"Departure I"
ACT THREE
CUT TO INT. SHUTTLEBAY-SPACE
A group of crewman have marked off a square section of the Shuttle bay, they motion for everyone to stand back.
INTERCOM
Incoming transport, shuttlebay. Please stand clear.
A glowing stream of matter and energy appears and then forms the shape of dozens of humanoid forms.
Colliding CUs: a nasty looking Phaser side arm, heavy boots, camo clothing, and finally an armpatch with an eagle holding a sword flying over the UFP symbol.
TIMOTHY WOLFE and UFP marines in full uniform are standing at attention.
DECKER and the other Starfleet officers react in surprise.
DECKER
You have got to be kidding me.
CUT TO INT. HALLWAY-SPACE
Two shot RAND and FROST
Marines?!
SARA is more focused on trying to find the appropriate living quarters and bossing around the two yeomen carrying her stuff.
SARA
This one won’t work; I want a window. (to
Marines aren’t chartered for space exploration!
SARA
They’re here by an executive order, Chief, I don’t see anything wrong with it.
It’s illegal for a Starfleet to transport-
SARA
-“Marine personnel during a time of peace.” I’m well aware of Regulation 313. Times change, Mr. Rand. (To Yeomen) Try the one at the end of the hallway.
SARA follows her two escorts town the hallway while
FROST smiles.
FROST
Commander, I believe there’s a very large window in the Captain’s Quarters.
SARA suddenly looks very queasy.
SARA
Thank you, Mr. Frost I’ll take that under advisement.
SARA down the hallway and out of frame.
Two shot on FROST and
Marines on a Starfleet vessel, it’s just wrong.
FROST (laughing)
You’re getting too old.
You’re looking pretty happy for a man who just saw every thing we worked for go down the tubes.
FROST
Because I’m getting out of the house before it burns down, Danny. If Starfleet wants to change it’s charter to pure military they can do it without me.
This doesn’t scare you? Warships? Marines? Fewer scientists?
FROST
I’ve got less then two years left on my commission. As long as Starfleet doesn’t cause the down fall of civilization before then, I couldn’t care less.
INT. ENLISTED CREW QUARTERS-SPACE
Row after row of gun metal bunk beds, one for each crewman.
WOLFE is supervising his marines as they claim their bunk beds, neatly unpacking their personal items.
WOLFE
Stow your gear, debrief in twenty minutes.
A group of Starfleet officers are watching them from the far end of the room, glaring and whispering. WOLFE tries not to let it bother him, but it’s making him uneasy.
A tall blonde woman with lieutenant’s stripes salutes him and stands at attention. Two Sergeants, one a short Hispanic man named JIMENEZ and the other’s a heavy set Bolian named PROVIX, are behind her. WOLFE doesn’t seem to notice any of them.
LIEUTENANT CALLAHAN
All present and accounted for, sir.
WOLFE (flustered)
G-good. That’s good, give them their orders and let them get some chow.
CALLAHAN nods and motions to the Bolian.
PROVIX (shouting)
Alright, you heard the Major! Get organized and report to the mess hall!
WOLFE walks past the angry Starfleet guys towards the turbolift.
CUT TO INT. BRIDGE-SPACE
The turbolift doors open again and WOLFE is on the Bridge and he’s greeted by more uneasy stares and uncomfortable whispers. He nods at the Bridge crew tries to give them a friendly wave. They don’t relax, so WOLFE gives up and walks through the Ready Room.
INT. READY ROOM-SPACE
SARA’S behind her desk and looks up to see WOLFE snap to attention and give a perfect salute.
WOLFE
Major Timothy Wolfe reporting for duty.
SARA
There’s no need for that Major, we don’t salute in Starfleet.
WOLFE
I’m sorry, ma’am, force of habit.
She motions for him to sit and WOLFE settles into the chair across from her.
SARA
We’re also not accustomed to wearing side arms on the bridge, you’ll have to stow that in the armory when you stand at tactical.
WOLFE
I really don’t think-(Grits his teeth) Yes, ma’am
SARA
Settling in okay?
WOLFE
Yes ma’am.
SARA
How about your people, are they settling in okay?
WOLFE
Yes ma’am.
SARA raises an eyebrow; it makes WOLFE even more uncomfortable.
SARA
Can you give me more then two words a sentence?
WOLFE
It’s a new experience for me, ma’am. It’s taking some getting used to.
SARA
You’ll do fine. Take a little time to acquaint yourself with the ship.
WOLFE
I can learn as I go, ma’am.
SARA
Suit yourself. Debrief in two hours, dismissed, Major.
WOLFE forces himself not to salute and turns on his heels.
SARA
And Major?
WOLFE
Yes, ma’am?
SARA shoots him a friendly grin and WOLFE finally smiles back.
SARA
You can call me “sir”.
WOLFE (chuckling)
Yes sir.
WOLFE leaves and SARA gets out of her chair, stretching her back. She leans against the very big window and enjoys her view of space dock.
SARA (whisper)
“Learn as I go.”
FADE IN EXT. PIRATE’S BAZAAR-DAY
Harsh sun light shines down into a narrow rock canyon with a large bustling village inside.
CAPTION
Smuggler’s Rest, Tars Tavik Nebula
Aliens of every shape and size are selling their wares in a crowded market place. Some of them have actual storefronts and concrete buildings, others have fashioned some junk into a semi permanent workspace, while still others are just using a landed star ship with a tarp on the outside to create an awning.
KOLOTH makes his way through the crowd to a large cave carved out of the canyon wall.
A massive Nausicaan bouncer steps aside to let him in.
INT. ALE HOUSE-DAY
The cave is really a bar, filled with pirates and smugglers. A Romulan bartender pours smoking liquids into mugs for rough looking customers.
At the back of the bar, in the darkest possible corner sits a tall Reman wearing very fancy looking long black robes and silver rings. His name is VYRK [Veer-Rick] and he looks like he’s got money and influence. Two of his front fangs are missing and have been replaced with silver prosthetics. One of his clawed fingers has a small signet ring with the tell tale shape of a Romulan skull on it. Take the Remans from Nemesis, add bling.
KOLOTH comes through the door and subtly makes his way to VYRK’S table.
The two men shake hands and embrace like brothers.
KOLOTH
I have heard of your great victory. I am sorry I was not there.
VYRK
It was a simple raid on a colony of old men and weaklings; a warrior such as you would have been wasted there.
KOLOTH
In service to the Lord of Bones, none are wasted. Are you well Vyrk?
VYRK
I will feel better when that accursed sun finally goes down; a day lasts two weeks on this miserable world. (sits down) I come with news from the Master.
KOLOTH settles in the chair beside VYRK and leans in closer.
KOLOTH
What does he wish of me?
VYRK
The plan is in motion; you must go to Feron Prime in one week.
CU on KOLOTH, he’s got this far off look in his eyes.
KOLOTH
Then the time has come, our great moment of triumph has arrived.
He motions to the barman to send over an ale and grabs VYRK by the shoulder.
KOLOTH
Our wait will be over.
VYRK
And you will be the instrument; The Master has chosen you to prepare the attack.
KOLOTH
I am honored.
VYRK
It is an honor you have earned, my Klingon friend. The Master knows you will do great things in our service.
KOLOTH’S ale arrives and he raises the glass in front of him.
VYRK raises his own glass.
KOLOTH
To the Lord of Bones.
VYRK
And to the fall of the Romulan Empire.
CU on the mugs lightly colliding.
Continue on to ACT FOUR...