What Lies Beneath The Raptor's Wing (NV episode)

What Lies Beneath The Raptor's Wing is the 9th episode of Star Trek: New Voyages New Voyages Season 2.
==Synopsis==
The Enterprise and her crew battle a Romulan warbird suspected of destroying several bases along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone Border. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise is docked at Starbase 98.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 1709.4, The Enterprise is docked at Starbase 98 taking on supplies that will be delivered to Outpost Four along the Federation-Romulan Neutral Zone border. As well as the crew are enjoying some much needed shore leave
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTER
John gets ready to go on duty when Jessica walks up behind him and lays her head on his back.
JESSICA: I wish you didn't have to go to Outpost four.
John turns to face his wife.
JOHN: I know but Outpost four needs these supplies.
Jessica and John kiss.
JESSICA: Good luck and be careful.
She leaves the quarters as John leaves the quarters.
CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE
Enterprise departs from Starbase 98 and enters warp.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CHAPEL
The crew are gathered for the special event as Commander Williams is getting a camera ready as Captain Branson wearing his dress uniform walks in as Commander Williams looks over at him.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: The ceremony will be carried on all viewing screens, sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good.
Then Doctor Carlson walks over to him.
DR. CARLSON: A call for you from the bridge.
Captain Branson walks over to the com panel and activates it.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Still no answer from Earth Outpost number two, Captain, and now number three's gone silent
[Captain Branson sees the bride enter.]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Maintain course to outpost four. Keep me informed. Branson out. 
[He ends the com call and walks over to the podium as, a young lady in gold uniform and a pretty head-dress takes Steven's arm and is escorted into the room, to the strains of 'Here Comes The Bride'. John is at the podium.]
CAPT. BRANSON [addressing the crew]: 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! Captain to the Bridge. All decks alert
The crew scatters as the bride and groom kiss and leaves.
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Bridge to Captain Outpost 4 has reported their under attack. A space vessel, identity unknown
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Copy Z I'm on my way.
John leaves the chapel.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE VARIOUS DECKS [RED ALERT]
The crew are rushing to their battle stations.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme Song:
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CAPTAIN BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before
======
Enterprise leaps into warp.
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STAR TREK: NEW VOYAGES
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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BASED UPON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
=====
The Enterprise flies over a gas giant's rings.
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
LTJG. JACK MASON
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LTCMDR. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
USS Enterprise is flying next to a comet
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
LT. KARA CARLSON
BLAKE WAYMIRE
 AS
LT. TYSON MITCHELL
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-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise speeds towards the Neutral Zone border.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 1709.2, While on course for Starbase 98 the Enterprise has picked a distress call from one of our Neutral Zone outposts, we're going there now to render support and if possible engage whoever is attacking
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[Lights are dimmed as red lights are flashing as the turbo-lift doors opened Captain Branson walks onto the bridge as the boatswain whistle sounds, and he walks over to his command chair.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Report Commander?
CMDR. IVANOVA: Julia can brief you on the situation Lieutenant? 
[Commander Ivanova gets up and walks over to the First officer station.] 
LT. SMITH: Outpost Four reported under attack, sir. Then message terminates. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Verified and confirmed sir.
[Captain Branson walks in front the helm and navigational stations sliding his two fingers across the top of the console's edge.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Any word from Two or Three? 
LT. SMITH: 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. CARLSON: Warp factor 5 sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Increase speed to warp factor 6.5 Mister Mitchell what's our ETA to Outpost Four? 
LT. MITCHELL: Position, eight minutes from Outpost four at this velocity, sir. 
[Captain Branson toggles the com panel on the right side of the command chair.]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Engineering we need more speed if we're going to reach Outpost four. 
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS [com voice]: Aye, sir we'll give you all she's got and more
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Thank you Steph. 
He ends the com call and turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Did Outpost 4 give anything at all on the attacking vessel, Lieutenant? 
LT. SMITH: None at all sir. 
[Then Lieutenant Mitchell chimes in about the attacks.]
LT. MITCHELL: I'm guessing it's the same attackers, sir. The Romulans. 
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. Z you've got the bridge. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: Aye, sir. 
[Captain Branson gets up from the command chair and enters the ready room, as Commander Ivanova sits in the command chair worried about her friend.]
EXT-WARP TUNNEL
Enterprise continue towards Outpost Four.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM [RED ALERT]
[John is sitting at his desk reviewing the information on the Romulans from the 22nd century Coalition of Planets information during the Earth-Romulan Wars and what they were able to gain from President Archer's encounters with the Star Empire in 2152 and 2154 when the com activates.]
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge we're receiving a transmission from Outpost 4
[Captain Branson leaves his ready room.]
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise dropped out of warp and proceeds at impulse.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson walks onto the bridge from the ready room and Commander Ivanova vacates the Captain's chair and takes her station. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sweeping the area of Outpost two. Sensor reading indefinite. Double-checking Outpost three. I read dust and debris. Both Earth outposts gone, and the asteroids they were constructed on, pulverized. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: What could do this?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Unknown Commander.
CAPT. BRANSON: Any sign of the enemy vessel?
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Negative sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's triple check. Julia, see if there's any other Federation ships in the sector in case we need back up. 
Both officers comply with the order and Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LT. SMITH: The Farragut is on the other side of the border.
John remains silent.
LT. SMITH: That's Sarah's vessel.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ah, yes I had forgotten.
Lieutenant Smith then reports. 
LT. SMITH: Sir, we're being hailed. It's the outpost. Audio only. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Enterprise, can you read me? This is Commander Hansen Al-Salah
Captain Branson leans forward in his command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Outpost four this is Branson we read you Commander what's your status? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Outposts Two, Three and Eight are gone. Unknown weapon completely destroyed. We had our deflector shields on maximum. Hit by enormous power. First attack blew through our shields. If they hit us again with our deflectors gone Do you read me, Enterprise?
Captain Branson says a silent prayer for those on the outposts that were destroyed. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: We read you, Al-Salah what hit you, Commander? What vessel? Can you identify? 
CMDR. AL-SALAH (com voice): Negative. It all happened so fast. And it seems to have cloaked. Switching to visual. Enterprise, can you see?
A few seconds later transparent viewer shows the command post as fires are plumping as a wounded Commander Al-Salah is at the console as Captain Branson gets up from his command chair in shock at what he's seeing on the viewer. 
CUT TO:
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT, BATTLE DAMAGED]
[ALARMS BLARING]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: Enterprise, 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 ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: We're looking at it now Commander is your son with you?
INT-OUTPOST FOUR, COMMAND POST [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH: No, thank god no. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at seeing the battle damaged outpost. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander what do you have on the intruder? 
INT-OUTPOST FOUR COMMAND CENTER [RED ALERT]
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.
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Enterprise, something coming on our viewing screen, coming at us fast
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander tie us in.
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Switching
[Transparent viewer shows a brand new Romulan warbird design that's never been seen before.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack do we have phasers? 
LT. MASON: We're still 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
Enterprise's forward launcher 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Everyone is shocked at the result. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: PICKING UP A POWER INCREASE! 
CAPT. BRANSON [tenses up]: Commander do you have phasers we're still out of range. 
CMDR. AL-SALAH [viewer]: Negative phasers gone weapon crew are dead 
[Captain Branson quickly turns to Lieutenant Smith.]
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia hail them. Warn that ship off. 
LT. SMITH: Trying to sir but they're not responding! 
[Transparent viewer shows the forward section of the warbird as it powers something up and sends it out, as the transparent switches to Hansen as the outpost is hit, then just bright light.] 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Outpost four disintegrated, Captain.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise enters what's left of Outpost four.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARE] 
[Back to the attacking ship, which then vanishes.] 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Interesting how they became visible for just a moment. Perhaps necessary to use weapons. 
[Captain Branson still standing shocked by what just happened.] 
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, we've got to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to have visual in order to engage the enemy Lieutenant you know 
that. 
T'Shara turns to her station and beings to work on the console. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Analyzing their movement patterns now. Give me a moment. 
Then Lieutenant Mitchell reports. 
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, incoming warp signature. 
LT. SMITH: We're being hailed. It's one of ours. The Farragut.
CAPT. BRANSON: Sarah's ship who's hailing us? 
LT. SMITH: Their captain. James Kirk. 
[Star Trek fanfare music starts playing as Captain Branson turns to Julia surprised.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sam's brother? 
She nods. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Uh, I mean uh on screen. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]'
COMM. KIRK: Enterprise, this is Commodore James T. Kirk of the USS Farragut, offering assistance. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
[Captain Branson is standing in front of the viewer with his hands behind his back.] 
CAPT. BRANSON: John Branson. Good to see you, Commodore. 
COMM. KIRK [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?
LT. MITCHELL: We may have an idea of who it is. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We're trying to determine, conclusively. 
Then T'Shara reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I may have a lead, sir. The ship in question appears to have a kind of cloaking device. But they still have a detectable gravitational presence. 
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT] 
COMM. KIRK: Does that mean we can track them Commander? 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: T'Shara, theoretically, yes. By detecting the micro-lensing of background stars we can determine an approximate location. 
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: Impressive Commander. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Where's the intruder now? 
Commander T'Shara inputs commands into her console and reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: He has changed heading. At a very leisurely maneuver. They may not be aware of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: How can that be true? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They had to decloak to fire. Their device may work both ways: it makes them invisible to our sensors, but requires a massive amount of energy. They are likely flying blind, without enough power to run their scanners. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: So, we can't see them but they can't see us? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Yes. 
She then checks her console. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: His heading is now 1-1-1, mark 1-4. The exact heading a Romulan vessel would take toward the Neutral Zone and home. 
Then Lieutenant Mitchell looks at Captain Branson. 
LT. MITCHELL: Sir, it's the Romulans. We have to take them out. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Ty, We can't enter the Neutral Zone. Starfleet is clear on this. We do, that's considered an act of war. 
LT. MITCHELL [annoyed]: They've destroyed four of our outposts. That's not an act of war? 
CAPT. BRANSON: We attack the Romulans without authorization, the Federation will consider us expendable. 
COMM. KIRK [viewer]: We do have another option. We can shadow the ship. Follow a parallel course, to buy us some time
LT. MITCHELL: Not an intercept course sir? 
FLT CAPT. KIRK [viewer]: No
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: The Captain is right That would be a declaration of war. But if Enterprise and Farragut 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Let's start shadowing them. Julia, send a message to Starfleet. Ask for permission to engage the Romulans. Commodore Kirk, we'll be talking. 
COMM. KIRK [viewer]: I look forward to it Kirk out 
Transmission ends. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Get Sam Kirk up here, ASAP. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Both John and Sam are sitting at the desk.
LT. KIRK: Am I off the record here, sir? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah. 
LT. KIRK: Jim was always at the top of his class. He's smart and highly skilled, obviously, but he's not above relying on charm or even luck. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sounds like a wild card. 
LT. KIRK: A whole deck of them he doesn't like to take the path everyone else does. And he doesn't like to lose. 
John leans forward. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Sam should I be worried that Jim is going to start a war? 
SAM: Look, John I'm not gonna say that Jim isn't a pain in the ass. He is. He's a huge pain in the ass. But the truth is, he's as fine a captain as Starfleet has. 
JOHN [smiles]: Good to know. 
SAM: Like I said, he does like to bend the rules sometimes. No, more like all the time. 
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson report to the bridge there's something you should see
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
The monitor at communications shows an EM signal. 
LT. SMITH: There's a comet ahead, and its trail is reflecting a signal on an unused EM frequency. It is encoded. T'Shara is trying to decipher. But we think it might be from the enemy ship. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They cut off transmission, but we managed to make a copy. I think it's the feed from their bridge, sir. 
Lieutenant Mitchell turns. 
LT. MITCHELL: So we finally get to see what they look like. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara put it on the viewer. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan vessel finally revealing the look of the Romulans, much to the shock of everyone as the camera pushes in on T'Shara who raises an eyebrow. 
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise and Farragut are next to each other as there's a comet in the background.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Commodore Kirk beams aboard.
CAPT. BRANSON: Fleet Captain Kirk welcome aboard the Enterprise.
COMM. KIRK [smiles]: It's good to be back Sam its good to see you again.
The two brothers hug each other.
COMM. KIRK: They let you run a department?
LT. KIRK: Yeah.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, Commander T'Shara, Lieutenant Mitchell, Lieutenant Carlson, and Doctor Carlson along with Commodore Kirk are at the large table. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, we're not gonna get out of this problem by not talking about it. 
LT. MITCHELL: I'd like to hear what T'Shara has to say for herself. 
T'Shara has her arms folded. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: I assure you Mister Mitchell I had no idea of the similarities between my people and the Romulans. 
COMM. KIRK: It does seem suspicious. Not the similarity itself, but that we should discover it right now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you suggesting? 
COMM. KIRK: Well, it's no secret that the Vulcans and the humans are in alliance. Perhaps the Romulans allowed us to see that transmission in hopes that it would sow discord among us.
CMDR. IVANOVA: It is possible.
LT. MITCHELL: 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. CARLSON: The Romulan vessel will cross the Neutral Zone in about an hour. 
COMM. KIRK: I don't think we can wait, we have a choice to make here. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Say we do make that choice. Their plasma weapon can still slice through our deflectors. That, in conjunction with their cloaking device, gives them a tactical advantage. Even against our ships working in tandem. 
DR. CARLSON: 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. MITCHELL: Hate to say it Doc but they started this fight by attacking our outposts. 
DR. CARLSON: This isn't a schoolyard Ty. Billions of lives are at stake here. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Which is why I want to hear everyone's opinion on the subject. 
DR. CARLSON: I vote against war. 
LT. MITCHELL: So do I. I just think that means killing Romulans. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Commodore your thoughts? 
COMM. KIRK: 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'SHARA: I think we should attack. 
Everyone turns to T'Shara. 
CAPT. BRANSON: T'Shara? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, if the Romulans are an offshoot of my Vulcan blood, which I believe, then attack is indeed the only option. Vulcan, like Earth, had its aggressive colonizing period. Savage, even by human standards. If the Romulans retain this martial philosophy, then weakness is something we dare not show. 
LT. MITCHELL (smirks): Well, if T'Shara and I can agree, then there's hope for all of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We don't all agree. 
Then Jim comes up with an idea. 
COMM. KIRK: Hold a moment. Captain Branson, that comet we're approaching might just be the alternative that you've been looking for. T'Shara, can you put up the trajectory on screen, please? 
T'Shara inputs commands into the PADD as the monitor changes to shows the comet. 
COMM. KIRK: 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. 
COMM. KIRK: They'll be pendent and we'll be able to get weapons locked. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Good plan Commodore. 
CUT TO:
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Both the Enterprise and Farragut are approaching the comet. 
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's personal log, Stardate 1709.2. Per Commodore Kirk's plan, we are mounting a pincer move. Our two ships will slowly drift closer as the Romulans remain unaware. When they pass through the comet's tail giving us their exact location, we will be in weapons range Kirk, however, has agreed to my plan to neutralize, not destroy, the Bird-of-Prey, leaving open the possibility of dialogue
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson is sitting in the Captain's chair deep in thought.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over, continuing]: And yet I remain concerned this brash, young Starfleet captain follows his own rules
CAPT. BRANSON: Maintain present course and speed but be ready.
LT. CARLSON: I've got my foot on the gas just in case.
EXT-COMET DUST TRAIL
Enterprise proceeds in.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA [O.S]: Still tracking the gravitational presence of the Romulans. Their trajectory remains unchanged.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Holding position, Enterprise just let us know when you see them. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LT. CARLSON: 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-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK [confused]: Something isn't right?
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: The Commodore is right we should of seen them by now. 
T'Shara turns to her scanner.
COMM. KIRK [com voice]: Enterprise
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
COMM. KIRK [to com]: I don't like this.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
T'Shara's monitor shows the Romulan signature. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Reading gravitational signature again. It's behind the Farragut. 
John quickly gets up from his command chair. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kirk, get out of there!
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: Red Alert!
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Red Alert, Kara get us there as quick as you can.
Lieutenant Carlson works at her console.
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: Attack pattern Tiberius 4.
LT. ILLIA: Aye, sir!
EXT-SPACE
The Farragut quickly maneuvers as the Romulan fires its disruptors a few hits the ship's deflectors, as the ship moves quickly far off in the distances is the Enterprise moving to assist.
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
COMM. KIRK: Get behind them.
LTCMDR. SULU: Aye, sir.
EXT-SPACE
The Farragut goes for an L-4.
'INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. CHEKOV: Phasers locked on target sir.
COMM. KIRK: FIRE!
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
As the Farragut fires her weapons she attempts to get behind the Romulan warbird it fires off its plasma torpedo and it struck the forward section of the Farragut causing massive damage to the Farragut-Class vessel. 
INT-U.S.S FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Huge shower of sparks erupt from the ceiling as the crew are thrown from their stations, and Commodore Kirk is thrown from his command chair. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Romulan vessel flies off as the Farragut 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
The Farragut is drifting with half of the forward saucer section destroyed as debris floats around the disabled vessel as smoke plums out of the large breach.
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT, EMERGENCY POWER]
[KLAXONS BLARING]
The crew gets up from the floor as Kirk goes to his command chair.
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Bridge to engineering damage report!
CMDR. SCOTT [com voice]: Main energizers are out we've got emergency power!
LTCMDR. UHURA: Sickbay is reporting wounded!
CMDR. BRANSON: We've got no power to impulse or warp!
LT. CHEKOV: Weapons are down as our deflectors!
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Kirk to Enterprise fire phasers Captain.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: We're out of range. We're just as likely to hit you as them.
INT-U.S.S. FARRAGUT MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Maybe you'll draw their fire.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON: Jack full phasers.
Lieutenant Mason inputs commands into the tactical console and presses the firing button. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Enterprise fires off a spread of phaser bolts as the Romulan vessel flies by the damaged Farragut, as one of the blots scores a hit. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. MASON [smiles]: Holy We actually clipped them.
CAPT. BRANSON: Good shooting Jack, Julia hail them I want them focused on us. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir hailing now. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep firing. 
LT. MASON: Gladly sir.
Commander T'Shara turns from her station.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sensors are detecting a power increase from their forward weapons port.
CAPT. BRANSON: Divert power to the forward deflectors but keep firing.
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
 
The Enterprise continues its barrage of phaser blots as the forward section of the Romulan vessel powers up and a red/orange energy cloud plums and lances towards the Enterprise. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE 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 ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
WHUMPH! Shower of sparks erupts from the ceiling and one of the consoles, as John lost his balance but grabs the rail. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
Jack's tactical console shows the underside of the Enterprise and the deflector percentage as he reports.
LT. MASON: Ventral saucer section deflectors down to forty-seven percent. 
Lieutenant Mitchell reports as well.
LT. MITCHELL: Damage to Decks Six, Seven, and Nine. And weapon control is down. 
CAPT. BRANSON (confused): That should have destroyed us. How are we still standing? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They were shooting at a distance. Perhaps their plasma weapon is less effective when fired long range. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: So the greater the distance the less energy it has to destroy its target. 
Captain Branson turns to T'Shara. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Status of Farragut?
Screen shows the damage to the Farragut WARNING LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE IMMINENT as T'Shara reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They have sustained heavy damage their life support is failing. 
LT. CARLSON: I can get us there in 30 seconds.
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 Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM [RED ALERT]
Doors opened as Captain Branson enters as the transporter can be heard as the transporter pad shows the Farragut survivors.
CMDR. BRANSON: Clear the pads. There's one more group behind us.
She sees her father and walks over to him.
CMDR. S BRANSON: Am I glad to see you father.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is everyone alright?
CMDR. S BRANSON: Yes, we're a bit shaken up but glad the Enterprise was around.
Then Kirk and the senior staff materialized.
COMM. KIRK [frustrated]: Captain Branson we need to talk now.
He leaves the transporter room as John follows him.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTER [YELLOW ALERT]
They enter.
JIM: You flinched. You deliberated and we lost.
JOHN: We fired, Jim. And we were fired upon. That's why you're still here.
JIM: From the start, you wanted to cripple them, not take them out.
JOHN: We may have different points of view, but do not question my combat readiness, sir.
JIM: 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.
JIM: 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.
Kirk backs up with his hands up.
JIM: Fair, I'm just saying I underestimated him. I'm not going to do it again.
Com activates. 
CMDR. IVANOVA [com voice]: Captain Branson and Commodore Kirk please report to the bridge
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
[TURBO-LIFT DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] 
CAPT. BRANSON: Report? 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Before they cloaked, I was able to scan the Bird-of-Prey. They are trailing trilithium fragments. Their power supply is damaged. I do not believe they have enough to make it back to Romulus. 
COMM. KIRK: Do we know their course. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: They are still on course for the Neutral Zone. 
CMDR. IVANOVA: We could overtake them before they reach Romulan Space. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What's our weapons status? 
CMDR. IVANOVA [sighs]: Our offensive capabilities are limited. Phasers are down. And torpedo launch tubes sustained damage in the attack. 
COMM. KIRK: The Romulans don't know that. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They will if we pull up on their six and can't fire. Lieutenant Smith, open a channel to the Romulan ship. 
LT. SMITH [confused]: Sir? They haven't responded to any of our hails before. 
CAPT. BRANSON: I know. Open a channel. We're going to send them a message. 
COMM. KIRK [confused]: What are you doing John? 
CAPT. BRANSON: Taking a risk. 
He walks to the viewer as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LT. SMITH: Channel opened sir.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: This is Captain John Branson of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise. Our two cultures have been at war for 100 years. Long enough that we don't even question it. But I believe we can make another choice. Right now. I'm offering you a temporary cease-fire, so that we can talk. For the first time in 100 years. 
COMM. KIRK: That was unexpected. 
CAPT. BRANSON: They want to destroy us, but they also want to get home. Knowing what your opponent wants is key to a successful negotiation. 
COMM. KIRK: Assuming they want to speak to you. 
Captain Branson looks at him as Lieutenant Smith report. 
LT. SMITH: Captain Branson the Romulans are hailing us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Looks like we're about to find out. On screen, please, Julia. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARBIRD MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain Branson, it is good to make your acquaintance. 
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Captain Branson still facing the viewer.
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 without ever having been face-to-face. 
INT-ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON (viewer): But I also know that our two worlds have been at war for over a decade, and we're both still paying the bills that they had piled up for decades long before you and me were even born
CMDR. R'LOK: Are peoples are indeed different Captain not sure if your words are a show of force or weakness or.
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Commander R'Lok is on the viewer as the bridge crew are tensed up wondering what he's 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: Well your cloak is unstable that will leave you wide open to our weapons, and we'd blow you out of the sky and return to our side of the border before your people appear and blow us out of the water. 
INT-ROMULAN MAIN BRIDGE 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Enterprise and Captain Branson. 
CMDR. R'LOK: Or? 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: Or, A cease-fire both our ships are damaged and our weapons are off-line, now we can sit here and allow you to return to the Romulan side of the zone and make fun of our people calling them weak and not ready for a war with the Star Empire. 
Sarah has her arms crossed. 
CMDR. R'LOK (viewer): A cease-fire?
CAPT. BRANSON: We both know that we're damaged and we can barely fight each other, you've already showed us what you can do with your brand new plasma torpedo launchers. 
INT-ROMULAN MAIN BRIDGE 
Commander R'Lok thinks. 
CMDR R'LOK: Very well then two hours. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 Kirk looks at him as Captain Branson goes to the command chair as Lieutenant Mitchell turns to him. 
LT. MITCHELL: Captain. They are lying. Romulans can't be trusted. They shot Farragut right in front of us. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Stand down Ty. 
He pushes more. 
LT. MITCHELL: 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. MITCHELL: Crystal sir. 
He turns back to his station as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair as T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sensor readings suggest the Romulans have stopped forward movement.
COMM. KIRK: 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 stories about the Reman campaign when I was a kid.
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
The Enterprise remains at station keeping. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is thinking when the doors chimed. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Come. 
The doors opened and Commander Clarkson enters holding a PADD.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Here's a report on the weapon systems.
He hands John the PADD.
CAPT. BRANSON [re: PADD]: How long are we looking at to repair the weapons?
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Three days but we're working on a bypass.
CAPT. BRANSON: That's good.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Why did you talk to Commander R'Lok everything we learned about the Romulans is that they don't negotiation with us they consider us weak and untrustworthy?
CAPT. BRANSON: I wanted to avoid bloodshed.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [sighs]: True.
Then the doors opened and Commodore Kirk enters.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: If you'll excuse me I'm going to give Steph a hand repairing the phasers. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep me posted. 
Commander Clarkson leaves the ready room as Kirk looks over at John.
COMM. KIRK: It's good to see Kyle back in a Starfleet uniform.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah it is I know you want me to change tack, but pride is just not something we can afford.
COMMT. KIRK: 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.
CAPT. BRANSON: No it wasn't your call.
COMM. KIRK: 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.
CAPT. BRANSON: No, I don't trust them but we have 2 hours.
COMM. KIRK: I'd like to explore a backup plan. If you'll give me the resources.
JOHN: I'm listening. 
JIM: 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 him.
JOHN: True, they could but R'Lok gave his word that we'd have a two hour cease-fire. 
JIM: John, I'd like to suggest that we call for reinforcements as well. 
JOHN: Jim, we're on the far edge of Federation space. It takes days to get a message to Starfleet. We're weeks away from help getting to us, even at maximum warp. 
JIM: Yeah, but the Romulans don't know that. 
JOHN: What are you suggesting? 
JIM: 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. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Commander Clarkson is working on the weapon relays as Commander Tomlinson is at the console.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Try it now.
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: That's the one. This is where the auto repair was getting hung up. She's very fused.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [sighs]: This is tough.
Commander Tomlinson thinks.
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. 
LT. MARTINE (nods): Aye, sir. 
Lieutenant Martine gets to work. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [YELLOW ALERT]
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
LT. SMITH: 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. SMITH: Two hours, Captain. And mark. 
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair and walks over to the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia, 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 ENTERPRISE 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 ENTERPRISE 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.] 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Massive warp signatures all Romulans.
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The camera pushes back from the Enterprise as it shows the entire Romulan battlegroup emerge from warp one at a time. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
Enterprise 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 ENTERPRISE WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson remains standing facing the viewer as Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed its the Romulan flagship. 
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen. 
Transparent viewer shows the bridge of the Romulan flagship as a female Romulan wearing the robes of a Romulan Praetor. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (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 and I didn't catch your name? 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: You may address me as Praetor and it is customary to bow before your Praetor. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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
ROMULAN PRAETOR (scoff): Typical human arrogates as always even though we almost defeated you in the last war. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 don't go down that road. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR: Captain we've have you surrounded and you will surrender or we will destroy you have one minute to comply. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 T'Shara reports. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Perimeter alert. We have ships incoming, sir. Dozens. 
Captain Branson turns to her. 
CAPT. BRANSON: More Romulans? 
T'Shara checks her console read out. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Captain Branson is surprised by this. 
LT. SMITH: I've got a secure channel from the lead ship, sir. It's Commodore Kirk.
CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.
Transparent viewer shows the shuttle canopy. 
COMM. KIRK [viewer]: John, the reinforcements you ordered? Been 100 years since the Federation has seen the Romulans. We didn't know what their ships looked like, and so I figured they don't know what ours look like, either
LT. SMITH [confused]: All robotic mining craft? 
CUT TO:
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY
COMM. KIRK: 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Nice work Jim. 
COMM. KIRK [viewer]: It's enough to bluff with, I hope. Try not to get us in a real fight
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: I'll do my best.
He walks to the Captain's chair.
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to Clarkson status?
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [to com]: We're making progress John but several of these conduits are damaged we're working on a bypass, it'll be a few minutes before we can see if it'll work or not.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE 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. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPONS CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
LTCMDR. CLARKSON [to com]: I'll do my best.
Then Kyle notices purple gas escaping from a seal.
LTCMDR. CLARKSON: Crap!
Tomlinson turns to see it.
LTCMDR. TOMLINSON: EVERYBODY OUT!
They start to evac.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
Then Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LT. SMITH: Sir we're being hailed by the Romulan Praetor. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Keep a secure channel open for Commodore Kirk to listen on. 
LT. SMITH: Aye, sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Jim you ready to sell this. 
COMM. KIRK [viewer]: 'As I'll ever be John''
Captain Branson walks back to the main viewer as the image of Kirk shrinks a bit and the Romulan Praetor appears again. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What can I do for you now? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (viewer): A Federation battlegroup?
CAPT. BRANSON: Well you didn't like my idea. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
ROMULAN PRAETOR (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 Bird-of-Prey using cloaking technology destroying our Neutral Zone outposts. 
INT-ROMULAN FLAGSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Praetor thinks then smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I know nothing of which you speak of. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 Smith and nods she transmits the recording. 
INT-ROMULAN PRAETOR FLAGSHIP
She sees the recording and smirks. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR: I see. 
She then wordlessly issuing an order to the tactical officer. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Lieutenant Carlson reports. 
LT. CARLSON: 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
ROMULAN PRAETOR: This is a culling, Captain. That commander should not have allowed himself to be caught. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. CARLSON: Sir, its the bird of prey we've been chasing. 
Captain Branson turns to Lieutenant Smith. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Julia get me the Romulan Commander. 
She inputs commands into the communications console. 
CUT TO:
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: Captain. So, we see each other once again, after all. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: What are you doing? 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
CMDR. R'LOK: I never called for that armada. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
CAPT. BRANSON: We can beam you and your crew to the Enterprise, 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 ENTERPRISE 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 ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
The bridge crew can't believe this. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
Returning to his station, the commander and his bridge crew brace themselves. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
LT. MASON: They're powering weapons. 
INT-ROMULAN WARSHIP MAIN BRIDGE
The Romulan Commander closes his eyes. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 Lieutenant Smith reports. 
LTJG. SMITH: The Praetor is hailing us. 
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. 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (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? 
ROMULAN PRAETOR (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 Kara Zeta seven. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER 
The Romulan fleet begins opening fire on the automated drone fleet as the Enterprise 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. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
A bright flash on the viewer. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jim, get back here. We're about to warp out. 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
Reflection of the hail of disruptor fire and the Enterprise moving to port and starboard. 
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Acknowledged. 
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
LT. CARLSON: Sir, warp drive will not engage. 
CAPT. BRANSON: What? 
LT. CARLSON: I'm not sure sir. 
He toggles the com button. 
CAPT. BRANSON (to com): Branson to Engineering Steph what's going on with warp drive? 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN ENGINEERING (RED ALERT)
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS (to com): We've got a bit of a power surge going on down here sir we're fixing it now. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Get it working Steph we'll need warp now.
Then Commander T'Shara reports.
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Sir, 14 starships are moving in around us. 
CAPT. BRANSON [to com]: Jim, what are you doing? 
INT-SHUTTLE CANOPY [RED ALERT]
COMM. KIRK [to com]: Covering your escape. Get those engines fixed. 
EXT-FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The drones are between the Romulans and the Enterprise. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT] 
Transparent viewer shows the drones gathering around the Enterprise. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: He'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 Enterprise, as the torpedo strikes the vessel destroying it the wave rocks the Enterprise as her deflectors took the brunt of it. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE 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.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE WEAPON CONTROL ROOM [RED ALERT]
Just as everyone is about to leave the ship rocks harder as Tomlinson sees the sparks and the gas starts to turn to fire he pushes Kyle out of the room as he's engulfed in the flames as debris flies through the door and Kyle hit the bulkhead and lays on the floor as debris is scattered around him.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE [RED ALERT]
As they get up as power hums back on as Lieutenant Carlson reports. 
LT. CARLSON: We've got engines back. 
LT. MITCHELL: Commodore Kirk has beamed aboard. 
LTCMDR. T'SHARA: Picking up another power increase! 
CAPT. BRANSON: Hit it! 
Lieutenant Carlson activates the warp drive. 
EXT-FEDERATION-ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE BORDER
The Enterprise starts to wake up as debris floats around her as the Romulan flagship powers up another plasma torpedo and launches it but the Enterprise was able to enter warp. 
INT-USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)
Smoke is everywhere around the bridge as Captain Branson stands up. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Damage report? 
LT. MITCHELL: Reports coming from all decks. 
LT. SMITH: Sickbay is reporting heavy causalities sir. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kara, set course for Starbase Medical Outpost 14 best speed. 
LT. CARLSON: Aye, sir. 
LTJG. MITCHELL: Decks 5, 11, 12, and 22 are all reporting hull breaches. Weapons systems took a direct hit. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle, Z you've got the bridge. 
John gets up from the command chair and enters the lift and toggles the lever. 
CAPT. BRANSON: Medical. 
CUT TO:
INT-USS ENTERPRISE 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 sitting on a bio-bed.
DR. CARLSON: Commander Tomlinson was engulfed in the flames of the phaser coolant when it was ignited by a spark.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Just like Lieutenant Darden when we were ambushed by the Klingons last year, and Kyle how's he?
He leads him to his bio-bed. 
DR. CARLSON: He's got a severe concussion some broken ribs when we took the brunt of that plasma torpedo, but he'll make a full recovery. 
EXT-FEDERATION SPACE
Enterprise approaches Starbase medical outpost 14. 
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE 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 heard what happened but we were on the other side of Federation Space.
JOHN [smiles]: I'm alright Jess a bit shaken up but I am alright.
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 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 Brickhouse as Lieutenant Julia Smith
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Shara
===Guest Cast===
*TBA as Lieutenant Harris Payne
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Lindsey Tanner
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Robert Tomlinson
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Angela Martine
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Hansen Al-Salah
===Special Guest Stars===
*David Cheng as Vice Admiral Heihachiro Nogura
*Ashley Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Commodore James T. Kirk
*TBA as Commander Sarah Branson
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Sonak
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Uhura
*TBA as Lieutenant Pavel Chekov
*TBA as Commander Montgomery "Scott" Scotty
*TBA as Lieutenant Illia
*TBA as Doctor Leonard McCoy
*TBA as Commander R'Lok
*TBA as Sub-Commander T'Lok
*TBA as Romulan Praetor
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===
*Inspired by the TOS episode Balance of Terror and Strange New Worlds Season 1 episode: A Quality of Mercy.