experience as a field commander will be more valuable for its strategic sense than in the technical areas. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: Any edge will help.
CAPT. MARTIN: Don't depend on it. For all we know, he may still be lying, but we shall find that out soon enough. Jane, set course for Nelvana Three.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise holding at the Neutral Zone border.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [voice over]: Second officer's log, supplemental. We are prepared to enter the Neutral Zone in direct violation of the Treaty of Algeron
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTCMDR. T'MIR [voice over, continuing]: Presuming Romulan warships are cloaked and monitoring us, we expect heavy resistance as we approach Nelvana Three
Martin in command...Sito at Ops...Mason at Tactical...Kal is conferring with Kaye at Conn...
CMDR. KAL: Course plotted and laid in.
LT. SITO: All decks show condition red.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Engineering ready, sir.
LT MASON: Defensive systems ready sir.
Captain Martin sit in the Captain's chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: Hit it.
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise leaps into warp.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise is at high warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
Commander L'mar , sitting on his bed, lost in his personal agony... glances out his window...
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. KAL: Tactical?
LT. MASON: Nothing on sensors. 
CMDR. KAL: This is to easy.
CAPT. MARTIN: Agreed.
Commander T'Mir looks over from her station.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Captain, it's possible that they maybe busy with the civil war currently going on.
LT. KAYE: Approaching the Nelvana system.
CAPT. MARTIN: Slow to impulse.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
EXT-NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, NELVANA SYSTEM
Enterprise approaches Nelvana III.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
Commander L'mar wait and wonders.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commander Kal moves to look over Mason's shoulder as he continues to monitor the tactical sensors.
CMDR. KAL: Nelvana III on screen.
Transparent viewer shows Nelvana III a dull, uninteresting rock... slowly approaches. Kal
moves back to Martin...
CMDR. KAL: Still no sign of them on sensors...(beat, trace of discomfort) In a way, I'd rather be fighting my way there... it's too damned easy.
CAPT. MARTIN: Prepare to enter standard orbit.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
EXT-NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, NELVANA SYSTEM, NELVANA III ORBIT
Enterprise moves into orbit Nelvana Three.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Martin gets up from the Captain's chair and walks behind the ops and helm stations as the transparent viewer shows the planet.
CAPT. MARTIN: Sito?
LT. SITO: Scanning the planet, sir. No life forms, no power sources, no weapons systems.
CMDR. KAL [confused]: No base?
LT. SITO: No, ma'am.
CAPT. MARTIN: The subspace signal the probe detected? The ionization disturbances?
LT. SITO: I am picking them up, sir, but I can't identify the source. They seem to be moving in an orbital path with an eight hundred kilometer apogee.
Then T'Mir chimes in.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Captain, believe these are Romulan probes.
CAPT. MARTIN [to com]: Security bring Commander L'mar to the bridge on the double.
CMDR. KAL: Maybe they abandoned the planet after he defected.
LT. SITO: There is no scarring on the planet surface that would denote heavy construction of any kind.
CMDR. KAL: A cloaking device of some sort, to hide the entire base? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: A cloaking device operating on the surface would be given away by visible distortion effects.
A security guard arrives with Jarok. They look at him a beat as he ENTERS...as though he will now reveal the truth. He doesn't.
CAPT. MARTIN: Perhaps you'd care to explain why we're here, Commander.
Off his reaction...
CMDR. KAL: There doesn't appear to be a base. 
CMDR. L'MAR [shocked]: I-I don't understand?
CAPT. MARTIN: Nelvana Three, Commander. No base, no weapons, no sign of any life at all.
CMDR. L'MAR [confused]: But I saw the tactical communiqués. The records. Timetables for completion. An entire legion was assigned to the section.
CAPT. MARTIN: Is it possible they could have been feeding you disinformation? You said that you had been censured. Reassigned, four months ago. They knew of your dissatisfaction. Could all this have been to test your loyalty?
CMDR. L'MAR: No. No. It's impossible. 
CAPT. MARTIN: They let you escape with an arsenal of worthless secrets...what other explanation is there?
CMDR. KAL: Permission to withdraw from the Neutral Zone?
CAPT. MARTIN: Granted.
They go back to the two chairs.
CMDR. KAL: Jamie, bring her round one hundred and eighty degrees. Courtney, get us out of here.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: I hear you Commander
EXT-NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise Turning course... but as it turns suddenly two Romulan warbirds UNCLOAK...
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Two Romulan warships uncloaking. Coordinates...(no time for that) They're firing photon torpedoes...
CAPT. MARTIN: All power to deflectors!
WHUMPH!
WHUMPH!
EXT-NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The two Romulan warbirds fire at the Enterprise.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Deflectors holding.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Minor damage in the secondary hull
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. JAMES [to com]: Power transfer fields may be pinched off.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Working on it
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Captain?
CAPT. MARTIN: Not yet, Mister Mason. This is just a tap on the shoulder, or we wouldn't be here talking about it. 
Lieutenant Mason works at the tactical console.
LT. MASON: The Romulans are hailing us. 
Captain Martin looks at Commander Kal and gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: On screen.
The transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan warbird as it reveals General Tomalak, the smug bastard who confronted Captain Martin.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: Ah, Captain Martin I hardly expected to see you again so soon. It
seems this time you are the one who has made an aggressive move across the Neutral Zone...''
CAPT. MARTIN: General Tomalak, as I'm sure you already know, we were responding to a warnings of Romulan incursions at Nelvana Three. 
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: But, Captain, as you can see, there is no incursion
CAPT. MARTIN: There is the matter of an unidentified subspace radio emission... and ionization disturbances...
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: Ah, you must mean our orbiting probe. We are studying Nelvana Three for archaeological research
CAPT. MARTIN [hands behind his back]: With a cloaked satellite?
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: Really, Captain, would you have us believe this satellite is an excuse for your aggressive charge across the Neutral Zone?
CAPT. MARTIN [tensed up]: Believe whatever you wish, Tomalak. We will be on our way.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: Without even an apology, Captain?
Captain Martin is furious.
CAPT. MARTIN: If an apology will do, I will offer it.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: I'm afraid it won't. So I will save you the humiliation
CAPT. MARTIN: Get to it Tomalak!
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: You see, Picard, after we dissect your Enterprise for every precious
bit of information, I plan to display its broken hull in the center of the Romulan capitol as
a symbol of our victory. It will inspire our armies for generations to come and serve as a warning to any other traitor who would create ripples of disloyalty''
L'mar now understands what has happened... cannot hold it in any longer... moving forward to confront Tomalak...
CMDR. L'MAR: All the communiques, the records, the timetables... they were fiction, written for my benefit...it was all a... a test... a test of my loyalty... and you used me to lure the Enterprise into the Neutral Zone.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: First, Captain, you will return the traitors, T'Mir and L'mar... then you will surrender as prisoners of war...
CAPT. MARTIN: Commander T'Mir is a member of my crew and you'll have to take it up with her mother.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: You have thirty seconds to decide.
Captain Martin walks to the Captain's chair and sits in the Captain's chair.
CAPT. MARTIN: I don't require one second.
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: Captain Picard, I urge you. Surrender. Consider the men and
women you would lead into a lost cause.
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: If the cause is just and honorable, they are prepared to give their lives. Are you prepared to die today, Tomalak? 
GEN. TOMALAK [viewer]: I expected more from you than an idle threat, Martin
CAPT. MARTIN [smiles]: Then you shall have it. Mister Mason. 
Lieutenant Mason presses a panel on the tactical command sending a signal that results in --
CUT TO:
EXT-NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
A Klingon Neg'var-class battle cruiser and two Klingon Bird of prey cruisers decloaked.
INT-IKS NEG'VAR MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CHANCELLOR MARTOK: This is Chancellor Martok you will cease your hostile actions or face the wrath of this battle cruiser.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. MARTIN: What shall it be, Tomalak? 
Tomalak looks long and hard at Martin...
GEN. TOMALAK [on viewscreen]: You will still not survive our assault
CAPT. MARTIN: You will not survive ours. Shall we die together? 
GEN. TOMALAK [on viewscreen]: I look forward to our next meeting, Captain
He nods a nod of respect a la the Red Baron... and the transmission disappears, returns to starfield, showing the five ships.
LT. MASON: Romulan disruptors powering down Captain.
CAPT. MARTIN [sighs]: Stand down from red alert and send my regards to Chancellor Martok, Jamie set course for Starbase 157.
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir.
Commander Kal pausing to note L'mar, the man who cannot go home again. Slow push to him...
CMDR. L'MAR: I did it for nothing. My home, my family. For nothing.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE DECK NINE CORRIDOR
Captain Martin and Commander T'Mir urgently on the move... reaching an doorway where a guard stands... several medical technicians, Beverly and Kal are already inside....
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE GUEST QUARTERS
Both Martin and T'Mir enter as they see Commander L'mar on the bed, dead, lying face up, eyes closed	at peace. To Martin as he ENTERS --
DR. LANGFORD [sighs]: He ingested a Felodesine chip. He must have brought it with him. I'm sorry, Captain. There was no antidote. 
Kal hands him a PADD.
CMDR. KAL: A letter to his wife and daughters.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Sir, he must have known it would be impossible for us to deliver this. 
CAPT. MARTIN: Today, perhaps. But if there are others with the courage of Commander L'mar, we may hope to see a day of peace when we can take his letter home.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise approaches Starbase 157.
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
John Martin 	Jarvis Davidson 	Captain 	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Jane Kal 	Felecia Linkous 	Lieutenant Commander	Executive Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Jack Mason 	Kevin Regan 	Lieutenant 	Chief Tactical, Security Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Courtney James	Ferne Myers 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Peter Langford	Jacob Elliot 	Lieutenant 	Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Jamie Kaye 	Delena "Dee" Lusk	Lieutenant 	Chief Helm Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Sito Jaxa 	Sadie Brickhouse 	Lieutenant 	Chief Operations Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
T'Mir 	Becky Elliot 	Lieutenant Commander	Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
===Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s)	Rank 	Position
Harris Payne 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Assistance Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Elisa Sheridan 	TBA 	Lieutenant Junior Grade	Assistance Chief Science Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Kayla Mackenzie 	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Transporter Chief, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
Laurel Takahashi	TBA 	Lieutenant 	Assistance Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
===Special Guest Stars===
Character 	Actor(s) 	Rank 	Position
James Martin	Michael L. King	Vice Admiral	Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Korolev NCC-1421
Martok 	TBA 	Chancellor 	Klingon High Chancellor, Commanding officer, IKS Neg'var
Telek L'mar 	TBA 	Commander 	Romulan Defector
Tomalak 	TBA 	General 	Commanding Officer, IRW Terix
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3 episode of the same name.
*First appearance of James Martin