Alea Illacta Est is the 8th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in TNG Season 1.
Synopsis[]
The USS Enterprise-E is dispatched to the Andorian colony Wey'tahn to attempt to repair the colonies geothermal reactor that has started malfunctioning, as the engineering team led by Lieutenant Commander Courtney James is making attempts to reactive it the engineering team from the recently launched California-class USS Harrison-A arrives and its up to Captain Branson to keep the peace between the two teams.
Script Chapters[]
[]
FADE IN
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise travels to Starbase 216.
CPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's log stardate 53879.4, After an extended deep space exploration mission we're on course for Starbase 216 for some much needed R&R
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
The crew are at their stations.
CPT. BRANSON: Helm what's our ETA to Starbase 216?
Ensign Carlson taps commands into the helm and reports.
ENS. CARLSON: At our present speed we'll arrive at Starbase 216 if a few hours from now sir.
[COM CHIRPS] As Lieutenant Mason checks his console and reports.
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we're being hailed by Starfleet Command its Fleet Captain Picard.
CPT. BRANSON: Transfer it to my ready room Commander Ro you've got the bridge.
LCDR. RO: Aye, sir.
Captain Branson gets up from his chair and walks to the doors of the ready room.
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise travels to Starbase 216.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
FCPT. PICARD [monitor]: Their geothermal reactor has been malfunctioning for the last few days and they can't determine what's wrong with it
CPT. BRANSON: We'll proceed their now.
FCPT. PICARD [monitor]: Keep me informed Picard out
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As Captain Branson tapped his combadge.
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to bridge alter our course to the Wey'tahn system maximum warp.
LCDR. RO [com voice]: Aye, sir
John sits in the chair worried.
[BLACKOUT, END OF TEASER]
===
THEME SONG:[1]
===
CPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space the final frontier, theses are the voyages of the starship Enterprise its continuing mission to explore strange new worlds to seek out new life and new civilization to boldly go where no one has gone before...
===
The Enterprise is at station keeping.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
===
The Enterprise slowly departs.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
===
A shot of the ventral section of the Enterprise.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
AS
CAPTAIN JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies over an interstellar dust cloud.
FELECIA LINKOUS
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RO LAREN
The Enterprise approaches an M-class planet.
KEVIN REAGAN
AS
LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE JACK MASON
The Enterprise approaches a Spacedock type starbase.
FERNE MYERS
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COURTNEY JAMES
The Enterprise travels at warp.
JACOB ELLIOT
AS
DOCTOR STEVEN CARLSON
The Enterprise flies by an interplanetary system.
DELEN "DEE" LUSK
AS
ENSIGN KARA CARLSON
The Enterprise faces a Romulan D'deridex-class warbird.
SADIE WAYMIRE
AS
ENSIGN JULIA SMITH
The Enterprise departs from an M-class planet.
BECKY ELLIOT
AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER T'MIR
The Enterprise flies over Earth and enters warp.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REAGAN
Act 1[]
FADE IN
EXT. WARP SPACE [OPTICAL]
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
The Enterprise travels to Wey'tahn.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the schematics of the geothermal reactor.
CPT. BRANSON: For a few weeks now the colonist geothermal reactor has been malfunctioning for a few days now and they can't figure out what's causing it nor how to stop it.
LCDR. RO: Have they sent their own engineers?
CPT. BRANSON: Yes and they've not heard from them in over a day now our orders are to proceed to Wey'tahn and figure out what caused the malfunction and repair it.
LCDR. RO: Seems simple enough.
CPT. BRANSON: We'll see.
CUT TO:
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM/WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise approaches the planet as its buzzing with life as there's a Andorian starbase in the background and several shipyards housing different Andorian vessels.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
The crew are at their stations.
CPT. BRANSON: Establish standard orbit.
ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.
[COM CHIRPS] As Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we're being hailed by the main colony building.
Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's chair.
CPT. BRANSON: On screen.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the main colony building and the colony leader Shuran.
CPT. BRANSON: I'm John Branson Captain of the starship Enterprise we're here at the request of the Andorian Ambassador.
SHURAN [viewer]: Greetings Captain I am Shuran leader of the Wey'tahn colony I hope that you can figure out what happened to our geothermal reactor and hopefully help us repair it
CPT. BRANSON: Don't worry I have faith in my crew that we'll get the job done.
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As John turns to Commander Ro.
CPT. BRANSON: Ro, take an away team down and see what you can do for them.
LCDR. RO [nods]: Aye, sir. Mason, T'Mir you're with me have Doctor Carlson and Commander James meet us in transporter room 2.
ENS. SMITH: Aye, Commander.
CUT TO:
EXT. MAIN COLONY, WEY'TAHN SURFACE [OPTICAL]
An establishing shot of the main colony.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL CONTROL ROOM [DARKNESS]
[TRANSPORTER BEAM HUMS] As it lights up the room as the away team materialized.
LTJG. MASON: Its dark in here.
LCDR. JAMES: There must be a power relay that burnt out.
LCDR. RO: Can you give us some light?
LCDR. JAMES: Give me a few seconds.
Commander James walks over to a wall panel as she opens it and gets out an engineering tool from her engineering kit and puts it in the wall panel.
[POWER HUMS BACK TO LIFE] As the away team turns off their SIMs beacons on their wrists.
LTJG. MASON [amazed]: Big room.
LCDR. RO: Yeah it is let's figure out what went wrong.
[COURTNEY SCREAMS] As the others rush to where she's at they see her shaking and then two dead Andorian engineers, as Doctor Carlson walks over to them and gets out his tricorder and scans them.
LCDR. RO: What killed them Steven?
DR. CARLSON [confused]: I-I'm not sure getting conflicted readings here but it seems that every bit of their cellular structure has been burnt by some sort of radiation that my tricorder isn't registering. I need to get them back to the ship to do a full autopsy.
LCDR. RO: Do it.
Doctor Carlson taps his combadge.
DR. CARLSON [to com]: Carlson to Enterprise three to beam directly to sickbay.
[TRANSPORTER BEAM HUMS] As Doctor Carlson and the two dead Andorians dematerialized as Commander James walks over to the main console and inputs commands into the console.
LCDR. RO: What's wrong with the reactor?
LCDR. JAMES: It appears the reactor malfunctioned due to some sort of power surge but can't get much due to the damage to the records, but I have been able to determine what's wrong with it.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet as an Andorian frigate flies by the Starfleet vessel.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
The crew are at their stations.
[READY ROOM DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
ENS. SMITH: We're being hailed by Commander Ro.
CPT. BRANSON: On screen, report Ro what's wrong with the reactor?
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the control room of the geothermal outpost and Commander Ro as Enterprise engineers are working in the background.
LCDR. RO [viewer]: Well, Courtney has been able to determine that it was a malfunction due to several plasma conduits that overloaded
CPT. BRANSON: Do we know what killed the Andorian engineers?
LCDR. RO [viewer]: Not yet Steven beamed back to the ship with the bodies to determine what killed them
CPT. BRANSON: Very well then keep me posted Commander Enterprise out.
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As Ensign Smith reports.
ENS. SMITH: Captain, sensors are detecting a vessel bearing 3-1-4 mark 12 its Federation it reads as a California-class vessel NCC-1941-A USS Harrison, isn't that Captain Towe's new vessel?
CPT. BRANSON [confused]: Yes it is wonder why their here.
[COM CHIRPS] As Ensign Smith checks the ops console.
ENS. SMITH: They're hailing us.
CPT. BRANSON: On screen.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the bridge of the Harrison and Captain Towe.
CPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Jamie, good to see you're out and about again.
CPT. TOWE [viewer]: Same here John sorry to sneak up on you
CPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Its all right what brings you all the way from your assigned shakedown route we weren't aware that Starfleet was dispatching another vessel to provide assistants to us?
CPT. TOWE [viewer]: John, I'm not here to provide assistants to you and your crew
John turns to Julia then back to the viewer.
CPT. BRANSON [confused]: I'm afraid that I don't follow?
Jamie knows that her friend isn't going to like what she has to say.
CPT. TOWE [viewer]: We've been given orders to replace you working on the geothermal reactor
[DRAMATIC MUSIC] As John's shocked at what she told him.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT 1]
Act 2[]
FADE IN
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Harrison-A parks next to the Enterprise-E.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM 2, USS ENTERPRISE-E
[TRANSPORTER BEAM HUMS] As Captain Towe and Commander Clarkson materialized on the pad.
CPT. TOWE: Permission to come aboard?
CPT. BRANSON [smiles]: Granted its good to see you both.
CPT. TOWE: Likewise John.
LCDR. CLARKSON: How's command treating you so far.
CPT. BRANSON: You know go here go there that sort of assignments now tell me why are we being replaced?
CPT. TOWE: Your ready room?
CPT. BRANSON: Follow me.
The trio EXITS the ready room.
CUT TO:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
John sits at the desk.
CPT. BRANSON: Admiral Barnes doesn't trust my chief engineer?
CPT. TOWE: That's what he told me when he contacted me about this situation.
CPT. BRANSON: And yet he said it was an honor to meet me when we first met does he know how hard it is to reactivate a geothermal reactor?
LCDR. CLARKSON: Its really not that hard John.
John looks at him.
CPT. BRANSON: How so?
LCDR. CLARKSON: Me and my team ran several simulations while on-route here and they're sound.
Kyle hands John a PADD and he reviews the data.
LCDR. CLARKSON: Every test we've ran it has been good.
CPT. BRANSON: Granted but simulations are very different from a face to face examination.
LCDR. CLARKSON: I understand your skeptic John and I never wanted to butt into an assignment you're on Jamie tried to get out of the mission but Admiral Barnes was very demanding.
CPT. BRANSON: He didn't order us here it was Fleet Captain Picard.
CPT. TOWE: Well, I've already sent the team down there to get started.
[COM CHIRPS] As Commander Ro comes over the com.
LCDR. RO [com voice]: Ro to Branson
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson here Ro go ahead.
LCDR. RO [com voice]: We've got a problem down here
John looks at both Jamie and Kyle.
CUT TO:
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
Both Enterprise and Harrison engineering teams are trying to work as Lieutenant Young walks over to the main console.
LCDR. JAMES: Don't touch that panel.
Lieutenant Young turns towards her.
LTJG. YOUNG: I was going to engage the start up sequence Commander.
Commander James walks over to her.
LCDR. JAMES: We've not tested the recently installed EPS conduits that my team installed.
LTJG. YOUNG: We've got more experience dealing with these type of reactors then your team ever has had.
LCDR. JAMES: And I outrank you Lieutenant and until I feel safe reactivating this reactor is out of the question.
[TRANSPORTER BEAM HUMS] As Captain Branson and Commander Clarkson materialized.
CPT. BRANSON: Court, a word.
They go out of ear shot of everyone.
LCDR. JAMES: Captain, what the hell is going on here?
John turns to her.
CPT. BRANSON: Change of plans we've been removed from this assignment by the Fleet Admiral.
LCDR. JAMES: What? Did he say why?
CPT. BRANSON: All that Captain Towe told me is that he wasn't happy with your ETA on the repairs of the reactor.
Commander James paces about as she has her hands on her hips.
LCDR. JAMES: That was true estimated time of repairs I want to do it by the book not by the seat of my pants!
CPT. BRANSON: I understand where you're coming from believe me but these are our orders and we have to follow them.
LCDR. JAMES: Aye, sir I'll gather my team and head back aboard the Enterprise.
He pats her shoulder as she goes to inform her team of the change of assignment as John looks over at Kyle who knows that John isn't thrilled about being removed from an assignment.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
A close up of the Enterprise.
INT. LIVING ROOM AREA/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the office of Captain Smith aboard the Yorktown-A.
JOHN: And just like that we're removed from the assignment by Admiral Barnes.
JESSICA [monitor]: Damn, how is Courtney taking it?
JOHN [sighs]: She's mad and frustrated this was the biggest job of her engineering career only to have it ripped away from her because of her estimated time of repairs which was 3 to 4 days.
JESSICA [monitor]: That's not a bad estimated time of repairs. Does Captain Picard know about this?
JOHN: I've not had a chance to contact him about it just needed to call you to vent my frustrations about being removed from this assignment.
JESSICA [monitor]: Well, you were always coming to me when Jamie and Kyle were busy with their studies at the Academy glad I could be of help to listen to you vent
JOHN [smiles]: Thanks for listening Jess.
JESSICA [monitor]: Your welcome Smith out
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As John is still leaning on his chair.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ENS. SMITH: Commander, I'm getting something on my scanners but its at the extreme range of our sensors.
Commander Ro gets up from the Captain's chair.
LCDR. RO: Since there's no other known natural phenomenon that's capable of moving at warp or impulse there's but two possibilities: either its a sensor glitch or there's a vessel hiding from us.
LCDR. T'MIR: It isn't a sensor malfunction.
LCDR. RO: Agreed, Commander T'Mir monitor the object if it twitches take us to yellow alert.
LCDR. T'MIR: Aye, Commander.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
Commander Clarkson and his team are working on repairing the systems as Lieutenant Young walks over to the main console where Kyle's standing at.
LTJG. YOUNG: Are you all right?
Kyle looks over at her.
LCDR. CLARKSON [sighs]: No, Carol I'm not okay I don't feel comfortable taking this assignment from John and his crew all because of the Fleet Admiral wanting this to be repaired quickly.
LTJG. YOUNG: It is strange that the Admiral would ask us to come here just days into our shakedown cruise.
ENS. GUILLERMO: Sir, we're just about ready to test the geothermal reactor.
LCDR. CLARKSON: All right, let's get started.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
The crew are at their stations as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
[COM CHIRPS] Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we're being hailed by Commander Clarkson.
CPT. BRANSON: On screen.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the control room of the reactor.
CPT. BRANSON: We should at least run our own simulations first to be sure.
LCDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: Sorry, John but this is our project running start up sequence in three, two, one
At the engineering console Commander James is monitoring the start sequence.
LCDR. JAMES: So far so good it seems to be holding.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
The team are at their stations.
LCDR. CLARKSON: Pan talk to me.
LT. TARAK: Picking up some minor power fluctuations. Chamber temperature's holding steady. There it goes again.
CPT. BRANSON [monitor]: What is it?
LCDR. CLARKSON: Everything's fine. The containment bottle was designed to automatically compensate for any sudden changes in energy output.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
LCDR. JAMES: That never happened in the simulations me and my team ran.
John turns to the viewer.
CPT. BRANSON: Kyle, maybe we should abort.
LCDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: Not happening
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
LCDR. CLARKSON: Ensign Collins see if you can boost more power to the field manually.
ENS. COLLINS: Aye, sir.
Ensign Collins goes towards the power chamber.
INT. POWER CHAMBER, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
Ensign Collins enters the chamber wearing sunglasses as he opens a panel and starts working on the power manually.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
Commander Clarkson taps commands into the main console.
LCDR. CLARKSON [to com]: Clarkson to Enterprise.
CPT. BRANSON [com voice]: Go ahead
LCDR. CLARKSON [to com]: So far so good we're still in the green.
CPT. BRANSON [com voice]: We're monitoring from up here
INT. ACCESS CHAMBER, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
As Ensign Collins is working a power burst fills the room causing Collins to fall to the floor, screaming and writhing.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
[CONSOLE BEEPS] As Ensign Travers looks at his console.
ENS. TRAVERS: Commander, we're getting an intense power burst.
LCDR. CLARKSON [shocked]: What? How?
ENS. TRAVERS: I-I'm not sure.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Commander James stands at the engineering console.
LCDR. JAMES: Whoa?
Captain Branson turns to her.
CPT. BRANSON: What is it Court?
She taps commands into the engineering console.
LCDR. JAMES: Energy levels have spiked into the red zone.
CPT. BRANSON: What? How is that possible?
LCDR. JAMES: Unknown.
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: Enterprise to Clarkson report?
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the geothermal outpost control room.
LCDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: I'm not sure what's going on but its causing a energy spike!
CPT. BRANSON: SHUT IT DOWN! SHUT IT ALL DOWN!
LCDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: We're trying but so far its not responding!
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: Bridge to transporter room 2 Mac lock onto the Harrison engineering team and beam them out of there!
LCDR. CLARKSON [viewer]: John, you can't do that it'll correct itself
CPT. BRANSON: We may not have that kind of time!
INT. CONTROL ROOM, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST [RED ALERT]
[The power starts to diminish]
ANGLE - LIEUTENANT YOUNG'S CONSOLE DISPLAY [OPTICAL]
The power levels start to return to normal.
LTJG. YOUNG: Wait, wait, wait. Its stabilizing. The generator is offline.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [RED ALERT]
Commander James checks her console read out.
LCDR. JAMES: Confirmed sir.
CPT. BRANSON: Maintain red alert status til further notice. What the hell happened?
INT. CONTROL ROOM, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST [RED ALERT]
LCDR. CLARKSON [confused]: I-I'm not sure. Obviously there was some sort of power surge...look, Collins, COLLINS!
The team rushes to the access chamber.
INT. ACCESS CHAMBER, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
[ACCESS CHAMBER DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As everyone is in utter shock at the sight of seeing Ensign Collins dead badly burnt.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT 2]
Act 3[]
FADE IN
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
Both the Enterprise and Harrison orbit the planet.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Doctor Carlson's handing out PADDs.
DR. CARLSON: Officially my report will indicate that Ensign Collins died due to extreme radiation exposure, causing burns over 90% of his body.
CPT. BRANSON: But it was more then that?
DR. CARLSON: Yes, so much more to tell you the truth Captain I've never seen this kind of cellular decay if exposure was only for a few seconds.
LCDR. RO: Ensign Collin's next of kin has been informed of his death.
Captain Towe looks over at Kyle and Carolyn who are their as well.
CPT. TOWE: What happened?
LTJG. YOUNG: We're not sure we are still going over the data from the test. All we know for certain is that there was a massive power surge, which in turn caused the containment field to expand into the access chamber where Collins was.
Kyle looks over at Commander James.
LCDR. CLARKSON: And before you say anything Commander no it wasn't human error on anyone's part it was a accident that can be fixed.
Courtney looks over at him.
LCDR. JAMES: There wouldn't be an accident if I was leading my engineering team on this mission that you took from me.
CPT. BRANSON: THAT'S ENOUGH COMMANDER! This isn't the time nor the place for selfish fighting over who should be in charge of this mission.
LCDR. JAMES: Yes, sir sorry sir.
CPT. BRANSON: Kyle, how do you explain what happened down there?
LCDR. CLARKSON: I'm not sure but logically it shouldn't have happened in the terms of physics it really shouldn't have happened it should had a different result.
LTJG. YOUNG: We're still analyzing the data from the accident. It's going to take time to...
LCDR. CLARKSON: What I do know is that the device did what it was suppose to do besides the unexpected containment issue. I think I might be able to control it manually if we go back down there and try again.
LCDR. RO: You wanna try again?
LCDR. CLARKSON: Yes, ma'am I do.
LCDR. RO: Mister Clarkson do I need to remind you that a member of your team is currently in the morgue of the Harrison's sickbay?
LCDR. CLARKSON: No, ma'am you don't need to remind me I am responsible for his death. Yes I am painfully aware of that. I sent him into that chamber. And I'll have to live with that for the rest of my life.
John nods slightly understanding.
LCDR. CLARKSON: But we have a responsibility to understand what happened and learn from it.
CPT. BRANSON: I understand where you're coming from Kyle but we knew when we joined Starfleet that there maybe technologies that we don't fully understand to our full potential.
LCDR. CLARKSON: John?
CPT. BRANSON: You can use the Enterprise computer to run simulations of your first attempt and until I know that there's no overloads going to happen my answer is no dismissed.
The group EXITS the observation lounge.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [YELLOW ALERT]
LTJG. MASON: Captain, sensors are detecting three vessels approaching our position.
John walks over to him.
CPT. BRANSON: Can you identify them?
Lieutenant Mason taps commands into the console and reports.
LTJG. MASON: They're Andorians, Kumari-class.
Captain Branson turns to Commander Ro.
LCDR. RO [confused]: Wonder why their here?
CPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure Ro but let's find out Mister Mason open a channel to their lead vessel.
Lieutenant Mason taps commands into the tactical console as Captain Branson walks to the ops and helm stations.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the bridge of the lead Andorian battle cruiser and Commander Talas Shran.
CPT. BRANSON: Greetings, I'm John Branson Captain of the Federation starship USS Enterprise we're here at the request of Ambassador Shurak.
CDR. SHRAN [viewer]: I'm Commander Talas Shran of the Imperial warship IGS Kumari and we're here at the request of the Andorian Imperial Guard
John turns to Ro then back to the viewer.
CPT. BRANSON: I wasn't aware that the Imperial Guard was interested in repairing of a geothermal reactor?
CDR. SHRAN [viewer]: We want to make sure that our Federation friends are doing it correctly
CPT. BRANSON: All right then Commander if you wanna watch go ahead.
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As John walks back to the three command chairs.
LCDR. RO: Why are they here?
CPT. BRANSON: I think that it has something to do with the strange object just outside of sensor range that has them spooked but I don't blame them at all.
Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
A close up of the Harrison-A.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS HARRISON-A
CPT. TOWE: And just like that he postponed the tests til he knows that nothing bad will happen.
FADM. BARNES [monitor]: I knew that Picard shouldn't of assigned this mission to a bunch of amateurs
CDRE. CLANCY [monitor]: Picard, was always trusting of other people Captain Branson included
ADM. HALSEY [monitor]: I understand that you are nervous about this but if this isn't done right it could lead to a disaster that we may never recover from
RADM. BRANSON [monitor]: I agree with Tom on this one Mike my son was well within his right to postpone the further testing of the geothermal reactor
Admiral Barnes rolls his eyes.
FADM. BARNES [monitor]: Captain Towe keep me posted Barnes out
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As Jamie sits at her desk thinking.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
John is looking over the engineering reports from Commander James.
[READY ROOM DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Kyle bursts in angrily through the doors without even knocking.
KYLE [frustrated]: What the hell is wrong with you?
JOHN: Kyle I---.
KYLE: You know this mission is important to improve relations with the Andorians!
JOHN: Ky--.
KYLE: Who put you in charge of this mission anyhow? The crew of the Harrison is far more capable of completing this mission without the oversight of amateurs?
JOHN: KYLE SIT DOWN!
Kyle sits in front of the desk.
JOHN: Any other Captain wouldn't tolerate your insubordination but you are my best friend and you deserve an explanation.
John sits behind the desk and after composing himself he looks Kyle straight in the eyes.
JOHN: Fleet Captain Picard was the one who assigned us this mission, not the Harrison. She's suppose to be on her shakedown cruise still not on a mission halfway into her shakedown.
KYLE: [snarled through gritted teeth]: May I speak freely, Captain sir?
JOHN: You know I welcome it always from you buddy.
KYLE: You've based your decision to end this mission on misinformed and uneducated information. Handed to you by the most incompetent group of engineers I've ever seen in my life.
John looks at him.
JOHN: Commander James and her team are not incompetent Kyle as you've seen when we provided assistants to the Harrison along the Federation-Talarian border.
He leans forward.
JOHN: But I do welcome your experience as well you know that no matter what happens here.
KYLE [sighs]: I know John its just frustrating to be so close to be cut off before I even finished the mission.
JOHN: I know Kyle there's always next time.
Kyle EXITS the ready room as John thinks about what Kyle said.
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING, USS ENTERPRISE-E [YELLOW ALERT]
Commander James and Ensign Payne are working on a damaged relay.
LCDR. JAMES: How long has it been giving us problems?
ENS. PAYNE: Since we left spacedock ma'am.
LCDR. JAMES: And the engineers let us leave with a broken relay unbelievable replace it with a new one.
ENS. PAYNE: Yes, ma'am.
Commander Clarkson walks up to them.
LCDR. CLARKSON: Commander James a word?
LCDR. JAMES: Sure Commander let me know when you've completed the repairs.
ENS. PAYNE: Yes, ma'am.
Courtney follows Kyle.
INT. OUTSIDE MAIN ENGINEERING, USS ENTERPRISE-E
They walk out of the engine room.
LCDR. JAMES: What's on your mind?
LCDR. CLARKSON: You know damn well what's on my mind.
LCDR. JAMES: If this is about the geothermal reactor then I had every right to recommend we discontinue the repairing of the reactor. After the death of Ensign Collins I was being cautious not allowing anymore members of your team from being killed.
LCDR. CLARKSON: It was an unexpected issue one that shouldn't have happened.
LCDR. JAMES: But it did and you lost a man.
LCDR. CLARKSON [frustrated]: I'M IN CHARGE OF THE ENGINEERING TEAM ON THE SURFACE NOT YOU!
They see a pair of officers walking as they enter the engine room.
LCDR. CLARKSON [sotto]: This thing could improve our relations with the Andorians and your incompetents may have put that at risk!
LCDR. JAMES: Commander, I've got nothing but respect you and your service record as well as your work but for what its worth you really need to come back to Earth and see that what I did was to protect you and your team.
Commander James walks into the engine room as Kyle stands there and walks to the nearest turbolift.
INT. LIVING ROOM AREA/COURTNEY & JACK'S QUARTERS, USS ENTERPRISE-E
Lieutenant Mason gets ready to go on duty.
[MONITOR BEEPS] As he walks over to the monitor.
ANGLE - MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the office of Commander Matthew Harris a Section 31 officer.
CDR. HARRIS [monitor]: Mister Mason, we have a mission for you one that could save the entire Federation should the Andorians ever turn on us
Jack's surprised by that.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
A close up of the Enterprise-E.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [YELLOW ALERT]
The crew are at their stations as Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair thinking about what Kyle said to him earlier.
[COM CHIRPS] As Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Captain, we'r being hailed by Starfleet Command its Fleet Admiral Barnes.
Commander Ro turns to Captain Branson.
LCDR. RO: Wonder what he wants?
CPT. BRANSON: I'm not sure but let's see on screen.
Lieutenant Mason taps commands into the console and reports.
LTJG. MASON: Uh, sir he's requesting a private channel with you and Captain Towe.
John turns to Ro.
CPT. BRANSON: Very well, have Captain Towe come aboard Ro you've got the bridge.
LCDR. RO: Aye, sir.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The three vessels orbit the planet.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E
CPT. BRANSON [shocked]: You can't be serious sir?
FADM. BARNES [monitor]: Yes I am serious Captain you will allow Captain Towe and her crew to resume working on the geothermal reactor core, or you'll be escorting shipment of grain to Sherman's Planet for the rest of the year do I make myself clear?
CPT. BRANSON [annoyed]: Clear as crystal sir.
FADM. BARNES [monitor]: Barnes out
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As John's frustrated.
CPT. TOWE: Well, you lose some you win some John. Towe to Harrison Kyle gather your team you're heading back to the surface.
LCDR. CLARKSON [com voice]: Aye, ma'am
Captain Towe EXITS the observation lounge as John can't believe he's been overridden.
EXT. MAIN COLONY, WEY'TAHN SURFACE - DAY [OPTICAL]
An establishing shot of the colony and the outpost.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, ANDORIAN GEOTHERMAL OUTPOST
Commander Clarkson and his team are hooking up conduits and relays as they're preparing to test the main system.
[TRANSPORTER BEAM HUMS] As Captain Branson materialized.
ENS. TRAVERS: CAPTAIN ON DECK!
Everyone snaps to attention.
CPT. BRANSON: As you were.
Kyle walks over to John.
LCDR. CLARKSON: If you're coming to talk me out of this then you can just head back up to the Enterprise John you've been given orders to allow us to continue this.
CPT. BRANSON: Its wrong and you know it Kyle.
Kyle walks up to the main console and inputs commands into the console.
LCDR. CLARKSON: All right, let's get started.
ANGLE - MAIN MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the power readings of the geothermal reactor.
LTJG. FLOWER: Power output is at 40% and rising!
ENS. TRAVERS: EPS relays are holding sir.
ENS. GUILLERMO: Power output still rising we're at 56% and still rising.
LTJG. YOUNG: Power levels are still in the green sir readings show no energy spike.
LCDR. CLARKSON [smiles]: Okay this is good my new equation is working like a charm Pan talk to me where are we at with power output?
LT. TARAK: We're at 87% still rising sir.
CPT. BRANSON: Maybe we should stop here for now before it gets bad.
LCDR. CLARKSON: Sorry John but I wanna get to 100% power output Morgan where are we at now?
Lieutenant Flower taps commands into the console.
LTJG. FLOWER: Power output is at 89%, 93%.
CPT. BRANSON: All right, let's shut it down here for now and pick up first thing tomorrow.
LCDR. CLARKSON [annoyed]: All right, but we're going to 100% power!
He shuts the power off.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise orbits the planet.
INT. LIVING ROOM/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, USS ENTERPRISE-E
John lays on the couch thinking as to why Admiral Barnes has the Harrison here instead of on her shakedown cruise.
[BOOM!] As John sits up.
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: Branson to bridge report?
LCDR. RO [com voice]: Sensors have detected an intense gravitational shift coming from the planet
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: I'm on my way.
John EXITS his quarters.
EXT. SPACE [OPTICAL]
Gravitational waves emits from the planet as it rocks the ships in orbit.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [RED ALERT]
[KLAXONS BLARE] As everyone braces themselves.
LTJG. MASON: Shields are taking the brunt of these waves Commander their down to 96%!
LCDR. RO: Re-route power to shield emitters.
Lieutenant Mason taps commands into the tactical console.
[TURBOLIFT DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Captain Branson walks out of the lift as another wave struck the ship as he braces himself.
CPT. BRANSON: Report?
ENS. CARLSON: I'm having trouble keeping us in orbit sir.
ENS. SMITH: Detecting a gravitational wave its massive!
CPT. BRANSON [to com]: This is the Captain speaking all hands brace for impact!
Everyone braces themselves.
EXT. WEY'TAHN SYSTEM, WEY'TAHN ORBIT [OPTICAL]
A massive gravitational wave struck the ships causing one of the Andorian cruisers to collide with the port cruiser causing massive explosions to rip through both vessels destroying them utterly and damaging the lead vessel.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [RED ALERT]
[BOOM!] As several showers of sparks erupt from the ceiling and Master Display Monitor, as coolant spews from the ceiling, as Commander James taps commands into the engineering console to shut it off.
LTJG. MASON: Shields are down to 34%!
Commander T'Mir turns from the science console.
LCDR. T'MIR: Captain, I'm detecting global instability!
CPT. BRANSON: On screen.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the planet surface being destroyed.
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS HARRISON-A [RED ALERT]
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the same result.
CPT. TOWE [shocked]: My god.
Kyle is shocked at what he's seeing.
INT. MAIN BRIDGE, USS ENTERPRISE-E [RED ALERT]
CPT. BRANSON: Can we stop it?
LCDR. T'MIR: Negative sir its global.
ANGLE - TRANSPARENT VIEWER [OPTICAL]
shows the surface being destroyed.
EVERYONE FROM BOTH VESSELS REACT.
[DRAMATIC STING]
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT THREE]
Act 4[]
FADE IN
EXT. EARTH ORBIT, SOL SYSTEM [OPTICAL]
The Enterprise is docked at the dockyard as shuttles and cargo vessels flyby the vessel.
CPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's log supplemental, The Enterprise and Harrison has returned to Earth for a full debrief on what has happened at Wey'tahn
INT. BRIEFING ROOM, STARFLEET COMMAND
The Admiralty as well as Captain Branson and Captain Towe are present along with the Andorian delegation.
RADM. BRANSON: Ambassador Shurak I'd like to express my sincere apologize for what has happened to the colony.
AMBASSADOR SHURAK [frustrated]: The families of the colonists are demanding that someone to be held responsible for this!
FADM. BARNES: And he will Ambassador.
Shurak and his delegation EXITS the briefing room as both Captains Towe and Branson looks at Admiral Barnes.
CPT. BRANSON: Admiral, Mister Clarkson was aboard the Harrison when this happened sir.
CPT. TOWE: I agree with Captain Branson sir.
Barnes looks at them both.
FADM. BARNES: We have to keep the Andorians as founding members of the Federation should the Romulans decide to attack us we'll need them.
CPT. BRANSON: So, punishing Commander Clarkson is the way to go about it?
FADM. BARNES: Its either we punish him or we lose the Andorians.
Admiral Barnes EXITS the briefing room as both John and Jamie look at each other in shock.
CUT TO:
INT. HEARING ROOM, STARFLEET COMMAND
Commander Clarkson is present standing in the middle facing the board of inquiry Fleet Admiral Michael Barnes, Commodore Kristen Clancy, and Vice Admiral Thomas Halsey are present.
FADM. BARNES [re: PADD]: Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson you're charged with dereliction of duty and the death of 1,209 Andorian colonist how do you plead?
LCDR. CLARKSON: Not guilty sir I did nothing wrong.
FADM. BARNES: Let's begin.
INT. MAIN HALLWAY, STARFLEET COMMAND
Captain Branson wearing his dress uniform walking to the doors to the hearing room when he sees two guards on both sides of the doors armed with compression rifles.
ENS. NELSON: Sorry sir but you can't enter.
CPT. BRANSON [surprised]: Wait what?
ENS. ALLAN: We've been ordered not to let you pass.
CPT. BRANSON: Who ordered you to do that?
ENS. NELSON: Fleet Admiral Barnes.
Then Fleet Captain Picard shows up.
FCPT. PICARD: John?
Captain Branson turns to see Jean-Luc.
CPT. BRANSON: Jean-Luc?
FCPT. PICARD: Stand down you two I'll take it from here.
They walk from the doors.
CPT. BRANSON: What's going on?
FCPT. PICARD: John, his trial has been classified by the Admiralty.
John looks at him.
CPT. BRANSON: Jean-Luc, this isn't right I should be in there to support my friend and the godfather to my daughters.
FCPT. PICARD [sotto]: John, now isn't a good time for this we have to play it by the books.
John paces about.
CPT. BRANSON: Fine.
John EXITS Starfleet Command.
INT. HEARING ROOM, STARFLEET COMMAND
Admiral Halsey picks up a PADD.
VADM. HALSEY [re: PADD]: According to the reports the geothermal reactor was at 90% what caused the core to overload?
LCDR. CLARKSON: I'm not sure sir I am at a lost for words.
Fleet Admiral Barnes slams the table.
FADM. BARNES: This is pointless we should just get this over with Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson, you've been charged with dereliction of duty and the death of 1,209 Andorian colonists. You are hereby stripped of rank and dishonorably discharged court adjourned.
He tapped the bell three times as Kyle is shocked.
EXT. EARTH ORBIT, SOL SYSTEM [OPTICAL]
A shot of the USS Harrison-A docked.
INT. COMMANDER CLARKSON'S QUARTERS, USS HARRISON-A
Kyle's packing his clothes and looks at his graduation plaque and puts it in the duffel bag along with the picture of him and his family.
[QUARTER DOORS CHIMED] As Kyle's still packing.
KYLE: Come in.
[QUARTER DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As John enters.
JOHN: I heard what happened Kyle.
Kyle turns to him.
KYLE: Where the hell were you when I needed you?
JOHN: They wouldn't let me in something about being classified for the Admiralty only.
Kyle zips up his duffel bag and EXITS the quarters as John's confused.
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM AREA/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, USS ENTERPRISE-E
ANGLE - WALL MONITOR [OPTICAL]
shows the office of Rear Admiral John Branson aboard the USS Korolev NCC-1421-A.
RADM. BRANSON [monitor]: Heard what happened to Kyle I hate it John believe me
JOHN: Father, Starfleet is all he's ever known and now he has nothing.
RADM. BRANSON [monitor]: I know son but we can't afford to lose the Andorians should the Borg or the Romulans decide to attack us
JOHN: So we condemn an innocent man dad?
JAMES [monitor]: I'll see if I can get more information on it for now focus on your ship and crew Branson out
[TRANSMISSION ENDS] As John stands in front of the monitor.
[QUARTER DOORS CHIMED] As John looks at them.
JOHN: Come.
[QUARTER DOORS WHOOSHED OPENED] As Jamie comes in and gives John a right hook causing him to lean on the table.
JAMIE [frustrated]: KYLE GOT DISCHARGED!
JOHN: Jamie I know th--.
She punched him again.
JAMIE: KYLE'S YOUR FRIEND AND YOU ABANDONED HIM! JOHN!
JOHN: Jamie if you calm down and allow me to explain.
Jamie pants as she calms down.
JOHN: I tried to enter but they wouldn't let me it was for the Admiralty only.
JAMIE: What are we going to do?
JOHN: I'm not sure Jamie but whatever it is we better do it fast before he's unable to regain it.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCKING HATCH 34, FEDERATION DOCKYARD
Kyle boards the Earth Cargo vessel Jamestown.
EXT. EARTH ORBIT, SOL SYSTEM [OPTICAL]
The Jamestown undocks and slowly moves from the dockyards.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM, USS ENTERPRISE-E
John looks out the window at the Jamestown seeing his best friend heading out.
INT. LIVING ROOM AREA/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS, USS HARRISON-A
Jamie looks out the window at the Jamestown knowing that the man she loves isn't in Starfleet anymore as the Jamestown shoots off into the distance into a burst of light.
[BLACKOUT, END OF ACT FOUR, END CREDITS]
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
- Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Ro Laren
Also Starring[]
- Kevin Reagan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
- Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Courtney James
- Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
- Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
- Sadie Waymire as Ensign Julia Smith
- Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Commander T'Mir
Guest Stars[]
- TBA as Ensign Harris Payne
- TBA as Chief petty officer Kayla Mackenzie
- TBA as Ensign Henry Johnson
- TBA as Nurse Saskai Takahashi
Special Guest Stars[]
- TBA as Fleet Admiral Michael Barnes
- TBA as Admiral Thomas Halsey
- TBA as Commodore Kristine Clancy
- TBA as Rear Admiral James Branson
- TBA as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
- TBA as Captain Talas Shran
- TBA as Ambassador Shurak
- TBA as Colony Leader Shuran
- TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
- TBA as Commander Tanna Mor
- TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jenny Sinclair
- TBA as Ensign James Carroway
- TBA as Ensign Donald Nelson
- TBA as Lieutenant Commander Jenn Carvus
- TBA as Doctor Jona Feris
- Jeremy Reagan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
- TBA as Lieutenant Pan Tarak
- TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Morgan Flower
- TBA as Ensign Bo Travers
- TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Carol Young
- TBA as Ensign Adam Collins
- TBA as Ensign Eddie Guillermo
Trivia notes[]
Background information[]
- The start of the dishonorable discharge story arc.
- The debut appearance of the California-class USS Harrison-A.