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STAR TREK: RENAISSANCE
Lines in the Sand
Story By
Josh Maley & Will Sjorensen
Teleplay By
Slay Skiles, Rob Jelley & Chris Edmonds
1
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. EARTH
From a clear blue sky, we pan down to the city of Lisbon,home of Earth planetary operations and temporaryheadquarters of Starfleet.
CUT TO:
INT. STARFLEET HQ -- ADMIRAL PIERSON'S OFFICE
Behind his desk sits Admiral THOM PIERSON, a tall, middle-aged man with dark and penetrating eyes. But instead ofworking, the Admiral is staring intensely at a smallbiological sample dish.
His concentration, however, is interrupted by a chimingsound.
Pierson jerks his head up, and we see Admiral ELIZABETHDELFUNE enter his office. Pierson quickly stands up andgreets her.
PIERSONAdmiral Delfune. Thank you for seeingme on such short notice.
DELFUNEOf course, Admiral. What can I do foryou?
PIERSONCan I offer you a drink before we getdown to business?
DELFUNENo thank you, I'm fine.
PIERSONVery well.
2
They both sit down, Pierson behind his desk and Delfune ina chair facing it.
DELFUNESo what is this all about?
Pierson nods, seeing Delfune means business.
PIERSONMay I see your comm. badge please?
Delfune looks slightly bewildered by Pierson's request, butshe complies nonetheless.
Without saying a word, Pierson lays her comm. badge on hisdesk. Then, taking a pair of tweezers from his drawer, hepicks up a tiny green speck from the biological samplesdish and places it on Delfune's comm. badge.
PIERSONI presume you’ve heard about the‘incident’ between the Mitsukake andthe Romulan Warbird in the Doriassector?
DELFUNEI have. Anyone would think a certainformer Commander Talora might havesomething to do with it.
PIERSONOne might. But these are uncertaintimes that we live in.
DELFUNE(raises an eyebrow)
I don’t know about you, Admiral, butI’m not aware of any other Romulanssympathetic to Cross’s cause.
PIERSONAnd I’m not sure about you, Admiral,but I wasn’t aware we had any reliableintelligence on Cross’s ‘cause’.
3
Beat.
DELFUNEI meant generally speaking.
PIERSONOf course you did.
(beat)Generally speaking one might say that.
DELFUNEThese are strange times that we live in.
PIERSON"Uncertain times"? That's anunderstatement if ever I heard one.Imagine explaining the astro-politicalclimate in the Alpha Quadrant tosomeone from 30 years ago: theCardassians are a minor power, TheKlingons are engaged in a civil war,the Federation is putting down arebellion, and the Romulans aren't eventaking advantage of the situation.
A beat.
PIERSONStrange times indeed.
Delfune looks over at him, confused.
DELFUNEWhat’s this all about, Admiral?
PIERSONOh… nothing. I’m just biding my time.
Delfune looks at him, confused, before Pierson looks downat his desk and Delfune follows his gaze.
4
Her confusion grows when she sees what is happening to hercomm. badge: while they have been talking the green speckhas begun expanding, and as we watch the growth rateincreased until it covers the whole comm. badge and thenbegins to eat away at it like an acid.
PIERSONWhat do you think of the Federationcapital being relocated to Rome?
Delfune, focused on her comm. badge, ignores him. Piersonis unfazed.
PIERSONPersonally, I'm against it. Now don'tget me wrong, I certainly don't haveanything against The Eternal City. Butthere is just something about Paris inthe springtime...or Paris in any otherseason for that matter! I wish I couldget there more often. Although, I mustsay, I am enjoying Lisbon quite a lot.Good scenery… good weather… good women.
By this time, Delfune's comm. badge has vanished completelyand Delfune has not even heard Pierson’s last remark.There is nothing left but a small, green pile of dust onthe center of Pierson's desk. As Delfune continues tostare at it, Pierson looks at it for the first time.
PIERSONFunny, isn't it? Toldarian rock mold.Eats through gold like acid. What doyou think?
DELFUNEI think I'll need a new comm. badge.
Pierson laughs.
5
PIERSONThe destruction of your comm. badgecould have been easily avoided in thosefirst few seconds simply by blowing themold off the comm. Badge.
Pierson rises from his desk, adjusts his uniform, andbegins pacing around the room. Delfune's eyes follow him.
PIERSON(becoming more and morefrustrated)
But what did we do? We did nothing. Weallowed the mold to stay. To grow. Tosecure a foothold. Once it began tospread in earnest, it was too late.What could have been avoided with asimple flick of the hand now becomes acomplicated effort requiring a muchlarger effort.
DELFUNE(sarcastically)
I wonder where this is going…
PIERSONI've spent a great deal of time theselast few weeks thinking about NeilCross and his band of merry men over inthe Dorias Sector. It seems to me thatwhile this little rebellion might notpose much of a threat to us right now,Starfleet Command doesn’t seem to belooking at the larger picture. Crosscould simply remain nothing more than anuisance, that's true. But perhaps hisrebellion could grow, spread, andconsume the entire Federation.
(beat)I suppose we could always wait. Takecare of that problem when and if itbecomes a threat.
6
Pierson sits back down behind his desk, and uses his darkand penetrating eyes to stare right at Delfune.
PIERSONOr, Admiral, we could crush the Doriasrebellion right now. I don't think Ineed to tell you which option I prefer.
DELFUNEIf only you could convince a few moreAdmirals of that…
PIERSONDo you really think I’d bring you herefor nothing, Admiral?
(beat)I don’t need your help. Earlier today,with the approval of Starfleet Command,I began assembling a task force to dealwith this rebellion in a swift anddefinitive manner.
DELFUNEExcellent. But why bring me all the wayto Lisbon just to tell me about yourlittle task force in person?
PIERSONBecause you, Elizabeth, are going to beon it.
Delfune sits stone-faced. She isn’t happy.
PIERSONSay something Elizabeth.
DELFUNEWhy me? Why aren’t you going to be outthere with them?
Pierson just looks at her, carefully considering his reply.
PIERSONThink of it as a request. For a friend.
7
DELFUNEWe're not friends, Admiral. We'recolleagues who respect each other. Nowwhy don’t you just stop playing yoursilly little mind games and starttelling me what’s going on?
PIERSONOh, Elizabeth… I’ve told you nothingbut the truth. If you’re not going todo this for me, do it for theFederation! Surely you can understandthat?
Delfune doesn't respond, she just looks at Pierson with alook of suspicion in her eyes.
PIERSONI'll take that as a yes.
Pierson looks at Delfune, trying to get her to smile or atleast react.
PIERSONI’ll put your name down for my littlepleasure cruise.
(beat, then calmly)Don't worry, Elizabeth. We're goingdestroy them. Neil Cross is a dead man.
As Delfune looks cynically back at Pierson, we slowly
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
8
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO -- EVENING
Close on the face of NEIL CROSS as he walks through thequiet streets of San Francisco one fine evening. Childrenplay all around him, their parents look on smiling andlaughing. An elderly couple walks past him, holding hands,whilst a younger couple sit on a bench, the man holding thewoman in his arms.
Suddenly, all of this comes to a complete and sudden stop.
Almost instinctively Cross suddenly looks behind him to seethe Golden Gate Bridge in its familiar position along sideStarfleet Command. In the sky above the bridge we hear alarge BOOM and see a fantastic explosion as debris beginsto rain down from the sky.
Cross begins to walk away from this, faster and faster, butas he does so the harder and harder it becomes, as ifgravity is rapidly increasing.
Finally he drops to his knees and looks to the sky. Hesees what remains of the explosion, and the debris thatcontinues to rain down from the sky.
All around, we see people screaming, the same people fromearlier but with huge wounds across their faces and bodies.Though they scream but their mouths make no sound, we canonly hear low pitched muffled screaming sounds in thedistance.
As Cross is forced to stop running, he looks down to hisfeet. He notices something. He reaches for it...
SMASH CUT TO:
9
INT. EPSILON -- CROSS'S QUARTERS
Cross quickly raises his upper body and wakes up in a coldsweat to find himself in his bed. He sits up, tries toregain his senses, and steps out of bed. Still in thedark, he walks over to a sink and splashes cold water onhis face.
Cross looks at himself in the mirror, perhaps not entirelyliking the man staring back at him, before noticing thesmall leather case seen in "Coalescence". Cross's responseto it is positively Pavlovian, and he cringes in sadness atits sight. He then walks slowly to his bed and sits down.
CROSSComputer, begin personal log.
A beat.
CROSSIt's been several months since theincident in San Francisco, and Ithought these dreams would be over bynow. What a foolish thing. When in mylife has trauma ever simply gone away?When in anyone's life has trauma evergone away? It doesn't work like that.
(beat)This dream wasn't as bad as most. Ididn't see Lea or my sister crying forhelp, and my teeth didn't start fallingout of my mouth.
(beat)Every waking moment I find myselfwondering what it’s all supposed tomean.
Another beat.
CROSSComputer, what time is it?
10
COMPUTER VOICEThe time is 0649.
He sighs.
CROSSTime to go to a meeting to figure outhow to save the galaxy. Computer, endlog.
He exits.
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON COMMAND CENTRE
Bustling with activity and conversation, we see severaldozen people in this room, including CARLA PETRUCCI, KIERANMACGREGOR, TALORA, AIA, PETER HAMILTON, and the usualassortment of Councilors, dignitaries, etc. Sitting alongthe wall in the back of the room are two young Starfleetensigns. One is a human male named BASTIAN SCHINDLER, theother a red-haired Bajoran female named MEXES NYA. If sheweren't Bajoran, in fact, we might mistake her for arelative of MacGregor.
Both are waiting for the meeting to start, with Schindlerfidgeting nervously in his chair.
SCHINDLERSo… why are you here?
(beat)I mean… why did they get you to come tothis meeting?
(beat)That didn’t sound right, did it?
Mexes smiles and laughs at Schindler’s nervousness.
MEXESI was assigned to be an orderly forCommander Talora and the Romulandelegation.
11
SCHINDLERReally? I'm helping out Captain Cross.
MEXESJust a… quick side note, but if you'reworking with the Captain, shouldn't yoube with him instead of… in here?
SCHINDLERHe'll be here soon enough. Besides,he's in his quarters right now. He'sbarely said two words to me and I'm notstupid enough to disturb him when he'snot on duty. Especially at 0700.
MEXESNot on duty? If Commander Talora heardyou saying that I think she’d… dowhatever it is that Romulan’s do whenthey’re mad.
SCHINDLERGlare at me?
MEXES(smiles)
Something like that. Commander Talorasays everyone’s always on duty, nowmore than ever. And I agree with hercompletely.
SCHINDLERI suppose. But I'm not sure I likethese new "duties". On the Enterprise Iflew a starship. Now I'm nothing morethan a glorified errand boy.
MEXESI know, but what can they do about it?You should just be grateful we weren'tordered to clean up that mystery goo onDeck 12.
12
Schindler can only smile at this. He doesn’t want to playany part in the cleaning of the mystery goo.
MEXES(grinning)
Besides, it's not so bad. I've alwaysadmired Talora.
Beat.
SCHINDLERI guess I’ve always admired Cross.
MEXESWhy not? The man’s only been heldresponsible for two massacres now.
Schindler gives her a look, it’s obvious he’s completelyserious about this. Mexes responds to the look and tries tomake nice again.
MEXESI suppose you could do worse…
SCHINDLERCross is probably the reason why I cameto this godforsaken station in thefirst place. I can't believe it: I'mout of the academy for a year and ahalf and already I've joined an armedrebellion against the Federation! Thisis definitely not what I had in mindwhen I enlisted in Starfleet.
A moment passes, and we can see on Schindler's face that heis a conflicted young man.
SCHINDLERI just hope I haven't made a mistake...
Mexes doesn't make eye contact with Schindler. Instead,she is gazing admiringly at Talora, who is talking with agroup of Councilors on the other side of the room.
13
MEXESWell, I know I haven't.
Their conversation (which was ending anyway) is interruptedby Carla, who points to a large map as she addresses theroom. All the dignitaries have taken their seats, and wenotice Cross has joined them.
CARLAGood morning everyone. I'm not one forpleasantries so I'll get right to thepoint.
CROSS(whispering to Cross)
Not one for pleasantries? I’d havenever guessed...
TALORA(smiles)
Look who you’re talking to.
Cross smiles back.
CARLAI know we all would have liked to takethings one step at a time, but itappears our hand is being forced.Intelligence reports I've receivedindicate a large buildup of starshipsoutside the Dorias Sector. From whatwe can ascertain, it appears Starfleetis planning a preemptive strike againstus.
An eruption of voices and even a few gasps emanate throughthe room as everyone reacts to the news is various ways.
MACGREGORNow wait a second. What do you mean ourhand is being forced?
14
AIA(signing)
And what do you mean by "intelligencereports"? I may have been misinformed,but I don't recall our littleorganization having a vast spy networkat its disposal.
CARLA(coldly)
I can assure you, Councilor, that mysources are one hundred percentaccurate.
Talora looks over to Carla.
TALORAIt would seem to me, much more likely,that this is a precautionary buildup onthe part of Starfleet Command. Theyknow that the rebellion’s active insidethe Dorias sector and are positioningthemselves to make their move as soonas we make ours.
CARLAThey wouldn’t stand around and wait!They’d be in here looking for leads,trying to figure out where we’re goingto strike next!
TALORAWould they?
CARLAI would.
AIA(signing)
Unfortunately for us, however, you arenot in command of their taskforce. Nomatter what any of us suggest it willonly be that: a suggestion.
15
More grumbling, rumbling, and general pontificating ensuebefore Hamilton stands up and begins to speak.
HAMILTONCaptain Cross, what do you think of allof this?
Cross takes a breath and sits forward in his chair alittle, ready to address the table.
CROSSWell first of all Councilor, I'm not aCaptain anymore. And secondly, I tendto agree with Carla: I think this fleetmovement most likely indicates apreemptive strike.
This revelation causes Talora to raise an eyebrow in hertrademark way.
MACGREGORWhat makes you so confident?
CROSSBecause it’s too quiet. We haven’t seena Centrist ship since Captain Paxtonarrived. They’re up to something orthey’d be out here sweeping the sectorwith everything they have. They want tobring us down, they want to bring medown, and they’re not going to do thatby sitting around talking about it.
CARLAThe man’s got a point.
AIA(signing)
It could be a trap.
16
CROSSEither way, we should be prepared forwhatever it is they’re going to throwat us, because I’m betting it’s notgoing to be a pamphlet on how to defendourselves from a fleet full of fascists.
MACGREGORThat’s certainly… an interesting way oflooking at the situation.
AIABut true.
CARLAThen we’re all in agreement: it appearsthe Centrists are planning some kind ofstrike or counterstrike. The questionis...where?
CUT TO:
EXT. LISBON
A shot of the new headquarters of Starfleet, located in avery scenic part of the Portuguese city.
CUT TO:
INT. STARFLEET HQ -- CONFERENCE ROOM
A meeting of the rebellion task force. Pierson and Delfuneare there, along with the rear admiral in charge of theDorias Sector, Admiral JOSHUA PERKINS. Also present areseveral other high-ranking Starfleet bigwigs, as well asCaptain Joel via subspace.
Perkins is standing pointing to a screen that shows thelocation of the fleet in the Dorias Sector. Everyone elseis seated around a conference table listening to him.
17
PERKINS...now as you can see, parts of theFifth Fleet are massing outside theDorias Sector. In addition, I'veordered the Iliad, the Normandy, andthe Ataturk to rendezvous with them.That gives us a total of ten starshipsonce those final three arrive.
DELFUNEWe should operate under the assumptionthat they know those ships are outthere – they might not have any longrange sensors that we know of, but wedo know that Cross is highlyresourceful.
PIERSONAgreed.
(to Perkins)Excellent work Admiral. But now we havethis presence so close to the rebellionwe need a target.
(beat)I’m open to suggestions.
DELFUNEDivide the fleet. Send a few ships toeach known rebel world and take policeaction to bring them back in line.
PIERSON(shakes his head)
Civilians on those worlds could becomeeven more uncooperative if perceivedoppression becomes more immediate andapparent.
DELFUNEAnyone would think they were beingoppressed…
Pierson briefly smiles.
18
PIERSONWe have to be able to make a definitivestrike that can bring down at least onerebel stronghold, without igniting thefuse on the others. It’s not going tobe easy.
PERKINSThen why bother? My suggestion would beto just wait them out. They'redefinitely not going to sit aroundforever, and, as far as we know, theyhave no idea we're out there. We letthem make their move, then we pounce onthem once they do. There's no waythey'll be able to fight off tenstarships.
Joel, relaxing in her chair on the monitor, half laughs atthis suggestion.
PERKINS(bitterly)
I don't recall making a joke, Captain.
JOELWith all due respect Admiral, I'm notgoing to sit around while Neil Crosstries to overthrow the Federation.Swift action is needed.
PERKINSComing from the woman who’s directlyresponsible for the man escaping on noless than four separate occasions Ihardly think that holds up much weight,Captain.
Various mutterings of agreement from around the room asJoel bitterly stares back at the monitor.
19
JOELIf we sit around and do nothing Crosswill do nothing but build up hisforces. We have to take action nowwhile he’s weak.
PERKINSWith you and your crew poised to letthe man do a runner yet again no doubt?
Joel’s anger looks as though it is about to erupt, butDelfune steps in to calm the situation.
DELFUNEAdmiral, I can’t deny that Cross hasescaped the Leviathan on a frequentnumber of embarrassing occasions… butCaptain Joel knows Captain Cross. Weshould hear her out.
Joel still doesn’t look especially pleased by Delfune’swords and is dealt an even harsher blow when Delfune shootsa cold glare in her direction.
PERKINSIf she knows him so well you’d havethought she’d have managed to figureout one of his escape plans by now…
Silence.
PIERSONWhat did you have in mind, Captain?
JOELSimple: throw everything we have at onesingle world.
The rooms turns deathly silent as the Starfleet brassponders Joel's suggestion.
Delfune lowers her head into her hands.
20
JOELThink about it: the rebellion will beforced to make an all-or-nothingdecision. Either they abandon thatworld, or the bring their entire fleetout into the open.
PERKINSWe can't do that...
At this comment Pierson holds up a hand, continuing to lookat Joel.
PIERSONCarry on, Captain…
But before she can Delfune interrupts.
DELFUNEAdmiral, Captain Joel's plan could leadto the unprovoked mass slaughter of acivilian population. Do we really wantto even risk that?
JOELThey had it coming!
PIERSON(condescendingly)
Ladies, ladies. Please calm down.Captain Joel’s suggestion has merit…what’s important is how we orchestrateit to stop that kind of thing fromhappening.
Delfune looks at him, amazed.
DELFUNEI refuse to be a part of this. TenStarfleet ships against one world? Haveyou all lost your minds?
She looks at them for a second before standing to leave.
21
PIERSONSit down, Admiral.
Delfune turns to look at him.
DELFUNENo, Admiral, I won’t…
Pierson sighs, looks at her.
PIERSONCould I talk to you outside for amoment?
Delfune looks at him, realizing she has no choice in thematter and makes her way towards the door.
INT. STARFLEET HQ – CORRIDOR
Delfune stands outside the door and is quickly joined byPierson.
PIERSONWhat the hell do you think you’re doing?
DELFUNERefusing to be a part of an operationthat could lead to the mass slaughterof millions. You?
PIERSONIt won’t.
DELFUNEHow do you know that, Admiral?
A beat, Pierson doesn’t reply.
PIERSONWe have to put up a united front inthere, Elizabeth. We can’t afford to bedivided now… the Federation is split upenough.
22
DELFUNEThen don’t let Joel’s plan go ahead.
PIERSONI can’t promise that…
DELFUNECan’t promise? Admiral, you’re not evengoing to be on the task force! If youwant me out there, we do this my way.
A beat as Pierson looks at her.
PIERSONWe’ll see about that.
DELFUNEWhat’s that supposed to mean?
A beat.
PIERSONAre you ready to go back inside?
Delfune sighs, before turning her back and walking awaydown the corridor.
From this we…
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
23
ACT TWO
FADE IN
EXT. SPACE
Epsilon, drifting amongst the asteroids.
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON -- LOUNGE
At a lounge on Epsilon, Cross and the freighter shipcaptain GEORG PAXTON are sitting at a table sharing a mealand a conversation.
PAXTONSo how have you taken to all this?Switching from Starfleet to Renegadecan’t be easy.
Cross half smiles, looks down at his food.
CROSSAlmost as easy as this is to digest.
PAXTONStill not used to it then?
CROSSIt’s a little hard to get acquaintedwhen there’s a fleet full of fuckwitstrying to kill you every five minutes.
(beat)It’s difficult to get attached, even tothis.
He sighs as he indicates the station around them.
CROSSWhy get attached when they could comein and destroy it at any moment?
PAXTON
24
The fleet’s still building?
CROSSEight ships and counting.
PAXTONCan we tell what they’re up to yet?
CROSSAll we know for certain is that thereare eight starships right on ourdoorstep. We don’t know what they’regoing to do.
PAXTONI guess it could be worse.
CROSSOh, yeah. There could be twenty. Orthirty.
He smiles.
PAXTON(nodding, sarcastically)
I’m happy with eight.
CROSSAny update on more ships coming to joinus?
PAXTONProbably not as many as you’re hopingfor. Just a handful, two for certain,third’s a possibility.
CROSSThat brings us up to fifty-eight ships.
PAXTONFifty-eight to ten… at least it soundsgood.
25
CROSSShame about fifty of our ships is equalto about one of theirs.
PAXTONEver feel that someone up there justdoesn’t like you?
CROSSMore times then I care to remember.
He sighs.
CROSSBut alas, we fight on.
Paxton begins eating his food again, before carrying onwith the conversation.
PAXTONYou know, I almost joined Starfleetwhen I was younger.
(beat)When I was little I used to dream aboutbeing in command of my own starship.
CROSSSo why didn't you?
PAXTONI was rejected, simple as that. Wasn'tgood enough for the Academy.
CROSSI’m sorry to hear that… but then,Starfleet seems to be making quite alot of mistakes lately.
26
PAXTONYou’re right, I don’t care anymore. Ihaven’t for a long time. No offenceCaptain, but this generation ofStarfleet captains isn’t anything likethe one that I grew up reading about.There aren’t people like Picard,Winter, or hell, even Janeway out thereanymore. It’s a different world that welive in.
CROSSI agree with you completely.
PAXTONAnyway, being a freighter captain, youhave so much freedom you can prettymuch do whatever you want. I wouldn'ttrade that for the world.
CROSSGlad to hear it.
PAXTONOf course, it's not the safest job inthe world. Luckily for me, I ran into afriendly Romulan warbird. Now there'ssomething I never thought I'd hearmyself say...
They both laugh again. Cross is about to speak, but theyare interrupted by a nervous Ensign Schindler, who has justwalked up to the table.
SCHINDLERSorry to bother you sir, but CommanderPettrucci sent me. She needs to speakwith you.
CROSSDid she say it was urgent?
SCHINDLERYes, sir.
27
CROSSOh well, I don’t see any red alertlights flashing, I'm sure it can wait.
SCHINDLERThat’s probably because most of themare broken, Sir.
Cross gives him a look.
CROSSCommander Pettrucci has been known,from time to time, to be a bitmelodramatic. Isn't that somethingyou've noticed Schmelling?
Beat.
SCHINDLERSchindler, sir.
CROSSSchindler, sorry. I knew that.
SCHINDLERThat's okay sir.
CROSSWhy don't you sit down and join usEnsign? Grab a chair.
Needing no further prompting, Schindler sits down withPaxton and Cross.
CROSSEnsign, this is George Paxton. He's afreighter pilot from...
Unsure of where he is from, Cross looks at Paxton tocomplete the sentence.
28
PAXTONCassandra V, it's a planet here in theDorias Sector actually. Got a wife andtwo kids back home.
CROSSExcellent. And George, this is EnsignSchindler...
SCHINDLERPleasure to meet you, Sir.
Schindler extends his hand.
CROSSAnd he is from...
Again Cross does not know the answer, so he gazes atSchindler.
SCHINDLERLiechtenstein, sir.
PAXTONLiechtenstein? I think I've heard ofthat. It's near Trill isn't it?
SCHINDLERUm, no sir. It's on Earth actually.It's a tiny country in Europe.
PAXTONOh I see, my apologies, Schmelling.
Schindler resists rolling his eyes.
PAXTON (CONT’D)You see, my ancestors have been awayfrom Earth for quite some time. Butthey sure made a hell of an impactbefore they left! Have you ever heardof Patrick Henry?
29
SCHINDLERThe name sounds familiar...
CROSSHe was an eighteenth century diplomat,if I recall. He played quite a crucialrole in the development of democracy onEarth.
He looks over to Paxton for reassurance, who gives him itby finishing the history lesson.
PAXTON(nods)
He spoke out against slavery,colonialism, and the monarchy. It maynot seem like much today, but thosewere radical ideas for his times.
(beat)His most famous quote was "Give meliberty or give me death"...
Paxton looks as though he is going to conclude the thought,but as soon as the words roll off his tongue he finishes,and there’s a long beat as Henry’s words sink in.
Finally, Schindler breaks the silence.
SCHINDLERInspiring words, sir.
PAXTONYou're damn right. That's a creed myfamily has lived by for generations.
CROSS(pointing to Paxton)
No wonder he joined the rebellion.
Paxton smiles proudly at Cross’s compliment, but looks overto Schindler for a second.
30
PAXTONAnd do me a favor, stop calling me‘Sir’ would you? I’m just a freighterCaptain.
Schindler opens his mouth to reply, but before he can,Cross stands and interrupts.
CROSSAs you pointed out earlier, out here,we’re all freighter captains. And ifthese idiots won’t quit calling meCaptain, I’m sure they’re not going toquit calling you Sir any time sooneither.
He smiles and Paxton smiles back
CROSSAnyway, Ensign, we better get going.Best not to keep Miss Pettrucci waitingtoo long.
Schindler stands up as well.
SCHINDLERI agree sir.
PAXTONNice meeting you Ensign. And good luckto you Neil.
CROSSThanks. I think I’m going to need it.Good day George.
Cross and Schindler walk out of the lounge and into theuntidy corridors of Epsilon.
CUT TO:
EXT. ZOL PRIME
A shot of a Bajoran shuttlecraft as it orbits the planet.
31
CUT TO:
INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLECRAFT -- COCKPIT
TORAN NOA sits at the controls as a tired-looking ELRIS LEAwalks in. She yawns and puts her arms around him. She alsogives him a kiss on the cheek, a gesture Toran does notreturn.
ELRISWhat’s up with you?
TORANOh… nothing, I’m just a little tired.
Elris sighs and walks around to the front of him, beforeseating herself on his knee.
ELRISI’ve already told you, you should getsome rest. I can take over here for awhile.
Toran sighs, but says nothing. Elris looks a littleconfused.
A beat.
ELRISAny word from the informant yet?
TORANNothing yet. Be patient.
ELRISWe've been here from three days, Noa.Maybe we should just head over to theDorias Sector and start over?
32
TORAN(agitated)
We’ve been through this before, Lea! Itwould be like searching for a needle ina haystack. If Starfleet can’t findthem, what luck would we have?
(beat, he calms himself)We’re best off just waiting here.
ELRISYou really do need some sleep, don’tyou?
Beat.
TORANLook. As soon as I’ve met with mycontact, I promise I’ll get some sleep.Happy?
ELRISMostly.
She leans forward and kisses him.
ELRISI just hate it when you’re all grumpy.
Beat.
TORANI’m sorry.
Elris smiles at him and gives him a hug.
ELRISYou just concentrate on finding yourcontact… then start worrying about thefact that I’ll be driving.
Toran half smiles, but moments later a close shot of histroubled face reveals that he is hiding something.
33
CUT TO:
INT. BAR – REMOTE PLANET
All types are drinking and socializing in a dimly-lit bar.In a corner, a screen is showing an FNN newscast about howthe Centre is clamping down on military presence inoutlying worlds.
Beneath the screen sit three traders. One of them, a manknown only as ROCCO, is complaining to his friends (andanyone else within earshot for that matter).
ROCCODamn restrictions make it impossiblefor me to do my job. Medical suppliesare running low, and my daughter isscared to death because there aresoldiers roaming the streets outsideour home. So much for the Federation!
TRADER #1If you’re so bothered about it, Rocco,why don’t you get off your ass and dosomething about it like those guys?
He points to the screen.
TRADER #2Join the rebels? Are you crazy?
(beat)He can barely make it ten steps out ofthe door without someone holding him up.
Various laughs from around the bar and a beat as Roccoattempts to regain his pride. He stands, addressing thosewho were laughing at him.
ROCCOWell why the hell not? They're raisinga fleet and going up against Starfleet.
34
TRADER #3And how long’s that going to last? Whatchance does their fleet of cargo shipsstand against a Federation starship?
TRADER #4I heard a rogue Romulan warbird hadjoined them.
TRADER #3Like one warbird’s going to make anydifference!
ROCCOIt doesn’t matter whether they diefighting, it’s the principle of whatthey’re doing that matters.
Rocco walks forward, resting against the bar for support.
ROCCOListen! We're gonna have to choosesides sometime anyway. Better to gowith the one I can feel good about whenI get up in the morning!
TRADER #2I’m surprised he can feel anything atall in the morning.
More drunken laughter.
TRADER #1So just like that you've made up yourmind and you’re gone?
ROCCOI guess so. Hell, I've always been theimpulsive type. What do you say?
He stands up and raises a glass.
ROCCO (CONT’D)Are you guys in?
35
Shortly after saying this he looses his balance and almostfalls to the floor, only catching himself on the bar besidehim.
The rest of the traders smile, shaking their heads indisbelief.
CUT TO:
EXT. LISBON -- A PARK
Pierson is sitting alone by a fountain when he is joined byDelfune. Pierson gets up and greets her, and they bothstart walking.
PIERSONTell me Elizabeth… what’s yourimpression of Neil Cross?
DELFUNEYou already know what I think of him.
PIERSONRemind me.
A beat.
DELFUNEI don’t care for his methods and Idon’t care for what he stands for.
PIERSONConsidering all that's happened, don'tyou wish we had kept him locked upafter Coular?
Delfune pauses to consider her response.
36
DELFUNEWe can't second guess ourselves at thispoint. I think we should worry aboutthe future, not the past. We made thebest decision we could at the time.
PIERSONYes, and thousand of people in SanFrancisco died for it.
(beat)But you are right. The question is notwhat might have been, but what to donow. I am obligated to protect theFederation, and I can't think of asurer way to do that than with CaptainJoel's plan. Can you?
Another beat, as again Delfune considers her answer.
DELFUNEI can think of better ways of takingout one man then potentially takingthousands of innocent civilians withhim.
PIERSONYou haven’t voiced them.
DELFUNEThat’s because they don’t involveoutright attacking one of our ownplanets!
PIERSONBut it’s not our planet any more…
Pierson notices the unsure look on Delfune’s face.
PIERSON (CONT'D)You don't sympathize with Cross and therebels, do you, Elizabeth?
37
DELFUNEOf course not.
(beat)I just wish things could have turnedout differently.
PIERSONDon't we all.
A beat.
PIERSONIt's the only way we can flush Crossout of wherever it is he's hiding. Heeither exposes himself, or he alienatesthe rest of his coalition.
DELFUNEYou can say it until your blue in theface, Thom. I still won’t like it.
A beat. Pierson's tone becomes more stern.
PIERSONThe reason why Cross has created thismess is because the admiralty lacked aconsensus as to what to do about him.Because of that, San Fransisco has beenwiped off the face of the earth. It'swhy he's evaded us time and again sincethen. Even before the San Fransiscoincident, we had discord over Cross.We could have stopped it right then.
DELFUNEThis isn't my fault.
PIERSONThe last thing we need right now isdiscord. What will the rest of thequadrant think if we can't agree on howto deal with one man?
38
Delfune becomes a bit tense as she realizes where this isleading.
PIERSONWe need a ranking admiral to lead this,Elizabeth. You know him. I can’t thinkof anyone better to lead this fight.But this whole plan will fall apart ifwe can't agree on it.
A beat. Delfune sighs.
DELFUNEFine. But let me make one thing clear.No matter what happens, we will notattack that planet.
A beat. Pierson gives off a slight smile.
PIERSONI’m glad we could come to anarrangement…
Pierson and Delfune contine walking until they areoffscreen, at which time we notice an outdoor screen inwhich an FNN REPORTER is speaking.
REPORTERTonight: the return of Lewis Carter,with an exclusive on the continuingcrisis on Bajor!
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON -- CORRIDOR
Schindler is walking hurridly down the corridors of therun-down station when he suddenly bumps into Ensign Mexes.
SCHINDLEREnsign Mexes, I'm sorry. I didn't seeyou there.
39
MEXESDon’t worry about it. Where are youheaded?
SCHINDLERWell the Captain is in another meetingright now, so I don't really haveanywhere to be.
MEXESThen you have some free time.
SCHINDLERUh-huh.
MEXESGood. Walk with me?
Schindler runs his hands through his hair, then answerswith a nervous smile.
SCHINDLERSure, why not?
They begin to walk side by side down the corridor.
MEXESI’ve been thinking… we served on theEnterprise for six months together, yetwe barely said two words to each otheruntil we arrived on this station.
SCHINDLERWell the Enterprise was a big ship.Besides, I was a helmsman and you werea security officer. Our paths didn'texactly cross that much.
MEXESNot until now.
SCHINDLERDo you miss the Enterprise, Nya?
40
A beat.
MEXESYou know what? I don't I think I do.We're out here on the front lines of arebellion... I don’t think I could bemuch happier!
SCHINDLERHow can you be so flippant about all ofthis? We took an oath of loyalty to theFederation, and we've broken it.
MEXESThanks for reminding me. Besides, we'realready traitors in the eyes ofStarfleet… you couldn’t go back thereeven if you wanted to.
Schindler considers this, and then looks like he is aboutto throw up.
MEXESBesides...I'm Bajoran. Rebellion’s inmy blood. I think my generation feels abit guilty, you know… We're the firstgeneration to come of age in a timewhen The Occupation, any Occupation, isjust a memory… And now that I'm here,fighting for what I believe theFederation really stands for, I finallyfeel like I'm truly serving Bajor.
SCHINDLERYou can't seriously be comparing theFederation to the Cardassians.
MEXESI’m not. But you have to realize thatthe Federation we swore our allegianceto no longer exists.
Schindler does not like this opinion either.
41
SCHINDLERI agree the Federation has lost its waya little bit, but...
At this Mexes stops in her tracks and swings around to faceSchindler, blocking his path.
MEXES(interrupting)
It’s lost it more than just a bit. It'sgone, Bastian. Are all humans as naiveabout their governments as you?
Schindler tries in vain to respond, but Mexes again talksover him. She is, apparently, a very impatient woman whenshe has something to say.
MEXESThe thing you have to realize is thatwe're not fighting against theFederation, we're fighting to restorewhat it was. We're fighting for it.
With that, Mexes walks away, leaving Schindler alone in thecorridor.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
The Federation task force, ten ships strong, warpingthrough space.
INT. LEVIATHAN -- CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Joel is sitting behind her desk talking to Admrial Perkinson a viewscreen. We can see from the background thatPerkins is on a starship that is also in the task force.
42
PERKINSI must say Captain, I don't have muchfaith in your plan. They will almostcertainly have more ships than us. Itdoesn't make much sense for theLeviathan only to be focused on one.
JOELYou forget, Admiral, that we're notfighting starships. These rebels willhave ships that are barely capable ofleaving drydock.
PERKINSEven so… The Leviathan is the mostadvanced ship in the fleet. Why wastethat advantage by going after asolitary ship?
JOELBecause that solitary ship will haveNeil Cross aboard and without him, thisrebellion will crumble.
A beat.
PERKINSI don’t know about everyone else outthere, Captain, but I’m in no mood fordying. I just hope you’re not chasing awhale.
JOEL(smirking)
Call me Ishmael...
With that, Joel smiles and ends the transmission. As if oncue, a comm voice fills the ready room.
COMM VOICECaptain, we're approaching Cassandra V.
JOELETA?
43
COMM VOICELess than ten minutes, Captain.
JOELExcellent.
As we slowly move to a close up of Joel's face, we see thepiercing eyes of a person who is obsessed.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
44
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. ZOL PRIME
Another shot of the Bajoran shuttlecraft as it orbits theplanet.
CUT TO:
INT. BAJORAN SHUTTLECRAFT -- COCKPIT
Toran sits at the controls while Elris sleeps on hisshoulder. He is half reading one of many PADDs that arescattered across the console and it’s obvious that he’sbeen waiting for a long time, and we can see he isbeginning to get impatient.
Suddenly, a beeping sound fills the cockpit. Toran looksdown at his station as Elris wakes up.
ELRISWhat's happening?
TORAN(reading the message)
It's my informant... He's asked me tomeet him on the surface.
ELRISWhat do we need?
She stands and walks towards an equipment locker, butbefore she can open it Toran has turned to face her.
TORANI’m doing this on my own, Lea. I can’trisk putting you in danger.
ELRISWhat?
45
TORANIt’s too dangerous… I don’t know what’swaiting for me down there.
ELRISIt’s never stopped me doing anything inthe past.
Toran sighs.
TORANLea. I’m asking you, as a friend, asyour partner, to let me do this on myown.
(beat)If anything ever happened to you I’d…
Elris looks at him but he doesn’t complete the sentence.She sighs and nods, and he heads over to the equipmentlocker, before walking to the back of the cockpit anddematerializing.
Elris sits and stares at the transporter pad for a moment,apparently still in the process of waking up, beforeturning around and looking down at the console Toran wasworking at previously.
She begins to look through some of the readings on theconsole when suddenly, Toran rematerializes in the back ofthe cockpit.
Without saying anything, he sits at his station and beginspressing buttons.
ELRISThat was quick. What did he say?
TORANNothing. He tried to kill me.
He sees Elris has been working at his console.
TORAN (CONT’D)What are you doing?
46
Elris is visibly shocked by his previous statement and paysno attention to his question.
ELRISWhat? Why?
TORAN(angry)
I don't know Lea! Will you please justget off my back!
ELRISWhat?
TORANEver since we left Bajor you’ve been atme! I’m starting to think…
He trails off.
ELRISThink what?
A beat.
TORANIt’s nothing.
ELRISIt doesn’t sound like nothing. Tell me.
TORANLeave it, Lea.
ELRISNo, Noa, I won’t. I’m getting sick andtired of you telling me to leave it, toget out of your way, to leaveeverything to you. I don’t feel like Ihave your trust.
47
TORANAnd I don’t feel like I have yoursright now either.
ELRISFrom the way you’ve been treating meare you really that surprised?
A beat.
TORANI’m just trying to help you, Lea.
Elris sighs and turns to face the window as the shuttlebegins to leave orbit.
ELRISAre they following us?
Toran examines the shuttle's sensor readings.
TORANI don't think so.
They both sit in silence briefly, Toran looking frustratedand Elris looking worried again.
ELRISWhat happened down there?
TORANI don't know. I beamed down and thenext thing I know I had a phaserpointing at me.
A beat.
TORANThere's an asteroid belt a few lightyears from here. We can hide out therejust in case. The shuttle’s onautopilot… wake me when we reach it.
He stands to leave, there’s a short beat.
48
ELRISHow are we going to find Neil now?
TORAN(angry)
I don't know! I was almost killed downthere, so right now, Neil Cross is thelast thing on my mind!
ELRIS(angry)
Well it seems to me that he’s been thelast thing on your mind for quite sometime!
TORANWhat the hell’s that supposed to mean?
ELRISTell me, Noa, are you really all thatbothered about finding him?
TORANI don’t have to answer that!
ELRISDon’t worry, I think you already have.We’re just going around in circles!
TORANWell if you have any better ideas, feelfree to speak up, because the onlything I’ve heard from you so far iswhining and trying to get me to go tothe damn Dorias sector!
ELRISIt’s better than hiding in an asteroidfield!
TORANWell if you think you can do better,feel free and go ahead!
49
He wipes his assorted PADDs off the console and they goflying to the floor… Elris watches them go and looks backat him, shocked, before suddenly looking back across towhere the PADDs have fallen, having spotted something.
We watch as she walks towards something as Toran looks on.
TORANLea?
Elris finally reaches whatever it is she has spotted, andbends down to the floor to it, picking it up.
She turns around with a triumphant smile on her face...
ELRISI think I just got a better idea.
She holds up Carter’s button cam from the previous episode.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
Another shot of Epsilon.
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON -- COMMAND CENTRE
Cross gets off the turbolift to find the CC bustling withactivity as red alert lights flicker on and off all aroundthem. Talora, Macgregor, Schindler, Mexes and severalothers are all there, most of them running around in afrantic manner.
Just as Cross steps off the turbolift, a very angry-lookingCarla steps right in front of Cross.
CARLAWhere have you been?
50
CROSSOut and about. What's happening?
CARLAThe Centrist Fleet’s on the move,heading towards Cassandra V.
SCHINDLERThat's Captain Paxtons's homeworld...
CARLAAnd a major member of the Coalition.We're moving out at once to counter theattack.
CROSSUnderstood. What are we dealing withhere?
CARLAAt least ten starships, all I know iswhat we had earlier.
TALORAIt could be a trap.
CARLAOr Cassandra V could really need us.
A beat, but Talora nods in agreement.
CROSSThey're sending their entire fleetagainst one target?
CARLAIt looks that way.
SCHINDLERWe don't stand a chance...
51
CARLA(with conviction)
No one ever said this was going to beeasy.
CROSSRight, we can't just abandon CassandraV. We have to get going. Schindler,you're with me. Carla, tell everyone ofthe station to get to their ships.
CARLAI'm already on it.
As Cross and Schindler run across the CC towards thedocking bay, Schindler accidentally bumps into Ensign Mexesand knocks her over.
SCHINDLEREnsign Mexes! I'm sorry.
MEXESThanks, it's okay. Funny how we justkeep running into each other!
They both laugh at her joke, if nothing else to relax thetense mood.
Schindler then grabs her arm and helps her up.
MEXESI can't believe it: Talora actuallywants me to go aboard the Karthos withher! Isn't this exciting?
SCHINDLERWell I’m not sure if exciting is theword I’d use for it…
MEXESThen why exactly are you here?
52
We see a puzzled look on Schindler's face as he ponders thequestion. He appears troubled, as if he himself doesn'trealize why is about to risk his life. Suddenly, a serenelook of confidence replaces his grim expression as werealize he has had something of an epiphany.
He calmly says the only thing that comes to his mind.
SCHINDLERGive me liberty, or give me death.
Mexes doesn't reply, but instead stands silently inthought, she herself pondering Schindler's response. Itseems to impress her. Before she can respond, however,Talora, along with MIRO and TARVEK, appear by her side.
TALORAEnsign Mexes! We're going now!
MEXESComing!
The four of them run off. Seconds later, Schindler runs offin the opposite direction to catch up with Cross.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE -- EPSILON
The Rubicon inside Epsilon’s main hangar bay, preparing todepart.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
Cross is at the controls, Carla is beside him, and a fewothers are behind them pressing buttons at their stations.Quickly an out-of-breath Schindler joins them and takes hisseat at the conn.
CROSSSchindler, good of you to join us.
53
SCHINDLERSorry, sir.
There is a hint of apprehension in Schindler’s voice whichCross immediately picks up on.
CROSSBetter late than never. I'm just gladyou did make it; you're certainly abetter pilot than I am.
SCHINDLER(trying to contain hispride)
Thank you, sir.
CROSSAre you ready Schindler?
Schindler turns to face Cross, and replies with aconfidence we have not seen in him previously.
SCHINDLERAbsolutely, sir.
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON DOCKING BAY
We see the Rubicon power up its engines, lift off, and flyout of the docking bay into...
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
...a haphazard fleet of ships (and one impressive lookingWarbird) surrounding Epsilon Station. They're ready to goto warp.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
54
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE -- NEAR CASSANDRA V
The Federalist fleet drops out of warp to find, sureenough, ten starships are waiting for them.
CUT TO:
INT. KARTHOS -- BRIDGE
Talora is sitting in her command chair, Miro is attactical, and various other Romulans are wandering aroundlooking busy.
TALORA(sarcastically)
Karthos to Rubicon, I think we mayabout to be ambushed.
CROSS'S COMM VOICEI concur Commander.
INT. RUBICON – COCKPIT
Close on Cross.
CROSSCross to all ships, take up defensiveposition omega nine.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
The ships begin to move into a new formation as theCentrists draw closer…
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
The crew is stationed as before.
55
CREWMAN #1We’re being hailed, Captain.
A beat.
CROSSI wonder who this could be. On speakers.
JOEL'S COMM VOICEHello Neil, I'm so glad to see youagain. Too bad you had to show up andrain on my little parade.
CROSSIf your idea of a parade is bombingcivilians, remind me not to spendThanksgiving with you.
JOEL'S COMM VOICEWell I never really wanted to kill allthese people. There's only one man Iwant dead, and I think you know who heis.
CROSSReally? I had assumed you’d alreadykilled whoever was unfortunate enoughto be your ex-husband.
Cross grins broadly, congratulating himself on that cunningremark. His smile is broken, though, when the Rubicon rocksviolently.
CARLADirect hit, shields down to 83%.
The Rubicon rocks again.
CARLAMake that 62%...
56
CROSSThat woman could never take a joke.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
The Leviathan breaks formation and charges straight intothe Federalist formation, firing at the tiny Rubiconsituated near the center front.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
Lights begin to go out and a station explodes. Carla getsup and puts out a fire with an extinguisher.
JOEL'S COMM VOICEThat little ship of yours can't takemuch abuse, can it Neil?
CROSSYou know, if you put as much effortinto commanding your ship as you did totrying to insult me, I'd be a dead manby now.
JOEL'S COMM VOICEAll in good time, Captain…
Cross raises an eyebrow at this.
CROSSI never expected to hear you of allpeople call me that again.
JOEL’S COMM VOICESlip of the tongue. Besides, it’s a bithard for people to call you thatwithout a ship, isn’t it? Shame I blewit up.
Schindler gives Cross a concerned look, and Cross cannothide the conceal and hurt on his face.
57
JOEL'S COMM VOICEWhat's a matter Captain? Did I hit anerve?
She begins to laugh at him.
CROSS(to Schindler)
Turn that damn thing off.
SCHINDLERAye, sir.
Schindler punches a few buttons on his console before theRubicon begins to rock again.
CROSSWe can't take much more of this.Talora! Get the Leviathan off my tail!
CUT TO:
INT. KARTHOS -- BRIDGE
Looks almost as damaged as the Rubicon. Medical crews areon the bridge tending to the many wounded Romulans whilerepair crews are tending to their wounded ship.
Mexes looks back towards Talora from her station.
MEXESCommander, we’ve got four starshipsconverging on our tail and aft shieldsare falling!
TALORAIt doesn’t look like I’m going to beable to help you, Captain.
A massive explosion rocks the bridge, sending Mexes flyingin front of Talora..
TALORAEnsign Mexes, are you alright?
58
Mexes pulls herself to her feet, but it’s obvious she’s inpain and far from alright.
MEXESDon't worry about me Commander, I'mfine.
Talora simply gives her a nod of approval, and this onegesture makes the pain the last thing on Mexes mind - shesmiles as if it was the greatest compliment anyone hasgiven her.
TALORAWhat is the status of our hull?
Miro, who has also been knocked to the ground, gets up andlooks at his damaged station. He frowns, unable toascertain a precise answer.
MIRODifficult to say... not good...
Yet another direct hit rocks the bridge, and this timeMiro's station explodes, and he is hit point blank by theblast.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
Cross sits at his station and looks very worried.
CROSS(to Schindler)
You have to get us out of here, buy ussome time at least.
Schindler doesn't answer him, but instead begins to punchbuttons at his station.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
59
The Leviathan is getting ever closer, and shows no signs ofrunning out of torpedoes.
All of the sudden, the Rubicon changes course by pulling180 degree hairpin turn and flying right toward theLeviathan.
The starship gets a few phaser shots off, but the Rubiconflies right beneath its hull and away from damage. TheLeviathan turns in pursuit, but not until the Rubicon isfairly far away.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
A relieved Cross is smiling.
CROSSNice flying Schindler. I knew I broughtyou along for a reason.
SCHINDLERThank you, sir.
PAXTON'S COMM VOICECaptain Cross, I think I have an ideathat might get those ships off yourass.
CROSSDon’t keep it to yourself, Captain.
PAXTON’S COMM VOICEYou’re not going to like it.
CROSSI don’t have the luxury of not likingit… anything that can stop those shipsadvancing.
60
PAXTON’S COMM VOICEThen we won’t let that happen. Getready, Captain.
Cross frowns.
CROSSWhat’s the plan, Captain?
PAXTON’S COMM VOICEI’m calling it give me OperationLibery.
(beat)One way or another, we have to win thisfight… or pretty soon there won’t beanything left to fight for...
(beat)Good luck, Captain Cross.
Cross takes a breath and looks at the viewscreen wherePaxton’s ship hovers in space.
CROSSGood luck, Captain Paxton. We won’t letyou down.
PAXTONI know. Paxton out.
With that the comm. beeps and the line goes dead, as Crosscontinues to watch the viewscreen as the ships begin tomove.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
An Akira class starship, the USS Madrid, fires phasers andtorpedoes relentlessly at the Karthos. A small formationof freighters makes a strafing run against the Madrid, tolittle effect. The Madrid follows up to the distractionwith a volley of torpedoes.
61
The freighters promptly scatter and distance themselvesfrom the Madrid, then turn around and fly towards it.
INT. U.S.S. MADRID -- BRIDGE
A crew sits on the bridge. It looks damaged, but not nearlyas bad as the Karthos and Rubicon. To the left of theCAPTAIN is Admiral Perkins.
MADRID CREWMANSir, several freighters are headedright for us.
CAPTAINLet them come. Continue the attack onthe Karthos.
EXT. SPACE
The ships continue to advance on the Madrid as it continuesits own attack on the Karthos.
INT. U.S.S. MADRID -- BRIDGE
They both watch on the viewscreen as the freighters closein rapidly. Finally, the Captain decides to deal with them.
CAPTAINTarget the lead ship.
EXT. SPACE
The Madrid targets the smaller ships, no longer firing atthe Karthos.
INT. U.S.S. MADRID -- BRIDGE
MADRID CREWMANDirect hit. They're still coming, fullimpulse.
An alarm on his station sounds.
62
MADRID CREWMAN (CONT'D)They're on a collision course!
The Captain and Admiral both look stunned. Only now do theyrealize the trouble they are in.
PERKINSGet us out of here!
MADRID CREWMANWe can't, our maneuvering thrusterswere damaged during that last exchangewith the Karthos.
CAPTAINThen destroy those freighters! OPENFIRE!
MADRID CREWMANFiring phasers...it's no use, there'stoo many of them!
CAPTAINAll hands abandon ship! Repeat, allhands...
He is cut off by a very large explosion.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
Several freighter ships head right towards the Madrid. Itis firing everything it has at them, but there are simplytoo many of them.
The first freighter hits, causing a spectacular explosion,blasting away the entire shield facing it. Another shiphits the Madrid on the other side, shattering what remainedof the shield. Overloaded from the catastrophic loss of itsshields, the Madrid gets knocked off-course and takes abeating as debris left over hits its unprotected hull.
CUT TO:
63
INT. PAXTON’S SHIP -- BRIDGE
The bridge is in shambles, several crew members are dead.Paxton himself has taken the helm from the dead crewmanthat once manned it.
OFFICERIt worked! The Madrid’s shields aretotally gone!
PAXTONGreat work everyone. Now get the hellout of here, I can take this from here.
The officer recoils at what Paxton said.
OFFICER (pleading)
George, No...
PAXTONThis ship won't fly itself into theMadrid, son! Go!
The officer takes a few steps back, looking on in awe atthe grim determination on Paxton's face, and then runs outof the bridge.
EXT. SPACE
Paxton's ship careens towards the crippled Madrid. Anearby Sovereign class ship, the Iliad, begins firing onthe ship, but is cut short when several Coalition ships ramit as well. Venting gases and plasma from several hullbreaches.
Paxton's ship is seconds away from impact.
CUT TO:
64
INT. PAXTON’S SHIP -- BRIDGE
The bridge is now in flames, and Paxton bears several burnson his face and arms. He still steadfastly stares forward.
PAXTONGive me liberty or give me--
His exclaimation is cut short by the entire bridge eruptingin fire.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
Paxton's ship plows headlong into the center of theMadrid's dorsal saucer, and embeds itself several decks in.The Madrid's entire spaceframe buckles under the impactbefore promptly exploding in a gigantic fireball!
As we pan out, we can see the tattered Iliad, missing anentire portion of its saucer, and another freightercolliding into one of its nacelle pylons. In the distance,we can see several other Starfleet ships afflicted bysuicide attacks.
CUT TO:
INT. LEVIATHAN -- BRIDGE
Captain Joel stares intensely at the viewscreen, almostwilling her starship to go faster so she can catch Cross.
LEVIATHAN CREWMAN #1Captain, several freighters are...areramming our ships.
Joel briefly looks up, then forward again to the viewscreen.
JOELLet them die. Continue pursuit of theRubicon, I need more power to ourthrusters.
65
The bridge crew stare at each other, unable to belive thecallousness of Joel's statement.
LEVIATHAN CREWMAN #2Captain, we have an incoming subspacemessage.
(beat)It's Admiral Delfune.
Joel looks very annoyed by this interruption.
JOELOnscreen.
DELFUNECaptain, we're calling off this attackat once. Pull back and rendezvousoutside of the Dorias Sector.
JOELWhat?? Admiral, I almost have him!
DELFUNEThat's an order Captain! We can'tafford to take any more losses. TheMadrid and the Iliad have beendestroyed, and the Rapier, theShenandoah, and the Mandela are allbadly damaged.
JOELThen don’t let their deaths be in vain!We have them on the ropes! PleaseAdmiral!
DELFUNEGet a hold of yourself Erika! There’llbe even more deaths on my conscience ifwe don’t do something soon.
JOELThey don’t have enough ships to carryon like this! We can beat them!
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DELFUNE(bitter, quiet)
Listen to me, Captain. Some reporterssmuggled themselves aboard some of ourships. The entire battle is being shownlive on the FNN. The entire Federationwatched one of our ships be blown apartfrom the inside. We need to fall back,wait for the dust to settle, and decidehow we're going to spin this. Followyour orders. Delfune out.
Joel stares blankly ahead, and throws a datapad to thefloor in anger.
CUT TO:
INT. RUBICON -- COCKPIT
Cross, Schindler, Carla, and the rest sit stunned watchingthe battle.
CARLAThe Centrist ships are pullingaway...they're retreating.
A beat.
CROSSUnbelievable.
CARLAIncoming transmission. It's the Karthos.
CROSSOnscreen.
A relieved Talora appears onscreen. In the background, wesee Mexes helping with damage control and Miro beingtreated for facial burns.
TALORACaptain, you'll be happy to know mostof the freighter crews transported herebefore the impact.
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CROSSMost?
A beat.
TALORAYes, Sir. Many of the freighterCaptains chose to go down with theirships.
(beat)Including Captain Paxton.
A beat as Cross takes this news in.
CROSS (dejected)
How many ships did we start out with?
TALORASixty-one.
CROSSAnd how many do we have now?
TALORATwenty-four.
Another long, agonizing beat.
CROSSSet a course for Epsilon and take us towarp.
He turns, about to exit when Carla turns to him.
CARLAThey drew a line in the sand for ustoday.
Cross nods.
CROSSAnd we’ve paid the price for crossingit.
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CARLAAnd look how strong we look because ofit.
Cross shakes his head in disbelief.
CARLA (CONT’D)Now there is no going back. Whateverdoubts we have, we had better face upto them, because our very survival willdepend on it.
A beat.
CROSSLet's get out of here.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
What remains of the Federalist fleet goes into warp.
CUT TO:
INT. EPSILON – SHATTERED DOCKING RING
Close on Cross’s face as he looks out into space, lookingat something, though we cannot see what. We pull out to seethat he is stood at the end of the damaged docking ring,looking out at remains of the Federalist fleet.
INT. EPSILON – DOCKING RING
As various N/Ds help their injured friends and colleaguesoff their ships. We pull out to see Cross watching as abody bag, being carried on a stretcher slowly goes past.Everyone present stands quietly as it passes.
INT. EPSILON -- CORRIDOR
Cross and Co. arrive back on Epsilon, sullenly walking backto their stations and quarters.
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CUT TO:
INT. CROSS'S QUARTERS
Cross drags himself into his quarters, bumping into theenigmatic satchel on the way in. It falls and makes a dullclunk as it hits the bare metal floor. Cross pauses for amoment after bumping it, and then continues moping into thecloset.
A moment later, he emerges, holding a set of pyjamas. Ashe starts changing into them, we fade to...
INT. CROSS'S QUARTERS (DARK)
Cross sleeps restlessly, tossing and turning as ifexperiencing a nightmare. He suddenly GASPS and shootsupright, waking from his tumultuous dream. After catchinghis breath, he turns on the lights and heads to the restroom.
As he rinses his face, he takes a long hard look athimself. The stress he's under has taken its toll on him,his face looks withered.
As he emerges from the restroom, he sees the bag, stillknocked over on the floor. After staring at it for amoment, he takes a deep breath and heads over to the bag.He opens it and pulls out what looks like a metal sheet.
We track around to see what is on the other side. It is thededication plaque from the Enterprise, bearing some slightdamage.
He gently caresses the etched letters as he reminiscesabout his ship. Time seems to slow down as he gazes at allhe has left of the Enterprise. For a moment, we see Crosssmile slightly.
Cross snaps out of his reverie, and then begins scanningthe room. Spying an empty sill on the wall, he walks overto it, and props the plaque up on the wall and stares at it.
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MIX TO:
INT. EPSILON -- COMMAND CENTRE
Days have passed since the battle, and Cross, Carla, andTalora are standing in the middle of Ops discussing theirnext move.
CROSSWhy haven’t they made another moveagainst us? It’s been a over a week andone of their ships hasn’t even comeclose to the edge of the sector.
TALORAPerhaps they're waiting for us to makea move against them.
CARLAAnd it would be the perfect time forthat.
CROSSIf only over half of our fleet wasn'tdestroyed in a single battle.
TALORAWe don't have the ability to launch anysort of offensive. It’s probable thatwe don’t even have the ability todefend the Coalition at this point.
Suddenly, Macgregor walks off the turbolift.
MACGREGORWe just picked up a signal on subspace.They’re demanding to speak to you.
Cross looks perplexed.
CROSSOnscreen.
The smiling face of the impulsive trader Rocco appears.
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ROCCOAre you Neil Cross?
CROSSI am. Who is this?
ROCCOName's Rocco, and I'm requestingpermission to join the Federalist fleet.
Cross seems happy, but Carla does not.
CARLAHow did you get the coordinates to thisstation?
(beat, to a crewman) Power up weapons, go to red alert...
ROCCOYou might regret doing that. Somefriends of mine told me how to get here.
CROSSWhat do you mean?
Rocco gets out of the way, and we see his empty chair onthe viewscreen. Cross looks confused, but soon he is asrelieved as we are to see the very familiar faces of ERIKGREY and JENNIFER QUINLAN
QUINLANHello Captain. Heard you're throwing alittle party out here!
CROSS(smiling)
Something like that...
GREYWouldn’t miss it for the world, Captain.
QUINLANYou know how much he loves parties.
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She playfully nudges Grey, who can only force a slightsmile.
CROSSSo how many people did you invite to mylittle party?
QUINLANOh, I wouldn’t worry about it. Just afew close, personal friends.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
Rocco's ship, the impressive Ryujin, along with two others,appear beside Epsilon. Slowly, another ship drops out ofwarp, then another, and another...
After that, we pan around to see DOZENS of ships, small andlarge, all heading for Epsilon.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
THE END
