Star Trek - Invincible

[JonVP]

EXT. LOVAL SYSTEM - CARDASSIAN SPACE

In the distant, a small blue dot in the black ocean of space.

Superimpose: LOVAL - Cardassian planet near the Breen border.

A Starfleet vessel, AKIRA-class, enters our view. On the saucer section we read her proud name: USS INVINCIBLE.

We follow on her impulse trail as she sets course for the blue planet in front of us.

INT. OFFICE LEGATE MARIS - STARFLEET HQ LOVAL

A Cardassian male officer stands at the glass entrance door of the office, overlooking the operations center located on a lower level. In human years one would guess he's in his early fifties. His posture is one of pride and strength. This is GUL BRIKANE.

SHOT ON: OPERATIONS CENTER. Starfleet officers are installing their equipment, helped by Cardassians in civilian outfits.

On Brikane's face, biting his lip.

BRIKANE
What have we become? Minions of Starfleet.​

We turn round to face LEGATE MARIS, sitting at his large desk. With his graying hair and obesity, he is clearly an elderly officer with retirement long overdue. The Legate, upon hearing Brikane's remark, looks up from his computer screen.

MARIS
If it weren't for them, our people would now probably be living underneath the heal of Klingons and Romulans.​

Brikane turns round, now facing his Legate. He's clearly annoyed by Maris's response.

MARIS
Fortunately we are spared of such fate. Don't you agree?

BRIKANE
(arrogant)That remains to be seen. The alliance between the Federation, the Klingons and the Romulans is a fragile one. I doubt it will last another 3 months.


MARIS
You can always apply for a position at our base on Soukara.​

Brikane folds his hands behind his back. Irritated. Maris won't back off. Brikane can't win this discussion.

MARIS
But I doubt the Klingons will be as accommodating as the Humans.​

A COM SIGNAL goes off. Maris taps one of his controls.

MARIS
Maris here. Go ahead.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Legate. The starfleet vessel Invincible has entered orbit. Captain Kendrick request permission to beam down.

MARIS
Permission granted.​

The COM ends. Maris gets up from behind his desk.

MARIS
Well then old friend. It's time to meet your new master.​

Brikane nods politely but the prospect of meeting his new commanding officer clearly hurts his pride as a Cardassian soldier.


INT. OPERATIONS CENTER - STARFLEET HQ LOVAL

Brikane and Maris walk out of the office and take the stairs down to the OPERATIONS CENTER located on a lower level.

They walk over to a transport alcove at the far end of OPS where a FEMALE CARDASSIAN GIL is standing at the controls.

MARIS
Ready when you are.​

The Gil nods affirmative and initiates the transport.
The figure of Captain KENDRICK materializes onto the transport platform. A human male. Mid thirties. Athletic built. We get a mischievous vibe from him.

Kendrick looks around, taking in his new surroundings.

Maris walks up to him. They shake hands.

KENDRICK
At long last we meet in person.

MARIS
Welcome to Loval Captain.

KENDRICK
I've heard a lot of interesting things about this little planet. Natural sources with strong healing powers. Those sort of things.

MARIS
Captain, may I introduce you to your liaison officer, Gul Brikane.​

Kendrick reaches out his hand.

KENDRICK
I'm looking forward to our collaboration.​

Brikane doesn't reach out his hand, instead only gives a small nod of understanding.
Kendrick looks at Maris, sensing Brikane's animosity.

KENDRICK
I hope he can speak? We have no use for a liaison officer with no tongue.

MARIS
He can speak.​

He shoots Brikane a disappointed look.

MARIS
But some of us still have difficulty accepting our new position in galactic affairs.

BRIKANE
We didn't fight the Dominion and the Breen to replace them with Starfleet forces.

KENDRICK
Starfleet's mission is to secure the interests of the Cardassian people. To protect the integrity of the Cardassian Union.​

Brikane shakes his head in disbelief. An awkward silence before:

MARIS
Well then. Now that we've got ourselves acquainted. Let's go to my office to discuss your first assignment Captain.​

The three walk over to the stairs leading up to the Legate's office.

 

[JonVP]

EXT. LOVAL

The USS Invincible in orbit around Loval, headed for the dark side of the planet.

INT. USS INVINCIBLE - CORRIDOR

Iskendril, the young Helm Officer, senses her way through the corridor. She is Aenar. A species native to Andoria, looking very much like Andorians but with a pale skin instead of blue. Aenar are born blind, so she moves at a much slower pace than her fellow crewmates.

As a tall officer is about to pass her by:

ISKENDRIL
Goodmorning Commander.​

The officer is Lieutenant-Commander Youssef AUTREJOUR, Chief Engineer. He's in his early fifties but still maintains a strong and powerful physique.
Walking next to her, Iskendril looks even more fragile.

The Commander seems surprised Iskendril noticed his presence.

AUTREJOUR
Good morning to you too Ensign. But how did you know it was me?​

She smiles.

ISKENDRIL
I picked up your sound.

AUTREJOUR
(curious)My sound?

ISKENDRIL
Everybody has a distinctive sound Commander.The way they walk. The way they breathe.

AUTREJOUR
I see. That's.(a pause)Interesting.

ISKENDRIL
Isn't it a bit weird? To be out here, in Cardassian space?

AUTREJOUR
No more than usual. You're fresh out of the Academy. You'll learn soon enough. Space can be very weird. Whether it's here, or anywhere else.

ISKENDRIL
I guess so. But to be here. Helping them after they fought us so long and hard. We lost so many lives. So many good men and women.

AUTREJOUR
Indeed we did. But we mustn't forget the ideals for which they sacrificed their lives. Because if we do, their sacrifices will have been in vain.​

As they reach a turbolift:

ISKENDRIL
(smiling)You're a wise man Commander.

AUTREJOUR
Some days more than other.​

As Iskendril is about to step into the turbolift.

AUTREJOUR
Heading for the bridge?

ISKENDRIL
My shift starts in 10 minutes.

AUTREJOUR
Well then, drive safely.

ISKENDRIL
As long as you keep the engine running.

AUTREJOUR
Will do.​

The Chief continues his way as the turbolift closes.

INT. USS INVINCIBLE - BRIDGE

The turbolift opens up to the bridge. There we find Commander Maria RUIZ, sitting in the Captain's chair.
Like the Captain, she is in her mid thirties. The way she composes herself in the chair is that of a career officer. No doubt about that. Though as nails.
She looks over her shoulder as Ensign Iskendril walks onto the bridge.

RUIZ
Good morning Ensign. The helm is all yours.​

As Iskendril walks over to the helm station:

ISKENDRIL
Morning Commmander.​

Lieutenant Jeremy HANSSEN sits next to her at the science station. As Iskendril takes her seat:

HANSSEN
So. Ready for your first big adventure?

ISKENDRIL
Running errands for the Cardassians? Doesn't sound like much of an adventure.​

The Commander overhears the conversation and picks in:

RUIZ
Come now Ensign. A bit more enthusiasm if you will. We've only been in Cardassian space for what, 5 hours?

HANSSEN
I for one wouldn't mind a couple of boring missions.

RUIZ
I wouldn't count on it Lieutenant. With the Klingons and Romulans out there, we're bound to find trouble on our way.​

Suddenly we hear the sound of an incoming transmission coming from the security station behind the center seats. The young Vulcan/Romulan hybrid, Lieutenant TALBOK, mans the station. As he tabs a few keys on his console.

RUIZ
Report Lieutenant.

TALBOK
We're receiving a distress call Commander.​

The Commander stands up from her chair with a troubled look.

RUIZ
Starfleet?

TALBOK
No.
(looking up to her)Cardassian.
(back onto his console)It's being sent out by a freighter 3 light years from our current position.

RUIZ
Any information on possible assailants?

TALBOK
None. Just a call for help.

RUIZ
Bridge to Captain Kendrick.​

On her concerned look:

INT. OFFICE LEGATE MARIS - STARFLEET HQ LOVAL

Kendrick stands in the doorway, ready to head down the stairs.
Legate Maris and Gul Brikane both stand in the background.

KENDRICK
This is Kendrick. Go ahead.

RUIZ (O.S.)
Captain. We just received...

KENDRICK
A distress call. We know. I've just discussed the situation with Legate Maris. Invincible will clear out the situation.​

As he continues his path down the stairs:

KENDRICK
Gul BriKane and I will transport over shortly.
​

INT. USS INVINCIBLE - BRIDGE

Same as before.

RUIZ
The ship will be ready for you sir. Ruiz out.

HANSSEN
(Under his breath)So much for boring missions.​

On this we jump to:

EXT. LOVAL

The Invincible breaks orbit and heads out into space at impulse.