Star Trek

The Orion Incident
by Neale Davidson

From: rcs@expert.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek


TEASER

Shot: Enterprise shot, preferably long slow of top side, saucer to stern.
RILEY: CaptainÕs Log, Stardate 10012.4 ENTERPRISE on support mission to the Orion colonies, the group of traders with questionable habits. We are transporting equipment and supplies to aid some of their ships from possible Romulan assault.

Shot: Bridge scene
HARRIS: You know, Captain, if the colonies are in that bad of need for support when theyÕre supposed to be neutral then you know that the Romulans are pushing on them.
RILEY: Possibly, Doctor. When did you start taking up tactics?
HARRIS: It doesnÕt take much, Captain, sir.
RILEY: Granted, but still, we donÕt have actual evidence that any Romulans are in the area. We wonÕt jump to conclusions until we actually get there, is that ok with you?
HARRIS: Yes, sir...
SAAVIK: Captain, IÕm getting something on distress channel B.
RILEY: On screen.
SAAVIK: I canÕt sir, itÕs an automated distress signal. From USS PEGASUS, AVENGER class heavy destroyer.
RILEY: Navigation, set course for signal. Helm, standby shields and torpedoes. Number One, nature of distress call?
SAAVIK: Simple ÔSave our shipÕ message, no further information is available from the signal.
DAVIS: Possible confrontation...
RILEY: Raise shields, ahead warp eleven.
DAVIS: Going from warp six to eleven, aye.

Shot: Enterprise entering warp space.

Shot: Bridge Scene
SAAVIK: Sensors indicating one vessel, minimal power readings.
RILEY: On screen, set up parking orbit.

Shot: Main viewer changes to reveal extremely damaged RELIANT similar vessel. Port side nacelle blown off, roll bar warped and torn. Many burn marks on hulls.
RILEY: Oh my god...
DAVIS: Whoever hit them gave them one hell of a fight.
SAAVIK: Analysis of debris indicates plasma weapons. Romulan weaponry, sir.
HARRIS: IÕd say that this qualifies as Ôactual evidenceÕ.

OPENER: Space, the final frontier... These are the voyages of the starship ENTERPRISE. ItÕs ongoing mission, to explore strange new worlds, To seek out new life, and new civilizations, To bold go where none have gone before...


ACT ONE

Shot: Enterprise crew materializing on the PEGASUS. The bridge specifically, panels have exploded, walls are charred. There are seven bodies strewn about.
SAAVIK: No life signs other than us on this vessel.
NEHARAT:Always the pleasant one, eh, commander? The ship looked better from the outside.
HARRIS (looking at plate on wall): USS PEGASUS, NCC 1855. To search and defend. Anyone checking the log banks?
SAAVIK: Already doing so, looks like the captain ordered them jettisoned. The memory banks are wiped clean.
NEHARAT:Wiped clean? We shouldÕve picked up a log buoy out there somewhere. You didnÕt find that on sensors though, did you?
SAAVIK: Negative, lieutenant. Fascinating. (Moves to the captainÕs chair.) The log buoy was jettisoned, but it must have been destroyed by the Romulan assault.
HARRIS: Quick, clean, simple. The Romulans attack it, scrap the log buoy, and no one could tell which ones did it.
SAAVIK (Opening communicator): Saavik to ENTERPRISE. Saavik to ENTERPRISE, respond.
JAMES: This is ENTERPRISE, Lieutenant James here.
SAAVIK: There isnÕt much we can do for the PEGASUS, recommend beam out and detonation.
JAMES: ENTERPRISE confirms. Stand-by to beam out.

Shot: Enterprise curving behind Pegasus.
RILEY: Fleet Log, Stardate 10012.4. As captain of the Starship ENTERPRISE, I commit the fallen Starship PEGASUS to the space dust from which it was built, and her crew to the stars and their heavens.

Shot: Enterprise fires torpedo spread, Pegasus detonates.

Shot: Conference room, Riley is looking out through the window at the Pegasus explosion. Saavik enters with Neharat.
RILEY (Sadly, almost broken): Report, Saavik.
SAAVIK: The only evidence we have is the Romulan style weapons used against the Pegasus, sir. That could be enough to take precautions, we would be justified.
RILEY: Justified in aiding Orion? I donÕt know if I agree with that. We just attained a truce, Saavik. And it clearly states that third-party involvements would reignite the war. ThatÕs a hell of a risk.
NEHARAT: But the Romulans have destroyed one of our ships near those colonies. IsnÕt that the same thing?
RILEY: For all we know, PEGASUS could have attacked the Romulans and got defeated. The Romulans would definitely take that stance and thereÕs no way to disprove it, not without the log buoy.
SAAVIK: IÕve taken the liberty of informing Starfleet of the incident. We donÕt have their reply as yet. YouÕre acting on your own.
RILEY: As always. All right, set course to Orion, warp six. IÕm going to my quarters.
SAAVIK (Motioning Neharat to leave but talking to Riley): Captain, may I talk with you?
RILEY (As Neharat leaves and the door shuts): WhatÕs on your mind, Commander?
SAAVIK: You are, TÕSalek. I know something is bothering you, you always come into here when youÕre upset.
RILEY: You know me too well, SaavikÕm. ItÕs just when I was looking at the PEGASUS out there, it didnÕt take much imagination to think that that could have been the ENTERPRISE. And that some captain was scattering my ship. IÕm just scared of that one mistake, that one error.
SAAVIK (Approaching her Captain slowly): What error? What do you mean?
RILEY: The error which costs all of us our lives, SaavikÕm. The one fatal error.

Shot: Enterprise orbiting planet, preferably with planet at left and Enterprise coming in from the right from off screen.
DAVIS: Now approaching Orion, captain.

Shot: Bridge Scene
RILEY: Standard orbit, if you please, Mister Davis.
DAVIS: Aye sir, readying standard orbit.
RILEY: Open hailing frequencies, Mister James.
JAMES: Aye, sir. Hailing frequencies are open.
RILEY: Orion, this is ENTERPRISE. WeÕve set up a parking orbit above you. What is it that youÕd like to discuss?
ARGAN (Appearing on viewer): This is Argan, coordinator of stellar actions of the Orion Colonies. This is a matter of great difficulty, Captain. We are in dire need of protection.
RILEY: From the Romulans? I thought your worlds have declared their neutrality in our conflict, why should they attack you?
ARGAN: We have the richest worlds in this quadrant, Captain. Certainly you can appreciate how much of a target that could make us.
RILEY: I can appreciate it, but the Romulans are more generally concerned with strategy. The taking of your world would break that line of thinking. Orion is dozens of parsecs from The Zone, nevertheless their empire.
ARGAN: You are unconvinced still? We have lost eight of our own ships, and we havenÕt yet heard from your previous courier. I tell you that the Romulans are out here.
RILEY: Very well, weÕll arrange something as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Federation could only spare this ship to aid you.
ARGAN: Only one ship? YouÕd be destroyed by them as well as us.
RILEY: Take it or leave it, Argan, we donÕt have to stay here.
ARGAN: Very well, ENTERPRISE, we have no choice.
RILEY: Good day, Argan. (Motions to turn the viewer off.) Opinions, gentlemen?
SAAVIK: Your attitude toward them was highly nondiplomatic. But the Orions did seem extremely anxious to get our help.
HARRIS: The computerÕs right, Rob, they did seem a bit eager. ThatÕs not like them.
RILEY: Well, conclusions, Saavik?
SAAVIK: Given all the data so far, IÕd say that the Orions were overwhelmed with the Romulans, and are facing a very serious threat.
RILEY: Logically, I would agree. But something isnÕt right here. Why would the Romulans want to break the cease-fire in the middle of truce-talks? I donÕt like it, and I donÕt know why...
HARRIS: Could be Klingons, theyÕve got enough ships resembling the Romulan ones. Also, their empire is much closer than the Romulans as well.
RILEY: IÕm keeping that in mind. I donÕt know yet.

Shot: computer library, a console is on.
COMP: Subject, USS PEGASUS, NCC 1855, reference Stardate 10010.
ALYA: Go.
COMP: Mission Status, courier route to Orion Colonies to investigate possible Romulan assaults there. Under orders not to fire on any vessel unless directly fired upon.
ALYA: Computer, access shipÕs logs, reference Stardate to current.
COMP: Working, logs are unable to accessed from Stardate 10011.9. Other logs are accessible. Request security clearance of level four.
ALYA: Initiate security scan, voice print.
COMP: Accepted, do you wish to access logs?
ALYA: Yes, specific entries on Romulan vessels and combat.
COMP: Working, last entry, Stardate 10011.89.
ALYA (drawing a deep breath): Proceed.
GARREN (Image on console is tape from log): CaptainÕs Log, Stardate 10011.89. We are about four days from Orion, so far we havenÕt seen any signs of Romulan activity.
R-SHIRT (Also on image): Sir, detecting magnetic disturbance, range of seventy-four a.u. It just appeared there.
GARREN: What? Check again.
R-SHIRT: ItÕs not there now, canÕt be sure what it was.
GARREN: Keep looking. (Suddenly distracted) No.
R-SHIRT: Romulan Bird-of-Prey firin-
COMP (image goes off): End of logs. No further log transmissions from USS PEGASUS.


ACT TWO

Shot: Enterprise orbiting planet, typical left to right with planet on bottom.
RILEY: CaptainÕs Log, supplemental. IÕve just received word about the last transmitted log of the PEGASUS. It apparently confirms the suspicions of Romulan attack. However, I am uneasy to dismiss this as such.

Shot: Bridge Scene
SAAVIK: Captain, Romulan vessel entering quadrant, NOVA class battleship. Her weapons are coming to bear.
RILEY: A conflict? Now of all times? Raise shields, Mister Thomas.
THOMAS: Shields up.
HARRIS: The shipÕs gonna object if you keep treating the shields like a yo-yo.
RILEY: Please, doctor, not now. Mister James, open a channel to them, priority one.
JAMES: Aye, sir. We also have an incoming message from Orion. Shall I punch it up for you?
RILEY: Negative, I know what they want. Helm, if she fires then ready torpedoes. DonÕt arm weapons otherwise.
HARRIS: WouldnÕt it be prudent to get something to shoot at them with? We know what they did to PEGASUS, and to several others.
RILEY: Calm yourself doctor, theyÕre just being prudent themselves.
JAMES: Getting message from Romulan, RISS AERONAUGHT, NOVA class battleship, requesting visual communications.
RILEY: Do it.
REYAN (female Romulan, on viewscreen): Federation Battleship, surrender yourselves or be destroyed.
RILEY: What grounds?
REYAN: Dishonourable destruction of Imperial property, namely our Bird-of-Prey TALANUS. It was destroyed by a Federation Cruiser.
RILEY: Where did this incident take place? The last destroyed RomlÕnz vessel we know of was the DARKWING orbiting Kernar. We donÕt have a record of TALANUS.
REYAN: Your lies donÕt cover your dishonour, human.
RILEY: IÕm not human, IÕm not lying, and I know much more of honour than most RomlÕnz.
REYAN: You...I see, Captain Robert Thomas Riley, is it? My apologies. You would not provoke an assault.
HARRIS: How do they know you?
RILEY: Doctor, I think I have a reputation.

Shot: Transporter room, Reyan and two guards beam into Enterprise.
MAXIM: The Captain will be here shortly. He sends his regards.
REYAN: IÕm quite sure that he does, Lieutenant, yes, correct rank. You have an impressive ship, almost as impressive as my own.
RILEY (Door opens as he enters): More so, IÕve seen your battleships from the inside before. (Gestures the Romulan salute)
REYAN: You are the one, I was told about you. You should know that the Empire holds you in respect, even as a foe. It is a honour to meet you.
RILEY: IÕm flattered, Commander Reyan. Your reaction to me is surprising. I was unaware that I was so public.
REYAN: Shall we get to the matter at hand? I believe that you have a conference room on your ship, will you escort me there?
MAXIM: What do I do with these two? Keep them in here?
RILEY: Assign Reyan a room and give these two rooms flanking her.

Shot: Corridor
RILEY: ThatÕs a matter of perspective, Commander. Racial bias isnÕt strong on this ship, but it does exist. This Federation ship, what information do you have?
REYAN (Smiling): Interrogation? Lack of charm on your part, Captain.
RILEY (Taken aback): Commander, forgive me, something is dreadfully wrong here, and IÕm not sure what. It could be individual ships taking their own measures, but I just donÕt know.

Shot: Conference Room, Doors open, Riley and Reyan walk in.
SAAVIK: Greetings Commander. There is a seat for you at the end of the table. Captain, we have another message from Argan. He wants to know why we havenÕt taken action.
RILEY: Tell him that IÕm stalling. (Sitting down) My assessment of this situation is confused by lack of information. Apparently a Federation Cruiser has attacked a Romulan Bird-of-Prey. This attack would take place before the loss of the PEGASUS, and without consent of the Federation. It is possible that we have a rogue ship attempting to reignite the war. We simply canÕt have this. Commander Reyan, I ask that you show us the log buoy, and copy it for our study.
REYAN: Acceptable, Captain. Our log buoy is visual only, something happened to it, we donÕt know exactly what, but the images are quite clear.
SAAVIK: Readying screen. (The computer shows a log, showing a ship like the Enterprise-A attacking. The view is from the bridge of the Bird-of-Prey.)
RILEY: Enough, computer. What about the name of the ship, did you get it, Commander?
REYAN: No, the shipÕs name wasnÕt visible, and since the vocals are gone we lost the chance there.
RILEY (After a long, angry pause): IÕll be on the bridge. (Leaves)
SAAVIK: The Captain gets extremely emotional at times, Commander. Please forgive him.
REYAN (standing to leave): He is intriguing, Commander Saavik. What do you know about him, personally?
SAAVIK: Enough to understand him, Commander.
REYAN: Yes, members of the same race tend to do that. (Leaves and smiles at Saavik.)

Shot: Bridge, main viewer shows Argan.
ARGAN: You have a Romulan aboard your own vessel? How could you do such an outlandish thing?
RILEY: Actually we technically have five Romulans aboard. They are capable of controlling themselves and I have my faith in them.
ARGAN: You have faith in your enemy? You must be crazier than I have heard about you.
RILEY: ThatÕs a vague compliment. You have my word that no trouble will occur while they are aboard. Riley out. (Screen cuts off.)
HARRIS: Well, Rob, what now? WeÕre no better off than we were before the Romulans popped on by, and now weÕre ticking of the Orion Colonies.
RILEY: The feeling is mutual. Mister James, punch up the Romulan log. Time I start acting like I know something.
JAMES: Log on screen, sir. (Viewer shows the same log again.)
RILEY (When a good view of the Federation ship is in tune): Freeze image, enhance, and magnify. (The ship view is expanded, damage and burn marks litter the hulls.) The main nameÕs covered with burn marks, canÕt get a good look there. Computer, focus on ship primary hull, specifically, port side torpedo bay. (Screen changes, and the torpedo bay is visible, as are the words USS FARRAGUT.)
HARRIS: FARRAGUT? Impossible, she was destroyed by the FIERY RAVEN, we saw it. It doesnÕt make sense.
RILEY: It may just make sense after all doctor. WeÕve got a jigsaw puzzle, but we have the edges done. I want a meeting with Reyan in a hour in my quarters.


ACT THREE

Shot: RileyÕs quarters. Slightly dim lighting. Riley enters to find Reyan waiting. She is not in uniform, but in casual dress.
RILEY: Is it more proper to call you ÔReyanÕ now? I hadnÕt expected you to be casual.
REYAN: You wished to discuss about the ships, since it was in your quarters I assumed that it would be casual, to say the least.
RILEY (Slightly embarrassed): I didnÕt quite expect this. I wanted to talk about the ships. The name of the vessel which fired upon your Bird-of-Prey was the FARRAGUT. The last sign of the FARRAGUT was in your space. Can you find out what your government did with the salvage?
REYAN (Confused): Yes, but how did you get the ship name? We looked and only found the name burnt over everywhere.
RILEY: Deliberately burnt over in some places, I think. Except for one small place... (Riley looks distant, as if heÕs trying to remember something.)
REYAN: Even off-duty your mind is still that of a soldier. Does it come from your home, TÕSalek?
RILEY (Stunned): My name, my Romulan name, how can you know it? Only Saavik knew.
REYAN: WeÕre from the same world, you and I. WeÕve met before. You were taken aboard the USS RELIANT, and I the RISS ENCHANTER. I knew I would meet you again. (She moves closer to Riley, who is too stunned to respond.)
SAAVIK (Over communicator): Captain, sensors indicate three Romulan vessels, closing fast.
RILEY: On my way.

Shot: Bridge
RILEY: Raise shields, hail the AERONAUGHT. Ready torpedoes.
JAMES: Sir, AERONAUGHT is hailing us. ItÕs gibberish, sir, panic almost. ItÕs something about being branded a traitor.
RILEY: Oh no. Lock on lead force vessel. Fire. (Viewscreen shows torpedo ramming lead incoming vessel, the Romulan Bird-of-prey explodes.)
THOMAS: Got him! Locking on second target. (Screen shows the two remaining Romulan Birds-of-Prey bearing on the AERONAUGHT. The AERONAUGHT fires into one of the Birds-of-Prey.)
RILEY: Commander Reyan to the bridge. Lieutenant Thomas, donÕt let those two destroy the AERONAUGHT. Full impulse power, break orbit.
JAMES: The Romulan attack force warns us not to interfere, sir. What type of reply should I send?
RILEY (Vicious smile): Launch Torpedoes

Shot: Enterprise launches torpedo burst into assault force. Lead assaulter takes all damage and explodes.

Shot: Bridge
THOMAS: Lead assaulter destroyed, other two are veering off of the AERONAUGHT to bear down on us.
RILEY: Lock phasers, ready second batch of photon torpedoes.
REYAN (As she enters bridge): I donÕt believe this, I have to get over to my ship.
RILEY: Sure, just as soon as weÕre done here. Mister James, open hailing frequencies, again, and order the vessels to surrender. (To himself) Someone has some explaining to do.
JAMES: TheyÕre jamming all frequencies, sir.
RILEY: ThatÕs cheating. (Turning attention to screen)

Shot: Enterprise being hit by assault shipÕs torpedo.

Shot: Bridge toss port. Only Reyan is thrown.
JAMES: Gotta get a seat belt like the rest of us, Commander.
RILEY: No more sarcasm, unless I say it, Mister James. Fire phasers, helm.
THOMAS: Dead on, fore shield on Romulan Bird-of-Prey sig one is down. She is coming to bear, port side. Second vessel is returning to AERONAUGHT.
HARRIS: I better get to sick bay, the crew doesnÕt like it when you play, Captain.
RILEY: Off you go, doctor. Keep me posted. Mister James, are those photons on line yet?
THOMAS: Photons available. Ready to fire.
RILEY: Then by all means do so, Lieutenant. (Main screen shows Bird-of-Prey taking another shot dead on, it explodes.) Second-hand ships, Commander Reyan?
REYAN: They are losing too easily. My own ship hasnÕt even entered the fray and they are still losing.
RILEY: Not the Romulan spirit that IÕve known. (Main screen shows Bird-of-Prey firing torpedo, it impacts under EnterpriseÕs hull. Bridge toss aft, none are thrown.) Spoke too soon, fire phasers, Mister Thomas.

Shot: Phaser burst from Enterprise to the last Bird-of-Prey. The Bird-of-Prey veers away and enters warp space.

Shot: Bridge Scene
JAMES: Enemy vessel has broken off engagement, it is currently travelling at warp six.
REYAN: Captain Riley, that was not an attack of our people. The trio did not work in concert. We would not send such inferior vessels after something like the ENTERPRISE or the AERONAUGHT at any rate.
RILEY: I know, Commander. Communications, tell Argan that heÕs going to get a couple of guests coming down. Have Lieutenant Neharat join us in transporter room one.


ACT FOUR

Shot: Orion planet. Reyan, Riley, and Neharat beam into a nice office set. Argan is there, as always, ticked off.
ARGAN: At least you lot finally did something about those raiders. But why do you intrude on us?
RILEY: Orion has its own fleet, where is it? Why canÕt your ships handle some second-rate Bird-of-Preys?
ARGAN: WeÕve lost enough ships, the Federation is supposed to provide support for us in dire situations.
RILEY: You call a few renegade ships ÔdireÕ? Protecting you would cause another conflict between the Star Empire and the Federation.
ARGAN: I can not be held responsible for that.
REYAN: I suppose not, but we will be. Our two ships would have to battle for your world if we donÕt come to some sort of agreement here and now.
RILEY (sitting down): Where do you get the majority of your ships, Argan? I know of several Federation salvage rights tend to go here, do the Romulans commit likewise?
ARGAN: I canÕt answer any questions about other clients.
REYAN: They do, Captain. Orion receives a good number of salvages from us, most heavily during the war. In return the Orions supply us with some weapons and finance.
RILEY: Very similar to what the Federation is doing with you, isnÕt it, Argan? Correct me if I am wrong in this.
ARGAN: You are beginning to offend me, Captain.
RILEY: Let me offend you further. Does the name ÔFARRAGUTÕ come to mind? The ship was a Romulan salvage to Orion a few months ago. The Romulans didnÕt know how to put a Federation starship together, but Orion would.
REYAN (Angered): You had FARRAGUT destroy the TALANUS, Argan? TALANUS had three-hundred good people on board her. Why?
RILEY: Simple greed, isnÕt it Argan? (Reyan pulls out her phaser) You wanted to keep the war going so you could get a nice tidy profit.
ARGAN: ItÕs all lies, human. You know nothing of us, or the situation as it stands.
RILEY: Nice and convincing, sending second-hand ships after us, but your timing stank. You were scared that we would learn the truth.
ARGAN: You are a fool human. You know nothing.
RILEY (stands, walks over to Argan, and lifts him by the neck.) I am not a fool, Argan. (Throws him across the room.)
ARGAN: What do you think you are going to accomplish? The Federation can take no action against us, youÕre too busy with your Rommie friends.
RILEY: The Federation doesnÕt have to take action, Argan. (Takes out communicator.) Riley to Enterprise, beam me up. (Riley beams out.)
ARGAN: What about you, Romulan? What can you do? Dare you risk losing honor by firing on an unarmed being?
REYAN: There is nothing dishonorable by destroying parasites. (Phaser fires.)

Shot: Enterprise and Aeronaught entering warp space together.

Shot: RileyÕs quarters.
REYAN: You left, and you knew what I was going to do. Why didnÕt you do it yourself?
RILEY: I canÕt. IÕm neither human or Romulan, Reyan. IÕm somewhere in there, somewhere in between.
REYAN: You are pulling yourself apart too hard, TÕSalek. You are the balance. You are proof that peace between our governments is possible. Today marks a good example.
RILEY: What makes you think so? (Reyan brushes RileyÕs cheek with a ÔVulcanÕ salute.)
REYAN: I can feel it. (Laughs) Corny, as you would put it, but true.

Shot: Aeronaught veers off from Enterprise.

Shot: Bridge.
RILEY: Set course for Delta Triad. Warp six. Thoughts, Doctor?
HARRIS: A remarkable woman, sir. ItÕs a pity really, that she is technically still our enemy.
RILEY: Maybe we can put aside our differences with the Romulans someday, Doctor. It isnÕt too impossible to think of.
HARRIS: Not in this generation, Captain, not even in the next.
RILEY: We can always hope, Doctor. We have that much.

Shot: Enterprise, left to right, slow approaching shot.
RILEY: CaptainÕs Log, Stardate 10013.2. We are en route for Delta Triad section. Hopefully we wonÕt encounter anything there. The ENTERPRISE has met another challenge, but this challenge didnÕt resolve itself in battle. I donÕt know if this one will ever be resolved. Is peace really so hard to obtain?