ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. GOVERNOR FRANKLIN’S OFFICE
Governor Franklin sits at his desk, clearly distraught over recent events as he reads through casualty lists on his desk monitor. He looks up at the door slamming open suddenly as Admiral Krav barrels his way into the room, his brow furrowed and his teeth bared.
ADMIRAL KRAV
I thought you said that they wouldn’t fight! That our mere presence would be enough!
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
(flustered)
I don’t know what to say.
(beat, swallows)
I didn’t think they’d be this desperate just to hold onto us.
Admiral Krav changes his tone, but he still isn’t happy with the situation, or Governor Franklin.
ADMIRAL KRAV
The Earther fleet was much stronger than anticipated. They dealt a heavy blow before we finally forced them to retreat.
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
(stunned)
I never meant it to come to this.
(beat, horrified)
So many deaths, and it’s all on my hands.
Admiral Krav sneers at Governor Franklin.
ADMIRAL KRAV
What happened to the man who was making that fiery speech as I landed? You pathetic whimpering weakling! You've lost your nerve!
(beat)
If you ever had any.
(beat)
Your impatience and petulance brought us to this and now you want to cower in a corner like an animal!
(beat, disgusted)
I can’t believe I saw anything worthy of respect in scum like you.
Governor Franklin stands up and glares at Admiral Krav.
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
(angry)
You hypocrite! You didn't have to engage them, let alone fire the first shot!
(beat)
I didn’t give you half of our refined goods for the year so you could kill Humans!
Admiral Krav steps up to Governor Franklin, so they are face to face over his desk.
ADMIRAL KRAV
It was either fight them or stand back and let them come in on a whim.
(beat)
We had a contract, and we lived up to our part of it. Now it’s time for you to live up to yours.
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
(angry, confused)
What the hell are you talking about? We've already arranged payment; all you have to do is load it and leave. Your people could do it now, if they wanted to.
(sullen)
In fact, I insist. Your services are no longer required.
ADMIRAL KRAV
You’re even more of a fool than I thought, Human.
Franklin’s expression grows confused, despite the insult.
ADMIRAL KRAV (CONT’D)
(astounded, darkly amused)
You didn't read the terms of our contract before signing it, did you? It was all there...
The gravity of the situation still hasn’t dawned on Governor Franklin; Admiral Krav loses patience and sighs, shaking his head in disgust.
ADMIRAL KRAV (CONT’D)
In the event of armed conflict, all damages incurred in resulting combat shall be passed along to the contract holder.
(beat)
We have most definitely sustained heavy damages, both in equipment and manpower. Your original payment will be insufficient now.
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
What!? But this kind of risk is supposed to be part of the job…
ADMIRAL KRAV
Risk, but not loss on this scale.
(beat)
No, you’ll be repaying Tellar for a few cycles at least. Consider yourself a colony of Tellar for now.
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN
You can’t do that!
ADMIRAL KRAV
Yes. I. Can. You agreed to it when you signed your contract.
(beat)
You had an admirable cause but your own stupidity and foolhardiness has led us to this.
Admiral Krav turns on his heel and leaves before Governor Franklin can get himself back together to respond. Governor Franklin can only stare after him for a few moments before sitting back down, a defeated man.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIEFING ROOM
Archer sits at the conference table, watching the news stream in on the large monitor with a growing sense of helplessness, visibly fatigued. T’Pol stands nearby and watches with him, feeling somewhat out of place and uncomfortable. She’s about to say something in an attempt to quell the tension when Trip enters the room. Trip glances at the monitor and then at each of them in turn.
TRIP
It doesn’t look good, does it?
ARCHER
Four ships lost, over a thousand killed in action, even more injured.
(beat)
No, it doesn’t look particularly good at all…
(beat, angry)
Dammit! I feel useless!
Trip cuts T’Pol a quick glance.
TRIP
(wryly)
At least you’re actually tryin’ to do something instead of just sittin’ back and watchin’ the fireworks.
T’Pol glances sideways at Trip, but otherwise doesn’t react, continuing to watch the news stream in. Trip is disappointed at this and it shows just beneath the surface. Archer notices and decides to nip it in the bud.
ARCHER
How’s the ship holding up?
TRIP
We’re holding steady at warp five-point-two. I’m pushing her as hard as I can, and so far she’s taking it, but it’s pretty rough on her…
(beat)
She’ll need a rest when all this is done.
Archer slowly nods.
ARCHER
We’ll be putting in at the nearest starbase that can handle us.
(beat, forcing a smile)
Don’t worry Trip; she’ll look like new again.
Trip looks at Archer with concern; Archer looks like he’s on the verge of passing out from his fatigue.
TRIP
Speaking of rest, when was the last time you had some sleep?
Archer rubs his eyes.
ARCHER
Couple of days.
Trip crosses his arms.
TRIP
Jeez, even I’ve made myself get some rack time over the past few days.
(beat, concerned)
You’re not much use to us asleep on your feet.
ARCHER
(joking)
This is why coffee was invented.
(beat, more serious)
Besides, I can’t sleep anyway.
TRIP
I seem to remember someone giving me a lecture not too long ago about not sleeping.
ARCHER
That’s different.
(beat)
I’m the captain.
Archer smiles wryly at Trip.
TRIP
(pointedly)
You should still try to get some sleep.
(beat, off Archer's unrelenting expression)
At least talk to Doc Phlox. He might be able to fix you with something to help you sleep.
(beat, off Archer's deepening frown)
Or stay awake. Your call.
Archer nods slowly again.
ARCHER
I might have to do that.
(beat)
Don’t worry about me Trip; I’ll be fine.
Trip considers Archer for a while, then acquiesces with a small nod. It's clear from his expression that he's not entirely happy.
TRIP
Okay….
(beat)
I’ll be on the Bridge for a while if you need me.
(beat, trying to lighten the mood)
Somebody's gotta take care of my ship.
Archer gives Trip a half smile and a roll of the eyes. With that, Tucker turns and exits the room, leaving Archer and T’Pol alone again. Archer is content to go back to watching the news stream in on the large monitor, but T’Pol uses this opportunity to give her attention to Archer; she turns and looks him over, and is disappointed by what she sees.
T’POL
Commander Tucker is correct, Captain; you should get some rest.
(beat)
I’ll notify you if anything important happens.
Archer glares at T’Pol for an instant, but calms down right away.
ARCHER
Like I said, I can’t sleep anyway.
(beat)
I’ll be fine; I’ll just go down to Sickbay and see if I can get some stims or something.
Archer gets up to leave, but T’Pol stops him briefly.
T’POL
Vulcan has observed the Tellarites become involved in actions like this before. Now that there has been open conflict, they will be demanding a higher price for their services.
(beat)
They may insist that Alpha Centauri become a protectorate under their control.
ARCHER
(frowning)
I’ll keep that in mind when I talk to these Andorians.
(beat)
Speaking of, has there been any response to our hails?
T’POL
No.
Archer’s face falls in disappointment.
ARCHER
Very well.
(beat)
I’ll be back in a few minutes.
(grudgingly)
You have the conn.
INT. ENTERPRISE – SICKBAY
Archer makes his way into sickbay and finds Phlox finishing up an exam on a slightly wounded crewmember using one of his “helpers.” Archer gives the crewman a professional nod but guilt is lurking in Archer's eyes as he studies the young woman's minor injuries. Phlox smiles pleasantly at Archer as the crewman departs; still holding a jar with the large eel-like thing in it.
PHLOX
And how can I help you Captain?
ARCHER
I need some stims or something similar. Anything that will help me stay alert.
Archer glances at the eel with touch of disgust on his face.
ARCHER (CONT’D)
Preferably something that’s not alive.
Phlox thinks for a moment.
PHLOX
I might have some pills that you could take.
ARCHER
That’ll do.
Phlox starts looking through one of his medicine cabinets.
PHLOX
Never had much use for these myself; Denobulans only need to sleep six days a year.
ARCHER
(wryly)
Sometimes I wished I had it that easy.
PHLOX
Oh, it has its disadvantages to be sure.
Phlox pauses to study a bottle for moment, then replaces it with a shake of his head.
PHLOX (CONT’D)
I’ve often wondered what it would be like to sleep only a few hours each day instead of being forced to enter a state of hibernation for six days.
Archer’s eyes widen in surprise.
ARCHER
Wow.
PHLOX
Mmmm, it can be rather inconvenient at times.
Phlox finds the appropriate pill bottle and holds it up to check its label.
PHLOX
Ah…. Here they are.
Phlox turns to face Archer and gives the bottle a little shake for emphasis.
PHLOX
(with a hint of reproach)
From what I've learned of Human physiology, this is no substitute for a few hours of rest.
Archer takes the bottle from Phlox and looks at the label himself briefly.
ARCHER
Sleeping right now isn't an option, Doctor. I need to be as alert as possible.
PHLOX
Take two pills every four hours. There are enough pills in that bottle for 12 hours maximum. After that, I must insist that you get some sleep.
Archer nods absently as he opens the bottle and shakes two pills out of it. Phlox quickly gets some water from a small dispenser in the wall. Archer shoves the pills into his mouth and accepts the glass of water from Phlox, using it to wash the pills down. He hands the glass back to Phlox when he’s done.
ARCHER
Thank you Doctor.
Phlox smiles.
PHLOX
Always happy to lend a helping hand.
Archer gives Phlox a small smile in return as he re-closes the pill bottle and pockets it.
TRIP (COMM. VOICE)
Bridge to Captain Archer.
Archer activates the room’s comm. panel.
ARCHER
Go ahead, Commander.
TRIP (COMM. VOICE)
Cap’n, you should get up here; there’s something I think you might want to see.
ARCHER
I’ll be right up. Archer out.
Archer switches off the comm. panel and turns his attention back to Phlox.
ARCHER
See you around, Doctor.
Phlox nods and Archer is on his way.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Archer steps out of the turbolift and joins Trip next to the command chair. Archer looks at the viewscreen to see what Trip was talking about, and is amazed at what he sees; a small star is dying a slow death as it is drawn into a black hole that was once its companion star. Archer barely notices T’Pol as she gets up from the command chair and relieves an ensign at the Science station.
ARCHER
(to anyone)
Is it safe?
T’POL
We are a safe distance away, Captain.
Archer slowly sits down in his command chair, still enthralled by what’s playing out on the viewscreen.
TRIP
(excited)
No one’s seen anything like this, Cap’n, not even the Vulcans.
Archer glances up at Trip in surprise, then at T’Pol.
ARCHER
Really?
T’POL
There is nothing on record to my knowledge.
Archer turns his gaze back to the viewscreen.
TRIP
This is why we should be out here, Cap’n. Not to chase after some phantom aliens we’ve never heard of, and definitely not to fight with each other.
Trip’s words don’t really seem to register with Archer, who just nods dully as he continues to stare at the viewscreen. We focus on T’Pol as she considers what Trip said, small evidence that Humans might show some promise after all. We then pan slowly around until we are behind Archer and Trip, looking at the viewscreen in wonder along with the rest of the crew.
EXT. SPACE
We PAN slowly from left to right, and watch as a streak of color and light quickly forms into Enterprise as she drops out of warp. We continue to pan, Enterprise at the center of the screen, until a pale-colored planet comes into view and takes up most of the screen. We watch as Enterprise approaches the planet, growing smaller as it moves away from our vantage point until it’s just a speck above the clouds.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Time has clearly passed since the previous scene. Archer, much more alert than before, holds his chin as he tries to look through the hazy clouds that cover the planet.
ARCHER
Open a channel.
Hoshi works her console for a moment.
HOSHI
Channel open, Captain.
ARCHER
This is Captain Jonathan Archer of the United Earth Ship Enterprise, calling the Andorian outpost on the planet below us, or any Andorian vessel that can hear me.
Hoshi listens and watches her console. A LONG BEAT passes.
HOSHI
No response, Captain.
T’POL’S VOICE
And I believe I know why.
We pan to look at T’Pol with Archer. T’Pol looks up from her scanner.
T’POL (CONT’D)
The Andorian outpost has been reduced to rubble.
(beat, studies her readings again)
All structures within sensor range have also been destroyed, Captain.
ARCHER
What? Can you tell how?
T’POL
The majority of it appears to be the result of weapons fire.
(beat)
I am unable to conduct more detailed scans due to residual interference, likely from the weapons used.
ARCHER
Can you tell who did it?
T’POL
No.
ARCHER
(frustrated)
It looks like we may have come all this way for nothing.
(beat)
Are there any other Andorian outposts nearby?
T’POL
Not to my knowledge.
(beat)
We are on the fringes of their territory; it would take a minimum of seven days of travel to reach the next manned Andorian outpost...
(beat, with a barely noticeable glance toward the Damage Control station)
...providing Enterprise could maintain maximum warp during that time.
ARCHER
Well, we’re here now.
(beat)
I suppose the Andorians might like to know who destroyed their outpost. Maybe we could use it as a peace offering.
(beat)
You say you can’t get a clear reading on the type of weapons used here?
T’POL
That is correct. There is too much interference present to use shipboard sensors effectively.
ARCHER
Would portable sensors be able to get a better reading on the surface?
T’Pol cocks an eyebrow.
T’POL
Possibly.
(beat)
However, there is no guarantee that they will perform any better even with proximity.
ARCHER
I’m willing to take that chance.
(beat)
Assemble a landing party. I want you, Trip, Major Reed, Doctor Phlox, and a few others to provide support.
Reed straightens up at the mention of his name.
REED
How many SFs should I bring with me, Sir?
ARCHER
However many we can fit in the shuttlepods with us.
Reed nods his head and goes about contacting his people using the comm. panel on his console.
ARCHER
Ensign Sato, tell the Hanger Deck to prep all shuttlepods for launch.
Hoshi turns to do as she is told. Archer stands up and turns his attention to the Operations Manager.
ARCHER
Hold down the fort while we’re gone, Lieutenant.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Aye, Captain.
The Ops Manager makes her way to the command chair and sits down as Archer, T’Pol, and Reed get into the turbolift. Archer touches the appropriate button on the small control panel and the door closes in front of them.
EXT. PLANETARY ATMOSPHERE
We watch as the four shuttlepods make their way through the hazy clouds, until they break through to see the devastation below. The countryside is almost completely devoid of vegetation, with only a few of the more stout trees and shrubs managing to barely cling to life. As the shuttlepods approach the distant city in a loose formation, we can see that there isn’t much left of it.
EXT. OUTPOST CITY
The shuttlepods fly among the skeletal remains of what were once tall skyscrapers, with rubble strewn about them on the ground. We can just make out the ruins of several smaller buildings, almost completely hidden by the debris from the larger buildings. Ahead, we can see a clearing, which the shuttlepods turn for.
EXT. OUTPOST CITY – COURTYARD
The shuttlepods set down in what has to be one of the few areas in the city clear of debris. Close by, we can see the ruins of several low buildings of an alien design, which is different from the rest of the city.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 01
T’Pol, Archer, Trip, Cole, a Sergeant, and a Corporal sit in the back of the cramped shuttle, with Travis sitting up front piloting, all of them in environmental suits.
T’POL
Scans have indicated the presence of unidentified biological and chemical agents in the atmosphere. Do not – under any circumstance – remove your helmet or any other portion of your environmental suit.
Everyone exchanges nods of acknowledgement with each other.
ARCHER
Let’s get our gear ready and get going.
Travis joins them in the back part of the shuttle and helps them take several cases of equipment out of storage, then opening the cases and pulling out the equipment itself, including several portable (handheld) sensors. Cole and the other SFs get their plasma rifles ready, and when their UESPA colleagues are ready, they hand them each a plasma pistol.
ARCHER
Are these really necessary?
COLE
Major Reed's orders, Sir. Better safe than sorry.
T’Pol eyes the weapon being offered to her like it is some disgusting, foreign object before reluctantly taking it and clipping it, holster and all, to her suit.
EXT. OUTPOST CITY – COURTYARD
Trip opens the large door on the side of the shuttlepod and the seven of them pile out, joining the rest of the team that has started to emerge and gather around the shuttlepods. Trip and T’Pol take a brief moment to look up at the sky, shielding their eyes from the shafts of eerie white sunlight that poke through the murky clouds.
TRIP
A white dwarf?
T’Pol’s face shows a flicker of surprise as she takes a quick sideways look at the engineer.
T’POL
Indeed. This system appears to be of significant age.
Archer squints across the horizon, looking over the remains of the city around them.
ARCHER
Was this entire city the Andorian outpost?
T’POL
No. There are several cities of this size upon the planet in addition to numerous smaller settlements. All appear to be in similar condition.
(beat)
The Andorians possessed several bases in the largest cities of this planet, in this case, those buildings...
(beat, indicating nearby structures)
…are what remains of the largest of those bases.
REED
(sarcastically)
Not much to look at anymore, are they?
ARCHER
Let’s get moving. Split up into teams of four and spread out; take as many scans as you can and report back here in two hours.
(beat)
Reed, Phlox, Travis, you’re with me.
The four men start moving off, with Trip watching them in momentary surprise.
T’POL
Commander Tucker?
Trip recognizes that her invitation is actually an order and he sighs heavily, really not wanting to accompany the Vulcan, but not having an excuse not to either. Cole is standing close by with the Sergeant from Shuttlepod 01; Trip leans close to her as he passes by them to join T’Pol.
TRIP
(quietly)
Could you come with me please?
Cole motions at the Sergeant and the two of them follow Trip to join T’Pol. The teams quickly form and they move off toward the remains of the Andorian base.
EXT. ANDORIAN OUTPOST BUILDING 1
Trip and T’Pol scan the area as they have a heated argument; Cole and the Sergeant follow unenthusiastically behind them, with a good fifteen feet between them.
T’POL
You misunderstand my intentions, Commander; I am not “looking down my nose” at Humanity.
TRIP
Sure you are. Every chance you get, you talk down about how “immature” we are and go on about how we’re pushin’ out into space faster than you think we ought to.
T’POL
But I believe that Humanity is attempting to progress at an ill-suited rate.
(beat)
While it is impressive that Humanity has recovered so quickly from your own self-inflicted near extinction, the Vulcan High Command is concerned that Earth has unrealistic expectations for itself.
TRIP
See, there you go again, raggin’ on Humanity.
(beat)
Just out of curiosity though, what expectations do you think are realistic for Humanity?
T’POL
You should pace yourselves more slowly.
(beat)
It took the Vulcan Alliance centuries to grow to the level that it is presently at.
(beat)
Your…. emotional drive to push out into the unknown has already led to numerous ships being destroyed or disappearing. The potential for Humanity to bring disaster upon itself is incalculable...
(beat)
...discounting, of course, the damage Humanity could cause other cultures.
Trip stops where he is and turns sharply toward T’Pol, giving her a fierce glare. T’Pol stops and meets his gaze, unfazed.
TRIP
(angrily)
Excuse me? What the hell are you suggestin'? That Earth would try to conquer other races?
T’POL
Nothing so aggressive Commander, although the potential does exist as you well know.
(beat, off Trip’s dark look)
Since my assignment to Earth, I have noticed that Humanity tends to ... push its culture upon others without truly considering the ramifications. It is for this reason that the Vulcan High Command has very specific protocols regarding contact with other species.
(beat)
It is a policy that Humanity would be wise to adopt.
Trip shakes his head in disgust.
TRIP
You are such a hypocrite.
T’Pol is taken slightly aback.
T’POL
To what do you refer?
TRIP
Here you are, lecturing me on Humans pushing their culture on other people and then the very next words out of your mouth are about how we should do things the Vulcan way.
T’POL
(with slightly inclined eyebrow)
The comparison is flawed.
(beat)
Vulcan concedes that Humanity has significant potential but your species still has much to learn before it is ready to expand into the galaxy.
(beat)
One could even use your current situation with your Alpha Centauri colony as an example.
Trip rolls his eyes, turns, and goes back to scanning.
TRIP
Whatever….
T’Pol is about to continue her argument when Trip’s scanner goes off.
TRIP
Hold on…. I think I might have something here folks.
Trip is facing the general direction of the entrance to the building they are next to. He starts to walk inside when T’Pol scans the structure, sounding an alarm from her scanner.
T’POL
Wait! Commander!
Trip disappears inside the building.
INT. ANDORIAN OUTPOST BUILDING 1
T’Pol cautiously enters the building, finding Trip several paces inside, inspecting what’s left of the interior structure, which doesn’t look good.
T’POL
Commander, this building is highly unstable.
TRIP
(sarcastically)
Really? You figure that out all on your own?
(beat)
Don’t worry about it, besides, I’m getting some pretty strong readings in here.
T’Pol’s brow furrows slightly.
T’POL
Commander, I do not appreciate your tone.
Trip carefully continues into the building, following his scanner.
TRIP
I don’t particularly appreciate you coming in at the last minute and taking my job so I guess that makes us even.
T’POL
(consulting her scanner and looking around)
Commander, we need to evacuate this building at once.
(beat, off his continued ignoring of her)
It is not structurally sound.
Trip loses his temper and quickly turns to face T’Pol down again.
TRIP
Listen, lady, I'm the damned engineer around here...
Trip takes a step toward T’Pol, brushing against a fallen structural member, which causes it to fall on another structural member that’s holding part of a fallen ceiling, and starting a chain reaction that collapses the part of the room they are in. Trip knows he’s screwed up as soon as he feels the first structural member shift. His eyes widen, and he immediately pushes T’Pol toward the doorway but it’s already too late as they are covered by falling debris. Cole and the Sergeant rush into the room, not sure what they’ll find.
COLE
Commander!?
Cole starts to feebly dig through the pile of debris when we hear some coughing. Suddenly a portion of the debris pile shifts as Trip stands up, followed by T’Pol.
TRIP
(weakly)
Don’t do that, Lieutenant.
Cole and the Sergeant help Trip and T’Pol up and out of the debris.
EXT. ANDORIAN OUTPOST BUILDING 1
The four of them walk out of the door as it billows dust, stopping just outside. Trip and T’Pol look over each other’s environment suits, which have been damaged in several places. T’Pol looks very unhappy for a Vulcan.
T’POL
Our suits have been breached; we need to return to the ship.
TRIP
Not much arguing that one.
Trip reaches up and activates his suit’s communicator.
TRIP
Commander Tucker to Captain Archer.
ARCHER (COMM. VOICE)
Go ahead.
TRIP
Sub-Commander T’Pol and I had a bit of an accident and we need to go back to the ship.
ARCHER (COMM. VOICE)
(concerned)
Anything serious?
TRIP
Don't know, Sir. Our EV suits were torn and-
ARCHER (COMM. VOICE)
Okay. Head back.
(beat)
Have the rest of your team join us just outside the compound, our sensor scans have picked up some unusual energy readings that seem to be coming from beneath the planet’s surface.
TRIP
Aye, Cap'n, Tucker out.
Trip deactivates his suit’s comm.
TRIP
Let’s get going…
The four of them walk back in the direction they came from.
EXT. OUTPOST CITY – COURTYARD
Trip and T’Pol make it back to the shuttlepods. Trip gestures at T’Pol.
TRIP
(sarcastically)
After you, Sub-Commander.
Without a word T’Pol climbs into Shuttlepod 1, but we can tell that she’s a little annoyed, though she conceals it well. Trip follows after her and closes the hatch.
EXT. OUTPOST CITY – EDGE OF COURTYARD
The rest of the away team is near the remains of one of the skyscrapers, making their way toward it. Archer catches the glint of light off of the shuttlepod, and turns to watch as it flies by, on its way back to Enterprise.
INT. ANCIENT SKYSCRAPER - LOBBY
The inside of the ancient skyscraper shows its age; rust covers every surface, and there is hardly any semblance to its former function. Several doors lead off in different directions. Archer and a few others are lead by their scanners to a corridor lined with doorways on both sides, some of which are partially open. Reed and Cole pry one of the doors open the rest of the way with a nails-on-chalkboard screech. Inside we can see the telltale cables that identify these doors as elevator shafts. Reed peeks inside, shining his flashlight down the shaft. His light is barely able to pierce the darkness, and we can barely make out the wreckage of the elevator car at the bottom, five stories down. Archer sticks his scanner through the open door.
ARCHER
(frustrated)
We need to get down there somehow.
TRAVIS
I don’t think we can risk trying to repel down these shafts.
One of the Science Officers toward the back of the group is looking around the rest of the lobby, and finds a door marked with a simple line drawing of steps. Cautiously pushing the door open, she looks inside and sees a staircase that travels much further than we can see in the darkness.
SCIENCE OFFICER
Captain, I found something…
Archer and the others look to see the Science Officer holding the door open and motioning inside.
INT. ANCIENT SKYSCRAPER – STAIRCASE
Reed and Cole take point, leading the twenty-six member away team down the wide staircase, which wraps around an even wider stairwell.
TRAVIS
How deep are we?
REED
I’d guess at least a klick.
(beat)
That's just a rough estimate, mind.
ARCHER
(off scanner)
At least we’re getting closer to … whatever this is.
CORPORAL
I hope it isn’t much further.
As if on cue they reach the bottom of the stairs on a landing that looks like it was very roughly carved out of the surrounding rock.
REED
Looks like your wish has been answered…
The group moves through a narrow opening….
INT. LARGE CAVERN
…and into a large cavern, so large that we can’t see anything but the wall around the opening the away team has come in through.
ARCHER
The reading is pretty strong in here; split up into your teams again and try to localize it.
(beat)
Lieutenant Cole?
COLE
Sir?
ARCHER
Since your team was split up you might as well join mine.
The teams split up again, and we watch as the beams from their flashlights lead off in different directions.
INT. NARROW TUNNEL
Archer, Reed, Travis, Phlox, Cole, and the Sergeant make their way through a narrow tunnel, which leads deeper underground.
REED
(jokingly)
I sure hope no one is claustrophobic.
SERGEANT
I never really was before, but I think I might be after this.
Cole laughs, taking that as a joke. The Sergeant’s expression as she looks back at him silences her.
SERGEANT
I’m not kidding.
COLE
Oh. Sorry, Sergeant.
The six of them continue down the tunnel until they come to another opening.
INT. SMALL CAVERN
This cavern isn’t nearly as large as the other one; we can see the rock that surrounds the team faintly reflect the light from their flashlights, though there is an unusual dark area to one side that the light can’t penetrate, which the floor angles down toward.
REED
Is that reading getting any better, Captain?
ARCHER
Yes and no.
(beat, off scanner)
It seems to be getting stronger in this general direction, but…
Just then the cavern begins to shake around them, throwing them all off balance. Archer, the closest to the mysterious black area, steps on some loose rocks and falls. The shaking ground sends him rolling into the darkness. He lets out a gasp as he grips onto the edge, barely keeping him from falling into the void. We PAN to look over the edge at him, and watch as the dim lights of his scanner soon disappear.
REED
Captain!
Reed scrambles toward Archer and grabs onto his hands. He attempts to get a better grip through his bulky gloves and tries to pull Archer back up. Cole and the Sergeant manage to get to Reed and grip him around his abdomen, adding their strength to the rescue effort. They grunt with effort, but the rock beneath them begins to crumble.
COLE
Pull!
The three of them give one last effort, but just as Archer starts to get up and over the ledge, it collapses, and falls away. Reed loses his grip as they both begin to fall. Cole and the Sergeant manage to stop Reed from falling, but Reed loses his grip on Archer. Reed can only stare in horror as Archer falls without a sound into the darkness. Cole and the Sergeant haul Reed back over the edge. Then, just as mysteriously as it started, the shaking stops.
REED
Doctor!
Phlox and Travis run over to the edge and scan with their portable sensors.
PHLOX
I’m not picking up any lifesigns.
Travis shakes his head.
TRAVIS
The bottom is out of this thing’s range.
REED
We’ve got to go after him!
PHLOX
I’m sorry, Major; even if we could find a way down, it’s extremely unlikely that Captain Archer survived the fall.
REED
I’m taking command of this mission now and we’re going to find him again.
(beat, grimly)
Even if it’s just to recover his body.
COLE
Sir, is that really…
REED
No one is left behind. Understood?
Cole immediately understands the reference and concedes.
COLE
Yes, Sir.
REED
We need to head back to the surface and report this to the ship.
(beat)
And get some climbing gear from the shuttlepods while we’re at it.
TRAVIS
Major Reed, with all due respect, we should continue on our mission.
REED
(contempt)
I don’t think chasing after some phantom energy signature is really a priority anymore, Ensign.
TRAVIS
(angrily)
Don’t you think it’s just the least bit odd that that quake only started when we came in here? And that it stopped right after the Captain fell?
REED
Not really. It was just a coincidence for all we know.
TRAVIS
Do you really want to take that chance?
Reed is about to tell Travis off again, but he stops, and rethinks the situation.
REED
No, I can’t take that chance.
Reed switches on his suit’s communicator.
REED
Major Reed to Enterprise.
There’s some static, but that’s all.
TRAVIS
We probably can’t get through all this rock.
Reed gives him a “no duh” look, and adjusts his communicator. Travis returns his gaze with a look of contempt, which Reed simply ignores.
REED
Reed to landing party leaders; anyone who can hear me.
There’s some static for a moment, but soon a voice breaks through it.
CUTLER (COMM. VOICE)
This is Ensign Cutler; what is it, Major?
REED
(somberly)
We’ve lost the captain; he fell off of a precipice.
CUTLER (COMM. VOICE)
What!? But how?
REED
Didn’t you feel that quake?
CUTLER (COMM. VOICE)
Yes, but…
REED
I need you to contact the other landing parties and have everyone head back to the surface.
(beat)
Contact the ship and tell them what happened, and get as much climbing gear as you can and come back down here.
CUTLER (COMM. VOICE)
But where are you?
REED
We went down the narrow tunnel.
(beat)
I’m going to activate a homing beacon and leave it here while we continue our search; someone may have been behind that quake.
CUTLER (COMM. VOICE)
Understood. Cutler out.
Reed switches off his communicator and reaches into his equipment belt. He pulls out a small cylindrical device and pushes a button that activates it. A small strobe light starts flashing in sync with an audio tone that sounds. He places it on the rocky floor and stands back up, motioning sarcastically at Travis.
REED
Lead on, Ensign.
Travis rolls his eyes and goes back to his scanner, leading them to another tunnel entrance.
INT. VOID BOTTOM
We slowly approach a floating form, eerily bathed in a faint light. As we get closer we can see that the light is from built in sources on a standard UESPA environmental suit. It’s Archer, floating mere inches off the floor, though by what isn’t readily definable. He doesn’t move, and his eyes are closed as we look through his suit’s faceplate; we can’t really tell if he’s alive or dead.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
Continue to Act Five
