Triumvirate

Teaser
We fade in on the SS Yorktown docked with a ring-shaped XCV-class starship, which visibly bears the designation "ASTRAL QUEEN" on the interior of the rings. One can faintly see the etched out "USS" on the dilapidated ship.

During this scene we overhear April recording in his log:
 * "Captain's log, stardate 920.0. The Yorktown is docking with the Astral Queen. It's commander has stated that the passengers have requested transport aboard my vessel. He wishes to speak with me before going into any details."

We cut away to the transporter room onboard the Yorktown. Stromgren, as always, is operating the console and standing next to him are our stars: April, Skurpaj, and Number One. April clearly appears curious at the situation, yet nonetheless gleeful at his apparent importance. Skurpaj is once again totally and utterly inquisitive at everything going on, yet he maintains his stern, quick action mannerisms. Number One, of course, appears annoyed at the situation, and is not trying to hide it.

We spy on the transporter pad, and we see three beams of orange twilight, that meld into the shape of three distinct figures. We have a quick cutaway to April's face, which it adapts its most formal position, despite hiding some more curiousity. "Master Kirk, I am Captain Robert M. April of the space ship Yorktown," he starts, "This is my first officer," pointing out Number One, "and this is my security chief, Skurpaj." At this remark we pull back to reveal the scene. The three figures are standing counterpart to our three heroes. Master Kirk is nicely dressed in a buttoned grey utilitarian turtleneck, and appears with a smile on his face. Next to him and counter to Number One is another Vulcan, dressed in a ceremonial Vulcan dignitaries outfit, with his family's shield and name, a series of what looks like musical notes, written across his brown jacket and black underclothes. He also wears the IDIC symbol. Skurpaj stands opposite a Human, who is oddly also in Vulcan wear, albeit he lacks any family connection or IDIC pin. As soon as April finishes his introduction, Skurpaj enters the conversation. "What is the nature of your request?"

April quickly rebuts this, not-so-quietly telling Skurpaj, "Lieutenant, please..." he continues, directing his comments to Master Kirk. "What is the..." he pauses, realizing he's repeating Skurpaj's question. He continues anyway, trying to re-word the statement. "...reason that you are here?"

We close in on Master Kirk, who's bemusement is at an all-time high. "Gentlemen," he says, "as I stated, my passenger wishes to speak with you privately." He introduces his two associates starting with the Vulcan, Skran, and then to the human, David McCoy. He states that they are "diplomatic aides, to Ambassador Sarek."

Taken off-guard by this news, April asks for clarity. "Ambassador?" he questions. We fade out and go to credits.

Act One
Fading back in after the break, we find ourselves in the April's quarters/ready room. We don't see much of the room, though, as we are closed in on Number One's face. Cold and direct, Number One asks "What was his request?" We pull back to reveal that Number One is opposite April, who is sitting at his desk. Skurpaj is standing to her right, at ease.

April describes their mission. "We'll leave in one day. We are to transport Ambassador Sarek and his two aides to a conference on Memory Alpha." Number One states, not showing any curiousity except in her statement, "I do not understand. The Astral Queen is adequate enough and that Memory is only a week away at cruising speeds." April is more than glad to "answer" Number One on this one, saying "I guess Sarek decided it'd make more of a show to have the valiant Yorktown transport him, instead of some old run-down passenger liner."

Upon hearing this, Skurpaj quickly asks "May I ask two questions, Captain?" Without waiting for a response, Skurpaj asks his questions. "First, the Astral Queen has a long history of its own, so, why would the Yorktown be considered more historical?" Again not waiting for a response, he continues, "Second, you imply that Sarek is simply 'showing off,' but would this be possible for an unemotional individual who follows the teachings of Surak?"

April, clearly less gleeful after Skurpaj's questions, responds. "O-kay," he starts, "First, they Yorktown's recent history. Second, 'showing off' doesn't need to involve emotions. Sarek is simply exhibiting the Yorktown as a reference to his past accomplishments." "But..." says Skurpaj. "Enough," interrupts April, "I have to go 'commiserate' with Master Kirk." Skurpaj and Number One quickly turn to leave and we cut away.

We are on the Astral Queen's Forward Lounge. Being a passenger ship, it's well-furnished, although showing signs of age...

<!--===Act Two===

Act Three
5	INT. ASTRAL QUEEN - FORWARD LOUNGE The camera follows APRIL as he enters, he heads toward the center table occupied by KIRK. At the other tables, one can make out McCOY, KARIDIAN, and SCOTT; LESLIE and his son CONNORS, two other members of the ASTRAL QUEEN crew, and the bartendar with a hat similar to GUINAN's from STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.

APRIL (sitting down) Ahh... Master Kirk.

KIRK Please, call me George.

APRIL You wanted to speak with me, George?

KIRK Yes. Please have a drink.

APRIL (to the bartender, now at his side as a					waitress) I'll have a prune juice.

KIRK (clearly amused. to the bartender) Heh... get the new stuff for the Captain here.

BARTENDER Yes, sir.					(walks away)

KIRK (to April) Cute thing, but she listens too much.

APRIL Umm... okay. What did you want?

KIRK (he's serious, he's stops smiling for the					first time) I was wanting to know... what's your secret?

APRIL (the bartender is there and hands him a					Saurian brandy. To Kirk) My secret?

KIRK Yeah, how did you become so famous? A year ago, I never heard of you. Now, you're this big Romulan-fighting, Axanar-escaping hero. Word is, Ambassador Sarek's going to give you an award at the Memory. I've been commanding this ship for three years now, and nothing's happened. I fought one ship of Nausicaans and got myself in a heap of trouble over that.

APRIL (a little overwhelmed and perhaps angry					by this "hero worship") Well... I guess it's the assignment. You're commanding a passenger liner. I command a freighter-transport. I go through dangerous space, including Axanar territory and the old Romulan war lanes, on my freight runs. You go				through Federation-approved safe zones parsecs within Federation territory. I'm not even sure how you'd get into "trouble." You're not even Starfleet. You'd have to join Starfleet or at				least the merchant marines if you want to see any action.

KIRK (backs off, but still wanting to continue					the conversation) Hmm. Well, anyways, is it true what they say about Deltans?

APRIL smiles.

6	INT. YORKTOWN - READY ROOM/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS SKURPAJ is standing opposite of the desk where APRIL is sitting. His desk is littered with PADDs

APRIL (looking at the PADDs) I don't get it. According to these files, Kirk dreadfully failed his Academy entrance exam, he				couldn't join Starfleet because he wasn't smart enough, and he didn't possess the physical qualifications. Yet, the George Kirk I met was a				suave, intelligent man, and nearly crushed my hand with that handshake of his.

SKURPAJ Do you not believe that he would have changed in the last ten years?

APRIL (getting up to talk to Skurpaj) That doesn't explain his intelligence, and the Academy tests your potential, as well as your present status.

SKURPAJ Is it possible the Academy was wrong?

Close on APRIL pondering this.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO FADE IN:

7	INT. YORKTOWN - RECEPTION HALL Formal occasion. One can see APRIL, NUMBER ONE, SCOTT, and SKURPAJ from the Yorktown; KIRK and his first officer FREDERICK KARIDIAN from the Astral Queen; and SAREK and his two aides SKRAN and MCCOY. Other Astral Queen supernumaries and Yorktown regulars abound)

APRIL (with emphasis on Ambassador) Aah... "Ambassador" Sarek. Nice title.

SAREK The title of Ambassador was bestowed upon me by				Minister T'Lar, based on my services as a diplomat, and my negotiations during the... incident... several months ago. I will soon serve three years as Vulcan Ambassador to Tellar Prime, after my upcoming paternity leave. My wife is expecting.

APRIL (with familiarity) Really, you're having a child already?

SAREK (possibly subtly hiding disgust) Yes. My wife will give birth sometime between eight and thirteen months from now to my second child. The healer is unsure due to the fact that Vulcan-Human hybrids are rare.

McCOY (edging his way into the conversation, to					April) Ah... I don't believe we've informally met. I'm				David McCoy, Federation diplomat to Ambassador Sarek. I'll be coordinating his activities with regard to the Federation Council's wishes.

APRIL (a little annoyed) Uh... yes. Pleased to meet you, Mister McCoy. Have we met before?

McCOY No, I don't believe so. This is my first diplomatic position. I've previously served as a first-class steward and an architect.

SKURPAJ Why so many occupations?

McCOY (angered) Don't patronize me.

The camera follows APRIL as he leaves this conversation and talks to NUMBER ONE.

APRIL So...

NUMBER ONE Yes?

APRIL How's the evening going?

NUMBER ONE Fine. Although the ship master has hit on my at five times now.

APRIL I bet he was mad when you turned him down

NUMBER ONE looks at APRIL curiously as she raises an eyebrow.

APRIL (nervously) You did turn him down... right?

As NUMBER ONE walks away, APRIL watches her walk by McCOY grabbing some Saurian brandy. McCOY then walks into a conversation between KIRK, SAREK, SKRAN, and KARIDIAN.

KIRK ...so it was actually in his lobes!

With the exception of SKRAN and SAREK, the crowd laughs

McCOY Here you go, sir.

KIRK (joking) What are you a waiter?

McCOY (slightly sarcastically) You don't even want to know.

SAREK I feel it is inappropriate for me to engage in a conversation of this manner. I shall meditate and afterwards retire for the night.

KIRK I have to go as well. I'll see you later... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?

McCOY H. David McCoy.

KIRK What's the H stand for?

McCOY It's personal.

SCOTT (coming from nowhere) Might I join this conversation?

SAREK We are done.

The group all take their leave.

8	INT. YORKTOWN - TURBOLIFT APRIL and SKURPAJ are in the turbolift. APRIL suddenly uses the side lever to stop the lift.

SKURPAJ (bewildered) Captain?

APRIL I've been thinking, Skurpaj. I'd like you to ask around and find out anything you can about Master Kirk. Find out his past activities, present activities, and any planned activities.

SKURPAJ Who should I ask, Captain?

APRIL (slightly amused at this question) I'm sure you'll find someone.

SKURPAJ looks inquisitively at APRIL.

9	INT. YORKTOWN - SICKBAY BOYLAN is at his desk with COLTI sitting on top of it next to him joking around.

COLTI (with emphasis on "your") ...and then she said, "Was that 'your' lobe?"

BOYLAN (laughing, followed by:) You always make me laugh, Mia.

SKURPAJ walks in

SKURPAJ Doctor, can you analyze these for me?

BOYLAN (edging his way into the conversation, to					April) Sure. (pause) Do you want me to start now? It will take some time.

SKURPAJ (his curiosity peaked) May I observe your conversation?

COLTI (interrupting) I'm sure the good doctor will provide you with the results, Sir.

10	INT. ASTRAL QUEEN - BRIDGE KIRK is at the center chair. JANICE KELLY is occupying the helm in front and KARIDIAN is on the console behind KIRK.

KIRK Mister Karidian, prepare to remove the docking arms. Mister Kelly, prepare for space warp.

KELLY Sir, you have an incoming hail from Captain April.

KIRK Put it on audio.

APRIL (formally) Master Kirk, Ambassador Sarek and I officially require a conference with you, regarding a personal matter.

KIRK (quickly, showing that he was clearly					prepared for this) Kelly, cut off communications. Fred, are we clear of the docking arms?

KARIDIAN Yes, sir.

KIRK (with a smile) Good. Mister Kelly, ahead warp three.

KELLY (a little scared at the incident, turning					to Kirk) Sir, this is highly irregular, and that's higher than maximum.

KIRK (a little angrily at first, but soon lets					down his guard) I gave you an order, Janice. Please.

KELLY (gives up) Yes, sir.

KARIDIAN (interrupting) Sir, the Yorktown has us in tow.

KIRK Evasive actions, power up weapons.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE FADE IN:

10A	EXT. YORKTOWN and ASTRAL QUEEN The ASTRAL QUEEN is attempting to maneuver around the YORKTOWN while attached to its tractor beam.

10B	BACK TO SCENE

KARIDIAN (angrily to Kirk) Sir, we cannot fire upon a non-hostile ship. Plus, we'll be no match with our plasma cannons.

KIRK (equally angry) I gave you an order.

KARIDIAN (stubbornly) I refuse to follow that order.

KIRK (aghast, turns to Kelly) Kelly?

KELLY Shielding down.

SKURPAJ and HAFTEL beam over

HAFTEL (pointing his phaser at Kirk) Master Kirk, come with me please.

KIRK (with resignation) Alright, I'll come peacefully.

11	INT. YORKTOWN - READY ROOM/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS KIRK is standing "at ease" opposite APRIL who is at his desk.

APRIL (a little smug) I lied. I haven't told the Ambassador of your actions. I should probably just take this up with Federation authorities.

KIRK It's not a Federation crime.

APRIL (angrily) But it is an Earth crime, and last I checked you are a citizen of United Earth, born in Sloane, Idaho on September eighth, twenty-one ninety three.

KIRK (a little bit annoyed) That's correct, sir.

APRIL (still angry) Well, then I'd say this crime applies to you. You've been injecting yourself with this "junk" for awhile now. Just tell me where you got it.

KIRK (with resignation) My friend's father has a bunch of these left over from before the War. I've been using them for years, and I've never been caught.

APRIL (smugly) You sure are a boy scout...

KIRK (interrupting, heavily angry) I'm not a boy scout.

KIRK immediately lunges at APRIL, almost flying over the desk and knocking them both to the ground in a roll. They both get up and the fight continues. APRIL punches KIRK with no effect whatsoever, and KIRK ends up catching APRIL's fist, crushing his hand and causing APRIL to briefly cry out in pain. With one quick move, KIRK knocks APRIL to the ground and then picks him up into the air by his throat.

KIRK (whispering as he's held by his throat) Wait.... wait... George.. your son... you have a son...

KIRK is aghast at why APRIL would bring this up, and even more aghast at his behavior. He drops APRIL to the floor.

APRIL (still on the floor rubbing his throat) Correction, you "were" a boy scout. George, you can't do things like this. They'll send you strait to New Zealand if they found out. You have a wife and a son on Earth. What do you think you should do?

12	INT. YORKTOWN - READY ROOM/CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS Some time has past, the room is picked up, and there is no chair behind the desk. APRIL and SKURPAJ are seated away on the opposite side, and APRIL's hand is clearly bandaged, and he is holding a P

APRIL (to Skurpaj) You have to keep this secret. (reading from a PADD) George S. Kirk has resigned from service to the Earth Passenger Authority. He's officially booked passage home onboard our starship, although he is confined to quarters. (to Skurpaj) Skurpaj... what do you think happened?

SKURPAJ How would I know?

APRIL Here's what happened. You found out he was injecting himself with Augment DNA. That's what changed him these past years. He wanted to be a				hero, but heroes are made by others, they don't make themselves.

13	INT. YORKTOWN - REC ROOM McCOY and SAREK are sitting at a table playing a game with circular cards. KIRK enters and walks toward them.

KIRK (smugly) So, this where they fought those holograms?

McCOY Heh... there's some downtime before the conference, so I'm trying to teach the ambassador here some Earth games like poker and double jack.

KIRK (surprised and sarcastic to McCoy) What did you drug him? (to Sarek) With all due respect Ambassador, your grandfather made first contact with Earth, your father was born in Bozeman, I think it's pretty obvious that you know more of Earth customs than Mr. "Boomer" McCoy over here.

SAREK I find that very insulting.

KIRK (bemused) Sorry to hurt your feelings.

McCOY raises an eyebrow

14	EXT. ASTRAL QUEEN and YORKTOWN The ASTRAL QUEEN and the YORKTOWN both break away from each other and warp in opposite directions.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

THE END-->