star trek: renaissance · renaissance: "other things equal" - act one 6. act one fade in:...

STAR TREK: RENAISSANCE

"Other Things Equal"

Written by Dan Carlson

This teleplay is originally from www.startrekrenaissance.com "Star Trek" and related names are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. This original work of fiction is written solely for non-profit purposes. Copyright 2003 by The Renaissance Group All rights reserved

Dedicated to the valiant men and women of the Space Shuttle Columbia, who perished on February 1, 2003. Let their sacrifice represent the spirit of all those

who boldly go where no one has gone before.

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - TEASER 1.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE -- ANTARES FLEET YARDS

Open on the blackness of space, and we see a large Starfleetdocking facility, similar (but not identical to) the docksat Utopia Planitia.

CROSS (V.O.)Personal Log, Stardate 79353.6. TheEnterprise has been docked at theAntares Fleet Yards for the pastweek, undergoing repairs to the hullarmor after the mission to the BanksDrift.

As Cross speaks, we zoom in towards the station, until wesee the ENTERPRISE, moored to the station.

This drydock is unlike those we've seen before, however --in addition to the usual metal frames surrounding the ship,the frame is covered with a transparent material, completelyenclosing the interior.

CROSS (V.O.) (CONT'D)The down time hasn't been exactlyhelpful... at least, not for me. I've slowly gotten back into theroutine of running the Enterprise --with no small amount of help fromTalora and the others.

We continue to zoom in even closer. We see various engineersworking on the hull, removing scorched hull plates and weldingnew ones into place. None of the workers are in spacesuits --it's a pressurized environment with a normal atmosphere.

Our perspective focuses on one person, not working on thehull, but rather sitting, and watching the repairs. Push infurther...

EXT. ENTERPRISE -- HULL

It's NEIL CROSS, sitting with his back leaning against therise of the Bridge dome. He's narrating to a PADD which heholds in his hand. (Note: Cross should be wearing magneticboots to anchor his feet to the "deck.")

CROSSBut somehow, I can't shake thisfeeling of doubt, of reluctance. Fate has put me here again, given methe opportunity to make amends for...for what I did.

(MORE)


CROSS (CONT'D)(beat)

But I'm starting to wonder if I'monly going to do more harm thangood...

He trails off, and stares off into space, presumably watchingthe hull work continue.

We hear the CLUMP of a magnetic boot attaching itself to thehull.

QUINLAN (O.S.)Captain?

Cross turns to see QUINLAN coming into view around the edgeof the dome.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)You turned your communicator off.

CROSSSomething wrong, Lieutenant?

QUINLANNot unless you count a panickingRomulan.

Quinlan grins.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Talora's been turning the ship upside-down looking for you.

Cross turns back, facing away from Quinlan.

CROSSI just needed a bit of quiet time...

A beat. Quinlan listens -- with the engineers laboring aroundthem, the sounds of hull armor being welded into place, it'shardly what one would call "quiet."

QUINLANYou could've gone to your quartersfor that.

Another beat. Cross sighs, but keeps looking straight ahead.

CROSSWhat do you see out there, Quinlan?

QUINLANUm... the hull?

CROSSExactly.


Quinlan starts to get a concerned look.

QUINLANCaptain, are you all right?

CROSS(curtly)

I'm fine.

QUINLANI'm no counselor, but it seems thatyou've got something on your mind.

CROSS(mildly annoyed)

Of course I've got something on mymind...

(beat)Take a look around, Quinlan.

Quinlan looks.

CROSS (CONT'D)You see engineers working on thehull. I see people cleaning upanother mess that I created.

QUINLANWhy?

CROSSYou know that as well as I do. Iwas so obsessed with doing some good --accomplishing a peaceful First Contactmission -- that I ended up endangeringthe ship yet again, causing moredamage.

Cross finally turns around to look at Quinlan directly.

CROSS (CONT'D)Even when I'm trying to do somethinggood for the ship, there's somethingthat bites me in the ass.

QUINLAN(quips)

Isn't that how it always works anyway?(beat)

Captain, you can't afford to keepsecond-guessing yourself. We allmake mistakes. Hell, I'm one totalk about that, aren't I?

Cross smiles briefly.


QUINLAN (CONT'D)At some point you've got to --

Her sentence is suddenly cut off by a blaring ALERT KLAXON. Quinlan and Cross look at each other.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)How can you have a red alert indrydock?

Cross stands up, suddenly all business.

CROSSLet's find out.

(taps commbadge)Cross to Bridge, report.

INTERCUT:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE

TALORA and DOJAR stand together at the Tactical station. Around them, the rest of the crew bustles under the flashingalert lights.

TALORACaptain, we've just received adistress call from the starship RobertApril. Station operations isscrambling all ships.

CROSS'S COMM VOICEAcknowledged. Quinlan's with me --beam us aboard immediately.

TALORAYes, sir.

(beat, adjusts comm)Transporter Room, beam Captain Crossand Lieutenant Quinlan directly tothe Bridge.

DOJARCommander, I'm reading a power surgefrom the April.

Change perspective to see the front of the Bridge, as Crossand Quinlan appear in the usual flash of light. Heimmediately strides forward into the central area, whileQuinlan rushes to the helm console.

CROSSCan you determine the nature of theApril's distress?


TALORANo. The signal was almostunintelligible. We only got a fewwords.

CROSSHow long until we can launch?

TALORAAt least --

DOJAR(urgently)

Captain, they're powering up theirslipstream drive!

Cross whirls.

CROSSWhat?

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

We see the Robert April, a sleek, powerful-looking starshipwith a clear resemblance to the Enterprise. It glides pastour point of view, and we see it BLAST AWAY in a blazingblue streak into slipstream.

CUT TO:


Dojar looks up from his console, grim.

DOJARToo late... they're gone.

On everyone's reactions, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - ACT ONE 6.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER

Same as before. Cross is PACING in front of his chair. Talora still stands next to Dojar at the Tactical console. Quinlan has taken her place at the Helm.

CROSSCome on, come on...

The aft Bridge doors HISS open, and GREY enters and sits atthe primary Engineering station.

CROSS (CONT'D)(to Talora)

What's taking so long?

At the OPS console, Lieutenant CALE responds.

CALESir, Engineering reports that allrepair teams have evacuated. Stationops is ready to begindepressurization.

CROSSAnd how long will that take?

CALEAt least two minutes, sir.

CROSS(incredulous)

Two minutes?

In the background, Grey eyes Cross with annoyance.

GREYSir, the station can't simply blowopen the doors. The explosivedecompression would damage the entiredrydock frame.

Cross frowns in Grey's direction, then turns to look at Dojar.

CROSSDo you have a sensor lock on theApril?

DOJARYes, sir. But the signal's fading --they'll be out of range in less thanfifteen minutes.


Cross turns to Talora.

CROSSHow many other ships are launching?

Talora consults her panel.

TALORAFour.

(reading)The Rohna, the Challenger, and theNapoleon are underway, and theT'Kumbra is about to launch, but...

Cross's face falls.

CROSS(completing Talora'sthought)

...But none of them is slipstream-capable.

(beat)We're it, then.

Cross turns to Grey.

CROSS (CONT'D)Lieutenant, how soon can you havethe slipstream drive ready?

GREY(concerned)

Sir, the induction core was completelyshut down for maintenance. I'drecommend at least a ten minute warm-up sequence.

CROSS(annoyed)

In case you didn't notice, Lieutenant,an unknown party just made off withStarfleet's newest warship. I wantto make the jump to slipstream nomore than two minutes after we launch.

Grey scowls, and for a moment looks as if he's going to arguethe point.

GREYYes, sir.

(beat)If you'll excuse me, I should overseethe launch sequence from Engineering.

Without waiting for a response from Cross, he gets up andEXITS through the rear doors. As the doors close, Taloragives Cross a grave look.


CROSS(ironically, to himself)

Dismissed, Lieutenant.

After a beat, he turns to Dojar.

CROSS (CONT'D)Talora, can you find out which otherslipstream-capable starships aredeployed in the sector?

TALORAYes, sir. Allow me a moment to accessthe deployment roster.

CONTROLLER'S COMM VOICEEnterprise, depressurization iscomplete. You're clear for departure. Stand by for space doors.

Cross sits in his chair. On the viewscreen, the huge doorsenclosing the Enterprise begin to swing open like the petalsof an alien flower.

CROSSYou heard the man, Quinlan. Take usout, full thrusters.

QUINLANAye, sir. Full thrusters.

CUT TO:

EXT. ENTERPRISE -- DRYDOCK

Like a wakening beast, the Enterprise rumbles to life andpushes away from its enclosure.

EXT. SPACE -- ANTARES FLEET YARDS

The Enterprise soars away from the complex and into deepspace.

CUT TO:


As before.

GREY'S COMM VOICEBridge, this is Engineering. Thequantum induction core is powered upand ready for slipstream.

TALORAAcknowledged, Mister Grey.


QUINLANWe've cleared the station perimeter.

Cross nods.

CROSSPursuit course, Lieutenant. Maximumspeed.

(beat)Engage!

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

In a blazing streak, the Enterprise jumps to slipstream.

CUT TO:


As before. Cross turns in his seat to look up at Dojar.

CROSSDojar, do have a good reading on theApril?

DOJARYes, sir. She's about one-point-four light-years distant, and holdingat 120,000 TSL.

QUINLANThey're pushing awfully fast...

(wry)Though I would too if I'd justhijacked a Federation warship.

CROSS(to the comm)

Mister Grey, do you think we cancatch up to the April?

A beat.

GREY'S COMM VOICEI don't think so, sir. Whoever's incontrol over there is pushing theirengines to the limit. We're riskingan engine burnout just maintainingthis speed.

CROSSUnderstood.

(beat)Talora, what do you have on thedeployment roster?


TALORA(frustrated)

There aren't any slipstream-capablestarships listed on active duty forthis sector. I've widened the searchfleet-wide -- but it appears thatthe deployments of Starfleet's battlefleet is classified.

CROSS(disgusted)

That's par for the course thesedays...

(beat)Dojar, get me a secure channel toStarfleet Command.

DOJARAye, sir.

Dojar reacts to a beep from his console.

DOJAR (CONT'D)Sir, Starfleet Command is hailingus. Priority One channel.

(beat, grim)It's Admiral Delfune.

Cross and Talora exchange rueful looks.

CROSS(sarcastic)

What a surprise. I'll take it in myReady Room, Lieutenant.

Cross gets up and heads for the door.

DOJARAye, sir.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- READY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

The doors swish open as Cross enters and walks over behindhis desk, which has a relatively large stack of PADDs off toone side at the moment. He sits -- and pauses for a moment,with a pensive look on his face. As if mentally forcing hisarm to move, he reaches up and activates the desktopviewscreen. On it, we see ADMIRAL DELFUNE. She appearsless than happy.

CROSS(neutral)

Admiral.


DELFUNECaptain, we've just received thealert from Antares concerning thesituation. What's your status?

CROSSWe're currently pursuing atslipstream, less than fifteen minutesbehind them. We're maintaining our maximum speed at 120,000 TSL, butLieutenant Grey has expressed concernabout traveling any faster than that.

DELFUNE(nods)

Maintain your current speed. Betterto keep up with them than risk fallingbehind because of an engine failure.

CROSSUnderstood, Admiral. We'll catch upwith them when they have to drop outat the twelve-hour limit.

Cross tries to meet Delfune's piercing gaze.

CROSS (CONT'D)We'll get them, Admiral. Whoever"they" are.

Delfune smiles with thinly veiled contempt.

DELFUNEI have no doubt that you will,Captain.

A beat. Delfune glances offscreen to consult something onher desk.

DELFUNE (CONT'D)Towards that end, Command isassembling a task force to helprecapture the Robert April. We'vecalled in Captain Joel and theLeviathan, along with the Marshall,the Katana, the Firebrand, and theSting. They should be assembled andready to launch within three hours.

Cross's eyes widen as Delfune rattles off the ships' names.

CROSSAdmiral, with all due respect...don't you think that's a bit of anoverreaction?


Delfune glares through the viewscreen, as if trying toliterally bore through Cross's face.

DELFUNE(biting)

Let me be very clear on this, Captain. Regardless of my or Command's opinionof your abilities as an officer, weabsolutely cannot allow the RobertApril to fall into enemy hands. NoFederation starship has been seizedduring peacetime in over twenty-fiveyears. We cannot allow such anembarrassment now. Furthermore,Starfleet's defensive capabilitiesrely more than ever on technological superiority over the neighboringpowers. If the Robert April isallowed to escape, our enemies willhave access to the most advancedmilitary systems in the galaxy --slipstream drive, quantum inductionenergy systems, reactive hull armor,not to mention vast quantities ofclassified data in the ship's computercore. We cannot afford to have oursecrets fall into the hands of thelikes of the Breen, the Sheliak, theTholians, or heaven forbid some roguefaction like the Cardassiansupremacist groups or KlingonReformists...

(beat)Need I go on?

Cross's face falls, conceding the point.

CROSSNo, Admiral.

DELFUNEGood.

(beat, back to business)The Leviathan's task force will launchas soon as it can, but they willstill be at least three hours behindyou. Your job is to maintain constantsensor contact with the April, providethe Leviathan with all availabletactical data, and attempt todetermine who has seized the ship. Engage the April if you have anopportunity, but do not riskeverything in some overconfidentattempt at heroics.

(beat)Don't screw this up, Cross.


Stung, Cross can only manage a weak response.

CROSSYes, Admiral.

Delfune continues as if she's just discussing the weather.

DELFUNECaptain Joel will have overall commandof the task force; inform herimmediately of any change in theApril's status.

Another blow. Cross practically reels.

CROSS(weakly)

Understood, Admiral.

Delfune smiles, rubbing salt in the wound.

DELFUNEI'll make sure you're provided withall necessary data on the April'scapabilities and outfit at the timeit was commandeered.

(beat)Good luck, Captain. Starfleet Commandout.

She reaches over to an unseen control, and her imagedisappears.

CLOSE-UP OF CROSS

As he sits back, trying to absorb the enormity of theconversation. He stares off into space, and we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - ACT TWO 14.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE -- QUANTUM SLIPSTREAM

In the ethereal blue tunnel of slipstream, the Enterpriseblazes past.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIEFING ROOM

At the table, Cross, Talora, Dojar, and Quinlan are seated. Off to the side, the doors open, and Grey and ELRIS enter. Cross looks up and gives her a brief NOD before turning tothe others, as Elris sits.

CROSSAll right, let's get started. Dojar --

Cross is interrupted as the doors open again, and Y'LANenters.

Y'LANI apologize for my tardiness.

CROSS(surprised)

Y'lan, we didn't call you...

Y'LANI believe I can be of assistanceduring this operation.

Cross quickly glances at the others; offering assistance wasrarely Y'lan's style before.

CROSSI have no doubt about that, Y'lan. Please, sit down.

Y'lan awkwardly plants himself in one of the seats at thetable. Cross turns to Dojar.

CROSS (CONT'D)As I was saying, Dojar, what's theApril's status?

DOJARThe April is maintaining its courseat 120,000 TSL. I've managed toperform a few scans of the ship inthe past hour, but they're all ofrelatively poor resolution due toour relative speeds and distance.

(MORE)


DOJAR (CONT'D)Also, we've been unable to determinea destination -- their current vectordoesn't pass near any star system orknown outpost.

CROSSFor the moment we'll have to assumethey'll continue on their presentcourse and wait as long as possiblebefore exiting slipstream. What'sin the sector near their presumedexit point?

DOJARNot much -- a few uninhabited systems,the Chratinor Nebula, no majoroutposts to speak of. Althoughsomething could certainly havedeveloped there that we don't knowanything about. The last Starfleetsurvey of the sector was performedover forty years ago, by the starshipMalinché.

TALORAEssentially, we have no idea whatwe're heading into.

DOJAR(grimly)

That's right.

Cross looks unhappy, and turns to Talora.

CROSSHave Ops perform a long-range sensorsweep of the sector when we get closeenough. I don't want to walk intoan ambush.

Dojar nods. Cross then turns to Grey.

CROSS (CONT'D)Grey, what's the situation with theslipstream drive?

Grey straightens into a formal posture -- even more formalthan usual.

GREYSir, the induction core is operatingat full efficiency. Hull ionizationis currently within tolerance levels;however, we will likely be forced toexit slipstream within three hours.


CROSSWhat about the April?

GREYThe Robert April carries the sametype of slipstream drive as theEnterprise; based on thespecifications I've seen, they arelimited by the same restrictions.

Cross nods.

CROSSI'll be relying on you to keep us inslipstream long enough to get thejump on them, Lieutenant.

Grey looks unhappy.

GREYSir, I can't guara --

He is cut off by a BEEP from the comm.

LESMI'S COMM VOICESecurity to the Briefing Room.

Cross looks up.

CROSSGo ahead.

LESMI'S COMM VOICECaptain, Mister Carter is demandingto speak to you immediately.

Everyone reacts, and none of them favorably. Rolled eyes,exasperated sighs, and muttered curses by everyone exceptY'lan.

CROSS(annoyed)

Inform Mister Carter that I amcurrently in the middle of a strategicbriefing and cannot be disturbed. Iwill speak to him later.

CARTER'S COMM VOICE(muffled, in background)

Captain, you can't jus --

LESMI'S COMM VOICE(interrupting)

Acknowledged, Captain. Lesmi out.

The connection terminates. Cross SIGHS.


CROSS(joking)

Let's drag this meeting out as longas possible, shall we?

(beat, to Grey)Continue, Lieutenant.

GREYCaptain, I can't recommend remainingin the slipstream any longer thanthe regulations specify. Theincreasing ionization of the hullplating will begin to interfere withthe slipstream, and eventually causea cascade fail --

CROSS(interrupts)

Lieutenant, all I need to know fornow is whether or not you can allowus to maintain pursuit as long aspossible.

GREY(sullen)

I'll do my best, sir.

Cross turns to Elris.

CROSSDoctor, is Sickbay ready?

ELRISYes, Captain. Trauma teams areequipped standing by for anycasualties, and medkits have beendouble-checked at all locations.

Cross nods.

CROSSGood. If that's all on the readinessfront, there's another issue -- justwho are we dealing with here?

TALORAFrankly, Captain, we haven't a clue. Antares Station provided us theirsensor telemetry on the April justbefore it took off. All we can sayfor certain is that the April wasboarded by an unknown force whichgained control of the entire shipwithin a matter of minutes and managedto escape into slipstream -- atechnology which would almost

(MORE)


TALORA (CONT'D)certainly be difficult for someoneunfamiliar with the technology tolearn in so short a time.

CROSSY'lan, do you think we have moreQ'tami on our hands?

For a moment, Y'lan doesn't respond. As Cross is about torepeat the question:

Y'LANIt is highly unlikely that Q'tamihave perpetrated this attack. Although they certainly have thecapability, the only motive forhijacking a starship would be toobtain it as an example of itstechnology. The Q'tami -- even theFaction -- have no need for obtainingmore primitive technologies.

CROSSI see... Do you have any idea ofwho might be on the April?

Y'LANI do not.

(beat)However, I will attempt to obtainmore data on this matter.

CROSSThank you, Y'lan.

Cross looks around.

CROSS (CONT'D)(to everyone)

If there's nothing else, you're alldismissed.

Everyone except Cross stands up. Grey somewhat hurriedlyexits, while the others leave at a more normal pace.

Talora is the last one, but pauses by the door when shenotices that Cross hasn't gotten up, and instead holds hishead in his hands.

TALORACaptain?

CROSS(over his shoulder)

I'm fine, Commander.


TALORAActually, I was about to ask you ifyou wanted to join me for lunch beforethe April drops out of slipstream.

(beat)But now that you mention it... Quinlannever told me where she found youthis morning. She just said somethingabout quiet never being so loud?

Cross laughs, briefly, but his entire demeanor has changed --his posture is slack, passive.

CROSSI went for a little walk. I justwanted a bit of time on my own.

(beat)From our conversation a few hoursago, I got the impression that AdmiralDelfune was almost eager for us --for me -- to fail at this assignment.

(beat)She told me, "don't screw up."

TALORAAdmiral Delfune is hardly the mostobjective individual to judge a "screwup."

CROSSMaybe... but she's also perfectlyright. The last time I was in combat,I wiped out a hundred innocent lives.

Talora pauses for a moment, then returns to sit at the tablenext to Cross.

TALORACaptain, four weeks ago you saidthat you had learned from yourmistake. I don't think anything haschanged since you said that.

(beat)One of the worst things a soldiercan do is second-guess himself.

Cross looks up, upset.

CROSSI'm not a soldier.

TALORANo, you're a Starfleet captain. Andsometimes, Starfleet captains arecalled to fight. It's your duty.


CROSS(ironic)

Haven't we had this conversationalready?

TALORAPerhaps we did... but it doesn'thurt to remind yourself that you cankeep going. You can keep pushingyourself to be better.

(beat)And make sure that you don't repeatthe mistakes of the past. That'salways possible.

Cross smiles, but faintly.

CROSSI suppose so... I hope so.

TALORAI know so.

Talora stands up.

TALORA (CONT'D)Would you care to have lunch, Captain?

Cross looks up, and pauses for a moment, then stands up aswell.

CROSSSounds good.

They both EXIT, into...

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS

Dojar, Quinlan, and Cale occupy their respective stations asCross and Talora enter from the forward left door, from theBriefing Room.

Hovering defiantly in the rear near the science stations,under the baleful gaze of Ensign LESMI, is CARTER.

As Carter notices Cross's entrance, he immediately rushesover.

CARTERCaptain Cross! Why haven't I beeninformed about the Enterprise'sinvolvement in this crisis?

Cross stops short, staring at Carter. Talora stands aside,expecting something very ugly -- Cross has straightened,presenting an aura of command again.


CROSS(biting)

Mister Carter, we are currently inthe middle of a serious crisis andare about to head into a combatsituation. I don't have time tosatisfy your curiosity right now.

He starts to move off, but Carter steps up to block his path.

CARTERCaptain, I was guaranteed reasonableaccess to all starship operations inorder to give the public an accurateand truthful account of theEnterprise's activities by AdmiralDelfune herself. I can't perform myjob if I'm continually kept in thedark by your offic --

CROSS(interrupts)

Mister Carter, in case I didn't makemyself clear: the Enterprise is aboutto head into battle.

Carter blanches.

CROSS (CONT'D)I've tolerated your presence so far. But I will not allow this ship to beendangered by you poking your nosearound and interfering with our jobs.

Cross turns to Lesmi.

CROSS (CONT'D)Ensign Lesmi, escort Mister Carteroff the Bridge. Perhaps he'll findsomething interesting in MissionOperations.

LESMIYes, sir.

She forcefully takes Carter by the arm and guides him outthrough the rear doors.

CARTER(struggling)

Captain, you can't do this! I'mgoing to make sure som --

He's cut off by the closing doors. Everyone lets out acollective sigh of relief.


QUINLANThat man gets more annoying everyweek. Is there any possibility ofmoving his quarters to an openairlock?

CROSSMaybe another time, Quinlan.

Cross, followed by Talora, exits through the right-side doorsinto the Ready Room.

CUT TO:


The Enterprise blazes past in the blue tunnel.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- READY ROOM

Cross and Talora sit at the desk, both with a mostly-finishedmeal in front of them. The stack of PADDs we saw earlierhas been shoved to one side.

The pair are in the middle of a conversation. They continueeating while they talk.

CROSS...And as I was listening to herorders, I just got the feeling thatshe was expecting me to fail somehow.

(beat)And of course, there's the additionalhumiliation of sending the Leviathan.

TALORAIt seems reasonable for Starfleet tosend both of its slipstream-capableheavy cruisers on this assignment.

CROSSOh, of course it does. But in thiscase, Delfune gets to rub in thefact that the Enterprise isn't theflagship anymore -- and that I haveto report to Joel.

TALORA(doubtful)

I think you might be reading toomuch into this.

CROSSWith Delfune? She relishes everychance she gets to twist the screwsjust a little bit tighter.


TALORAThat still doesn't change the facts. Regardless of her opinion, the chainof command is what it is.

CROSSStill, despite Delfune's words, it'scrystal clear that she has noconfidence in my abilities --

TALORA(interrupts)

Captain, forget about Delfune. Sheis not the supreme judge of anyone,and especially not you. What mattersis that you have confidence in yourown abilities.

Cross nods, but doesn't respond immediately, instead focusingon the remains of his lunch.

TALORA (CONT'D)(gently)

Captain, if you are encounteringthese kinds of doubts, perhaps...

Cross raises his finger preemptively.

CROSSAh, ah -- don't tell me to talk to acounselor about this. Even if wehad one on board right now, I wouldn'tgo.

Before Talora can respond, the comm BEEPS.

DOJAR'S COMM VOICEBridge to Captain Cross. Sir, theApril has just dropped out ofslipstream.

CROSSAcknowledged, Lieutenant.

Cross and Talora both rise and head for the door.


As before: Dojar, Quinlan, and Cale are at their stations,with various supernumeraries in the background.

Cross and Talora ENTER from the right-side doors.

CROSSWhere are they?


DOJARThey're about half a light-yearoutside the Tolpani System.

Cross and Talora sit in the center seats.

CROSSWhat have we got on the TolpaniSystem?

DOJARNot much. It's a class-F2 star,with seven planets -- none of themhabitable.

CROSSKeep a close sensor lock on them,Lieutenant. And inform the Leviathanof their location.

(beat)Quinlan, don't take us too close --drop out of slipstream at least fiftymillion kilometers away from them.

QUINLAN(flippant, but nervous)

I'll try -- but I don't know howprecise I'll be able to get whenyou're traveling a hundred thousandtimes the speed of light...

CROSSI have full confidence in yourpiloting skills, Lieutenant.

Quinlan manipulates her console.

QUINLANOkay, folks. Hold on to your hats...


We get an "over the shoulder" view of the Enterprise, facingahead as it careens through the blue tunnel.

As we watch, there's a brilliant FLASH of blue-white lightahead, and the ethereal rings of the slipstream tunnel fadein its brilliance. We get the impression of numerous streaksof light suddenly whipping past, and just as suddenly thestreaks themselves disappear as the Enterprise emerges intonormal space.


As before.


CROSSDo you have a fix, Dojar?

DOJAR(concentrating)

Yes, sir, I've got them. They'reholding position, about sixty-fivemillion kilometers away, bearing 12mark 21.

CROSSWell done, Quinlan.

At Ops, Cale frowns.

CALECaptain, I'm picking up a strangesensor reading about two hundredthousand kilometers away.

Dojar works his console.

DOJARConfirmed... but I'm unable to get adefinite lock.

CROSS(concerned)

Is it the April?

DOJARDefinitely not a sensor ghost, sir. Stand by.

(reacts)Wait...

WHAM! The entire Bridge ROCKS under a massive impact, andthe lighting immediately dims under the alert conditions. Asecond later there's a second impact. And ANOTHER...

SMASH CUT TO BLACK.

END OF ACT TWO

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - ACT THREE 26.

ACT THREE

SMASH CUT IN:

EXT. SPACE -- ENTERPRISE

We see the Enterprise holding still in space... just as adark torpedo-like projectile shoots in from off-camera toIMPACT in a brilliant shower of light against the forwardsaucer.


Continuous action from the end of Act Two. The Bridgecontinues to rock under a series of explosions.

CROSS(shouts)

Get the shields up! Quinlan, evasivemaneuvers!

Dojar claws to his feet during a lull between impacts. Hepunches a quick command into his console while struggling tomaintain balance at the same time.

DOJARShields activated.

QUINLANEvasive maneuvers, aye.

CROSSGet me a damage report. And findout what's hitting us!

Talora gets up and hurries to the aft consoles as the BridgeROCKS again -- albeit less violent than before.

CUT TO:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- ENGINEERING

Around the induction core, it's a scene of utter chaos asengineers run around trying to keep on top of the damage.

Grey stands to the side at one console, also directing theresponse.

GREY(to himself)

What the hell has he gotten us intothis time...?


CUT TO:


As before.

DOJARI'm picking up a faint warp signature.

(beat, urgent)Everyone hang on!

WHAM! Another rapid series of blasts rock the ship, none asviolent on its own, but creating a more drawn-out rumble.

QUINLAN(to herself)

Where the hell are they shootingfrom?

DOJAR(responding, but tohimself)

From a long way off...

TALORA(reading a console)

Damage reports coming in. Casualtieson Decks Ten and Eleven. EPS rupturesin sections five through eighteen. Hull breach on Deck Twenty, emergencyforcefields active.

CALELieutenant Dojar, I'm getting anotherof those readings...

DOJARAcknowledged. Stand by...


The Enterprise, still motionless in space as before. Alongthe saucer, one of the phaser arrays quickly charges up,letting loose a short burst at...

EXT. SPACE

...Another incoming projectile, which promptly EXPLODES.


Reaction shots from everyone. Cross turns in his seat tolook up at Dojar.

CROSSDojar, what the hell was that?


DOJARIt appears, Captain, that the Aprilis equipped with Starfleet's newlong-range ambush missiles.

Cross hangs his head, frustrated.

DOJAR (CONT'D)...Another one incoming! Firing.

We hear the (O.S.) effects of the phasers firing again, anda more gentle rumble as the missile explodes.

QUINLANAmbush missiles? When the hell didthey get those?

CROSSWe'll save the recriminations forlater. Quinlan, move to interceptthe April. Warp 8.

QUINLANWarp 8, aye.

CROSSDojar, target the April and be readyto swat down any other missiles theyshoot at us. Attack pattern Sierra.

DOJARYes, sir.

CROSSQuinlan, engage!


A fast shot past the Enterprise it blasts past our perspectiveand jumps to warp.


Same as before.

QUINLANTwenty seconds to intercept.

DOJARThey're launching two more missiles... Firing phasers again.

(beat)First target destroyed.

(beat)The second one overshot us, it'smoving away.


CALESir, the April's moving -- they'rebreaking off at full impulse.

CROSSStay with them, Quinlan...

QUINLANYes, sir. Adjusting... dropping outof warp in five seconds...

EXT. SPACE

The Robert April cruises past our perspective -- headingaway from us. Without warning, it turns to port and launchesa barrage of quantum torpedoes.


As before. Watching the viewscreen, Cross leans forwardurgently.

CROSSQuinlan, pull up!

EXT. SPACE

The April's torpedoes hurtle past, right as the Enterpriseappears out of warp... and right into the torpedoes' path. The Enterprise's forward shields erupt in a quick flurry ofexplosions.


Once again, the Bridge ROCKS under the pressure of multipledetonations.

CROSS(shouts)

Evasive pattern epsilon! Dojar,return fire, torpedo tubes two andfour!

GREY'S COMM VOICEBridge, this is Engineering. We'retaking heavy damage to the EPSconduits in the outer sectors. Whatthe hell is going on up there?

Cross glances at Talora.

CROSS(tersely)

Acknowledged, Lieutenant. Keep meappraised. Bridge out.

Cross gets up out of his chair, turns around to face Dojar.


CROSS (CONT'D)Dojar, prepare a staggered launch ofquantum torpedoes. First sequence,target one hundred meters in frontof the April. Second sequence setto dispersal pattern sierra,bearing... 133 mark 0. Wait for myorder.

DOJARAye, sir.

Cross hurries over to stand behind Quinlan at the Helm.

CROSSQuinlan, on my signal, pull us intoa 360-degree loop to port at fullimpulse -- as tight as you can makeit.

QUINLANYes, sir.

CROSSDojar... fire first sequence.

(beat, suddenly)Quinlan, now!

EXT. SPACE

With a cluster of torpedoes in the distance, the Enterprisesuddenly twists like a wild animal attempting to catch itsown tail.

The April seems to be caught off-guard, faltering at thisradical maneuver.


As before.

CROSSDojar, fire second salvo!

EXT. SPACE

While it's still in its tight spin, the Enterprise spits outa quick flurry of torpedoes which disperse across a hugerange of space due to the spin. Two of these torpedoes catchthe April amidships as it attempts to swing in.

The April then turns away... and begins to move off.


As before.


DOJARCaptain, they're moving off... itlooks like they're preparing to goto warp.

CROSSQuinlan, stay with them...

Quinlan's sweating, concentrating on the wild maneuvering.

QUINLANAye, sir...

EXT. SPACE

With the April a barely-recognizable pinprick in thebackground, the Enterprise breaks out of its spin and headsoff in pursuit. We pan along the length of its hull as itmoves past... and what's that tiny glint of light BEHIND theEnterprise?

The glint of light quickly approaches the Enterprise untilwe make it out to be another missile -- and it EXPLODES likean ancient firework, showering the Enterprise with brilliantlyglowing debris which also explodes in multiple subdetonations,amplifying its effect.


As before. The entire crew is again rocked, but much harderthan before.

CROSSWhat the hell was that?!

Dojar furiously works his console.

DOJARTelemetry indicates another missileexploded directly behind us... butthe April didn't launch it.

QUINLAN(urgently)

Captain, the April's gone to warp.

CROSSMatch their course and speed, Quinlan!

QUINLANAye, sir.

(beat, frustrated)Sir, warp engines aren't responding!

Cross turns furiously.


CROSS(to comm)

Bridge to Engineering, we need warpspeed immediately!


The room is in even more chaos than before. Grey worksurgently at the console in front of the induction core.

GREY(to comm, incensed)

Bridge, that last shot caused arupture in the starboard warp plasmaconduit. I'm going to need at leastan hour to get it patched.


As before.

Cross turns in his seat to look at Talora, crushed. Hedoesn't respond.

TALORAAcknowledged, Lieutenant. Keep usinformed. Bridge out.

Cross turns back to stare straight ahead. Talora noticesthis and gets up from the console she's been sitting at offto the side.

TALORA (CONT'D)Dojar, do you have a lock on theApril?

DOJAR(checking the console)

Yes, commander. They're currentlyat Warp 9.99, on a direct course forthe Chratinor Nebula.

Still silent, Cross turns his attention to the status panelof his command chair.

TALORAHow soon until they'll be able touse the slipstream again?

DOJARAssuming they're limited by the samerestrictions we are, it'll take atleast six hours for the hullionization to subside -- and there'sno good way to speed up the process. At their current speed, they'll enterthe nebula in about...

(MORE)


DOJAR (CONT'D)(checks)

Two point three hours.

TALORA(nods)

Maintain constant surveillance.

Cross straightens again.

CROSSLieutenant Dojar, open a channel tothe Leviathan.

DOJARAye, sir.

(beat, working)On screen, Captain.

On the forward viewscreen, we see CAPTAIN ERIKA JOEL, Captainof the Leviathan. (Last seen in "I'm Not Scared.") She'ssitting in her Ready Room, which from our limited view appearsidentical to Cross's.

JOEL(all business)

Captain, you have something to report?

CROSS(pensive)

Yes, Captain.(beat)

I'm afraid I must report that theApril has managed to escape for themoment.

On the screen, Joel's eyes narrow, but she gives no otherimmediate reaction.

JOELClarify.

CROSSWe dropped out of slipstream aboutsixty million kilometers away fromthe April, and were immediatelyambushed by some type of long-rangemissile. We attempted to engage theApril directly, but our warp drivehas been temporarily disabled and weare unable to pursue.

Through Cross's explanation, Joel's face begins to harden,clearly disapproving.


JOELYou allowed the target to catch youoff-guard and escape.

CROSS(hurriedly)

No, Captain, we didn't allow them toescape at all...

JOEL(interrupts)

Have your tactical officer transmitall data concerning your engagement. Maintain sensor contact with theApril -- if you can.

(beat)We expect to rendezvous with youwithin three hours. Leviathan out.

She reaches for a control, and the viewscreen reverts to theusual starfield.

Cross sighs, then rises from his chair and begins to walktowards the Ready Room doors.

CROSS(subdued)

Dojar, transmit our battle recordsto the Leviathan. Talora, organizethe damage control teams and try tofind out where the hell that lastmissile came from. I want a staffconference in thirty minutes.

Without waiting for a response, Cross exits. Dojar looks atTalora questioningly.

DOJARCommander...?

TALORA(quiet)

Just send that transmission to theLeviathan, then coordinate withLieutenant Grey on the repairs.

DOJARYes, Commander.

Talora starts to walk away, but Dojar reaches out.


DOJAR (CONT'D)Commander... we can't let him staylike this.

TALORAI know.

On Talora's look of concern, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - ACT FOUR 36.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

A close shot of the Enterprise, coasting through space, withseveral black scars marring the hull.

PAN OUT to see that the Enterprise is no longer alone --alongside is the Leviathan, identical in appearance. Surrounding the two ships are four smaller, needle-likecruisers identical to the Scimitar, which we saw in theprevious season finale.

INT. LEVIATHAN -- BRIEFING ROOM

Identical in appearance to the Enterprise's own briefingroom -- except for the presence of unfamiliar faces. Alongboth sides of the table sit four people in Starfleet uniform,all with Captain's rank pins. Captain SOVEK, a Vulcan;Captain SURRHA, Captain CAJAL, and Captain OKAZAKI, all Human.

All are discussing quietly among themselves when the doorsopen and Cross ENTERS. All four turn to look.

CROSS(nods)

Captains.

Everyone nods in polite greeting, but it's clear that there'sno real friendliness from most of them. For a brief, awkwardmoment Cross stands where he is, but then seats himself atthe table.

Captain Surrha sits to Cross's right. As Cross sits down,he offers his hand with a smile, greeting an old friend.

SURRHAGood to see you again, Neil.

Cross accepts the handshake with a wan smile.

CROSSYou too, Olin.

The other three officers stare for a moment -- not quitehostile, but certainly not willing to offer similar welcome.

SURRHA(grins)

I'm glad to see you're still up andkicking... How's the Enterprise? Holding together?


CROSS(hesitantly)

Reasonably well.

Surrha pauses, uncertain at Cross's aloofness. Before hesays anything, the doors open and Captain Joel enters. Rightbehind her is a Starfleet Marine officer -- Major HOGAN.

Joel briefly glances in Cross's direction as she takes herseat at the head of the table. Hogan sits immediately toher right.

JOEL(all business)

Thank you all for coming. Thismeeting will be our primary strategicand tactical assessment prior toengaging the April.

Joel presses a panel which activates a holographic displayof a nebula.

JOEL (CONT'D)Based on the telemetry from theEnterprise, the April entered theChratinor Nebula approximately fortyminutes ago. Our long-range scanshave not detected her since, so wewill operate on the assumption thatwhoever is in control of the shipintends to wait us out. I don'tplan on giving them that opportunity.

(beat)Since we have no information availableconcerning the origin or identity ofthe hijackers, I feel it is crucialthat we get as much intelligence aspossible. The ship needs to beretaken, intact, and if possiblewith prisoners.

A beat, as everyone considers.

SURRHAWhat kind of sensor resolution canwe count on inside the nebula?

JOELThe Chratinor Nebular is a class-Oparticle drift surrounding a youngprotostar cluster. Suffice to say,it'll be thicker than pea soup inthere. Our range will be limited toa few billion kilometers, at best.

CAJALA needle in a haystack, then.


SOVEKThe most direct course of actionwould be to perform a coordinatedsweep inside the nebula.

SURRHA(doubtful)

But we'd still be chasing a movingtarget... not to mention that wecan't possibly cover the nebula inone pass.

CROSSWe may be able to tilt the odds inour favor. Ambassador Y'lan hassome equipment that may let us extendthe sensor range.

Joel leans back -- she can see where this is going.

CROSS (CONT'D)We'd be able to sweep the entirenebula in much less time, give themless of a chance to evade us.

HOGAN(pointedly)

Or outwit us?

Cross bristles.

CAJALI'm not willing to trust that...being... with a mission of suchimportance.

(to Cross)Or have you forgotten about the attackon Utopia Planitia already, Captain?

CROSS(heated)

Now just a damn min --

JOEL(interrupts, calmly)

I agree with Captain Cajal. Despiteyour... personal rapport with theQ'tami envoy, quite frankly I don'ttrust him one whit. We can takecare of this on our own.

A beat, as Cross backs down.

CAJALWhat if we could herd them in aspecific direction? Box them in,cut off avenues of escape?


SURRHAWe'd need to expend an awful lot offirepower for that... Even combined,we don't have enough torpedoes toreliably cover the whole area.

CAJAL(pointedly)

Or we could deploy the transphasics.

A moment of silence as everyone takes this suggestion in. Cross is stunned, Captain Surrha surprised but willing.

CROSSTransphasic warheads haven't beenfired outside of a test range morethan a dozen times in the past twodecades...

JOEL(cutting in)

But there's nothing out here to stopus from using them, either. It's anisolated region -- just a nebula,after all...

SURRHA...And while we're lighting fireworksunder their noses, a couple of uscan be waiting by on the outside tocut them off when they try to run.

Cross casts a sharp glance at Surrha. He faces Surrha, butaddresses the whole room.

CROSSWe're talking about superweaponshere...

HOGAN(snorts)

Weapons which we'd be fools not touse when they're available to us.

CAJAL(derisive)

Don't tell me you're against usingoverwhelming force when necessary. I was at Coular, after all...

SURRHA(slightly apologetic)

...It makes sense, Neil.

Cross sits back again, the wind taken out of his sails,especially with Cajal's reference to Coular.


Joel, meanwhile, has been entering information into her PADD,manipulating the tabletop hologram.

JOEL(briskly)

All right, then. The Leviathan, theKatana, the Sting, and the Firebrandwill sweep through the nebula,detonating transphasics at strategiccoordinates to block off any escape.

On the display, tiny icons indicating the different shipsslowly move along.

JOEL (CONT'D)Meanwhile, the Enterprise and theMarshall will hold position on thenebula perimeter, ready to swing inwhen the April emerges.

Again, the holo-display reflects Joel's outline.

JOEL (CONT'D)Once we've cornered them, Major Hoganand the Marines will beam over andretake control of the ship.

Hogan nods. Joel looks up and around, glancing at eachofficer in turn.

JOEL (CONT'D)If there's nothing else, then we'redone here. We launch as soon asyou've returned to your ships.

(suddenly recalling)Oh -- Captain Cross, I presume repairsto your warp drive are complete?

Cross winces at the reminder. Joel's question isn't sarcasticin tone, but there's a faint trace of mockery in her attitude.

CROSSYes, Captain.

JOELGood.

(beat, nods)Dismissed.

Everyone rises, begins to filter out. Cross remains still,staring off into space, as if in a trance. The doors HISSclose, and it's quiet.

SURRHA (O.S.)You okay, Neil?


Cross turns around to see Surrha watching him. He tries tomuster a halfhearted smile.

CROSSI'm fine. Just... thinking.

SURRHADon't let Cajal get to you... he's ahothead. Won't let anything or anyonestand in the way when he's set onsomething.

CROSS(quiet)

Yeah. Sure.

A beat.

SURRHA(worried)

It's more than that, isn't it?

Cross nods, mutely.

SURRHA (CONT'D)Coular?

Another nod. Surrha comes back and sits down next to Cross.

CROSSToo often now, I feel like I'm beingtoyed with, yanked around on someinvisible string, pushed whereversome casual and uncaring fate wantsme.

(beat)I've lost control, and I feel like afailure.

A beat as Surrha absorbs this.

SURRHAIt's only a failure when you rollover and accept it.

(beat)Neil, I remember when you had enoughdrive for practically everyone andeverything back on Marcus Base. Some terrible things have happened --Admiral Portman's death not the leastof them -- but we can't do anythingbut move on.

He gets up again, and gives Cross a friendly clap on theshoulder.


SURRHA (CONT'D)Come on. Can't have your ship takingoff without you.

Cross rises. Hold on the two as they head out the doors,then we...

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The task force in formation, as we saw them earlier. In anawesome blaze of light, all six ships jump to warp.

CUT TO:


Grey is hard at work, focusing on manipulating an engineeringtool. A floor panel has been pulled up, exposing a conduitunderneath which Grey is currently working on.

GREYGronseth, get me a reading on thepolaric discharge...

No response. Without looking up, Grey calls again.

GREY (CONT'D)(insistent)

Gronseth, what's the dischargereading?

DOJAR (O.S.)Need some assistance, Lieutenant?

Grey looks up, to see Dojar approaching, PADD in hand.

GREYNo, I'm just trying to make surethat the warp drive doesn't blow upunder us.

Dojar chuckles.

GREY (CONT'D)(sharp)

What's so funny?

DOJARWell, I... just thought you...

He trails off.


GREYI don't see anything funny aboutmajor battle damage that prevents usfrom doing our jobs.

DOJARAre you all right, Erik?

GREYOh, I'm just fine. Just runningaround to and fro, cleaning up themess. Then, just as everything'sback in proper order, our good Captaincharges into the thick of things andthrows it all out of whack again.

DOJARI'm not sure that's entirely fair...

GREYIsn't it? I've just spent a wholeweek overseeing the replacement ofsix thousand square meters of hullplating in drydock. Barely half aday after we launch, we're sittingducks with a damaged warp drive.

(beat)Did you know that I had to call RobKinnan on the Leviathan for somehelp? Luckily he had a few crewmento spare and sent them over -- Iwouldn't have been able to get usunderway in so short a time otherwise.

Another beat. Grey turns back to the work in the floor panel,but he's clearly building up a full head of steam.

GREY (CONT'D)And all because our good CaptainCross saw fit to charge to the rescueonce again. Not only did we takeunnecessary damage, not only was ourquarry allowed to escape, but I'vealso been embarrassed in front of myfellow engineers. The Enterprise isa tarnished ship, and it's a markagainst everyone who serves aboardher.

Grey looks up to give Dojar a sharp glance.

GREY (CONT'D)What are you doing here anyway,Lieutenant?

Dojar is completely taken aback by his friend's forcefulattitude.


DOJARI... just wanted to check with youon the repairs to the forward phaserarrays. But... maybe I'd bettercheck with Lieutenant Boyle instead.

Grey has already turned his attention back to his work.

GREY(dismissively)

Sure.

Hold on Grey as Dojar moves off...

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The six ships, a grand display of the pride of Starfleet,soar past at warp.


The lights have been dimmed somewhat, providing a rathermoody atmosphere. Cross sits at his desk, with the pile ofPADDs heaped in front of him. But he's turned to the side,looking out the forward windows at the stars streaking towardshim.

As we watch, the streaking stars vanish as the ship slows. In the distance, we see the Chratinor Nebula -- a dark reddish-orange cloud that seems simultaneously bright, yet shadowy.

The comm BEEPS.

TALORA'S COMM VOICEBridge to Cross. We're approachingthe Chratinor Nebula.

Cross slowly lumbers to his feet.

CROSSAcknowledged, Commander.

He exits into...

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS

As in earlier scenes, Talora, Dojar, Quinlan, Cale, and somesupernumeraries man the various stations as Cross enters.

CROSSReport.


TALORAWe are currently twenty thousandkilometers from the nebula perimeter,holding position with the task force.

DOJARMessage from the flagship, Captain.

CROSS(frowns)

Put it through.

JOEL'S COMM VOICEAll ships, deploy to preassignedpositions.

CROSSQuinlan, you heard her.

QUINLANAye, sir.

EXT. SPACE

With the foreboding nebula in the background, the Enterpriseand the Marshall break off, while the remaining Scimitarsform up in a wide wedge around the Leviathan and head intothe nebula, gradually fading from view.


As before.

The mood is tense as everyone watches the viewscreen. Wesee a sudden FLASH from somewhere inside... then another...and another.

DOJARThe Leviathan's started the firingsequence.

The tableau is broken by a sudden comm beep:

Y'LAN'S COMM VOICECaptain Cross, my instruments aredetecting an energy signature thatmay indicate the location of thestarship Robert April.

Cross looks at Talora, surprised and questioning.

TALORA(shrugs)

Y'lan offered to provide additionalsensor readings from his owninstruments.


QUINLAN(amazed)

He volunteered to help? What happenedto his "inferior beings" spiel?

CROSSThere's a first time for everything,I suppose.

(beat, to comm)Y'lan, thank you very much. Can youreroute your information to LieutenantDojar on the Bridge, please?

Y'LAN'S COMM VOICEI shall do so immediately. Standby.

Dojar works his console, gathering information.

DOJARTracking the source...

Talora raises her head suddenly, as if realizing something.

TALORADojar, put a tactical display on theviewscreen -- overlay the ships'positions with the approximatelocation of the energy reading.

A moment later, the forward screen changes to show theappropriate information -- the wedge of Starfleet ships,labeled, and a singular blinking dot.

CROSSThey're attacking...

(urgent)Dojar, get me the Leviathan, NOW!

Dojar works feverishly on his console. Cross barely waits.

CROSS (CONT'D)Captain Joel, we're detecting anunidentified energy signatureapproaching your flank -- bearing 38mark 25!

Silence -- Cross stands, anxious, as the silence continueseven longer. Finally:

JOEL'S COMM VOICEEnterprise, we're not getting anyenergy reading. There's nothingthere.


CROSSDammit, Captain, the April's movingto attack!

DOJAR(quietly, to Cross)

Sir, the disturbance is approachingthe Firebrand -- approximately halfa million kilometers.

(beat)I still can't get a direct reading,but I don't think it's a ship --might be another missile.

Cross whirls around.

CROSSDojar, get me the Firebrand directly.

DOJARAye, sir.

(beat, working)You're on.

CROSSOlin, you've got to break formation --we're tracking the April moving inon your position.

Another long, agonizing beat. Cross paces around the forwardsection of the Bridge.

SURRHA'S COMM VOICEI get no reading... are you sure?

CROSS(insistent)

Yes, I'm sure! Dammit, pull up!

JOEL'S COMM VOICE(breaking in)

Marshall, maintain formation. CaptainCross, you will cease causinginterference immediately. Remain inposition and stand by to interceptthe April when it's time.

CROSS(furious and pleading)

Captain, the April is interceptingyou!

Over the comm line, there's a sudden BURST of STATIC.


CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The sleek starship Marshall soars past our perspective,launching a small number of bright-orange torpedoes inapparently random directions but at regular intervals. Wewatch the ship fly into the distance, and suddenly we see anincredible EXPLOSION erupt directly in front of it.

CUT TO:


Close on Cross's intense features.

CROSSNo...

On his face, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

RENAISSANCE: "Other Things Equal" - ACT FIVE 49.

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER

Same as before. Cross is standing in front of his seat,staring at the viewscreen.

CROSSDojar, do you still have contactwith the Firebrand?

A beat.

DOJAR(quietly)

No, sir. The ship is intact, butadrift. I can't detect any lifesigns from this range.

Cross takes a deep breath, then turns resolutely to sit backin his seat.

CROSSQuinlan, stand by to take us in.

QUINLAN(surprised, but eager)

Aye, sir!

She grins.

TALORA(concerned)

Captain...

CROSSDammit, Talora, I'm not going tojust sit on the outside watching inwhile whoever's on that ship wipesout the entire fleet. If Joel won'tlisten to us, then we'll do itourselves.

Talora nods.

TALORAYes, sir.

CROSS(to comm)

Y'lan, we're going to need some moreof that old Q'tami magic. Can youfind out where that damned missilecame from?


Y'LAN'S COMM VOICEOne moment, Captain. I will providethe information when I have it.

CROSS(to comm)

Thank you.(to Dojar)

Dojar, what's the Leviathan and theothers doing?

A beat as Dojar reads the console.

DOJAR(surprised)

They haven't even stopped... theKatana and the Sting have adjustedtheir formation and they're continuingthe sweep of the nebula.

CROSS(curses)

Damn you, Joel... what happened totaking care of our own?

(firm)Quinlan, take us in, full impulse.

QUINLANAye aye, sir!

EXT. SPACE

The huge bulk of the Enterprise heaves forward, into thenebula. In the background, the Marshall can be seen holdingposition.


As before. Dojar reacts to a beep on his console.

DOJARIncoming hail from the Marshall.

CAJAL'S COMM VOICECross, what the hell are you doing? Our orders --

CROSS(interrupts)

Captain, in case you didn't notice,one of our ships just got hit becauseJoel didn't listen to our warning. The Enterprise can do more good inthere.


CAJAL'S COMM VOICE(seething)

Cross, you fool... you pulled thissame stunt at Coular. Stay where y --

Cross signals to Dojar with a slashing sign, and theconnection is cut off.

Talora frowns, and leans close to Cross so only he can hear.

TALORACaptain, are you sure about this? Cajal is right... we should stay inour assigned position.

CROSSTalora, Y'lan's just proven that hissensors can help us find the April. Joel won't listen to us, won't trustus. So we'll do it ourselves.

Still somewhat dubious, but still understanding, Talora nods.

INTERCUT:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- Y'LAN'S LAB

Y'lan is beavering away at his Q'tami table in the center ofthe room, manipulating various alien-looking controls withhis tentacles. In the center, above the table, is aprojection of the nebula, with a number of flashing vectorsthat seem to intersect at random points.

Suddenly, one series of vectors seems to TWIST andmetamorphose in the projection, and begins pulsing brightly.

Y'LAN(to comm)

Bridge, I believe that I have locatedthe starship Robert April. I amproviding Lieutenant Dojar with thecoordinates now.

CROSS'S COMM VOICEAcknowledged, Y'lan. Good work.

The table emits a strange PURR, and suddenly the pulsingvectors FLASH for a second, then split in two. Y'lan's threeeyes narrow.

DOJAR'S COMM VOICE(puzzled)

Y'lan, I'm picking up a second signal. Did they just launch another missile?


Y'LANNo. The signal is stationary... itappears to be holding position withthe Robert April.

Suddenly, lights on all sides of the table subtly LIGHT UP,and Y'lan's eyes narrow even further in a reaction ofsurprise.

Y'LAN (CONT'D)How interesting...

(beat, to comm)I am unable to attain a full sensorprofile of the second signal. Itscharacteristics do not match anyprofile known to the Q'tami.

INTERCUT:


As before. Cross exchanges a worried glance with Talora.

Y'LAN'S COMM VOICEOne moment... I appear to be losingthe signal...

CROSSQuinlan, intercept course for theApril, now! Dojar, hail theLeviathan.

DOJAR(beat, working)

Yes, sir. You're on.

CROSS(to comm)

Captain Joel, we've found the April. It's located...

(reading his console)Located about 500 million kilometersfrom your port bow. Bearing 319mark 274. Stand by, we're moving tointercept.

JOEL'S COMM VOICENegative, Enterprise. Our sensorsdon't read anything. Hold positionand follow the strategy.

DOJARWe're almost in range... on screen,Captain.


EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise's perspective, as it pushes through the nebula. A vague dark shape in the distance ahead gradually resolvesto become the Robert April -- motionless. Almost... drifting?


As before. Cross and Talora stare at the viewscreen.

QUINLANI wonder what they're waiting for..

TALORADojar, have they locked weapons?

Dojar reads from his panel.

DOJARNo, Commander. In fact... I'm notreading anything active over therebut the emergency systems.

(beat, reacts)Captain, the Leviathan is approaching. They're hailing us.

JOEL'S COMM VOICEEnterprise, you will stand downimmediately and --

She breaks off, and the comm goes quiet.

CROSS(whispers, to Talora)

I guess they just saw what we saw.

JOEL'S COMM VOICE(brusque)

Enterprise, you will stand down whilewe board the April and regain control.

CROSS(to comm)

Captain, request permission to senda boarding party of our own along.

JOEL'S COMM VOICENegative, Enterprise. You've donequite enough here already.

Cross rolls his eyes at Talora.

CROSSCaptain, in case it escaped yournotice, we've got some equipmentover here that's pretty good at

(MORE)


CROSS (CONT'D)sniffing things out that normalStarfleet sensors can't.

Silence on the comm.

JOEL'S COMM VOICE(sighs)

Very well, Captain. I'll informMajor Hogan to expect your detachment.

CROSSThank you, Captain. Enterprise out.

Cross nods to Dojar, with a slashing motion of his hand.

CROSS (CONT'D)Mister Dojar, perhaps you would careto lead the Security team over?

DOJAR(smiles)

With pleasure, sir.

Dojar heads for the rear doors. Just as he reaches it...

CROSSOh, and Dojar -- I think Y'lan isanxious to take a look, too.

DOJAR(nods)

Yes, sir.

Dojar exits.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

A close shot of the Robert April, drifting and well-lit byboth its internal lighting and the reflections of the nebula,yet eerily dark at the same time.

INT. ROBERT APRIL -- TRANSPORTER ROOM

Identical to the Enterprise's transporter rooms in layoutand appearance -- except that the entire room is in shambles. Wall panels have been ripped out, its contents strewn aparton the floor. A MARINE mans the main console.

On the pad, six figures materialize -- Dojar, Y'lan, Lesmi,and three other (N.D.) Security officers. As the beamingfinishes, the five humanoids react in disgust.


LESMIBy the stars... what happened inhere?

Y'lan has no such qualms, and eagerly scutters down to examinethe wreckage. At the console, the Marine taps a control.

MARINE(clipped, precise)

Major Hogan, the Enterprise boardingparty has arrived in TransporterRoom One.

HOGAN'S COMM VOICECopy that.

Dojar steps down from the pad, and nods to the Marine, whois staring suspiciously at Y'lan.

DOJARAnything of interest yet, Sergeant?

MARINENo sir. Engineering and the Bridgehave been secured, Companies A and Care sweeping through the lower decks. But it looks like whoever was heretook off in a real hurry.

(beat)They left an incredible mess, too...flooded all the decks with methanegas for some reason.

Dojar winces.

DOJARNo wonder it stinks in here...

(beat)All right. We're going to be takinga look around, see if we can figureout anything about our mysteriousfriends.

MARINEYes sir.

The Enterprise officers exit.

INT. ROBERT APRIL -- CORRIDOR -- CONTINUOUS

The corridor is in about the same condition as the TransporterRoom -- panels torn out, scorch marks on the walls, lightfixtures blown out.

Y'lan scutters along, pointing a small tricorder-like deviceat anything and everything.


Y'LANMost curious... I have not observedsuch an energy dispersal patternemployed in this region before.

Dojar leads the group around a corner, where they all STOPCOLD upon seeing...

The body of a dead Starfleet officer, one of the April'screw members. Not only is the chest blasted open with someenergy weapon, but the torso practically ripped apart as ifsomething were trying to dig inside.

Behind the body, in the distance, we can see several MOREcorpses, each in similar condition...

DOJAR(stunned)

What kind of monsters were here?

With a quick flash, we...

FLASH TO:

INT. REFORMIST SHIP -- CORRIDOR (FLASHBACK: "DEAD AND BURIED")

A dim, dismal corridor, littered with Klingon corpses.

FLASH TO:

INT. ROBERT APRIL -- CORRIDOR

Dojar shudders at the sight, and turns away in disgust. Behind him, the other humanoid officers react similarly.

FLASH TO:

INT. CARDASSIAN SHIP -- TRANSPORTER ROOM (FLASHBACK: "RTBY 1")

Dojar stands on a transporter platform, looking around in astate of semi-shock.

DOJARY'lan... I...

He doesn't get to finish his sentence, though, as he pullshis hands up to his head and SCREAMS in pain.

On the scream, we slowly...

FADE TO:

INT. LEVIATHAN -- READY ROOM

Captain Joel sits at her desk, with Cross sitting oppositeher. The room is rather spartan, with fewer decorationsthan we're used to seeing in Cross's room.


We get the impression of a precise, organized office.

Joel is reading from a PADD.

JOELAnd your Q'tami says he has no ideawho did this, then?

CROSSThat's what he said.

JOEL(caustic)

And I'm sure he's the very model ofrighteous truth. For all we know,the Q'tami are trying to pull anotherdeception on us.

CROSS(confident)

This wasn't the Q'tami, Captain.

JOELOh, really?

CROSSI'm positive. This isn't the waythey operate -- not to mention thatthey have no real motive for doingsomething like this.

JOEL"The way they operate" being whatyour Q'tami has told you?

CROSSI trust Y'lan, Captain.

JOEL(countering)

And I trust what I know. I don'tknow the Q'tami, so I certainly don'ttrust him.

A beat, as Joel shuffles PADDs. Cross watches in silence.

JOEL (CONT'D)I suppose it's only fair to let youknow about the report I'll besubmitting to Admiral Delfune. I'vecompletely laid out your failure toprevent the April from reaching thenebula, and also your blatantdisregard of the mission plan and mydirect orders as task force commander.

(MORE)


JOEL (CONT'D)(beat, cavalier)

Certainly nothing exceptional givenyour past record, but I doubt thatCommand will be pleased with yetanother incident involving theEnterprise.

Joel looks Cross right in the eye.

JOEL (CONT'D)And I certainly don't look forwardto the next time you're assigned tomy task force, Captain.

Cross stiffens in indignation.

CROSSCaptain, if it weren't for myinitiative you wou --

JOEL(interrupts)

I'm not interested in a debate,Captain. You broke the chain ofcommand. I'm just informing you ofthe consequences.

(beat, derisive)Now kindly get out.

Cross briefly glares at Joel, but wilts under her cold gaze. Without a word, he rises and exits.

FADE TO:


The same room, but now Cross's room. (Use an identical anglefrom Cross's exit in the last scene -- only the room'sdecorations have changed.) The lighting is dimmer, thefeeling more comfortable, yet also more disorganized, evenmessy.

He walks in, towards his desk, and carelessly tosses thePADD he's carrying onto the growing pile. He starts to movearound the desk, to sit down... and stops.

Instead, he turns around and goes to look out the window.

CROSS(to computer)

Begin Personal Log, Stardate 79357.7.(beat)

I think I did it. It's the firsttime I've been in battle since I...since I... returned to service.

(MORE)


CROSS (CONT'D)I did my job, reasonably well. Depending on who you ask, I evensaved the day.

(beat)Maybe.

A beat. Cross sinks into a nearby chair.

CROSS (CONT'D)A few weeks ago, I almost felt likeI was ready to take on the universeagain. I haven't forgotten whatI... what I did.

(beat, quietly)The killing. But I was able to ignoreit, for a while. I told myself thatI'm doing some good here.

(beat)I'm not so sure about that now. Ikeep telling myself, I've saved theday. I saw what needed to be doneand did the job I was sent to do.

Cross turns in his seat, to stare out the forward window.

FADE TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise cruises past our perspective.

CROSS (V.O.)But I just can't shake the feelingthat I'm such a failure...

The ship slowly recedes into the distance, moving on -- andthen jumps to warp. As the flash of its departure subsides,we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FIVE

THE END

star trek: renaissance · renaissance: "other things equal" - act one 6. act one fade in:...

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