This story was originally written as a "TV script"; it also had all kinds of 'inside information' for the Director, Photographer, set and prop people, etc. I have ripped out that "excess" in an attempt to present a 'cleaner, easier to read version'. This eliminated 'commercial breaks', but also much of the descriptions of people, places, and such.
For the crew of USS LEXINGTON (used by permission of the Producers), you should find their current web site to read character backgrounds. All others are my own creations (the ships and crew), except those that are from Star Trek (TV, movies, Roddenbury's other published info).
.
COVERT ACTIVITY
BY
"Miller's End"
TEASER
EXT- LEXINGTON
LEXINGTON passes through space, all is fine. As ship comes
alongside the camera, camera closes in on the position of
the Recreation Area.
CROSSFADE TO
INT- LEXINGTON RECREATION ROOM,
WIDE ANGLE of the Lexington Seven.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER MCKNIGHT, COMMANDER ANGELICA MCKNIGHT,
CHIEF ENGINEER DeCLAN IRONSIDES, DOCTOR DAWN MATHIAS,
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JASON LEE, AND LIEUTENANT VALENTINA
TERESHKOVA, of the Lex 7 are playing music. One song is
ending, another starts.
APPLAUSE as the song ends, but without waiting the next
starts. Alex motions to AMBASSADOR ERIC RYAN to step up to
the mike; he quickly RISES and crosses the room to the stage
area. The song is David Bowie's "Let's Dance". The intro
continues -
BACKUP SINGERS
Let's Dance
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues
BACKUP SINGERS
Let's Dance
AMB. ERIC RYAN
To the songs they're playing on the radio
BACKUP SINGERS
Let's Sway
Song continues, as the shot changes.
EXT- LEXINGTON
ZOOM OUT: camera pulls away from the ship
.
KANGAROO II
A small ship,
passing by an ORANGE star, and we can see that there is a
large asteroid field in an orbit covering millions of miles
[like from venus to neptune], some of them very large. the
ship drops out of warp.
MEDIUM CLOSE UP:
The ship is the "Kangaroo II"; it looks much like a shuttle
craft from TOS, but at least 5 times the size (140 ft long,
40 ft high, 60 ft wide, though the inside is about 3 times
the space - most of the ship is equipment. Crew is
10. Capt. Smythe in a chair at bridge center, Kelli at the
science station, Barton is pilot and navigator.
CAPT. SMYTHE
Barton, slow to 500 kph until our
short scans map the closest
asteroids, then 500 thousand kph to
the first big clearing you find.
.
CAPT. SMYTHE
Kelli, did you see that?
.
KELLI
That flash? Probably a smooth area
on a larger asteroid, result of a
recent impact and the melted
material pooled flat like a lake.
But I'll check the short range
sensors.
CAPT. SMYTHE
I wish long range had worked so we
could have surveyed the rubble from
a couple light years out. All of
this floating rock is dangerous as
hell. Stay alert, Barton.
CLOSE UP: on Kelli at her station
KELLI
Well, like my Uncle Dutch said about this place when he found it
10 years ago; something destroyed the planet system here over five
thousand years ago, and the radiation was just getting down to
where standard shields will handle it, and so no problem with it now.
But it still won't let you do a valid sensor reading until you get
inside the heliopause. So - here we are. Of course, that is also why it
took years to find it again; the sensor readings were thrown off so
he didn't have a proper fix on his location. I located it based on
visual star maps at Star Fleet HQ from the pictures he took.
.
BARTON
Kelli, now that we hopped inside
this stellar-wind pool, how's the
water? Are the rocks really
separated by elements?
TWO-SHOT: Kelli and Smythe
KELLI
Let's see [2 beats] WOW ! Yea, there does seem to be a lot of
rocks that are nearly pure. Suspicion is that the rumors heard
years ago about a "Doomsday Machine" destroyed by Commodore
Decker were real and that it came through this cluster. Once it got
fueled up it left this wonderful trash, pre-sorted and waiting for
us. I've got massive iron that must have been planetary cores.
Polonium, platinum, mercury. Capt., maybe that reflection was
solidified mercury. It was at 37.3 degrees off starboard bow when we
came out of warp. I [short delay] I'm picking up energy signatures of
several small ships. One is using low energy phasers to melt a small asteroid.
CAPT. SMYTHE
Apparently someone else has beat us to the punch, but there is plenty
here for everyone. By the way, Decker didn't destroy it, Kirk did,
with Decker's ship.
KELLI
OK, oh master of details. But I'm not getting any ID signatures from
those ships, so they aren't Federation, and ...[2 beats] what
the hell is that?
CAPT. SMYTHE
What's what?
Capt Smythe turns toward Kelli as she talks.
KELLI
It, it's a ship. Massive. Just appeared from behind our reflective
asteroid. Here, [1/2 beat] on my screen. Times 50 magnification.
.
CAPT. SMYTHE
I'll hail them. I don't recognize
the design. Must be from way out of the neighborhood.
.
BARTON
I'm reading weapons charging! I
think their going to fire!
Kelli says to Capt., urgently.
KELLI
Remember, use the translator too.
OVER THE SHOULDER: of the Capt., we see him press another
button for the translator.
Before Capt. Smythe can speak, Barton breaks in, his voice
is raised, excited.
BARTON
FULL IMPULSE - I'M PUTTING AN
ASTEROID BETWEEN US. DOUBT THEY CAN
HURT US AT THAT DISTANCE, BUT NOT
TAKING ANY CHANCES. SETTING WARP
COORDINATES FOR A COURSE OUT THE
WAY WE CAME IN.
CAPT. SMYTHE
Hold on Barton; no warping out yet.
We might get to share this system.
There is a lot...
EXTERIOR SHOT - MYSTERY SHIP
The ship fires. Phasers strike the aft section, but damage
is light because the hit is so short; the asteroid is as big
as 10 city blocks and blocks most of the blast. But after 3
seconds the asteroid explodes, and debris hits the ship.
.
ZOOM IN: TO WHERE THE ASTEROID USED TO BE,
CLOSING IN ON THE KANGAROO II
EXT. KANGAROO II
Holes are visible in the side of the ship. Inside, we see
several bodies, and body parts, floating around, and
floating out of the holes. Atmosphere is escaping.
Capt. Smythe is seen pressing buttons to change channels on
the communication console. His voice is raised, and sounds
urgent.
INT. KANGAROO II
KELLI IS ON FLOOR. BARTON IS GETTING A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER.
From the intercom, we hear voices, some overlapping. They
continue in background as Capt and Kelli speak.
COMPUTER VOICE
Emergency. De-pressurization of
Deck 2, containment shields at
maximum. Anti-matter containment at
15 percent and falling. Anti-matter
pod ejection in 60 seconds.
V.O 1
Help. We need help in engineering!
V.O 2 (FEMALE)
Captain - P'Chand is gone. The door
closed in front of me and she was
sucked out a huge hole in the
galley!
V.O 3
... leg! My leg is broken! This is
Kolorand! I'm in the machine shop!
CAPT. SMYTHE
EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY. WE ARE UNDER
ATTACK. SHIP IS UNKNOWN. OUR
LOCATION
.
KELLI
CAPT., CHANGE CHANNELS. YOU'RE ON
THE COMPANY CHANNEL. CHANGE
EXT. KANGAROO II
WIDE:
The large ship fires again, a Photon Torpedo, but it looks
almost gold in color. It destroys the Kangaroo II. There is
almost nothing left.
PAN: through the debris and asteroids to the battleship.
ZOOM: in on the battleship. [takes about 5 sec]
We see a name - FLEET DEFENDER.
The FLEET DEFENDER is an elliptical ring, but
in hollowed out center, there are three nacelles there for
power / warp. There is a larger Landing Bay
at rear, MANY phaser ports.
FADE: TO OPENING CREDITS
.
ACT 1
INT- LEXINGTON ENGINEERING
- where we hear the performance at a low volume and see
COMMANDER BRIEANNA SMITH overseeing other crewmen, checking
instruments.
.
BRIEANNA SMITH
Bridge, Smith here; the new
dilithium crystals are OK so far,
but I see some variance in the
energy flow that indicates
crystalline micro-fractures. We
should get a second set of backups
at the next Star Base.
Lieutenant Commander Saavik is in the Captain's chair,
ENSIGN CHARLOTTE SMITH is at Communications. We still hear
the band, softly.
CHARLOTTE
Acknowledged, Brie.
CLOSE UP:
Charlotte, with a half-smile, turns toward Saavik.
CHARLOTTE
Lieutenant Commander, Engineering
reports that the crystals may need
to be replaced.
SAAVIK
Ensign, that does not sound like an
accurate account. "May need to be
replaced?" Explain.
CHARLOTTE
Sorry, Sir. Engineering is
reporting dilithium crystalline
micro-fractures and that another
backup should be acquired at the
next Star Base.
SAAVIK
Better, Ensign. A ship's command is
best run when the facts are known.
You should also refer to your
sister in the familiar when off
duty only.
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Yes, Sir.
.
HELMSMAN JASON LEE
Ensign, what do you think of the
band tonight?
CHARLOTTE SMITH
(recovering composure)
It's good so far. I like the
Ambassador's voice on this one. You?
HELMSMAN JASON LEE
As the Captain would say, "it's not my thing." That voice cracking that
Bowie does - he's got it down, but I'm not a fan of the style. How
about you, Commander?
..
SAAVIK
(Raises eyebrow, thinks for a
moment)
The voice is quite pleasing. I
would like to hear him sing Queen's
"Crazy Little Thing called Love", a
#1 hit on Feb 23, 1980. I believe
that his baritone voice would match
the song quite well. I understand the Ambassador can
also hit "high 'C' on ...
Saavik is cut off by Jason Lee
JASON LEE
Commander, I have a warp signature
at the extreme edge of sensor
range, sometimes there, sometimes
not.
SAAVIK
Please send the coordinates to the
Science Station, Mr. Lee.
Saavik gets up and goes to the Science Station.
.
SAAVIK
Yes, I see it too. [beat] I am directing a full sweep toward that
sector but can not get any better clarity. There is a star cluster
creating a gravitational lens 147 light years away behind the
apparent warp signature position. It is possible that the reading is
coming from either side of the lens, and that the lens is partly
masking the signature. I will make a recording and compare it to
StarFleet's database. Radiation levels are very high also.
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Lt. Cmdr., do you want me to hail them?
SAAVIK
No, our priority is to deliver Amb. Ryan to the HOOD; they will take
him to Star Base 34 so he may meet with the Capellan emissary. If this
unknown contact is a new space-faring race, we will want to
return for a "first contact" and make them aware of the dangers of
space travel. The sensor readings indicate they are only capable of
traveling at warp 1.5 - they will not be encountering any other
space-faring world for several years, and are unlikely to meet any
other ships. However, check all frequencies; are you receiving any
signals from bearing 283 mark 42, Ensign?
.
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Checking... no Sir. Just cosmic
background noise from there and
[1/2 beat] from within 5 degrees of
that bearing, to help account for
any lensing effect.
SAAVIK
Very good. [beat] Computer, analyze recording and compare with known
Star Fleet warp signatures. If not found, expand search into databases
for Romulan, Klingon, Tholian. If not found, access Star Fleet HQ warp
database and compare. Report when done.
NAVIGATOR CLAYTON
Lt. Cmdr. is right about their not being found by anyone else before
Star Fleet sends someone. This entire region is not well traveled.
If we hadn't detoured to get Amb. Ryan, the chances of anyone passing
through here are (emphasis) astronomical.
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Oh, FUN-NY.
SAAVIK
(Saavik says in a 'matter of fact' way)
Good pun.
EXTREME CLOSE UP: Smith's face
Charlotte's eyes widen, nearly openly gasps. She had never
heard of a Vulcan liking humor. Her inhale is 'loud' and
Saavik notices.
SAAVIK
Ensign, as I once told Capt. SPOCK, humor is "a difficult concept", but
I have found that two person humor is easier to calculate; I "feed a
line" to a person or group, and if I have said a good line, then
someone else will finish the joke with a line that is appropriate. I
am still learning, though I do need someone the explain a joke I heard
the Capt. start, but never finish - "There once was a girl from Nantucket".
EVERYONE ELSE breaks up; Saavik is just perplexed. Then
Saavik raises an eyebrow at the realization that she
inadvertently "made a good one", and could use this line
again. She may not know the punch line, but that doesn't
matter. She rarely knows what people will say when she
"feeds the line".
.
INT- LEXINGTON RECREATION AREA
The band takes a break.
Alex and Amb. Ryan are first to move away, They
take a table between the stage area and a window. DeClan Ironsides joins them.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Great job, Amb. I'm surprised you know that song.
Few today are interested in ancient music.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
I've been following the Lexington's record, since it was the last ship
I was assigned to. I heard about your little band and couldn't
resist the chance to sing, so I had some people feed you information
about my knowing some Bowie and Queen. Figured I could tell you
about Mellencamp, Joel and others later.
TWO SHOT: Alex (L) and Amb. Ryan (R)
ALEX MCKNIGHT
(somewhat astonished)
You have been on board 3 days, and
now I find out you manipulated
getting this gig?
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Yes, I did. [Acting somewhat proud of himself] Something I picked up
while working for the Federation President after leaving LEXINGTON. If you
really want something done, make it happen any way you can. I wanted to
see the Lex and sing a couple songs.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
That's right - you were injured in
the M5 debacle. You were hit in the
head, right?
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Uh, yea. But [beat] that was then.
Now I just talk for a living.
Alex interrupts, as he sees Amb. Ryan seems uncomfortable.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
DeClan, the Amb. is clearly in the
right place for the Federation.
It's not easy to hitch-hike a ride on
any particular ship, much less a
battlecruiser.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
That's right. I guess a hit in the
head is what makes people take this
job. But I have had my successes.
And working on Earth gives you
access to so many people with
secrets they want to hide that you
can get just about anything. [Beat]
Hey, just kidding, but...
Amb. Ryan continues as ...
ESTABLISHMENT SHOT
EXT. FLEET DEFENDER
Ship is stationary. Four smaller ships fly out of rear
Hanger Deck and position themselves abeam of the ship at
2,4,8,10 o'clock positions. A slightly larger craft is
entering the Hanger Deck from space.
INT - FLEET DEFENDER BRIDGE
Bridge layout is similar to Constitution Class though there
are differences. Captain's Chair is a
softer version of TOS chair with a small monitor attached
and control panels on both arms. There is an Exec. Officer
chair to Capt. right, but with no monitor.
RED ALERT is flashing on some higher screens, lights next to
Turbolifts also flashing.
The F.O. Leo Riley jumps up from the Captain's Chair, and
turns around as a transporter beam is materializing someone
just outside the port turbolift tube. Both Security Officers
point weapons at it, but stand fast. As they see Captain
Benjamin Juarez materialize, they lower weapons and come to
attention. All others stand at their stations.
COMM OFFICER LT JENSEN SHIPMAN
Captain on the deck.
Capt is clearly fuming. He is barely able to keep from
screaming out loud his commands.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Mr. Riley, status!
FIRST OFFICER LEO RILEY
Sir, all systems functioning
normally, all weapons are secured,
no casualties or injuries.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
(to COMM Officer)
All stations, stand down to Yellow Alert.
JENSEN SHIPMAN
All hands, stand down to Yellow
Alert. Repeat, Condition Yellow.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Mr. Riley, an explanation. I was
not aware orders were changed about
firing on non-enemy ships. What the
HELL is going on?
LEO RILEY
Sir, I was down in Engineering when
a ship came out of warp in the
system, and as you know the cloak
is not functioning. Billingston was
OD, and based upon Section Order
#5, "secrecy is of utmost
importance", and that his sensor
readings said the ship had a
Romulan power signature, he acted
in what he believed was necessary
manner to maintain the security of
the project.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
What about the Alert Probes? Why
didn't you see it coming and get
secured?
LEO RILEY
Sir, the Probes were stationed as
planned, but a wave of
radiation was passing their
location, knocking them off-line
for the past 6 hours. We had no
warning; nor could they see the
probes. So when the ship came out
of warp, several mining drones were
active, and the Fleet Defender had
just come out of Surreptitious
Base. We would be found, and Mr.
Billingston took into account the
readings available and acted.
Frankly, Sir, I don't know how this
could have been avoided, given the
situation. The probes are already
coming back online, so we have will
early warnings again.
Capt Juarez stands still for several seconds, taking in the
report.
.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Very well. Do you have a reading on
where that ship came from, how many
aboard?
LEO RILEY
Captain, not yet; we are
collecting debris by transporter as
we speak, and Shipman has been
monitoring communications the
entire time. There were no calls on
Romulan, Klingon, or Starfleet
frequencies, standard or emergency.
I don't think they even knew what
hit them, thank God.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Shipman, get me [beat - he
realizes he does not have the info
he needs] which transporter room is
the wreckage coming in to?
Behind the Capt. at the Remote Ship Station Lt.
Commander Mark Pyle is monitoring the 4 small ships.
JENSEN SHIPMAN
Cargo 2, sir. I'll connect you. CPO
Romanoff is overseeing the
collection of debris.
Capt. Juarez catches the attention of Mr. Billingston, and
motions for him to come stand "down front". Billingston was
standing at the shield / weapons station; he closes his
login and moves to the position indicated.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Chief Romanoff, do you have
anything on a name or origin of the
ship?
WENDY ROMANOFF
Sir, a piece with a name came in a
few minutes ago - Kangaroo II. Some
parts show it to be a mining
research ship. There are several
body parts too, sir. I transferred
them to Sickbay.
.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Thank you, Chief. [1/2 beat] Mr.
Billingston will be assisting you
shortly.
.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Mr. Billingston, while it seems now that you may not have had any other
action available to you, there certainly were options that could
have been tried, such as firing without full power, NOT using
photon torpedoes, and seeing if you could chase them away without
otherwise revealing our identity. You have taken a grave action here
today, one that will have severe consequences for us all, not to
mention the families of the crew of the Kangaroo II. For now, you are
relieved of bridge duty, and assigned to Cargo 2 to assist in
debris [beat] and body collection. After I talk to HQ, there will be a
formal review. I am also demoting you TWO ranks; we will see if that
will be permanent afterwards. Dismissed.
ENS. BILLINGSTON
SIR, YES SIR.
.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Leo, I brought back with me the
cloak parts for the ship, and some
for our early-warning probes. This
was a horrible thing to have
happen, and should never happen
again. We can't be shooting down
the ones we work so hard to save.
Tell Engineering that the parts are
in the shuttle I used to come
aboard.
The Captain is clearly upset with all this. His gaze wanders.
LEO RILEY
Yes, Captain. Are the shield modification specs included?
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Huh? [1/2 beat] Yes. This should get us fully operational. Dammit, I
go all the way to Earth to get these parts - [slight emphasis] 15
days to get back - and just as we are about to get operational, a
small mining ship throws a wrench in the whole thing. Damn it, I
haven't had a chance to log 100 hours at full power, and the
Universe craps on me.
LEO RILEY
The Universe doesn't play fair,
does it?
This little side conversation brings him around to the
reality of the situation.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Never does - but that's why we're
here; to even the odds. [Exhales
heavily, waits 2 beats, says in a
"matter of fact", almost 'deadpan'
way] Staff meeting, Room 1, 15
minutes. As you were.
Capt. rises and heads out the door to right of main viewer, which
leads to a hall and Conference room 1
.
EXT- LEXINGTON
Ship still at warp.
WIDE: from the view screen, we see the bridge crew, and Amb.
Ryan and McNIGHT are standing near the captain's chair.
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
Capt., we are getting a message
from the Hood. They will be
arriving on time.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Thank you, Commander. That gives us
about 10 minutes to wrap things up
and get to the transporter. [Turns
to Amb.] So, Amb., did you also set
up a singing gig on the Hood?
AMB. ERIC RYAN
No, no. Their music preferences are
much more modern - nothing I know.
haha. No Klingon dirges for me
either.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Dirges? Who in their right mind
would even consider that music
anyway? I wasn't aware that anyone
on the Hood liked that garbage.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
[1/2 beat] Oh, I'm not saying they
do; just [1/2 beat] just making
conversation.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Well, we better go now so you can
stop by your quarters for your things.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Alright, let's go. [To ALL] Bye,
and thanks everyone.
TWO-SHOT: inside lift. Capt. and Amb.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Alex, you might want to go do
something more important than
escorting me to the transporter
room. I want to change shoes, hit
the head before I transfer. It's
certain that I will be offered a
tour when I get aboard, and I need
to be ready to be the "gracious
guest".
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Sure. I can check a couple things.
But as for seeing you off, I
wouldn't miss it. Have to make
certain you don't stow away and try
to take over as the band's lead singer.
CUT TO AMB. RYAN'S QUARTERS, HALLWAY.
MEDIUM: from behind McNIGHT, as he walks down hall toward the Amb.
.
Alex is walking down the hall, approaching the Transporter
Room. Amb. Ryan is approaching from the opposite direction,
and he is talking to a crewman.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Amb., the Hood is alongside and
ready to take you at best speed to
Star Base 34. Is there something
else you needed?
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Oh, no. I was just talking to
Ensign Waters here. I met him some
years ago when he was at the
Academy, doing basic weapons
training. [To the Ensign] Good to
see you again. Keep your head down.
ENSIGN WATERS
Yes sir, Ambassador. I'll be sure
to do that. Nice to see you again.
Sorry I was not able to see your
performance, but perhaps another
time. [To Alex] Sir, if you would
excuse me?
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Very good, Ensign. Carry on. [To
Ryan] Ready to go?
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
MEDIUM: from inside Transporter room, we see them enter,
doors close. Ryan continues toward the transporter pad, Alex
stops at the steps.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
Sure. Not going to be as fun as the
last few days, but it is my job.
And some days I even like it.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
I was a part of the bureaucracy for
15 years. Jim Kirk and I both spent
time pushing papers. And we both
decided that we belong out here
among the stars, thinking on our
feet.
Amb. Ryan turns around and looks at Alex. He scowls at
first, then a small smile is seen.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
And people like me just think on
our butts?
ALEX MCKNIGHT
You said it, not me. I'm just
saying that I need a ship under my
feet. Besides my family, it's the
only thing that makes me feel
whole.
AMB. ERIC RYAN
[Hesitates 2 beats] Wow, I don't
know how to answer that. I guess
all I can say is, that I am glad
that you are happy in the two
things that matter most.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Thank you. Hope you get this lucky
some day, if you aren't already.
[beat] So, Ready?
AMB. ERIC RYAN
As I'll ever be. Let's do it.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
[To operator] Energize.
INT. BRIDGE
MEDIUM CLOSE UP: Alex steps out of turbolift on bridge.
WIDE: DECLAN IRONSIDES is in
command, seated in chair.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Hood signaled that Amb. Ryan is
aboard. They are ready to leave.
There is also a call pending from
Starfleet Command.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
HQ? They aren't wasting any time.
[He steps beside the Chair, presses
button to accept the call]
View screen changes from Hood to Admiral Jane Scherger.
ADM. JANE SCHERGER
Capt. McKnight, I'm told that you
have already handed off Amb. Ryan
to the Hood. I was going to give
you the cake-walk assignment, but
since you two are running ahead of
schedule, I have another job for
you.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Nice to see you Admiral. What can
we do for you?
ADM. JANE SCHERGER
We have a small ship missing. It is
not exactly in your sector of
coverage, but since Amb. Ryan says
he needs to get to Star Base 34, the
Hood will proceed with him. I'm
forwarding the details now.
Alex looks at Angelica. She nods that the data is in. He
looks back to the screen as he walks over to Comm station.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
A missing ship? Sounds like I'm getting
a cake-walk too. Says here...
He looks over Angelica's shoulder and reads the synopsis.
ADM. JANE SCHERGER
Everything is there. Including a
partial transmission that claims an
attack from an unknown ship.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
So there are decorations on the
cake. A mining ship? I see the last
place they are known to have
visited is about 5 days at high
warp from here. I'll get on it.
ADM. JANE SCHERGER
Thank you Captain. It may not be
much. But you are the closest
unassigned asset we have. If it is
too easy, I'll find something more
challenging for you next time.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
You know I like a challenge.
Looking forward to it.
ADM. JANE SCHERGER
I'll do what I can. Scherger out.
.
.
EARTH - SECTION 31 HQ
Kelame` [KEL-a-Mae] Aurturio is about to have a video
meeting with Director Franks [whom only shows as back-lit
humanoid. The voice of Franks is electronic and changes from
[F] female to [M] male at each speaking point] about operations
status of several operations. We come in as they begin the
talk. Kelame` is seated, facing away, looking out a window.
INTERCOMM [COMPUTER]
Mr. Aurturio, there is a call for
you on secure channel 17.
KELAME` AURTURIO
Computer, receive call,
authorization gamma-alpha-93921.
He turns around toward camera to face the desk monitor. We
do not yet see who is calling.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[F] Kelame` I have some
information. You should suspend
outside operations at Surreptitious
Base. We just found out the
Lexington is due in the general
area, and may be near there
already. We don't want them picking
up stray transmissions. Do this
now.
KELAME` AURTURIO
Understood. I am sending a coded
message to Admiral Nasr right now.
Kelame` types out a message, transmits it. Takes 5-10
seconds, but is talking as he works.
We see on the monitor border a
notification that the conversation is "Section 31" at the
top, and "encoded" flashing at the bottom.
KELAME` AURTURIO
Do we know why they are so close?
I've not heard about any
emergencies, and it is not on my
list of ships due in the sector.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[M] They picked up an Amb. Ryan who
used them to get a connection to
Star Base 34. It delayed him 3 days
compared to having a special
transport, and I have no
information about why he was going
there. A records check said he was
on vacation. I am checking on
secret missions. That we are so
close to having the Fleet Defender
operational, and some secret
mission going on out there bothers
me.
KELAME` AURTURIO
That would be some coincidence. Our
having moved the ship building
there three years ago seemed like a
great move. Anything we learned
from the Terran Empire could be
tried in a region unchecked by
sensors because of the local
radiation, and the lack of ship
traffic has let us use it as a
source of materials. The improved
shields alone is a major coup.
Capt. Juarez will be implementing
them within days.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[F] Admiral Nasr was adamant about
getting the latest technology. Have
you read the upgrades list?
KELAME` AURTURIO
Yes - impressive. Shields while
cloaked, triple shields otherwise,
and a new photon torpedo that has
more than twice the punch of the
best Romulan version. The Terrans
have been at war for centuries, and
their weapon innovations are
remarkable. How soon will we
install these in our other ships?
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[M] Not for a while. The Fleet
Defender project has eaten a lot of
our resources. Bookkeeping is
better than at the turn of the
millennium - harder to hide funds
redirections. But we should have
cloaks in all nine covert scout
ships within a year.
KELAME` AURTURIO
The Klingons and Romulans would
flip out if they knew we'll have a
Battleship cruising their space in
a few weeks. And the other ships
having cloaks will allow monitoring
like we hadn't even dreamed of 3
years ago.
INTERCOMM [COMPUTER]
Priority Message, Adm. Nasr,
channel 4.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[F] Put me on hold but keep the
channel open so I can hear.
OVER THE SHOULDER: of Kelame`, we watch as he operates the
computer. we see the monitor changes, the words
"Surreptitious Base" appears at the top of the blank image,
then "Adm. Nasr" replaces the words, and a picture of a
conference room appears on-screen. the Adm., Capt. Juarez,
and Leo Riley are seated.
KELAME` AURTURIO
Yes Director. Computer, put Adm.
Nasr through. [continues] Admiral,
this is un-expected. I see our
illustrious battleship officers are
with you. Have you ceased
operations as per my message?
ADM. NASR
I was told a coded message had
arrived. We have stopped, but not
for anything you have sent. What
has happened?
KELAME` AURTURIO
Read the message for details; but a
starship is scheduled to pass
nearby, so I wanted you to button
up until they were out of the area.
But why are you calling? This looks
serious.
ADM. NASR
Very serious. We have had an
incident - I am sending details
now.
Kelame` turns toward another monitor and opens a message,
scans it quickly. He takes another couple moments to forward
it to the Director.
ADM. NASR
About four hours ago a small mining
ship came out of warp while our
sensors were down. They certainly
spotted our mining ships, and
probably the Defender. Their
engines had a Romulan signature, so
they were destroyed by the Officer
of the Day. Capt. Juarez arrived
minutes later, and identified the
debris as the Kangaroo II. They
have collected all debris and
remains.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
REMAINS?
ADM. NASR
[stunned] Who is that? Kellame`,
who is there with you? This is..
About to say "a breach of security". Interrupted by Director
Franks. Admiral is not shown to whom he speaks.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[M] This is Mr. Aurturio's
supervisor, Admiral, and so your
supervisor. What remains do you
have?
The Admiral can see Franks, and accepts the hand gesture he
gives as an approval of the situation and that he should
explain to this person 'of the shadows'. Now, however, the
voice does not change genders.
ADM. NASR
[hesitates a second] uuh, Two
bodies badly burned, body parts of
humans, Denobulans, Andorians, and
some ship debris. Not much left
after one of our new photon
torpedoes. The ship had a crew of
ten.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
What have you found out about this
ship? What company, origin of it's
trip?
ADM. NASR
Sir, it came from a company called
Outback Adventures in Mining. I
don't have an exact flight plan
because they didn't file one, but
do have a path they must have
followed. They did indicate a
couple of systems they planned to
check first. Ours was not on their list.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
Are there any other star systems
along that path they might have
reason to stop at?
Capt. Juarez accesses a console and displays a star field.
The flight path is overlaid.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
This is our best estimate.
.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
[short delay, pondering options]
Choose a star with some mining
potential along that path, and take
the debris and remains there.
Scorch anything you must to make it
look like their warp core exploded.
Leave it all in an orbit so if
someone checks, they will assume
that they had a problem, came out
of warp, then exploded. If that
doesn't look convincing with what
you have, then use a Romulan phaser
on it. We don't want anyone
following their path to your
location.
ADM. NASR
Capt. Juarez got back with the
cloak parts just after this
happened. We have installation
estimates of 36 to 48 hours. If we
can wait until the cloak is ready,
then ..
DIRECTOR FRANKS
No, Admiral. [beat] Capt. Juarez,
can you do the installation outside
of the system, away from the moon?
Capt. Juarez looks at Leo Riley for answers.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Leo, you were looking at the specs
for the last few weeks. Can we?
LEO RILEY
Well, if we take along some extra
personnel, and tools, yes. With 3
shifts working on it, we might beat
that 36 hour estimate. Maybe get
the shield upgrades done while
we're out, too.
DIRECTOR FRANKS
Alright. I will be checking your
report for details later. For now,
launch ASAP. I don't want anyone
else wandering in on us.
.
EXT- LEXINGTON
WIDE: Establishment shot,
ALEXANDER MCKNIGHT
Captain's log, stardate xxxx. We
have verified the Admiral's
information and contacted the
mining company directly, getting
copies of the latest communication
from the Kangaroo II and contacted
other traders noted in the log to
see if they have heard anything
from the missing crew. We have just
arrived at the ship's last known
position.
Capt. McKnight closes the log.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
OK team, tell me what we've got.
Valentina?
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
A planetary system around a
2-sun-mass star. System layout is
consistent with the report from the
mining company.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Saavik, do your scans show any
mining activity, probes left
behind, other evidence they were
here?
SAAVIK
Checking - I do have an impulse
drive trail criss-crossing the
system... several times it went
through the main cloud forming
between 1.2 and 1.7 billion km from
the star. I do not find any ship
debris. There is a low-power signal
coming from the inner-most planet
which is now approaching from the
far side of the star. Signal
matches the Kangaroo II's "claim
beacon". Nothing else seems to be
on this side of the star.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Well, let's go make a pass over the
beacon position to make sure the
stellar radiation isn't blocking
sensors; they could be there but
out of power. Jason, let's check it
out.
JASON LEE
Swinging around the star to the
first planet. Using the binary pair
as a navigation assistant. ETA is
15 minutes.
.
EXT- LEXINGTON
EXTREME WIDE SHOT: Exterior, Lexington passes near the
cloud, and as one of the planet cores is at it's widest
orbit point it is nearly out of the cloud, making it close
enough to use for a "gravity assist".
INT- LEXINGTON
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Show off. But if this is the last
place they were to check with a
known planetary system, then let's
follow the general flight path to
the next likely system.
SAAVIK
Based on their previous systems,
they are following a narrow conical
corridor that is 23 degrees wide
toward a bearing of 286 mark 7 from
a straight line from their company
headquarters to here. If we were to
follow the same line, the next
stars within the path are a white
dwarf at relative bearing 275 mark 2...
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Which if it has planets or gas
would be a good candidate, as they
would be far from the star...
SAAVIK
[continuing] and a day at warp 5
later they would encounter a red
giant at bearing 301 mark 2. That
system is in our data banks -
there are several planets just
outside the surface of the star,
which is 200 million km in
diameter. The cores of what were
probably gas giants are exposed,
and without the gas the mass of the
largest is only 152 times that of
earth. While too much for their
ship to land on, they could still
find plenty of material in stellar
orbit to mine.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Saavik, any sensor readings beyond
those of the beacon?
SAAVIK
Checking. [beat] None, Captain.
Nothing new to report.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
OK, let's go for the closer and
most likely of the two. Valentina,
lay in a course for the white
dwarf.
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
Aye Sir, course plotted.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Jason, let's go. Warp factor 7.
EXT- LEXINGTON
EXTREME WIDE SHOT: LEXINGTON in foreground, star in
background. Lex turns to left, goes to warp.
.
CUT TO: FLEET DEFENDER
INT. FLEET DEFENDER
Interior of Fleet Defender, cargo room 2.
CLOSE UP: Capt. Juarez in cargo 2. He examines the debris
from Kangaroo II. With him are Ens. Billingston and Chief
Petty Officar Wendy Romanoff.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Have you had to add scoring?
ENS. BILLINGSTON
Yes Sir. Also I have also added
anti-matter particles magnetically
coupled to the fragments to
simulate the core breach. Medical
has done the same with the body
parts.
CPO. ROMANOFF
Of course, we have placed all of it
behind a force field until ready to
beam it out.
Capt. Juarez walks over to a console and calls the bridge.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Capt. to Bridge.
LEO RILEY
Riley here sir. I've swung us
around to a trajectory similar to
how they would have entered the
system, as you ordered. It will put
the debris into a fairly tight
orbit, one that will leave it here
for several years so it will be
easily found when their company
comes looking. The added radiation
will mask anything we have done so,
within a few days from now,
it will be impossible to tell what
happened.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
OK. Coordinate with Chief Romanoff
here, and medical, and beam
everything out together.
LEO RILEY
Aye, Captain. The Chief has already
told me she is ready. Beaming
everything in 10 seconds.
Capt. turns to the Ensigns.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
I know this has been a grisly way
to start your tour, but necessary.
You signed on for Section 31
because you believe Star Fleet is
not doing everything possible to
protect Earth and the Federation.
This Battleship is the epitome of
our dedication to the principal
that all threats must be found and
stopped at all costs. What you do
here today, you do so we can
continue to protect the Federation.
Capt. again turns to the console.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Capt. to Bridge. Leo, take us out
of here so we can finish getting
this ship ready for our first
mission into enemy space.
CUT TO: BRIDGE
LEO RILEY
I have set course for that system
we passed getting here. It's big,
out of the way, and will afford us
a chance to do some testing of all
systems. [to Helm] Warp 4, engage.
.
EXT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
CHANGE to LEX, first shift has been
asleep & is now getting breakfast. Saavik is trying
silver-dollar pancakes, though she hasn't got the syrup idea
down. Alex, Angelica, are sitting together, Saavik and
Tereshkova are at the next table.
INT. LEX MESS HALL
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Having a little pancake with your
syrup, Saavik?
SAAVIK
Excuse me? I have seen you put
quite a bit on yours, Captain. I
don't think I have deviated much
from the amount you have used
before.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Well, perhaps. But I think most
people use just one flavor at a
time.
Ironsides comes in to get some coffee as Alex started
talking. He has been on the bridge, running second half of
night shift. As he walks by, he looks at the seated group.
Clearly he is paying attention.
SAAVIK
Inefficient. By getting the smaller
pancake version, I can try multiple
syrup flavors to see which I
prefer. Today I have chosen
strawberry, apple, and boysenberry.
I can even easily mix several
together to experiment with the
flavor combinations.
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
Hey, good for you, Saavik. Don't
let him give you a hard time over
what you want to eat. If you do, it
will all start going to his head,
and he'll think he knows best what
you should wear, do your hair,
brush your teeth...
ALEX MCKNIGHT
And why not? I've been around since
1976, so I think I have more
experience than several of you
combined.
SAAVIK
Commander, Star Fleet Command has
already dictated the dress code for
personnel, which I follow to the
letter when on duty. As for my
personal grooming habits - he will
have to wait for inspection.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
That's not what he does with me.
I'm constantly chasing him out of
my cabin. It's getting
embarrassing.
Saavik looks at Ironsides a little wide-eyed at first, then just
raises an eyebrow as she tilts her head down, still looking
at him. The double entendre is almost like poetry, allowing
multiple meanings, and a great way to avoid embarrassment if
the line is not taken.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
I think we were just "one-upped".
You two working on a routine?
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
I have no idea what you are talking
about. By the way, Captain, we
will be coming out of warp in
about 10 minutes.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Right, DeClan. We'll be up soon.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Also, the crystal set we are on has
fractured too much, so Brieanna
will be changing them out as soon
as we are out of warp and sensors
have cleared the area.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Fine. Get them out as you see fit.
Ironsides exits the room.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
DeClan Ironsides enters, heads to the Science station.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Helm, as we come into the system,
place us well above the planet
orbit plane so nothing will likely
be hidden behind the star. It's
only a few Earth diameters across
so being above will let us scan any
planets with little interruption.
HELM
Aye, sir.
CLOSE UP: LEXINGTON is approaching the star, comes out of
warp.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
That bugger has quite a pull to it.
If they are here, they should be
well away, maybe 100 million km.
So... wait. Helm, take us down into
the orbital plane, 1/2 impulse.
.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Captain to the bridge, please. All
stations, yellow alert.
Charlotte catches her breath, then breaths out,
takes a good breath.
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Attention, all stations, Yellow Alert.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
WIDE: interior, bridge. Captain and rest of crew enters.
Captain heads to science station where Ironsides is still scanning
the debris, Saavik follows him, and others take their
positions. Charlotte was at comm. and starts to exit the
bridge.
Angelica reaches out to Charlotte, holds her forearm and motions
for her to stay for a moment. Angie intends this as a
training period for her.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
DeClan, what have you got?
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
There is some wreckage orbiting
about 50 million km from the star.
Not enough to be a ship, but the
metal does match the Kangaroo II
hull material. There are no other
ships in the area, though I do read
some ion drive particles, and
fading warp signatures. Not sure
yet if these are from the KANGAROO II, or
something else.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Jason, move us into transporter
range. Can we get it on the screen?
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
Yes sir. I have a fix on it. 1,000
magnification.
Main screen changes from the star, which is moving
off-screen to the left, to the debris. A few more seconds and we can
see the bodies, and the metal parts, all spinning slowly in
the void.
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
Reducing to... 100 power... 10
power... standard ahead.
Transporter range, Captain.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Alright. Saavik, tell me what we've
got.
SAAVIK
As Commander Ironsides stated, the metal
does match the alloy's used in the
Kangaroo II's hull, and support
structures. I am also reading
organic material... 2 bodies and
several [beat] parts of multiple
species. Radiation levels are high,
but not yet too dangerous to bring
on board. There is some
anti-matter, but we should be able
to filter that out with the
transporter. A logical explanation
would be that they had a core
breach.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
DeClan, use a tractor beam and put
the debris in the Landing Bay, and
transport the bodies directly to
sickbay. Angie, tell Dawn what to
expect, and she can call DeClan when
they are ready. [beat] Jason, swing
us around.
WIDE: Exterior of LEXINGTON. ship approaches the metal, then
spins around to have the rear facing the debris. In the 5-10
seconds that this takes, the landing bay doors open, then we
see the transporter effect as bodies are moved to sickbay. A
tractor beam sweeps up the rest and moves it into the
landing bay. The doors are closing as...
CUT TO: LANDING BAY INTERIOR
INT. LANDING BAY
Captain, Saavik, Lee enter the Bay. Charlotte follows a
second later.
SAAVIK
Captain, as we were coming down, I
was going over the engine
specification of the Kangaroo II.
Some data does not match my
preliminary reading.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
How so?
SAAVIK
The orbit of the material is not
what one would expect for a ship of
that size. Beyond that, I would
like to wait until I have done a
full examination of the debris, and get
reports from Lt. Commander Mathias.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Fine, but don't take too long. [To DeClan] What
can you tell me about this debris?
DeClan Ironsides is also taking an interest in her observations.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
I am reading some radiation from
the star - x-ray, beta,
ultraviolet. Temperature is not
unexpected.
SAAVIK
I am picking up traces of
antimatter coupled to the metal,
but I would have expected there to
be many impact craters, even small
holes, from matter and antimatter
impacting the metal. Instead there
are only a few. Not normal, if this
was from a core breach.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
OK. You two keep at it here. I'm
going to sickbay to see what Dawn
has. Charlotte, you're with me.
Alex and Charlotte leave the Landing Bay. Saavik and Ironsides
continue their scans.
INT. LEX SICK BAY
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Dawn, any idea how they died?
DAWN MATHIAS
Captain, the radiation from the
star has destroyed a lot of the
epidermis, but scans of the bones
confuse me. How many days ago did
they lose the ship?
ALEX MCKNIGHT
They last had a full report from
the Kangaroo II 12 days ago, but
the partial emergency message was
received 8 days ago. We got the
call to investigate 6 days ago.
Why?
DAWN MATHIAS
Because if they were out there for
8 days, the radiation saturation
level would be nearly even
throughout. But I am getting a much
lower reading from the bones, even
from the several parts, like this
foot [she points to a boot with the
lower leg still in it], that
indicate less than 2 days exposure.
I need to get some readings from
Science to narrow that time frame,
but that is my preliminary report.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Saavik says she sees some
inconsistency also. Can you have
something for me in an hour?
DAWN MATHIAS
Yes, I should have a close
time-of-death, and cause, by then.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
OK. Cadet, stay here and see what
you can learn. Dawn, bring your
findings to Conference Room 1 in
one hour. Bring Charlotte with you.
Alex goes to a comm station.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Captain to Ironsides.
Ironsides responds over intercom.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Ironsides here. Saavik and I have several
things that don't match up.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Bring me whatever you two find to
Conference Room 1 in one hour. We
have a mystery to solve. Out.
.
EXT. FLEET DEFENDER
MEDIUM CLOSE UP: on FLEET DEFENDER.
INT. FLEET DEFENDER ENGINEERING
Engineering Room - Capt. Juarez, Leo Riley, Ens.
Billingston, are discussing, hotly, the status of the
upgrades for the cloak and shields.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
What is going on? We had the cloak
working yesterday after dropping
off the debris. We've had standard
shields since we left Surp. Base.
So why are you telling me that we
don't have them now?
LEO RILEY
Captain, we can maintain one or the
other, and even both for a short
time, but the shield modifications
are not compatible with the Romulan
cloak.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Not compatible? They were WORKING!
LEO RILEY
They are on similar frequencies,
and after a while a resonance sets
in, and weakens both. Not sure yet,
but Billingston thinks that the
problem is the material from the
Mirror Universe.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Billingston, you're the weapons
expert. Explain.
ENS. BILLINGSTON
It has a different quantum
signature, and the cloak operates
at a near harmonic. The resonance
causes a feedback, overloads the
emitters, and the cloak fails. This
releases the full power of the
shield, and blows the power
supplies.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
So how do we fix it? Can we make
the parts?
ENS. BILLINGSTON
I'm sure we can, but not out here.
In the meantime, we might try
pulsing the shields, or keeping
them at lower power.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Leo, like I said before, only now I
have TWO universes dumping on me.
[2 beats] Fine, keeping working on
ways to get around it, and in the
meantime we'll test everything
else.
EXT. FLEET DEFENDER
The ship moves toward some asteroids, and fires phasers,
every one, one at a time. It then fades in and out as the
cloak is turned on/off.
.
EXT- LEXINGTON -
INT. LEX CONFERENCE ROOM
Capt. McKnight is sitting in the Conference Room, doing a Log.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Captain's Log, Stardate &&&&. We
have found debris from the Kangaroo
II in orbit around a star not on
its systems list, but on a relative
heading from the Company HQ.
However there are inconsistencies
in the debris, and my crew is
investigating.
The crew assembles, taking seats around the table. Alex,
Angie, DeClan, Dawn, Valentina, and Charlotte are present now.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Dawn, is what we picked up all that
is left of the crew?
DAWN MATHIAS
All that is left that we can find.
I checked the DNA against company
records. The two bodies are of
Capt. Smythe, and his Science
Officer, Kelli M'Tembae. The other
parts do belong to several crewmen
of the Kangaroo II.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
And how did they die?
DAWN MATHIAS
The radiation in the bones is not
strong enough for the bodies to
have been out there very long. One
or two days, no more. The burns are
more like from weapons, not a warp
core explosion. Not intense enough.
Not hot enough.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Saavik, what about the metal
debris?
SAAVIK
As I thought, the antimatter
particles were placed on the
debris. There is not enough present
to account for a warp breach. I
also conclude that weapons,
probably phaser, destroyed the
ship.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
And the signature is very close to
Federation phasers. But I found a
few bits that have even higher
plasma burns, like a super hot
photon torpedo.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
So, a weapon perhaps based on
Federation technology, but more
intense?
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
That is what the evidence says.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
And the radiation suggests that all
of this was put here for us to
find?
SAAVIK
I doubt it was placed for us
specifically, but for someone. And
for someone without the resources
such as those available to
LEXINGTON which can tell the
difference between weapons and a
core breach.
DeCLAN IRONSIDES
Right. This is a deliberate attempt
to deflect attention from somewhere
else. Another problem with where we
found the debris is that the
Kangaroo II would not have had the
engine power to get out of the
star's gravity well without a full
hour engine burn. They would not
have entered the system at the
angle we found it at.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
So someone has made several
mistakes, all based on assumptions
that we would not be looking for
the ship, but someone with less
experience.
.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
So we know this was brought here to
be found, but from where?
Valentina, where would they have
come from?
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
I believe we should first follow
the likely path of the Kangaroo II
that we worked out before. I know
there are a couple other systems
within 20 light years they would
like to have checked, but they seem
to have been making a bee-line in
this direction. I would suggest we
start there. It is a red giant star
with lots of mine-worthy material.
And it is a little closer.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Bee-line it is. Warp 8.
EXT- LEXINGTON
ZOOM OUT: as the ship turns away a little, then goes to warp.
.
.
EXT. FLEET DEFENDER
WIDE: Fleet Defender is un-cloaking, then fires upper-front
phasers at a moon-sized object. a good hit.
As the first few shots are taken, we hear the Captain...
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
[V.O.] Captain's Log, Stardate &&&&. We have a temporary solution
to the cloak and shield
inter-operation problem. Though we
should have full standard shields
while cloaked, the resonance
problem only allows about 40
percent shield power, and phaser
shots over 2 seconds also blow the
cloak. Still, we have a little more
punch than standard Starfleet
phasers. As for the improved Photon
torpedoes, we can get full power
cloaked but the accuracy is a
little off.
INT - FLEET DEFENDER BRIDGE
Interior of fleet defender, bridge. Captain is seated, Leo
Riley seated in First Officer's chair next to him.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
[Continues] UN-cloaked, we have full power on
all weapons, and double shield
strength, and with more tweaking we
should get triple strength.
Captain turns off the recorder.
LEO RILEY
Billingston is sure that we can get
that triple strength in another few
days.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
I hope so. The Admiral called me
from Surp. Base to say that they
have started manufacture of parts
using all materials from our
universe. Should be ready in a
week, about when we check back in.
LEO RILEY
I'm wondering what would happen if
we simply use the transporter to
re-structure the quantum signature.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
How so?
LEO RILEY
If the parts are materialized using
the transporter, it should use
rules of our universe to make them.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
If you think it will re-arrange
quantum states, then I wonder if
they might not work at all.
LEO RILEY
Well, since you mention it, there
may be a [1/2 beat, face 'winces'],
uummm, 5 percent chance of that
[beat] maybe.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Tell you what [beat] I'll give you
one to try it on after we test a
few more times to see what we can
get out of them. I want to see how
many seconds we can get out of them
first. Standard phasers can fire
for 90 seconds before things start
melting, and I want that in case we
need it. [2 beats] Probably let you
try it tomorrow.
LEO RILEY
Great. I'll get engineering to help
set up the transporters to be sure
they can re-write the quantum
signatures.
Leo rises, pauses and looks at the Captain for approval,
then goes to the turbolift.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Lt. Cmdr. Pyle, how are the remote
ships? Are they reacting well?
MARK PYLE
Yes sir. My sub-space link to each
is holding even with the
interference Lt. Jensen is
generating from his shuttle.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Then give me a phaser shot from
each on that asteroid off the port
bow. That double-lobed one, there.
Captain points to an asteroid. He wants to see if Pyle
understands his "shorthand". The remote
ships are shown in a special color so they can be spotted
easily. There is another ship depicted [by another color], a
shuttle.
The closest ship to the asteroid is selected, turns toward
the asteroid, fires. He then selects another and it does the
same. Then the same with the other 2. With all firing, the
space-rock is destroyed.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Ok, lower the power settings and
prepare to take on several of our
shuttles. We are doing as realistic
of a test as possible. Lower our
shields by 80 percent. I want some
scorch marks to show where we have
weak points, if they get in at all.
MARK PYLE
Aye, sir. Lowering to 20 percent on
all ships.
Captain selects a control on his console to talk to the
shuttles.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Defender to shuttles. Launch
shuttles 2 and 3, and prepare to
take fire as arranged.
From behind the Fleet Defender {aka "FD" here], we see 2
shuttles launch, move out from the ship in different
directions, and they hold several km out. One is named KIRK
and takes position 45 degrees above port bow quarter, the
other goes to 45 degrees [45D] below starboard stern
quarter, is SINGH. These have an extra pod mounted on their
nose with a low-power phaser in it. Standard starfleet
shuttles, they have standard paint jobs too.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Pyle, return fire if fired upon.
Helm, you are allowed to use 1/2
impulse, and as the shuttles move
around us, I want you to keep as
much distance between us and them
as possible - we'll call it
defensive plan "alpha".
After 3 seconds, they start an attack run. Kirk turns hard L
and heads toward FD stern, firing as it goes, and dips low.
Singh also heads for stern, staying below FD, firing also.
.
FD now starts moving, rolling right and pitching to cause
several blasts to miss completely. This roll takes the
target away from SINGH, so it's blasts do not hit the
target.
But Pyle wasn't idle - he was starting to get his licks in
too. Though the shuttles were supposed to be programed to
have the maneuvering characteristics of cruiser-class
starships, their smaller size made for a severe challenge.
But before they had crossed paths, Pyle had 3 hits on KIRK
and 2 on SINGH, though only one on each would have done any
real damage. His remote-controlled ships could turn much
faster, giving him a distinct advantage.
.
There is an alarm at the COMM
station. Capt. Juarez had all communications routed to him,
so he presses a button and takes the call. On his personal
screen, an image of Aurturio appears. The main screen still
shows space ahead, where we see a shuttle pass by.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Mr. Aurturio, we have begun our
battle simulation. Nothing much..
While the conversation goes on we see HELM and NAVIGATOR
going through the motions of evading the phaser blasts.
KELAME` AURTURIO
Hold on, Captain. This is urgent.
Where are you doing you simulation?
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
There is a red giant between where
we dropped the debris and Surp.
Base. The planetary nebula around
it gives some sensor cover, so we
are there. What is going on?
KELAME` AURTURIO
Button up, fast. We thought the
mining company would do their own
search first, but somebody there
knows Adm. Scherger.
Captain Juarez has pressed "red alert" on his console. He motioned at
Pyle, so he has been issuing recalls to the shuttles.
KELAME` AURTURIO
She elbowed in and was going to ask
HOOD to look for it. We found out
that HOOD was supposed to be busy
taking Amb. Ryan to Star Base 34 so
thought you had plenty of time. But
she got LEXINGTON to look right
away. They have been out there
several days already and now I hear
they found your cleverly placed
debris and concluded it was NOT
done so cleverly at all. They could
well be on top of you in days,
maybe hours.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Understood. I am issuing recalls to
all ships so we can get cloaked.
There are still problems with using
cloak and phasers at the same time,
but we should be able to hide
alright.
KELAME` AURTURIO
I sent a message to Surreptitious
Base for them to cease operations
and go quiet.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Good. The less I am sending out
signals, the better.
Another alarm sounds, this on at the Science station. The
Science officer is excited and interrupts the Captain.
RENEE TRACY
CAPTAIN! Long range sensors are
detecting a ship closing fast.
.
.
CUT TO: EXTERIOR LEXINGTON
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
SAAVIK
Captain, I have a ship on long
range sensors, and I am reading
weapons fire. The planetary nebula
around the star was causing some
interference, so rather than seeing
it hours out, we will be in weapons
range in less than 10 minutes.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Battle stations. Ready all weapons.
Angie announces to the ship -
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
Red Alert. Battle Stations. All
stations report.
SAAVIK
I was reading weapons fire, but it
has stopped. There seems to be
several ships in the area, but I
can not make out details [1 beat]
wait [1 beat] we must have passed
through the outer band of the
nebula. I am reading a very large
ship, and 7 smaller craft; no, now
6 smaller craft.
.
.
BRIDGE: FLEET DEFENDER
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Mr. Aurturio, I'll have to call you
back when we get clear.
He closes the call, turns his attention to the Science station.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Tracy, how much time do we have?
RENEE TRACY
At present speed, 3 minutes and
they will be close enough to image
us. If they wait to come out of
warp, they will have us in weapons
range in 5 or less.
Captain Juarez presses button for inter-ship broadcast.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Juarez to Jensen - get to the
bridge on the double. Mr. Riley to
the bridge.
Capt. Juarez changes channels on the comm board, to call the
shuttles again.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Juarez to shuttles. We are going
cloak in 2 minutes so get moving.
If you are still out when they get
here, then you may not get a ride
out of here.
Leo Riley enters from a turbolift, takes COMM station.
LEO RILEY
Captain, if they can't get back in
time, maybe they can be of better
use. I have an idea...
.
.
BRIDGE: LEXINGTON
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Jason, Give me warp 8.5 until we
are right on top of them. Saavik,
do you have an image yet?
SAAVIK
Yes sir, just in range for a good
look. On screen, 10,000
magnification.
We see on the main screen the FD, small but can see the
general shape, the warp nacelles in the center of the ship,
and movement of 4 small ships. It is getting larger as we go.
SAAVIK
The ship design is very different
from anything on record. I believe
there is a name but the language is
unknown. Two of the smaller ships
design is much like Starfleet
shuttles. Four others are of
unknown design.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
That's a lot of unknowns, Saavik.
Are they firing on the shuttles?
SAAVIK
I can not tell, since they stopped
firing before we got close enough
for clear readings.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Angie, try to raise those shuttles
[beat] if that is what they are. If
that ship is firing on them, I want
to put us between them and the
shuttles. Charge all weapons.
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
Yes sir. [presses buttons] USS
Lexington to unknown.. [she is cut
off]
ALEX MCKNIGHT
NO, wait. My station. General hail.
Angie changes the routing of the call to the Captain's
chair.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
USS Lexington to unknown vessels.
We are investigating a missing
ship. Please hold your fire.
EXTREME CLOSEUP: on console, Alex presses MUTE.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Let's see what we get from that.
Jason, how soon?
JASON LEE
About 1 minute to drop from warp,
10 seconds from that to be between
the big ship and the smaller ones.
.
.
BRIDGE: FLEET DEFENDER
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Leo, get another shuttle on board,
then get the remote ships.
.
MARK PYLE
I can get all four inside within
seconds after the shuttle, sir.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Good. I want to be ready to cloak.
RENEE TRACY
Captain, they have increased to
warp 8.5 and will be in weapons
range in seconds, if they delay
their drop to impulse.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
DAMN! This McKnight is good.
Carson, pitch our nose up to reduce
our profile. We need to get out of
here. Pyle, you're going to get
your first chance to land your
remotes while we're cloaked. Leo,
cloak the ship.
LEO RILEY
Aye captain. Powering emitters for
cloak. [beat] Showing ready,
cloaking.
WIDE: exterior view, the remote ships are approaching the
rear of "FD", which fades very slightly, then a quick flash
envelopes the ship.
An alarm sounds on the Science console.
LEO RILEY
What now? Captain, I can't cloak.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
You said it was ready! What
happened?
RENEE TRACY
The simulated battle hits built up
a static charge in the emitters.
Probably not a problem under
standard conditions. Should be
clear in a few seconds.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Then hold off. We don't want to tip
our hand.
On the exterior view, we see the four remote controlled
ships enter the Landing Bay.
MARK PYLE
Remotes docked.
.
.
BRIDGE: LEXINGTON
Jason is ready to drop from warp. Alex
has stood up and moved to Jason's right side; places a hand
just above his shoulder.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Hold on, Jason - hold -[puts
hand on Jason's shoulder] take us
out of warp. Angie, hail them
again. Target phasers on that big
bugger.
Jason Lee presses panel controls to go to impulse.
The LEX drops out of warp just 5 km away, moves to a
position between the last shuttle and the FD, comes to a
stop.
WIDE: exterior, watching the lex, we see it come to a halt,
and in a couple seconds the shuttle does too.
.
.
BRIDGE: FLEET DEFENDER
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Shuttle KIRK, begin your slow roll.
,
OVER THE SHOULDER: of Capt. Juarez, see the main screen and
LEXINGTON moving into a position between them and the shuttle.
. .
********IF THIS WAS ON SCREEN - we'd be doing split-screen.********
,
LEFT SIDE: LEXINGTON
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,.RIGHT SIDE: FLEET DEFENDER
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
USS Lexington to unknown vessels.
Come in, please.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,.CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,.Ignore them, Shipman.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Carson, swing
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .us around to keep our nose
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .to them.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .All stop.
SAAVIK
I have one life sign in the
shuttle, humanoid. But some kind of
interference is keeping me from
getting a species type. Same with
the large ship. Sensors say there
are several hundred humanoids on
board, but I can not discern any
species types.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . RENEE TRACY
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . Their shields are up, full
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . strength. Weapons charged. We
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. .. are targeted.
ANGELICA MCKNIGHT
Then [beat] the shuttle probably
belongs to the main ship.
.
***As she says this, Angelica turns and looks directly at Alex.***
,
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . Seems both of us
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ... .have learned not
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. ..to repeat the "Kirk Maneuver".
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. ..Almost.
.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
[excited] Jason, get us from
between them! 180 mark 70! Full
Impulse!
.
*********** WIDE: exterior, we see LEXINGTON nose up slowly. the ship starts ******
************* to pick up speed. It also starts a roll to the left. ***********
.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ..CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ..KIRK, execute! [Looks up at
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .weapons station] Open fire!
.
The shuttle opens fire on Lexington but the power emitted is
so low that Lexington realizes it poses no threat, but
shuttle heads for the Lex's port nacelle. The FD goes to
full impulse and passes behind Lex, rolling to present the
starboard phasers at Lex, and fires two at a time as they
come to bear. Lex is hit across the saucer and engineering
sections.
***** EXTREME WIDE SHOT: exterior, we see the "FD" starting to
******* move. As LEXINGTON pulls up, "FD" passes below and turns to port
******* so the rear faces LEX. they are getting a clear line of
******* sight to the shuttle. Phasers strike LEX.
,,,
******* INT. CLOSE UP: "FD" BRIDGE, on Juarez.
,
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . KIRK, correct course - don't let
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . them get away! Transporter 1,
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . ready, [1/2 beat] NOW.
.
.
EXT. WIDE SHOT: LEX is moving, but the angles cause the shuttle
to catch up and is nearly on top of the saucer section.
LEXINGTON increases speed.
CLOSE UP: LEXINGTON bridge, McNIGHT has gone back to his
command chair. LEX is shaken by the phaser blasts, which
vibrates everything since they don't let up. Continues until
the LEXINGTON opens fire.
.
.
SAAVIK
Captain!, They have just lowered their forward shields!
ALEX MCKNIGHT
WHAT? [beat] FIRE!
.
************* Lexington fires, but is only striking the closest part of
**************** FD, the rear starboard quarter.
******* Saavik is intently checking the sensor readings.
.
SAAVIK
Minimal impact, Captain. We only
struck the rear shields. They also
activated transporters.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Transporters? What were they...?
[Beat] Target the shuttle! FIRE!
.
WIDE: EXTERIOR of LEXINGTON, the phasers strike the shuttle
at 'point blank' range, but the shuttle carries forward and
strikes inside of the back end of the Port Nacelle, which
crumples a bit, smoke and fire erupt. LEXINGTON rear is
swung around a little, then stabilizes. Shuttle is ripped to
shreds, debris carries past and along the length of the
nacelle, causing superficial damage.
,,
WIDE: BRIDGE of LEXINGTON. Alex is nearly out of his chair,
Tereshkova is still seated, and holding the console to help
her stay seated. Everyone else has been thrown to the floor.
Saavik gets back to the sensors.
,,
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . V.O. FROM WENDY ROMANOFF
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . Transport complete, Captain.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . Raise all shields, give me all the
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. . protection we've got.
. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .. .
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Photon torpedoes, target that big
bastard, full spread. FIRE!
.
NOTE ***********The screen is no longer split.********** NOTE
.
LEXINGTON rear launcher fires four torpedoes.
EXT- LEXINGTON
WIDE: exterior, lexington torpedoes strike the "FD" and at
point blank range, There is some scorching on the hull.
.
INT - FLEET DEFENDER BRIDGE
WIDE: BRIDGE of "FD". from the main screen, we can see some
sparks from the remote's and engineering's stations.
LEO RILEY
DAMN. That was the closest that
I've ever been when hit by
PHOTON's, even in simulators.
Captain, the overwhelming power of
those hits has taken the cloak
generator off-line.
RENEE TRACY
He's right, sir. May be a while
before we can cloak now.
.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
WIDE: LEXINGTON bridge from main screen.
SAAVIK
They have damaged our port nacelle.
We should have warp capability, but
at a greatly reduced speed. We have
certainly done something to them
because I am now reading HUMANS
aboard.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Give me a view Jason. Slow to 1/2
impulse. Keep looping back over
them. Course 20 mark -60.
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
20 mark -60, aye.
,
"FD" looks scorched where
torpedoes struck, and is still rolling left.
.
.
INT - FLEET DEFENDER BRIDGE
WIDE: bridge of "FD", Capt. Juarez is approaching the
science station, Leo Riley in tow.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
How soon can we cloak?
RENEE TRACY
Junction 47 is blown [beat] I can
get that re-routed in a minute or so.
LEO RILEY
We have main power, and shields
because of the independent sources
for the cloak. If we tie the cloak
into the mains, we will cloak now,
but the power draw is too much and
we will lose shields or warp.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
I have no intention of losing
anything, Leo. Not on my ship. Get
power routed and stand by.
,
Capt. Juarez moves to the weapons station.
,
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Ens. Billingston, I want that ship
disabled. Target their main
deflector dish, and power
couplings, as each is presented to
you. Phasers only.
ENS. BILLINGSTON
Aye, sir. Full power?
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
I don't want them taking out
another system. Yes, full power.
.
EXT- LEXINGTON
WIDE: exterior, we ride along with lexington [from barely
above] as it completes the turn, looking at the "FD" bottom.
we approach at a good clip.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
CLOSE UP: McNIGHT, angry.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Photon torpedoes, aim for the
center. Looks like the main
propulsion nacelles, and I don't
want them to get away from us.
FIRE!
,,
OVER THE SHOULDER: of McNIGHT we see viewscreen, phasers strike
same area, near the nacelles.
,
SAAVIK
I am reading a power drop across
the ship. We have done significant
damage, Captain.
.
.
INT - FLEET DEFENDER BRIDGE
WIDE: from viewscreen, bridge of "FD". Sparks from several
stations indicate power overloads.
Ship shakes from the repeated strikes of photons and
phasers. Leo Riley heads to engineering station.
,
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
Keep firing phasers. Kim, heading
nine-zero mark 20, full impulse.
,
Kim and Carson acknowledge as Billingston says...
,
ENS. BILLINGSTON
Firing at deflector dish.
LEO RILEY
They've blown another power
junction, routing around it. [beat]
47 is back up, we can cloak again.
CAPT. BEN JUAREZ
This is turning into one hell of a
shake-down cruise. [1/2 beat] Kim,
200 mark 60 - run down their
starboard side. Target the weapons
ports. CLOAK.
.
EXT. FLEET DEFENDER
WIDE: exterior, from above the ships, "FD" turns it's nose
up, and the starboard phasers let loose on Lex. Deflector
dish is hit first, and as it passes each phaser port lashes
out, striking the photon launchers, phaser ports, and then
engineering section. as it passes the nacelles, it rolls so
the port phasers come to bear on LEXINGTON, and it turns to
pass behind LEXINGTON.
.
.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
EXTREME CLOSE UP: on Captain McKnight.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
AFT TORPEDOES, FIRE!
EXT- LEXINGTON
WIDE: "FD" is just a
few hundred meters away, essentially 'point blank' again.
We see
the torpedoes jump out at "FD", all three hitting almost the
same spot, as a phaser blast from "FD" strikes LEX, and
as the ship starts to fade, Lexington's last one gets past the
shields and explodes inside the tail of the ship. The ship
comes back into full view - it DOES NOT CLOAK.
INT- LEXINGTON BRIDGE
EXTREME CLOSE UP: McNIGHT is gripping his seat.
.
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Viewer astern!
,
OVER THE SHOULDER: of helm position, the viewer shows the
"FD" smoking, and moving away to port. In a few moments, it
goes to warp.
WIDE: BRIDGE of LEXINGTON. McNIGHT rises from his chair.
,
ALEX MCKNIGHT
Valentina! Pursuit course! Jason,
overtake that bastard!
VALENTINA TERESHKOVA
Course laid in...
Valentina is cut off.
JASON LEE
Captain! Engines won't engage!
SAAVIK
We've lost the mains. If they come
back, we'll have no defense.
.
.
FADE TO BLACK
END OF PART ONE
SO - my question to the readers is,
should I finish the story? Does it interest you enough that you WANT to
see how this concludes?
Thank You for your Constructive Comments.
.
For the crew of USS LEXINGTON (used by permission of the Producers), you should find their current web site to read character backgrounds (like, how is ALEX McNIGHT really from the 1900's?). All others are my own creations (the KANGAROO II, FLEET DEFENDER, and their crew, and the people of Section 31), except those that are from Star Trek (TV, movies, Roddenbury's other published info), and were 'created' before this was written.