Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!hobbes.physics.uiowa.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off (Part I)
Message-ID: <CAGBou.2uH@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1993 07:05:17 GMT
Lines: 566


Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

I posted a promo a few days ago, and will be posting the entire
script approximately one part per day, although probably not
at weekends. I just hope it arrives in the right order! If
anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART I

-----------------------------------------------------------------


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE in warp drive.


     PICARD (voice over)
Captain's Log, stardate 46001 point 3. 
There have been times when I never 
thought I would see this day. The 
ENTERPRISE and her crew have just 
completed the first of what I trust will 
be many five year missions. Not once 
over the past five years have I had 
cause to find fault with my ship or her 
crew. I have put my life in their hands 
many times, and I would do so again 
without question. One can pay no greater 
compliment than that. It is customary at 
the end of a Starfleet vessel's tour of 
duty for her to receieve a thorough 
overall, and for the majority of her 
crew to be replaced. I am pleased to 
note that Starfleet Command approved my 
request that my command crew be left 
intact. However, in line with 
regulations we have left the majority of 
the crew at starbase 54 and are now 
progressing to starbase 130, where our 
new crew awaits us. As it is the ship is 
virtually empty, piloted by a skeleton 
crew.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in command chair.
Worf at Tactical.
Deanna at Helm.
Data at Ops.

     DATA
Captain, we are receiving a message from 
Starfleet Command.

     PICARD
On screen please, Mr. Data.

     DATA
It is encoded, Captain's eyes only.

     PICARD
Right. I'll take it in my cabin.


PICARD'S QUARTERS

Picard enters his personal code and a Starfleet Admiral appears on the 
screen.

     PICARD
Greetings Admiral Lloyd.

     LLOYD
Likewise. We have an urgent mission for 
you.

     PICARD
Admiral, the ENTERPRISE is vastly 
undermanned due to...

     LLOYD
I am aware of your situation, Captain. 
Two days ago Starfleet Operations 
received a distress signal from the 
science vessel USS FARADAY.

     PICARD
I can't believe the ENTERPRISE is the 
only vessel capable of dealing with 
this.

     LLOYD
The FARADAY was monitoring the famine on 
Omacron-Delta 7. A matter of a couple of 
hours from the Romulan Neutral Zone.

     PICARD
All the more reason why a fully-manned 
ship should be chosen.

     LLOYD
Captain, the ENTERPRISE is the 
Federation flagship. All our most 
advanced technology, and our best 
captain is on the ENTERPRISE.

     PICARD
Admiral, you flatter me, but I still 
think...

     LLOYD
In addition, the ENTERPRISE has a 
certain... reputation. Even within the 
Romulan Empire the name commands 
attention. Ambassador Spock has advised 
that the Romulans have a certain respect 
for Jean-Luc Picard, and that's a very 
valuable card in our deck.

     PICARD
Do we know the nature of FARADAY's 
difficulties?

     LLOYD
Regrettably not. The signal received was 
an automated transmission from the 
ship's computer, and lasted a matter of 
seconds.

     PICARD
Was there any useful information in it?

     LLOYD
Precious little, captain.

Lloyd leans forward, and touches a control.

     COMPUTER
This is an automated transmission from 
the USS FARADAY, NCC 8751. Complete 
systems failure imminent. Immediate 
assistance requested.

     PICARD
That doesn't tell us very much, 
including whether or not the crew is 
alive out there. Is the ship still 
intact?

     LLOYD
We don't know. The locator beacon 
continued to transmit for a couple of 
hours after that, then failed.

     PICARD
Whatever happened must have been very 
quick if communications failed before 
the crew or the computer could file a 
more substantial report.

     LLOYD
Starfleet needs to know what happened, 
and quickly. You are to proceed 
immediately to sector 87 and begin your 
investigations.

     PICARD
Admiral, with our current crew 
complement that's hardly realistic. Now, 
Starbase 126 in sector 92 is...

     LLOYD
Is out of the question. It would take 
two days out of your journey.

     PICARD
Would you rather we went in as we are 
now and functioned inefficiently?

     LLOYD
Very well, I'll consult the council 
about your request, but I don't hold out 
much hope. For now head out towards the 
Neutral Zone.

     PICARD
Agreed. Picard out. 

The screen goes blank. Picard considers the conversation for a bit and 
then leaves.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Crew positions as before.
Picard strides purposefully on to the bridge. 

     PICARD
Commander Troi, set new course.

     DEANNA
Aye Captain. What heading?

     PICARD
Course 149 mark 37. Warp five.

     DEANNA
Course and speed laid in, Captain 

As Picard slumps pensively into his seat, Deanna exchanges a worried 
glance with Data.

     PICARD
Engage.

fade to OPENING CREDITS.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in Command chair.
Worf at Tactical.
Deanna at Helm.
O'Brien at Ops.

     PICARD
Open frequency to Starfleet Command, 
please Mister Worf.

     WORF
Frequency open, Captain.

Admiral Lloyd appears on viewscreen.

     PICARD
Admiral, it's been two hours. Do you 
have any options for me?

     LLOYD
Captain Picard, I have discussed the 
matter with my colleagues, and we have 
reached a decision. Your request for a 
diversion to Starbase 126 is refused.

     PICARD (angrily)
Admiral, with all due respect...

     LLOYD
When people say that to me Picard, they 
usually mean without any respect at all.

     PICARD
With all due respect, _Admiral_. The 
ENTERPRISE is ludicrously short-staffed. 
Starbase 126 represents our only chance 
to bring her up to minimal operational 
levels.

     LLOYD
Not quite, Picard. There is a Starbase 
less than two hours from your present 
position.

     PICARD (derisively)
Admiral, surely you're not 
considering...

     LLOYD
Starbase 101.

     PICARD (disbelieving)
101? The Academy?

     LLOYD
Many of our best people are instructors 
at the Academy.

     PICARD
Our best theorists maybe. Dammit, 
Admiral, I need people with battle 
experience. People used to command. I 
need good engineers, medical personnel, 
not people who've spent their entire 
lives in study.

     LLOYD (abrupt)
Captain Picard, this is my final word on 
the matter. You will report to Starbase 
101, where you may beam aboard any 
personnel you feel appropriate. I want 
you back on course for the Neutral Zone 
in six hours.

     PICARD
Admiral...

     LLOYD
Lloyd out.

Lloyd's picture is replaced by starfield of ENTERPRISE in medium warp.
Picard presses buttons on chair panels - computing course.

     PICARD
Commander Troi, adjust course to 278 
mark 15.

     DEANNA
278 mark 15, aye sir.

     PICARD
Increase to warp 8.

     DEANNA
Course and speed laid in, Captain.

     PICARD
Engage.

Deanna manipulates controls of helm console.
Sound from warp drive increases, as starfield pattern on viewscreen 
alters with ENTERPRISE's turn.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

ENTERPRISE in space at medium warp.
ENTERPRISE executes rapid turn to port, and increases speed.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Riker enters from the turbolift. Picard stands, and turns to Riker.

     PICARD
Report, Number One.

     RIKER
Mister LaForge estimates that an extra 
thirty personnel are required in 
Engineering alone if we're going to take 
the ENTERPRISE on active duty. Data's 
still down there with Geordi. They're 
pretty busy. Geordi's raising hell about 
the matter/antimatter seals.

     PICARD
Surely the computer regulates them. 
There's no danger.

     RIKER
I know, but Geordi likes to have people 
monitoring them. He's an engineer, born 
and bred.

     PICARD
Admiral Lloyd has suggested we stock up 
with Academy personnel.

     RIKER (hesitantly)
They may have some people we can use, I 
suppose...

     PICARD
But?

     RIKER
But we need people with experience as 
well as knowledge.

     PICARD
My thoughts precisely. Still, it would 
appear to be the only option open to us 
at the moment. Number One, we'll be at 
Starbase 101 in less than two hours. 
Four hours after that we must be back on 
course for the Neutral Zone. I want you 
to scan the personnel records of 
Starbase 101, liaise with Admiral 
McKenzie.

     RIKER
McKenzie? Is he still Commandant at 101?

     PICARD
He took over some ten years after my 
time at 101, I never knew him, but I 
take it you did, Number One?

     RIKER
In my first year. It'll be good to speak 
to him again.

     PICARD
Then I'll leave the matter in your 
hands.

Picard taps his comm-badge.

     PICARD (voice raised)
Replacement tactical officer report to 
the bridge.

     MURDOCH (voice over)
Lieutenant Jan Murdoch here, sir. On my
way.

     PICARD
Mister Worf, you have the bridge, signal 
me in one hour thirty.

Lieutenant Murdoch enters from turbolift.
Riker enters turbolift.
Picard enters ready room.
Worf sits in command chair.
Lt. Murdoch stands at tactical station.

     RIKER
Officer's quarters, deck nine.

Turbolift doors close.

     WORF
Helm, maintain course and speed.

     DEANNA
Maintaining.


RIKER'S CABIN.

Riker is sitting at his desk, in front of his computer console. He 
touches a large button at its base, and the screen lights up with the 
Starfleet Command insignia.

     RIKER
Request access, personnel records for 
Starbase 101.

     COMPUTER
Classified information, identify please.

     RIKER
Commander William T. Riker, access code 
alpha eight four seventeen theta alpha.

     COMPUTER
Riker, Commander William T is 
identified. Accessing.

Logo vanishes from screen, which shows a rapidly scrolling list of 
names, with suitable heading.

     RIKER
Computer, list most senior staff.

The list changes to a static display.

     RIKER
Cross reference with experience rating.

A much shorter list appears on the screen.
Riker selects names from the list by touching them on the screen. He 
brings up more specialised lists with a set of controls at the base of 
the screen.


ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING

Data and LaForge are working by the warp energizer. Data is entering 
commands on a computer console, and LaForge is reassembling some 
equipment he has removed from a control panel. In his hand is a standard 
Starfleet Gadget(tm). Occasionally members of the crew walk through 
Engineering, carrying various items of equipment. The atmosphere conveys 
a few people doing a lot of work.

     LAFORGE
How's the leakage threshold now, Data?

     DATA
As before, the danger of leakage is 
statistically insignificant.
     (pauses)
Geordi, is it not possible that we are 
being too thorough?

     LAFORGE
More than possible, my friend. But if 
we're going into battle, I want to be as 
sure as I can be that nothing's going to 
go wrong on us.

     DATA
But Geordi, we have taken the ENTERPRISE 
into battle many times before. Why the 
anxiety now?

     LAFORGE
We've never been this short-handed 
before.

     DATA
But we have always left this task to the 
computer. Why the desire for a manual 
check?

     LAFORGE
Because, Data, if something goes wrong 
with the seals while we're out there, we 
don't have the manpower to get them 
changed in a hurry.

     DATA
Ah! Human paranoia.

     LAFORGE
Call it what you like, Data. I'll just 
be glad if it keeps us alive.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                          END OF PART I

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's the first section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The second part should go out tomorrow, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part II]
Message-ID: <CAM0I3.395@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1993 08:49:14 GMT
Lines: 695


Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

I posted a promo a few days ago, and will be posting the entire
script approximately one part per day, although probably not
at weekends. I just hope it arrives in the right order! If
anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART II

-----------------------------------------------------------------


RIKER'S QUARTERS.

Riker looks up from his computer console, and presses a control.

     RIKER
Computer, open channel to Admiral 
McKenzie at Starbase 101.

McKenzie appears on the viewscreen.

     MCKENZIE (smiling)
Will Riker. You've certainly come back 
to 101 by the scenic route.

     RIKER
Indeed, sir. Captain Picard asked me to 
liase with you about the emergency crew 
transfers. I'm transmitting the list 
now. (touches console)

McKenzie pauses, studying the list on a screen to his left.

     MCKENZIE
I don't think there's anyone there I 
can't spare. Still, I'm going to be 
short of medics and engineers for a 
while. Actually, I'm surprised you don't 
want more of our people.

     RIKER
With respect, sir, we felt that we 
needed people with experience, and 
whilst you have some very learned 
people, experts in their fields...

     MCKENZIE
You feel that in the absence of the full 
chain of command to channel their 
advice, they may be a liability rather 
than a help.
     (Riker nods)
I must admit though, I'm surprised at 
your request for a cadet.

     RIKER
Wesley Crusher served on the ENTERPRISE 
before he joined the Academy. Captain 
Picard promoted him to ensign. In my 
view, he would be a valuable addition to 
the crew.

     MCKENZIE
Well, it's unconventional, and he'll 
have a lot of catching up to do, but if 
you feel you need him, he's yours.

     RIKER
Thank you, sir. Now, if you'll excuse 
me?

     MCKENZIE
Of course. Give Jean-Luc Picard my 
regards, and... good luck, Will.

     RIKER
Thank you sir, Riker out.

Cut to MCKENZIE.

McKenzie's smile vanishes abruptly as Riker's image disappears from the 
viewscreen. He touches a control on a console.

     MCKENZIE
Computer, locate Cadet-Ensign Wesley 
Crusher.

     COMPUTER
Wesley Crusher is in personal study lab 
fourteen.

     MCKENZIE
Computer, track and display Ensign 
Crusher's movements.

     COMPUTER
Tracking.

A screen lights up to show a plan of one level of Starbase 101. A 
flashing yellow spot moves slowly around the map.


STARBASE 101 CORRIDOR.

The corridor should be a contrast to the ENTERPRISE scenes. The corridor 
is bustling with life as cadets move through it. They all wear the 
blood-red Academy uniform, and the silver comm-badges. The cadets are of 
a variety of species, including Vulcans and Benzites in addition to 
humans. A door on the left hand side of the corridor opens, and Wesley 
Crusher enters, carrying an electronic clipboard. Wesley walks down the 
corridor, and is stopped by a friend, Peter Wainwright, also in uniform, 
roughly his age.

     PETER
Hey, Wesley you heard the news?

     WESLEY
Hi Pete. News?

     PETER
About the ENTERPRISE? She's coming here.

     WESLEY
Here? Why? Is something wrong? My 
mother?

     PETER
Slow down, man. I don't know why she's 
come here, but it's probably just 
routine. Why don't you ask Shelagh on 
vessel tracking? It was her that asked 
me to tell you.

     WESLEY
Yeah, I will. Listen, I've got to go, 
thanks a lot.

Wesley continues down the corridor, and enters a turbolift.

     WESLEY
Cadet quarters, level thirteen.

The turbolift doors close, and the lift moves down several floors. The 
doors open to show a less busy corridor. Wesley walks down the corridor, 
and through a sliding door into his cabin.


WESLEY'S QUARTERS.

Wesley enters from the door. He walks to a chair in front of a desk/
computer console and sits down. As he does so, he taps his comm-badge.

     WESLEY
Cadet-Ensign Crusher to Cadet Shelagh 
Thomson.

The comm-badge beeps as the connection is made, and an English female 
voice answers.

     SHELAGH (voice over)
What can I do for you, Wesley?

     WESLEY
Is it true about the ENTERPRISE?

     SHELAGH
Yes it is.

     WESLEY
Do you know what she's here for?

     SHELAGH
That's not my assignment, and therefore 
not my business.

     WESLEY
Oh, come on Shelagh, you must have the 
mission details there.

     SHELAGH
Okay, okay, I'll check for you.


VESSEL TRACKING.

Cadet Shelagh Thomson is sitting at a console before a large screen. The 
screen shows a display similar to a tactical display, showing the 
movements of several ships in space around Starbase 101. Each ship is 
represented by a Starfleet Command insignia and a registration number. 
Shelagh presses a control, scrolling the screen to show the outer 
regions of the tracking area, revealing the marker bearing the number 
NCC1701-D. Shelagh touches the marker, and the screen changes to show a 
complete data sheet for the ENTERPRISE. Shelagh manipulates more 
controls, and a buzzer sounds.

     SHELAGH (puzzled)
That's odd.

     WESLEY (voice over)
What is it?

     SHELAGH
There's no mission listing.

     WESLEY
Routine then?

     SHELAGH (irritated)
No, Wesley. Even if it was just cargo 
transfer there would be a listing.

     WESLEY
Classified?

     SHELAGH
Then it would say so! You know that. 
Nothing comes in or out of a Starbase 
without a mission listing. Officially, 
there's no record of the ENTERPRISE 
coming here.

     WESLEY
Just 'cause you've got the worst 
assignment in the Academy, you don't 
have to take it out on me, you know.

     SHELAGH
I'm sorry, Wesley. Still, vessel 
tracking is a real pain.
     (more brightly)
Hey, have you heard from Oliana on the 
FARADAY recently?


WESLEY'S QUARTERS.

     WESLEY (frowns)
Yeah, the other day.

     SHELAGH (voice over)
You sound worried.

     WESLEY
So did she.

     SHELAGH
Well, it's her first assignment outside 
the Academy. We're not all starship 
veterans you know.
     (Wesley laughs)
She's probably just nervous.

     WESLEY (unconvinced)
You're probably right.


VESSEL TRACKING.

Door buzzer sounds.

     SHELAGH
Listen, Wesley, I've got work to do. 
I'll see you later.

     WESLEY (voice over)
Yeah, thanks Shelagh. Crusher out.

     SHELAGH
Come in.

The door slides open, and someone wearing a red uniform enters. We do 
not see the officer's face. Shelagh stands.

     SHELAGH
Can I help you, sir?

Shelagh backs away from the console.

     SHELAGH (horrified)
Sir?

We see a phaser in the hand of the officer. Shelagh screams, and the 
phaser fires. It is set to "kill".  The officer turns to leave, and is 
revealed as Admiral McKenzie.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Crew as before.

     DEANNA
Lieutenant Worf, our arrival at Starbase 
101 is immenent.

     WORF
Thank you, Helm.
     (touches control on chair)
Captain Picard, we are approaching 
Starbase 101.


READY ROOM.

Picard is standing at the window, reading a leather-bound book. As he 
hears Worf's voice, he shuts the book (A Tale of Two Cities?), and turns 
from the window. He taps his comm-badge,

     PICARD
Thank you, Lieutenant.
     (pauses)
Commander Riker to the bridge.

Picard pauses for a minute, looking out into space as the ENTERPRISE 
drops out of warp drive, and Starbase 101 comes into view.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard and Riker walk onto the bridge from the ready room and turbolift 
respectively, and take their seats in the command circle. Worf moves 
back to tactical, and Lieutenant Murdoch stands at the mission 
operations station.

     PICARD
Have the crew transfer requests been 
agreed by Starbase 101, Number One?

     RIKER
Yes sir, Admiral Lloyd gave his personal 
seal of approval to the scheme.

     PICARD
How many people are we taking up?

     RIKER
Not many, I'm afraid, sir. A handful of 
medics and engineers, a few security 
people, and some non-specific officers.

     PICARD (sceptically)
Anybody with experience?

     RIKER
A few. Some more than others.

     PICARD
What about Galaxy Class starship 
experience?

     RIKER
Just Mister Crusher, I'm afraid sir.

     PICARD (smiling)
Mister Crusher? I didn't know he was at 
101.

     RIKER
He was assigned there a few months ago.

     PICARD
Number One, have you spoken to Doctor 
Crusher about her son?

     RIKER
I thought I'd leave that to you, sir.

     PICARD
Ah. Standard Starbase orbit, Commander 
Troi.

     DEANNA
Aye, sir.

     PICARD
Mister O'Brien, I'd like you to handle 
the transfers from Starbase 101.

     O'BRIEN
Very good, sir.

Picard presses control on chair.

     PICARD
Commander Data to the bridge.
     (pauses, presses control again)
Doctor Crusher to the bridge.

     DEANNA
Standard orbit established, captain.

Data and Beverly enter from the turbolift. Data relieves O'Brien on ops, 
who after a nod from Picard leaves by the turbolift.

     PICARD
Let's get these transfers underway; 
Mister Worf please instruct the 
Transporter Room to start taking people 
up as soon as possible. Now Doctor 
Crusher, I have a surprise for you...


MCKENZIE'S OFFICE ON STARBASE 101

McKenzie is talking into a communicator of obviously alien design. The 
instrumentation is unfamiliar, and definitely not in English. A harsh 
male voice is responding.

     MCKENZIE
The operation is proceeding according to 
plan. The ENTERPRISE is in orbit, 
preparing to beam people up.

     VOICE (voice over)
Is there any suspicion to our intent?

     MCKENZIE
A young cadet noted certain 
inconsistancies, but she has been 
destroyed.

     VOICE
Did she communicate her suspicions to 
anyone?

     MCKENZIE
To another cadet, Wesley Crusher.

     VOICE
Destroy him.

     MCKENZIE
He is scheduled to beam aboard the 
ENTERPRISE. If he is killed, it will 
arouse suspicion when he fails to join 
the crew.

     VOICE
He may already have aroused suspicion. 
You must set his mind at rest. It is 
imperative the ENTERPRISE crew suspect 
nothing.

     MCKENZIE
I explained at the briefing that the 
mission was too important to waste time 
in paperwork. I think he believed me.

     VOICE
The damage has been done. Once a 
suspicion is born in a closed community, 
soon everyone shares the suspicion. You 
know the course of action you must take.

     MCKENZIE
Of course.

     VOICE
Wait until the ENTERPRISE is out of 
scanning range. High Command out.

McKenzie folds up the communicator, and places it carefully in a drawer 
beneath his desk. A tone sounds, and a cadet appears on a viewscreen.

     CADET
Sir, the ENTERPRISE is seeking 
permission to begin crew transfers.

     MCKENZIE
Permission granted.


ENTERPRISE TRANSPORTER ROOM

A group of StarFleet officers materialises on the platform. They are 
carrying cases and various pieces of equipment, and are all wearing blue 
uniforms.

     O'BRIEN
Welcome aboard the ENTERPRISE gentlemen. 
And you are?...

     OFFICER
StarFleet Medical support team, sir.

     O'BRIEN
Right, if you could report to sickbay, 
Dr. Crusher's expecting you.

     OfFICER
Very good, sir.

The medics step down from the platform and leave by the main door. It 
should be apparent that they are somewhat in awe of their surroundings, 
never having been aboard a Galaxy Class starship.

     COMMS (voice over)
The next group is ready to beam up, 
ENTERPRISE.

     O'BRIEN
Thank you, Starbase. Standby.

O'Brien presses a couple of controls on his console, and then sweeps his 
hand over the energizer controls. A group of officers wearing yellow 
uniforms appears on the platform, and Wesley who wears a red uniform.

     WESLEY
Permission to come aboard, sir.

     O'BRIEN
Permission granted, Ensign.

     WESLEY
It's good to see you, Chief.

     O'BRIEN
And you lad. You're to report for bridge 
duty as soon as you're settled in... the 
rest of you report to Lieutenant 
Commander LaForge in Engineering.

The officers leave the transporter room, as O'Brien starts to reset the 
transporter controls.

     O'BRIEN
Starbase 101, this is ENTERPRISE. We're 
ready for the next lot.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE in orbit around Starbase 101, along with an Excelsior 
class vessel. We see a shuttle craft approaching the ENTERPRISE, and 
enter the shuttle bay.


SICK BAY.

Beverly Crusher is sitting at her desk, working at her computer screen. 
We see a figure, not in uniform, come into view, although we can't see 
his face. Beverly notes his prescence, and stands up quickly.

     BEVERLY (very pleased)
Admiral, to what do I owe the pleasure?

     MCCOY
At ease, Beverly. I just wanted a look 
around the old girl before you jet off 
again.

     BEVERLY
You wish you were coming with us, don't 
you?

     MCCOY
No... I'm getting too damn old for that. 
     (pauses)
Hell, if Jim Kirk could hear me talk 
like that... He'd tell me that was his 
line!

     BEVERLY
Would you like me to call the captain?

     MCCOY
Beverly, it's you I came to see. I just 
wanted to wish you luck out there. I 
can't keep up with StarFleet politics 
the way I used to... hell, the way Spock 
still does, but I heard a little of what 
you're involved in. Try to keep the 
captain from doing anything too 
foolhardy.

     BEVERLY
Captain Picard's not a rash man. He's 
not like that at all.

     MCCOY
Beverly, all StarFleet captains are like 
that. Oh, some are worse than others, I 
grant you, but when it comes down to it, 
the damn doctors are the only people 
with any sense on a starship.

     BEVERLY (grinning)
Maybe you're right, Leonard.

     MCCOY
Now you're humouring a foolish old man. 

     BEVERLY (feigns shock)
As if I would!

     MCCOY
We miss you at Starfleet Medical back on 
Earth.

     BEVERLY
Is that where you're headed now?

     MCCOY
Yes, the USS LINUS PAULING's waiting for 
me out there. I met your son on 101. You 
must be very proud of him.

     BEVERLY
I am.

     MCCOY
He tells me he wants to be a starship 
captain, and from what I hear there's a 
damn fine chance he might make it. Will 
you do me a favour, though?

     BEVERLY
Anything, Leonard, you know that.

     MCCOY
Don't let him get too damn stubborn. 
     (Beverly laughs).

A warning buzzer sounds.

     COMPUTER (voice over)
The ENTERPRISE will be leaving starbase 
orbit in ten minutes. All unauthorised 
personelle are advised to vacate this 
vessel immediately.

     MCCOY
I guess that's my cue.

McCoy starts to walk away, leaning heavily on a cane.

     BEVERLY
I suppose it would be pointless for me 
to call you an escort?

     MCCOY (grins)
Of course it would. Good luck, Beverly.

     BEVERLY (sighs)
Thanks, Leonard.
     (to herself)
Thanks.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                          END OF PART II

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's the first section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part should go out tomorrow, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/


Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!hobbes.physics.uiowa.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!mcsun!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part III]
Message-ID: <CAMK43.E78@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1993 15:52:50 GMT
Lines: 564


Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

I posted a promo a few days ago, and will be posting the entire
script approximately one part per day, although probably not
at weekends. I just hope it arrives in the right order! If
anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                            PART III

-----------------------------------------------------------------


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in command chair.
Riker at Mission Ops, discussing something with Lieutenant Murdoch
Deanna at Helm
Data at Ops
Worf at Tactical

     O'BRIEN (voice over)
O'Brien to bridge.

     PICARD
Go ahead, Chief.

     O'BRIEN (voice over)
The last of the starbase observers just 
beamed out, Captain.

     PICARD
And the incoming personelle?

     O'BRIEN (voice over)
We took the last load of medics up a 
couple of minutes ago, sir.

     PICARD
Thank you, Chief, good work. Bridge out.

     RIKER
I ought to get on with briefing the new 
people on ENTERPRISE procedures. I wish 
they had more than two hours star time 
between them.

     DEANNA (turns round)
Perhaps I should take on that task, 
Commander. As you say, they are 
inexperienced, and may be unused to this 
level of danger and stress.

The turbolift doors open, and Wesley steps onto the bridge.

     WESLEY
Ensign Crusher reporting for bridge 
duty, Captain.

     PICARD
Welcome aboard, Mister Crusher. I trust 
Academy life treats you well?

     WELSEY
Yes sir, thank you.

     RIKER
We'll have to exchange a few stories 
later in Ten-Forward, Wes.

     WESLEY
I'd like that, sir...

     WORF (interrupting)
Incoming transmission from Admiral 
McKenzie on Starbase 101, sir.

     PICARD
On screen.

Admiral McKenzie appears on the screen as Worf keys the appropriate 
switches.

     MCKENZIE
Well, Captain, my Operations Chief tells 
me that last of my people are back on 
base, and...

     PICARD
...and we're running out of time, I know 
sir. With your permission, we'll be on 
our way.

     MCKENZIE
The word is given, Captain Picard. Good 
luck, and Godspeed.

     PICARD
Thank you, sir.

     MCKENZIE
Starbase out.

The viewscreen changes to once again show Starbase 101.

     DEANNA
Sir, with your permission, perhaps 
Ensign Crusher should take the helm. I 
have other duties to attend to.

     PICARD
Of course, Commander. Wesley, take your 
station please.

(Wesley grins at him, and he nods approvingly in response).

Wesley walks down to the helm position as Deanna stands to let him in. 
He sits,  pulls the console towards him, and wriggles his fingers in the 
air, Data-style.

     DEANNA
It's good to see you, Wesley.

     WESLEY (brightly)
And you, Counsellor...
(notices she is in uniform)
Commander?

     DEANNA
I thought it was appropriate, 
considering our mission.

     WESLEY (quietly)
I still don't know what's going on.

     DEANNA
The Captain will be giving a briefing 
later. I'm sure all your questions will 
be answered then.

     WESLEY
Yes, ma'am... I didn't know you could 
pilot a starship?

     DEANNA
It was my subsidiary course at the 
Academy. I was never really comfortable 
with it, though. I have to go now, there 
are a lot of people I need to speak to 
in the next few hours.

     WESLEY
Thanks for the chat, and...
(gestures to the console)

     DEANNA
Don't mention it.

Deanna nods to Picard and Riker, and leaves by the turbolift.

     PICARD
Mister Crusher, break Starbase orbit.

     WESLEY
Aye sir.

Wesley manipulates the helm console.


EXTERIOR VIEW.

The ENTERPRISE continues to orbit the Starbase, and deviates in a wide 
arc until it is heading into space.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

The viewscreen shows a slowly moving starfield.

     WESLEY
We are clear, and free to navigate, sir.

     PICARD
Mister Data...

     DATA
Ensign, please set co-ordinates 174 mark 
91.

     WESLEY (works console)
Aye sir. Towards the...

     PICARD
Yes, Ensign, towards the Neutral Zone.

Wesley looks concernedly towards Data, who looks back steadily, but not 
exactly encouragingly.

     PICARD
Warp 7. Engage
(makes usual gesture)

     WESLEY
Warp 7, sir.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE leaps into warp drive.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The FARADAY, adrift in space. Its running lights are out, and the warp 
nacelles unlit. The camera zooms onto the bridge bubble, and we see that 
extensive damage has been sustained by the vessel.


FARADAY BRIDGE.

The bridge is deserted, lit only by a single engineering station. The 
screen reads "Emergency Life Support : ACTIVE." The screen flickers, and 
in a shower of sparks fades to black, and as the sparks die, we see the 
bridge plunged into complete darkness.

Fade to black. Fade up to...


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE in warp drive. The camera zooms onto the saucer section, 
and in through a window to the...


CONFERENCE LOUNGE.

This is the briefing room off the main bridge that doubles as an 
observation lounge. Captain Picard sits at the head of the table, and 
seated around him are:- Riker, Data, Deanna Troi, Beverly and Wesley 
Crusher, LaForge and Worf.

     PICARD
First of all, congratulations to all of 
you for getting the ENTERPRISE ready in 
such a short period of time. I regret 
the neccessity of asking so much from 
you, but StarFleet Command was adamant 
that we get underway within the allotted 
time.

     DEANNA
Captain, these rapid preparations have 
put the crew under a lot of stress. 
They're all curious to know what is 
going on, why the ENTERPRISE is heading 
for the Neutral Zone with such a minimal 
crew complement.

     PICARD
I'm aware of that, Counsellor, and I can 
assure you that when this is all over I 
intend to make some very indignant 
noises around StarFleet Headquaters. 
However, until then we must press on 
with this mission as best we can under 
the circumstances.  Carry on, please 
Number One.

     RIKER (standing to pace round the table)
Thank you, sir. The first thing I must 
tell you is that Admiral McKenzie at 
StarFleet Command has ordered that this 
mission be carried out under maximum 
security protocol. That means what I'm 
about to tell you goes no further than 
this room. Understood?

The crew nod one by one as the camera pans around the table.

     RIKER
Well, I know you've all been given 
varying degrees of information, so I'll 
start from the beginning. Two and a half 
days ago, StarFleet Command received an 
emergency distress signal from the USS 
FARADAY...

Wesley sits up in his chair suddenly. No-one notices this, but as the 
camera moves back to Riker we pass Deanna who frowns slightly and looks 
towards Wesley with an expression of concern.

     RIKER
...a science vessel stationed near the 
edge of the Romulan Neutral Zone. The 
signal was sent by the ship's computer, 
and gave us no useful information as to 
the nature of the FARADAY's trouble.

Riker touches a control on the panel beneath the viewscreen set into one 
wall.

     COMPUTER (voice over)
This is an automated transmission from 
the USS FARADAY, NCC 8751. Complete 
systems failure imminent. Immediate 
assistance requested.

     RIKER
The locator beacon continued to transmit 
for another two hours, then failed 
abruptly.

Wesley bites his lip, and closes his eyes. Deanna lays a hand on his arm 
and whispers something reassuring to him.

     PICARD
The ENTERPRISE has been ordered to 
investigate, and report to StarFleet 
Command on its findings. We are 
authorised to take whatever action 
deemed necessary to accomplish this. I 
think I should tell you at this point 
that StarFleet Command is proceeding 
under the assumption that the FARADAY 
was the subject of a Romulan attack.

     BEVERLY
Why didn't the FARADAY's computer sent a 
more helpful message?

     LAFORGE
You see, Doctor, that message wasn't 
sent by the ship's main computer. The 
emergency distress beacon is on a 
separate system, like life support. It's 
set to trigger if severe incapacitative 
damage is sustained by the central 
computer core itself, which would 
prevent the ship sending a more detailed 
message. It's very much a last resort 
measure.

     PICARD
We've been trying to put together a 
vague idea of what happened, but with so 
little information it's virtually 
impossible to be accurate. Mister Data, 
theorise please.

     DATA
Yes sir. We must assume that the first 
system to fail was communications, 
preventing the human crew requesting 
assistance. The signal from the locator 
beacon showed the FARADAY to be in a 
stationary position on the border of the 
Romulan Neutral Zone.

     WORF
On which side of the border?

     DATA
The signal was too faint for us to say 
with any degree of certainty. However, 
the data we received from the beacon 
suggests that the FARADAY was adrift, so 
we must assume all propulsion systems 
have failed. Next must have been the 
ship's main computer core.

     LAFORGE
I'd like to say at this point that total 
failure of the main computer core is 
highly unusual. It generally only 
happens when the entire ship is 
destroyed.

     DATA
However, the continuation of the locator 
beacon's operation for another two hours 
after the distress signal tells us that 
the FARADAY was not destroyed in the 
initial onslaught.

     TROI
Why did the beacon stop transmitting?

     LAFORGE
Well, there's two possibilities. Either 
the power levels on the ship had fallen 
so much that the beacon had to be 
switched off to maintain life support, 
or...

     WESLEY (downcast)
Or the FARADAY was destroyed.

     DATA
That is the only other possible 
explanation.

The camera pans around the room as the crew absorb this information. As 
before, Wesley bears an expression of extreme concern.

     PICARD
We'll be at the Neutral Zone boundary in 
twelve hours. We'll reconvene then, 
meeting adjourned.

The crew leave except for Picard and Riker. Picard wanders over to look 
out of the window, when Riker joins him.

     RIKER
What do you think happened out there, 
sir?

     PICARD
You know me better than that, Number 
One.

     RIKER (grins)
I suppose so.
(pauses)
You're worried though.

     PICARD
Perhaps you know me too well, Will. Yes, 
I am worried. I know we don't know much 
about the Romulans, but everything we've 
discovered about them tells us that they 
never act without a reason. The 
senseless destruction of a virtually 
defenceless science vessel just doesn't 
fit their pattern.

     RIKER
A show of force, perhaps.

     PICARD
Hardly an effective one, though. The 
FARADAY can't have been much of a 
challenge to them.

     RIKER
Effective enough to get the Federation 
flagship despatched to investigate.

Picard looks at Riker with an extremely serious expression.


EXTERIOR SHOT.
Starbase 101. The camera zooms in, and we fade to...


MCKENZIE'S OFFICE.

McKenzie is sitting at his desk, talking into the alien communicator.

     MCKENZIE (sadly)
The ENTERPRISE should be out of scanning 
range by now.

     VOICE (voice over)
Excellent. You know what to do...

     MCKENZIE (shouts)
No! It's monstrous, you can't ask me to 
do it!

     VOICE
You must.

There is a high pitched buzzing sound. The camera cuts to a view of the 
back of McKenzie's neck. Grafted into the skin is a tiny piece of 
electronic equipment, obviously a control implement of some sort. As the 
buzzing sound starts a red light on the implant glows fiercely. The 
affect on McKenzie is immediate. His shoulders slump, and his face 
assumes a docile expression. He sits in his chair. The noise ceases.

     MCKENZIE (calmly)
I apologise for my outburst, sir.

     VOICE
Prepare to execute.

McKenzie picks up a small control device of the same alien design from 
the desk before him. He flicks a couple of switches on the device, and a 
button glows red. His thumb hovers over it.

     MCKENZIE
I'm ready.

     VOICE
Now.

McKenzie pushes the button. A shrill beep sounds. Cut to...


STARBASE ENGINEERING.

We focus on a piece of equipment resembling the warp generator on the 
ENTERPRISE. Zooming in, we see a similar alien device to McKenzie's 
affixed to the underside. A flashing green light on it turns to a steady 
red suddenly, and we pull back rapidly as the engineering section 
explodes.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

Starbase 101 explodes. The sense of destruction should be as impressive 
as possible.A shuttle docked at the base attempts to escape, but is 
caught as a second wave of explosions erupts amongst the debris. As the 
debris is flung outwards in all directions we see a sign reading 
"Starbase 101 - Starfleet Academy campus 4" fly past. Finally, the 
matter/antimatter core of the starbase explodes with a deafening thud, 
and the screen turns white. Fade to black...



-----------------------------------------------------------------

                          END OF PART III

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's the third section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part should go out on Monday, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/


Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part IV]
Message-ID: <CArLGM.2qy@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1993 09:09:58 GMT
Lines: 613


Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART IV

-----------------------------------------------------------------


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE flies by at high warp speed.


WESLEY'S QUARTERS.

Wesley is lying on his bed, with the lights dimmed, turning the pages of 
an old book. The door chime sounds. Wesley looks up, obviously very 
upset.

     WESLEY (unsteadily)
Come.

The door slides open, to reveal Deanna. Wesley sits up.

     DEANNA (gently)
May I come in, Wesley?

     WESLEY
Sure. 

Deanna steps through the door, which closes behind her, and sits next to 
Wesley

     DEANNA
Wesley, I don't want you to feel that 
I'm spying on your thoughts, but I 
sensed you were very distressed during 
the briefing earlier.

     WESLEY (slowly, sad)
Yeah, I guess so.

     DEANNA
I can feel you are very upset about 
something. Something to do with this 
mission.

     WESLEY
Did the captain notice, ma'am?

     DEANNA
I think he has enough on his mind 
already. Wesley, I am here as your 
friend, and if neccessary as your 
counsellor, not as your superior 
officer. I have no doubts about your 
ability to fulfill your duties, I just 
want to help you if I can.

     WESLEY (relaxing)
Thanks, Deanna. I could do with someone 
to talk to. Mom's got enough on her 
plate in sickbay without worrying about 
me.

     DEANNA
And you feel as a StarFleet Officer 
you're a little too old to run to your 
mother every time you have a problem?

     WESLEY (grinning)
Perhaps.

     DEANNA
So what's on your mind?

     WESLEY (serious again)
Oliana - my girlfriend - is - was - on 
the FARADAY.

     DEANNA
Oh Wesley, I'm sorry. I can't tell you 
they're all right out there, as you know 
it is more than possible that the 
FARADAY has been destroyed, or that the 
crew perished during the attack.

Wesley shudders, and closes his eyes.

     DEANNA
But, on the other hand... Ambassador 
Spock, a man I respect very much once 
told me that he believes there are 
always... possibilities. You cannot 
afford to give up hope, Wesley. You owe 
that to the captain, to Oliana and to 
yourself.

     WESLEY
I guess you're right. It's just not 
knowing. I can't feel angry, or upset or 
relieved or anything...

     DEANNA (sympathetic)
I know, Wesley. Every time I see Will... 
(their eyes meet, and she smiles) 
Commander Riker or any of you go down on 
an Away Team I feel the same way. 
StarFleet asks that of its officers and 
those who care for them.

     WESLEY
Thanks, Deanna.

     DEANNA
Try and get some sleep, Wesley. If you 
need me, you know where to find me.

     WESLEY
Goodnight, Counsellor.

Deanna leaves Wesley's room, and the camera follows her into the 
turbolift. She closes her eyes and leans against the back of the car as 
the doors close. After a few moments she opens her eyes, and shrugs her 
shoulders to suggest "pulling herself together".

     DEANNA
Computer, locate Commander Riker.

     COMPUTER (voice over)
Commander Riker is in Ten-Forward.

     DEANNA
Ten-Forward.

The lift starts to move.


SAILING SHIP.

A large seventeenth century sailing vessel on the high seas. It is a 
fine day, with a good wind, and the ship is moving along at a good rate. 
We pan around the vessel, taking in a collection of shabbily-dressed men 
doing various nautical things to the sails. A couple of well-dressed 
officers are standing on the bridge, and as we focus on the man steering 
the ship it becomes apparent that it is Picard, in period costume. His 
First Officer is a tall, bearded man, resembling Riker and yet subtly 
different.

     PICARD
Ah, this is the life, the open seas, eh 
Number One?

     FIRST OFFICER
It certainly is, sir.

     PICARD
The crew has done well today, Number 
One. Have the Quartermaster break out a 
ration of rum.

     FIRST OFFICER
Aye, aye, sir! The men will be well 
pleased.

     PICARD
Jolly good.

The First Officer moves off to give his orders, and see a section of the 
main sail be replaced with a door, which slides open. Through the door a 
section of ENTERPRISE corridor is visible. Dr. Crusher, still wearing 
her StarFleet uniform steps through the door, which closes and vanished, 
replaced by the sail once more. She looks around the scene, and having 
located Captain Picard goes to join him.

     PICARD
I'm glad you could join me, Beverly.

     BEVERLY
Me too, Jean-Luc. It's marvelous here.

     PICARD
Yes, it is. I often come here before... 
(his voice fades)

     BEVERLY
Before going into battle?

     PICARD
Yes, I suppose so.

     BEVERLY
Then, you do believe the Romulans 
attacked the FARADAY?

     PICARD
To be honest, I don't know. We've all 
lost sight of the possibility it was 
just some technical problem, but...

     BEVERLY
But it doesn't feel like that. I know, 
Jean-Luc, we doctors get intuition too.

     PICARD (more lightly)
How is Wesley coping with all this?

     BEVERLY
Better than I expected.

     PICARD
Indeed?

     BEVERLY
This mission is very difficult for him, 
Jean-Luc.

     PICARD
How so? He's been in situations at least 
as dangerous than this before.

A bell rings, and the captain spins the wheel rapidly.

     BEVERLY
He has a *very* close friend on the 
FARADAY.

     PICARD
I had no idea. Please, express my 
sympathy to him.

     BEVERLY
I don't think he'd appreciate me telling 
you, *Captain*.

     PICARD
Noted, *Doctor*.
(breathes in deeply)
You know, Beverly, sometimes I think 
this is the sort of ship I should have 
commanded.

     BEVERLY
It does suit you. But things were no 
easier then...

     PICARD
"All I ask is a tall ship..."

     BEVERLY
"...And a star to steer her by".

     PICARD
I'm impressed, Doctor. Computer, advance 
time twelve hours.

There is a small beep, and the holodeck computer adjusts the scene. It 
is now a clear, but moonless night, and the scene is lit only by the 
stars.

     BEVERLY
"Straight on till morning", Jean-Luc?

     PICARD
Perhaps, Beverly.

We pull back to see the ship sailing into the distance, the bridge 
illuminated by a single lantern. Fade to black. Fade up to..


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE flies by at high warp speed.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in command chair, Riker and Deanna on either side.
Data at Ops, Wesley at Helm, Worf at tactical.

     DATA
We are approaching the Romulan Neutral 
Zone, captain.

     PICARD
Full stop, Mister Crusher.

     WESLEY (manipulates console)
Answering full stop, sir.

The viewscreen shows the ENTERPRISE dropping out of warp drive.

     PICARD
Commence scanning, please Mister Worf.

     WORF
Aye sir. There is a starship in the 
vicinity, captain. It is not 
transmitting a locator beacon signal, 
and I read no energy sources on board.

     PICARD
Mister Data?

     DATA
It matches the configuration of the 
FARADAY, captain. I am, however reading 
no life signs on board.

Wesley looks crestfallen.

     WORF
Captain, my sensors show that the 
FARADAY is now well within the Neutral 
Zone.

     RIKER
Sir, a scientific vessel like the 
FARADAY shouldn't have breached the 
Neutral Zone boundary under any 
circumstances, and although Omecron-
Delta 4 is close to the Zone, there's no 
way they could have drifted in, or 
stumbled in by mistake.

     PICARD
Curiouser and curiouser, Number One. 
Mister Crusher, bring us to the nearest 
point to the FARADAY on this side of the 
Neutral Zone boundary.

     WESLEY (slowly)
Aye sir, course laid in.

     PICARD
Full impulse, engage
(makes usual gesture).


EXTERIOR VIEW.

The ENTERPRISE executes a turn to port, and proceeds for several seconds 
at full impulse before coming to a halt.


CONFERENCE ROOM.

Picard is alone in the room, sitting in front of a terminal. He touches 
a button on the control panel.

     PICARD
Captain's Log, stardate 46002 point 1. 
The ENTERPRISE has arrived at the border 
of the Neutral Zone, and we have the 
FARADAY in scanning range. We have 
ascertained that it is adrift in space, 
powerless and lifeless. We have 
discovered that the FARADAY is now 
within the Neutral Zone, and we believe 
that it travelled there under its own 
power, although we cannot be certain of 
that. I have called a meeting of my 
senior staff to discuss entering the 
Neutral Zone and boarding the ship in 
search of more clues as to what befell 
it, although I fear all we shall find is 
a collection of corpses.

The doors open, and Riker, LaForge, Data, Worf, Wesley and Deanna enter.

     PICARD
Sit down, please.

They sit around the table.

     PICARD
I think I ought to tell you I have just 
received a message from Admiral Lloyd at 
StarFleet Command. He has reviewed my 
report on recent events, and has 
authorised the ENTERPRISE to enter the 
Neutral Zone, and board the FARADAY at 
my discretion. The purpose of this 
meeting is not to speculate as to the 
fate of the FARADAY and her crew, but to 
discuss possible strategies. Opinions?

     RIKER
Only one, captain. We should send an 
Away Team onto the FARADAY and find out 
what happened out there.

     DEANNA
The problem with that strategy is that 
should the cause of the FARADAY's 
distress be found not to be Romulan 
Attack, our actions will be interpretted 
as extremely aggressive by the Romulans.

     RIKER
Counsellor, even the Romulans would 
understand us wanting to investigate the 
near-destruction of one of our vessels.

     DEANNA
But surely we can do that at long range 
with our sensors?

     DATA
Whilst it is true that we can perform a 
limited investigation from this 
position, I suspect the answers we 
require lie within the data banks of the 
FARADAY's main computer. Until that is 
back on line our options are limited.

     WESLEY (hesitatingly)
Captain?

     PICARD
Yes, Mister Crusher?

     WESLEY
Cadet Oliana Mirren, a... close 
friend... of mine was on board the 
FARADAY.

The bridge crew display varying expressions of sympathy, and start to 
murmur consolations. Picard raises a hand.

     PICARD
Please. Go on, Mister Crusher.

     WESLEY
We were in regular communication until a 
few days ago sir, but in her last few 
messages she seemed to be worried about 
something. She said she was probably 
overreacting, but there seemed to be a 
strange atmosphere on board, as if 
something was wrong but everyone was 
trying to ignore it.

     PICARD
That could be very valuable information, 
thank you. And... I know how difficult 
this is for you, Wesley.

     DEANNA
I still don't understand what the 
FARADAY was doing inside the Neutral 
Zone. She's supposed to be a science 
vessel, isn't she?

     PICARD
Admiral Lloyd told me she was monitoring 
the plague on Omecron-Delta 4.

     LAFORGE
Well, Omecron-Delta 4 is near the Zone 
boundary, but it's still Federation 
space. I still don't get it.

     DATA
Computer, access the mission schematics 
for the USS FARADAY.

     COMPUTER (voice over)
Authorisation is required for that 
information.

Wesley and LaForge exchange looks to suggest that this requirement is 
unusual.

     DATA
This is Lieutenant Commander Data.

     COMPUTER
Request denied. You do not have the 
necessary security clearance to access 
the requested information.

     RIKER
That's damn unusual. Why would a medical 
science vessel's mission schematics be 
restricted?

     PICARD (firmly)
Computer, this is Captain Jean-Luc 
Picard, USS FARADAY rescue mission 
commander, access code theta-sixteen-
hotel-oscar-lima-mike-echo-sierra. 
Access USS FARADAY mission schematics.

     COMPUTER
Accessing.
(there is a pause, followed by a beep). 
The USS FARADAY is currently assigned to 
Central StarFleet Intelligence. It's 
mission is to patrol the Romulan Neutral 
Zone, monitoring Romulan movements 
within the Zone, and to gather 
information regarding the development of 
the Romulan cloaking shield and other 
tactical devices. It has a crew 
complement of 35, commanded by Captain 
Rachael Chattle. The FARADAY has a 
maximum warp capability of warp...

     PICARD
Enough, Computer. Well, people that 
changes the situation somewhat.

     DATA
Captain, if the FARADAY was indeed 
following that mission, StarFleet and 
the entire United Federation of Planets 
is in very serious breach of the Neutral 
Zone Treaty.

     RIKER
I just can't believe that StarFleet 
would operate like that.

     PICARD
The evidence does seem somewhat 
overwhelming, Number One.

     RIKER
I suppose so. I still think we should go 
in though.

     DEANNA
Even with the possiblity that the 
FARADAY provoked whatever fate befell 
it?

     RIKER
I served with Rachael Chattle on the 
HOOD. She never struck me as 
Intelligence material.

     PICARD
StarFleet Intelligence has a long and 
honourable tradition of selecting 
unlikely candidates, Number One.

     WORF
Captain, we cannot fulfill our mission 
without entering the Neutral Zone. The 
longer we wait on the boundary, the 
greater the chance of the Romulans 
detecting our prescence.

     PICARD
Agreed. Unless anyone has any further 
comments?

The group shake their heads one by one.

     PICARD
Then we're going in. Number One, prepare 
an away team.

Fade to black...


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                          END OF PART IV

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's this section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part will go out soon, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: StandOff [Part V]
Message-ID: <CAs06L.Bn0@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1993 14:27:56 GMT
Lines: 719

Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART V

-----------------------------------------------------------------


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE and the FARADAY in space.

     PICARD (voice over)
Captain's Log, stardate 46003 point 2. 
It is with a due sense of trepidation 
that I have ordered the ENTERPRISE to 
breach the Neutral Zone, and Commander 
Riker to board the apparently lifeless 
USS FARADAY in search of clues as to 
what befell her and her crew. I am 
understandably uneasy at the prospect of 
loitering here in the Zone with the 
possibility of Romulan involvement, but 
I am yet more concerned at the 
possibility that StarFleet Command 
itself could have been indirectly 
responsible for the loss of the 
FARADAY's crew.


TRANSPORTER ROOM.

Riker, Data, LaForge and Worf are standing on the platform, wearing 
breathing apparatus, and carrying flashlights. A young ensign stands at 
the transporter controls, and is setting the co-ordinates on the panel.

     RIKER
All right everyone, phasers on stun, and 
stay sharp.
(taps comm-badge)
Riker to bridge.

     PICARD (voice over)
Go ahead, Number One.

     RIKER
We're ready to beam onto the FARADAY now 
sir.

     PICARD
Very good, Mister Riker. Stay sharp, and 
be prepared to beam back at the first 
sign of trouble. Let's just get the 
information we need, and get out of here 
as quickly as possible, understood?

     RIKER
Aye, sir, understood.

     PICARD
Good luck, Number One.

     RIKER
Thank you, sir. Riker out. Everybody 
ready?
(the other three nod)
Okay then. Remember, there's no life 
support over there, so it's going to be 
cold, but within tolerable limits.
(to operator)
Energize.

The Transporter Operator sweeps his hand across the control panel in the 
usual manner, and the Away Team is beamed off the platform.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE and the FARADAY stationary in space.


FARADAY BRIDGE.

As before, the bridge is in total darkness. Suddenly the bridge is lit 
by the sparkling lights of the transporter effect, and the Away Team 
materialises in the space in front of the command chair. As the sparks 
die away, they activate their flashlights, and the room is lit by the 
powerful, but highly directional beams of light. As the Away Team shine 
their torches around the room we see that the bridge is mostly 
undamadged, although the occasional piece of debris from a small 
explosion can be seen. All the bridge stations are powerless, and the 
main viewscreen shows no image. The bridge is deserted apart from the 
Away Team. To convey the athmosphere of intense cold, the Away Team 
should shiver and produce vapour when breathing (apart from Data, 
obviously).

     RIKER
Not exactly a tropical climate, 
gentlemen.

     LAFORGE   
You can say that again.

     RIKER (taps comm-badge)
Riker to ENTERPRISE.

     PICARD (voice over)
Go ahead, Number One.

     RIKER
We're down safe, sir. The sensor 
readings we took seem pretty accurate. 
The bridge is deserted and powerless. 
There seems to be some minor damage to 
some of the panels.

     PICARD
What about the crew, Mister Riker?

     RIKER
No sign of anyone, alive or dead up here 
sir. Mister Data

     DATA (manipulates tricorder)
I am reading no significant quantities 
of organic matter, living or otherwise 
except for the members of the Away 
Team...
(pauses)
That is odd...


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in command chair
Deanna next to Picard.
Wesley at Helm.
O'Brien at Ops.
Lieutenant Murdoch at Tactical.

     PICARD (sharply)
What's that, Mister Data?

     DATA (voice over)
There would appear to be a small power 
source operating on the bridge.

     PICARD
Why didn't our sensors detect it?


FARADAY BRIDGE.

     DATA
It would appear to be a small personal 
data unit, and its emissions would not 
carry beyond the hull of the ship.

     PICARD (voice over)
Can you locate it?

Data sweeps his tricorder around the room. It emits a steadily rising 
tone until Data has located a small Starfleet Gadget(TM) lodged 
underneath one of the consoles.

     DATA
It is still active, Captain. I would 
suggest you beam it aboard the 
ENTERPRISE and carry out a detailed 
analysis of its contents.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     O'BRIEN
I have the coordinates of the object 
from Mister Data's tricorder, sir.

     PICARD
Very good, transfer them to the 
Transporter Room and have them bring it 
aboard.

     O'BRIEN
Aye, sir.


FARADAY BRIDGE.

The data unit is beamed off the bridge. Geordi has removed one of the 
front control panels, and is poking around the revealed circuitry with 
his tricorder.

     PICARD (voice over)
What progress, Number One?

     RIKER
Geordi?

     LAFORGE
Well sir, both warp and impulse power 
generators are off-line, and the 
batteries have been completely drained.

     PICARD
Probable cause?

     LAFORGE
Well, we have encountered energy-
draining weapons before, and it's not 
impossible that the Romulans could have 
developed one, or more likely stolen 
someone else's, there are technical 
problems that could cause this, although 
there are so many safeguards in the 
system that should eliminate most of 
those possibilities.

     PICARD
Nor would that explain the disappearance 
of the crew.

     RIKER
It seems pretty safe over here, sir. I 
reccommend we beam over a couple of 
heating units and an engineering team 
with some power supplies.

     PICARD
Try to bring the FARADAY's computer back 
on line on remote power, you mean?

     RIKER
It's the only way we're going to get the 
answers we need, sir.

     PICARD
I'll get engineering onto it, Number...

Picard's voice is cut off by static, and with a beep the communicator 
shuts down.

     DATA (hits comm-badge)
Data to ENTERPRISE, come in please... 
Data to ENTERPRISE, come in please.

The Away Team exchange worried glances.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard stands, and turns to face the Tactical Officer.

     PICARD
Miss Murdoch, what happened?

     MURDOCH
The transmission is being jammed at the 
source, Captain.

     PICARD (shouts)
Transporter Room, get them back!

     O'BRIEN
We've lost our lock on them, Captain. 
The FARADAY seems to be locked in some 
sort of tractor beam.

     PICARD (disbelievingly)
What?!

A buzzer sounds, and we see an area of space on the viewscreen distort 
and reveal...

     MURDOCH
Romulan War Bird uncloaking at 235 mark 
87, sir.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

A Romulan War Bird hovers above the FARADAY, with the ENTERPRISE facing 
them.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     PICARD
Shields and deflectors up, go to red 
alert!

Lieutenant Murdoch activates Red Alert. The bridge lighting changes, and 
we hear the shields charging up.

     PICARD
Away Team status, Mister O'Brien?

     O'BRIEN
We still can't scan the interior of the 
FARADAY, sir. Communications with the 
Away Team are still out.

     PICARD (softly)
Damn.


FARADAY BRIDGE.

The Away Team are continuing to attempt to contact the ENTERPRISE. 
Suddenly there is a green glow about the room, and six Romulan soldiers 
beam onto the ship in various positions about the bridge.

     RIKER (shouts)
Everybody down!

The Away Team dive to the ground as the Romulans open fire. LaForge and 
Riker are hit almost instantly, but Data manages to score three hits on 
the Romulans, stunning them. Worf stuns one of them, and leaps at the 
one of the two remaining officers.

     DATA
Lieutenant, behind you!

Worf knocks out the Romulan he was wrestling with, but as he turns to 
face the other he is hit by the Romulan's disruptor. Data rapidly brings 
his weapon to bear on the last remaining Romulan, and such is the speed 
of his reactions we believe he will succeed in his attack, but before he 
can fire the entire group is bathed in the Romulan transporter effect, 
and they disappear.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard is pacing in the area in front of the viewscreen.

     PICARD
Hailing frequencies please, Miss 
Murdoch.

     MURDOCH
Open, sir.

     PICARD
Romulan vessel, this is Captain Jean-Luc 
Picard of the Starship ENTERPRISE, 
representing the United Federation of 
Planets.

     MURDOCH
No response, sir.

     PICARD (sternly)
Romulan vessel, I must insist you 
release your grip on the other StarFleet 
vessel immediately, and...

The War Bird on the viewscreen disappears.

     MURDOCH
The tractor beam on the FARADAY has been 
deactivated sir.

     PICARD
Beam the Away Team up immediately.

     O'BRIEN
Sir, they're no longer on board the 
FARADAY.

     WESLEY
I'm picking up a faint trace of the 
Romulan vessel's manouevering jets, sir.

     PICARD
Can you pinpoint their position?

     WESLEY
I'm afraid not, sir.

     PICARD
Lieutenant Murdoch, get me StarFleet 
Command. I need some options, people.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

This is a typically moodily-lit Romulan bridge. The captain, Tavari sits 
in the command chair, his first officer stands a couple of steps behind 
him. A collection of Romulans sit at the various control stations, and 
soldiers guard the entrances.

     TAVARI
Status report.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
We have beamed the Federation Away Team 
to the brig, sir. Three of them were 
stunned, the fourth an android is 
conscious, but has made no move to 
escape.

     TAVARI
I want to see them.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER 
By your command.

Tavari and his 1st Officer leave the bridge. Two Security Officers 
salute them as they pass.


ROMULAN BRIG. 

The glow of a forcefield covers the door, and two Security Officers 
stand guard outside. Riker, Worf and Geordi are regaining consciousness, 
whilst Data stands over them with a tricorder. Tavari and his 1st 
Officer arrive, with their disruptors drawn.

     TAVARI
You will place all weapons and 
instruments in the box by the door 
immediately, or I shall remove the 
oxygen from this compartment.

     RIKER (groggily)
I am Commander William T. Riker of the 
Federation Starship ENTERPRISE. You will 
release us immediately, or face the 
consequences.

     TAVARI
Very amusing, Commander Riker. Please 
comply with my request, it will save so 
much unpleasantness.

     RIKER
(hits comm-badge) Riker to ENTERPRISE, 
come in.

The comm-badge beeps, but there is no response.

     TAVARI
Hear me now. You are prisoners of the 
Romulan Empire. You will be conducted 
back to Romulus, where you will be 
excecuted as war criminals.

     RIKER
War criminals, what are you talking 
about?

     TAVARI
The matter is not under discussion, 
Commander. Now please, the weapons and 
your instruments.

The Away Team exchange looks, and at a nod from Riker place their 
phasers, tricorders, flashlights and breathing tubes in a large silver 
box in front of the door force field.

     TAVARI
Your communicators also.

     RIKER (softly)
Damn!

The Away Team remove their comm-badges and reluctantly place them in the 
box.

     TAVARI
Close the lid, then get over by the 
other wall.

Riker closes the lid, and they all back away. Tavari nods at the 
Security Officer nearest him, who enters a code on a keypad next to the 
door, deactivating the force field. Keeping the Away Team covered with 
their disruptors, the Romulans remove the box.

     TAVARI
Clear?

The Romulan 1st Officer sweeps a tricorder-like device around the room.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
All clear, sir. There are no concealed 
weapons, communications or other devices 
on the prisoners.

     TAVARI
Excellent.
(gestures to a Security Officer who 
reactivates the force field).
I'll be on the bridge. Shoot them at the 
first sign of an escape attempt.

Tavari walks off briskly, followed by his 1st Officer. The Away Team 
exchange anxious glances.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE and the FARADAY stationary in space. The camera moves 
slowly between the two vessels, emphasising the absence of the cloaked 
Romulan War Bird.


CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM.

Picard is sitting at his desk, talking to into his computer terminal.

     PICARD
Captain's Personal Log, stardate 46005 
point 2. It is now six hours since the 
Romulans took my Away Team from the 
FARADAY. I have sent no further teams, I 
will not endanger my people again to 
satisy StarFleet's curiosity. For the 
past six hours, we have maintained our 
position within the zone... A Stand-Off 
with the one or more Romulan vessels I 
believe to be out there, hiding behind 
their cloaking shields. The Romulans 
have refused all attempts at 
communication, and Admiral Lloyd at 
StarFleet Command has ordered us to 
maintan this position at all costs. I 
detest this high security protocol that 
hampers my every movement, for whilst I 
am mindful of the delicacy of the 
situation I believe a solution could be 
found more quickly were it not for these 
infernal communication restrictions...

The door buzzer sounds.

     PICARD
Come.

The door opens, and Wesley and O'Brien enter.

     PICARD
Please, sit down gentlemen.

     WESLEY
We've analysed the data unit we brought 
up from the FARADAY, sir.

     PICARD
And?

     O'BRIEN
It appears to be assigned to a Cadet 
Saalin, a Vulcan. It's mostly her 
theoretical research into the Omecron-
Delta 4 plague, but it does contain a 
personal log entry.

     PICARD
Let me hear it.

Wesley turns the computer console around to face him, and types a rapid 
series of instructions on the control panel. A young, female and 
unmistakably vulcan voice begins to speak.

     SAALIN (voice over)
Personal Log, Cadet Saalin, stardate 
45996 point three. I am increasingly 
worried about this mission, as are 
several others on board, including my 
colleague from the Academy, Oliana 
Mirren. It has become apparent that we 
are not intending to carry out our 
mission on Omecron-Delta 4, and 
navigational control has been passed to 
the Captain, apparently by executive 
order of StarFleet Command. There is a 
suspicion growing on the ship that 
Captain Chattle has taken the FARADAY 
into the Neutral Zone, although whilst 
navigational systems remain accessible 
solely to the Captain it is impossible 
to verify this. A more worrying 
development is the sudden power failure 
that has struck the vessel. We have 
already lost warp and impulse systems, 
and unless we can locate the source of 
the power drain we will be without life 
support in a matter of a few days. 
Oliana and I believe that saboutage is 
responsible for our predicament, 
although perpetrated by whom, and for 
what reason I am unable to ascertain at 
this time.

Picard looks up, ashen faced. It is apparent that he is finding the 
suggestion that StarFleet has acted illegally difficult to accept.

     PICARD
It looks bad, doesn't it gentlemen?

     O'BRIEN
Aye, it does that sir.

     WESLEY
Sir, we've been running a through 
strategies through the tactical 
computers with Lieutenant Murdoch, and 
we think we have a workable plan.

     PICARD
Go ahead, Ensign.

     WESLEY
Well, sir. The analysis of the Romulan's 
actions so far suggests that they are 
using an older version of the cloaking 
device, that will require them to drop 
their shields for a short period after 
decloaking.

     PICARD
Your point, gentlemen?

     O'BRIEN
Well, if we can trick them into 
decloaking we can beam a team onto the 
War Bird to locating Commander Riker and 
company, and the crew of the FARADAY, 
assuming they're still alive.

     PICARD
And then we beam everyone back when the 
Romulans drop their shields in 
preparation for recloaking.

     O'BRIEN
Exactly, sir.

     PICARD
How do we get them to decloak, though?

     WESLEY
We thought if we deliberately set up a 
closed circuit to overload, and dropped 
the shields at the same time, the 
Romulans would assume an engineering 
accident and....

     PICARD
Drop their cloak to attack us...

     WESLEY (nervously)
Allowing me to beam aboard their ship.

     PICARD (sharply)
Absolutely out of the question.

     WESLEY
Sir, it has to be someone with 
engineering experience, and I've taken 
security training at the Academy.

     O'BRIEN
And sir... there's no-one else we can 
spare.

There is a very long pause.

     PICARD (reluctantly)
Prepare a minimal away team, Mister Crusher. 

Fade to black...


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                          END OF PART V

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's this section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part will go out soon, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part VI]
Message-ID: <CAv78w.1Jy@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1993 07:53:19 GMT
Lines: 553

Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART VI

-----------------------------------------------------------------


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     PICARD (to comms)
Transporter Room, prepare to energize on 
my mark. Are you ready, Mister Crusher?

     WESLEY (voice over)
Aye sir.

     PICARD
Then good luck, Mister Crusher... and no 
unneccesary heroics, you understand? 
Your mother would never forgive me. Just 
beam in, take your readings, and beam 
out. We'll maintain radio silence until 
you're ready to beam up.

     WESLEY
Understood sir.


TRANSPORTER ROOM.

Wesley and two security officers are standing on the platform, a fourth 
officer stands at the controls. Wesley carries an adapted tricorder in 
his hand.

     WESLEY
Set phasers to stun, and stay sharp.
     (to Transporter Operator)
Try and put us down in one of the 
engineering maintanance areas, there 
shouldn't be anyone around.

     TRANSPORTER OPERATOR
I'll try.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Beverly enters from turbolift, and sits down beside Picard.

     PICARD
Lieutenant Murdoch, phase the shields 
out slowly, now... Engineering, engage.

Jan Murdoch touches a control, and the shield sound wavers and 
fades away. The officer standing at the engineering station pushes a 
probe into a circuit panel, causing the bridge lights to dim 
temporarily.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

     ROMULAN OFFICER
Commander, the Federation vessel's 
shields have gone down.

     TAVARI
Analyse.

     ROMULAN OFFICER
Our instruments indicate a power surge.

     TAVARI    
We must use seize the opportunity to 
raise the stakes a little. Cloaking 
device off, close for attack!


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE is floating in space, with a small planet in the 
distance. The Romulan ship appears.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     DEANNA
Romulan War Bird, Captain.

     PICARD (stands)
Transporter Room, energize!


TRANSPORTER ROOM.

     TRANSPORTER OFFICER
They've changed course. I'm re-
establishing the lock now.

     PICARD (voice over)
Hurry...

     TRANSPORTER OFFICER
Any second now...


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     O'BRIEN
Romulan vessel is locking on disruptors, 
sir.

     PICARD (shouts)
Transporter room, energize!


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

     TAVARI
Fire.


TRANSPORTER ROOM.

Away Team Two is beamed off the transporter platform.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     O'BRIEN
They're firing.

     PICARD
Raise shields, now!

     MURDOCH (panics)
I can't sir, the transporter's 
operating.

     PICARD
Get those shields...


EXTERIOR SHOT

The Romulan War Bird fires two sets of disruptors simultaneously, 
hitting both the saucer, and the stardrive sections of the hull.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

The bridge shakes and explodes a bit. The red emergency lighting comes 
on.

     PICARD
Damage report.

     O'BRIEN
Shields and phasers inoperative. We 
still have full warp and impulse 
capability.

     PICARD
Beam the Away Team back.

     O'BRIEN
I can't, sir. The transporters are out. 
(Beverly groans)

     PICARD
Miss Murdoch, lock on  photon torpedos, 
prepare to return fire.

     BEVERLY (outraged)
Sir, Wesley is over there!

     PICARD
Doctor, with their shields, he's 
probably safer than we are.

     DEANNA
They're coming round for another attack.

     PICARD
Lieutenant Murdoch...

     BEVERLY
Jean-Luc...

     PICARD
Fire.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE fires on the War Bird, which is closing for another 
attack. Two of three photon torpedoes miss, one clips a wing, but is 
easily deflected by the Romulan shields. The Romulan ships fires its 
disruptors again, only managing a single shot on this approach.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

The bridge is in severe disarray. Picard is thrown against a wall, part 
of which explodes, and he falls to the ground. Beverly runs to him.

     DEANNA
(presses control on helm - hailing 
signal sounds)
Attention all hands. This is Lieutenant 
Commander Troi, assuming command.

Deanna moves to the command chair, and sits down. Her place at Helm is 
taken by a young ensign.

     MURDOCH
Ma'am, we're being hailed by the Romulan 
vessel.

     DEANNA
On screen.

Tavari appears on the viewscreen.

     TAVARI 
ENTERPRISE, we call on you to surrender 
immediately in order to prevent further 
bloodshed. You are in violation of 
Neutral Zone Treaty, and we will destroy 
you if you fail to comply at once.

Deanna makes the "throat-cutting" gesture, and the sound of the Romulan 
transmission is suspended, although Tavari remains visible on the 
screen.

     MURDOCH
Muted, ma'am.

     DEANNA (takes a deep breath)
We can't surrender.

     O'BRIEN
We can hardly fight.

     BEVERLY
Deanna, my son is over there, we can't 
leave him.

     DEANNA
Beverly, if we surrender to the 
Romulans, we shall not be able to help 
Wesley. The Romulans are counting on us 
refusing to leave Will and the others, 
they have taken care to damage only our 
offensive weapons systems. Wesley is 
resourceful, and the Romulan ship is 
large, and mostly unpopulated.

     O'BRIEN
They're closing again. There's no way we 
can survive another full attack, no 
matter how careful they are where they 
direct their shots.

     COMPUTER (voice over)
Warning, hull integrity threatened. 
Warning, hull integrity threatened.

     DEANNA
Cut communications, prepare for maximum 
warp.

Tavari is replaced on the screen by a picture of the Romulan War Bird 
closing to attack.

     DEANNA
Ensign, warp nine, any heading. Engage.

On the viewscreen, the Romulan disruptors glow, and the War Bird 
disappears as the ENTERPRISE's warp drive activates. For a short time, 
no-one speaks, watching the starfield on the viewscreen. Suddenly, a 
buzzer sounds.

     O'BRIEN
Incoming photon torpedo, ma'am.

     DEANNA
Evasive action...

     O'BRIEN
Too late, ma'am.

     DEANNA
Brace yourselves, everybody.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE is struck from the rear by the photon torpedo, and drops 
out of warp drive.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

The  bridge is in severe disarray.

     HELM ENSIGN
We have lost warp drive, ma'am.

     O'BRIEN
No sign of Romulan pursuit, ma'am.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
The Federation vessel has lost light 
speed capability, sir.

     TAVARI
An interesting encounter. I did not 
expect them to abandon their colleagues.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Shall we pursue, sir? We can easily 
overpower their vessel.

     TAVARI
No. They will return, when they can. The 
purpose of this exercise is observation, 
not destruction. We have learnt much 
from this, valuable information for our 
strategists. We shall allow them to make 
the next move.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

The emergency lighting has gone off, replaced by the normal bridge 
lighting. The status panels still show red alert, but the emergency 
siren has been deactivated. Picard sits in the command chair, with 
Beverly attending to a cut on his face. Picard taps his comm-badge.

     PICARD
Picard to engineering.

     BARTLETT (voice over)
Lieutenant David Bartlett here, sir.

     PICARD
Damage report.

     BARTLETT
It's not as bad as it seems, Captain. 
Most of our systems weren't damaged, 
only the connections. It's almost as if 
the Romulans were trying not to damage 
us to much.

     PICARD
How long before we can re-engage the 
warp drive?

     BARTLETT
I estimate three to four hours, sir. 
There really isn't too much to do. 
However, phasers and shields were 
heavilly hit. It'll be at least twelve 
hours before they're fully operational. 
We may have a few minutes of shield 
power in six hours.

Beverly nudges Picard, and mouths the word "Wesley"
Picard nods.

     PICARD
What about transporters?

     BARTLETT
We were lucky there. The first attack 
knocked out the interface to the main 
computer, apart from that, there was no 
damage. We should have full transporter 
capability around the same time as the 
warp engines come back on-line.

     PICARD
Keep me aprised, bridge out. Commander 
Troi, reduce to quarter impulse power. 
Let's let them think we're a little more 
impotent than we really are.

     BEVERLY (shocked)
Sir!

     PICARD (firmly)
Doctor, I appreciate your concern, but 
we'll be no help to Wesley if we return 
now. At the very least we need warp 
drive before we re-engage.

     BEVERLY
Anything could have happened to him over 
there. You should never have let him go. 
He's only a...

     PICARD (interrupting)
Junior officer? Doctor Crusher, your son 
is a Starfleet officer under my command. 
He is doing is duty, and you must 
remember that he volunteered for this 
mission.

     BEVERLY
But...

     PICARD (gently)
Doctor, I give you my word I will not 
abandon any of my people. We had to 
withdraw, or be destroyed.

     BEVERLY
I know. I'm sorry, sir. I'm so worried 
about him, and Will and Geordi.

     PICARD
This is the life they have chosen to 
lead.

     BEVERLY
It all seems so unnecessary, why did 
Starfleet send us out here if they knew 
what the FARADAY's mission was? Why 
couldn't they delay, send a heavy 
cruiser?

     DEANNA
Captain, I agree with Beverly. I find it 
hard to believe that Starfleet Command 
despatched us into so effective a trap.

     PICARD
I agree the whole business know seems 
highly irregular, but our current 
priority is to rescue the Away Teams...

     BEVERLY (absently)
Irregular, that's what Wesley said.

     PICARD (sharply)
What? Doctor Crusher, please elaborate.

     BEVERLY
I don't know the details, but Wesley 
said something about the documentation 
for this rescue mission sent to Starbase 
101 being incomplete.

The bridge crew exchange meaningful glances as they consider the 
evidence

     DEANNA
Captain, I am beginning to think that we 
should consider the possibility that...

     PICARD
We've been set up. I should have 
realised hours ago. No wonder the 
Romulans stayed by the FARADAY, they 
knew we were coming.
     (pauses)
Someone in Starfleet Command told them
we were coming, pulled strings to get
an undermanned ship sent here.

     O'BRIEN
Captain, permission to leave the bridge. 
I may be able to help the engineers with 
the transporters.

     PICARD
Granted.
     (taps comm-badge)
Replacement ops officer to the bridge. 
     (pauses)
Engineering, you have my permission to 
pull any off-duty personnel you need. 
The Away Teams are counting on us, we 
need shields and warp engines soon.

     BARTLETT (voice over)
Aye sir, we're working on it.

O'Brien leaves his seat as a young ensign enters from the turbolift.
Seeing the distress on Beverly's face, Picard puts a hand on her 
shoulder.

     PICARD
Doctor, they'll be alright. I wouldn't 
have let Wesley go if I didn't have 
complete confidence in his abilities.

     BEVERLY
I hope you're right, Jean-Luc.
     (stands, and walks to the main 
     viewscreen)
I hope you're right.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                         END OF PART VI

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's this section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part will go out soon, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part VII]
Message-ID: <CAvu7z.JwL@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1993 16:09:34 GMT
Lines: 701

Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                            PART VII

-----------------------------------------------------------------


ROMULAN CARGO HOLD

The hold is large, and sparse. A few containers are stacked in the 
centre of the room, and there is a single, closed metal door in one of 
the four walls. The room is dimly lit, with none of the furnishings or 
comforts of the ENTERPRISE. The floors are metal grills. Wesley and his 
two security officers stand in one corner, so as not to be visible from 
the door way. Wesley is kneeling, operating the tricorder, whilst the 
security officers stand over him nervously, covering the door with their 
phasers. The security officers are non-commissioned, without any pips.

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
How much longer, sir?

     WESLEY
Just a few more minutes.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
I hope this is worth it.

     WESLEY
It will be. When this scan is complete 
we'll have a complete plan of this 
vessel, and a lock on Commander Riker 
and the others, as well as the crew of 
the FARADAY.

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
Fine, let's just get this over with, eh?

     WESLEY
Any second... now.
(folds up the tricorder)

SECURITY OFFICER 2
Great.

     WESLEY (taps comm-badge)
Crusher to ENTERPRISE, three to beam up.

Wesley pauses, but no-one replies. The Security Officers exchange 
anxious glances.

     WESLEY (to Security Officer 1)
Try yours.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
ENTERPRISE, come in. This is Away Team 
Two.

No-one answers.

     WESLEY
Great. The Romulans must have cloaked 
again.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
Or the ENTERPRISE was destroyed.

     WESLEY
Look, don't even think it. We'll just 
stay here, and keep trying. Captain 
Picard'll have us out of here in no-
time.

The door opens, and a Romulan enters, and sees Away Team Two. Hearing 
the noise, Wesley turns. The Romulan reaches for his gun, but is 
prevented by Security Officer 2, who fires first, stunning the Romulan.

     WESLEY
Now we are in trouble. We've got to get 
out of here, quickly.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
I think you could be right.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

     TAVARI
Report.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
The Federation vessel is holding a 
stationary position. They still have 
impulse power, but are choosing not to 
use it.

     TAVARI
Interesting. How are the experiments 
progressing?

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Very well indeed. The captives from the 
ENTERPRISE are providing much useful 
data. They are coping with the isolation 
better than we expected, displaying an 
admirable dedication and optimism. These 
people could provide quite a challenge 
for us.

     TAVARI
And the tests on the other group?

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Again, they exhibit surprising loyalty. 
There is a strong sense of teamwork. 
However, they have proved quite 
vulnerable to both psychological and 
physiological attack.

     TAVARI
This is excellent. High Command wants a 
full report as soon as possible,

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
It shall be done, sir.

     TAVARI
You have command, I wish to see this 
experiment for myself.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
As you command, sir.

Tavari exits, and the Romulan 1st Officer takes the command position.


ROMULAN BRIG.

Riker, Geordi, Data and Worf are searching the walls, floor and roof of 
the brig. Although all their equipment has been confiscated, with Data 
and Worf's strength, they are in the process of removing sveral of the 
panels that make up the inner layer of the wall. Beyond the panels lays 
complicated circuitry, which Geordi and Data are examining. Riker stands 
guard at the door.

     RIKER
Report.

     LAFORGE
I don't know Commander, this circuitry 
is different to anything I've ever 
worked with. It's certainly a new 
design.

     RIKER
Do you think you can get the door open, 
and the force shield down?

     LAFORGE
In time, maybe. On the other hand, I 
might blow up the ship first. In any 
case, without proper instruments it's 
going to be very slow. We might be able 
to fashion something from this lot. 
(gestures at the revealed circuitry).

     DATA
Commander, this circuitry is different 
from our own in that the whole 
electronic structure follows different 
premises at the lowest level. The design 
is very sophisticated in that the force 
shield encapsulates the area immediately 
beyond all four walls and both the floor 
and ceiling. It is as if they were 
expecting to have to contain someone 
capable of penetrating the strongest 
metals...

     LAFORGE
Unfortunately for us.

     WORF (growls)
But extremely fortunate for them.

     RIKER
Well, keep at it.

     LAFORGE
We will sir. I don't fancy spending the 
rest of my days in a Romulan jail.

     RIKER
Mister Worf, what do you think our 
chances of taking out the guards are?

     WORF (shaking head)
Not good, Commander. The Romulans who 
bring us food are armed, and work in 
pairs. It is extremely unlikely we could 
disable them both without casualties.

     RIKER (to Data)
Then I guess it's down to you and 
Geordi.

     DATA (nods grimly)
I fear so, sir.

Data turns back to the circuitry he is 
examining.


ROMULAN CORRIDOR.

Tracking shot as we follow behind Tavari, who stops at a door way, and 
presses a button by the door, causing it to open. Tavari steps through 
the door.


ROMULAN LABORATORY.

This large room is unusually brightly lit for a Romulan ship. There is 
much evident technology, and several Romulans stand around, dressed in a 
lighter, more practical version of the uniform the others wear. The 
captives from the FARADAY, now numbering around ten are involved in 
various experiments. Some of these experiments seem benign - one of the 
captives is taking a basic intelligence test, another jogs on the spot, 
monitored by a Romulan with a device like a tricorder. Another of the 
Romulans is examing one of the comm-badges, and another a Federation 
phaser. The other tests however, are more ominous. An elderly man lies 
unconcious under a glowing emmiter, tossing and turning as the waveform 
on a trace next to the bed jumps in response to the manipulations of the 
Romulan operator. Several other humans, and a yound vulcan female stand 
motionless, with blank expressions on their faces. They have glowing 
devices attached to their foreheads, which are evidently inducing the 
trance, whilst several Romulan scientists take readings, and administer 
injections. The remaining FARADAY personel are being tortured in a 
variety of ways, some are reluctantly giving information, whilst others 
(including Oliana) are not being questioned, just observed and monitored 
as the pain is administered. Tavari enters from the door, and the 
scientists nod respectfully.

     TAVARI
Are the tests going well?

     CHIEF SCIENTIST
Very well, sir. As instructed, half of 
the captives were allowed to die during 
the experimentation.

     TAVARI
And the others?

     CHIEF SCIENTIST
They are alive. The effect of their 
comrades' death was, as expected, 
devestating on their morale. Although 
interesting in many ways, this is a puny 
species.

Tavari walks over to Oliana, who is restrained on a horizontal platform. 
She is being struck from above by a phaser-like device, which inflicts 
great pain. Her expression conveys this, but also determination.

     TAVARI
Tell me about her.

     CHIEF SCIENTIST
An interesting case. She is not an 
officer, but a cadet, eighteen Earth 
years of age. The others were most 
distressed when we began testing her.

     TAVARI
Then they attach great importance to 
their young. I had read this was a 
dominant theme in their culture. It is 
interesting to see this at first hand.

     CHIEF SCIENTIST
In spite of her youth, she shows 
remarkable stamina. She has withstood 
the experimentation for a considerable 
time.

     TAVARI
Increase the level.

The Chief Scientist moves a lever, and the intensity of the beam 
increases. Oliana begins to scream. After a few seconds, Tavari 
gestures, and the beam fades away.

     TAVARI
Child, speak to me.

     OLIANA (struggling)
Don't call me a child, you bastard!

     TAVARI
Why the defiance? I can have you killed 
with a wave of my hand.

     OLIANA
You're still a bastard!

     TAVARI
Do you want to spend your life in our 
laboratories?

     OLIANA
No chance. StarFleet will never let you 
get away with this.

     TAVARI
We have already defeated your 
Federation's best. The ENTERPRISE has 
been destroyed by this ship.

     OLIANA (closes eyes)
You're lying.

     TAVARI
I assure you I'm not.

     OLIANA
What do you want from us?

     TAVARI
Information. What else?

     OLIANA
Those people you butchered told you 
everything they knew. You have access to 
the FARADAY's computer files. There's 
nothing more we can tell you.

     TAVARI
You are a tediously dull species, aren't 
you? We have learnt a great deal from 
you particularly.

     OLIANA
From me? But you haven't asked me any 
questions. You've just hurt me.

     TAVARI
Of course, your reactions are the 
important issue here. You are beginning 
to bore me, child!

     OLIANA
Don't call me a child!

     TAVARI (to scientist)
Continue the experiments, keep me 
informed if anything interesting turns 
up.

Tavari leaves the room, and we follow him into the corridor. Oliana 
begins to scream again, but the sound is dulled as the door closes 
automatically.


ROMULAN HOLD.

Wesley and the security team have pulled the body of the stunned Romulan 
behind a container, and are standing by the door, with phasers drawn. 
Wesley carries his tricorder in one hand, and is studying the display.

     WESLEY
Any reply from the ENTERPRISE?

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
I'm afraid not, sir.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
We've got to get out of here.
(gestures to the body of the Romulan). 
He'll be missed soon.

     WESLEY
I can't get a firm lock on the Away 
Team, they must be in a shielded room.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
You mean the brig?

     WESLEY
Probably. There's no point in us trying 
to storm that, it's bound to be heavily 
guarded.

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
What about the FARADAY crew?

     WESLEY
There are seven non-Romulan life signs 
on this floor. That must be all that's 
left...

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
What's your decision, sir?

     WESLEY
We'll try to rescue the FARADAY people. 
Take the Romulan's disruptor, we'll need 
it if we find them Let's move out, and 
stay alert. If in doubt, shoot first.

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
Aye, sir.

Away Team Two slowly moves out into the corridor. Security Officer 1 
leads, followed by Wesley and Security Officer 2.


ROMULAN BRIG.

Data has removed several more panels, and is removing some more 
circuitry from behind them.

     RIKER
Progress, Mister Data?

Data moves his arm a little, and there is a sudden shower of sparks and 
he is thrown back from the wall. The force field remains active, 
however.

     DATA
Not good, sir. The workings of this 
circuitry eludes me... although I find 
it... intruiging.


ROMULAN CORRIDOR.

Wesley and the two Security Officers are creeping along the corridor. 
Ahead of them is a door, guarded only by two Romulans.

     WESLEY
According to this
(gestures to his tricorder)
the FARADAY crew should be in there.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
Are you sure this is a good idea, sir?

     WESLEY
We don't have a choice, guys. Besides, 
there's strength in numbers. If we can 
take out those two guards we'll be home 
and dry.

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
Let's do it.

Wesley holsters his tricorder, and draws his phaser.  He drops to one 
knee, and peering round a corner fires at the Romulan guards, and misses 
both of them.

     WESLEY
Damn! Here we go.

The two Romulan guards charge towards Away Team Two, but the ENTERPRISE 
crewmen manage to stun both of them without sustaining casualities 
themselves. They drag the Romulan's bodies out of sight behind a piece 
of equipment, and rush to the now-undefended door.

     WESLEY
We're in luck, it's not a secured 
facility.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
What would you have done if it had been?

     WESLEY (unsure)
Improvised?

Wesley touches the only control at the side of the door, and it slides 
open to reveal a small dormitary-like area, which although hardly 
luxurious is a considerable improvement on the brig. The three 
ENTERPRISE officers enter cautiously with their phasers drawn. Inside a 
group of seven people sit around, obviously exhausted. They all show the 
signs of the Romulan experiments, and turn slowly towards the ENTERPRISE 
officers, obviously expecting them to be the Romulan guards. The seven 
are all fairly young, and three of them (Oliana, Saalin of Vulcan and a 
Benzite) wear the cadet's uniform, whilst the other four are either 
ensigns or junior grade lieutenants wearing the blue medical uniforms. 
One of the cadets stands, and runs to Wesley.

     OLIANA (surprised)
Wesley!

     WESLEY
Oliana!

(they kiss, but Wesley gently disengages from the embrace).

     HAMMOND
It's good to see you, but we were hoping 
for a more substantial cavalry, ensign.

     WESLEY
Sorry about that, sir, things haven't 
exactly gone according to schedule. I'm 
Ensign Wesley Crusher, of the 
ENTERPRISE.

     HAMMOND
Lieutenant Paul Hammond, Assistant CMO 
of the FARADAY.

     SECURITY OFFICER 1
What happened to the rest of the crew?

     OLIANA
Butchered by those Romulan bastards!

Wesley draws Oliana to him, and comforts her.

     SAALIN
It is dangerous for us to remain here, 
the guards will be missed soon.

     HAMMOND
Can't the ENTERPRISE beam us up?

     SECURITY OFFICER 2
We're out of contact. We think the 
Romulans must be running cloaked.

     WESLEY
We've got to find somewhere safe to 
hide. Oliana?

     OLIANA
Yes?

He removes his comm-badge, and pins it to her chest.

     WESLEY
Just in case...
(he kisses her cheek)
Let's go.

He leads the group of ten out into the corridors, pausing to collect the 
stunned Romulan's disruptors, which he distributes amongst Oliana and 
the remaining FARADAY crew members before leading them deeper into the 
ship.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard in command chair.
Deanna at Helm.
Lieutenant Murdoch at Tactical.
Ensign at Ops.

O'Brien enters from the turbolift.

     O'BRIEN
We have transporter capability, sir.

     PICARD
Excellent, Chief. Good work.
(taps comm-badge).
Picard to Engineering.

     BARTLETT (voice over)
Lieutenant Bartlett, here sir.

     PICARD
Progress report, Mister Bartlett.

     BARTLETT
Transporters and shields are back on 
line, sir. We expect offensive weapons 
and warp drive within two hours.

     PICARD
Not good enough, Mister Bartlett!

     BARTLETT (wearily)
Aye, sir. We'll do our best. Bridge out.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

As before, Tavari sits in his command chair, with his 1st Officer 
standing behind him, consulting a computer screen.

     1ST OFFICER
Sir, the Federation experimental 
subjects have escaped, and are armed.

     TAVARI
Despatch a security team immediately.

     1ST OFFICER 
By your command.

     TAVARI
Wait! I have a better idea... And have 
the men on guard duty at the time shot.

     1ST OFFICER
Yes, sir.


ROMULAN CORRIDOR.

The Federation people, led by Wesley and Hammond are making their way 
tentatively down the corridor, with Oliana and Saalin bringing up the 
rear. A female StarFleet officer steps out in front of them. Hammond 
straightens up, and walks towards her.

     HAMMOND
Captain Chattle! We thought you were 
lost.

     CHATTLE
It's good to see you, Lieutenant. You 
all look as though you've been through 
hell.

The Federation people start to relax a little in the presence of Captain 
Chattle's good humour.

     HAMMOND
What happened to you, ma'am?

     CHATTLE
I met some old friends, Mister Hammond.

She clicks her fingers, and two groups of Romulans step out from doors 
along the corridor. Oliana and Saalin at the rear of the line are able 
to slip away unnoticed, but the others are surrounded. Two of the 
medical personelle make a break for a side entrance, but are cut down by 
the Romulan's disruptors.

     HAMMOND
Captain, I don't believe you're doing 
this.

Chattle looks bewildered for a moment. We see the back of her neck, 
where an implant identical to that McKenzie bore lights up for a second. 
Chattle regains her expression of determination.

     CHATTLE
Guards, take their equipment, and escort 
them to the brig.

Fade to black...


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                         END OF PART VII

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's this section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The next part will go out soon, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part VIII]
Message-ID: <CAx55p.28w@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1993 09:03:25 GMT
Lines: 564

Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                            PART VIII

-----------------------------------------------------------------


ROMULAN BRIG.

Data, LaForge, Riker and Worf have given up trying to deactivate the 
shield. We hear the beeps of the combination code being entered into the 
lock, the force field drops and Wesley is thrown through the door, 
followed by the other Federation prisoners, no longer bearing 
communicators or phasers.

     RIKER (sarcastically)
Come to visit us, Mister Crusher?

     WESLEY
Sorry sir, things didn't quite go as 
planned.

     RIKER
What are you doing here, anyway?

     WESLEY
It... seemed like a good idea at the 
time.

     HAMMOND
Like joining StarFleet.

     RIKER
Now look here, Mister!

     WORF
That attitude is unproductive, 
Lieutenant.

     LAFORGE
I suggest we all calm down, and tell our 
stories... from the beginning.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     BARTLETT (voice over)
Engineering to Bridge.

     PICARD
Picard here.

     BARTLETT
We have warp power and offensive weapons 
available at your command, sir.

     PICARD
Well done, Mister Bartlett. Commander 
Troi, set a course for the last known 
position of the Romulan War Bird, warp 
seven.

     TROI
Course and speed laid in.

     PICARD
Engage.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE in impulse power. She adjusts her course slightly, and 
leaps into warp speed.


ROMULAN BRIDGE.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Sir, the ENTERPRISE has regained light-
speed capability and is on an reciprocal 
course.

     TAVARI
Interesting. I need to know what extent 
they will go to regain their comrades.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Then you mean...

     TAVARI (sharply)
Don't anticipicate. Drop cloak, raise 
shields.

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
By your command, sir.
(slightly insolent tone. Tavari turns to 
stare at him).


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The War Bird uncloaks, with the FARADAY visible in the distance.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE flies by at high warp speed.


ROMULAN CORRIDOR.

Outside the brig, where two Romulans stand guard in front of the force 
field. A phaser stuns one of the guards. The other turns, to find Oliana 
pressing a phaser against his neck.

     OLIANA (angrilly)
Don't move!

     ROMULAN
What do you want, child?

     OLIANA (furiously)
(jabs him sharply with the phaser). 
NEVER call me that again. I swear I'll 
kill the last one of you animals that 
called me that.

     SAALIN (sharply)
Oliana! This is not helpful.

     OLIANA (calmer)
Give me the door release code.

     ROMULAN
No.

     OLIANA
You know what will happen to you?

     ROMULAN
I am no traitor. I am not afraid to die.

     OLIANA
We're not the murderers. Saalin.

     SAALIN
This is highly unethical, Oliana.

     OLIANA
Do it.

Saalin leans close to the Romulan, and lays her palm across his face.

     SAALIN
Your mind to my mind... Your thoughts to 
my thoughts... I know what you know... 
We are becoming as one... The code is...

With her eyes closed Saalin places her hand over the keypad, and types 
out a code, with the Romulan passively echoing her movements in the air. 
The force field dies away, and the door opens.

     OLIANA
Now, why don't you ask our friend where 
the armoury is? And then perhaps we 
could discuss the auxilliary shield 
control.

The Federation prisoners step out from the brig.

     RIKER (smirking)
Data, why don't you, Geordi and Wes pay 
a little visit to Engineering whilst the 
rest of us commit a few breaches of 
Neutral Zone Treaty up on the bridge?


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     MURDOCH
We have the Romulan vessel in visual 
range, sir.

     PICARD
On screen.

Lieutenant Murdoch zooms the viewscreen image to show the War Bird in 
the far distance.

     PICARD
I wonder why they aren't running 
cloaked.

     DEANNA
We know the cloaking device's energy 
drain is significant over long periods 
of time, sir.

     PICARD
But they must have detected our approach 
by now. I would have expected them to 
drop their cloaking shield when we were 
forced to disengage before, and 
reactivate it on our return.

     O'BRIEN
Either way we'll be in transporter range 
in five minutes, sir.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The ENTERPRISE flies by at high warp speed.


EXTERIOR SHOT.

The Romulan War Bird stationary in space.


ROMULAN CORRIDOR.

Riker, Worf, Oliana, Saalin, Hammond and various other Federation 
Officers now equiped with Romulan disruptors are fighting it out with a 
group of Romulans at the other end of the corridor.

     OLIANA
I think we blew our cover, sir.

     HAMMOND
You could say that, Cadet.

     WORF
I wonder what progress our comrades are 
making.

     OLIANA
Me too.

     RIKER
If I know those three we'll all be out 
of here in no time.


ROMULAN ENGINEERING.

The red alert claxon is sounding. Two of the FARADAY officers are 
defending the door whilst Data, Wesley and Geordi work on a control 
panel.

     LAFORGE
Well Data, you're the one who can read
Romulan.

     DATA
Yes Geordi. I believe we will find that 
this bank of switches controls the 
shield generators.

     WESLEY
I hope you're right. I don't think we 
can hold out much longer here.

     LAFORGE
Here goes nothing!
(operates the switches).


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     MURDOCH
Romulan shields are down, Captain.

     PICARD
Are we in transporter range yet?

     O'BRIEN (manipulates his console)
In about twenty seconds, sir.

     PICARD
Commander Troi, prepare to drop out of 
warp speed momentarily in twenty seconds 
time.

     O'BRIEN
Near warp transport, sir?

     PICARD
Precisely, Mr. O'Brien. We'll beam the 
Away Teams off and withdraw to a safe 
distance.

     DEANNA
We are in transporter range, Captain.

     PICARD
Disenage warp speed.

Deanna manipulates her console, and the warp effect on the view screen 
coalesces into a normal view of space, with the Romulan War Bird in the 
centre of the screen, but still closing quickly.

     PICARD (taps comm-badge, urgently)
Transporter room, lock onto the Away 
Teams.

     TRANSPORTER ROOM (voice over)
Sir, I am only reading one communicator 
badge on the Romulan vessel.

     PICARD
What? Beam them directly to the bridge.

     TRANSPORTER ROOM
Aye sir.

There is a slight pause as Lieutenant Murdoch moves down from her 
position at tactical to the central area where someone begins to 
materialise. Lieutenant Murdoch draws her phaser. Seconds later Oliana 
appears, kneeling down, holding a phaser at arm's length. She looks 
around, disorientated, and starts to struggle to her feet.

     PICARD
Warp seven, Commander.


EXTERIOR VIEW

The ENTERPRISE is moving rapidly towards the Romulan War Bird and 
suddenly leaps into warp speed without deviating from its present 
course, past the War Bird.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard moves to Oliana, motioning to Lieutenant Murdoch to return to her 
post, and helps her to get to her feet.

     OLIANA
Am I on the ENTERPRISE?

     PICARD
Yes, the dizziness is the after-effect 
of a near-warp transport.

     OLIANA
We've got to get over there, sir, they 
need help.

     PICARD (taps comm-badge)
Transporter Room, can you lock onto all 
human life-signs on the Romulan vessel?

     TRANSPORTER ROOM (voice over)
I'm sorry sir, the sensors are still out 
of action.

     PICARD (to Oliana)
Cadet, report.

     OLIANA
Yes sir, my name is...

     BEVERLY
(steps out of turbo-lift) Oliana!

     OLIANA
Doctor Crusher, it's so good to see 
you...

     PICARD
Oliana Mirren, I presume.

     OLIANA
You know me, sir?

     PICARD
Let's just say we have a mutual 
acquaintance.

Oliana smiles, blushes, and looks at her feet.

     PICARD (to Deanna)
That should be enough distance between 
us and the Romulans. Full stop, 
Commander.

     DEANNA (manipulates console)
Answering full stop, Captain.

     PICARD
Please, continue, Cadet.

     OLIANA
Yessir... The FARADAY was just inside 
the Neutral Zone when the Romulan War 
Bird appeared. They fired before we 
could get our shields up, and disabled 
the warp drive, and the weapons systems. 
They held us in a tractor beam, so we 
couldn't abandon ship, or signal for 
help. The Romulans sent over a boarding 
party, and stunned everybody... Next 
thing I knew we were in a holding cell 
on the Romulan ship.

     BEVERLY (interrupting)
Have you seen Wesley, and the others...

     PICARD (angrilly)
Doctor! Go on, cadet.

     OLIANA
They did experiments on us...
(pauses, shuddering)

Picard and Beverly exchange horrified looks.

     OLIANA
They killed so many of us, captain 
(begins to cry)

     PICARD (gently)
Please, we don't have much time.

     OLIANA
Yes sir, sorry sir.
(blinks angrilly to clear her tears) 
They took those of us that were left 
back to our cell, then Wesley got us 
out. We stole weapons from the Romulan 
guards, and Wesley gave me his 
communicator. We were making our way to 
the bridge when we were ambushed. Some 
of us got away, but Wes and the others 
from the ENTERPRISE were taken.

(Beverly gasps)

     OLIANA
It's okay, we found the brig, and 
stormed it. Both of your Away Teams were 
in there. Wesley, and Commanders Data 
and LaForge went to Engineering to try 
and get the shields down, and Commander 
Riker lead the rest of us in an attack 
on the bridge. We were on our way there 
when we were attacked, and then you 
beamed me up.

     DEANNA
Captain, I can sense Commander Riker is 
now very anxious.

     OLIANA
Captain, we've got to help Wesley.

Picard moves to the view screen, and stares into space as he reaches a 
decision.

     BEVERLY
Captain?...

     PICARD (determined)
We're going in. Commander Troi, set a 
course to bring us alongside the Romulan 
Vessel.

     DEANNA
Aye sir, course laid in...

     PICARD
Speed warp nine... Engage.

Viewscreen shows the ENTERPRISE turning and increasing speed.

     PICARD (Presses button on chair panel) 
Now hear this, this is Captain Picard 
speaking. Security Team Two to 
transporter room three. Mister O'Brien, 
go to red alert.

     O'BRIEN (touches control)
Red Alert, sir
(lighting changes).

     BEVERLY
(taps comm-badge) Medical support team 
to transporter room three.

     PICARD
Mister O'Brien, you have the bridge.

     DEANNA
Captain Picard, I wish to place on 
record my objection to...

     PICARD (dismissively)
Noted, Commander.

Picard, Beverly and Oliana stride to the turbolift as O'Brien leaves the 
Ops position to take the Captain's chair.


TRANSPORTER ROOM

This is one of the large cargo transporters that easily accomodates 
Picard, Beverly, Oliana, 6 red-shirts and two medical staff.

     PICARD
Phasers set to stun, and stay sharp 
everyone.
(to operator)
Energize.

The Away Team is beamed off the transporter pad.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

                        END OF PART VIII

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's the penultimate section. Comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk

The last part will go out soon, hope you're
all enjoying it.


               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!sdd.hp.com!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!pipex!uknet!brunel!masraqk
From: Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk (Linus E.A. Twizell)
Subject: Stand-Off [Part IX : Conclusion!]
Message-ID: <CAyz4L.283@brunel.ac.uk>
Organization: Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1993 08:48:16 GMT
Lines: 811


Well, after several revisions and many months' writing, my first
attempt at a ST:TNG script is ready for the big, wide Internet.

If anyone knows anywhere else it should be posted/ftp'd I'd be
eternally grateful, as I would for any comments and/or
suggestions (puts on flame-proof jacket)...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                 STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION


                            STAND-OFF

                               by

                       Linus E.A. Twizell

                            (c) 1993

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             PART IX

-----------------------------------------------------------------


ROMULAN CORRIDOR

Picard and company materialise at the end of a darkened corridor, and 
assume battle stance. The corridor is empty, but at the other end phaser 
fire can be heard as green and orange flashes illuminate the corridor. A 
human wearing a starfleet uniform is flung into view by a hit from a 
Romulan disruptor.

     PICARD
Let's go.
(motions with his arm)

The six security men form a close formation around Captain Picard, and 
the Away Team moves quickly to the end of the corridor, a t-junction, 
and crouched down, turns the corridor. Commander Riker, Worf and three 
of the FARADAY personelle are sheltering behind a computer console, 
under attack from a group of Romulan troops. Picard and the Away Team 
join him, and with the additional fire-power soon beat back the Romulans 
onto the bridge, the door of which closes.

     RIKER
I can't tell you how good it is to see 
you, Captain.

     PICARD
Likewise, Number One.

     BEVERLY
Commander, where is my son?

     RIKER
He's with Geordi and Data in 
Engineering. It's thanks to them that 
we're all still here.

     PICARD (to red-shirts)
You two, get to Engineering, on the the 
double. Bring Commanders Data and 
LaForge, and Ensign Crusher up here.

The Security Officers move off, phasers drawn.

     PICARD
Recommendations, Number One?

     RIKER
In my opinion, sir, we must disable this 
vessel.

     PICARD
My view, also, Number One. And of 
course, there's only one place we can do 
that from...

     RIKER
The Bridge...

     BEVERLY
You're both mad! We should all get out 
of here whilst we're all alive...

     WORF
Doctor, this is a valuable opportunity 
for us to seize an enemy vessel.

     PICARD
Beverly, there may be other prisoners on 
this vessel. Until we're in control of 
it, compassionate practice forbids us to 
leave it.

     RIKER
I think the decision has been made for 
us, Captain.

The door to the bridge opens, and Romulans begin to fire from the 
doorway.

     PICARD
Fire at will!

The Feds open fire, and manage to take out two of the Romulans. Worf 
rolls forward, and crouches at the side of the doorway.

     RIKER
Worf! Get back here!

     WORF
Commander, battle is the right of a 
Klingon!

     PICARD
Lieutenant!

Worf gives a battle-cry and leaps onto the bridge, phaser firing wildly.

     RIKER (looks at Picard)
Sir?

     PICARD (nods)
Now or never, Number One.

     RIKER
Move in!

The Feds advance to the doorway of the bridge, and cautiously move 
inside. Worf is in hand-to-hand combat with two Romulans, whilst four 
more open fire on the Away Team. The Feds retaliate, stunning the 
Romulans, but at the cost of two of their Security Officers. Riker helps 
Worf, and between them they hit the Romulans until they fall down. The 
Feds stand around, feeling triumphant, when suddenly from a dark corner, 
Tavari appears, holding a disruptor. He grabs Oliana, and holds the 
weapon against her neck.

     OLIANA
Captain!
(everybody turns)

     PICARD
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the 
Federation Starship ENTERPRISE. Release 
her immediately, and surrender.

     TAVARI
Drop your weapons. I am arresting you 
all for violation of treaty in the name 
of the Romulan Empire.

Long silence... Picard steps forward with his arms open in a non-
threatening gesture.

     PICARD
You are vastly out-numbered. You can't 
keep us all prisoner on your own.

     TAVARI
Reinforcements are already on their way, 
Picard. StarFleet will pay for its 
crimes, be assured of that.

     BEVERLY
You can't hope to get away.

     TAVARI
And who will prevent me?
(tightens his grip on Oliana causing her 
some pain)

Tavari starts to back towards the door, and falls to the ground. We hear 
the sound of a phaser.

     WESLEY
Me.

Oliana breaks free from Tavari, and runs to Wesley. They embrace, and 
kiss. Beverly and Picard exchange glances, and Beverly shrugs. LaForge 
and Data enter from the doorway with the rest of the Security Officers. 
Data looks at Oliana and Wesley, who's kiss is now ridiculously 
protracted.

     DATA
Intruiging!

     PICARD (coughs)
Mister Crusher!

     WESLEY (embarrased)
Yessir. Umm... sorry sir.
(lets go of Oliana)

     PICARD
Mister Crusher, report.

     WESLEY
We have lowered the shields and taken 
the tactical computer off-line from 
Engineering, sir.

     LAFORGE
They could re-boot it, sir, but that 
will take time, so they should be 
without weapons systems for at least an 
hour. We encountered three Romulans in 
engineering, but they're all stunned.

     DATA
However, we suffered two fatal 
casualties.

     PICARD
Is there anyone else on this ship?

Data takes a tricorder from one of the Security Officers, and proceeds 
to perform a scan.

     DATA
Negative, sir. All non-Romulan life 
signs are in this room.

     PICARD
Data, the Romulan Captain mentioned that 
re-inforcements are on their way. What 
is the most effective way to disable 
this vessel?

     WORF
To destroy it, sir!

     PICARD
Lieutenant! My query was addressed to 
Lt. Cmdr Data.

     WORF
Sir.

     DATA
Lieutenant Worf is correct, sir. But 
assuming we are to stay within treaty, 
the crew must not be fatally injured. I 
suggest disabling the control 
mechanisms.

     PICARD
Very good, make it so.

Data and LaForge proceed to examine the controls on the bridge, 
tentatively pushing the odd button. When they are finished, Data steps 
back, and draws his phaser, firing at the control panels.

     WORF
A pity, we could have learnt much from 
their technology.

     RIKER
Maybe, but our priority is to...

Picard's comm-badge bleeps.

     O'BRIEN (voice over)
Captain Picard, we are reading energy 
disturbances to stern...

     PICARD (taps comm-badge)
Emissions from a cloaking device?

     O'BRIEN
Possibly, sir.

     PICARD
Stand by.

     BEVERLY (kneeling by Tavari)
These people are going to be waking up 
soon, Captain.

     RIKER
We have our people, Captain. I suggest 
we withdraw to the ENTERPRISE.

     PICARD
Agreed.
(taps comm-bagde)
Picard to ENTERPRISE.

     O'BRIEN
ENTERPRISE here.

     PICARD
Beam us up.

The humans group together, and are caught in the transporter beam as 
Tavari begins to stir. He looks at the chaos around him, and slumps 
back.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

Picard, Riker, Data, Wesley, and Worf enter, and take their places on 
the bridge.

     PICARD
Shields up, go to red alert.

     WORF
Aye sir.

     DATA
Energy surge from astern, Captain.

     PICARD
On screen.

The viewscreen shows a blurring in space, from which another two War 
Birds appear.

     WORF
Romulan War Birds uncloaking, sir.

     PICARD
Open hailing frequencies.

     WORF
Hailing frequencies open.

     PICARD
This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the 
USS ENTERPRISE. We insist that you leave 
the Neutral Zone immediately.

     WORF
No reply, sir. They are arming photon 
torpedoes.

     PICARD
Mister Crusher, set a course for the 
Neutral Zone boundary.

     WESLEY
Course 126 mark 0, sir.

     PICARD
Warp seven.

     WESLEY
Aye sir.

     WORF
They're firing.

     PICARD
Engage.

On the viewscreen the War Birds shrink to tiny dots as the ENTERPRISE 
warps out. The photon torpedo passes the ENTERPRISE, missing narrowly.

     DATA
The Romulans are pursuing, sir, at warp 
8.5.

     PICARD
Picard to Engineering.

     LAFORGE (voice over)
LaForge here, sir.

     PICARD
I need maximum warp speed, Geordi.

     LAFORGE
You got it, sir.

     PICARD
Maximum speed, Mister Crusher.

     WESLEY
Aye sir. Neutral Zone boundary in four 
minutes.

     DATA
Warp nine point 3, 4...5....6. Warp 9.7 
sir. The Romulans have matched our 
velocity, and are closing.

     WORF
Incoming photon torpedoes, sir.

     RIKER
Shields and deflectors at maximum.

     PICARD
Prepare to return fire.

     WORF
Aye, sir.


EXTERIOR VIEW

The ENTERPRISE shoots by at high warp, and we see two photon torpedoes 
impacting against its shields, and the War Birds closing in.


ENTERPRISE BRIDGE.

     WESLEY
Neutral Zone boundary in sixty seconds, 
sir.

     WORF
We are being hailed, sir.

     PICARD
On screen.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
Federation vessel, you are in violation 
of treaty. In the name of the Romulan 
Empire I order you to heave to and 
prepare to be boarded.

     PICARD
This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the 
USS ENTERPRISE. I insist you cease your 
pursuit of this vessel and leave the 
Neutral Zone immediately.

     RIKER (whispers)
Neutral Zone boundary in twenty seconds, 
sir.

     PICARD
Romulan vessel, you will be in violation 
of Federation space in less than twenty 
seconds.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
So be it, Picard.

     RIKER
This could lead...

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
To war! To our destiny!

     PICARD
Is that what you want?...

     DATA
We are now in Federation Space, Captain.

     PICARD
Enough of this.
(Turns to Worf and makes throat-cutting 
gesture).

     WORF (presses control)
Main viewer muted, sir.

     PICARD
Consellor Troi, do you sense anything 
from them?

     DEANNA
Captain, they are fully prepared to 
destroy the ENTERPRISE, and to go to war 
with us if necessary. And yet, I sense 
no anger from them. They are ruthless 
and calculating, certainly, but not 
incensed with battle...

     WORF
A warrior is nothing without his rage.

     PICARD
Sound up. Full stop.

     WESLEY
Answering full stop, captain.

     PICARD
Romulan vessel, you are now in violation 
of Federation space. I order you to 
surrender immediately.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
ENTERPRISE, it is you that will 
surrender. The Federation has shattered 
the Neutral Zone agreement a hundred 
times over with its patrol vessels.

     RIKER (shouts)
Do you want it to be war?

     PICARD (quietly)
Of course they do, Number One.

     RIKER
Sir?

     PICARD
It wasn't Starfleet that sent the 
FARADAY into the Neutral Zone. It was 
them!

     ROMULAN 1ST OFFICER
Ridiculous. I order you to lower your 
shields, or prepare to be destroyed.

     PICARD
Cadet Mirren, it was you that gave us 
the clue.

     OLIANA
Sir?

     PICARD
Your messages to Wesley about the 
irregular mission listings on the 
FARADAY told us that the paperwork was 
not in order...

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
As it would be if Starfleet was enaged 
in nefarious affairs and wished to keep 
them secret.

     PICARD
Or, perhaps if a traitor in Starfleet 
Command wanted it to appear that 
Starfleet was in breach of treaty. Data, 
quickly. Access the FARADAY mission 
logs, I want to know who authorised 
their entry into the Neutral Zone.

     DATA
Accessing. The FARADAY mission listings 
are encoded using the admiralty cipher 
system. The code used is assigned to... 
Admiral Lloyd.

     RIKER
The admiral who sent us in after them.

     PICARD (to screen)
You control Lloyd, like you did Captain 
Chattle of the FARADAY. Like a puppet on 
a string. You got him to arrange a nice 
little galactic incident, one that would 
give you the perfect reason to go to war 
with the Federation.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
Excellent, Captain. For a human that is 
an acute peace of reasoning.

     PICARD
Data, fast encode to Starfleet Command 
visual records of this conversation.

     DATA
Aye sir.

     PICARD
The only way you could win a war against 
the Federation would be to split the 
Alliance with the Klingons.

     RIKER
And this incident would have shown the 
Federation to be without honour, 
something the Klingons could never 
tolerate.

     PICARD
You see, Number One, a very impressive 
piece of strategy.

     WORF
Captain, Federation border security 
closing at 023 mark 19. They are asking 
if we require assistance.

     PICARD
Reply in the negative, Mister Worf. Our 
guests were just leaving.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
We go Captain, but remember this... We 
have penetrated the very heart of your 
pitiful organisation, and have entered 
Federation space. Perhaps you are less 
secure behind your Neutral Zone than you 
like to think.

     PICARD
Perhaps.

     ROMULAN CAPTAIN
There will be another day, Captain.

The communication ceases, and the main viewer shows the Romulan War 
Birds turn away from the ENTERPRISE, and warp out.

     PICARD
They were right, you know Number One.

     RIKER
Sir?

     PICARD
About our security. How many more 
traitors are there?

     RIKER
I guess we'll never know.

     DEANNA
Until perhaps, the day they spoke of 
comes.

     PICARD
A sobering thought. But, until then, we 
have a crew to collect. Ensign Crusher, 
set a course for Starbase 130, warp six.

     WESLEY
Aye sir, course and speed laid in.

     PICARD
Engage.


EXTERIOR VIEW.

The ENTERPRISE turns and leaps into warp drive. We follow the ENTERPRISE 
and we see the mass of the galaxy explode in front of the ship. Planets 
and stars stream past, and the viewpoint gradually circles the ship.

     PICARD (voice over)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46006 point 4. 
We are now en route to Starbase 130 
where we our battle damage and be fully 
repaired, and we shall be able to 
finally complete our crew transfer 
orders. At the eve of this incident I am 
struck by the human cost of the 
Romulan's political machinations. The 
destruction of Starbase 101, and the 
deaths of the crew of the FARADAY are a 
powerful reminder of the dangers of our 
complacency. I am also saddened by the 
loss of Admirals McKenzie and Lloyd, two 
of Starfleet's finest. It seems almost 
obscene that two such distinguished and 
brave men have come to such an ignoble 
end. Although I never knew her, 
Commander Riker assures me that Captain 
Rachael Chattle, who was lost in the 
battle on the Romulan vessel, will be 
equally sorely missed. Starfleet Command 
has ordered all relevant personelle to 
return to Earth to attend a debriefing, 
until which time all the events of the 
past few days are to be classified top 
secret.

fade to STARFLEET OFFICE.

This is a plush office, even by Starfleet's standards. It is spacious, 
and there are paintings on the wall. A window shows a scene from San 
Francisco, and there is a figure seated at a desk. The camera pans over 
the room.

     PICARD (voice over)
Ensign Crusher and Cadet Mirren will be 
assigned to another Academy campus in 
time... at present they are in the care 
of Counsellor Troi and Doctor Crusher 
who are helping them come to terms with 
the loss of their friends and comrades 
on 101.

(camera zooms onto seated figure who slumps forward in his chair)

I feel a dreadful sense of forboding 
when I realise how close to war we have 
come, and I believe that the day the 
Romulan Captain spoke of will come, a 
day when we will all be tested.

(we see the twisted face of the figure - it is Lloyd, dead)

Until that day we can only be vigilant 
but undaunted, and continue to boldly go 
where no one has gone before.

(at the base of Lloyd's neck we see the red light of a Romulan implant 
fade to black).

Fade to END CREDITS.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                             THE END!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed it, comments are more than
welcome on Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk, as usual.

Just to clear up a few points that have come up in correspondance 
with various a.s.c-ers...



     "Why isn't O'Brien on Deep Space Nine?"

Stand-Off is set around Stardate 46000, in the place that Time's Arrow
occupied in the canonical timeline. This explains O'Brien's prescence
on the ENTERPRISE.



     "Why's Deanna flying the ship?"

The one thing that has aroused controversy has been my use of 
Deanna Troi as a regular officer in addition to her Counselling duties. 
I know the "ENTERPRISE is undermanned" plot is a bit laboured, but it 
did give me a chance to let some of the characters deviate from their 
expected paths. I was fairly consciously trying to build on the handling 
of Deanna in "Disaster" and to show that she had learnt and grown from 
that experience.



     "Why'd you have to bring that bloody Crusher kid back?"

Several reasons for that. First, I wanted someone to lead the 
second Away Team that the audience would identify with. Lt. Jan Murdoch 
was originally going to have that role, but I didn't feel we'd learnt 
enough (if anything!) about her character during the script for the 
audience to care whether or not she lived or died. I also wanted to 
develop Wesley's character a bit (hence the re-introduction of Oliana 
Mirren from "Coming of Age" - NOT a good episode!), to give him someone 
to care about, and to give him a chance to act as a team player rather 
than Engineering whizz-kid. I'd decided fairly early on in the planning 
stage that a group of cadets would be fairly instrumental in the 
uncovering of the Romulan plot, and from there on it felt right to 
involve Wesley.



     "Isn't the thing with the Romulan implants a bit far-fetched?"

Yes.



     "What are you writing next?"

Well okay, nobody's actually asked me that (sniff!), but I'd like
to use this opportunity to post a short teaser for my next project 
(still in the very early planning stages).




  COMING SOON TO ALT.STARTREK.CREATIVE...

        STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE

                 Q-TURN


A battered Federation shuttlecraft emerges
from the wormwhole. Its' designation...

GALILEO, NCC 1701-A, James T. Kirk commanding.

On closer examination, the shuttlecraft is
revealed to be empty bar an alien homing device.
The crew of Deep Space Nine must travel through
the wormwhole, and into the long-forgotten
Klingon Civil War! But who, or what will they
find at the shuttle's launch point?





               Regards,
                         Linus E.A. Twizell



/= Linus E.A. Twizell ========================================\
|                           |                                 |
|      \o                   | Kids... they're as bad as       |
|       |>                  | Special Branch, you never       |
|      <\    Stayin'        | know what they're up to.        |
|                Alive!     |                      - Morse    |
|                           |                                 |
\============================== Abdul.Khaliq@brunel.ac.uk ====/

