The Massacre of Archanis IV (New Voyages episode)

The Massacre of Archanis IV is the 7th episode of Star Trek: New Voyages New Voyages Season 1.
==Synopsis==
The Federation planet of Archanis IV is under attack. The USS Enterprise, along with a vast explorative fleet, is sent to investigate.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER/ARCHANIS SYSTEM/ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
An establishing shot of Watchtower-class Starbase Outpost 9 as its flanked by two Saladin-class destroyers as cargo and transport vessels move to and from the Starbase.
DR. A CLARKSON'S [voice over]: Doctor Anna Clarkson's personal log Stardate 2632.1, For the past two days me and my husband has been restoring the colonies throughout the Federation-Romulan border after the Earth-Romulan War between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire, I am looking forward to seeing both my kids who are both in Starfleet
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
A woman uses a bike pump to get well water...a man works the soil in his fields, wipes his brow, waving to Doctors Anna Clarkson and Robert Clarkson who are there supervising the area, as we see Anna Clarkson dictating a letter to her daughter Anne Clarkson at Starfleet Headquarters.
DR. A CLARKSON [re: PADD]: We should be done in about two days Anne and we'll be able to see both you and Kyle in a few days. 
Her husband walks over to her. 
DR. CLARKSON: Anna you worry too much. 
She turns to him. 
DR. CLARKSON: Rob I'm just worried we're on the edge of Klingon Space and we only have two Federation vessels defending us, when we could of had a heavy cruiser or a dreadnought. 
DR. CLARKSON: Who knows what Starfleet does these days I just wish both Anne and Kyle didn't join it.
Anna shakes her head.
ROBERT: Honey look at the wars we've been in since we started exploring the galaxy we lost 700,000 people to the Xindi and another 12,000,000 to the Romulans, 1/3 of Starfleet and over a billion lives to the Klingons in the Federation-Klingon War in 2256-2257. 
He walks away from Anna as she takes what he said to heart. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION-KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER, ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT'
The Saladin-Class destroyers USS Elezbar and USS McKinley are in orbit of the planet.
INT-USS MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE
The bridge of the USS McKinley is like the bridge of the USS Shenzhou in the early 23rd century, as Captain Karl Stanley is sitting in the command chair when the chief operations officer reports.
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER: Captain sensors are detecting something at the edge of our sensors.
Captain Stanley gets up from the Captain's chair.
CAPT. STANLEY: What is it?
CHIEF OPS OFFICER: Unknown at the moment.
Captain Stanley turns to the helm officer.
CAPT. STANLEY: Come to course 213 mark 10.
HELM OFFICER: Aye, sir.
The young helm officer inputs commands.
EXT-SPACE
The McKinley turns to port to head to the unknown disturbance.
INT-U.S.S. MCKINLEY MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Stanley is standing behind the helm and ops stations.
CHIEF OPS OFFICER: INCOMING CONTACT ITS ORIONS!
CAPT. STANLEY: Transparent viewer shows several Klingon warbirds emerge from warp one at a time.
CAPT. STANLEY: RED ALERT, DEFLECTORS UP! SEND A DISTRESS CALL TO STARFLEET COMMAND!
COM OFFICER: I can't sir they're jamming all communications out of the system!
EXT-FEDERATION/KLINGON NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER ARCHANIS SYSTEM
A green beam pulsed forward and struck the McKinley right behind the bridge, bypassing the shields. A rumbling pulsated throughout the ship, and a sicken roar engulfed the bridge. Outside the McKinley began to explode all over. Flames and oxygen disappeared into the vacuum of space. The McKinley tumbled out of control and drifted. With a silent boom the dish broke in half and the core explored evaporating the ship and sending debris scattering outward.
The attacking vessels head towards the unsuspecting planet.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZqTpbTsY70
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CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. BRANSON'S (voice over): Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before
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STAR TREK: NEW VOYAGES
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
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A shot of the secondary hull of the Enterprise
JARVIS DAVIDSON 
 AS
CAPT. JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies by an asteroid
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LTCMDR. ZHASA IVANOVA
The Enterprise flies by Mars 
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LT. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
BLAKE WAYMIRE
 AS
LT. TYSON MITCHELL
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. KARA CARLSON
JACOB ELLIOT
 AS
DR. STEVEN CARLSON
The Enterprise flies under a Pioneer-Class vessel
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
LT. JULIA SMITH
The Enterprise flies by a planet as the sunsets 
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LTCMDR. T'SHARA
The Enterprise flies by Earth and her warp nacelles power up and she leaps into warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SHACKLETON EXPANSE
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
Enterprise is at impulse speed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, MAIN AREA
John leaned back in his chair, adjusting his weight slightly, his eyes never leaving the PADD. It was getting good. He never thought this would happen to him, but it had. After sixteen years of searching, he had finally found it: A good book that he could not put down. The clock read two hundred and thirteen, and yet he found himself wide awake, riveted to this fictional story that was written nearly four hundred years ago. Granted, much of the colloquialism of the 21st century seemed odd and a bit confusing, but still... the story was compelling. Adding to the fact that the main character was an orphan, like Branson was, it made for a good read. The door bell chimed.
JOHN [groans]: Come.
With a hiss the doors opened and Commander Ivanova walked in. She paused, mid-step halfway through the door.
JANE: Your up?
John stands and stretches.
JOHN [smiles]: I haven't gone to bed, yet. I...uh, couldn't put this book done.
John puts the PADD on his desk.
JOHN: By the way, thanks for the recommendation.
Z [smiles]: You're welcome my father use to read Harry Potter to us before we go to bed, I never thought I'd get into it as well, but J.K. Rowling's a great storyteller.
John stands facing his first officer.
JOHN: So, what's up?
Z [re: PADD]: We've finished our first sensor sweep of the Neutral Zone.
John takes the PADD and examines it.
JOHN [re: PADD]: Oh, fascinating. Twenty particles of space dust per cubic meters. Fifty-two ultra-violet radiation spikes and a class two comet. Well, this is certainly worthy of our attention.
Z: John, why are we out this far?
JOHN: Starfleet believes that I am not ready for combat after what happened between me and Commander Hunter when we were both serving on the Wraith.
Then the intercom chirped.
LTJG. T'LAR [com voice]: Bridge to Branson you've got an incoming hail from Vice Admiral Robert April, shall I patch it to your quarters?
Both John and Zhasa look at each other wondering why April is contacting them as John and Zhasa face the wall mounted screen on the wall.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Yes, T'Lar patch it to my quarters.
Within moments John was looking into the tired eyes of Vice Admiral Robert April former CO of the U.S.S. Enterprise when she was first launched in 2245.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Admiral April.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Admiral.
April acknowledged the two and glared across the screen at Branson. Ivanova cleared her throat.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: I'll head back to the bridge then.
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: No, you need to hear this as well Commander
LTCMDR. KAL [confused]: Sir?
CAPT. BRANSON [confused]: Admiral?
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: We have reporting coming in that the planet of Archanis IV has been destroyed
They're both shocked at that.
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: A horrendous lost of life
April's voice begins to choke up.
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: We estimate casualties close to a billion human and Klingon lives. Archanis IV was one of our most populous planets
CAPT. BRANSON: What happened?
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: We're not entirely sure what happened we received a partial distress call from the colony but not much to go on
CAPT. BRANSON: What's the plan Admiral?
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: Commodore Austin is ordering all available Federation vessels to meet up with his flagship in system
CAPT. BRANSON: We're on our way sir.
VICE ADM. APRIL [monitor]: Keep me posted April out
Transmission ends.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: John doesn't Kyle and Anne's parents currently live on Archanis IV?
John tenses up.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds towards the Archanis System.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
The crew are at their stations as Captain Branson is in the Captain's chair and Commander Ivanova is at her station as Lieutenant Mitchell reports.
LTJG. MITCHELL: We will be entering the Archanis system in eleven minutes, Captain. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Engine status?
Lieutenant Carlson checked and reports.
LTJG. CARLSON: Stable. But we've maintained warp factor 8 for longer than is recommended, sir. 
Commander Ivanova walks over to him.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We'll get there when we'll get there John.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I know I just can't believe that Archanis IV is being attacked again.
Then Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir but you've got an incoming transmission from Earth, its from a Commander Anne Clarkson.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'll take in it in my ready room you've got the bridge Commander.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and enters the ready room as Commander Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
John goes to his desk and activates it a few minutes later the monitor screen shows the home of Commander Anne Clarkson sister of Kyle Clarkson.
 
JOHN: Anne its good to see you again. 
ANNE [monitor]: You to John
JOHN: What can I do for you? 
ANNE [monitor]: Well, I was just working late when the distress beacon I gave my parents was activated, I don't know if it was accidental or both her and dad are in danger
JOHN: We're on our way to meet up with a taskforce to see what's going on at Archanis IV its probably nothing have you told Kyle yet?
ANNE [monitor]; Not yet I don't want to wake him if he's asleep you know how cranky he gets if he doesn't get a good night sleep
JOHN: Yeah, I know that feeling during the war he would be up all night getting the ship back together.
ANNE [monitor]: Thanks John
JOHN [smiles]: Anytime Anna. 
Transmission ends as John sits there thinking.
EXT-EDGE OF ARCHANIS SYSTEM
Enterprise emerges from warp and approaches the taskforce of 48 Starfleet vessels 11 Constitution-Class cruisers, 12 Saladin-Class destroyers, 14 Sombra-class vessels, 3 Federation-class Dreadnoughts, 4 Syracuse-class frigates, 3 Foley-Class Dreadnoughts. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Transparent viewer shows the battlegroup.
CAPT. BRANSON: Bring us into a parallel orbit with the rest of the fleet.
LTJG. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.
EXT-SPACE
The Enterprise gracefully came up along side the closest starship, the USS Yorktown NCC-1717 a Sombra-class vessel.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
Lieutenant Smith turns from her console as she has her two fingers on her ear piece ad reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir, we're being hailed by Commodore Austin onboard the U.S.S. John Chamberlin.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer changed to the bridge of the U.S.S. John Chamberlin.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commodore Austin we're here as ordered.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: This was all the ships that were along the border you just came from Shackleton hope we were interrupting anything important?
CAPT. BRANSON: No, sir not at all.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: We'll head in and see what's going on to see if can render aid
CAPT. BRANSON: We're ready sir.
Transmission ends.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign you heard the Fleet Captain hit it.
ENS. KAYE: Aye, sir.
He watched as the stars sped up and stretched striking pass as the Enterprise entered subspace to reach warp speed.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
The Federation taskforce is heading towards Archanis IV.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is reviewing the readiness reports from all decks when the com activates. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Captain
John tapped the com panel on his desk. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: You've got an incoming transmission from the U.S.S. Harrison its Captain Jamie Towe 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Patch it to my ready room. 
John gets up from the chair and faces the wall monitor as it shows the Captain's quarter. 
JOHN [smiles]: Jamie hey long time no see. 
JAMIE [monitor]: John, your call sounded urgent what's wrong is everything on the Enterprise alright? 
JOHN [smiles]: Yes everything is alright I was wondering if I can speak with Kyle its important. 
JAMIE [monitor]: He's currently busy right now
JOHN: Jamie its his parents Archanis IV may of been attacked by the Klingons.
JAMIE [monitor]: I thought they were in isolation after we were forced to sign the Organian Peace treaty two years ago
JOHN: JOHN: As far as I know they still are in isolation but it makes no sense some of their people are on that planet as well.
JAMIE [monitor]: I'll inform him of it
JOHN [nods]: Thanks Jamie.
She nods and transmission ends.
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Federation taskforce on course.
INT-U.S.S ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Carlson reports.
LTJG. CARLSON: Sir, we're approaching Archanis IV.
CAPT. BRANSON: Drop us out of warp.
[Transparent viewer shows the warp tunnel, then a large debris field suddenly appears.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: EMERGENCY EVASIVE KARA!
Lieutenant Carlson works on the helm.
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The taskforce scatters to avoid the debris field as a Miranda couldn't get out of the way in time is collides with a piece of debris destroying it completely, as the Enterprise does a barrel roll.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LTJG. T'LAR: Rest of the taskforce has scattered about to avoid the debris field, Captain detecting a large piece of debris recommend we avoid it.
CAPT. BRANSON: Got it Lieutenant full reverse, come about starboard ninety degrees, drop us underneath! 
Lieutenant Carlson inputs commands into the helm station and she activates the forward RCS thruster. 
EXT-DRAKEN SYSTEM, DRAKEN IV ORBIT
Enterprise drops under the large chunk of debris from the outpost as the end of it scraps hull plating off the starboard nacelle.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LTJG. MASON: Starboard deflectors down to eighty-nine percent. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: We've lost a bit of hull plating on the starboard nacelle but otherwise we're in one piece. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: We can replace it. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Right. 
LTJG. T'LAR: Coming up on Archanis IV now sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's see it. 
Transparent viewer shows the fires and devastation as Captain Branson is in utter shock by the sight. 
CAPT. BRANSON [shocked]: My god. 
Everyone is in utter shock by the sight of the destruction of the colony. 
LTCMDR. KAL: That's not good. 
Captain Branson is in shock still. 
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]'
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Federation taskforce is in orbit avoiding the debris littering the orbit of the planet.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM
The search party enters as Captain Branson enters and joins the team on the transporter pad. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright we're going to search for survivors be ready to defend yourselves if we encounter Klingon soldiers set phasers to stun. 
They set phasers to stun. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Energize chief. 
Chief Mackenzie inputs commands and the search party dematerialized.
CUT TO:
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY DAMAGED, DAY
The search party materialized as they get out their phasers.
LTJG. T'LAR [re: tricorder]: Nothing yet on tricorder Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: That could change in a few seconds let's spread out com if you find survivors.
[The landing party splits up to search for survivors John searches the area where he knows that Kyle and Anne's parents would be at, as he sees the destruction everywhere from the disruptors and fires plumping he continues his search as his communicator beeps he takes it out of the holder and flips it open.]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: The Yorktown has arrived sir and they've reported they found no sign of any surviving ships, Captain Smith is sending down search parties and launching shuttles to do aerial surveys
[John looked up and sees the shuttles fly over head.] 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Acknowledged Z continue scanning the area for Klingons Branson out. 
[He continues his search.]
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Lieutenant Commander Ivanova is in command while Captain Branson is on the surface as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Commander we're being hailed by Commodore Austin.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the John Chamberlin.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: Commander what do you have to report?
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: So, far no survivors but we're not giving up sir.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: I'll take the rest of the battlegroup to the other planets to check them out hopefully one of them has to have a group of survivors
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Very well sir.
COMM. AUSTIN [viewer]: Keep me posted Commander Austin out''
Transmission ends.
LTJG. SMITH: I've been monitoring communications from Federation Outposts along the border.
LTJG. MASON: If we're attacked by a massive Klingon battlegroup we won't last long.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Commander Ivanova leans back in the command chair.
CUT TO:
EXT-DRAKEN IV SURFACE, MAIN COLONY, DAY
[Captain Branson is walking through the colony and is trying to figure out where Kyle's parent's colony house is at.] 
DR. CARLSON [O.S]: CAPTAIN! 
[John rushes over to where Doctor Langford and Nurse Chapel is at.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Steven? 
DR. CARLSON: He was under some rubble me and Christine were able to dig him out. 
They start treating him as John holds him. 
JOHN: Eric its Mister Branson can you hear me? 
MAJ. JONES: C-Captain Branson sir. 
Both Chapel and Carlson are still working on him. 
JOHN: Eric what happened here? 
MAJ. JONES (coughs): I-It was the K-Klingons sir they attacked the colony blew right 
through the two Saladin-class destroyers that were in orbit, and started bombarding the surface beaming troops down and killed half of the colonist some made it to the transporter shuttles and shelters. 
John looks at both Christine and Steven. 
DR. Carlson: His injuries are to severe sir we can't save him. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Major you're injuries are to severe we can't save you. 
MAJ. JONES: I know sir I'm sorry for how I treated Tina when we were dating t-t-tell her 
t-that I-I'm s-sorry. 
He dies as John places him on the ground and closes his eyes he stands up and looks over at 
Nurse Chapel who's distraught. 
CAPT. BRANSON: You and Steven did everything you could to help him Christine. 
She nods they see his dead body. 
EXT-ARCHANIS SYSTEM, ARCHANIS IV ORBIT
The Enterprise and Yorktown continues to send down shuttles and search parties.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 5336.1, The Enterprise, Yorktown are both in orbit of Archanis IV after it was just attacked in and unprovoked assault, killing at least a dozen souls
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson is reviewing the colony manifest as he sees the files of both Doctor Anna Clarkson and Robert Clarkson, as he's leaning back in his chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over, continuing]: Among the missing are agricultural researchers Doctors Anna and Robert Clarkson parents of both Kyle and Anne Clarkson, who and why would they attacked an agricultural colony?
Then the com chirped.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Ivanova to Branson
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Sir, Captain Smith is on the surface and she says that she needs you down there she found something 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: On my way. 
He turns the monitor off and leaves the ready room.
CUT TO:
EXT-ARCHANIS IV SURFACE MAIN COLONY, DAY
Captain Branson materializes on the surface wearing a tactical vest and turns to see his wife and her search party. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jessica what did you find? 
CAPT. SMITH: Nothing so far but we're still looking. 
They walk together as they've got their phasers out of their holsters ready and moves to the door frame and John throws a stun grenade into the building and it goes off as he and Jessica moves into the building. 
INT-CLARKSON RESEARCH LABATORY [BATTLE DAMAGED, DARKEN]
They enter the lab as they are moving in a leapfrog cover formation, as they search the rooms for the two Doctors. 
CAPT. SMITH: I don't see them. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They've got to be in here. 
They continue searching the lab that's connected to their colony house both John and Jessica get on both sides of the door and Jessica cracks the door open and John tosses another stun grenade in and it goes off and they move into the house. 
The pair continue their search for the Doctors. 
CAPT. SMITH: Damn it where could they be. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Not sure but we've got to find them.
John lowers his hand phaser but then he sees something and he slowly walks towards the object and kneels down and turns it over and is shocked to see Mister Clarkson and then Jessica sees Anna Clarkson. 
CAPT. BRANSON: My god is she? 
Jessica checks her pulse. 
CAPT. SMITH (nods): Yeah she's dead John. 
CAPT. SMITH: John? 
Captain Branson reholsters his phaser after shutting it off. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm fine Jess. 
John is on one knee. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Doctor Carlson we found the bodies of both Doctors. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY, MORGUE
Both bodies are put into the bays as Doctor Carlson turns to him. 
DR. CARLSON: Both were stabbed by Klingon weapon but Mrs. Clarkson was stabbed but she was still alive and she was shot by a Klingon disruptor at close range to the head. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks Steven. 
CAPT. SMITH [comforts her husband]: John are you alright? 
He turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Just wish they were alive Jessica. 
[BOATSWAIN WHISTLE SOUNDS] 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Branson
John toggles the com panel. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead. 
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: Sir, the USS John Chamberlain and her escorts have arrived and Commodore Austin is wanting to speak with you 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: I'm on my way Z. 
[John toggles the com panel and leaves the Sickbay.] 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson is working on a few reports when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
Doors opened and Commodore Joseph Austin walks into the ready room, as Captain Branson puts the PADD down on his desk and stands up at attention. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Captain Austin welcome aboard the Enterprise sir. 
COMM. AUSTIN: At ease Captain. 
John goes to at ease. 
COMM. AUSTIN: I've read your report its a shame that the Klingons attacked the colony, we've not heard from the Klingons in over 200 years since Captain Archer's last encounter with them during the Augment crisis and the Earth-Romulan War we thought that they would just go back into their borders and just fight with each other. 
CAPT. BRANSON: It would seem that Federation analysts were wrong about that sir. 
COMM. AUSTIN: Its also a shame that Mister and Misses Clarkson were killed down there. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes sir it is. 
Commodore Austin is looking around the ready room as John is watching him. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): Uh is there something that I can help you with sir? 
He then sees John's wedding photo and then turns back to him. 
COMM. AUSTIN: Yes there is you being in command of this wonderful vessel. 
CAPT. BRANSON (more confused): Uh, excuse me sir? 
COMM. AUSTIN: There's a bunch of cadets that would love to have this command but no because of your friendship with both Kirk and April they chose you, when you have a reprimand in your record for forcing yourself onto a fellow officer during a critical situation. 
John is taken a back. 
CAPT. BRANSON: As my report on that will reflect sir she was about to be shot by a Klingon warrior so I did the only thing I could do at that moment, I never meant to harm her. 
COMM. AUSTIN: BUT YOU DID AND NOW SHE HAS TO GO THROUGH INTENSE COUNSELING TO GET HER MINDSET RIGHT! And here you are living comfortably onboard the Enterprise while she's suffering. 
He leaves the ready room as John is in utter shock at the situation he put his former crewmate in. 
CUT TO:
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Both Enterprise and Yorktown are heading back to Earth with the survivors and the deceased.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTER'S, BEDROOM AREA
Jessica turns over to feel the other side of the bed is empty and she sees John looking out the window of his quarters.
JESSICA: Couldn't sleep?
JOHN [sighs]: Nope, I have Fleet Captain Austin's words ringing in my ears about Commander Hunter.
Jessica stands next to him.
JESSICA: John, you got this command because of your hardwork and determination not to give up, and yeah you were recommended by both Pike and April but that should effect your reasoning of getting this command.
JOHN [smiles]: Thanks honey. 
She looks at him. 
JESSICA: Have you informed both Kyle and Anne? 
JOHN: Not yet. 
JESSICA: You need to. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM 
John is informing both Kyle and Anne of the grizzly discovery. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Anne, Kyle thanks for taking my call the reason I've called you both is that we found your parents, well I found them. 
ANNE [monitor]: And? 
JOHN (sighs): I'm sorry to tell you both that they're dead they were killed defending themselves and sending the distress call after the two ships were destroyed. 
Anne is in utter shock but Kyle has a very cold look on his otherwise composed face. 
ANNE [monitor]: What? Why did they do this to them they weren't doing anything wrong?
JOHN: We think they may of thought that we were establishing a military base in the Archanis System. 
ANNE [monitor, voice breaking]: Thank you John I'll be at the funeral when the Enterprise returns
JOHN: I'll see you there Anne. 
Transmission ends as Kyle is the only one on the monitor. 
JOHN: Kyle? 
Kyle's facial expression hasn't changed making it hard to gauge his emotions. 
KYLE [monitor]: John my parents left me on Arcamon, while they were working a lot, and they never loved me they abandoned me there! 
JOHN: Kyle they love you and Anne. 
Kyle hangs his head down. 
KYLE [monitor]: (Coldly) They always contacted Anne to ask about me, and never actually tried to contact me. Me! Their own son! (He sighs deeply) I don't expect you to ever understand
Kyle ends the transmission abruptly. Half shocked and half saddened by his friends words 
John leans back in his chair. 
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, EARTH ORBIT
The Federation Home battlegroup and the orbital defense platforms are in orbit as the Enterprise parks into a dry-dock berth. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN CARGO BAY 
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters and sees the caskets of the dead colonist and walks over to the two caskets that belong to Anna and William Clarkson as he stands there looking at them then the doors opened again and both Kyle and Anne enter. 
JOHN: If you two want I'll leave you guys alone to say goodbye to them. 
ANNE: No its alright John you were like a brother to both me and Kyle you and your family were nice to us. 
Kyle just stands there looking at the caskets of his parents. 
ANNE (saddened): Why didn't you guys get off the planet before this happened? How can both me and my brother move on from your deaths? 
Kyle crosses his arms. 
KYLE (scoffs): Anne come on they never cared about me. 
ANNE: Really Kyle, they loved you but they knew you would of been bored going with them and they trusted Doctor T'Ver. 
KYLE (Coldly frustrated): I was just a child! I wouldn't have been bored because I WANTED to go with them! I WANTED to help them I didn't WANT to be raised by Vulcans and then be completely forgotten! I begged them not to leave me there! 
ANNE (Almost crying): They only did what they thought was best for you.... 
KYLE (With ice cold hardness): They never once checked in on me, Anne! You were the only one who ever did! Then they only ever talked to you. They couldn't ever be bothered to talk their only son! 
An awkward and deafening silence falls between them as John looks at them horrified at what he has just heard. 
JOHN (Awkwardly): The funeral will be at 1400 hours on Earth. 
John leaves the cargo bay. 
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, DAY
An established shot of Starfleet Command. 
INT-STARFLEET COMMAND FLEET CAPTAIN KIRK'S OFFICE, DAY
Fleet Captain Kirk is standing looking out the window at the Golden Gate Bridge. 
FLT CAPT. KIRK: I would of thought that the Klingons would of attacked a well defended colony world not an agricultural colony that's lightly defended. 
Captain Branson is sitting in the chair in front of his desk wearing his dress uniform. 
CAPT. BRANSON: It was devastating they destroyed the entire city we only found 14 out of 1,230 colonist. 
Kirk turns to face his former first officer. 
FLT CAPT. KIRK: The Federation Council has decided not to pursue any formal declaration of war against the Klingons till we can find out why they attacked Archanis IV. 
JOHN: Wait so we're just going to sweep this under the damn rug Chris they murdered my friends parents along with countless others in cold blood that's not a declaration of war? 
JIM: If we attack them now then the Federation Council will demand a reason for the war you know that. 
John leans back in the chair. 
JOHN: So we're just going to ignore this and pretend it didn't happen? 
JIM: I didn't say that John but we are going to investigate and increase patrols along the Federation-Klingon Border. 
John is frustrated but understands that they can't pursue the Klingons till they attack something that is more of taste to the Empire. 
JOHN: I better get going the funeral ceremony starts in half an hour. 
JIM: I would go but I have to send out letters to the crews of the two ships that were destroyed give both Kyle and Anne my regards. 
John nod and leaves Jim's office. 
CUT TO:
EXT-EARTH SURFACE, CEMETARY, DAY
At the cemetery the crew of the Enterprise and Harrison are there to support the Clarkson siblings as Federation fighters fly over head. 
VICE ADM. CORNWELL: The Clarkson family has my deepest sympathy as I speak for everyone here when I say we're so sorry for you loss, both of your parents were respected by all and will be missed but we must move forward and remember that they didn't die in vain they died because of Klingon arrogates and dishonorment. 
As the caskets are being lowered into the ground Anne is crying in the arms of her husband, after the funeral John wearing his Starfleet dress uniform walks over to both Kyle and Jamie who are also wearing their dress uniforms. 
JOHN: Thanks for coming your parents would of loved it. 
KYLE (scoffs): Huh, I didn't come here by choice. 
JAMIE: You needed this Kyle. 
Kyle walks over to the two gravestones as Anne walks over to them. 
ANNE: Thanks for coming John you don't know how much it means to me and Kyle that the Branson family are basically friends of the family. 
JOHN: Its my honor to be here my parents and Fleet Captain Pike sends their regards. 
Anne's husband who's a Starfleet officer wearing his dress uniform as well. 
ANNE: Oh where are my manners John this is my husband Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts we work together in the JAG department, this is Captain John Branson and his wife Jessica Smith of the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown respectively. 
BUD: I've been wanting to meet you both for awhile especially you Captain Branson you're something of a talk in the JAG department. 
JOHN: That's nice Mister Roberts. 
ANNE: So what are they going to do about the Klingons? 
John knows that she doesn't want to hear it but he's got to give her the tough news. 
JOHN (sighs): Chris has informed me that the Federation Council isn't going to pursue war with the Klingons at this time. 
ANNE: Wait what they're just going to sit by and allow them to continue to butcher innocent men and women our parents were slaughtered by them! 
JOHN: Anne I understand that but we're still recovering from the Four Years War with them in the 2240s as well as the Federation-Klingon War of 2256-2257 but he has assured me that they'll increase border patrols. 
BUD: Honey its going to be alright we're going to make them pay for what they did. 
ANNE (sigh): Its just mine and Kyles parents were butchered by the Klingons and the council is letting them get off with nothing more then a slap on the wrist. 
Then they're watching Kyle who just puts a hand on the gravestones. 
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT, ENDING CREDITS] 
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Lieutenant Kara Carlson
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Sadie Waymire as Lieutenant Julia Smith
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Shara
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Lieutenant Harris Payne
*TBA as Lieutenant Lindsey Tanner
===Special Guest Stars===
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*Josh Irwin as Commodore Joseph Austin
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Commander Anne Clarkson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts
*TBA as Doctor Anna Clarkson
*TBA as Doctor Robert Clarkson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===