The Chakuun Returns (Archer episode)

The Chakuun Returns is the 4th of Star Trek: Archer Archer Season 1.
==Synopsis==
Captain Branson must find unconventional Starfleet methods to deal with a malevolent force that attacks the USS Archer.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Archer is at warp speed.
LT. MASON'S [voice over]: Chief Security's log Stardate 47854.3, The Archer is currently en route to deliver an atmospheric processor upgrade to Finibus III. Without our assistance, the air on this remote colony will become unbreathable in a matter of weeks. As we prepare for our arrival, we pause to remember Starfleet Remembrance Day
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER LIEUTENANT MASON AND COMMANDER JAMES'S QUARTERS
Jack looks at the pin of the USS Johnson as Captain Branson's voice comes over the com.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: All hands this is your Captain speaking we pause to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty, friends, family, brother's sisters husbands wives
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER VARIOUS DECKS
The crew are wearing different pins of the ships they served on when they lost a fellow officer as Captain Branson's speech continues.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (com voice): Today we remember the friends and comrades we lost. Exploration can exact a heavy toll. As captain, there is no loss more devastating than that of a crew member. Remembrance Day is about them. Those of us left behind wear the insignia of past ships on which we served together. As we honor the lives that have been given, let us also be grateful to be still on the journey
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair wearing the Starfleet pin of the USS Saratoga.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We will not forget their sacrifice and we will honor them continue to remember them Branson out.
He ends the ship-wide.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK EIGHT CORRIDOR
Commander James and Lieutenant Smith are heading to Cargo Bay 2 in order to check on the ACP processor.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Thanks for coming with me to check on the atmospheric processor.
LTJG. SMITH: You're welcome Courtney.
LTCMDR. JAMES: It never ceases to amaze me at how Starfleet is still using these devices to run their life-support systems.
LTJG. SMITH: Well, till we find away to counter the effects of the Brown Dwarf we'll have to make due.
LTCMDR. JAMES: True.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
Archer slows to impulse speed as her nacelles lower to their original position.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE
Doors open as Lieutenant Mason walks onto the bridge and assume his station.
LT. CARLSON: We're approaching Finibus III now sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Standard orbit.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM, FINIBUS III ORBIT
Archer approaches the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the planet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Where's the welcome wagon?
Ensign Christina turns to report.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Sir, Finibus Three is still not responding to any hails.
Captain Branson feels a bit unsettled.
CAPT. BRANSON: When was their last transmission?
She checks the log and reports.
ENS. CHRISTINA: According to the log three days ago.
LTCMDR. KAL: What could be blocking their transmissions?
ENS. CHRISTINA: Unknown Commander.
Then T'Shara reports.
LTJG. T'SHARA: I have been monitoring radio wave interference emanating from a large brown dwarf in close proximity.
Captain Branson turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is that what's jamming the signal?
LTJG. T'SHARA: Possible. Let me adjust sensors. The brown dwarf does not appear to be the problem, Captain. Finibus Three is not responding because the colony's communications satellite has been destroyed.
Captain Branson gets up from the command chair and walks over to her station.
CAPT. BRANSON: What do you mean destroyed who would want to destroy a communications satellite?
LTJG. T'SHARA: Unknown.
Captain Branson turns to his crew.
CAPT. BRANSON: All right. Report it to Starfleet. Protocol now is we investigate, make contact on the ground. Go slow. No assumptions until we gather more intel.
LTCMDR. KAL: I'll prep a landing party Mister Mason.
Lieutenant Mason leaves his tactical station and follows Commander Kal into the turbo-lift.
CUT TO:
EXT-FINIBUS III COLONY SURFACE, NIGHT
The landing party materializes and they activate their flashlights on their phaser rifles and head out.
LTCMDR. KAL: Ensign Todd anything?
ENS. TODD (re: Tricorder): No, ma'am.
ENS. HOLIDAY: How is that possible there was over 1,234 people on this colony?
ENS. TODD: An evacuation?
LT. MASON: Rushed under fire those are blast marks.
Then they hear something Commander Kal gives them the military hand gesture to spread out and search for it, they head somewhere and she continues the silent hand gestures and the strike team moves quietly. So far they've not found anyone just destruction everywhere then they get to where there's nothing but blood streaks.
LT. MASON: The bodies were all dragged here.
LTCMDR. KAL: So where are they?
LT. MASON: Unknown.
CAPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Archer to Away Team
Commander Kal tapped her combadge.
LTCMDR. KAL: Kal here go ahead.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the transport vessel approaching.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): We've got an unidentified ship on approach.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Aye, sir we're ready to beam back now.
ENS. CHRISTINA: The Away Team has beamed back to the ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yellow alert.
Lights changed from condition green to condition yellow as the yellow lights start flashing as Ensign Christina reports.
ENS. CHRISTINA: We're being hailed.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the inside of the Cargo vessel.
DR. THADIE (viewer): Thank God. You're Starfleet
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship USS Archer and you are?
DR. THADIE (viewer): Professor Thandie of Finibus Three. My apologies, but I needed to be sure
CAPT. BRANSON: What's your status?
DR. THADIE (viewer): Most of us are injured. This is a cargo vessel. Life support is overextended
CAPT. BRANSON: Prepare yourselves to transport aboard the Archer.
DR. THADIE (viewer): Uh, Captain, this ship is used for hauling radioactive ore. The hull is transport resistant
LTJG. T'SHARA: Confirmed sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come along our port side we'll dock with your vessel.
DR. THADIE [viewer]: Ok
Transmission ends.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
Archer is docked with the transport vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR [YELLOW ALERT]
Commander Kal and Lieutenant Mason are there along with a medical team.
LTCMDR. KAL: Can you explain what happened?
DR. THADIE: A blast from the sky took out our main colony structure. We then all heard a loud ringing sound. Everything gets blurry after that.
LTCMDR. KAL: Go get that arm looked at.
She's led away by a medical officer as both Commander Kal and Lieutenant Mason are chatting about what's going on.
LTCMDR. KAL: Ringing maybe an ultrasonic cannon? Rain on fire. Sub-orbital plasma bombardment.
LT. MASON: No ships on our sensors, but my gut is telling me something's off.
YOUNG MOTHER (O.S): Fig come back here no.
LT. MASON: Hey, hey what's wrong?
FIG [scared]: We have to hide the Monsters are going to get us.
YOUNG MOTHER: Sweetie there's no monsters here.
LT. MASON: What monsters?
FIG [scared]: The ones that took daddy.
YOUNG WOMAN: It was awful.
LT. MASON: What did you see Fig?
Fig looks at her mother who nods.
FIG: I-I couldn't see them it was dark but they made a noise like this.
She starts clicking her tounge and the hairs on the back of Jack's neck raise as he's stunned by what he's hearing.
LT. MASON [to com]: Mason to bridge we need to scan the area for polarized EM signatures.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LT. MASON [com voice]: Quickly
Captain Branson looks over at Ops and nods at Christina who gets to work.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR [YELLOW ALERT]
Commander Kal looks at him.
LTCMDR. KAL: Jack, what are you getting at?
LT. MASON: I'm not sure.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
ENS. CHRISTINA: Captain, sensors are detecting a slight optical distortion near the second moon a hologram, sir.
Captain Branson tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jack we found something behind the second moon it appears to be a hologram of some sort.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR [YELLOW ALERT]
Camera pushes in on Jack as he's shocked.
LT. MASON [to com]: We need to power weapons now!
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Battle stations raise deflectors!
LT. CARLSON: We can't the transport tube is still extended.
LTJG. T'SHARA: We can't raise the deflectors with the transport tube extended sir.
Captain Branson still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Oh, no.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
Archer is at station keeping as a Chakuun Ghost-ship approaches the Archer.
INT-USS ARCHER TRANSPORT TUBE
Jack sees the vessel.
LTCMDR. KAL: Jack move!
LT. MASON (shocked): Its the Chakuun.
She grabs him quickly.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
The Chakuun cruiser fires at the Archer scoring deadly hits on the vessel's port side causing explosions to erupt and then destroys the transport tube along with the cargo vessel and it flies over the Archer.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
=====
Theme Song:
======
STAR TREK: ARCHER
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
======
The Archer flies over the rings of a Gas Giant.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
The Archer travels through a dust cloud.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. JANE KAL
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
Archer flies by Starbase 212
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. KARA CARLSON
The Archer flies by an asteroid field
SADIE WAYMIRE
 AS
LTJG. JULIA SMITH
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTJG. T'SHARA
Archer flies over Earth her nacelles rise up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK SEVEN CORRIDOR [BATTLE DAMAGED, RED ALERT]
Jack is laying against the bulkhead as Nurse Takahashi is scanning him with a medical tricorder as he comes to.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: You're alright next.
She helps an officer to sickbay as Jack gets up from the bulkhead and sees Jane wounded.
LT. MASON: Commander?
LTCMDR. KAL: I'm good its just a scratch.
Doctor Carlson rushes over to her.
DR. CARLSON: Come on let's get you to sickbay for a full medical work up I'll take good care of her Lieutenant get to the bridge and make them stop shooting at us.
Jack heads for the bridge.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
The Chakuun cruiser continues its assault on the Archer hitting her deflectors making them flicker.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to main cargo bay warp drive is down Court.
INT-USS ARCHER MAIN CARGO BAY [RED ALERT]
Commander James is at the AP Processor console.
LTCMDR. JAMES (to com): Securing the processor first, Captain. It's not safe under fire.
CAPT. BRANSON (com voice): Do it and then get to main engineering we need warp drive as soon as you can get it back
LTCMDR. JAMES (to com): Will do James out Lieutenant I need you to secure those lines there.
LTJG. SMITH: On it.
Then an explosion erupts.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Sparks erupt from the ceiling as the turbo-lift doors opened and Lieutenant Mason takes the tactical console.
LT. MASON: Deflectors are down to seventy-eight percent!
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything?
Ensign Christina checks her console read out.
ENS. CHRISTINA: No response to hails.
CAPT. BRANSON: How fast can you push impulse?
Lieutenant Carlson is checking her read out.
LT. CARLSON: The Starboard nacelle is half damaged so I say about half impulse speed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Take us to Patten Echo Zeta.
Lieutenant Mason looks up from his console.
LT. MASON: Sir that's an offensive pattern.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know.
LT. MASON: No, sir we have to retreat we can't fight them.
He walks over to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Confirmed sightings are rare, and they have never ventured - into Federation sp...
LT. MASON: Its the Chakuun.
Everyone on the bridge is quiet.
LT. MASON: Its the Chakuun sir its them.
WHUMPH! Lights flicker along with console screens.
CAPT. BRANSON: Why would they venture this far into Federation Space it makes no sense?
LT. MASON: This was a trap. The hologram, the colonists as bait they waited for us to be vulnerable. We're too damaged to stand and fight. It's what they do first run you down, use up your resources.
CAPT. BRANSON: Tire us out smart tactic.
Lieutenant Mason is leaning on his console.
LT. MASON: And deadly.
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Deflectors are down to sixty percent!
Captain Branson walks over to T'Shara.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara That brown dwarf that you mentioned before it's, uh, pretty much a gas giant, right? Where exactly is it?
T'SHARA checks her scanners and reports.
LTJG. T'SHARA: 200 kilometers from our present position. But Captain, it is tethered in orbit around a black hole.
Lieutenant Carlson turns to face her.
LT. CARLSON: Like, how big of a black hole?
Captain Branson looks at her.
CAPT. BRANSON: One problem at a time.
Captain Branson looks over at T'Shara.
CAPT. BRANSON: Can we maneuver inside the brown dwarf?
LTJG. T'SHARA: While technically possible, there are a number of dangers involved.
WHUMPH!
LT. MASON: Deflectors down to 40%
CAPT. BRANSON: Bottom-line it for me?
LTJG. T'SHARA: The central mass of the brown dwarf has a density that will crush the entire ship. Surrounding that is a volatile gas cloud.
CAPT. BRANSON: How volatile?
LTJG. T'SHARA: Archer will need to lower its electrical output. Primary and auxiliary systems need to go off-line. We will lose sensors, optics, long-range communications and, most importantly, the deflectors.
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll be running dark.
LT. CARLSON [worried]: That sounds.
CAPT. BRANSON: Perfect.
Lieutenant Carlson looks over at Captain Branson.
CAPT. BRANSON: Anything following us will have to do the same. If you're right, it's our best shot. You're the acting XO again. Do you concur?
LT. MASON: Yes, sir.
Captain Branson walks to his command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara set a course full impulse on T'Shara's mark.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir. Full impulse. Into a giant gas cloud of death. Why not?
She inputs commands into the helm station as John looks at her.
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
The Archer speeds towards the gas giant as the Chakuun cruiser fires at the ship.
INT-USS ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH!
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, sickbay and their cargo stores to direct fire so did the main cargo bay.
Lieutenant Mason is shocked by what T'Shara just said.
CAPT. BRANSON: Focus Mister Mason.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ARCHER MAIN CARGO BAY [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Debris is everywhere as coolant vents and fires are plumping as Lieutenant Smith wakes up, and slowly gets up as to not make her situation worse with her headache.
LTJG. SMITH: COURTNEY!, COURT!
She hears groaning as she goes over to Courtney who's on the floor she removes the debris from her and helps her up.
LTCMDR. JAMES (groans): Oh my head what hit me?
LTJG. SMITH: More then half of the main cargo bay how are you feeling?
LTCMDR. JAMES: Like a shuttle craft landed on my head but I'll be alright just give me a moment.
Then they hear the AP Processor powers up and alarm blares.
COMPUTER VOICE: Warning coolant pressure at 30 millimeters and climbing
LTJG. SMITH: That's not good.
LTCMDR. JAMES: No its not.
[END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-BROWN DWARF CLOUD
The Archer is fleeing from the Chakuun Ghost-ship.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER BRIEFING ROOM [RED ALERT]
Both Commander James, Lieutenant Smith and Doctor Carlson are on the monitor.
CAPT. BRANSON: How long till it blows?
LTCMDR. JAMES (monitor): I have time to stabilize it before it will explode
LTJG. T'SHARA: An explosion of that magnitude w Would consume the Enterprise in an atomic blast.
LTJG. SMITH (monitor): Sounds bad
LT. MASON: Yeah it is.
CAPT. BRANSON: Transporters are off-line so sit tight we'll have a damage control team come and get you in a few hours.
LTCMDR. JAMES (monitor): In the meantime I'll try to repair the AP Processor
Transmission ends and its just Doctor Carlson on the monitor.
CAPT. BRANSON: It is me or is it a bit toasty in here?
LTJG. T'SHARA: The ionic gas surrounding the ship is overwhelming climate controls. Many systems are down. Including Sickbay.
DR. CARLSON (monitor): Everything is off-line. We're stabilizing patients, but without medical systems, no one is getting better. It's triage
CAPT. BRANSON: Causalities?
DR. CARLSON (monitor): Yes, Captain nine confirmed
John says a prayer for those that were killed.
CAPT. BRANSON: How's Jane?
DR. CARLSON (monitor): She reports that she's fine. She's on her way in. I haven't had time to check her yet. We're still playing catch-up. I've activated all backup medical personnel, but what I really need down here are supplies.
NURSE TAKAHASHI (O.S. monitor): Doctor I need some help here!
DR. CARLSON (monitor): Sorry I've got to go I'll try to keep you posted
CAPT. BRANSON (sighs): Thanks Doc.
Transmission ends.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER SICKBAY [RED ALERT]
Commander Kal enters holding her stomach and she collapsed to the floor as Laurel rushes to her.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: DOCTOR!
Doctor Carlson rushes over as well.
DR. CARLSON: You said you were fine.
LTCMDR. KAL: I was mistaken.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: These are pretty deep and we can't power the surgical bay.
Steven thinks then turns to her.
DR. CARLSON: If I recall, you have an interest in archeological medicine. How good are you at sewing?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Aces.
Commander Kal is a bit worried.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER BRIEFING ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson turns back to the rest of his senior staff.
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our tactical status?
LT. MASON: No weapons no phasers Deflectors are down to forty-one percent they're recharging but it will take a few hours for them to recharge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Torpedoes?
LT. MASON (sighs): The torpedo bay was hit in the attack. We lost all but one.
LTJG. T'SHARA: The amount is inconsequential. If we fire a torpedo inside the brown dwarf,
the atmospheric composition will cause a failure in the internal systems. It would propel
in a random direction, likely missing its intended target.
LT. CARLSON [scoff]: Only one torpedo how the hell do we fight someone with only one torpedo and no phasers, what do we do throw luggage at them? And the Chakuun really? We're out here fighting the-the boogeyman? No one has even seen one. So how are we supposed to take them on?
CAPT. BRANSON: Not since Fleet Captain Christopher Pike's encounter with them in 2254, what do we know about them?
LTJG. T'SHARA: The Chakuun Empire were a warlike civilization that were conquered by the Tholians and used as their shock troops, in 2254 the Chakuun invaded the Federation.
LT. CARLSON: And since then we've had no contact with them since.
LT. MASON: I've seen them it was when I served onboard the USS Johnson we were on a patrol along their border when they attacked, their first shot knocked out our warp drive second disabled deflectors and weapons they boarded our ship. Killed half of the crew if it wasn't for the Captain's idea to separate the Saucer section I wouldn't be here right now.
CAPT. BRANSON: But if we can talk to them?
LT. MASON [scoffs]: They won't listen to you sir we tried that they took out our EPS conduits with one hit.
Captain Branson turns to face his staff.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright. Be vigilant. Get creative. You're the best of Starfleet. We survive this by working together.
The senior staff gets up and heads to the bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Lieutenant a moment.
Lieutenant Mason remains.
LT. MASON: Sir what do you need we have a situation that needs our full attention.
CAPT. BRANSON: I understand that but I want to address your issue with the Chakuun.
LT. MASON: The enemy doesn't care about my feelings, Captain, so I don't waste my time having any.
Captain Branson puts his hands behind his back.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, that may be true, but it's not looking that way to the crew.
LTJG. MASON: With all due respect, you know me well enough to know that I don't care what the crew thinks. I've always been blunt. That's just who I am. Direct, looking at outcomes, not emotion.
CAPT. BRANSON: And Courtney what about her?
LTJG. MASON: She's the only one that I care about and right now I can't do anything to help her in this situation.
He leaves the briefing room as Captain Branson is worried.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN CARGO BAY [BATTLE DAMAGED, RED ALERT]
Both Commander James and Lieutenant Smith are working to contain the processor's coolant leak.
LTJG. SMITH: This is very, very tough.
LTCMDR. JAMES: We can do it Julia.
They work together.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge from the situation room.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, a moment please?
Captain Branson walks over to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: You've got something T'Shara?
LTJG. T'SHARA: You challenged us to get creative.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes I did.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Computer, run program Vinci 7.
Transparent viewer shows the Enterprise as T'Shara explains.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Primary sensors aren't available. But navigation systems constantly take in
atmospheric data to maintain stability.
LT. CARLSON: Hey I do most of the work.
T'Shara continues to explain.
LTJG. T'SHARA: A ship traveling through the gas cloud creates oscillation in the atmosphere.
These are converted into
 
LT. CARLSON: rotational motions by Coriolis forces. Which the nav-com detects automatically.
 
LTJG. T'SHARA: Marking Coriolis force readings would allow us to triangulate movement inside the gas giant.
John turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: Are you saying that we can track the Chakuun?
LTJG. T'SHARA: Yes.
CAPT. BRANSON: You just turned a compass into a radar good work.
Captain Branson walks over to the Captain and First Office chairs and sits in the Captain's chair and looks over at the middle computer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Range?
ENS. CHRISTINE: 4,000 kilometers off our port bow.
Transparent viewer shows the Archer and the blip of the Chakuun cruiser.
LT. CARLSON: Evasive maneuvers sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: Negative keep her steady helm.
Beeping gets louder as Carlson is getting anxious.
LT. CARLSON (anxious): Preparing to engage the enemy.
Captain Branson looks at Lieutenant Carlson.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep her steady helm.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
The transparent viewer shows the Chakuun ship goes right by the Archer.
CAPT. BRANSON: They can't see us?
LTJG. T'SHARA: It appears they cannot see us.
CAPT. BRANSON: We got them Jack arm a torpedo.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir arming torpedo.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, I must remind you that if you fire a photon torpedo inside a brown dwarf the guidance systems will not work.
CAPT. BRANSON: I don't plan on firing it I plan on shoving it down their throat.
Captain Branson walks over to the helm station.
CAPT. BRANSON: Set a course to pursue the enemy vessel. Quick but quiet, Kara.
LT. CARLSON: That's is my specialty.
EXT-BROWN DWARF CLOUD
Unknown to the Ghost-ship the Archer is quietly sneaking up on the vessel, and is ready to pounce on the Chakuun cruiser.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'SHARA: We are less then one kilometer behind the enemy vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Deploy torpedo.
LT. MASON: Bombs away.
EXT-RED DWARF CLOUD
A close up of the torpedo hatches as the port one opens and the torpedo casing floats out of it and heads towards the Chakuun cruiser.
INT-USS ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Coolant vents from the ceiling as the ship rocks a bit as T'Shara checks her scanners and reports.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Enemy vessel has been destroyed.
Captain Branson leans back in the Command chair breathing a sigh of relief.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work everyone let's get out of here.
Then the transparent viewer shows two Chakuun vessels.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Aw hell more Chakuun vessels three.
CAPT. BRANSON (shocked): They wanted us to fire. They sacrificed an entire ship just to get our location.
LT. CARLSON: Why does that blip look bigger then the rest.
EXT-RED DWARF CLOUD
The two Chakuun vessels are on the port and starboard sides of the larger Chakuun cruiser.
[END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Three on one that's not good we're outgunned we need to run sir.
LTJG. T'SHARA: I concur sir. But if we leave the brown dwarf they will see us. If we go deeper, it could destroy the ship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good thinking T'Shara. We need to go deeper into the brown dwarf.
LTJG. T'SHARA: That is not what I suggested.
Captain Branson walks over to Carlson.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara take us deeper into the red dwarf.
LT. CARLSON: Sure. Didn't our science expert just say that would crush the ship? Just asking, sir.
LTJG. T'SHARA: I did, the pressure against the hull will increase the deeper we go. If we venture too close, the density field will obliterate us.
Captain Branson is at his command chair working on the right arm rest console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Whatever happens to us will also happen to the Chakuun. I believe in Archer. We can outlast them.
LTJG. T'SHARA: There is but one problem with this sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Like what?
LTJG. T'SHARA: The lower decks will be first to take structural damage. Immediate evacuation of all decks below 12.
CAPT. BRANSON: I don't like it as much as you guys do but I'm not letting this crew be slaves to the Chakuun, the Archer has to dive helm take us down.
LT. CARLSON (sighs): Aye, skipper dive, dive, dive.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ARCHER MAIN CARGO BAY [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Both Commander James and Lieutenant Smith are working but then the hull starts to creak.
LTJG. SMITH: Never heard the hull make that sound before.
LTCMDR. JAMES: They must be taking us deeper into the red dwarf cloud.
LTJG. SMITH: Like you said focus on keeping this thing from overloading destroying the ship and killing everyone onboard.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Let's disconnect these rods.
They start disconnecting the damaged rods and reconfiguring the others.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: The lower decks are starting to buckle!
LTJG. T'SHARA: The evacuation is not completed yet.
CAPT. BRANSON: Get those officers out!
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, Decks are collapsing. If we do not seal them off now, loss of pressure could spread to the entire ship.
Captain Branson starts thinking.
CAPT. BRANSON: Seal the bulkheads.
T'Shara seals the bulkheads on the lower decks.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE DECK FOURTEEN CORRIDOR [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Lieutenant Mackenzie sees a wounded officer and goes to him.
LT. MACKENZIE: Hey, hey its alright I got you.
She helps him to his feet and helps him to the otherside of the corridor.
COMPUTER VOICE: Warning, structural collapse in three minutes
SCIENCE OFFICER: Leave me save yourself.
LT. MACKENZIE: Not a chance you're coming with me.
Then the doors start closing as they're an inch closer he pushes Kayla to the otherside as the doors closed sparks erupt from the ceiling.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ENS. CHRISTINA: Hull breach deck 14 but it's been contained with emergency bulkheads.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any causalities?
LTJG. T'SHARA: We lost a crewmen in the explosion.
Captain Branson slumps back in his command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: No I can't believe it.
Lieutenant T'Shara walks over to him.
LTJG. T'SHARA: You made a logical choice John.
Captain Branson turns to her.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then why doesn't it feel like it was T'Shara?
LTJG. T'SHARA: Because you value life.
Then she walks over to her station.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, we're approaching critical hull failure if antimatter chambers become compromised, there will be no ship left to save. 
LT. MASON: Archer can't take much more of this.
CAPT. BRANSON: You said they wanted to take us prisoner, Lieutenant? Well, if they think they're gonna board the Enterprise, they're gonna find one hell of a fight. Battle stations. Make ready for close quarters.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
He inputs commands into his tactical console.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, full stop.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir full stop.
EXT-RED DWARF CLOUD
The Chakuun vessel is crushed by the pressure.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the blip vanish.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Where did it go?
LT. CARLSON: I have no idea.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain. The enemy ship. It appears the Chakuun vessel could not withstand
the atmospheric pressure. It has imploded.
CAPT. BRANSON: We may of found their weakness. Get me a damage report T'Shara, keep scanning for the other two ships. Two down, two to go.
LTJG. SHARA: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER SICKBAY [RED ALERT]
The medical staff are hard at work treating or covering officers and colonists as Doctor Carlson walks over to Commander Kal as Nurse Takahashi is sewing up her wound.
DR. CARLSON: How's it going?
LTCMDR. KAL [groans]: Think I'm a little like Frankenstein's monster, but I'll be all right.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: There's one fragment left. The intrusion on her abdominal aorta.
LTCMDR. KAL [confused]: What are you not telling me?
DR. CARLSON: We need to sedate you. The location of the fragment you're gonna bleed. A lot.
We have just enough plasma, but we're gonna have to give it to you via IV
LTCMDR. KAL: Do I have a choice?
DR. CARLSON: Well, You can decline. Wait for the systems to be online.
NURSE TAKAHASHI: We can take bets on when septic shock will begin. I hear it's like giving
birth out your mouth.
LTCMDR. KAL: Who says that?
NURSE TAKAHASHI: Well, uh me.
LTCMDR. KAL: Give me the gas.
They put a mask on her.
DR. CARLSON: Just breathe slowly.
MEDICAL OFFICER: NURSE! She needs plasma.
LTCMDR. KAL: Give her mine.
DR. CARLSON [worried]: But Commander this is the last one.
NURSE TAKAHASHI [worried]: You're about to lose a massive amount of blood.
LTCMDR. KAL: THAT'S AN ORDER!
She starts fading and she falls asleep as both Carlson and Takahashi are worried about her.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-BROWN DWARF CLOUD
Archer continues on course.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 4032.1, The Archer is currently in the center of a gas giant, hiding from an enemy we've never faced before. So far, three civilians and seven of my crew have lost their lives
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the black hole as the camera pulls back showing Captain Branson with his arms crossed as his log entry continues.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over, continues]: The battle is far from over, but I am determined to keep everyone else alive. My newest obstacle is the presence of a nearby black hole
CAPT. BRANSON: Never been this close to a black hole before but its a first time for everything.
Captain Branson walks back to the command section.
LTJG. T'SHARA: It is a very dangerous object sir.
LT. MASON: As soon as we come out of the cloud the Chakunn will see us and they'll come after us.
Then T'Shara checks her console read out.
LTJG. T'SHARA: The brown dwarf is dissolving too fast.
LT. MASON: We're losing our cover!
CAPT. BRANSON: We don't get out of here pretty fast, we're gonna be sitting ducks.
LT. MASON: Except that last Chakuun ship will be on top of us the instant we leave.
LT. CARLSON: Space really wants us dead?
Captain Branson thinks and comes up with an idea.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then why don't we let space win? T'Shara , could we use the black hole's gravity to slingshot us to safety?
T'Shara thinks and chimes in.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Mathematically, that is possible. But the Chakuun will see us and have the opportunity to pursue us maybe.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maybe, explain gravitational redshift.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Gravitational redshift is an optical illusion that occurs as an object falls into a black hole. The object falls faster than the frequency of light it emits. To any outside observer, it would appear as though the object has stopped just outside the black hole.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ok last question What do snakes, ducks, and possums all have in common?
LT. MASON: When hunted they play dead.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, plot a course to take us close to the event horizon.
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to James, you and Julia have access to EV suits?
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: We do sir but I hate to ask why
Mason looks over at him.
LT. MASON: You're going to slingshot off the black hole and drop the AP 350 as a decoy?
T'Shara turns to him.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Captain, your plan requires flying the Archer into one of the most turbulent phenomenon's in space. Hull integrity is already compromised.
CAPT. BRANSON: She'll hold. The Archer is going to make it. She'll hold.
LT. MASON: We've got this.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Kara, if anyone can surf a wave on a black hole, it's you.
LT. CARLSON: Ah, now you almost make it sound fun.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Girls suit up and strap in we'll vent the hold on my mark.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Aye, sir
EXT-FINIBUS SYSTEM
The USS Yorktown NCC-1717, USS Sagon NCC-506, and the USS Excalibur NCC-26517 emerges from warp and approaches the third planet.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are all at their stations.
LT. CAETANO: Sensors are detecting debris its from a transport vessel the weapons signature is this can't be right checking it's the Chakuun.
Captain Smith tenses up.
CAPT. SMITH [tenses up]: RED ALERT, DEFLECTORS UP!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blares.
INT-USS YORKTOWN VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew heads to their battle stations as weapon lockers light up and security officers armed themselves with hand phasers and the type-III Particle rifles.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. CAETANO: I'm still detecting the ion trail on my nav sensors ma'am.
Captain Smith is worried about her husband and sister.
EXT-RED DWARF CLOUD
The Archer is speeding towards the black hole as the larger Chakuun cruiser is in hot pursuit.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'SHARA: The Chakuun vessel is in pursuit.
LT. CARLSON: They're gaining on us I can't shake them!
Captain Branson goes to his command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Divert all power to the structural integrity grid.
LTJG.. T'SHARA: Aye, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara stand by to vent cargo hold.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Ready!
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign Christina give me ship-wide.
She inputs commands into the communications console.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Attention, this is the captain speaking. Earlier today, we were reminded of the cost of exploration. What it means to chart the stars, to push the boundaries of what is known and what is possible. When we seek out the unknown, we will find things that challenge us. That frighten us. But we do not back down. We do not give in to fear. And I believe today will not be our last mission, but our finest hour. All hands make ready for impact.
LT. CARLSON (sighs): Alright let's go.
She inputs commands into the helm station as the viewer shows the Black Hole and then camera goes back to Captain Branson.
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the black hole.
LT. MASON: Diverting emergency power to deflectors now.
ENS. CHRISTINA: Range 40,000 meters and closing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Standby to vent cargo hold.
LTJG T'SHARA: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
EXT—SPACE NEAR ACCRETION DISK
The Archer is very close to the disk, tiny beside it. It enters the disk, leaving a streak.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Time is passing more slowly as the people continue their efforts, surrounded by explosions. As T'Shara looks for the Chakuun ship on her sensor display, but it isn't there.
CAPT. BRANSON: VENT CARGO HOLD!
Lieutenant T'Shara disengages the force field.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN CARGO HOLD [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
Both Courtney and Julia are strapped to the deck as the air is sucked out of the hold, as the hold is venting Julia's harness starts to lose its grip on the deck and Courtney grabs her arm to prevent her from being sucked out of the hold as well as they see the APC being sucked out into space.
EXT-NEAR ACCRETION DISK
A close up of the opened hatch as pieces of hull plating is being sheared off.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: KARA!
Lieutenant Carlson slowly moves her fingers across her console.
EXT-SPACE OUTSIDE THE BLACK HOLE
The Chakuun vessel awaits the Archer' but an explosion plumps making the Ghost-ship believe it was the Archer and enters warp, on the other side of the black hole The Archer sling-shots out of the disk at very high speed battered and singed, but intact.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTJG. T'SHARA: No sign of the Chakuun.
LT. CARLSON: They've gone away.
CAPT. BRANSON: Show me the main cargo hold.
Transparent viewer shows the cargo hold in a battered state.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Bridge to main cargo bay.
Static comes over the com.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Main Cargo bay respond.
Static comes over the com still Lieutenant Mason leans on his console saddened about Courtney, then the com activates.
LTJG. SMITH (com voice): This is main Cargo bay we're alright
They all breath a sigh of relief.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, dispatch a recovery team.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir we're still here.
CAPT. BRANSON: We're still here.
LT. MASON: But what about next time?
CAPT. BRANSON: It seems they're still working with the Tholians but next time we'll be ready for them.
LTJG. T'SHARA: Sir I'm detecting three vessels they read as Federation vessels USS Yorktown, USS Sagon, and USS Excalibur.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the taskforce.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Archer is being escorted by the taskforce to the nearest Starbase for some much needed repairs as well as treatment for their wounded.
LT. MASON'S (voice over): Personal log, stardate 47477.9. Today, the Archer encountered the Chakuun
INT-USS ENTERPRISE LIEUTENANT MASON AND COMMANDER JAMES'S QUARTERS
Jack looks at the pin of the USS Johnson.
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER DECK SIX CORRIDOR
Jack is wearing the pin.
LT. MASON [voice over continuing]: Seven of the crew gave their lives
INT-U.S.S. ARCHER SICKBAY
As the medical officers are continuing to treat the remaining wounded officers that were less critical Jane regains consciousness, finding herself connected intravenously to Steven; the doctor had given her his blood so she could live. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN CARGO BAY
LT. MASON'S [voice over, continuing]: But we...survived
Captain Branson is looking at the caskets of the seven crewmen who died as the doors opened and Lieutenant Mason enters wearing the pin of the USS Johnson and he joins John to pay tribute to the seven officers that gave their lives.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The taskforce leads the Archer to the nearest Starbase.
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Courtney James
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Kara Carlson
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Shara
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Nurse Laurel Takahashi
*TBA as Doctor Thadie
*TBA as Lieutenant Parker
*TBA as Ensign Todd
*TBA as Ensign Dana Christina
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 1 episode Memento Mori.
*A Lieutenant Mason focus episode.
*The slingshot maneuver was inspired by Stargate SG-1 Season 10 episode Pegasus Project where the USAF BC-304 U.S.S Odyssey under the command of Colonel Paul Emerson had to slingshot clear of a Wraith Cruiser attacking them.
*And Starfleet Remembrance Day is inspired by Veterans Day.