Star Trek: Redstone
"Demons of Air and Darkness"
PART 2
Written by Chris P Vella
Final Draft
July 27, 1998
TEASER
FADE IN:
1. SCENE 3, TEASER OF #201
COMPUTER VOICE
Last time on Star Trek: Redstone
2. SCENE 9, TEASER OF #201
3. SCENE 13, ACT 1 OF #201
4. SCENE 17, ACT 2 OF #201
5. SCENE 25, ACT 3 OF #201
6. SCENE 41, ACT 3 OF #201
7. SCENE 45, ACT 4 OF #201
8. SCENE 46, ACT 4 OF #201
9. SCENE 51 ACT 4 OF #201
10. SCENE 53 ACT 5 OF #201
11. SCENE 54 ACT 5 OF #201
12. SCENE 55 ACT 5 OF #201
13. SCENE 56 ACT 5 OF #201
13. SCENE 57 ACT 5 OF #201
15. SCENE 58 ACT 5 OF #201
COMPUTER VOICE
And now the conclusion.
16. EXT. SPACE ROMULAN PRISON (OPTICAL)
The USS Redstone is next to the station.
17. INT. ROMULAN PRISON
CELL #1
The crew is walking around the cell and CAPTAIN ZACHERY JOHNSON is at the door w/ force field watching the crew being put into the next cell. COMMANDER PHOEBE DAWSON walks over to him.
DAWSON
I knew they would pull something like this.
Trying to make the best of the situation
JOHNSON
Well we didn�t have much of a chance to refuse their offer, did we?
Unsure Of what to do next
DAWSON
Well, we have to do something, try to escape, get out of here, send a message or *SOMETHING* We can't just sit here.
JOHNSON
Yeah I know. But first we have to get out of these cells.
Johnson throws his hand at the force field and it shimmers with energy.
JOHNSON
They've put about thirty people in each cell. (BEAT) *HEY* (BEAT) *HEY* Romulan,(BEAT) I want to speak to you.
He reaches out to bang his hand on the force field.
JOHNSON
I want to speak to you!
(BEAT)
ROMULAN
Shut up Starfleet.
The Romulan taps a few buttons on his console, activating something.
JOHNSON
Why have we been put in here?. (BEAT) Tell us! (BEAT) I want to see your superior officer. You don't think Starfleet's going to let you get away with this do you?
He continues to bang on the force field with his hand but an unusually bright flash appears and knocks him unconscious. Johnson is thrown back onto the floor and the doctor rushes over to help him.
FADE OUT :
END OF TEASER
ACT 1
FADE IN :
18 INT. PRISON
CELL #1
Johnson�s cell, Dawson is standing over Johnson as the doctor examines him.
KLINER
Captain, (BEAT) are you okay? (BEAT) Captain.
DAWSON
How is he?
She looks at Dawson.
KLINER
Well, I can't tell much without a tricorder, but I�d say that he has a mild concussion and just a bit of a shock, he should be okay.
In the corner of the cell, Myers and Morris are talking.
MORRIS
So much for the adventure of being on a starship.
MYERS
What, you don't call this action?
MORRIS
No, I call it incarceration. (BEAT) And what's worse is, I haven't done anything!
He is worrying to much. Myers thinks that this is nothing.
MYERS
Just relax. You worry too much Scott.
Morris can't believe how she can be so calm when she is stuck in a prison.
MORRIS
I am in a Romulan Prison, I have no idea where the ship is or when we are going to get out of here. What am I supposed to do?
She tries to be Optimistic.
MYERS
Well you could try and make the most of the situation.
MORRIS
And you would do that how exactly?
MYERS
Well, (BEAT) just think of it as a story. (BEAT) If you were writing a story about people trapped somewhere the same as we are, how would you make them escape?
MORRIS
I'd give them a phaser rifle and a transporter.
Myers gives him a look, suggesting 'you are no help whatsoever. Dawson walks over to them.
DAWSON
So, how are you guys holding up?
Morris is concerned.
MORRIS
We're okay. (BEAT) I guess. (BEAT) How's the captain?
DAWSON
Doctor Kliner thinks he might have only gotten a little shock. He should be all right, but we do need to get out of here somehow.
MORRIS
What I want to know is why the Romulans put us in here.
The three stop and think for a beat. Myers stands up and starts to try and explain the situation as she sees it.
MYERS
Well, Romulans as a rule are quite paranoid. They probably just don't want anybody to know about the Nilatonans.
MORRIS
Then why put us in a prison? (BEAT) Why not just blow up the ship, wipe us out completely. (BEAT) This way we can still escape and tell someone.
Dawson looks at Morris as if she knows something.
DAWSON
Maybe that's what they want.
He is genuinely confused.
MORRIS
What do you mean that's what they want I don't get it.
DAWSON
Maybe they are not as paranoid as you think. (BEAT) Take the Romulan government. It has the main party of control and then it has the secret Tal Shiar organization. The Tal Shiar are the ones who cover everything up right.
MYERS
Right...(BEAT)
She takes a breath and continues her explanation after a beat.
DAWSON
Well, maybe the local Romulan government doesn't know anything about the Nilatonans and they are in the dark about this whole thing just as much as we are.
MORRIS
Yeah, but how does that explain why they would want people to know?
DAWSON
Maybe, someone in the Tal Shiar leaked information to the Romulans. They can't really do much more than what they were already doing. Their ships are already being destroyed by the Nilatonans what good would non-Tal Shiar ships do.
Myers starts to see it all a little more clearly.
MYERS
Oh I see where you're going here. (BEAT) If the Romulans had information the Tal Shiar didn't want made public they could pressure them into doing whatever they wanted. If they needed outside help to break that hold they wouldn't be able to just go and ask for it.
DAWSON
Right like you said the Romulans are paranoid they'd probably think the allies would switch sides or something. The only way to get outside help would be to make it look like an accident.
Finally getting it.
MORRIS
Oh, so if one of us escaped and told the Federation, the Romulans would *HAVE* to acknowledge what they're doing.
DAWSON
Exactly. The Federation, being an ally of the Romulans and not wanting war would offer to help, therefore giving the Tal Shiar exactly what they wanted without anyone even knowing.
MORRIS
We have to get out of here.
TIME CUT TO:
Same Location.
The senior officers came together and have a meeting on some old boxes.
DAWSON
Look, we need a plan to get out of here, (BEAT) any suggestions people?
(Looking around the room)
DINER
Well, I have an idea. (BEAT) It's longshot but it should work.
Willing to try anything.
DAWSON
Okay, I�ll take anything, what is it?
DINER
I can use some of these junk parts to crude remote commline to a shuttle on the Redstone. It will send a message telling the shuttle to power up its systems fly out of the bay going to warp. (BEAT) But it will only work if I can find all the parts I need.
DAWSON
But we have to time it right, if we get transported too soon, the Romulans could get us back before we get far enough away, but if we get transported too late we could end up floating in space. (BEAT) Make up a list of the things you need, and then show Myers and Morris, they can find all the things they can. Now, we have part of a plan, all we have to worry about now is disabling the force-field and what to do when we have the shuttle.
In the background Johnson starts to show signs of regaining consciousness.
KLINER
Take it easy Captain, you probably have a mild concussion.
Johnson starts to get up. He is disorientated.
JOHNSON
Ahh, (BEAT) what happened?
Kliner explains to him, the situation.
KLINER
You were banging on the force field and yelling at the guard, he induced some kind of plasma shock into the field and you fell back and hit your head.
DAWSON
Captain, we have a partial plan for getting out of this place. (BEAT) Lieutenant Diner has suggested we get a shuttle from the Redstone. All we need to worry about now is getting rid of the force field.
Trying to think straight, considers the rest of his crew.
JOHNSON
What about Commander Jin, he still needs his injections.
KLINER
I've told the Romulans about it and they've agreed to give me access to the appropriate equipment to help him.
Kliner tries to keep him laying down. She wants him to rest.
JOHNSON
We might be able to get out when they deliver the medicine. When is the next injection?
KLINER
Just under 20 mins.
Dawson is eager to put the plan into action.
DAWSON
Morris, Myers, Diner, you have 15 mins to get the equipment for the device. It has to be ready before the next injection so when the guard comes to deliver commander Jin�s medicine we can transport out when they drop the field to come in.
Johnson is concerned, as usual.
JOHNSON
Just be careful commander, I don�t want to loose both my ship *AND* my first officer in my first week in command of the Redstone.
DAWSON
Don�t worry Captain. You can count on us.
19INT. ROMULAN OFFICE
KA`VOTH is there talking to Proconsul Bak`Vul about the Redstone.
KA`VOTH
It is done. Our �friends� have been delivered and are in the infraction camp.
Bak`Vul is pleased, but still a little worried.
BAK`VUL
Very good. Do they know?
KA`VOTH
Not at present but I believe that they should learn of it soon.
He thinks for a beat and then answers with.
BAK`VUL
Take their ship to the others.
KA`VOTH
Yes. Proconsul.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 1
FADE IN :
ACT 2
20INT. PRISON CELL #1
A guard walks to the cell. He punches some buttons on the control panel and is carrying a small pouch-like bag which contains the medicine for Jin.
GUARD
Here human.
He hands Kliner the bag.
DAWSON
Captain, we need a diversion so he doesn�t notice us leaving.
JOHNSON
I�ll take care of it.
Johnson approaches the guard and starts to interrogate him in a rather loud tone.
JOHNSON
Why have we been put here, (BEAT) hey, I want to know because if you think that we are just going to sit here and take it then you do not know who you are dealing with. (BEAT) Starfleet sent us to the Neutral zone you know so then do know where we are and who do you think they are going to blame for our disappearance,
Dawson and Diner start to work on the device as the captain continues insulting the Romulan in the background. Morris and Myers are keeping watch.
JOHNSON
(CONTINUED)
Huh, who, it won�t be the Klingons or the Nilatonans, (BEAT) huh, according to you Starfleet doesn�t even know they exist, well let me tell you another thing, they know now and when they work our what has happened they will come after us and I can assure you that yours will be the first trial held in a Federation court. Or would you prefer us turning over to the Nilatonans?
DAWSON
(Over the top of Johnson)
Okay, wish us luck.
MORRIS
Good Luck.
Dawson and Diner disappear and the captain finishes his speech. The Romulan simply stares at him, strikes Johnson in the face, making him fall to the ground, then walks away.
21INT. SHUTTLE PINTER
DAWSON
Well at least we are still in one piece.
DINER
Yeah, all we have to do now is outrun the Romulans and get back to the Neutral Zone.
22INT. PRISON CELL
MORRIS
Do you, do you think they made it?
Being strong. Trying not to show that she has doubt.
MYERS
Of course they did. Diner is a Vulcan after all. And Vulcan�s don�t make mistakes.
MORRIS
Well he sure doesn�t act like any
Vulcan I�ve ever met.
Myers looks out of the cell and notices the Romulan guard who is squirming as if he is suffocating. She walks over to the Captain.
MYERS
What the hell is he doing?
JOHNSON
I�m not sure he seems as if he's been progressively been getting more and more uncomfortable. (BEAT) He might be having some kind of allergic reaction. (BEAT) Doctor, can you take a look at our guard here.
The Romulan Guard is writhing around on the floor, trying to get himself up onto the control panel, shouting obscenities in Romulan.
KLINER
Excuse me, (BEAT) guard, let me help. (BEAT) Can I help you?
The guard starts moving more slowly. He makes his way up onto the console to retrieve a weapon but falls and the force-field drops. Johnson walks out and the rest of the crew follows. Kliner walks over to the guard and examines him quickly. Myers grabs the Romulan�s disrupter and the crew make their way down the corridor. There is another cell with a force-field active. Inside is the crew of the Glukauf.
23 INT. PRISON CELL #2
Inside there are a number of Starfleet officers. The crew of the USS Glukauf.
MORRIS
Are you Starfleet?
NAWJEST
Is that you Zach?
JOHNSON
Leyland! (BEAT) I thought the Glukauf was lost when that star went Nova in the K�trieu system.
Johnson Indicates the force-field to Myers and she drops it.
NAWJEST
No, we were attacked by some unidentified ships. The Romulans surprisingly helped us out, but took us prisoner afterwards.
JOHNSON
We�ve seen them too. The same thing happened to us. (BEAT) They are a race called the Nilatonans. They�re using Iconian technology and they�re at war with the Romulans.
A little suspicious.
NAWJEST
How did you get out.
JOHNSON
The guard, (BEAT) he, collapsed onto the console and just happened to hit the button which drops the force field.
KLINER
He had some form of touralim in his mouth.
Realizing what just happened.
NAWJEST
I know, (BEAT) one of our officers was able to get some from a light fixture. We managed to put it into his food. (BEAT) It took long enough to work, it was over a week ago. We�ve been here for over three months.
Shocked, remembering the report he read on the star.
JOHNSON
But that star only went nova two months ago.
NAWJEST
Well I can tell you one thing about the Romulans, they clean up before plotting their schemes.
JOHNSON
I�ll tell you all about what the Romulans are doing later, but first we have find a way out of here and back to the Redstone.
In passing, mentions...
NAWJEST
Oh they gave you the new ship they were building, (BEAT) congratulations.
24. EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The shuttle flies by at warp.
25INT. SHUTTLE PINTER
DINER
How far behind us are they?
Checking the readout on the control panel.
DAWSON
Less then nine-hundred-thousand kilometers.
DINER
The Neutral zone is only one quarter lightyears away.
DAWSON
We have to find a way to stop those ships.
Trying to inject a little humor into the situation, jokingly suggests....
DINER
I could vent the warp plasma and ignite it with a phaser blast when they come into range.
DAWSON
But then how would we get to the Neutral Zone? (BEAT) Walk? (BEAT) We need the plasma to run the engines.
He senses that she is trying to be serious and drops the humor.
DINER
Okay then, (BEAT) are there any M-Class planets nearby?
DAWSON
I hope you�re not planning on landing.
DINER
No, but I have an idea.
Looking at the monitor.
DAWSON
There is an M-Class planet up ahead, average surface temperature thirty-five degrees Celsius, low-level magnetic field, some sensor distortion.
DINER
That should do. (BEAT) I want you to modify the replicator to produce fifty-thousand metric tons of duranium.
She sees his plan in her mind.
DAWSON
You're going to try to transport that to the planet aren�t you?
DINER
Got it in one.
DAWSON
I�m on it.
She moves to the back while Diner works on the controls.
DINER
I�m loading two torpedoes, have you got that duranium yet?
DAWSON
Give me a break, I have to override the safeties.
He is working at the controls. Rushing Dawson so he can get his plan into action.
DINER
I need you to tie it in with the transporter system. (BEAT) Keep it in
the pattern buffer and on my mark, transport it to these co-ordinates.
DAWSON
I thought I was supposed to be the ranking officer here.
DINER
Well if you have a better idea we�ll go with that but if not I suggest you just be quiet and do it.
Dawson looks at him and answers sarcastically.
DAWSON
Yes sir.
DINER
Now!
DAWSON
Energizing. (BEAT)
26 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The shuttle flies close to the planet, the torpedo�s fire and there is an explosion on the planet.
27 INT. SHUTTLE PINTER
DAWSON
(BEAT) Now lets get the hell out of here before the Romulans realize that that�s just a heap of metal down there.
DINER
You�ll get no argument from me Commander.
28EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The shuttle stops for a second and slowly turns around. The engines power up and it disappears, going to warp.
29INT. CORRIDOR -NEAR PRISON CELL #2
JOHNSON
(Pointing to a weapons locker)
Look over there.
Johnson and Nawjest open the locker and pass out the weapons to the crew.
JOHNSON
Now people, (BEAT) Lets get home!
They all continue along the corridor and exit through a door at the end.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 2
ACT 3
FADE IN:
30 EXT. SPACE
The Shuttle flies by at impulse.
31 INT. SHUTTLE PINTER
Dawson is at the Conn. Diner is near the back at an open panel.
DAWSON
We�re nearly there, only a few thousand kilometers. Where are the Romulans?
DINER
They�re still back at that planet, or cloaked and right on top of us.
Trying not to think about what else can go wrong.
DAWSON
Lets just try to stay positive for a few moments. (BEAT) Any ships the other side of the border?
Diner moves over to a nearby console and runs a scan.
DINER
I�m not sure, the sensors are only working at 50 percent. I�m picking up a large object, it could be a ship.
DAWSON
Can you hail it?
DINER
Attempting to do so now. (BEAT) No response, but that could be us. (BEAT) Why don't you just (BEAT) look out the window?
32 EXT. WINDOW -SPACE (OPTICAL)
Dawson looks out the window and there is a small gray object in the distance.
33INT. SHUTTLE PINTER
DAWSON
It could be a Federation ship, but we�re too far away, get us a bit closer.
DINER
We�re being hailed.
DAWSON
On screen.
A man appears on the monitor, he is wearing Starfleet uniform. Dawson and Diner are relieved.
BERRIMAR
I am Captain Ronald Berrimar of the USS Tchaikovsky, please identify yourself.
DAWSON
I am Commander Phoebe Dawson of the Federation starship Redstone, (BEAT) we have some rather bad news, I think we should to Admiral Feerman.
BERRIMAR
Okay, (BEAT) we�ll tractor in your shuttle, prepare to transport to my ship, (BEAT) energizing...
34 INT. CORRIDOR -ROMULAN PRISON
The two crews are moving along a corridor, there are N.D.s at the sides with disrupters. Johnson is at the front with Nawjest.
JOHNSON
Well it started when Admiral Feerman sent us to tractor out some downed Romulan ships in the Neutral Zone. We found some rather, well, strange bodies on the ships and our doctor did autopsies on them.
KLINER
The Nilatonan bodies were chimeras, hybrids with Iconian DNA in them, like I said to Captain Johnson in my report, they�ve been doing no-no�s with genetics.
At the mention of the Iconians he finally perceives the scope of the situation.
NAWJEST
Iconian DNA! If those Nilatonans get their hands on ...
JOHNSON
A gate, yes I know the implications. (BEAT) They could invade anyone with ease. The Romulans found out that we found out so they decided to not let anyone else find out, and they put us here.
Nawjest still has some suspicions.
NAWJEST
You don�t think the Romulans are involved with these Nilatonans do you?
JOHNSON
No (BEAT) there were too many dead Romulans on those ships. I think they�re just to proud to ask for anyone�s help.
NAWJEST
Yeah, they�re upset all right. They�re getting their ass kicked and now they�re embarrassed about it.
JOHNSON
Well whatever the reason, we need to let Starfleet know.
They approach a door. It opens and a Romulan with a disrupter emerges and shoots Johnson in the chest before he can be stopped. Myers takes out the guard with a phaser blast as Johnson falls to the floor.
NAWJEST
Is, is he all right?
KLINER
I can�t tell without proper medical equipment, but I think he has a punctured lung and some internal bleeding, (BEAT) he will die if we don�t get him some help, soon.
35 INT. PRISON CELL #1
Bak`Vul walks up to the cell and sees that no-one is inside. He turns around to see the guard is dead and that he has been poisoned.
BAK`VUL
Damn those Starfleet. (BEAT) Bak`Vul to Ka`Voth.
KA`VOTH
(ON COMM)
Yes proconsul.
BAK`VUL
They have escaped, I suggest you detain them before they escape the station.
KA`VOTH
Yes proconsul.
36 INT. USS TCHAIKOVSKY -BRIEFING ROOM
Admiral Feerman is on the monitor, Dawson has just told him the situation.
FEERMAN
Well we need to rescue them somehow, but we can�t just let the Tchaikovsky go flying around Romulan space.
Thinking back to before the crew was captured.
DAWSON
What about one of those Romulan ships that the Redstone was supposed to tractor out.
Diner agrees, he tries to convince Feerman.
DINER
I�m sure it wouldn�t take all that much to get one running again. And I don�t think the Romulans would have bothered to risk coming all the way back to retrieve them.
BERRIMAR
We could take one of the ships, cloaked, to the base where Captain Johnson and the rest of the Redstone crew are being held.
DINER
We�d have a better chance then going out in the open.
The Admiral doesn't want Johnson to be another casualty of war and he doesn't want the Romulans to get their hands on a new Federation ship.
FEERMAN
Well Zach promised me he�d bring the Redstone back to me in one piece and I�d hate for him to have to break his promise. You can take one of the Romulan ships, (BEAT) but remained cloaked until you reach the station, no exceptions.
37INT. CORRIDOR #2 -ROMULAN PRISON
The crew has been wondering around for four hours and there has been no significant improvement in their situations. They seem to be going in circles.
NAWJEST
Look I think we should split up into four teams. (BEAT) If anyone one team finds a way out, send the other teams a signal of some kind, (BEAT) then get the hell out of here, you can come back later for the whoever is left.
They split up, and go their separate ways.
NAWJEST
(To Kliner)
I think we should try to find some kind of medical facilities before we look for a way out of here.
KLINER
I agree. (BEAT) Captain Johnson needs help, (BEAT) or I�m afraid he might not make it.
NAWJEST
Doctor listen to me, and all you people as well. (BEAT) Captain Johnson is a fighter, and I�ve seen him get out of tougher situations then this one. He will make it, I guarantee you.
38 INT. CORRIDOR #3 -ROMULAN PRISON
Myers, Morris and the Glukauf�s first officer Brad Krenshaw is there. They pass a monitor.
MYERS
Whoa, (BEAT) wait, wait up you guys. Let me see if I can get any information out of this display here. (BEAT)
Myers taps a few buttons on a console and brings up a map on the monitor.
MYERS
We are, here. There is a shuttle bay here and what looks like a Transporter room here.
KRENSHAW
Can you run a sensor scan to determine the position of the Redstone? If its still in range we might be able to use the transporters.
She works on the controls, and changes the screen a couple of times before getting a sensor scan of the outside.
MYERS
Yeah, I�m on it. It�ll just take a few seconds. (BEAT) Well, we are lucky, the Redstone is still in transporter range, (BEAT) barely. It will be out of range in six minutes.
KRENSHAW
Can we make it to the transporter room in time?
MYERS
Unfortunately, (BEAT) no, I don't think so. It's on the other side of the station near sickbay, (BEAT) five decks down.
Trying to help.
MORRIS
What if you send a signal to one of the other teams.
MYERS
But we don�t know where any of them are and if we send out a general signal everywhere it would just be telling the Romulans exactly where to look for us.
KRENSHAW
Wait, that�s not such a bad idea.
Myers is shocked at this statement. She thinks that Krenshaw is mad.
MYERS
What, are you crazy?
KRENSHAW
No, (BEAT) I know Captain Nawjest, and he�d look for medical facilities for your captain. (BEAT) It's not like him to let a friend die when there's a chance at saving him.
MYERS
Your Captain's a good man.
KRENSHAW
So, if you send this information to the monitors in sickbay, there�s a pretty good chance they�d see it.
Even though it is a good idea, she still has reservations.
MYERS
But you have no way of knowing if they are actually there. You could just be giving away our position to the Romulans.
MORRIS
I think its a good idea Wade, at least they might be able to get out of here to get help.
39INT. ROMULAN SHIP -FROM NEUTRAL ZONE
Dawson, Diner and some N.D.s are there and Berrimar is on the viewscreen.
BERRIMAR
Okay people everything ready?
DINER
Yeah we�re just about done here. Lucky this isn�t a Klingon ship, otherwise I�d have a slightly harder time trying to repair the plasma coils. I�ve put a Federation power core in to replace the Romulan one, it should be able to sustain the ship for about a week.
She is eager to get underway.
DAWSON
Well I for one hope we aren�t in here for a week.
DINER
Some of the systems are pretty much useless but the basics are operational. The only other choice was that other ship and let me just say its a little more, well, (BEAT) organic, if you get my meaning.
BERRIMAR
Okay, get the Redstone and your crew back. Berrimar out.
Dawson steps into the captains chair.
DAWSON
Okay people, lets do it. (BEAT) Diner, engage the primary reactor.
40EXT. SPACE
The USS Tchaikovsky and the Romulan ship is there. The Romulan ship starts to move off at impulse and then cloaks.
41INT. SICKBAY -PRISON
KLINER
There that should do it. (BEAT) He should be pretty much okay for now.
Nawjest is worried that he might loose Johnson.
NAWJEST
So he�s going to be all right.
KLINER
He�s not in danger of dying any more, but I still need to operate on him. But I don�t know what half of these Romulan instruments do so I don�t want to accidentally cut out his brain or anything.
She tries to liven up the situation, to make it seem less worse than it is. After her attempt is rejected she looks around the room. A flashing monitor catches her eye.
KLINER
Hey, look at that (BEAT) that display over there.
Nawjest moves over to the screen. He punches a few buttons on a console and a few graphics and text appear.
NAWJEST
Its a message from Myers. (BEAT) According to this there is a transporter room across the hall, and we have three minutes to get there before the Redstone is out of range.
Kliner moves to a panel on the opposite side of the room.
KLINER
There�s no-one in there, come on lets go before its too late! Careful Captain, your still very weak.
She helps Johnson up. They all leave for the Transporter room.
42INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM -PRISON
NAWJEST
Damn, they�ve put the station�s shield up.
She wants to get back to the ship. Johnson needs treatment.
KLINER
Send a message back to Myers, her message came from the engineering section. Maybe she can disable the shield generators.
NAWJEST
Sending.....
INTERCUT:
43 INT. PRISON CORRIDOR #3
Myers and Krenshaw are trying to get more technical information on the layout of the station when a message appears on the screen.
KRENSHAW
It�s a message from Captain Nawjest, (BEAT) he says that he�s in the transporter room with Captain Johnson but the stations shields are up.
Myers can handle the situation. It is a simple problem to solve, even though she is a little scared.
MYERS
No problem, I saw the generators down the hall as we came up. I'll be back in, how long until the Redstone�s out of range?
KRENSHAW
You have two minutes and thirty seconds.
Dawson runs down the hall and goes through a door. Morris looks at the display on the wall and sees that there are Romulans in the generator room. He grabs a disrupter and goes after her.
44INT. SHIELD GENERATOR ROOM -PRISON
Myers is at the entrance pinned down by disrupter fire,
she had been injured.
MORRIS
Need some help?
She looks around the room, and jokingly says...
MYERS
Yeah, where is it?
MORRIS
Right here.
MYERS
You've come to help me? (BEAT) Okay, I guess you�re better then Krenshaw. (BEAT) Give me some cover fire while I move over to the generator.
Morris starts shooting at the Romulans as Myers makes her way over to the generator panel and shoots it five times, it explodes and she falls back.
MORRIS
Wade!
Morris goes over to her. The blast rendered her and the Romulans unconscious but he was protected by a control panel.
INTERCUT:
45 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM -PRISON
NAWJEST
That�s it, the shields are down. Everyone onto the transporter pad, we have thirty seconds left.
He keys in a sequence of commands and then joins the rest of his team on the pad and the materialize in a TRANSPORTER EFFECT.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 3
ACT 4
FADE IN:
46 INT. ROMULAN SHIP
DAWSON
How far away is the station?
DINER
Under fifty thousand kilometers.
DAWSON
Slow to impulse and prepare to de-cloak.
47EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Romulan ship de-cloaks and flies past the station.
48INT. ROMULAN SHIP
DINER
I�m not picking up any life-forms inside the prison cells. (BEAT) The Redstone is coming around from the port side of the station, they have weapons charged.
Dawson is a little confused.
DAWSON
But if the Romulans are in command of it why would they fire at one of their own ships.
DINER
Captain Johnson!?
She thinks it would be good if it was but this is no time to be making quick decisions.
DAWSON
Maybe, but we can�t be sure. (BEAT) Can you hail them?
INTERCUT:
49 INT. BRIDGE -REDSTONE
ARKIN
Captain, we are being hailed by the approaching Romulan ship.
NAWJEST
Put it up on the viewscreen.
ARKIN
Yes sir.
Dawson�s face appears on the viewscreen and Nawjest is partially relieved.
INTERCUT:
50INT. ROMULAN SHIP
DAWSON
Who are you?
NAWJEST
Captain Leyland Nawjest, and you?
DAWSON
Commander Phoebe Dawson, the first
officer of the Redstone.
He realizes who she is.
NAWJEST
Oh yes, (BEAT) your Captain is in sickbay, he is going to be all right.
ARKIN
Captain, there are three Nilatonan ships approaching and the Romulans are hailing us.
INTERCUT:
51INT. BRIDGE -REDSTONE
NAWJEST
Can you hold on a second Commander, (BEAT) the Romulans are calling us.
The viewscreen changes images and the face of a Romulan appears.
KA`VOTH
You will return immediately to the station.
Nawjest is angry and is sick of the games the Romulans have been playing with him.
NAWJEST
The only place that I'm returning to is to Federation space. (BEAT) And I suggest you let us take the rest of our people. (BEAT) It might be a good idea for you to get yourselves out of there as well. (BEAT) How long do you think you will last on your station with the Nilatonans attacking and with no shields?
He sees the threat but tries not to seem intimidated by it.
KA`VOTH
(BEAT) But that was your fault, your peoples doings, (BEAT) it is their fault that we will be destroyed.
Nawjest repeats the words previously said by Ka`Voth himself.
NAWJEST
Then maybe you would like to come with us. (BEAT) To rectify a problem.
KA`VOTH
What problem would that be?
NAWJEST
Oh, nothing which can�t be fixed.
He feels contempt towards the Starfleet officer but sees no other avenue of escape from the Nilatonans approaching. Ka`Voth gives in.
KA`VOTH
Okay I will allow you to transport us.
52 EXT. SPACE
The Nilatonans fly past the Romulan base and destroy it. The Redstone and the Romulan ship escape before the Nilatonan ship can follow.
53 TRANSPORTER ROOM -REDSTONE
It is filled with Romulans and Starfleet security officers.
MYERS
It looks different when your on the other side of the phaser doesn�t it KA`VOTH? Take them away. Ah, mister KA`VOTH, the captain wants to see you.
54 INT. SICKBAY -REDSTONE
Johnson is there with Diner and Dawson.
KLINER
You�re going to be fine captain, just try to be a little more careful in future.
Johnson dismisses her overprotective attitude.
JOHNSON
I�ll try doctor but I�m not making any promises. (BEAT) Well I think you two deserve congratulations.
DAWSON
We didn�t really do that much captain.
Johnson is genuinely proud of his officers.
JOHNSON
Oh come on. No need to be modest. (BEAT) You did a hell of a lot more then I did.
Diner sees this and takes advantage, trying to boast.
DINER
Well there was the time we had to come up with a way to elude the Romulans once we had left in the shuttle.
JOHNSON
Well I�m very proud of the both of you.
Dawson is happy to receive praise from her new captain. Although she is still a little confused about Nawjest.
DAWSON
Thank you captain, that means a lot to us. (BEAT) Ah, just one last thing. Where did captain Nawjest and the other crew come from?
JOHNSON
It looks as if this thing with the Romulans has been going on for longer then we originally thought. Captain Nawjest and the crew of the Glukauf had been held in that camp for over three months.
55 INT. READY ROOM -REDSTONE
Nawjest is in there talking to Ka`Voth. He is quite angry.
NAWJEST
I want to know how long this thing has been going on and what the hell you people are doing!
Ka`Voth evades the question.
KA`VOTH
I am afraid I am unable to answer any of your questions. (BEAT) I hope you can understand my position.
Nawjest refuses to take anymore of his arrogance.
NAWJEST
I understand that you and your government have been abducting Federation citizens and putting them in a prison for trying to help you!
Ka`Voth is belligerent.
KA`VOTH
I have nothing to say.
Seeing he is not having much of an effect, starts with the threats.
NAWJEST
I�d like to know if you have nothing to say to a Federation jury. Or if you have anything to say to the Nilatonans, I don�t think they�d be very kind if we turned you over to them.
He continues to antagonize him.
KA`VOTH
You will have to speak to Proconsul Bak`Vul, he is my senior.
Nawjest realizes that if he wants to speak to a Romulan he has to act like a Romulan. he reluctantly goes along with the foolish game.
NAWJEST
Nawjest to Myers.
MYERS
Yes Captain.
NAWJEST
Please bring Proconsul Bak`Vul to the ready room and inform Captain Johnson
I have some very important business to discuss with him.
MYERS
Yes Captain. Myers Out. (LONG BEAT)
56 INT. SICKBAY -REDSTONE
JIN
Well I bet you�re glad to see that Lieutenant Diner made it through this ordeal with only a few scratches.
She is tired of her reputation although she cannot help, smiling when Diner's name is mentioned.
KLINER
I�m happy that *EVERYONE* made it through this ordeal, including Lieutenant Diner.
JIN
Yeah but I�m sure you�re happy to see that he is okay.
She really is tired of this, but does not want to seem completely hostile.
KLINER
Jin, don�t forget you still need a few more hyronolin injections.
JOHNSON
Doctor, is it okay if I join Captain Nawjest on the bridge for a few
minutes.
KLINER
Yeah, just don�t push yourself too hard. You�ve been through a lot.
57 INT. READY ROOM -REDSTONE
Nawjest is there with Ka`Voth and Bak`Vul. Johnson rings the bell and walks in.
NAWJEST
Okay people we are not getting anywhere here.
His attitude is hardly any different from Ka`Voth's.
BAK`VUL
I do not believe we will be able to help you in any abundance (BEAT) captains.
NAWJEST
Well lets get started with what�s going to happen with you and your crew because the charges from where I�m standing don�t look very flattering.
JOHNSON
So, (BEAT) we meet again.
This has to end somewhere. Nawjest is getting annoyed.
NAWJEST
You people have two options, either you be prepared to spend the rest of lives in a Nilatonan prison camp, and from what I�ve heard about them from Captain Johnson�s crew I don�t even think they�d bother keeping you in a camp. (BEAT) Or you can share you�re information about them with us and let us explore at least a little bit of the Beta Quadrant past Romulan space. (BEAT) Are you people so paranoid that you don�t want us to make any new friends.
Bak`Vul, as a last attempt at power brings up the earlier incident.
BAK`VUL
Do not forget your theft of one of our ships and destruction of a Romulan space station.
JOHNSON
You know very well we had absolutely nothing to do with that and I don�t think you�re people would risk exposing this entire matter to the rest of the galaxy by pursuing a pointless war.
He sees that there is no way he can get the upper hand.
BAK`VUL
Maybe there is some arrangement we can reach. After all, I don�t think you want the entire galaxy knowing about this matter either.
The Romulan has finished playing, so now its time for Nawjest to start.
NAWJEST
Why should we care if the rest of the galaxy knows. We have nothing to loose. Actually, Captain Johnson would you like to join me tomorrow in a live broadcast exposing this entire matter over a broadband subspace channel?
JOHNSON
Oh, I would love to. (BEAT) But I think we should do it from Subbridge-two what do you think?
In a satirical response he mocks the Romulans and pushes the envelope.
NAWJEST
Oh yes that is a very nice little location, but maybe we should do it from the holodeck and have images of dead Romulans passing in the background.
This is tiresome, even a Romulan can only stand so much caricature.
BAK`VUL
Okay, okay. (BEAT) I will agree to let you do whatever you want to do. I must speak to my government to authorize any negotiations made though.
NAWJEST
I understand. (BEAT) I am, (BEAT) glad you have decided to, proceed, (BEAT) intelligently.
JOHNSON
Johnson to Dawson. Please have some quarters arranged for our, distinguished, Romulan ambassadors.
DAWSON
(ON COMM)
Yes Captain. (BEAT) What ambassadors would that be if I may ask.
JOHNSON
Proconsul Bak`Vul and Subcommander KA`VOTH.
DAWSON
Will do. Dawson out.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 4
ACT 5
FADE IN:
58. INT. MYERS' QUARTERS
Morris, Dawson and Myers are there. Morris is sitting on the couch while Dawson is helping Myers unpack her things.
MYERS
Oh its good to be home. (BEAT) Maybe now I can finish unpacking. (BEAT) Could you?
Myers stands over a luggage crate and points to the opposite side. Dawson gets up and helps her open it.
DAWSON
Sure. (BEAT) Yeah it is. (BEAT) Even though we've only been here for about what, five days.
MORRIS
Well any place is better than that prison.
Myers turns to Dawson and looks at her like Morris has a real disability.
MYERS
Scott has a problem with being confined.
DAWSON
Good thing you're not a criminal then.
Morris looks at Myers, then at Dawson. Gives her an innocent look.
MORRIS
I don't know what it is, (BEAT) I just hate the idea of having to stay in the same place doing everything someone else tells you and not having any control over the situation.
DAWSON
Remind me never to take you on a reconnaissance mission then?
MORRIS
Why?
DAWSON
Well you'd obviously get caught and thrown into prison.
Dawson is obviously joking although Morris doesn't pick up on this straight away.
MORRIS
Oh that's nice. (BEAT) You always give your junior staff such confidence?
DAWSON
Hey, I just call 'em as I see 'em.
MYERS
What did end up happening with the Romulans anyway?
She stars to tell them what happened but catches herself just before she reveals what is happening.
DAWSON
There was a big conference and the Romulan Government decided... (BEAT) Oh no wait.(BEAT) You'll have to wait until twenty-one hundred tonight.
For some reason Morris finds it extremely annoying not to know.
MORRIS
Oh, come on tell us.
DAWSON
No, the captain would kill me if I gave away his little surprise. he does love those formal events doesn't he.
MYERS
Just a clue?
DAWSON
Nope, I'm sorry I can't say. (BEAT) That reminds me, I'm due in the Transporter room. We have a guest coming aboard.
Morris must know.
MORRIS
Who?
DAWSON
Sorry!
Myers puts the lid of a crate down on the floor and waves to Morris as she exits the room.
MYERS
So, what did you think of your first mission?
MORRIS
What do you mean 'mission'?
MYERS
Well I don't think this will be the last time you'll find yourself in a prison.
He struggles to try to remember something embarrassing she has done.
MORRIS
Oh, very nice. (BEAT) At least I didn't (BEAT) not know (BEAT) how to open the luggage crate.
MYERS
Is that the best you could come up with?
MORRIS
Pixie!
MYERS
Hey! You know I hate that name.
He picks up a pillow from inside one of the crates.
MORRIS
Oh yeah.
She responds by doing the same.
MYERS
Don't you dare.
He raises the pillow and hits her in the head with it.
MORRIS
What? (BEAT) Do this?
MYERS
I'm gonna get you for that!
Morris gets up and runs away. Stopping behind a couch. Myers stands at the opposite side and moves slightly to each side to try and confuse Morris as to which side she is going to go. Morris stands and waits. Myers makes her move and runs around the right side of the couch and Morris accidentally runs the same way. Myers hits him with the pillow. They both fall onto the couch hitting each other with their pillows.
59 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The USS Redstone and the USS Tchaikovsky are docked at a Starbase. There is a Romulan ship leaving.
JOHNSON
(V.O.)
Captains log, stardate 53062.3 the Romulan government have given unlimited access to a single Federation ship to explore the Beta Quadrant. Although they are expecting to use us as an early warning system with the Nilatonans, we have been given an excellent opportunity to explore a region of space to which we have previously been restricted. (BEAT) The Redstone is the ship which has been chosen to complete this mission but the Romulans have made a few demands. Firstly we need to give them all information we collect, no matter how sensitive it is, we must file with them a flight plan, and one other matter which none of us expected.
60 INT. BRIDGE
Johnson is sitting in his chair when the turbolift doors open and Dawson walks out with SUBCOMMANDER TAR`UK SAURATH.
JOHNSON
(V.O. CONTINUED)
A Romulan liaison officer and a
cloaking device.
SAURATH
Subcommander Tar`uk Saurath reporting for duty.
JOHNSON
Welcome aboard.
SAURATH
On behalf of the Romulan government I welcome you to venture into the Beta quadrant past our space to explore new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations and to go where no Federation ship has gone before.
JOHNSON
That�s all I ask.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 5
STORY BY:CHRIS P. VELLA
TELEPLAY BY:CHRIS P. VELLA
EDITED BY:CHRIS P. VELLA & DAVID INACIO
PRE-PRODUCTION EDITING BY:CHRIS P. VELLA
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:CHRIS P. VELLA
VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR:CHRIS P. VELLA
SCENIC ART SUPERVISOR / TECHNICAL CONSULTANT:CHRIS P. VELLA
CGI GENERATED BY: SHADE RENDER-CTV
AIRDATE: OCTOBER 19th 1998
The persons and events in this production are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons or events is unintentional.
Copyright© MCMXCIIX BY QRISCOMM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED