Script
STAR TREK: HYPERION
FADE IN:
EXT: LONG COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
The bright sunshine beams down in the valley. Rolling mountains and hills fill the back drop as Captain Richard Connell sits at the wheel of a BMW Z3. His white shirt puffs out as the wind rises over the open top of the car bonnet and into his face. His hair bristles in the wind and the sun reflects off his glasses.
A big smile grows on his face as he accelerates down the road. 'We Will Rock You' by Queen blasts out from the car speakers. He frowns, as the Holodeck Arch materializes a hundred metres down the road. He hits the brakes and the tires squeal. The car comes to a sudden stop just outside the open Holodeck doors, showing the corridors behind. Commander Rhys Brueggemann stands leaning against the side of the Arch. Crew members pass behind him.
Richard leans down and switches off his radio, and at the same time pulling his sun glasses onto his head. He looks over.
RICHARD
Problem?
RHYS
Saxbee called again.
Richard frowns again.
RICHARD
Oh.
RHYS
You can't keep ignoring him.
Richard steps out of the car door and slams it shut.
RICHARD
I can try.
Richard comes around the other side of the car and steps under the Arch.
RHYS
Stop being difficult and talk to him.
Richard steps right up to his face and pauses.
RICHARD
No.
INT: HYPERION - DECK 7 - CORRIDOR
He steps out into the corridor and makes a move to walk away, but Rhys stops him.
RHYS
Richard, you don't know what it's about, it
could be important!
Richard stops and turns, as Rhys gets more frustrated.
RICHARD
I know what it's about.
RHYS
Then why are you so worried?
RICHARD
I'm not worried, I just don't want to hear
him say it.
A moment of silence follows as if Richard is waiting for a witty come-back from Rhys. He walks away. A frustrated Rhys turns away, and glances back at the Holodeck.
RHYS
Computer, save and end program.
The computer chirps in confirmation, and as Rhys walks away everything in the Holodeck turns to wireframe before disappearing off the grid and back into the conventional yellow lines. The Holodeck doors close.
LEAD-IN
EXT: SPACE DOCK
The USS HYPERION, NCC-3066-C, rests safely in space dock. Earths blue skies can be seen through the frame of the dock. We track along the main structure of the dock until the saucer of the Hyperion and it's registry can be seen.
MUSIC CUE: *something summery; jack johnson?*
INT: CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
The dark wood and suede shaded room is lit by soft spots and up lights, but the corners of the room remain in darkness. Richard sits with his feet up on the desk, leaning back into his chair. His eyes are closed.
The music drops to a third of its volume as the control panel on his desk starts to chirp. The panel on the far wall starts flashing a message, 'Incoming Transmission', quickly followed by, 'SFC: R.Ad. J. Saxbee'. Richard huffs. A moment later the computer makes several strange chirps and beeps, and the word 'Visual Override' appear in red letter below the other text. Richard frowns, and realizing what it means he quickly gets out of his chair and makes a bee-line for the door to the bridge. Half way to the door, the screen activates and Admiral Saxbee's face appears. He shouts.
SAXBEE
Captain!
The stern voice makes Richard stop dead in his tracks. He swings around like he's just been caught chewing gum.
RICHARD
What can I do for you, Admiral?
SAXBEE
Sit down.
Richard places himself back in his chair and swings on it a little.
SAXBEE
You're a hard man to get hold of when you
don't want to be found, Captain. I'm sure
your senior staff helped by looking the
other way.
Richard just shrugs his shoulders, and starts to smile a little. Saxbee begins to grin and Richard lets out a few laughs.
SAXBEE (CONT'D)
You're a lucky bastard, Dick, Happy Birthday.
Richard nods in appreciation.
SAXBEE (CONT'D)
You're Dad asked me to pass on his regards, but
he's out of contact on the outer rim. He'll be
back in six weeks.
RICHARD
I'm sure I'll see him. Was there anything else?
Saxbee rearranges himself in his chair.
SAXBEE
Well, now I've actually got hold of you, I might
as well give you your orders. You'll depart for
Starbase 621 to pick up...
RICHARD
Please don't tell me this is just a drop off?
Saxbee continues with some amount of glee.
SAXBEE
...to pick up Lt.(Dr) Ray Lakeland.
Richard huffs.
SAXBEE (CONT'D)
He's an exotic disease specialist, and he'll be
bringing some of his work with him. You're to
take him and his samples to Starbase 214. He's
to be heading up the team there from now on.
And, Dick, please be careful, we don't have many
people out that way.
RICHARD
Understood.
SAXBEE
Catch up when you get back.
RICHARD
Will do, Admiral.
Richard hits a button on his desk and the transmission ends.
INT: HYPERION BRIDGE
The doors to the ready room whoosh open and Richard comes striding out. Lt. Ellen McCabe sits at the Operations panel, the Helm chair sits empty. Rhys stands between the view screen and Ellen leaning on the Helm/Ops console as they talk. Rhys stands up straight as Richard walks in.
RICHARD
(to Ellen)
Secure all stations, we're moving out.
Rhys hits his Comm Badge as he walks towards the back of the bridge.
RHYS
Engineering, bring the Warp Core online and
cut umbilical support.
Commander Daniel Larson replies.
DANNY (V.O.)
Eye, Sir.
RICHARD
(to RHYS)
Commander?
Rhys stops and Richard holds out his hand, offering him the helm position.
RICHARD (CONT'D)
Would you care to take the Helm?
RHYS
Yes, Sir.
Rhys, for a moment, acts like an excited child. He sits down at Helm, looks over at Ellen and smiles, she smiles back. Richard turns to the back rear panel as he sits down.
RICHARD
Ensign, signal Space Dock we're ready to depart.
ENSIGN
Yes, Sir.
The Ensign turns to the panel and in the background we hear...
ENSIGN (CONT'D)
Space Dock this is Hyperion, request permission
to depart.
The Ops panel chirps. Ellen looks down.
ELLEN
All stations report secure, Sir.
ENSIGN
Space Dock confirms, Captain. At your
digression.
RICHARD
Thank you...everybody.
Lt. Commander (Dr) Susan Rhoads steps off the Turbo Lift closely followed by Lt. Commander Magnus Lester. Magnus walks across the bridge slowly. Richard turns and sees them briefly.
RICHARD (CONT'D)
Come to watch the show?
SUSAN
Are we leaving?
RICHARD
The orders just came through.
MAGNUS
About bloody time.
Magnus perches himself on the centre rail.
RICHARD
Helm, take us out, thrusters only.
Rhys hits a few keys. The bridge crew watches the screen as the sight which had become so familiar of the space dock frame starts to move away.
EXT: SPACE
The thruster quads on the rear of the saucer section suddenly light up, and the ship begins to edge forward slowley. The lights on the front of the ship flicker on illuminating the registry number, and the deflector dish begins to glow.
The ship pulls out the front of the space dock and ducks underneath a passing Galaxy-Class cruiser.
INT: HYPERION - ENGINEERING
Danny Larson, the uptight, by the book, Chief Engineer stands in front of the warp core, next to an Ensign at the Main Control panel.
DANNY
Ok, final checks. Plasma Injectors?
A voice comes from Lt. Deacon by the 'pool' table.
LT. DEACON
Active.
DANNY
Matter, anti-matter flow?
LT. DEACON
On standby.
A few crew members move around them while the list is being reeled off. They all seem busy with other things.
DANNY
Dilithium crystals?
There's a pause. The Lt. looks across engineering.
LT. DEACON
Lt. Porter?!
Lt. Porter turns with a little surprise. He taps away at his console frantically.
LT. PORTER
Er...crystals are stable!
Danny looks back at Lt. Deacon with a stern look. He turns back to the Warp Core.
DANNY
Containment field?
LT. DEACON
17% above normal.
DANNY
Good.
He turns to the Ensign sitting next to him.
DANNY (CONT'D)
Ok, Ensign, start her up.
The Ensign taps away at the panel and hits a key button. A loud rumbling sound comes from the bowl of the ship and the warp core flashes for a moment and the Warp Core reaction starts.
EXT: SPACE
The strips down the outside of the Warp Nacelles begin to glow a warm blue, as the ships pulls away from the ship building complex. Earth get smaller and smaller as they move further away.
INT: HYPERION - BRIDGE
Richard sits on the edge of his seat looking straight into the view screen with a child’s light in his eyes.
ELLEN
Warp Engine's just come online.
RICHARD
Thank you. Rhys, set a course for Starbase
621, Warp 5.
RHYS
Course laid in.
Richard smiles.
RICHARD
Engage!
Rhys hits the control panel.
EXT: SPACE
The ship turns slightly and the Warp Drive winds up with it's usual noise. A flash comes from the nacelles and the ship accelerates. The Earth, the moon, and the ship yards quickly fly backwards from the ship. Another flash pushes the ship past the warp barrier and the stars begin flying by.
*Interim details haven’t been decided yet. Mostly character introduction and relationships.*
EXT: SPACE
The Hyperion drops out of warp and the impulse engine glows red as it kicks in. The ship accelerates away again.
INT: HYPERION - BRIDGE
HELM
We’re at full impulse.
The ensign at Comm presses a few buttons.
ENSIGN
USS Hyperion to Starbase 621, we have passed
your outer marker, please confirm?
There's a slight pause from the comm.
STARBASE 621
USS Hyperion this is 621, we've been expecting
you. Please confirm your registry, 3066-Charlie.
ENSIGN
Confirmed Starbase, estimated time until docking,
four minutes.
STARBASE 621
Proceed to Space Door 3, port 5.
ENSIGN
Thank you, Starbase.
Rhys nods to the ensign and turns back to the view screen. He taps his comm badge.
RHYS
Captain Connell to the bridge.
EXT: SPACE
The Hyperion commences its final approach to the Starbase. With the space doors already open she strolls right through and the doors begin to close behind her.
INT: HYPERION – BRIDGE
Richard steps off the turbolift and onto the bridge.
RHYS
All stop.
HELM
Soft docking complete.
Rhys turns to the comm Ensign.
RHYS
Inform Starbase.
Rhys stands as Richard walks over to him and puts a hand on his back.
RICHARD
Rhys, I want you to keep an eye on what
Dr. Lakeland brings onboard. Make sure
it’s exactly what the inventory says it
is. I read his service record and
apparently he can be a bit touchy.
RHYS
Yes, sir.
RICHARD
Go.
Rhys steps into the turbo lift.
RICHARD
Ensign, get me the station commander
and put it through to my ready room.
He walks to the ready room.
INT: HYPERION – DECK 6 – CORRIDOR
Rhys steps out of a turbo lift on deck 6 and steps into the first door on the left and into the transporter room.
INT: HYPERION – TRANSPORTER ROOM
Rhys steps up to the panel.
LIEUTENANT
Commander, Dr. Lakeland is waiting to beam
aboard with his samples.
RHYS
Energise.
The Lieutenant hits a few keys and runs three fingers up the console. The transporter cycle begins and Dr. Lakeland materialises in front of them. He carries a briefcase with a bio hazard sticker on the side. He makes a move to step off the transporter pad, but Rhys raises a hand to stop him.
RHYS (CONT’D)
Doctor, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave
that here.
The Doctor thinks for a second, and the dislike for Commander Brueggemann comes across his face.
LAKELAND
Commander...Brueggemann, isn’t it.
Rhys nods.
LAKELAND (CONT’D)
I was hoping to work on them for the duration
of the journey.
RHYS
That may be the case Sir, but that case
isn’t leaving this room.
Lakeland gets a little frustrated.
LAKELAND
Commander, I am not an amateur in my field.
I know how to handle...
Rhys interrupts.
RHYS
Lieutenant. You can either do as I ask,
or someone can do it for you. There are
no other options.
LAKELAND
Commander, I have all the equipment necessary...
Rhys turns and speaks to the transporter Lieutenant.
RHYS
Would you excuse us please, Lieutenant?
The Lieutenant nods and quickly leaves. The door whooshes shut. Rhys quickly steps up to Lakeland’s face.
RHYS (CONT’D)
Lieutenant, if you ever question me in front
of one of my crew again, I’ll dress you down
to third class petty officer. Is that clear?
There’s a moment of silence.
RHYS (CONT’D)
The case stays here.
Lakeland puts the case down on the transporter pad.
LAKELAND
Very well.
RHYS
Your quarters are deck 8, section 4. Report
for duty in sickbay at 0800 hours tomorrow
morning. There are plenty of other things
you can do.
Lakeland steps down from the pad and walks out the door without saying another word. The transporter Lieutenant turns back into the door.
RHYS (CONT’D)
Beam this to containment lab in sickbay,
and inform the Doctor.
The Lieutenant nods and gets to work. Rhys leaves the room.
INT: HYPERION – READY ROOM
Richard sits behind his desk. Captain Willis’ face fills the wall screen.
RICHARD
I only need it for four days Captain.
WILLIS
I’m sorry, but the Enterprise is due
to collect it in five days, and your
journey is going to take you six days
at best. I just can’t let you have it.
RICHARD
Captain Willis, I can do this trip in
four days by cutting through the Algol
Nebula, but I can’t do that without this
upgrade, the sensors won’t cope.
There’s a moment of silence.
WILLIS
Four days, and only four days. If the
Enterprise turns up and you’re not here
I’m sending them in your direction.
(beat)
I’ll beam it across.
RICHARD
Thank you Captain.
Captain Willis signs off without another word.
INT: HYPERION – DECK 9 - CORRIDOR
Richard walks around the corner towards his quarters, as Liz steps out and turns the other way without looking up.
RICHARD
Liz!
She looks up and turns back.
LIZ
Hey, I’m on the bridge in five minutes,
got to be quick.
Richard kisses her on the lips.
RICHARD
I’m going to bed, come and find me when
your shifts over, we can have a drink?
Liz smiles.
LIZ
Sure.
RICHARD
I’m going to bed. Oh, and you’ll find an
Isodynamic Sensor Module in Cargo Bay 3.
Get Danny to fix it up before we hit the
nebula.
Richard tries to pull away, but Liz pulls him back, and plants another kiss on his lips.
LIZ
I love it when you go all ‘Captain’ on me.
A smile comes across his face and they stand looking at each other for a moment. They pull apart, Richard goes into their quarters and Liz walks off down the corridor.
INT: HYPERION – ENGINEERING
Liz walks in through the open doors into a vast engineering. She sees Danny.
LIZ
Did you get my message?
DANNY
Of course. Do you have any idea how
big this thing is?
LIZ
No, not a clue.
DANNY
Well, I’ll need six hours just to fit it.
Liz shakes her head.
LIZ
I’m sure you’ll find somewhere to put it.
Is it going to need any extra power?
DANNY
No, it’s well within tolerance levels.
LIZ
Good, let me know when it’s done.
Danny nods and walks off. Liz steps out of Engineering and turns the corner.
CREWMAN (V.O.)
Cargo Bay 3 to Commander Miller. All items are
now onboard and accounted for.
LIZ
Thank you.
She taps her badge again.
LIZ (CONT’D)
Bridge, prepare to depart, I’m on my way up.
CREWMAN #2 (V.O.)
Eye, Sir.
...
