Story:Starship Helena/Point of Divergence/Act One

Act One

Fade In

Est. Space

The Helena is at impulse speed.

Int. Briefing Room

Captain Taylor, Commander Martin, Lieutenant Kelby, Lieutenant Commander Samson, Lieutenant Daniel Mitchell, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sasha Mitchell, Doctor Steven Carlson, Lieutenant Commander Smith, Lieutenant Commander T'Shar are sitting around the table.

Capt. Taylor: Are there inhabited systems nearby?

T'Shar turns to her.

Ltcmdr. T'Shar: None.

Captain Taylor is confused by that.

Capt. Taylor: Why fly right up to us just to give us the silent treatment?

Smith looks at them.

Ltcmdr. Smith: Maybe they got our signal but it didn't make any sense to them. Our translator is far from perfect since the refit was completed.

Cmdr. Martin: Maybe they checked us out and decided we weren't very interesting.

Samson turns to him.

Ltcmdr. Samson: Us? Not interesting?

The staff snickers a bit.

Capt. Taylor: We're far from the nearest subspace relay, let's calibrate the subspace amplifier. At least the people back home want to talk to us.

The senior staff leaves the briefing room.

Ltcmdr. Smith: Sir? (quietly) I tracked them down. It took me all week.

Martin walks up to her.

Cmdr. Martin: Where are they?

She looks at him.

Ltcmdr. Smith: Kota Baharu. It's in Malaysia.

He looks at her.

Cmdr. Martin: What time is it there?

She thinks for a minute and looks at him.

Ltcmdr. Smith: A little after nine at night.

He thinks for a minute.

Cmdr. Martin: That shouldn't be too late. Let's break in that new amplifier. I'll be in my office near my quarters.

They both leave the briefing room.

Ext. Space

Helena is at impulse speed.

Int. Commander Martin's office

John is sitting in his chair.

Cmdr. Martin: Admiral Taylor how is it in Malaysia?

He smiles.

Adm. Taylor (on monitor): Great I'm guessing that this isn't about my vacation with my wife Commander?

Fleet Capt. Taylor (On monitor): Is Marcia all right?

John smiles.

Cmdr. Martin: Yes, ma'am she's fine her birthday's coming up in a few months.