STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
Written by
B. Douglas Rutherford
B. Douglas Rutherford
bdouglasrutherford@gmail.com
CAST
TETHIS WILLIAM DEN (TEH-this dEH-n)
PICA YUL DEN (PEE-ka dEH-n)
JINKO 'FORGE' LO PAN (JIN-koh low PAN)
EDISON CAUSTER (ED-ih-sun kOST-er)
LINCOLN PRICE (LINK-un pRIYs)
BURLI (BURR-lee)
NIX (n-IHKs)
DREG RUL (drEHG ROO-el)
FERRA ROUN (fERRA ROO-n)
ELLIOT TURGEON (terj-ON)
GAD THE DRUNK (gAHD)
KIMBERLEY KERR (KIHM-bUHR-lee kERR)
NON-SPEAKING
ARMED POLICE
PROTESTORS
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
BARFLYS
CORP GOONS
EXTERIOR LOCATIONS
WHITE WASTES OF ARKOA
GOVERNMENT BUILDING
ELLIOT'S BAR
TETHIS' HOUSE
INTERIOR LOCATIONS
CABIN OF TETHIS' TRACK
CABIN OF DREG'S TRACK
GOVERNMENT BUILDING
ICE CAVE
SHUTTLECRAFT
ELLIOT'S BAR
TETHIS' HOUSE
STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
ACT 1
FADE IN:
1. EXT. PLANET ARKOA, THE WHITE WASTES - DAY
Fade-in/out text overlay for the following scene:
ARKOA
ALPHA QUADRANT
A starkly beautiful scene of an arctic plain brilliantly lit by twin blue suns. Featureless miles of snow and ice caped in jagged gray mountains. As the camera pans across the landscape, a sudden rush of air, a shrill mechanical buzz and a sleek one-seater hovercar rushes past. It is little more than a closed cockpit with an engine and control sticks.
A moment later there's an awful squealing of gears and a heavy rumbling as a tracked platform with a truck-style cabin up front bounces by at a fraction of the speed of the hovercar. On the door of the track is a sign reading ENTERPRISE RECLAMATION and below that SINCE 2734!.
The pilot of the hovercar is PICA YUL DEN. She's in her late 20's, pretty, and part-Andorian (human features, light blue skin but no antennae).
1a. INT. PICA’S HOVERCAR “ CONT.
The cockpit is state-of-the-art flown with a joystick and throttle. Steppenwolf's “Born to be Wild” is playing. Stuck into one corner of the control panel is a tattered photo of a young man and an Andorian woman sitting in a park smiling. The woman is wearing a chain that now hangs next to the photo, swaying gently as Pica drives. The pendant is a small glass vial with a red crystal inside.
PICA
(yelling over her comm-link)
You boys move slower than a harbour-man on a summer day! Forge I thought you said you fixed that old track!
1b. INT. CABIN OF THE TRACK - CONT.
There's two pilot seats up front. Behind them are two rows of seats along each cabin wall facing inward. Piles of equipment and supplies means no one has much legroom.
JINKO 'FORGE' LO PAN, an old, overweight Klingon rides up front. He listens to the squeaks and rumbles of the track with irritation. NIX, a short humanoid robot (basically a copper-coloured metal skeleton), sits next to Forge and drives the track, his servos whizzing quietly. In the back is EDISON CAUSTER, 30's, part-Vulcan, with the air of an accountant about him, reading a book. LINCOLN PRICE, 20's, a handsome and cocky human, sits across from Edison with BURLI, a stocky, four-armed, fur-covered humanoid called a Stelk, a native of the planet.
FORGE
(over the comm-link)
Only the best for Enterprise Rec, Pica.
(to the others in the track)
She's going to get herself killed. Either now or when her father finds out she took his car.
EDISON
(without looking up from his book)
If Tethis hasn't done anything about her behaviour by now, he isn't going to. And he could afford to buy a new track if he didn’t bother paying us a living wage.
Through the windshield Pica’s car zips across the bow of the track spraying the windshield with snow.
FORGE
(in Klingon)
jl'Sovbe!
(in English over the comm-link)
I'm not putting that car back together when you wreck it!
(to the occupants of the track)
Forge, fix the radio, Forge fix the engines, Forge put my dad's hovercar back together.
(realizing that Edison isn't listening)
What are you reading Edison, more history books about the Star Gods and the Federation of Planets?
EDISON
No, it’s called Moby Dick.
FORGE
What’s it about?
EDISON
You don’t really want to know.
LINCOLN
(interjecting)
It’s about a whaling ship.
FORGE
(to Lincoln)
A starship?
LINCOLN
A naval ship. From Earth long before star travel. Humans hunted huge ocean creatures called whales for their oil. They used whale oil as fuel before electricity came along.
(Edison regards Lincoln slightly over his book)
LINCOLN (cont.)
See cousin? I was listening all those years ago.
(to Forge)
Edison here used to play professor when we were kids. Neither of us could afford to go to school so he read every book he could find and he taught me what he learned. He had a blackboard and everything.
EDISON
I also taught you not to interrupt.
FORGE
(to Edison)
Ha-ha-ha! How come you never teach me anything?
(pause, to Lincoln)
My ancestors hunted great beasts too, but here in the White Wastes--here there’s nothing to hunt but buried scrap.
1c. EXT. THE WHITE WASTES - CONT.
Pica zips along on her hovercar. A small blue radar display on her controls pings every few seconds. Pica eyes it nervously.
PICA
(into her commlink)
Watch for a beacon pinging three hard, two soft.
FORGE (V.O.)
Acknowledged. Three and two.
PICA
(to herself)
Come on, where are you?
1d. INT. CABIN OF THE TRACK “ CONT
NIX
New destination co-ordinates?
FORGE
(checking the console)
Mark 192.2. Keep the same speed.
LINCOLN
What’s that? She’s using old tech. A beacon’s good for what a kilometre? Maybe two?
EDISON and NIX
(together)
1.44 kilometres at minus 14 degrees C.
LINCOLN
Why all the secrecy? Why don’t we just use a comm-balloon or a relay?
EDISON
Because a relay can be tracked. She’s using a short range beacon because whatever Pica’s found out here is worth stealing.
FORGE
The old scrappers law boy: nothin’s yours till you get it back to civilization!
1e. EXT. THE WHITE WASTES - CONT.
The track rattles on making slow but steady progress. Pica checks her radar display again. Nothing yet. From a nearby ridge however someone is getting a solid signal, a female figure, FERRA ROUN, a part-cardassian, in her 30's, clothed head-to-toe in shaggy white furs checks her radar display, a soft green colour, and confirms a strong signal coming from her quarry: Pica and her team.
2. EXT. GREAT HALL BUILDING - DAY
Long shot of the harbour city. There are naval ships in a line blockading the bay. Closer in we see the City Hall building. PROTESTORS of various alien races line the steps of a crumbling government building bearing a sign that reads FEDERATION OF LESSER ARKOA GREAT HALL. ARMED POLICE keep the protestors away from the entrance. The protestors carry signs like END THE BLOCKADE and LESSER ARKOA, LESSER PEOPLE. Signs on the steps direct people to the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, INFORMATION, and MUSUEM OF THE UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS.
2a. INT. GREAT HALL BUILDING - CONT.
Modestly dressed GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS scuttle about inside the building. A tattered United Federation of Planets flag hangs in a glass case on the wall.
A door to the Council Chambers opens and two men step out in the midst of a heated debate. TETHIS WILLIAM DEN a bearded human with a dignified, military bearing is in his 50's. He carries a sidearm and a large ceremonial knife on his belt. Beside him is DREG RUL, a vulcan male in his 40's with long hair in a pony tail. He wears a similar sidearm as Tethis, but his dress and mannerism is less rigid.
TETHIS
I can’t be silent while you tarnish the name of a fellow Councillor in the middle of the Chamber.
DREG
But you will stand by while that slug Constantine Hark does it! You sat there while the Chairman of Greater Arkoa dictated terms! His ships blockade Independence Harbour, nothing can get in or out. People are starving.
TETHIS
(losing his patience)
Since when have you cared if the people starve? We all know you're here because you can't move your scrap!
(pause)
I'm sorry Dreg that was uncalled for.
DREG
I have just as much at stake here as you do Tethis. Neither of us can move our scrap, both our companies are struggling. And I don't have a Councillor's salary to fall back on! And on top of that people are starving.
TETHIS
I've been doing this a long time now Dreg. Twenty years. Ever since we gained independence, believe me when I tell you I've learned a thing or two about diplomacy. These negotiations are not about who can swing the biggest stick.
DREG
We don’t even have a stick to swing. But I learned a thing or two in the navy from my commanding officer. Where is that Tethis Den now? You remember what they called you after the battle at Foundry? Bloody Tethis Den?
TETHIS
(Dreg has clearly touched something sensitive)
I was never fond of that nickname. It's just Councillor now.
DREG
That would have been my ship if it weren't for these damned ears.
TETHIS
You were my best officer. You would have made an excellent Captain.
DREG
Ha! You said I was too headstrong, too angry.
(pause)
You were right. I know you think diplomacy is the answer, but sometimes... sometimes the only thing people understand is violence.
TETHIS
(finding himself in front of the tattered Federation flag)
This used to mean something. It was a symbol of peace and the defence of universal rights.
DREG
It should be buried with the rest of their Starfleet. 'Peace' and 'universal rights' didn't stop the Star Gods. And ancient ideals won't move those blockading ships. If you don’t act, someone else will and your council may not like the consequences.
TETHIS
You going to sail out there and give them a broadside? Send them straight to the harbour bottom, just like the old days?
(still regarding the flag)
DREG
I was thinking of swimming.
TETHIS
Let's get a drink later. Elliot’s?
DREG
Sure, I'll meet you there. Give me an hour.
As Dreg exits through the main doors shouts of protestors echo inside, media swarms Dreg, which Tethis watches until the doors shut. He turns back to the flag.
TETHIS
You were us once. We strive to be you again.
Tethis' wrist communicator vibrates and he opens a video-message which hovers in the air over his wrist. It's Pica.
PICA
Hey, I left early for the site, I've got the big track and the new guy, Lincoln. If the Recovery Corps comes for our scrap, we'll send him in first.
(she laughs)
Oh and I took your car. Love you Dad!
The message stops and Tethis frowns with disappointment.
3. EXT - WHITE WASTES OF ARKOA - DAY
Pica zips along zig-zagging their search zone until she finally gets a little metallic ping from her radar display showing the beacon off her port side. She sees it but continues on her search path.
3a. INT - CABIN OF THE TRACK - CONT.
Nix sees the ping first and alerts the crew with a sharp whistle. Forge gets up to check the beacon's location.
FORGE
The beacon is bearing 201.3, metres 1350.
(he looks out the windshield at Pica, still holding her course)
NIX
New destination co-ordinates?
FORGE
Negative. Maintain this course and speed.
LINCOLN
Why aren't we moving to the beacon?
Forge continues checking the console and watching Pica. Edison continues to read.
LINCOLN
(to Burli)
Are they ignoring me?
BURLI
(pause, then nodding slowly)
PICA
(V.O. Intercom)
Ready?
FORGE
I'm activating the release. Nix, slow to half speed then stop.
The track lurches to half speed and bright white steam jets from the front of the engine followed by the track slowing to a halt. Pica circles back and stops by the front of the track.
FORGE
You've got thirty minutes before the cabin heater shuts off and we all freeze to death.
PICA
(V.O.)
I'll be back before that.
Pica turns her car and blasts towards an outcropping of jagged gray rocks.
3b. EXT - WHITE WASTES OF ARKOA - CONT.
Through a pair of binoculars with a thermal image layer Ferra spies the track sputter to a stop and begin to cool off. Pica makes her move dashing for the rocks.
FERRA
Dreg was wrong about that foolish old klingon. Their track is dead. Pica's moving off alone.
(she smiles wickedly)
Ferra jumps on her hoverbike and takes off after Pica.
3c. EXT - WHITE WASTES OF ARKOA - CONT.
Pica ducks into the outcropping of rocks just as Ferra moves in. Ferra finds Pica's bike laying down and draws her pistol. Pica is waiting and leaps down onto Ferra from the rocks above. The pistol is knocked away. There is a fight with Pica eventually gaining the upper hand. Ferra is knocked unconscious. Pica takes the pistol and then props Ferra up and covers her with furs from her hoverbike. She slaps a small device to Ferra's bike that beeps quietly and then sends a pulse of electricity through the bike shutting it down. Pica waits for Ferra to come around then blasts away in her car.
4. EXT - WHITE WASTES OF ARKOA - DAY
Pica rides up to the track and circles it.
FORGE (V.O.)
What took you so long? We're half-frozen.
PICA
Klingons don't complain, Forge.
FORGE (V.O.)
Well I'm not a very good Klingon. Except for the drinking. And the eating. And the fighting.
PICA
Your little device did the trick, Ferra's bike is out of commission.
4a. INT - CABIN OF THE TRACK - CONT.
FORGE
I told you it would work. Nix, fire up the engines. We need to thaw them out before we can follow.
PICA (V.O.)
Head for the beacon as soon as possible, I'll cover your tracks with the bikes exhaust best I can.
END OF ACT 1
STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
ACT 2
4. INT. ELLIOT'S PUB - EVENING
Tethis finds Dreg in the back of a comfortable, but decidedly lower class pub. There are BARFLYS slowly milling about. One, GAD THE DRUNK, pokes at an old jukebox, two others throw darts. In a place this timeworn, everyone seems like they're moving in slow-motion. Tethis hands the bartender ELLIOT TURGEON his sidearm and takes a glass of whiskey in exchange. Elliot is in his 30's, human, dark skinned and well-built. He has known Tethis and Dreg for a long time. Tethis joins Dreg at his table.
TETHIS
Sorry I'm late, I got a call from his high holiness himself.
DREG
Constantine? Let me guess, he's willing to withdraw his ships if we agree to pay his navy for protection. We're all Arkoans, Greater, Lesser, what's a little tariff between friends, right?
(pause, then seriously)
I mean didn't we fight a war so that we'd never have to go through this again?
TETHIS
We won our independence then, but our military is no match for theirs today. They spent the past two decades winning the economic war.
DREG
How much does he want?
TETHIS
30 percent.
DREG
30? The standing port rate is only 7! And what does the Council say?
TETHIS
Their upper limit was 10, but that was six weeks ago. Not a single ship has left port since then. They'll be more willing to bargain now. We're holding an emergency vote tomorrow on Constantine's proposal.
DREG
You can't seriously think people will stand for that. They'll burn the Council Building to the ground before they let you give 30 percent to those northern thieves.
TETHIS
It won't pass at 30, but 15, maybe 20, who can say?
DREG
Why did we even fight them?
Gad the Drunk overhears Dreg and shambles over, obviously well into his cups.
GAD THE DRUNK
We fought them for you, pointy-eared bastard. They wouldn't give you the vote right, and now-
(he sways)
-now we're poor. We has to pay more for everythin', water, power, foods, whiskey even! Goddamn pointy-eared bastards. So now you can vote! But you ain't got a roof over your lousy head!
TETHIS
It wasn't just for him that we fought brother, we fought for all Arkoans. The whole world knows what the Federation stands for now. We stood up to them and we won.
GAD THE DRUNK
Fat lot of good it done us!
DREG
Get out of my face. You're just a racist old man.
GAD THE DRUNK
(lifts his shirt to reveal a pistol in his waistband)
Go ahead and make me! Go on!
With a swift movement Tethis grabs a hold of the pistol's grip while Dreg clamps his hand down on Gad's shoulder in a classic Vulcan neck pinch. Gad sinks to the floor and as he does Tethis plucks the pistol out of Gad's waistband and expertly strips it of ammo. Elliot arrives and looks sheepish.
ELLIOT
Sorry Captain, I didn't think he was armed. I'll take care of him, and the tab.
Elliot hoists Gad into a seated position.
TETHIS
No need brother.
(Tethis produces a couple of bills and lays them on top of the pistol on the table)
Let him know when he wakes that we don't hold a grudge.
ELLIOT
Will do Captain.
Tethis and Dreg get up and retrieve their sidearms from behind the bar before heading for the door. They exit into a snowy evening with a wind beginning to pick up.
4b. EXT. ELLIOT'S PUB - NIGHT
Tethis and Dreg take shelter from the wind in the lee of the building, at the event horizon of a flickering streetlamp.
DREG
Where's Pica? She out on a run?
TETHIS
You probably know better than me. Your company spies keep better tabs on her than her old dad could ever manage.
DREG
Scouts Tethis, not spies. And yours are just as active as mine. Word around town was Pica found something big.
TETHIS
First I've heard of it.
DREG
What's that old phrase, playing your cards to the chest?
TETHIS
Vest. Playing your cards close to the vest. Listen nothing will happen with the blockade until next week. The council will vote down Constantine's proposal and we'll meet him again on Monday. Why don't we go up to my cabin for the weekend? My ice-fishing hut is up. I'll meet you up there tomorrow? The pearlfish aren’t starving this year.
DREG
Trying to get rid of me Tethis?
TETHIS
(smiling)
Hardly. I just need a break too, you know? This blockade business has been hard on all of us.
DREG
Alright, tomorrow it is. Noon?
TETHIS
See you then.
4c. Tethis exits down the street, pulling his jacket tight against the cold. Dreg watches him go, then checks his wrist communicator.
DREG
Call Echo One.
There's a little computer noise and Ferra's face appears on the display.
DREG
Tell me you have good news.
FERRA
I lost them. Pica had some sort of E.M. mine buried in the snow. My bike is scrap.
DREG
And you're alone?
(Ferra is silent)
I told you to take the whole team, Ferra. Whatever Pica's found it's big. Very big. If she gets it back to civ’ it could mean the end of the company. I thought I made that clear to you.
FERRA
I can try and track them on foot, she's using a short range beacon if I can find the signal-
DREG
Stay put. I'm coming down myself. Dreg out.
The display blinks off.
DREG
Sorry old friend, I've got bigger fish to catch.
5. INT. ICE CAVE - DAY
Pica and the track approach an icy cave. Pica parks her car and exits, searching the ground carefully. A moment later the track barges into view, darkening the cave as it blocks light from the entrance. Pica is wearing a wrist mounted display. She touches a button and the car’s cockpit glass closes and the car settles on the cave floor. Forge, Lincoln, Edison, Burli and Nix exit the track and follow Pica.
LINCOLN
What are we looking for?
His voice echoes loudly in the cave.
FORGE
Silence is a virtue boy, especially when the roof over your head is a thousand tons of ice.
LINCOLN
(quieter)
Sorry. But it was a legitimate question.
Pica bends down next to a cylindrical object with a softly blinking light. It is the beacon they've been tracking. She switches it off.
PICA
Nix, come here.
PICA (cont.)
Take the car and patrol out into the wastes in a five kilometre radius. If you see any sign of other scrappers return here to report. Got it?
NIX
Affirmative, Ms. Cain.
Nix takes the beacon, and hops into Pica’s car.
EDISON
Return in the car, please Nix!
(to Pica, as Nix emits a pleasant beeping sound and departs)
I've told you before Pica you must be as specific as possible. As if you were talking to a child. His instructional programming is deliberately rudimentary so I can test his ability to learn.
LINCOLN
Do you really trust that little homemade robot? I can do the patrol.
PICA
I do. Plus he won't have to run the heater and he doesn't put out any bio-signs.
LINCOLN
I didn't think of that.
PICA
Listen a little more than you speak and you might actually learn a thing or two, Link.
Lincoln walks toward the back of the cave, it winds around a short corridor; he staggers back to the group, eyes wide with surprise.
EDISON
What is it cousin?
Lincoln is stunned for a moment, and then begins to speak.
LINCOLN
Pica's found a starship!
The group rounds the corner together. The room is part ice but obviously man-made, as if it were once some kind of warehouse or repair bay, but the ice is now claiming it. Taking up most of the repair bay is a 5 man shuttlecraft, Federation make, it's nacelles partially stuck into the icy floor. It's the next generation of shuttlecraft from TNG or Voyager and should look suitably top-of-the-line.
END OF ACT 2
STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
ACT 3
6. INT - ICE CAVE - DAY
EDISON
Incredible! This is the find of the century, Pica.
LINCOLN
My first recovery job, and it's an intact starship! Does she fly?
EDISON
Doubtful cousin, she is more than three hundred years old.
(he produces a homemade tri-corder device that he uses to scan the shuttle)
I'm at a loss for words Pica. This is absolutely… fascinating.
(he continues to scan the hull)
LINCOLN
(running his hands down the hull, pulling off bits of ice and fallen snow)
Can you believe this?
(to Forge)
You don't seem that excited Forge. This is a real live starship. This flew in space. Or maybe she did, I don't know. They didn't build these things on Arkoa right? I mean she must have flown here.
EDISON
(to Forge)
You knew. You've been here before.
FORGE
(Forge looks at Pica, she nods)
Sorry Edison, Pica brought me here a couple of months ago. She wanted to see if I could get it working.
EDISON
(to Pica)
You don't trust me. I've been with the company fourteen years and you don't trust me.
PICA
Dad said not to tell anyone that didn't absolutely have to know. You said yourself Edison: this is the find of the century.
EDISON
I've worked for Tethis since Enterprise Reclamation was founded, since you were in grade school and you don't trust me.
PICA
I'm sorry Edison, I had to protect the site.
(to Burli)
Burli can you get Forge’s tools please?
Edison continues his scan of the hull, Lincoln is all smiles, happily running his hands along the hull. Burli brings Forge his big tool chest and he digs through it.
PICA
You're the history expert Edison, what can you tell us about it?
EDISON
(begrudgingly, at first)
It's a Type 19 Federation shuttlecraft. Every space-faring vessel carried a compliment of them. They ferried personnel and cargo between ships and stations. I'd guess this one is from the latter. Perhaps from our Starbase 264.
LINCOLN
Couldn't it be from one of the big cruisers?
EDISON
It's possible, but I doubt it. The mothership's name and registry number should be written on it, but this shuttle appears blank.
PICA
Maybe it was privately owned? There must have been a million of these flying around.
EDISON
Ordinarily I’d say that was a possibility but this here, beneath the ice-
(he breaks away a chunk)
-this is the symbol of Starfleet.
(beat while they gawk)
I would surmise she was brought down here to escape the Sculptors, hidden away until it was safe to emerge and re-establish the old empires.
LINCOLN
Sculptors? You mean the Star Gods? I thought they were a myth. People say the Federation destroyed itself.
EDISON
Evidently you weren't listening to all my teachings, cousin. The Sculptors were no myth. When my grandfather was still alive he would tell us stories about his work aboard Starbase 264 in this sector, before it was destroyed by the Sculptors.
FORGE
Pieces of 264 rained down on Arkoa for decades. It’s most of the scrap we recover. Can your scanner tell us what the hull is made of?
LINCOLN
Standby.
(he pulls a small metallic sensor from the scanner, attached by a retractable cord, and touches it to the hull)
The hull is a tritanium and duranium alloy.
FORGE
I figured as much. Tethis could retire on the metal alone.
(without a care he raises his welding torch)
I’m going to cut her open.
EDISON
(with much more horror than any typical vulcan)
You're scrapping it? Why not a museum or a-
LINCOLN
She could fly again!
PICA
Where you going to fly it rookie?
(to Edison)
We’re just going to open it up and take a peek inside. If we can get the systems online then it’ll stay in one piece. But, if it’s dead then yes we’re going to scrap it. Because we’re a scrap company.
(to Forge)
How long do you think it will take?
FORGE
Four, maybe five hours. For ancient material, it's far stronger than anything we've got.
(to Lincoln)
Boy, come give me a hand, Burli is all thumbs. Hand me that omni-tool.
EDISON
(aside to Pica)
It belongs in a museum. What does Tethis say?
PICA
I wanted to get it home the day I found it and sell it whole but these were his orders. Crack it open and turn the damn thing on. I'm serious though Mr. Causter, if we can’t get it working, we scrap it. A museum or a University can’t pay us a fraction of what she’s worth to the tech firms.
EDISON
Those are Tethis’ orders?
PICA
Those are the orders.
EDISON
Then I'd best put myself at the disposal of Forge; he’s probably cutting through something important as we speak.
7. EXT. THE WHITE WASTES - NEXT DAY
Ferra sits in a rocky depression next to a little campfire. She is attempting to repair some part of her hoverbike.
FERRA
Teching Hell! I swear Pica, you'll pay for this.
An alert sounds on her watch and she puts on a stoic face. A moment later there's a warbling rumble from the over the hills and a hovertrack appears. It is fancy and should make ER's old track look like a piece of junk by comparison. The track stops nearby Ferra and two CORP GOONS offload and pick up the pieces of Ferra's bike, loading them onto the hovertrack. Ferra climbs aboard through a cockpit door. A wind is whipping up and the skies are darkening.
8. INT. HOVERTRACK - DAY
Ferra takes a seat next to Dreg.
DREG
Do you want a lecture or a fine?
FERRA
I'll take the lecture.
DREG
Will it do any good?
FERRA
Probably not. I know it was reckless to come down here alone. But you hired reckless. You didn't hire a human, or another vulcan. You hired a cardassian. We never shy away from a fight.
DREG
Ordinarily I'd agree, but this was different. I told you this was different. Tethis waited months for this opportunity. The blockade, the council vote, the vid-calls from Constantine, it's a perfect cover to bring up this piece of scrap. Whatever he's got down there could bury us. (pause) And I didn't hire you.
FERRA
Not that old story again.
DREG
Where did you lose Pica?
FERRA
We'll need to wait out the storm. I picked a spot big enough for the track and we won't get buried by the snow.
DREG
We can't afford to wait.
9. INT. ICE CAVE - DAY
Forge has made progress cutting open the hull plating but the work is slow. Sparks shoot from his equipment surprising everyone.
FORGE
Teching Hell!
(Burli stamps out a spark in Forge’s hair by smacking him on the head)
Thanks. I’ll need the other torch.
(Burli moves off)
And the big ripper!
(turning back to the craft)
She's tougher than she looks!
Nix is standing over a pot of food and chirps merrily.
PICA
Supper's ready, we may as well stop for now.
(she gets up and stretches her back)
They sit around the firestick and eat.
LINCOLN
(to Edison)
What else can you tell us about the old Federation?
EDISON
It was a political entity made up of hundreds of worlds, including Earth, Vulcan, and Andoria.
(as he says the planet names he indicates Lincoln, himself and Pica in succession)
They believed in peaceful exploration and scientific progress, a hallmark of my--our vulcan ancestors.
PICA
They weren't all peace and harmony. They fought wars too. Even against the Klingons at one time, right?
LINCOLN
The Federation and the Klingons were at war?
FORGE
(with his mouth full)
Don't worry boy I still like you.
EDISON
From old texts and my great-grandfather's stories, they were at peace when the Sculptors came, but there was a time when the Federation had many enemies. Klingon, Cardassian, Romulan, Borg.
LINCOLN
What's a Borg?
EDISON
When the Sculptors came the whole galaxy united to fight against them. They called it the Grand Alliance. The first battle was over the Romulan homeworld. There were five thousand ships in the allied armada, the strongest vessels from a hundred worlds sent to stop the invasion. The battle lasted several days. In the end fewer than one hundred ships escaped to warn the galaxy of the Sculptors power and ferocity. Within the span of three decades the Sculptors destroyed the remaining ships and bases of every star-faring race in the galaxy. No one knows why they came. Their motives remain a mystery. They simply destroyed everything capable of traversing the stars.
LINCOLN
Why the 'Sculptors'?
EDISON
That's about the only thing our ancestors did know about them. The invaders came from the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy utilizing an advanced engine system to move their ships faster and further than their own warp drives.
LINCOLN
They’d need some pretty heavy weapons to destroy a fleet that size.
EDISON
Likely, yes. But little of that information survived, cousin. After the destruction of the fleet over Romulus, when it became clear nothing could stop them, the empires began to scatter their forces instead, hoping to hide from the invaders. Starbases were abandoned, ships scuttled, and evidently, shuttlecrafts hidden away on distant worlds. (beat) Look at her. She's perfect.
FORGE
Ah!
(sparks fly from the shuttlecraft where Forge's convertor is connected, Forge jumps up and kicks it)
Damned thing.
EDISON
Well. Nearly so.
10. EXT. TETHIS' HOUSE - DAY
Tethis' modest home overlooks a crowded hill leading to the harbour. Snow is blanketing the city. In the distance ships are anchored bow to stern creating a menacing blockade of the harbour.
10a. INT. TETHIS' HOUSE - DAY
The house is sparsely furnished, but comfortable. There's a fire going in the fireplace and a painting over the mantle shows a sea-going 44-gun frigate under sail, with wind to the lee side. The name below the ship reads ENTERPRISE. There's a knock at the door.
TETHIS
Who's there?
ELLIOT (O.C)
The Reaper's man, Sir.
Tethis opens the door. Elliot enters and shakes the snow off his coat.
TETHIS
Elliot. Thanks for coming. Sorry it wasn't in better weather.
ELLIOT
Anything for my old Captain, Sir.
TETHIS
Come, warm up by the fire. You didn't bring along any... friends did you?
ELLIOT
No, Sir. I wasn't followed. I doubt anyone would bother in this teching snow. I figure for a call in this weather, we must be getting close, right, Sir?
TETHIS
Very close. How's the team?
ELLIOT
We're short two. Rutherford and Plackent are out. Rutherford just got married and Plackent's in the brig, er, jail I guess since it's on land.
TETHIS
I'll assume his mouth got him into trouble again?
ELLIOT
He never did know when to shut it, Sir.
TETHIS
So what does that leave us with? Nine?
ELLIOT
Yeah. Forrest, Richards, Mikkey, and Ulo from the Reaver. Four more from the Bastion. They might have lost a step or two over the years, but they're all strong and mean as Hell.
TETHIS
Not as mean as you of course.
ELLIOT
Haven’t met my match yet, Sir. What's new with Dreg? Up to his old tricks?
TETHIS
He's exactly where I expected him to be. It's time to put our plan into motion. You’ll leave in three hours.
END OF ACT 3
STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
ACT 4
11. EXT. WHITE WASTES - DAY
A large storm is picking up battering the hovertrack as its engines pulse like a heart beat in the howling gale.
11a. INT. HOVERTRACK - CONT.
Dreg is at the controls, Ferra watches a display for any sign of Pica's team. After several tense moments a ping lights up on the display, then disappears. A moment later it reappears.
FERRA
There! I've got a ping bearing 266.2. It's an intermittent contact. It's gone again.
DREG
It could be anything in this storm. The sensors are useless.
FERRA
It's our only lead right now. And since you insist on being out in this storm-
DREG
We're out in this storm because of your arrogance.
(pause)
Anything on the bio-sensors, any heat signatures?
FERRA
Nothing. And we're down to 52% power. We can't keep this up, the track can't fight these winds.
DREG
There. Your contact is back again. 266.8. Let's check it out. If it's nothing we'll find a wind break and charge the engines.
11b. WHITE WASTES - EVENING.
As evening falls winds continue to batter the hovertrack forcing it closer to the snow over which it hovers. Through the snow the soft light becomes visible. It is Nix in Pica's car returning to the site.
11c. INT - HOVERTRACK - CONT.
DREG
What is that?
FERRA
That's Pica's car. What's she doing out here?
DREG
Actually that's Tethis' car. I wonder if he knows she took it.
FERRA
Another trick? She could be leading us away, further into the storm.
DREG
(they watch the contact move across the screen)
She hasn't changed course. It's impossible to say whether we've been spotted.
(Dreg stands)
I'm going to check on the engines and prepare the team.
FERRA
(seizing the controls)
Orders?
DREG
Follow that car, but keep as much distance as you can. And Ferra, don't tech this up.
FERRA
Yes sir.
12. INT. ICE CAVE - EVENING
Nix returns to the cave entrance in Pica's car. He approaches Pica and makes his report which is not audible to the rest of the crew. Though they can see Pica's mood change for the worse, no one asks why.
Pica approaches the team as Forge finally cracks open the hatchway.
FORGE
Got ya!
The hatchway swings open revealing a pristine cockpit with two chairs up front.
FORGE
Who wants the honours?
Pica nods at Edison who steps inside with tri-corder in hand. He gingerly sits in the pilot's seat; Pica takes the other.
EDISON
That smell. Do you smell that?
PICA
Yes, what is it?
EDISON
Gazitrine. It's a coating on the control panels to keep them from shattering in the event of an explosion. We use it for windshields. This vessel must have been sealed shortly after it’s manufacture. Absolutely incredible.
PICA
Don't just sit there sniffing, fire it up.
EDISON
One does not simply 'fire up' a piece of ancient history Pica. This moment must be savoured. (he takes another sniff)
Now.
Edison touches the control panel and to everyone's amazement it flickers then lights up.
PICA
How does it still have power? Even in stand-by mode the fuel cells should have been exhausted two centuries ago.
EDISON
I do not know.
LINCOLN
What's that flashing light?
He pokes the panel at that location.
EDISON
Lincoln! Don't touch.
A monitor flickers to life over their heads. The video and audio is garbled but visible is CAPTAIN KIMBERLEY KERR a human woman in her fifties, hair pulled back in a tight bun and wearing the uniform of a Federation Captain. As they watch a message plays.
CAPTAIN KERR
(words in brackets are garbled out)
This is a message to the crew of (the USS Halsey). The Federation (has contacted its) remaining vessels (to relay) the following message: Starfleet is lost. The Sculptor Invasion can no longer be stopped. Your orders are to evade the enemy by any means necessary. Survive as long as you can. I have chosen to interpret these orders (in my own way and) instructed that the ship be hidden in the hopes (that it may be reactivated once) the Sculptor threat has passed. Although the Federation has been defeated (the great) dream of a peaceful galaxy will never die. To my crew: though our (time together was brief) it has been the greatest privilege to serve alongside you (and I truly) hope that on this planet you will find the peace that we all seek. If this vessel has been discovered by another, please do not attempt to travel into orbit or beyond. The Sculptor threat is very real and our scientists and intel officers predict their invasion is likely permanent. This vessel was mounted with (a device) meant to counter (the Sculptor's super-weapon,) however it was (never tested and remains) inactive. Finally, to anyone watching: Remember us. Remember the sacrifices made by my crew, the lost men and women (of Starfleet, and the) millions of other beings in the name of galactic peace. This is the final order of Kimberley Kerr, Captain of the Federation (starship Halsey). Kerr out.
The display flickers off and power shuts down to the consoles. Edison taps a few buttons but there’s no response.
EDISON
(using his tri-corder)
No power readings at all now.
FORGE
It’s a miracle there was even enough to play that message.
PICA
I know it sounds strange but she seemed so familiar. I wish I could watch it again. Can we restore power to the console at least? I want to download that message for dad. He'll want to see it.
EDISON
Shall we check the power systems Forge? If we can ignite the core, power should be restored.
FORGE
Just because she has that new starship smell doesn’t mean all the parts stayed that way. These old star drives had a matter/anti-matter containment system, coolant, deuterium fuel cells. Nevermind that no one has seen one in three hundred years. It’ll probably blow up in our faces.
EDISON
I’ll take that as a yes.
A sudden thunderous noise alerts the team to the violent storm now raging overhead.
PICA
The storm’s getting worse. Edison, you and Forge see if you can start the power core without it exploding. Link you’re with me.
LINCOLN
Where are we going?
PICA
Get a bigger jacket, we’re going to do some scouting.
LINCOLN
(indicating Burli)
Why don’t you take the guy who’s already wearing one?
BURLI
(smiling at Lincoln)
PICA
Let’s go Link!
13. EXT - WHITE WASTES - NIGHT
Pica hands Lincoln a pair of thermal binoculars and they head out of the cave into the wind and driving snow.
PICA
You know how to work them?
LINCOLN
Nope.
PICA
Power here, zoom, modes, pictures, hold this to record. Go east about 100 metres, I'll go west. Meet back here in thirty minutes. No longer or you're going to freeze.
LINCOLN
Awesome.
They move off, scanning the storm, Lincoln keeps a close eye on Pica so he doesn’t get lost.
14. INT “ ICE CAVE “ NIGHT
Edison and Forge work on getting the shuttlecrafts power planet to start. They have pieces of equipment strewn about.
FORGE
Try it now!
Edison flips a switch, there is a brief revving sound from the shuttle, but it quickly dies.
EDISON
The power flow isn’t optimal. I’m getting a return of only 3 millicochranes. It’s not enough to charge the fuel cells. Or rather it is enough, if we can stand to wait fifteen years.
FORGE
Fuel cell A is shot. B is at 3 percent. We’d need 100 times the output of my converter to ignite this engine. Even the track can’t put out enough power on its best day.
EDISON
What we need is a real power plant, something that can charge that fuel cell long enough to spark the warp drive. A hydro-electric dam or a nuclear facility would be sufficient.
FORGE
Tethis won’t give us that kind of time Ed. Either we start it now, or it’ll be scrap.
EDISON
I know.
Pica and Lincoln return shaking off the snow.
PICA
Any luck?
EDISON
We need more time.
PICA
How much time?
EDISON
A month.
FORGE
And a nuclear reactor.
PICA
Don’t blame yourselves, it was a very long shot. The storm's right overhead now. Let's get the ship onto the track. We're heading out as soon as it's loaded. The storm will cover our tracks and give us the best chance of getting her back to civilization.
LINCOLN
So that's it? We're just going to scrap it? This is a piece of living history. This is from a time when we were a star-faring empire. You can't just destroy it!
PICA
I said it before Link: we're a scrap company. If you don't like my orders, you can walk home. Is that clear?
Lincoln looks to Edison for help.
EDISON
I'm sorry cousin, she's right. I don't agree with it either, but she's right. This ship is destined for scrap. If not us, then one of our competitor's.
FORGE
(slapping Lincoln hard on the back)
Don't worry boy, you won't have to work for a year after this run!
The team begins the process of loading the shuttlecraft onto the back of track, aided by a loading crane attached to the cab. They strap it down and cover it with a white canvas tarp. There remains a little walkway down the side of the track.
END OF ACT 4
STAR TREK: REBIRTH
"Enterprise, Part 1"
ACT 5
15. - CABIN OF THE TRACK - CONT.
Once again Nix is at the helm of the track, with Forge, Edison, Lincoln and Burli crammed inside. Forge and Edison wear sidearms, Burli has some sort of rifle that he's checking.
LINCOLN
What do I get?
EDISON
You didn't bring a pistol?
LINCOLN
I don't own a pistol.
FORGE
No spares, sorry kid. Burli, give him the stick.
Burli reaches into some hidden roof space and pulls down a long plasma torch which resembles a quarterstaff with a wide head that glows blue.
LINCOLN
What's this?
FORGE
It's a plasma cutter I built. For those hard to reach spots. But remember kid: no killing. Not for anything.
LINCOLN
Why no killing?
EDISON
You mean besides it being utterly morally reprehensible and the worst crime a person can commit?
LINCOLN
I meant-
FORGE
They're going to try and take our scrap. And they might try to hurt us to do it. And that's legal. What's not legal is killing for it. If another company takes our scrap, it's theirs. If they kill anyone to do it, they'll lose their scrap... and their lives.
LINCOLN
So how do we defend ourselves?
FORGE
Disable their track if we can. If they board us, knock ‘em right off. That torch there will give any thug a nasty burn if you swing it right. Swing it wrong... well don't swing it wrong.
Lincoln looks to Burli again.
LINCOLN
I'm so confused.
Burli takes one arm and pats Lincoln on the head consolingly.
LINCOLN
Thanks.
16. INT. ICE CAVE - CONT.
Pica is in the hovercar. She covers her face with a goggled mask and takes the lead riding out of the cave into the driving storm. The track jerks forward and rumbles along behind her.
17. EXT. WHITE WASTES - NIGHT
TETHIS whips along Pica's old hoverbike. He continually checks his little radar display for any sign of her or the team. He uses a radio communicator mounted on the controls.
TETHIS
Any member of Enterprise Rec, come in.
(he waits)
Calling any member of Enterprise Rec, come in.
(he waits)
Damn.
He lowers his head and races deeper into the storm.
16. EXT. WHITE WASTES - EVENING
Pica zips along zig-zagging and watching for threats. The track makes slow progress in the driving snow.
16b. INT. TRACK - CONT.
Lit only by the console, the crew shifts nervously in their seats like a team of horses waiting to be hitched. A bleep from the console alerts Forge.
FORGE
(checking the reading)
Another false contact. More interference from this damned storm.
EDISON
It's likely caused by large ice particles carried by the high winds.
FORGE
Might be gremlins in the sensors.
EDISON
I assume you mean computer glitches and not tiny sharp-toothed monsters.
PICA (V.O.)
Any new contacts? I'm getting sensor readings all over the place.
FORGE
About a dozen false contacts so far. Edison says it's ice from the storm.
PICA (V.O.)
Could be gremlins in the sensors.
FORGE
What's the first thing you're gonna buy when you get paid?
EDISON
I've had my eye on a leather bound copy of Ivanhoe at Riker's Bookshop downtown. The pages are butter soft, and the smell of the ancient leather is marvelous.
FORGE
You're coming dangerously close to an emotional response. Does your girlfriend know you feel this way?
Edison gives Forge a warning glare.
FORGE
(poking at a worn spot on Edison's coat)
Why not buy a new coat? Words don't keep you warm vulcan!
EDISON
(reciting with increasing and deliberate fervour)
He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it.
(lowering his book)
If that doesn't warm you Forge, you have my pity.
Another bleep from the console sounds but Forge only gives it a cursory look. He's about to speak when Nix changes course suddenly causing Forge to stagger.
FORGE
What are you doing you blasted robot?
NIX
Collision imminent.
FORGE
Collision? With what?
PICA (V.O.)
New course 036! We've got company!
A violent crash rocks the track as it is rammed to the side.
17. EXT. WHITE WASTES - EVENING
Pica's track has been rammed by Dreg's hovertrack under the cover of the storm. A violent struggle ensues between the two crafts. Several CORPS GOONS climb aboard the track and start cutting away at the cable's holding the shuttle. They battle with Burli who is a superb warrior and Lincoln who is having trouble using his staff. It should be clear that no one is being permanently injured or killed. By accident Lincoln knocks Burli off the track into the snow. Pica tries to disable the hovertrack by attaching a small mine to the front but is rammed by Ferra who watches Pica spin off her bike into the snow. She smiles wickedly. Dreg's forces fire magnet-tipped lines to the shuttlecraft and pull it free from the old track, dragging it away. Dreg's boarders retreat to the safety of the hovertrack and disappear into the storm.
18. EXT. WHITE WASTES - CONT.
Forge, Nix, and Lincoln work on repairs to the tracks engine, damaged in the action as Edison returns to the track with Burli.
FORGE
Where's Pica? And the boy?
Lincoln pops out of the snow, Edison helps him up.
EDISON
Are you alright?
LINCOLN
Yeah, I think so. Thanks.
EDISON
I can't see anything in this blasted snow! She hasn't activated her distress beacon?
FORGE
No. (pause) Nix, get inside and turn on the big repeater. The highest power settings. Get me?
NIX
Affirmative.
LINCOLN
Won't everyone see us with it on? They might come back to finish us off?
FORGE
They have their prize boy. Hit that switch over there.
The engine comes to life.
FORGE
There! Close that panel, let's get aboard and look for Pica.
LINCOLN
If we don't find her, won't they lose their scrap?
FORGE
If we don't find her, they're going to see what a real Klingon is made of. Get aboard!
Burli climbs the side of the track, then reaches a hand down for Edison throwing him easily up to the top hatch of the track. A moment later an antenna extends with a flashing strobe light on top. Forge is the last one in, he pauses looking out at the storm then slams the hatch down. The track turns and rumbles off.
19. INT. - DREG'S HOVERTACK - NIGHT
The track is stopped. Ferra is making final checks when Dreg enters through a rear door.
DREG
The track is loaded, how's the power supply?
FERRA
We're at 36%. It's no wonder they went to such lengths to guard that find. An intact starship. It must be worth millions.
DREG
We'll have to keep it under 30 knots. That should get us back to civ' by 1600 give or take.
FERRA
What are we going to do with it?
DREG
If we hang on to it too long we're liable to lose it to another company. Even back in civilization it's too valuable to keep around.
FERRA
Should be the best pay day this company's ever had, how come you're not smiling?
DREG
Something feels off. I can't place it.
FERRA
Too good to be true maybe?
DREG
Maybe.
FERRA
Track's ready when you are. We should get the hell out of here. I could use a celebratory drink.
DREG
What is that on the sensors?
FERRA
Hmm? Oh its ER's track.
DREG
They've put up a beacon?
FERRA
They could be calling for reinforcements. We should get moving.
DREG
Or it could be because they're missing a member of their team. Like Pica perhaps? You did scrap her car in the raid didn't you?
FERRA
She had it coming! If they can't find her that's Pica's problem.
DREG
The Scrappers Law is about looking out for other scrappers, especially when you're stealing their scrap! It's what kept you alive when Pica scrapped your bike. She waited till you woke up? Left you a firelight too right? Now you're suggesting we leave her in the wastes to freeze to death?
FERRA
Those old laws are the reason I'm still eating talaxian broth three meals a day! This find will make us rich Dreg, but we need to get it back before someone else finds us.
DREG
She's Tethis' daughter and a fellow scrapper. We take what we can to survive, but we don't leave anyone to die in the Wastes! And I'll remind you who is giving the orders here Ferra.
FERRA
(mockingly straightens up)
Orders sir?
DREG
Take the starship back to civilization and put it under heavy guard. No transmissions in or out by anyone. I'm taking my car out to help look for Pica.
FERRA
And if you get into trouble--
DREG
If I get into trouble, I'll know who to call.
21. EXT - WHITE WASTES - CONT.
Enterprise Rec's track rumbles through the darkness, the beacon flashing regularly. It passes by, the snow pounding the chassis, each gust of wind eliminating the hope of the crew.
22. EXT “ WHITE WASTES “ NIGHT
Dreg hums along in his hover car searching for Pica, his face set in a grimace.
22. EXT - WHITE WASTES - NIGHT
The storm shows no sign of subsiding and visibility is as bad as ever. Alone in the wastes is the remains of Pica's car with pieces of wreckage sticking out of the snow. Pica is on her side, half-buried and quickly becoming covered. There is a sudden flurry of movement as Pica is dug from her snow-tomb by a mysterious benefactor. She is bloody half-frozen and unconscious. The mysterious stranger collects Pica’s body in his arms and begins to walk.
TO BE CONTINUED
Fade out.
END OF ACT 5
1
Story Notes: Star Trek: Rebirth is both a continuation of the original series' and a reboot. By wiping the slate clean I was able to achieve what I wanted in a new Star Trek series without ret-conning or twisting the lore (too much).
ST:R is a screenplay written for television. If you have not read a screenplay before it requires more imagination than a novel where the author can paint a scene for you in explicit detail. Please do your best to see in your mind's eye the vision I have attempted to create. Also plain text does not lend itself well to screenplay format. I apologize for the lack of formatting. I hope you enjoy it.
ST:R is a screenplay written for television. If you have not read a screenplay before it requires more imagination than a novel where the author can paint a scene for you in explicit detail. Please do your best to see in your mind's eye the vision I have attempted to create. Also plain text does not lend itself well to screenplay format. I apologize for the lack of formatting. I hope you enjoy it.