Romulan Resurgence (Ares episode)

Romulan Resurgence is the 9th episode of Star Trek: Ares Season 1.
==Synopsis==
The U.S.S. Ares must battle a Romulan vessel suspected of destroying several Outposts along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The U.S.S. Ares is docked at Starbase 98 along with the U.S.S. Yorktown.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 51709.1, The Ares is docked at Starbase 98 to receive some new upgrades for Outpost 14 along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border, along with us here is the U.S.S. Yorktown
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, BEDROOM AREA
John and Jessica are laying in bed together.
JESSICA: It's nice that you're here with me but it's terrible that you are leaving for Outpost 14 near the Romulan border of all places.
John looks over at her.
JOHN: I know sweetie but they've got to keep up with different Romulan cloaking devices.
Jessica gets out of bed and gets dressed as John sits up and gets just pants on and walks over to her.
JOHN: It's a shame that you can't remain aboard?
She gets her uniform jacket on.
JESSICA [smiles]: Same here but with T'Var in command but the crew is probably going to go crazy with his logical side.
They kissed and she walks out of his quarters as John goes to get a shower.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Ares undocks from Starbase 98 and her nacelles rise up and she enters warp.
INT-U.S.S. ARES DECK FOUR CORRIDOR
As Captain Branson heads to Cargo Bay 1.
INT-U.S.S. ARES CARGO BAY 1
The crew are gathering for the wedding of Commander Tomlinson and Lieutenant Martine as Captain Branson enters wearing his dress uniform, and walks over to Commander James who is working a camera. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good work.
Then Doctor Langford walks over to him.
DR. LANGFORD: Call for you from the bridge.
John walks out of ear shot and tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent
John sees Lieutenant Martine wearing her wedding dress. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Maintain course to outpost four. Keep me informed. Branson out. 
[At the door, a young lady in wedding dress and a pretty head-dress takes Langford's arm and is escorted into the room, to the strains of 'Here Comes The Bride'. Branson goes to the rostrum.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all shipmasters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. We are gathered here today with you, Angela Martine, and you, Robert Tomlinson, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs so that you may pledge your... 
COMPUTER VOICE: Alert! Alert! All decks alert! Alert! Alert!
The crew scatters as the bride and groom kiss and goes to their duty stations as Commander Kal comes over the com.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Earth Outpost four reports they're under attack. A space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Acknowledged Jane I'm on my way. 
Captain Branson leaves the cargo bay. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
Crew heads to their battle stations. 
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
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The Ares is at the Federation Dockyards
STAR TREK: ARES
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
====
The aft section of the U.S.S. Ares.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY:
GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
shot of the secondary hull of the Ares
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
The Ares flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. JANE KAL
The Ares flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. COURTNEY JAMES
USS Ares is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. JAMIE KAYE
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. PETER LANGFORD
The Ares flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. SITO JAXA
The Ares flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'MIR
The Ares flies by Earth and as her warp nacelles rise up and power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Ares soars at high warp.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
KAXLON'S BLARING]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge and walks over to Commander Kal.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LTCMDR. KAL: Lieutenant Sito will brief you.
LT. SITO: Outpost 4 reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates.
Captain Branson walks behind the helm stations as he listens to the report.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any word from Two or Three?
LT. SITO: Two has not responded to our hails. And Three has also gone silent.
Captain Branson sits in the command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our speed? 
LT. KAYE: Warp factor 5 sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Increase speed to warp factor 6.5 Sito what's our ETA to Outpost Four? 
LT. SITO: Position, eight minutes from Outpost four at this velocity, sir. 
Captain Branson tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to engineering Courtney we need more speed.
LTCMDR. JAMES [com voice]: Aye, sir we'll give you all she's got and more
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Thank you Courtney. 
He ends the com call as Captain Branson looks over at Lieutenant Mason at tactical.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, what's our tactical status?
Lieutenant Mason checks the tactical console and reports.
LT. MASON: All phaser banks are fully powered and torpedoes are fully loaded and deflectors are at 100%.
Then he turns to Sito.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sito, did Outpost 4 say anything about attacker?
LT. SITO: No, sir message terminated before we received the distress call.
LT. KAYE: I'm guessing it's the same attackers, sir. The Romulans. 
Commander T'Mir turns to look at the young officer but remains focus on her work.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's not make guesses just yet. I'd like to avoid a war if I can. Maintain course. Alert me when we're two minutes out. Jane you've got the bridge. 
LTCMDR. KAL: Aye, sir. 
[Captain Branson gets up from the command chair and enters the ready room, as Commander Kal sits in the command chair worried about her friend.]
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Ares continue towards Outpost Four.
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is reviewing past encounters with the Romulans from the 22nd century Coalition of Planets information during the Earth-Romulan War and what they were able to gain from President Archer's encounters with the Star Empire in 2152 and 2154 and Kirk's encounters in the 23rd century and Picard's as well when the com activates.]
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge
Captain Branson leaves his ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Ares emerges from warp approaching the damaged outpost as debris is floating around the outpost and fires are plumping.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE: Ares is in position and holding, sir. Just out of weapons range.
Transparent viewer shows the damaged outpost as T'Mir reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Detecting a fair amount of debris, but no sign of any attacking ship. 
Captain Branson sits down in the command chair after Commander Kal vacates it and sits in the XO chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's triple check to be sure.
Then Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Sir, we're being hailed. It's the outpost. Audio only. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it. 
She inputs commands into the tactical console and then Commander Al-Salah's voice comes over the com.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outpost four. Do you read me, Ares? This is Commander Hansen Al-Salah
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Commander, this is Captain John Branson what's your status?
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Outposts two, three, and eight are gone
John closes his eyes to say a silent prayer for those who were killed on those three outposts.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Unknown weapon. Completely destroyed, even though we were alerted. Had our deflector shield on maximum. Hit by enormous power. First attack blew our deflector shield. If they hit us again with our deflector shield gone. Do you read me, Ares?
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Al-Salah What hit you, Commander? What vessel? Can you identify? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice, static): Negative. It all happened so fast. And it seems to have disappeared somehow. Switching to visual. Ares, can you see? 
(The viewscreen shows a man in a wrecked room, surrounded by fires and debris, as Captain Branson slowly gets up from his command chair shocked at what's he seeing.)
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER (RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED)
[ALARMS BLARING] 
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Ares, can you see it? My command post here. We're a mile deep on an asteroid. Almost solid iron. And even through our deflectors, it did this. Can you see? 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson still standing.
CAPT. BRANSON: We see it Commander was your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR, COMMAND POST (RED ALERT)
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, thank god no.
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Everyone is shocked at seeing the battle damaged outpost.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander what do you have on the intruder?
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND POST (RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED)
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No identification. No answer to our challenge. Only a glimpse of it. Then they fired something at us, some form of high-energy plasma. Fantastic power. And then the whole vessel disappeared. But it's out there somewhere. Our sensors show that much. Ares, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Tie us in.
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Tying in now
(A ship appears from nowhere on the screen) 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack do we have phasers?
LT. MASON: The Romulan vessel is out of range sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Photon torpedoes then full spread fire when ready.
Lieutenant Mason works at his console and presses the firing button.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Ares's two forward launchers unleashes a spread of photons that slam against the deflectors of the new Romulan warbird as it flickers not even causing the vessel to flinch.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at the result.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: PICKING UP A POWER INCREASE!
CAPT. BRANSON (tenses up): Commander do you have phasers. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (viewer): Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead 
[Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out, as the viewscreen switches to Hansen as the outpost is hit, then just bright light.]
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Outpost splits in two as fiery pieces.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARE]
[Back to the attacking ship, which then vanishes.]
LT. SITO: I've lost all sensor contact switching to metaphasic scans nothing still sir whatever vessel that is I can't seem to detect them.
[Captain Branson still standing shocked by what just happened as Lieutenant Kaye turns to Captain Branson.]
LT. KAYE: Sir, we have to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Lieutenant you know that.
Then Lieutenant Kaye reports.
LT. KAYE: Incoming warp signature.
CAPT. BRANSON: Can you ID her?
LT. SITO: It's one of ours its the Yorktown.
CAPT. BRANSON: She was on the side of the Neutral Zone.
LT. SITO: We're being hailed it's Captain Smith.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
CUT TO:
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
The crew are at their stations. 
CAPT. SMITH: Ares, this is Captain Jessica Smith of the USS Yorktown, offering assistance.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[Captain Branson is standing in front of the viewer with his hands behind his back.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica I thought you had a date on the other side of the Zone.
CAPT. SMITH (viewer): We received Outpost Four's distress signal and pushed warp eight for as long as we safely could we have any idea who did this?
ENS. KAYE: We may have an idea of who it is. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We're trying to determine, conclusively.
Then Commander T'Mir chimes in.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The ship in question appears to have a kind of cloaking device. But they still have a detectable gravitational presence.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Can we track them Commander?
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'MIR: T'Mir, ma'am theoretically, yes. By detecting the micro-lensing of background stars we can determine an approximate location.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Impressive Commander.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Where's the intruder now?
Commander T'Mir works on her station and then reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Blip has changed its heading. And in a very leisurely maneuver. They may not be aware of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How can that be?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Our cloaking devices can sometimes blind our sensors till the object is close to us before we can ID it, their heading is 1-11 mark 14 a course a Romulan vessel would take back to Romulus.
LT. KAYE: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out.
CAPT. BRANSON: We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war.
LT. KAYE [frustrated]: They've destroyed three of our outposts. That's not an act of war?
CAPT. BRANSON: We attack the Romulans without authorization, the Federation will consider us expendable.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: We do have one other option we could shadow the Romulans
Captain Branson turns to face the viewer.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE: Not an intercept course ma'am?
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: No
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: The Captain's right. That would be a declaration of war. But if Enterprise and Yorktown match course and speed with the enemy ship, exactly, move for move, they might think we're just a reflection. Echoes on their sensors. That way we won't lose them while we wait to hear back from Starfleet.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's start shadowing them Lieutenant send a hail to Starbase 39-Sierra. Ask for permission to engage the Romulans. Captain Smith, we'll be talking.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: I look forward to it Smith out.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends as Commander James walks onto the bridge holding a sample of the debris.
LTCMDR. JAMES: Here's the sample of what's left of the outpost sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hold it till Captain Smith beams aboard.
LTCMDR. JAMES [nods]: Aye, sir.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LT. MASON: Sir, I'm picking up something.
CAPT. BRANSON: What is it?
Lieutenant Mason works on his console and walks over to the aft area.
LTJG. MASON: There's a comet ahead, and its trail is reflecting a signal on an unused EM frequency. It is encoded. Commander T'Mir is trying to decipher. But we think it might be from the enemy ship.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I have a fix on it, Captain. I believe I can lock on it, get a picture of their Bridge.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see who we're dealing with.
[On the transparent viewer shimmers an image of a group of four humanoids around a console. One leaves his post and salutes the figure with his back to us. That figure then turns, as Lieutenant Kaye looks over at T'Mir who's also surprised to see her father.]
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The U.S.S. Ares is next to the U.S.S. Yorktown in the background is Icarus Comet.
INT-U.S.S. ARES TRANSPORTER ROOM 2
Captain Smith materialized aboard the Ares.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Captain Smith welcome aboard the Ares.
CAPT. SMITH [smiles]: Thank you Captain Branson.
They hugged.
CAPT. SMITH: Quite the ship you got here.
CAPT. BRANSON: You're jealous.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES BRIEFING ROOM
The senior staff and Captain Smith are around the table.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: From the outpost's protective shield. Cast rodinium. This is the hardest substance known to our science. 
[She crushes it in her hand.]
LTCMDR. T'MIR; Lab theorizes an enveloping energy plasma forcing an implosion.
LTCMDR. KAL: The Romulans used plasma torpedoes during the war in the 22nd century.
LT. MASON: And during the first Neutral Zone incursion.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I don't believe that it's a Romulan vessel.
They all look at her.
LT. KAYE: Did you not see the color of the vessel and the symbol on the forward section of the vessel T'Mir?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Yes I did.
CAPT. BRANSON: Explain.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: They come from Romulan Space yes but it's not a true Romulan Warbird its not dark green that we use.
CAPT. SMITH: I had the same thought myself.
LTCMDR. KAL [re: PADD]: I was able to go through past Enterprise mission logs and I came across this mission report from Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Stardate 47111.1 the Enterprise-D encountered a Garidian scout ship fleeing from a Garidian Warbird of similar design of the Romulan D'Deriex-class warbirds.
CAPT. BRANSON: So, we've got a Garidian warbird cloaked and we have no idea how to track them not even our sensor net has detected them?
LT. SITO: Nothing on sensors from our remaining Neutral Zone outposts.
CAPT. SMITH: What do we know about the Garidian?
LTCMDR. T'MIR; The Garidians are a humanoid civilization who show signs of Vulcanoid evolution, associated with the Romulan Star Empire, and are native to the planet Garid. As of the year 2370, the Garidians were on friendly terms with the Romulans, to the point of sharing technology which included surplus Romulan starships as well as cloaking devices.
LT. KAYE: So we're chasing a species that we've not had contact with since 2370?
CAPT. BRANSON: Pretty much.
LT. MASON; Why haven't we been able to detect them?
LT. SITO: I'm not sure still trying to figure that out.
LT. KAYE: Even if we ignore the pointy-eared elephant in the room, we have another problem to worry about. We're going to lose our prey. 
LT. SITO: The Romulans will enter the Neutral Zone in about an hour.
CAPT. SMITH: I don't think we can wait, we have a choice to make here. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Say we do make that choice. Their plasma weapon can still slice through our deflectors.
LT. MASON: But our deflector technology has improved since then.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: That, in conjunction with their cloaking device, gives them a tactical advantage. Even against our ships working in tandem. 
DR. LANGFORD: Working in tandem for what? To destroy them? Say we're lucky enough to do that. Isn't that, technically, an act of war? 
LT. KAYE: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. LANGFORRD: This isn't a schoolyard Jamie. Billions of lives are at stake here. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I want to hear everyone's opinion on the subject. 
DR. LANGFORD: I vote against war. 
LT. KAYE: So do I. I just think that means stopping the Garidians.
John looks over at his wife who remains silent.
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain, your thoughts?
CAPT. SMITH: What happens when they return to Romulus and tell their leaders that the Federation won't even fight back? I'm starting to lean toward attack. If we allow them to destroy our outposts with no repercussions, we run the risk of war. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I have to believe there's another way. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I think we should attack. 
Everyone turns to T'Mir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Mir? 
LTJG. T'MIR: Sir, if my father is in command then we should attack.
LT. KAYE [smirks]: Well, if T'Mir and I can agree, then there's hope for all of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We don't all agree. 
Then Jessica comes up with an idea.
CAPT. SMITH: Hold a moment. Captain Branson, that comet we're approaching might just be the alternative that you've been looking for. T'Mir, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Mir inputs commands into the PADD as the monitor changes to shows the comet. 
CAPT. SMITH: Currently, the Romulan ship is headed for the comet's tail. Now, I know that they're invisible and we can't lock on to their exact position. But the second they go through that, particle distortion will reveal their location. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll be boxing them in. 
CAPT. SMITH: They'll be pendent and we'll be able to get weapons locked. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good plan Captain. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Ares and Yorktown are side by side but split off to flank the Romulan vessel as we hear Captain Branson's log entry.
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Captain's Personal Log Stardate 517096.1. Per Captain Smith's plan, we are mounting a pincer move. Our two ships will slowly drift closer as the Garidians remain unaware. When they pass through the comet's tail giving us their exact location, we will be in weapons range
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[DISTANCE CHATTER.]
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over, continuing): Smith, however, has agreed to my plan to neutralize, not destroy, the Bird-of-Prey, leaving open the possibility of dialogue. And yet I remain concerned this brash, young Starfleet captain follows her own rules
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie maintain course and speed.
LT. KAYE: I'll keep my foot over the gas just in case. 
EXT-COMET TRAIL
The Ares continues through the comet trail.
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Still tracking the gravitational presence of the Garidians. Their trajectory remains unchanged.
CUT TO:
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: Holding position, Ares just let us know when you see them.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
ENS. KAYE: We're passing though the tail now sir.
Captain Branson turns in his command chair to face the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any second now.
Transparent viewer shows the debris then just open space as everyone is a bit confused.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Something isn't right.
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
LTCMDR. T'MIR: The Captain is right we should of seen them by now.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Ares, I don't like this.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Sito's monitor shows the Romulan signature.
LT. SITO: Reading gravitational signature again. It's behind the Yorktown.
John quickly gets up from his command chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: JESSICA GET OUT OF THERE!
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: RED ALERT!
Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie get us over there as fast as you can.
Lieutenant Kaye works at the helm station.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Evasive maneuver Delta Seven!
Ensign Larson works on the helm station.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Yorktown quickly maneuvers as the Romulan fires its disruptors a few hits the ship's deflectors, as the ship moves quickly.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. SMITH: Sam get us behind them.
ENS. LARSON: Aye, Captain.
He works to get the ship behind the Romulan vessel.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
As the Yorktown attempts to get behind the Romulan warbird
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH: FIRE!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Yorktown fires several phaser beams but the Romulan warbird fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the Yorktown causing massive damage to the California-Class vessel.
INT-USS YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling as the crew are thrown from their stations, and Captain Smith is thrown from her command chair.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan vessel flies off as the Yorktown is drifting as explosions erupt from where the vessel took the bad hit as debris floats from the vessel.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Yorktown is heavily damaged.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Klaxons blare as coolant spews from the ceiling as console screens flicker and lights flicker as Captain Smith gets up from the floor.
CAPT. SMITH (to com): fire phasers John now.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We're out of range Jess we'll likely hit you.
INT-U.S.S. YORKTOWN MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH [to com]: Maybe you'll draw their fire.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson turns to Jack.
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack, fire full phasers.
LT. MASON: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and presses the firing button.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Ares fires off a spread of phaser beams as the Romulan vessel flies by the damaged Yorktown, and scores a single hit on the port side of the Romulan vessel.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON: Holy we manage to clip them.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good shooting Jack, Sito hail them I want them to focus on us.
ENS. SITO: Aye, sir hailing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep firing.
Jack inputs commands into the tactical console as T'Mir reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Detecting a power increase they are getting ready to fire!
Captain Branson tenses up.
CAPT. BRANSON: Full power to forward deflectors!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The forward section of the Romulan vessel powers up and a green energy cloud plums and lances towards the Ares.
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Transparent viewer shows this.
CAPT. BRANSON: ALL HANDS BRACE FOR IMPACT!
Everyone on the bridge braces.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The plasma torpedo struck the underside of the saucer section causing the deflectors to flicker.
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupts from the ceiling and one of the consoles, as both Captain Branson and Commander Kal hang onto their arm rests of their command chairs.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report?
LT. MASON: Forward deflectors are down to 23%!
LT. SITO: Damage to decks 9 to 13 weapons control is off-line!
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): That should have destroyed us. How are we still standing? 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
LTCMDR. KAL: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target.
LTCMDR. T'MIR [nods]: Yes, Commander it's something that my people haven't been able to overcome.
Captain Branson walks over to Sito.
CAPT. BRANSON: Status of Yorktown?
Screen shows the damage to the Yorktown WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as Sito reports.
LT. SITO: They have sustained heavy damage their life support is failing.
LT. KAYE: I can get us there in about 30 seconds.
Captain Branson heads to the turbo-lift.
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to transporter. Get the pads warmed up, Chief. We're about to test their upper limits.
John leaves the bridge as Commander Kal sits in the Captain's chair.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Ares parks next to the fatally wounded Yorktown.
INT-U.S.S. ARES TRANSPORTER ROOM 2 [RED ALERT]
The doors whooshed open as the first batch of Yorktown officers are beamed aboard, as Doctor Langford and his medical staff are helping the wounded.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
Doctor Langford looks at him.
DR. LANGFORD: We've got 23 survivors off the Yorktown so far more are arriving I've turned Cargo Bay 1 into a secondary sickbay.
Captain Jessica Smith and the rest of her senior staff are on the transporter pad as some are injured as a medical team helps them off the transporter pads, and take them to sickbay.
CAPT. SMITH: We need to talk now.
She leaves the transporter room as Captain Branson looks at Doctor Langford and then follows his wife.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
They enter the ready room.
JESSICA: You flinched. You deliberated and we lost.
John turns to face his wife.
JOHN: We fired, Jess. And we were fired upon. That's why you're still here.
JESSICA: From the start you wanted to disable them not destroy them.
JOHN: We may have different points of view, but do not question my combat readiness, Jess.
JESSICA: I'm saying caution means you're not going to put everything you have into the punch. And that's a good way to lose, because your enemy will see that and act accordingly. 
JOHN: All of this because of a seconds delay. 
JESSICA: Tell me I am wrong and I will back down. 
JOHN: If you're saying you're more willing to take risks than I am, I don't disagree And let me remind you that you're saying that on my ship, after yours has been disabled.
Jessica holds her hands up and backs off.
JESSICA: Fair enough, I'm just saying I underestimated him. I'm not going to do it again. 
Com activates. 
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John tapped his combadge.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: You've got an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command it's Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my ready room.
The wall monitor changed from the sector map to the office of Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway.
VICE ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: John, what's your status?
CAPT. BRANSON: Bad Admiral, we've engaged a Romulan warbird along the zone after the destruction of three of our outposts along the Zone, the Yorktown is badly damaged and adrifted but can be recovered.
VICE ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Course of the Romulan vessel?
CAPT. SMITH: She's on a heading of one eleven mark one four she's returning to the Neutral Zone their homeworld of Romulus.
Admiral Janeway thinks.
VICE ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: John, I wish I could dispatch a battlegroup to you but we're stretched thin along the Neutral Zone border, and we're still recovering from the Dominion War
CAPT. BRANSON: We understand ma'am and in the meantime what do you want us to do?
VICE ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Continue trailing the Romulan vessel but make no attempts to enter the Neutral Zone
CAPT. BRANSON: Aye, Admiral.
VICE ADM. JANEWAY [monitor]: Keep me posted Janeway out
Transmission ends.
CAPT. SMITH: So we're not going to cross the border?
CAPT. BRANSON: Per her orders Jessica.
Com activates. 
LTCMDR. KAL [com voice]: Captains Branson and Smith please report to the bridge
They leave the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
They walk onto the bridge as Commander Kal vacates the command chair and sits in the XO chair.
CAPT. BRANSON: Report?
LT. SITO: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the warbird. They are trailing trilithium fragments.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: We don't believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do we know their heading?
LTCMDR. KAL: Still the Neutral Zone and home.
CAPT. SMITH: Can we use those fragments to track them?
LT. SITO: Working on it right now ma'am.
CAPT. BRANSON: Tactical status?
LTJG. MASON [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack.
CAPT. SMITH: But the Romulans don't know that.
CAPT. BRANSON: They will if we roll up on their six and can't fire Sito open a channel to the Romulans.
LT. SITO [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before.
CAPT. BRANSON: I know, we're going to send them a message.
Captain Branson walks behind the helm station as Commander Kal and Captain Smith joins him.
CAPT. SMTH: What are you doing?
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm going to have a chat with the Commander.
LTJG. MASON: Channel opened sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Attention Romulan vessel this is John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Ares, for at least a 100 years our two cultures have been at war with each other we put that on hold to fight together to stop a dangerous and violent race from the Gamma Quadrant from taking over the Alpha and Beta Quadrants we even worked together to stop Shinzon from destroying my world. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk.
He turns to Sito at ops and nods to end the hail as Jessica walks over to him.
CAPT. SMITH: That was unexpected.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Well, they want to get home knowing what your enemy wants can lead to a successful negotiation.
CAPT. SMITH: Assuming they'll respond?
Captain Branson has his hands behind his back as looks at his wife as the com beeps and Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Captain, they are hailing us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Well looks like we're about to find out.
He turns to face the viewer.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen Sito.
She obeys the order and the bridge of the warbird appears on the viewer.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain Branson, it is good to make your acquaintance. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
A shot of the crew tensed up as Captain Branson remains determined to end the fighting without bloodshed.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander, Captain Branson is facing the viewer showing the bridge of the Romulan warbird.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander. I know your ships attacked our outposts on the edge of the Neutral Zone. But I also know that our two cultures have been at war for generations.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CAPT. BRANSON [viewer]: But I don't know why your ancestors attacked Earth or what my ancestors did in retaliation. I only know that we're paying a bill that was written long before you and I were ever born. Perhaps it's time we reconsider the cost
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: So, we can blow each other out of the sky using what little power we have left, or we can try something different. We can explain ourselves to each other. Understand each other. Empathize. If we don't, this war between us will simply continue, unabated. And the cost for that is sure. Death. More and more death. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Our people are indeed different Captain not sure if your words are a show of force or weakness or. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Commander R'Lok is on the viewer as the bridge crew are tensed up wondering what he is going to do. 
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: A way of distracting us in time to make repairs and destroy my vessel, but I am interested in what you have to propose
CAPT. BRANSON: Both our ships are damaged. Your cloak is unstable, which leaves you vulnerable to our weapons. Maybe you have enough power to attack us. Maybe you have enough power to get back to Romulus without repairs. Conversely, maybe we can marshal our weapons and destroy you before you make it to the Neutral Zone. Or perhaps we chase you across the border and destroy you and get out before anyone's the wiser. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK [interested]: So what is it that you're suggesting, Captain? 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: A good faith gesture. Two hours. Enough time to repair our ships and bury the dead. And maybe this bit of mercy will lead to something further and better between our two cultures. 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
Commander R'lok goes to one of the consoles and turns back to the viewer.
CMDR. R'LOK: Very well then two hours. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Two hours and Commander I'm glad we had a chance to chat. 
CMDR. R'LOK (viewer): Same here
Transmission ends as Captain Branson goes to the command chair as Lieutenant Kaye looks at him.
LT. KAYE: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Yorktown right in front of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Stand down Jamie. 
She pushes more. 
LT. KAYE: YOU CAN'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THAT! 
CAPT. BRANSON (frustrated): STAND DOWN LIEUTENANT! Or I will have you removed from the bridge am I clear. 
LT. KAYE: Crystal sir. 
She turns back to her station as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair as T'Mir reports.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement.
CAPT. SMITH: I wonder what they're doing over there.
CAPT. BRANSON: Hopefully the same thing we're doing.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan crew are at their stations as his son Sub-Commander T'Lok walks over to him.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK [annoyed]: A cease-fire? This is Federation weakness. Is it not the Romulan way to attack when we are given advantage like this? 
CMDR. R'LOK: We are engaged in a cease-fire, Sub-commander. We have two hours. Put all hands to repair our engines. If we do not, we will not make it back to Romulus. 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK [annoyed]: Sir, we should commit all hands to weapons repair. The Federation has given us the advantage. We can strike before this ridiculous cease-fire is completed. 
They walk away from ear shot. 
CMDR. R'LOK: This is your fourth mission, is it not, Sub-commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Third.
CMDR. R'LOK: I served with your uncle Tarqan during the Reman campaign, did you know that, Sub-commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Yes I did know that you would tell me and T'Mir stories about the Reman campaign when we were kids.
CMDR. R'LOK: His death was a great victory for Romulus. Yes, he was brave. His commander, however, was a fool. He forced him to fight after we'd lost weapons, and the only logical choice was retreat. He did not have to die. 
T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: Father?
CMDR. R'LOK: His death was a waste. And it was stupid. It left us weaker. Now, I can say that because I'm old enough and I don't care what people think of me. Pride is not something we can afford. We look at the world clearly on my ship. We do not make choices based on ego. Engines first. Then, weapons. That is my order. Or are you so arrogant you think you know better than your Commander? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: No, sir.
CMDR. R'LOK: Good. Because I need you. I don't know if this peace game we're playing with
the Federation will work. But I have to see it through. And if we achieve it, then, good.
T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: And if it doesn't work?
R'Lok puts his hand on his son's shoulder.
CMDR. R'LOK: Then you'll get your war my son.
R'Lok walks back to the main area of the bridge as T'Lok isn't happy that his father isn't focusing on weapons so he goes to send a secret transmission to Romulus about the Federation being weak.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Ares is at station keeping.
INT-U.S.S. ARES CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson sits at his desk working on crew reports as Commander T'Mir is standing in front of his desk.
CAPT. BRANSON: Do you want some coffee?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I don't drink coffee but I do drink tea.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright, would you like some tea?
LTCMDR. T'MIR: No, thank you Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON [chuckles]: For a Romulan you do have a sense of humor T'Mir I am sorry that this situation has you fighting your father.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: I am not sure why my father is commanding that vessel last I saw of him he was aboard the scout ship that brought me and my mother to Starbase 157 to escape the power vacuum that the Shinzon coup created.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maybe he was forced by whoever is in charge of the Romulan Senate.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: It's possible.
The doors chimed.
CAPT. BRANSON: Come.
Doors opened and Jessica enters.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: If you'll excuse me sir I'll be on the bridge Commander Kal is down in the weapons control room giving Commander James help repairing the phasers.
CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Commander.
Commander T'Mir leaves.
JOHN: I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford.
Jessica sits down.
JESSICA: You want me to tell you that I wouldn't have tried to blow those Romulans out of the sky? Well, I would have. But it wasn't my call.
JOHN: No it wasn't your call.
JESSICA: Well, we're here, now. And the truth is I don't know these Romulans can't be trusted. But I also don't know if they can. And neither do you.
JOHN: No, I don't trust them but we have 2 hours.
JESSICA: I'd like to explore a backup plan. If you'll give me the resources.
JOHN: I'm listening. 
JESSICA: Look, the Romulans just bought themselves some time. Sure, they can use that time to make repairs. But remember, they're on the edge of the Neutral Zone. They could also use it to call for reinforcements. 
John looks at her.
JOHN: True, they could but the Commander R'Lok gave his word that we'd have a two hour cease-fire. 
JESSICA: John, I'd like to suggest that we call for reinforcements as well. 
JOHN: Jessica, you heard Kathryn they can't get reinforcements out here and even if they did we'd be outnumbered should they decide to uncloak. 
JESSICA: Yeah, but the Romulans don't know that. 
JOHN: What are you suggesting? 
JESSICA: Captain Branson is it ok if I borrow a shuttle. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Star Trek fanfare music plays as the shuttle flies out of the shuttle bay and leaps into warp. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Commander Kal and Lieutenant Commander James are helping Lieutenant Commander Tomlinson and his staff get the weapons back on-line. 
LTCMDR. KAL: Try it now. 
Commander James works at one of the consoles. 
LTCMDR. JAMES: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused. 
Commander Kal gets up from underneath one of the consoles just wearing her vest while her red uniform jacket is on the console. 
LTCMDR. KAL: I don't need to remind you that we have less than two hours to restore phaser control to working order. 
LTCMDR. JAMES (sighs): I'm an engineer not a miracle worker Commander. 
Then Commander Tomlinson comes up with an idea. 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: Then we should try a bypass of the severed relays then Martine see if you can get a bypass to the secondary phaser couplings. 
LTJG. MARTINE (nods): Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Martine gets to work.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: Two minutes Captain. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Status? 
LT. MASON: Weapons are still down sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Weapons Control Room Status report? 
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON (com voice): Working on it Captain, working on it
LT. SITO: Two hours, Captain. And mark. 
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sito, hail the Romulans. 
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan vessel. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Have you repaired your ship, Commander? 
INT-ROMULAN VESSEL MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Have you repaired yours, Captain? 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Conventional wisdom suggests that our next move is to resume hostilities. To fight. You yourself told me that in your culture to do anything else would be a sign of weakness. But let me tell you a way in which humans are not weak. Our strength comes from our willingness to see a partner instead of an enemy. In our culture, that is an act of faith and strength, not a failure of character. Do Romulans have that kind of strength? 
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. R'LOK: I too tire of endless war. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
[INTERMITTENT BEEPING] 
[ALARM BLARING] 
[Everyone starts working on their console as the aft monitor shows: PERIMETER ALERT and shows a bunch of Romulan symbols.] 
LT. SITO: Massive warp signatures all Romulans!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The camera pushes back from the Ares as it shows the entire Romulan battlegroup emerge from warp one at a time. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transparent viewer shows the entire Romulan battlegroup as the crew is tensed up and Captain Branson is shocked seeing this. 
[END OF ACT 4, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
ARES is facing the Romulan battlegroup.
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
 
Screens show the Romulan battlegroup around the bird of prey as the Commander R'Lok is shocked by this. 
CMDR. R'LOK [shocked & surprised]: Why is the fleet here? I did not call for them. 
Commander T'Lok looks at his father.
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: I did father you were weak and believed that the Federation would allow us to return to Romulus we were sent to test the Federation!
R'Lok grabs his son by his uniform collar and shoves him against the bulkhead.
CMDR. R'LOK: YOU DISOBEYED MY DIRECT ORDERS!
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: IF WE HAD DESTROY THE ARES WE WOULDN'T BE HERE!
CMDR. R'LOK: You don't remember a time without war. But I do. Who wins an endless war with the Federation? 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: We would father.
CMDR. R'LOK: An endless war, by definition, can never be won. Captain Branson will not trust my word now. 
SUB-CMDR. T'LOK: What does that matter? He will be dead soon. 
Then T'Lok activates a transport device and dematerialized as R'Lok can't believe that his own son would betray him like this.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson remains standing facing the viewer as Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: We're being hailed by the lead Romulan vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the Romulan flagship as Praetor Tal'aura is seen.
PRAETOR TAL'AURA [viewer]: Human I'm here to demand your surrender 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well hello to you as well I'm Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TAL'AURA: I am Praetor Tal'aura of the Romulan Imperial Senate, It is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Seeing how we're not Romulans and this isn't a Romulan vessel you'll forgive us if we don't, and also we're holding to our side of the zone as are you and yet you demand my surrender? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TAL'AURA (scoff): Typical human arrogates as always even though we almost 
defeated you in the last war. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor if I remember correctly we won that war because of the arrogates of the last Romulan Praetor and his lust for power. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TAL'AURA: Captain we've have you surrounded and you will surrender or we will 
destroy you have one minute to comply. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Transmission ends as Captain Branson turns to face the bridge crew. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You know I don't like her. 
Then sensors beep as Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Perimeter alert. We have ships incoming, sir. Dozens. 
Captain Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: More Romulans? 
Sito checks her console and reports.
LT. SITO: No, they look like ours? 
John turns back to the viewer. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The small shuttle exits warp along with what appears to be older vessels.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. SITO: We're being hailed it's Captain Smith.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changes to the shuttle canopy.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: John, your reinforcements
LT. KAYE [confused]: All robotic mining craft? 
CUT TO:
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
CAPT. SMITH: Mining, hauling. Not one of them manned. But to the Romulans, who's to say we aren't a Federation armada? 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Clever girl.
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: It's enough to bluff with, I hope. Try not to get us in a real fight
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll try to do my best thanks Jess, Bridge to Weapons control Mister Tomlinson we need weapons. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON [to com]: We're making progress. The conduits are severely damaged we're attempting to bypass the damaged relays but it may take sometime. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Work faster, Commander. We're going to need weapons soon or we're not going to need them at all. 
Then Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Sir, we're being hailed by the Romulan flagship.
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep a secure channel open for Captain Smith to listen on. 
LT. SITO: Aye, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jess you ready to sell this. 
CAPT. SMITH [viewer]: As I'll ever be John
Captain Branson walks back to the main viewer as the image of Jessica shrinks a bit and the Romulan Praetor appears again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: By now you've probably noticed our armada of Starfleet Delta Class attack ships. But we won't have to use them, will we, Praetor?
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TAL'AURA (frustrated): This is an act of unwanted aggression on the border of our territory Captain. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: No, just a standard training maneuver that happened to land our fleet here the same time as yours. You want to know what actually is an act of unparalleled aggression? A Romulan warbird using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Praetor Tal'aura thinks then smirks. 
PRAETOR TA'LAURA: I know nothing of which you speak of. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: We'll send you a recording of it de-cloaking right before destroying Outpost Four. 
He turns to Lieutenant Mason and nods he transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
PRAETOR TAL'AURA [viewer]: I see
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: Romulan ship is de-cloaking and breaking formation. Heading our way. 
Captain Branson turns to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Praetor what is this? 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
PRAETOR TAL'AURA: This is a culling, Captain. That commander should not have allowed himself to be caught. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. SITO Sir, its the bird of prey we've been chasing. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Sito.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sito, pause communications and patch into Commander R'Lok.
LT. SITO: Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain. So, we see each other once again, after all. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you doing? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
CMDR. R'LOK: I never called for that armada it was my son T'Lok he betrayed me and beamed over to the Praetor's flagship.
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We can beam you and your crew to the Ares, you don't need to do 
this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE 
CMDR. R'LOK: It is not our way. I regret that we meet in this way. You and I are of a kind. In a 
different reality, I could've called you friend. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What purpose would it serve to die? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: We are creatures of duty, you and I. Just one more duty to perform. Do not be 
upset. I have accepted my fate. Perhaps, someday, my sacrifice will lead to an end to this conflict between us. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
T'Mir gets up from her station.
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Father please let us beam you aboard the Ares.
CMDR. R'LOK [viewer]: My dear sweet daughter you are so much like your mother she would be so proud of you right now
T'Mir tenses up fights back the tears.
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Returning to his station, the commander and his bridge crew brace themselves. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Commander closes his eyes. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The Romulan armada opens fire. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
[EXPLOSIONS ERUPT] 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan warship explodes into a thousand pieces. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
The crew is shocked by what they just saw as T'Mir hangs her head as Lieutenant Sito reports.
LT. SITO: We're being hailed by Praetor Tal'aura sir.
Captain Branson walks back to his command chair as he sits in it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Praetor appears on the viewer. 
PRAETOR TAL'AURA (Viewer): Our fleet is stronger now. And I am ready to accept your surrender
CAPT. BRANSON: This is really how you want to end 100 years of peace? 
PRAETOR TAL'AURA (viewer): What do Romulans care of peace? It means nothing to us. And your apparent affinity for it has sealed your fate. Thank you, Captain Branson. If not for your weakness, we would never have known what easy targets your Federation would be. Goodbye 
Transmission ends as Lieutenant Mason reports. 
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons again. 
Everyone is tensed up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Evasive pattern Jamie Zeta seven. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Romulan fleet begins opening fire on the automated drone fleet as the Ares is dodging weapons fire but takes a few hits as a plasma torpedo streaks by the ship destroying one of the drone freighters. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
A bright flash on the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jess, get back here. We're about to warp out. 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Reflection of the hail of disruptor fire and the Ares moving to port and starboard. 
CAPT. SMITH [to com]: Acknowledged. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. KAYE: Sir, warp drive will not engage. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What? 
LT. KAYE: I'm not sure sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to engineering Courtney what's going on with warp?
CUT TO:
INT-USS ARES MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. JAMES (to com): We've got a bit of a power surge going on down here sir we're fixing it now. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Sir, 14 starships are moving in around us. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jess, what are you doing? 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
CAPT. SMITH [to com]: Covering your escape. Get those engines fixed. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The drones are between the Romulans and the Ares. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
Transparent viewer shows the drones gathering around the Ares. 
LTJG. MASON: She's using the drones as a wall. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Romulan flagship fires its plasma torpedo as one of the drone freighters is between the plasma torpedo and the Ares, as the torpedo strikes the vessel destroying it the wave rocks the Ares as her deflectors took the brunt of it. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling and one of the consoles as the bridge crew are thrown from their consoles as Captain Branson is flung from his command chair as klaxons blare and they get up as power hums back on as Lieutenant Kaye reports. 
LT KAYE: We've got engines back. 
LT. MASON: Captain Smith has beamed aboard. 
LTCMDR. T'MIR: Picking up another power increase! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it! 
Lieutenant Kaye activates the warp drive. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Ares starts to wake up as debris floats around her as the Romulan flagship powers up another plasma torpedo and launches it but the Ares's warp engines rise up and powers up and she was able to enter warp. 
INT-USS ARES MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Smoke is everywhere around the bridge as Captain Branson stands up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LT. SITO: Reports coming from all decks. 
LT. MASON: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jamie, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed. 
LT. KAYE: Aye, sir. 
LT. SITO: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jane, T'Mir you've got the bridge. 
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Medical. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ARES SICKBAY (RED ALERT) 
Doors opened as wounded are being rushed to bio-beds or to surgery as Captain Branson looks around surveying the injured among his crew, he walks over to one of the bio-beds and sees Lieutenant Martine who is next to the bio-bed as her fiancée lies there dead. 
DR. LANGFORD: A plasma conduit explodes caught him right in the face there was nothing I could of done to save him. 
Doctor Langford pats the young woman on her shoulder as she's holding her husband's lifeless hand crying as John turns to Pete. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What about Commander Kal? 
He leads him to her bio-bed. 
DR. LANGFORD: She's got a severe concussion some broken ribs when we took the brunt of that plasma torpedo, but she'll make a full recovery. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Ares approaches Starbase medical outpost 14. 
INT-U.S.S. ARES DECK NINE CORRIDOR, AIRLOCK
Several wounded officers are being off-loaded for further treatment. 
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE MEDICAL 14 MESS HALL
Jessica is wearing a nice dress as John walks over to her and she hugs him and they kiss.
JESSICA: I saw what happened before I beamed aboard.
JOHN [smiles]: I'm alright baby.
JESSICA: I was so worried.
He smiles. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE 
An established shot of Starbase Medical Outpost 14. 
[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 Peter Langford
*Sadie Waymire as Lieutenant Sito Jaxa
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Jamie Kaye
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Harris Payne
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Sean Hansen
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Hansen Al-Salah
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Robert Tomlinson
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Angela Martine
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway
*TBA as Praetor Tal'aura
*TBA as Commander R'Lok
*TBA as Sub-Commander T'Lok
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*This episode was inspired by the TOS episode Balance of Terror and the Strange New Worlds season 1 finale episode A Quality of Mercy.
*Second appearance of Tal'aura since Star Trek: Nemesis.
*Second appearance of Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway since her brief appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis.