CUT TO. INT-APARTMENT, NIGHT: The room is a finely furnished building, but who's occupant has not kept up on it's cleaning. He begins to haul himself off of the couch when he slips and knocks his head against the table nearly tipping over several empty liquer bottles, terran and other. This is Captain MICHAEL MACGREGOR of starfleet. MacGregor stammers to his feet and wills his way to a large bay window.
MACGREGOR (to himself)
Don't you dare fall over you souse. Don't you dare.

He barely makes it to the window. He leans his face against it and puts nearly all of his weight into it. MacGregor notices that he's slipping and corrects himself. Outside is Earth. A calm, quiet and unusually snowy night in Paris, headquarters of the United Federation Of Planets. Shuttles, hovertrains, personal transports glide silently through the Parisian skyline. He then saunters back to the middle of the room. On the coffee table is a replicator unit. MacGregor sits down on the couch, now, a little more awake than before.

MACGREGOR Coffee, black, make the damned thing hot too.

The replicator produces a mug of steaming hot coffee. MacGregor picks it up, takes a sip and shudders.

MACGREGOR Damn, thank you for the liquid love.

He stands up again, this time with less trouble. A small sound trickes out from a communication station across the room.

COMPUTER VOICE Incoming message for Captain Michael MacGregor from Starfleet headquarters San Fransisco.
MACGREGOR Put it though...

MacGregor looks himself over.

MACGREGOR ...Voice only.
MAN'S VOICE (Scottish accent)
Mac? Hey Mac?
MACGREGOR I'm here Andy. What the hell are you still doing up right now?
VOICE It's not that late here. Listen, you've got orders, report to San Fran asap.
MACGREGOR Why the hell should I?
VOICE I wasn't told that much but what I do know is that it involves the REMINGTON.

MacGregor seems to sober up at that very instant.

MACGREGOR I'll get dressed.

CUT TO. EXT-OCEAN, EARLY MORNING: A starfleet shuttle speeds over the water towards land. It is headed towards Starfleet Headquarters. A large menagerie of buildings that all surround several semi circular buildings, much like the Toronto city hall in Canada. The shuttle slows down as it approaches a landing pad on top of one of the central buildings.
CUT TO. INT-HALLWAY, MORNING: A group of captains walk at a steady pace nearly shoving their way though the early morning crowd. The hallway is lit by artifical lights and the early morning sun.
Among the captains are two commanders. The nearest is a Vulcan man who, like the rest of the Vulcans, has an indetreminate age. But he appears to be the reasonable type, as far as Vulcans go. This is commander STALAR The other commander is a human man with reddish brown hair in a crew cut. He is steaming with knowledge, boyish charm and a slight twinke of immaturity. This is commander ANDREW FAWKES. One of the captains is speaking to another. The right flanking captain is a human woman who is pushing 50, and still in execllent shape. She has jet black hair and a calm dignity about her. This is captain LINDSAY NICHOLSON. The captain next to her is a tall, well groomed and fit gentleman type with a well trimmed beard and mustashe with a slicked back haircut. This is captain EVAN HOAG.

NICHOLSON What was the last transmission?
HOAG The quality sucks but it seems like they got saked by the Romulans.
NICHOLSON Hardliners?
HOAG Seems that way.
NICHOLSON Why the hell would they do this? The Romulans really have nothing to gain by starting problems.
FAWKES (to himself)
Now there's a good God dammned call.
HOAG Maybe it was a rogue colonel who isn't in favour of good relations with the Federation. I mean, it's not like they're gonna join.
CUT TO. INT-SITUATION ROOM, DAY: There is a mass of activity in the room. Alert lights are flashing all around. The room is built on three levels. The highest is also the widest. It has computer terminals all around the outer wall and a few that face inwards. The second level, about four steps down, has much of the same layout but with more "pool table" terminals. And another four steps down is the main level. In the middle is a huge holographic situation readout that can show any charted star system in three dimentions. The station measures about 15M in diameter. It currently shows the terran system and all the ships that are moving in it. The group of two captains and two commanders enter the room via a pair of large doors on the far, upper wall.

NICHOLSON What's the status of our fleets?
OFFICER All ships are being recalled mam.
HOAG And the Romulans, any word?
OFFICER No sir, not as of yet.
WOMAN'S VOICE Are we sure it was the Romulans captains?

Hoag and Nicholson turn to where they entered the room. Standing in the doorway is Admiral KATHRYN JANEWAY. Although she is pushing into her mid seventies she has lost none of her dignity and ability. She carries an air of authority and respect as she makes her way down to the main level of the situation room.

NICHOLSON Well Admiral, the attack happened on the Romulan border and there has been not other reason to suspect anyone else in the attack.
JANEWAY Never be too quick to place blame captain. Have you exhausted all means of investigation? Have you sent word to our amassadors on Romulus have you sent ships to the site?
HOAG The plan was, Admiral, to recall the fleet come up with a game plan then execute it.
JANEWAY Alright, so, as far as a game plan goes, got anything?
MACGREGOR We launch her.

Janeway looks up. Standing on the second level is Captain Michael MacGregor. He has really cleaned himself up since Paris. He sees Janeway and doesn't look too happy.

JANEWAY Launch your ship Captain?
MACGREGOR Lauch my ship Admiral. If we were to enter Romulan space with the intent of investigation, I feel there is no better ship to do that than the Federation flagship.
NICHOLSON Isn't she still in drydock?
MACGREGOR I can get her out. I just need my command crew.

Janeway thinks for a moment.
JANEWAY Okay Captain, gather your command crew and head to the yards. You have my orders to launch in 24 hours. MACGREGOR Understood. Commander Fawkes, with me.

Fawkes hustles up the stairs. He and MacGregor are on their way out as Fawkes leans in close to MacGregor's ear.

FAWKES (quietly)
Thank you for showing the hell up Mac. Godamn, clean your teeth.
MACGREGOR It was her birthday, so sue me.

As they begin to leave, Janeway speaks up again.

JANEWAY Captain.

MacGregor turns to her. Stalar is standing in front of her.

JANEWAY Here's your new ex o.

Stalar walks up to MacGregor. He puts out his hand for Mac to shake.

STALAR Commander Stalar, reporting for duty sir.
MACGREGOR Mhmm.
He and Fawkes leave the room. Stalar gives a typical Vulcan show of facination then follows them out.
CUT TO. INT-HALLWAY, DAY: Again, the hall is teeming with civilian and starfleet personelle. MacGregor and Fawkes make their way through the throngs of people. Stalar catches up to them.

STALAR Captain MacGregor, I hope you understand that...

MacGregor spins to face Stalar.

MACGREGOR Yeah, I get it commander. The good Admiral Janeway assigned you to my ship to narc on me. I get it and I'm fine with it. I hope I do her proud. I need to meet with some people, you should get to the ship.

MacGregor turns to leave when Stalar speaks up again.

STALAR What are issues with the Admiral sir?
MACGREGOR Figure them out yourself!

MacGregor and Fawkes round a corner. Stalar turns and heads in another direction.

STALAR I intend to sir.

CUT TO. INT-HALLWAY, DAY: MacGregor and Fawkes arrive at an elevator. MacGregor pushes the "down" sign. Fawkes looks at him with his arms crossed.

FAWKES That was a little abrasive, even for you.
MACGREGOR I figure I've earned the right to blow off some steam.
FAWKES Yeah, well, I was worried I might have to hold you back. You didn't go on a bender did you?

MacGregor just looks at Fawkes.

FAWKES Dammit Mac, I don't want to sound like a jerk but, you're a starfleet Captain, get over it.
MACGREGOR Wasn't a Captain when it went down. I wasn't even in the damned quadrent when it went down. I couldn't deal with it then, how the hell am I supposed to deal with it now?

The elevator door opens. MacGregor and Fawkes step in.
CUT TO. INT-ELEVATOR, DAY: The elevator sports a sweeping view of Starfleet headquarters though a top to bottom window. A few people show up to use the elevator. MacGregor pushes the button to close the doors. MacGregor looks at the people he shut the door on.

MACGREGOR It's full.

The doors close. MacGregor turns to Fawkes.

MACGREGOR That Admiral, that bitch of an Admiral... well... you know what she did.

MacGregor walks to the window and watches the view. Fawkes looks at him.

FAWKES Need I remind you that we aren't Maquis any more? You are a Captain, she is an Admiral.
MACGREGOR ...And you're a Commander.
FAWKES I'm your friend too Mac. There's a very, very fine line that you tread on very, very often. Watch it.

CUT TO. EXT-CONIFEROUS FOREST, DAY: A fine layer of snow is on the ground but the tall redwoods are still green as ever. A figure makes it's way though the woods. As it draws closer, one can see that it is a woman in her mid thirties with Italian facial traits. Though this woman is no Italian, she is Betazoid. Her jet black hair tied in a ponytail that extends to her mid back shines in the sun that cuts though the tops of the tall trees. This is Commander DYA TROUSE. She is donning a black parka and thick pants because, though it may not look it, it is cold. Her breath is haning in the air. At one point she stops walking for no apparent reason. She looks around her immidiate vicnity, nothing.
CUT TO. 1ST PERSON VIEW, DAY: The view is a fast charge on Trouse.

CUT TO. EXT-FOREST, DAY: Trouse lifts her head up and spins around. Behind her, a man dressed in a reflecive grey suit makes a roundhose kick for her head. She dodges the kick. The man lands with his feet on the ground. Dya senses something else coming up on her right flank. She ducks. A shimmering shape passes in front of her. The shape distorts and another man de-cloaks. As do three other men. She is now surrounded on all sides by these attackers. Trouse smiles thinly.

TROUSE Go easy on me gents.

The men move on her with punches and kicks. She dodges them all. The men regroup. She takes up a fighting stance. The men move on her again. She tucks, ducks, dodges and repels all but one kick. That kick lands square in her stomach. She is knocked on her back. The attackers move to use this advantage. She doesn't give them much of a chance. With her mind, she moves a large stick into her hand. She hops up on to her feet. The men try their luck again. Trouse bounces them all off the end of the stick. All but one of the attackers are knocked to the ground. The remaining attacker stands in front of her ready to accept his pain. Trouse swings the stick. The man puts up his left arm, blocks and shatters the stick. He charges at her in full fury. Trouse stands, closes her eyes and thinks hard. Out of nowhere, another branch flies at the man's shins. He falls hard and is out of the game. Trouse opens her eyes and looks down at her beaten attackers. She appears remourseful and apologetic.

TROUSE Sorry guys.

The last man to fall stands.

MAN Why couldn't you just use holograms?

TROUSE I was testing forsight. Holograms follow programming and have no true emotions, therefore, it wouldn't be a true test would it?
MAN I suppose not sir.
TROUSE Alright, I'll get you checked out.

She and the man walk away as the other attackers rise to their feet.
CUT TO. EXT-FOREST, DAY: The men are resting in a white tent surrounded by field medics. Trouse herself is patching together one of the attackers. MacGregor enters the tent from one end and sees the wounded. Trouse doesn't even look up.

TROUSE Afternoon Captain.

MacGregor smiles and walks to her.

MACGREGOR Initiation?
TROUSE Experimentation. Betazed children are being born with mental abilities that far exceed their parents. The race is evolving, I'm looking to see where my race could end up.

MACGREGOR Good call. Can we talk?
TROUSE If this is about me joining your rag tag ship you know my answer. Research is my profession and passion Captain. And I know about Danny and the REMINGTON too and as much as it may break your heart to hear, I'm still not signing on, sir.

MacGregor cocks his head a little in frustration.

MACGREGOR Could we walk and talk Commander?

Trouse looks to her patient.

TROUSE Well, I've done all the damage I intended to today.

She rises and walks to MacGregor.

TROUSE But you know my answer.

She walks out of the tent. MacGregor follows.
CUT TO. EXT-FOREST PATHWAY, DAY: MacGregor and Trouse walk along the path. There is a certain air of discomfort that surrounds them.

MACGREGOR You know as well as I do that you and I don't work well.

TROUSE You made that clear a long time ago.
MACGREGOR Want me to beg?

Trouse spins around and faces MacGregor.

TROUSE Sure Michael, I do want you to beg. Be for forgiveness, beg for assistance. Beg.
MACGREGOR It didn't work out between us D. You know as well as I do what kind of mental state I was in.
TROUSE I sure as hell do. This day in age one doesn't always need to loose themselves in a bottle to wash away pain, physical or mental.

Trouse begins to walk away. MacGregor stands in his place.

MACGREGOR Don't make me pull rank on you, Commander.
TROUSE I would hope that you have enough dignity not to beg. Pulling rank? Wow, that smarts.

Trouse continues to walk away.

MACGREGOR The ship is prepping to launch, you will be onboard understood?

TROUSE (quietly)
Uh huh.
MACGREGOR Hearing me Commander?
TROUSE I hear you Captain.

Trouse and MacGregor stand in silence for a little while.

TROUSE I'll come up now. From what I hear I have a few sickbays to tend to.
MACGREGOR I'm leaving now. You could ride along.

Trouse thinks for a moment.

TROUSE Why not?

They both walk along the path towards a waiting shuttlecraft.
CUT TO. EXT-FOREST, DAY: Looking down at the trees, one can see the shuttle take off and make for the sky.