Breakthrough

Below is the full script for the Strange New Worlds mission, Breakthrough, in which Captain Pike must find a Romulan scientist who has just invented a weapon of terrible destructive power. Should that weapon fall into the wrong hands, the balance of power of the entire Alpha Quadrant will change irrevocably for the worse.

Mission 1

Objective 1 - Go to location - Meet with Pike on the Enterprise

Maia

Commander, we are receiving a hail from the USS Enterprise, currently orbiting Risa. It is Captain Pike. Patching him through now.

Pike

Maia. Commander. Well now, it only seems like five minutes ago one of my crew was hitching a lift with you guys, and we are again, trying to thumb a ride.

Maia

We can assure you, Captain Pike, it is a pleasure to help. I believe I can safely say you even qualify for our friend’s discount.

Pike

Friend’s discount? Oh, I get it. I’m glad to see your humor algorithms are still functioning at a passable capacity.

Maia

How may we assist you, Captain?

Pike

Okay, so word has reached Starfleet Intelligence that a Vandrarian scientist by the name of Rendiga Dabat has made a discovery that could potentially upend the entire galaxy.

Maia

Yes, we have heard similar rumors, although nothing as to the exact nature of that discovery.

Pike

Yeah, that’s eluded us as well. What we do know is that a whole bunch of interested parties have already sent out scouting parties and that Rendiga has gone into hiding.

Pike

We’re pretty sure she wants to make her way to the Federation, but with so many scouts, mercenaries and bounty hunters snapping at her heels, she’s understandably anxious.

Maia

Why not take the Enterprise yourself?

Pike

If tensions are already high just on the basis of rumor, sending one of Starfleet’s most recognisable flagships might just inflame the situation more.

Pike

With both the Klingon and Romulan empires champing at the bit to fight for galactic domination, this might be all the excuse they need to start a war.

Maia

And if indeed Dabat’s discovery can be weaponized as so many clearly believe, any such war would be very short lived and doubtlessly brutal.

Pike

Exactly. So I need you guys to take me to Rendiga’s last known whereabouts and we can start our search from there. But first, you need to come pick me up.

Pike

The Enterprise is remaining at Risa, where my crew is enjoying some well deserved downtime.

Maia

Understood, Captain Pike. We are on our way.

Objective 2 - Go to location - Enter Klingon Space

Pike

Thanks for getting here so fast. Our first port of call is in Klingon space.

Maia

Klingon space? Why was Dabat hiding there? It seems like the last place she would wish to be.

Pike

Apparently it was while she was conducting some research for the Empire that she stumbled on whatever it was she found. It’s no wonder she hightailed it out of there fast.

Maia

Very good, Captain Pike, setting coordinates for Klingon space and engaging engines now.

Objective 3 - Defeat Klingon patrol ship

Maia

Captain we are already being hailed by a Klingon patrol ship.

Pike

They don’t mess around. Let me get out of sight and then patch them through.

Klingon

Independent scum. We know why you are here. You are not the first and you will not be the last. Though, unless you turn around now, this WILL be your last day alive.

Maia

Klingon warrior, we have no quarrel with you. We simply wish…

Klingon

You were warned, petaQ. Now you die.

Maia

He’s attacking.

Objective 4 - Go to location - Head for the Klingon Outpost Joq

Pike

Spock was right about you guys. You handle yourselves well. Alright, we need to head to a small planetary outpost called Joq. That’s apparently where she holed up first.

Maia

You think the Klingons there would help us?

Pike

The Klingons on Joq are barely considered Klingons at all by the rest of the Empire. It’s where the disgraced end up. There’s no love lost there, believe me. Rendiga must’ve thought so too.

Maia

Setting course for Joq.

Objective 5 - Defeat 2 Klingon ships

Maia

I do not believe I have ever met a surlier group of Klingons. Can we trust what they told us? Do you believe Dabat found passage to the Klingon trade world of bo’Dagh?

Pike

I think it’s likely enough. Just as likely as some of those surly Klingons contacting high command to tell them about us, in the hopes of worming themselves off Joq.

Maia

I think you are right. Two heavily armed Klingon ships are heading our way, weapons locked on us.

Pike

Let’s dance.

End Dialog

Pike

That’s taken care of them. You’ve got to hand it to Rendiga. Making it off at least two different Klingon planets without being caught is pretty impressive.

Maia

Let us hope she made it three.

Pike

I can’t think of a better reason for our search to last longer.

Mission 2

Objective 1 - Go to location - Head to the Klingon Trade World bo’Dagh

Pike

We had better get to bo’Dagh fast. I don’t like hanging around Klingon space like this

Maia

It is likely they will be waiting for us there now.

Pike

Then we’ll just have to be careful. I’ll go find something to wear that will make me blend in while you get under way.

Objective 2 - Defeat Klingon ship

Maia

What did you find out, Captain?

Pike

That it’s good to be back in uniform.

Maia

What did you find out, outside of the sartorial, Captain?

Pike

Well, first, they mean what they say down there when they call it a trade world. I had to spend a lot of your latinum to learn anything. Sorry. Second, she was picked up by a couple of Orions.

Maia

The Syndicate?

Pike

I don’t know. Not all Orions are affiliated, but, from the information I bought with your money - again, sorry - they were heading towards Orion space, and that’s not good.

Maia

Neither is that Klingon ship closing in on us.

Pike

What?

Klingon (female)

By the blood of Kahless, DIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!

Objective 3 - Go to location - Head for Orion Space

Pike

She was nice.

Maia

I do not know about you, Captain Pike, but I see no reason to remain in Klingon space any longer.

Pike

Right, so there’s a space station orbiting Thaspa. Nasty kind of dive by all accounts, full of real lowlifes. I think that’s our best bet.

Maia

Setting course for Orion space.

Objective 4 - Defeat 3 Orion ships

Maia

Captain, we are here. Do you wish to don your “blending in” clothes again?

Pike

What else do you have?

Maia

Actually, it appears I have a problem. In the form of three Orion ships converging on our position. They are hailing us.

Orion Captain

We know who you are, Independent, and we can guess what you want.

Orion Captain

Let it be known that the scientist known as Rendiga Dabat and all discoveries deriving from her research have been designated the legal property of the Orion Syndicate in perpetuity.

Maia

How does she feel about that?

Orion Captain

Turn back, Independent. You have been useful to us before, which is why we offer you this courtesy. Remaining will be seen as attempted theft and dealt with.

Maia

I am afraid we cannot turn back.

Orion Captain

Then farewell, Independent. It was nice knowing you.

Objective 5 - Go to location - Dock with the Space Station

Maia

What makes you think the Syndicate does not have Dabat, Captain?

Pike

Instinct. If they had her, they’d be crowing about it more. You know the Syndicate, they love to brag about their swag.

Pike

All this designated property and in perpetuity bull, it felt like meaningless filler. No, I know a guy down there, runs a bar, name of Orok. If anyone knows anything, it’ll be him.

End Dialog

Pike

Orok, old friend, I hope those antennas of yours are still working.

Orok

Pike! What the hell are you doing here? You’ll get us both killed if you’re seen.

Pike

Then you’d better help me quickly, before I start acting really suspicious.

Orok

Alright, alright! What do you need to know? Hurry!

Pike

The scientist, Rendiga Dabat. I heard she’d passed by this way. The Syndicate are making out they have her, but I don’t buy it.

Orok

Well, you’re right not to. She was here sure enough, but not by force. She’d hitched a ride with a couple of Orion traders, but, you know, nice types.

Orok

Syndicate because they have to be, like most in this place. They pay a fee, they’re left alone. Anyway, they had to stop off here to make a delivery, but then they were heading out to Rigel.

Pike

And Rendiga was with them?

Orok

Far as I know. No one was carted off, so I’m assuming they all got out okay. I’m glad. She seemed like a nice lady.

Pike

You met her?

Orok

Just briefly. She needed a weapon. Traders thought I could help. Anyway, like I said, she seemed nice. But haunted.

Pike

Hunted is more like it. Okay, Orok, you’ve been a big help. Let’s call it quits.

Orok

Just get out of here, Pike, and don’t come back.

Mission 3

Objective 1 - Go to location - Enter the Rigel system

Maia

Were your instincts correct about Dabat, Captain Pike?

Pike

Yup. According to my source, she was on her way to Rigel.

Maia

Very good. Engaging impulse engines.

Objective 2 - Go to location - Go to Rigel V

Maia

So, Captain, do we have an exact destination?

Pike

Yeah, we need to go to Rigel V. That’s where those Orion traders were making their final delivery, so that’s got to be where they dropped Rendiga.

Maia

On our way.

Objective 3 - Defeat 2 Nausicaan Mercenary Ships

Maia

Captain, we are in orbit of Rigel V, but we are not alone.

Nausicaan Mercenary

You! You leave! We find Dabaaaat! Dabaaat make us rich! You not leave, we make YOU dead!

Pike

These guys are hilarious.

Maia

We are not going anywhere, Nausicaan. If I were you, I would back away while you still can.

Nausicaan Mercenary

Nausicaans do not back away. Nausicaans fight! Nausicaans win!

Maia

Battle stations, Captain.

Objective 4 - Defeat bounty hunter (human)

Maia

Another ship is approaching, Captain Pike. We are being hailed.

Human Bounty Hunter

Hey, thanks for getting those chumps out of my way. That would have been such a waste of a great bounty.

Maia

I suggest if you wish to avoid the same fate, turn around and go find some other prize.

Human Bounty Hunter

While I appreciate the warning, I should point out, I’m no Nausicaan. I think you’ll find there’s a lot more finesse to my flying than those tusky dimwits. Besides, I love a challenge.

Pike

Maia, take care of this arrogant bastard.

End Dialog

Pike

Is it me, or is the entire galaxy after Rendiga?

Maia

It is to be expected, Captain, if she is as valuable as everyone assumes her to be. We shall see more bounty hunters and mercenaries yet, I feel sure.

Maia

It seems the most obvious path to take if the Alpha Quadrant’s main players do not wish to be seen, as you say, tipping their hat.

Mission 4

Objective 1 - Go to location - Search Rigel V

Maia

We are approaching Rigel V, Captain. Perhaps this is where we will find our elusive scientist.

Pike

It’s possible. The Rigelians are not an overtly hostile race. They may have given Rendiga shelter. That said, it’s not exactly Federation soil, so she’d still be exposed out here.

Pike

Plus, the Rigelians have been known to enjoy dabbling with the more exotic sciences. There’s a chance they might also have seen the advantage in holding on to her.

Maia

We are about to find out.

Objective 2 - Defeat 3 Orion Syndicate ships

Pike

Alright, we have a solid lead. I spoke to the head of one of the Rigelian scientific institutes and, yeah, she was here, not three days ago.

Maia

Then we are very close. Where is she now?

Pike

This is where it gets interesting. While Rendiga was on the surface, she met another scientist, here to study the effects of certain experiments on Rigelian blood. An Augment.

Maia

That does not sound encouraging.

Pike

By all accounts, this Augment is a little eccentric. Anyway, he spoke with Rendiga and convinced her to go with him. So we are headed for Augment space.

Maia

Wait, Captain. It appears we have been followed. We have three Orion Syndicate ships coming directly at us.

Orion Syndicate Female

The Syndicate does not take kindly to being humiliated, Independent. Your time is over.

Objective 3 - Enter Augment space

Pike

Remind me never to prank an Orion. Are there any more of them out there?

Maia

No, Captain Pike. I have already entered coordinates for Augment space.

Pike

Then hit it, Maia, and let’s get this done.

Objective 4 - Defeat 3 Breen bounty hunters

Maia

Captain Pike, we have come out of warp in the Lydan system.

Maia

A moment, Captain, there are three Breen ships coming out of warp behind us. I know these ships. They belong to a group of Breen bounty hunters.

Pike

Are they hailing us?

Maia

No, Captain, they are preparing to fire. Battle stations.

End Dialog

Pike

Damn. Breen too, huh? Heck of a way to see the universe.

Maia

And now we get to play with Augments.

Pike

They’re a complicated bunch. Some like us, a lot want to kill us, others just want to be left alone.

Maia

To be honest, you could say that about most races.

Pike

True. Anyway, it’s possible I may have an in with them. We’ll have to see if it plays out.

Mission 5

Objective 1 - Go to location - Make contact with the Augment on Lydan

Pike

Maia, I want you to patch me through to La’an Noonien-Singh on the Enterprise.

Maia

Patching you through now.

Pike

La’an?

La’an

Captain Pike, Sir. Is there a problem out there? Do you need back up, Sir?

Pike

No, nothing like that, La’an. I need your help with something. We’ve tracked Rendiga to Augment space. I was wondering if maybe you knew someone here who could help us.

La’an

Hmm… there’s Darma. She will probably assist you if you mention my name. Where are you exactly?

Pike

In the Lydan system.

La’an

That’s perfect. She’s on Lydan.

Pike

Thanks La’an, that’s perfect. Pike out.

Pike

Alright, Maia. You heard her. Let’s go talk to Darma on Lydan.

Objective 2 - Go to location - Approach the Planet Huwop

Darma

Yes, who are you? What do you want?

Pike

Hey, Darma, my name is Pike. I’m a friend of La’an Noonien-Singh. She said you could help me out.

Darma

If it doesn’t inconvenience me, perhaps.

Pike

Let’s hope not. We’re on the trail of a Vandrarian scientist by the name of Rendiga Dabat. We know one of your people brought her to this sector of space.

Darma

Ah yes, the woman you have all started squabbling over.

Pike

Look. Word has it Rendiga has created something that could rip space apart or something. If it gets into the wrong hands.

Darma

Doesn’t the Federation consider our hands the wrong hands?

Pike

Well, look, I…

Darma

Don’t concern yourself, Pike. There is nothing any of you people could come up with that we could not find for ourselves and better. If you wish to destroy yourselves, go ahead.

Darma

It saves us the trouble down the line. You’ll find the scientist on Huwop, where she is doubtlessly having her mind blown by our superior research.

Darma

Take her and leave, before more of you start buzzing around. Out.

Pike

You heard the lady, Maia.

Objective 3 - Defeat 5 bounty hunter ships

Maia

We are orbiting Huwop, Captain, but we are going to have to wait to get you down there. There are five ships approaching with their weapons locked on us.

Bounty Hunter

Back away, Independent. We know Dabat is down there, and we’re taking her back with us. She’s worth a lot of latinum, and you are severely outgunned.

Maia

What we lack in firepower, we more than make up for with superior intelligence. You should have brought another five ships with you, if you wished to stand a chance.

Bounty Hunter

Open fire!

Objective 4 - Go to location - Pick up Rendiga

Pike

I see why Spock likes you, Maia. You are something else. Let’s go get Rendiga.

Maia

Heading back to Huwop now.

Objective 5 - Go to location - Take Rendiga to the Enterprise

Rendiga

Thank you for coming to get me, Captain Pike. You too, Maia. I believe I would have eventually made my own way there, but the path would certainly have been more fraught.

Pike

You’re welcome, Rendiga. Just what is it you discovered that’s got everyone so nervous? We’ve heard all sorts of things. Planet killer. Reality twister. Universal destruction…

Rendiga

I am not sure of the best way to describe it. I suppose you could consider it a sort of genetic reset button.

Maia

Fascinating.

Rendiga

It’s essentially a code written into all biological lifeforms. I found a way to at least partially unlock that code. If that process were completed…

Maia

You could use it to regress an entire species.

Rendiga

Exactly. But that’s not all.

Pike

Oh good.

Rendiga

The code has a quantum element, meaning once you program it to latch onto a particular strain of DNA, you could use it on any single one member of any race and it would affect them all.

Pike

Well that’s not in any way terrifying, Doc.

Rendiga

I am calling it the Genocide Key.

Pike

Of course you are. You know what, Maia, I think it’s time we got Rendiga here somewhere safe.

Maia

Agreed. Setting course for the Enterprise. Engaging warp engines.

End Dialog

Pike

Thanks for all your help out there, Commander, Maia. What we’ve done is going to save a lot of suffering.

Maia

What do you plan to do with Rendiga?

Pike

Well, she has an excellent mind. There are plenty of Starfleet institutions that would like to put it to use.

Maia

Assuming she can stay away from accidentally destroying life as we know it.

Pike

Yeah, assuming that. Alright, we’re about to set course for Earth, but, hey, I owe you one for this.

Maia

Plus that large quantity of latinum you spent. But we can let that slide.

Pike

Ha! Appreciate it. I guess I’ll see you out there.

Maia

We look forward to it. Take care, Captain Pike.

Pike

You too.

END