Conflict of Interest

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"Conflict of Interest"
Production information
[unknown story] Vol. 1, ch. 4
Author:	Dragonboy546
Written:	Dragonboy546
Published:	2020
Chronological information
Date:	2381
Previous chapter:	Under the Radar
Next chapter:	Tomorrow and the Stars
Story arc(s)
Primary arc:	Template:Story arc/Section 31
Secondary arc:	Template:Story arc/Romulan Aggression

Conflict of Interest is the fourth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Summary

After the battle at Witchhead the Enterprise is docked at Starbase Narendra when the ship receives a distress call from a Federation ECS freighter under heavy attack by a Romualn Warbird, but when a Romulan battlegroup approaches the Outpost its figured out that it was a trap can the Enterprise make it back or will the Outpost, the battlegroup and Admiral Haybear perish.

• Synopsis
• References
• Appendices

Teaser

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The Enterprise is docked at Narandra Starbase.

CAPT. BRANSON'S (VO): Captain's log stardate 53845.7, The Enterprise is docked at Narandra station following our convoy escort and encounter with Sub Commander Toreen, after suffering some damage we're getting an extensive refit and repairs

INT-BRIEING ROOM

Commander Ivanova is reviewing a PADD and then hands it to a young ensign.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Take this to main engineering Ensign.

She nods and leaves when Lieutenant Mason enters with a PADD.

LT. MASON: The new phaser upgrades are installed.

CMDR. IVANOVA (Surprised): Already?

LT. MASON (nods): We've begun power supply calibrations.

Commander Ivanova walks over to him.

CMDR. IVANOVA (smiles): You're just too damn efficient Lieutenant.

LT. MASON (Nods): Thank you Commander.

Susan hands him a PADD.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Continue with the testing Mister Mason, here's a final schedule for shore leave and personnel transfers.

Lieutenant Mason takes the PADD and leaves the briefing room.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKELTON EXPANSE

The 20th battlegroup continues to flank the Starbase.

INT-ADMIRAL HERBERT'S OFFICE

Captain Branson is standing in front of Admiral Herbert's desk.

ADM. HERBERT: I've been reviewing your latest report on the Romulan forces and amazed that you survived the encounter.

CAPT. BRANSON: The Romulans have been increasing in activity since the Shinzon Incident.

Admiral Herbert leans forward rubbing her temples.

ADM. HERBERT (sighs): Damn and I thought that after the Dominion War, relations between our two people would improve.

Captain Branson sits in front of the desk.

CAPT. BRANSON: Same here that isn't the Romulans way of doing things ma'am.

Then the com activates.

STARBASE FIRST OFFICER (Com Voice): Ops to Admiral Herbert

Herbert pressed her combadge.

ADM. HERBERT (To com): Herbert here go ahead.

STARBASE FIRST OFFICER (Com Voice): Sorry to disturb you ma'am but we're receiving a distress call from a ECS freighter, their reporting that their under heavy attack by a Romulan warbird

Both Herbert and Branson are shocked.

EXT-SPACE/NEAR THE FEDERATION/ROMULAN NEUTRAL ZONE

Federation Freighter is destroyed by the Romulan warbird as it recloaked.

(End of Teaser, fade out, starting credits)

Act One

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/WARP TUNNEL

(NOTE: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES)

The Enterprise is at high warp.

CAPT. BRANSON'S (VO): Captain's Log Supplement, We're on course for sector eight hundred eighty-three, after receiving a distress call from a ECS Freighter so far we've not heard anything from them

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (YELLOW ALERT)

Captain Branson enters from the ready room after reviewing the reports.

CAPT. BRANSON: Anything from them Jack?

Lieutenant Mason checks his console and reports.

LT. MASON: No sir nothing yet not since the distress call.

Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.

CAPT. BRANSON: Keep trying Jack we need to asset what's the situation is.

LT. MASON (nods): Aye, sir.

Lieutenant Mason works on his console to attempt to contact the freighter.

CAPT. BRANSON: Increase speed to warp nine point seven Ensign.

ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir increasing to warp nine point seven.

Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm to increase the speed of the Enterprise to warp nine point seven.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The USS Harrison an Excelsior-class vessel under the command of Captain Ryan Towe is next to the Starbase.

INT-CAPTAIN TOWE'S QUARTERS

Both Ryan and Susan are having a nice dinner to catch up.

SUSAN: Congrats on getting your command Ryan.

RYAN (Smiles): Thanks Susan we're going to be here for awhile before we head to Starbase one-zero-five to pick up an Engineering team to check on a subspace relay in the Briar Patch, they want us to start building a subspace relay to keep in contact with DS12 and Earth.

Susan puts the drink down.

SUSAN: That's good.

RYAN: You've done a lot for yourself Susan first officer of the USS Enterprise the Federation flagship a lot of officer would kill to have an assignment like that.

SUSAN (Smiles): True.

He leans back.

RYAN: Or you can transfer to my ship.

Susan almost spits out her drink and puts the glass down.

SUSAN (Shocked): Leave the Enterprise Ryan you can't be serious?

Ryan hands her the PADD.

RYAN: Think about it.

Susan looks at the PADD.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE/WARP TUNNEL

The Enterprise is at high warp.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE

Ensign Carlson turns to Captain Branson.

ENS. CARLSON: Approaching the freighters last know position.

CAPT. BRANSON (Tensed up): Drop us out of warp Ensign, RED ALERT all hands battle stations!

Lights dimmed and klaxon blare, Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm and drops the ship out of warp speed.

EXT-SPACE/NEAR THE NEUTRAL ZONE

Enterprise emerges from warp, as debris floats by the Sovereign-class vessel.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

And the Bridge crew reacts with horror as they see the wreckage of the Federation Freighter is shown on the viewer, as Captain Branson gets up from the Captain's Chair tenses up from the sight.

CAPT. BRANSON: (To Sito) Survivors?

Lieutenant Sito looks at her console read out.

LTJG. SITO: None sir no one could of survived this, John it looks like the Romulans tore her apart.

Branson tenses up more.

CAPT. BRANSON (Sighs):Bridge to Commander Williams get an engineering team and report to Cargo Bay one, T'Lar help Stephanie scan the debris in Cargo bay one.

LTCMDR. T'LAR: Aye, sir.

T'Lar gets up from the Science station and heads to the cargo bay.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE

Federation Narandra base is defended by a combined Starfleet-Klingon Battlegroup.

INT-STARBASE NARANDRA MESS HALL

Commander Ivanova is standing in the mess hall looking out the windows at the large battlegroup, and looking at the PADD that Captain Ryan gave her.

SUSAN (Sighs, to herself): What the hell am I gonna do?

She sits at the table drinking an ale reading the PADD.

SUSAN: I hope the Enterprise is alright.

Then intercom activates.

CREWMEN (Com voice): Commander report to the Operations Center, Commander Ivanova reports to the Operations Center

INT-STARBASE OPS CENTER

Commander Ivanova enters.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Admiral is something wrong?

ADM. HERBERT: We've picked something up half of our listening posts along the perimeter has gone dark.

Ivanova is tensed up.

CMDR. IVANOVA (Shocked): Romulans?

Admiral Herbert shrugs her shoulders.

OPS OFFICER: DETECTING SOMETHING!

They both turn towards the viewer.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

A large Romulan battlegroup decloaks one by one, approaching the Starbase and the battlegroup.

INT-OPS CENTER

Everyone is shocked.

ADM. HERBERT (Shocked): BATTLESTATIONS!

Lights dimmed as klaxon sounds as the crew heads to their battle stations.

EXT-SPACE/NEAR THE NEUTRAL ZONE

The Enterprise is near the debris field.

INT-CARGO BAY FOUR

Captain Branson enters.

CAPT. BRANSON: You wanted to see me?

LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Ah, Captain yes I've analyzed these hull fragments. The damage is consistent with Romulan disruptor cannons.

T'Lar adds more.

LTCMDR. T'LAR: The memory core was damaged, but I was able to reconstruct the last few seconds of sensor data.

They go over to the main monitor to view the fuzzy images showing a Romulan D'deridex-class warbird firing its disruptor bolts at the vessel as the screen fizzes out.

Then Lieutenant Mason comes over the com.

LT. MASON (Com Voice): Bridge to Captain Branson

Branson tapped his combadge.

CAPT. BRANSON: Branson here go ahead.

LT. MASON (Com Voice): Sir I'm getting a distress call from Starbase 364, they're reporting a battlegroup of Romulan warbirds are heading to the base and they're requesting back up

Branson tenses up more.

(END OF ACT ONE, FADE OUT)

Act Two

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

A Romulan battlegroup decloaks in front of the Starbase and the 20th battlegroup.

INT-STARBASE OPS CENTER (RED ALERT)

Klaxon blares as the crew heads to their battle stations.

TACTICAL OFFICER: Phaser banks are fully charged and shields are at full power Admiral.

ADM. HERBERT: Has any other vessels responded to our distress call?

OPS OFFICER: The Enterprise has responded and is on her way.

ADM. HERBERT (Tenses up, sighs): Let's hope we can make it till they arrive.

EXT-SPACE/WARP TUNNEL

The Enterprise is speeding towards Narandra station.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE

Captain Branson is pacing about.

LT. MASON: Sir you're gonna wear out the deck plating.

CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign ETA to Narandra station?

Ensign Carlson checks her console and reports.

ENS. CARLSON: We're an hour away from Narandra station.

Captain Branson turns to Commander Williams.

CAPT. BRANSON: Steph?

Commander Williams is inputting commands into the Engineering console.

LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Diverting power from impulse engines to the warp drive and that should give us more speed, and let's hope that we don't rip ourselves apart in the process.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The 20th battlegroup is nose to nose with a Romulan battlegroup.

INT-TIGRIS MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

Fleet Admiral Branson is sitting in the Captain's Chair tensed up at the sight of Romulan warships deep in Federation Space, since the Dominion War when she fought along side them.

FLEET ADM. BRANSON (Tensed): Full power to shields ready weapons bring the phaser cannon to hot standby alert.

TACTICAL OFFICER: Aye, Admiral.

FLEET ADM. BRANSON: What's the position of the Enterprise?

Ops officer checks and reports.

OPS OFFICER: At last reported by Captain Branson they're at warp nine point eight, and will arrive soon.

FIRST OFFICER: Not soon enough.

FLEET ADM. BRANSON (Sighs): Hurry John please.

(END OF ACT TWO, FADE OUT)

Act Three

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/WARP TUNNEL

The Enterprise speeds towards Starbase 364.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE

Ensign Carlson reports.

ENS. CARLSON: Approaching Narandra Station sir.

CAPT. BRANSON: Red alert, all hands battle stations!

Lights dimmed and klaxons blare.

CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign drop us out of warp.

ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.

Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm station.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The Enterprise emerges from warp, and proceeds to the 20th battlegroup.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

CAPT. BRANSON (To Com): This is John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise, I'm taking command of the battlegroup maintain battle stations and keep weapons on hot standby. And be brave and be bold and be Starfleet Branson out.

Lieutenant Mason reports.

LT. MASON: All ships are ready.

Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair when Lieutenant Commander T'Lar reports.

LTCMDR. T'LAR: Captain Commander Ivanova is requesting to beam aboard the ship.

CAPT. BRANSON: Granted beam her directly to the bridge.

LTCMDR. T'LAR: Aye, sir.

Commander T'Lar beams her aboard.

CAPT. BRANSON: Susan welcome back sorry we didn't have you onboard the Admiral wanted us to leave as soon as we picked up the distress call from the freighter.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Its alright John it gave me time to catch up with old friends, and former lovers and teachers from Starfleet Academy I saw that the Romulans are up to their old tricks again.

CAPT. BRANSON (nods): Just glad to have you back onboard the Enterprise.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Thanks John.

Commander Ivanova sits in the XO Chair.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Sir Admiral Herbert is broadcasting orders fleet-wide.

CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it.

Lieutenant Sito inputs commands into the ops console.

LTJG. SITO: Bring it on viewer now sir.

The transparent viewer changed to the ops center of the Starbase.

ADM. HERBERT (Viewer): This is Admiral Herbert to all ships, the Romulan forces haven't attacked or made any hostile moves. Maintain alert status and keep your weapons hot and on standby Starfleet we must hold the line Herbert out

LT. MASON: Sir is she serious putting the Admiral bars aside but does she really think that we can hold this stare down before one battlegroup or both snap?

CAPT. BRANSON: I understand how you feel Jack but orders are orders.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Let's hope that no one snaps.

Branson tenses up.

(END OF ACT THREE, FADE OUT)

Act Four

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The 20th battlegroup is nose to nose with a Romulan battlegroup.

CAPT. BRANSON'S (VO): Captain's log Stardate 58843.1, Its been 24 hours since the Romulan battlegroup has showed up and so far they've not opened fire, this stare down is getting on my nervous and everyone in the battlegroup is getting annoyed as well. I can only hope that we don't snap first

INT-CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

John is looking out the window at the Romulan battlegroup.

JOHN (To himself): What are they planning?

John then turns to look at the wedding photo of him and Jessica.

CUT TO:
INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

Commander Ivanova is sitting in the Captain's chair while Captain Branson is getting some rest, when Lieutenant Mason reports.

LT. MASON: Commander are you sure that we can hold the line what if the Romulans decide to open up on us?

Commander Ivanova sits in the Captain's chair thinking a bit.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Maintain alert status.

LT. MASON: Aye, Commander.

LTCMDR. T'LAR (Raises an eyebrow again): It would be illogical for us to break first Lieutenant, from what we've learned about the Romulans during the Dominion War they would be the first to break.

LT. MASON: That makes me feel so much better.

Then Captain Branson enters the bridge.

CAPT. BRANSON: Normally true but someone needs to break the ice, before it gets worse T'Lar.

Ivanova turns to him.

CMDR. IVANOVA: And how do we do that John?

CAPT. BRANSON: We take a stab at diplomacy Susan, Sito open a channel wide band subspace too the Romulan battlegroup.

Lieutenant Sito inputs commands into the console.

LTJG. SITO: Channel open sir.

Captain Branson puts his hands behind his back.

CAPT. BRANSON: Romulan battlegroup this is John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise, you are in violation of the Neutral Zone treaty of 2160. You will leave Federation Space or you will have to fight us and we're more then ready to fight you to the bitter end.

Branson does the throat slash gesture and channel closed.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Think they'll listen and retreat?

Then Lieutenant Mason reports.

LT. MASON: Sir we're being hailed by the lead vessel.

CAPT. BRANSON: On screen.

The viewer changes to the bridge of the Romulan vessel.

CAPT. BRANSON: I am John Branson Captain of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise, you are in violation of the Neutral Zone treaty of 2160. You will leave Federation Space right now or we will respond!

SUB CMDR. TERRIK (Viewer): Captain Branson I should of known that the Federation would send their best and brightest to this far out between the Romulan and Klingon borders

CAPT. BRANSON: Terrik you are in violation of the treaty.

SUB CMDR. TERRIK (Viewer): We are here in response that the Klingons aren't allowing Romulans to walk about on your precious starbase, due to it being a symbol of friendship and alliance with the Federation & Klingon Governments. And yet the Romulan Star Empire isn't allowed to join in on this we take it a grave offense

Branson clinches his fist a bit cause he was there at Narandra III with his mother.

CAPT. BRANSON: MAYBE IF THE ROMULANS DIDN'T ATTACK AN UNARMED OUTPOST MAYBE THEY WOULD ALLOW YOU TO SET UP AN EMBASSY ON THE STARBASE!

(END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT)

Act Five

FADE IN

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The twentieth battlegroup is still nose to nose with the Romulan battlegroup.

INT-CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

LIZ (Monitor):Wish we could help John but we're still dealing with stuff in the Briar patch

JOHN: Liz you've never been this top secret what's going on in that damn patch?

LIZ (Monitor): I'm sorry John but I can't say

John leans forward.

JOHN (Annoyed): Liz what if it was our daughter being assigned to the Patch would you keep anything from me then?

Captain Shelby leans back in her chair in her ready room.

LIZ (Monitor): John you now I would tell you if our daughter was in danger, but she's onboard the Excalibur with my husband Mac

JOHN (Sighs, rubs temples): Sorry Liz I'm just stressed out its this stare down with the Romulan battlegroup, it has me on edge really extreme edge. I sent out a hail to them but got nothing back from them.

LIZ (Monitor): Don't stress yourself out on it or you won't be able to be an effective Captain, the Romulans have always been hard to read

JOHN (Smiles): Thanks Liz just be careful with whatever you're doing.

LIZ (Smiles, Monitor): You to John Shelby out

Transmission ends as John looks out the window of his ready room.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The two battlegroups are having a stare down still.

INT-SICKBAY

Doctor Carlson is briefing his medical staff.

DR. CARLSON: So to sum it up you may see second to third degree plasma burns when EPS conduits overload, severe lacerations, broken bones, and blunt force traumas. All I can say is, keep calm, remember your training and do the best that you can. Report to your posts.

His staff leaves to get prep for wounded, then Lieutenant Mason enters.

DR. CARLSON: What can I do for you Lieutenant?

LT. MASON: The Captain wants me to post guards in and outside sickbay for your protection.

DR. CARLSON: Thanks, but I'd rather you didn't. I'm going to have wounded people in here. The last thing I need is a team of security officers having a firefight in my doorway.

LT. MASON: I'm sorry Doctor Captain's orders.

Lieutenant Mason exits as two yellow shirts armed with the type-3B Phaser Rifle and type-3 phasers in their holsters take up positions on both sides of the door.

DR. CARLSON: Welcome to sickbay.

CUT TO:
INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

CAPT. BRANSON: Any response to our hails?

Sito checks and reports.

LTJG. SITO: No sir nothing.

Then sensors beep rapidly.

LT. MASON: Their arming their forward disruptors!

Branson activates the com.

CAPT. BRANSON (To com): To all ships, this is Captain Branson. Assume attack formation Delta two and standby to engage the enemy battlegroup.

Lieutenant Mason reports.

LT. MASON: All ships have assumed attack pattern delta two sir.

Then sensors beep rapidly again as Lieutenant Sito checks her console and reports.

LTJG. SITO: Sir detecting a large warp cluster.

ENS. CARLSON: More Romulans?

Sito checks and reports.

LTJG. SITO (Smiles): No its Starfleet.

Both Branson and Ivanova turns to the transparent viewer.

CUT TO:
EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

A battlegroup of Federation-Klingon ships dropping out of warp speed as the lead ship is the USS Olympia as the lead ship.

INT-ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (RED ALERT)

LT. MASON: Sir its the USS Olympia and I'm counting at least sixty Klingon warships.

ENS. CARLSON: That's a big battlegroup.

CMDR. IVANOVA: No kidding.

Then Sito reports.

LTJG. SITO: We're getting a hail from Admiral Ozawa.

CAPT. BRANSON: Let's hear it.

Sito inputs commands into the ops console and the Admiral's voice comes over the com.

VICE ADM. OZAWA (Com Voice): Romulan battlegroup This is Admiral Alice Ozawa of the Federation Starship USS Olympia, you are outnumbered outmatched and outgunned. You have no choice but to retreat from the Expanse while you still can or you will be limping back to Romulan Space

An hour passes when Lieutenant Mason reports.

LT. MASON: Sir the Romulan battlegroup is powering down their disruptors and are retreating.

Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova see the transparent viewer watching the Romulan battlegroup retreating.

CMDR. IVANOVA (Surprised): Wow that's interesting.

Captain Branson sits in the Captain's chair.

CAPT. BRANSON (Sighs): Yeah it is stand down from red alert, and send my thanks to Admiral Ozawa.

LTJG. SITO: Aye, sir.

Lights brighten up as Sito sends the transmission.

Commander Ivanova sits in the XO Chair.

CMDR. IVANOVA: Just in the nick of time as usual for Admiral Ozawa.

CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah I was a bit worried that we would be fighting them.

CMDR. IVANOVA: True.

CAPT. BRANSON: Ensign dock us back at the Starbase before Commander Williams gets frustrated with me again.

ENS. CARLSON: Aye, sir.

Ensign Carlson inputs commands into the helm.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

The Enterprise is docked at the Starbase as the 20th battlegroup is around the Starbase.

CAPT. BRANSON (VO): Captain's Log Stardate 53885.7,

INT-CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

Both Captain Branson and Commander Ivanova are going over the PADDs.

CAPT. BRANSON: How long will this take to repair?

CMDR. IVANOVA: About a few days before we can use the plasma vents on deck 13.

CAPT. BRANSON: I'm extending shore leave for the entire crew.

CMDR. IVANOVA: I'll let them know and if you'll excuse me John I've got somewhere to be.

CAPT. BRANSON: Dismissed Commander.

Susan leaves the ready room.

CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE AIRLOCK SEVEN

Susan stops at the airlock waiting for Ryan to arrive and she sees him.

RYAN (Smiles): I guess you've made up your mind Susan?

SUSAN (Smiles): yeah I don't think I am ready to leave the Enterprise yet Ryan I'm sorry.

She hands him back the PADD.

RYAN (Smiles): I had a feeling that I couldn't pry you away from that flagship, to be a XO of an older class vessel.

SUSAN (Snickers): Don't get me wrong Ryan the Harrison is a good ship with a good crew but the Excelsior-class vessels are falling out of line with the newer class of Starfleet vessels.

RYAN: Maybe but its my ship till we meet again then.

They hug and Ryan enters the airlock and heads to his ship.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKELTON EXPANSE

The USS Harrison undocks and heads out and leaps into warp.

INT-CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

John is getting dinner ready for his date with his wife when the doors chimed.

JOHN: Come.

Doors opened and Jessica walks in wearing a sundress.

JOHN (Smiles): Wow Jessica you look great.

She walks in.

JESSICA (Smiles): Thank you now what's the surprise?

He leads her to the table.

JOHN: I made my stir-fry that you love it took me awhile as well as a few favors from old friends I went to Starfleet Academy with, to get the stuff to make it but I was able to make it.

JESSICA (Smiles): You could of replicated it honey.

JOHN: Nonsense I wanted to make the real thing.

Then the com activates.

LT. MASON (Com Voice): Bridge to Captain Branson

Branson tapped his combadge.

JOHN (To com): Branson here go ahead.

LT. MASON (Com Voice): You have an incoming message from Admiral Herbert

John puts his head down.

JOHN (Sighs, to com): Patch it to my quarters it won't take long.

He goes to his desk and activates the desktop monitor.

CAPT. BRANSON: Admiral Herbert what can I do for you?

ADM. HERBERT (Monitor): Captain I can see that you are prepping for a quiet evening so I'll be brief, good work on keeping the 20th battlegroup from breaking against the Romulan battlegroup

CAPT. BRANSON (Smiles): It was nothing ma'am your orders were to hold the line till reinforcements arrived and we followed your orders to the letter.

ADM. HERBERT (Monitor): If it was General Kargan leading the battlegroup we would have a fight on our hands right now and the orders wouldn't of lasted as long as it did with the Enterprise and Tigris there

CAPT. BRANSON: I work best under pressure Admiral.

ADM. HERBERT (Monitor): Your mother agrees as well that's why I am putting an accommodation in your Starfleet Record great job Captain

CAPT. BRANSON (Surprised, Smiles): Thanks Admiral.

ADM. HERBERT (Monitor): I won't take up more of your time, good work Captain you've earned it Herbert out

Transmission ends.

JESSICA (Smiles): Congrats baby.

JOHN: Thanks dear its my fourth one I've gotten since I've been in Starfleet.

They kiss.

EXT-SPACE/SHACKLETON EXPANSE

A swarm of worker bees are swarming around the Enterprise repairing the damage.

(END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT, END CREDITS)

Starring

• Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
• TBA as Commander Susan Ivanova

​Also Starring

• Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Jack Mason
• Delena Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
• TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Sito Jaxa
• TBA as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
• Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
• Becky Elliot as Lieutenant T'Lar

Guest Stars

• TBA as Fleet Admiral Maria Branson
• TBA as Admiral April Herbert

Special Guest Stars

• TBA as Captain Elizabeth Shelby
• TBA as Captain Ryan Towe
• TBA as Vice Admiral Alice Ozawa

Background and trivia