ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE – HIGH ORBIT OF EARTH
Earth’s latest triumph, UES Enterprise, EX-01 is hard-docked to a spindly dry dock structure, which is attached to a small space station that has a similar structure on its other side. Several small work-pods buzz about the structure and the Enterprise, most of which transfer parts and supplies from the station to the ship.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
MAJOR MALCOLM REED of the United Earth Military Security Forces sits at tactical, his station on the starboard side of the bridge, running weapons diagnostics. Next to him, at Damage Control, sits one of the United Earth Space Probe Agency’s most skilled engineers, COMMANDER CHARLES “TRIP” TUCKER III. Both men are visibly fatigued, and it’s obvious just from looking at them that they’ve been up for hours working, but they’re still trying to make the best of it. Trip laughs as if he’d just told a joke, but Reed is keeping a straight face as he turns back to Trip.
REED
What? Honestly, it should be “EnterpriZe”, with a “Zed”. That’s the proper British spelling.
TRIP
Right, ‘cept this ship isn’t named after some ancient sailing ship, it’s named after the first reusable spacecraft used by Earth.
REED
What about that experimental warp ship a few years back?
TRIP
Right, that one too, considering that this is another experimental ship.
REED
So it’s named after all the other ships that previously went by this name...
(beat)
And that includes the His Majesty’s Ship Enterprize.
TRIP
Yeah, but none of the others that followed were spelled that way.
(beat)
Crazy Brit.
Reed smirks but doesn’t look up from his panel.
REED
Bloody Yank.
Trip can’t help but laugh a little; he likes the way Reed says that, in an even heavier British accent than normal. He collects himself after a moment and gets back to business, checking the ship’s systems displayed on the panel in front of him. He sighs heavily.
TRIP
Looks like we’re about ready to go again; anything that’s left we can fix on the way.
REED
Good, I can’t wait to get out of here; I’m surprised so many problems cropped up on the shakedown.
TRIP
I’ve seen worse; any new ship like this is going to have a few bugs to work out.
ENSIGN TRAVIS MAYWEATHER has been sitting impatiently at the helm during this discussion.
TRAVIS
For once I actually agree with Major Reed; I can’t wait to get out there.
(beat)
Although for me it would be to explore, not to shoot at everything that moves.
Again, Reed doesn’t even look up from his panel, but his voice makes his displeasure plain.
REED
(sternly)
That will be quite enough of that, Ensign.
TRAVIS
You know, I don’t even understand why we need the military on here anyway.
REED
So you don’t get yourself killed, foolishly steering the ship into the nearest hostile alien.
TRAVIS
That's if you don't go shooting up anything that moves before we can check it out.
(beat)
Sir.
Reed swivels in his chair and glares down at Travis at the helm. Before he can say anything though, Trip cuts both of them a look. ENSIGN HOSHI SATO, sitting across the bridge at the communications panel watches on with growing impatience.
TRIP
Hey now, we don’t need to be havin’ another one of them civilian versus military arguments again.
TRAVIS
Why not, Sir? I have a legitimate point here; traditionally, civilians have explored space, not the military.
REED
Welcome to the future, Ensign.
TRIP
(sternly)
Knock it off now, both of you.
HOSHI
Should I call the captain, Sir?
All of them miss the sound of the door to the corridor open because of Trip’s next line.
TRIP
I don’t think that will be necessary, I’m sure these two will calm down on their own.
(beat)
Right?
Before either of them can reply, they are interrupted by CAPTAIN JONATHAN ARCHER, who is still standing in the doorway.
ARCHER
They better, or they’ll both find themselves in the brig.
Everyone’s eyes widen in surprise at Archer’s sudden appearance.
ARCHER (CONT’D)
This needs to stop; I need everyone thinking clearly and doing their jobs.
TRAVIS
Understood Sir.
Reed nods his understanding and goes back to his panel. Archer takes a moment to make sure the situation has been resolved, then steps into the Bridge and sits down in his command chair.
ARCHER
So how are those repairs coming, Trip?
TRIP
We could go right now if we wanted to Cap’n, there’re just a few little things left.
Archer smiles at Trip.
ARCHER
Not bad, we’re ahead of schedule. I hope you and your staff will take this opportunity to catch up on some lost sleep.
TRIP
(jovial)
Nah! I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
ARCHER
I thought you might say something like that.
The old friends grin at each other.
ARCHER
Ensign Sato, open a channel to Command please, Admiral Forrest’s office.
HOSHI
Aye Sir.
Hoshi turns to her panel and puts her earpiece back in. She flips a switch on her panel and focuses on the speaker/microphone next to it.
HOSHI
UESPA Command, this is Enterprise, come in please.
Hoshi pauses for a moment, listening to the response from UESPA Command. Archer turns back to Trip.
ARCHER
So, have you met our new Denobulan Doctor yet?
Trip rubs his eyes, showing his fatigue.
TRIP
Nope, haven’t had a chance yet; been too busy fixing my ship.
(beat, thinking)
I’ve been pretty much everywhere but Sickbay, or my quarters for that matter.
ARCHER
(concerned)
You really should get some rack time then.
(beat)
And it's my ship.
Trip smiles as he gives Archer a critical look.
TRIP
Com’mon now, Cap’n, you know me; I never could rest as long as there’s work to be done.
Archer leans towards Trip in his chair and gives him the most serious, deadpan look he can manage.
ARCHER
That wasn’t exactly a suggestion; I can’t have my First Officer and Chief Engineer falling asleep at his post.
(beat, lighter)
Besides, we’re still in dry dock; this is the best time to get some sleep before we head out again.
Trip loses his joking demeanor and caves.
TRIP
I suppose they can do without me for a few hours.
Trip stands up and stretches, and we can hear several of his joints popping very audibly as he does so.
TRIP (CONT’D)
I might even stop by Sickbay on the way.
ARCHER
You should, he’s quite personable, if a little odd. He definitely knows his field though.
TRIP
Sounds interesting…
Trip makes his way the small turbolift and enters, reaching for the control panel of the lift. As the door slides shut, he has parting words.
TRIP
And it's my ship, Cap'n.
The door slides shut before Archer can reply and he shoots a slight smile at his departed friend; this is clearly a running joke between the two of them. A brief moment later, Hoshi looks up from her panel and faces Archer.
HOSHI
I have Admiral Forrest standing by, Sir.
ARCHER
Put him on screen.
Archer swivels his chair to face the main viewscreen as FLEET ADMIRAL MAXWELL FORREST appears on it, looking rather glum.
ARCHER
Admiral, I’m happy to report that Enterprise is ready to disembark on its next assignment.
FORREST
I’m happy to hear that, Jon.
(beat, abruptly sober)
Unfortunately, Enterprise won't be going anywhere yet. The Vulcan Consulate has lodged an official complaint with the Senate, and Command wants to you to stay on-station while we negotiate with them.
Archer’s face hardens at the news.
ARCHER
(spiteful)
And what exactly are they protesting?
FORREST
(flatly)
Your lack of experience and the fact that there are no Vulcan exchange officers aboard.
ARCHER
(tense, but biting back his anger)
As if we’ve ever needed their help before...
(beat, anger surfacing slightly)
It's not like they ever actually helped, for that matter.
FORREST
I agree, but to be fair, they have been allowing humans aboard their ships for years.
(beat, sighs)
It doesn't matter though. The Senate is going to hear them out so until further notice, you’re on standby.
(beat)
I'm sorry, Jon.
Archer doesn’t try to hide his disappointment as he nods his acknowledgement at Forrest. Forrest gives him an understanding look before ending the transmission. The drydock structure on the viewscreen almost looks like a prison now, which Archer glares at, stone-faced yet again.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO – UESPA COMMAND HEADQUARTERS
It’s late afternoon in San Francisco. We pan to get a good view of the city and its tall, futuristic glass skyscrapers. Panning further, we can see the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and on the North side, the sprawling, unobtrusive headquarters of the United Earth Space Probe Agency.
INT. UESPA HQ – MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM
The Main Conference Room is cavernous, with a second-story ceiling, a large rectangular table, and stadium seating along the sides of it. A large view screen displays pictures and information on Enterprise’s senior officers on it from it’s location on the wall, behind the podium at the head of the table. Senior officers from both UESPA and the United Earth Military fill the room, wearing full service dress uniforms that set them apart from each other as well as from the United Earth politicians and the Vulcan delegates among the crowd. We can’t help but notice that the green-clad UEM is keeping to itself in one area of the room. A pounding over the comm. system brings our attention back to the podium. REAR ADMIRAL UTTAN NARSU taps the tiny microphone attached to the podium again, bringing the buzz of conversation filling the room to an abrupt end. He looks sternly at the crowd, ensuring that he has their full attention before speaking in his typically militaristic tone.
NARSU
Just to make it crystal clear, the argument over which organization the Enterprise is assigned to has been made; both the Senate and the President have made it clear that the Space Probe Agency reflects the best interest of a deep space explorer, which is not to have any military concerns to interfere with its primary mission.
GENERAL NATHAN SUTHERLAND, an imposing looking man despite his age clears his throat to get Narsu’s attention before speaking into his own mic.
SUTHERLAND
Admiral, you were a General with us once, try to look at it from our perspective. What we’re talking about here is a lone ship going out into the unknown, with the possibility of encountering any number of dangers.
(frowning)
And, with all due to respect to the Vulcans, any aliens Enterprise makes contact with could very well be hostile.
(on a roll now, very forceful)
Only a military commander has the expertise to know how to deal with these situations and not lead potentially hostile aliens back to Earth!
From his expression and tone, Admiral Narsu has had this conversation a number of times.
NARSU
The ship has already been built, and to address your concerns, General, she has been armed more heavily than any explorer built by UESPA before and is the first of our ships to have a military security force aboard.
(beat, less confrontational)
Even if I were still in the military, Nathan, my opinion on this would not be any different.
(beat, friendlier)
I do agree with your concerns regarding the choice of commanding officers. UESPA should name someone other than this Jonathan Archer to command Enterprise, someone more qualified and experienced.
(beat, grimly)
Archer is dangerous.
Narsu doesn’t notice Forrest enter the room, and Forrest waits until he’s almost right next to Narsu before speaking. His voice is so loud that he doesn’t need a microphone.
FORREST
Captain Archer has been selected to command Enterprise, and that decision is final.
Narsu doesn’t flinch the way a softer man might, but he isn’t able to hide his surprise at Forrest’s sudden appearance.
NARSU
But Admiral, the man has no real practical experience, and from what I’ve seen of him, he's not qualified to command this ship! Archer is exactly the sort of man General Sutherland was talking about!
(beat, firm and scornful)
There is no doubt in my mind that he could lead a group of hostile aliens here out of a misplaced sense of good will.
FORREST
(mildly annoyed)
You've met him once.
(frowning)
For all of five minutes from what I recall.
NARSU
All I need is five seconds to size someone up.
FORREST
Really?
(beat, not impressed)
It took me years to understand him.
(beat, to the audience)
No one has been more dedicated to this program than Jonathan Archer. His entire career has been focused on reaching this moment, of following his father's dream.
(beat, completely without doubt)
If anyone deserves to command the first warp five ship, it’s him, and he has my full support.
The implication is clear; Forrest is throwing his considerable gravitas behind Archer. Narsu and Forrest glare at each other, but neither says anything. Before it can turn into an awkwardly long silence, SOVAL, the Vulcan ambassador to Earth leans toward his mic.
SOVAL
If I may interject, Admiral Forrest?
FORREST
(nodding)
Absolutely, Ambassador...
SOVAL
The Vulcan High Command concurs with several of Admiral Narsu's points. It is our belief that Captain Archer is too inexperienced for this job.
(beat)
Though, to be blunt, his appointment as commander of Enterprise is the least of our concerns.
There is a brief murmur among the humans in the crowd. We FOCUS on Sutherland as he leans toward one of his aids sitting next to him.
SUTHERLAND
(whispering sarcastically)
Here it comes.
SOVAL (CONT’D)
The Vulcan High Command has been observing Earth's development with great interest and greater concern. It is an impressive feat to have recovered so quickly from the near extinction of your civilization, but we wonder if perhaps Earth is attempting to go too far, too quickly.
(beat)
Shortly after your Space Probe Agency was formed, you sent a series of probes into unexplored space, all of which have disappeared and all of which could have disastrous consequences upon an unprepared civilization
(beat, ominous)
Or upon Earth.
(beat, calm once more)
More recently, you’ve sent ships far less capable than the Enterprise out on long- range missions, a number of which simply disappeared. Not knowing what became of them should be cause for great concern.
(beat)
In our experience, we have discovered that, while many races are not belligerent, there is always the chance that you will discover a species that is aggressive and may lead them back to Earth.
(beat, upon the agreeing nods of many members of the military)
Alternatively, a peaceful race may mistake your attempts at exploration as the precursor to an invasion and act to defend themselves.
(beat)
Humanity, as a whole, is not yet ready for the deep exploration of space and someone like Captain Jonathan Archer, who lacks any practical experience, is hardly the logical choice to command such a mission.
NARSU
(sarcastically)
And, of course, by experienced you mean having served on one of your ships.
Soval either ignores or does not recognize the tone in Narsu’s voice. Forrest does though, and cuts him a disapproving look.
SOVAL
Indeed, one of the reasons we began the exchange program with Earth, to give your people experience so they might some day explore the stars on their own terms. However, Earth has hardly reached that point yet, and we are concerned for your welfare.
(beat)
And for our own.
SUTHERLAND
Your own? It's not your problem if Earth is attacked.
(darkly)
Your government has already gone on record stating it wouldn't defend Earth if we were attacked.
SOVAL
No, Vulcan would not defend Earth from an outside invader again.
(beat)
It is our opinion that, in the event that such an attack did occur, it would be because of Earth’s unnecessarily rapid expansion beyond your own borders.
(beat)
As to why this matters to Vulcan, we feel that is the logical course of action to advise species that have gained the ability to travel outside of their own home systems.
(beat, a slight hint of frustration in his voice)
Your continual disregard for our suggestions, no matter the subject, is troubling.
Forrest becomes mildly annoyed himself, as if he's heard this argument dozens of times before.
FORREST
Look, Ambassador, I don't care what the High Command thinks.
(beat, firmly)
We are ready and Captain Archer is going to lead the way.
SOVAL
It is obvious that you cannot be swayed from the course of action, no matter what our recommendations.
(beat, steepling his fingers)
Therefore, I would like to readdress the subject of Vulcan advisors being placed aboard.
NARSU
(hotly)
Absolutely not! The last thing we need on one of our ships is a bunch of Vulcans running around, questioning every task its crew performs and second guessing every decision its commander makes!
SOVAL
The advisors would be present to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew, not to interfere with daily operations.
Forrest shakes his head.
FORREST
No, they would interfere, just like the advisors on every other one of our projects have interfered.
(beat)
The advisors on the Warp Five Project told me something every time I asked for their help, something that I've always remembered: we need to learn for ourselves.
(beat)
Enterprise has no room for people who have no purpose other than 'advising' and we both know they'll just get in the crew's way.
SOVAL
What then of the exchange program?
FORREST
(confused)
What about it?
SOVAL
Vulcan has had an exchange program with Earth for decades to provide Humans training and experience; it is only logical that the time has come to place Vulcan exchange officers on Earth ships.
NARSU
For what purpose?
(beat)
The experience you've given to our officers has been invaluable, but I don't know how that would work aboard our ships. These “exchange officers” sound like nothing more than advisors under a different name.
Soval raises both his eyebrows briefly in frustration.
SOVAL
(coolly)
If Earth feels it no longer needs Vulcan advice and needs to learn everything on its own, then there is no further need for the exchange program.
FORREST
(quickly)
Now let’s be reasonable Ambassador…
SOVAL
I am being reasonable, Admiral. Earth feels that it needs to gain experience on its own terms, so logically there is no longer a need for an exchange program.
Forrest thinks for a moment, sighing heavily when he makes a decision.
FORREST
You’re putting me in a tough spot, Ambassador; I can’t make that kind of decision without authorization from the full Senate.
SOVAL
Nonetheless, I must insist on a decision.
(beat)
In order for this to be a true exchange program, it must work both ways or it will be discontinued as an unnecessary expenditure of Vulcan resources.
(beat)
It is unfortunate to place you in this position Admiral, but I feel I have no other alternative.
(beat)
I believe three officers would satisfy my superiors.
FORREST
You’re asking me to drop out officers already serving in their posts in favor of a Vulcan exchange officer.
There is more murmuring among the crowd, unhappy murmuring.
SOVAL
I understand and sympathize, Admiral; perhaps we can negotiate a compromise.
Soval begins working at the small laptop computer in front of him.
FORREST
(slowly, as if sensing a trap)
I’m not sure how.
SOVAL
It’s my understanding that many of your senior officers serve in two or more positions.
FORREST
Yes, we do that to reduce the size of the crew, but… I don’t really see how…
SOVAL
A single Vulcan exchange officer would be acceptable, providing he or she were part of the command crew, preferably the first officer.
(beat, ignoring the angry murmurs of the crowd)
According to your crew manifest, Enterprise does not yet have a science officer.
(wryly, he's got Forrest boxed in and knows it)
An important person to have on a mission of exploration. A Vulcan would be an ideal candidate to act as a science officer, particularly an experienced member of the Ministry of Science.
There is a long pause as Forrest considers his options.
FORREST
(resigned)
I’ll see what I can do.
Soval steeples his fingers and inclines his head in appreciation. Forrest looks Soval right in the eye and nods in return, but his expression makes it crystal clear to Soval that he isn’t pleased. He turns and briskly walks out of the uncomfortable room, on his way now to tell Archer the bad news. We change angles and focus on him as he walks past us.
FORREST
(mumbling to himself)
Jon and Trip aren’t going to like this…
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO – VULCAN EMBASSY
It’s well into the evening, with the lights of the embassy grounds working hard to illuminate the impressive building and its small garden. T’POL, Soval’s aid, is exiting the front doors of the large building after an especially exhausting day of work. She admires the garden on her way out, especially a small Bonsai-like tree. She only dully notices Soval making his way up the sidewalk toward her, but she manages to put on her best face for him.
T’POL
(in Vulcan)
[You are here late, Ambassador.]
(beat)
[Is it work related?]
SOVAL
(in Vulcan)
[In a manner of speaking.]
(beat)
[I have something I need to discuss with you. Walk with me, T’Pol.]
Soval turns and the two of them walk slowly down the sidewalk.
SOVAL
[I thought I might find you here.]
T’Pol nods.
T’POL
[My work with the Human politicians has become quite time consuming.]
(beat)
[Today, their Senate was particularly ... obtuse regarding the placement of one of our officers on their newest ship.]
SOVAL
[Did you complete the transfer documents for the exchange officer?]
T’POL
[Yes. They are ready for the applicant.]
SOVAL
[Excellent.]
(beat)
[Tomorrow morning I want you to fill them out for yourself.]
T’Pol stops suddenly and raises a questioning eyebrow at Soval.
T’POL
[Myself?]
(beat)
[Has my work become unsatisfactory enough to warrant this transfer?]
Soval looks at T’Pol with as much concern as a Vulcan can display.
SOVAL
[No.]
(beat)
[Your dedication to your duties is impressive and it is this dedication and your experience with the Humans which makes you uniquely qualified for this role.]
(wryly)
[In addition to your previous assignment with the Ministry of Science.]
T’Pol looks down in what is very clearly disappointment.
SOVAL
[I need you to do this, for me, T’Pol.]
T’Pol looks back up at her mentor stoically.
T’POL
[I will perform my duties to the best of my ability, Ambassador.]
Soval nods his head in approval.
SOVAL
[You have been reinstated to your former rank, Sub-Commander. Report to me tomorrow at 0800 hours to complete your transfer documents.]
Soval turns and walks away, leaving T’Pol alone on the sidewalk. She looks up at the stars, wondering what difficulties now lay ahead.
INT. ENTERPRISE – SICKBAY
Trip strides into Sickbay, a smile on his face. DOCTOR PHLOX, tending to one of the living members of his medical supplies, returns the smile. DOCTOR JEREMY LUCAS, working on the large CAT-scan like IMAGING CHAMBER, looks grumpy and doesn’t even acknowledge Trip’s presence.
TRIP
Well Doc, I don’t know what you gave me last night, but it sure did the trick.
Phlox opens his mouth to answer, but having taken a look at the wriggling creature Phlox is feeding, Trip stops him.
TRIP
No, wait, maybe I don’t want to know.
Phlox laughs heartily, which helps Trip regain some of the color in his face.
PHLOX
As you wish, Commander, though it wasn’t anything from one of my little helpers here if that’s what you were thinking.
Trip smiles again.
TRIP
Call me Trip.
PHLOX
So, Trip, am I to understand that you slept well last night?
TRIP
Hell yeah, that’s the best sleep I’ve gotten in as long as I can remember.
(joking)
I don’t suppose you could give me some of those for every night could ya?
PHLOX
(teasing)
Are you sure you want me to?
Lucas takes this moment to finally look up, glaring at Phlox a moment before looking angrily at Trip and interrupting.
LUCAS
Regulations forbid that, Sir, to prevent addiction to the sleep aids.
Trip loses a little of his cheeriness as he briefly turns his attention to Lucas.
TRIP
Whatever you say, Doctor.
Lucas shakes his head and goes back to the imaging scanner. Trip watches him a moment before bringing his attention back to Phlox.
TRIP (CONT’D)
Anyway, I was pretty interested in what we talked about last night; I had no idea that marriage could be so complicated.
(beat, shaking his head)
Wow, I can’t imagine having three wives.
PHLOX
Hmmm… Well, it can be trying at times, but it certainly has its rewards.
Trip chuckles.
TRIP
I don’t doubt it.
(beat)
I’m not knocking it, it’s just that I think I’d be lucky to get one woman who’d put up with me.
PHLOX
Oh come now, Trip, surely there has to be someone out there who would love being with a dashing young engineer such as yourself.
Trip grins, a smart retort on the tip of his tongue, but the sound of Archer’s voice over the comm. system interrupts him.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE)
Archer to Commander Tucker.
Trip walks over to the nearest comm. panel and flips the “talk” switch to “on”.
TRIP
Tucker here, go ahead, Cap’n.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE)
I need you to report to my office.
(beat)
Something important has come up.
TRIP
(concerned)
Okay, I’m on my way.
Trip switches the comm. off, pausing a moment to wonder what could have come up before turning back to Phlox.
TRIP
Sorry Doc, duty calls.
PHLOX
Stop by the mess hall later if you get a chance.
TRIP
I’ll do that, thanks, Doc.
Trip turns and exits the room. Phlox goes back to tending his “helper”.
INT. ENTERPRISE – ARCHER’S OFFICE
Archer’s office is small almost to the point of being uncomfortable, space on a ship like the Enterprise being at a premium. Archer sits behind his desk, facing the main entrance, which we focus on as Trip enters the room. He walks up to one of the two chairs in front of Archer’s desk and looks at his friend and captain with concern.
TRIP
What is it, Cap’n?
ARCHER
(sympathetically)
You’re going to want to sit down for this one, Trip.
Trip does so, his concern deepening.
TRIP
Uh-oh, don’t tell me something else is broken and I have to go fix it.
ARCHER
No, it’s not like that, it’s…
(beat, sighing)
We’re getting a Vulcan exchange officer and she’s going to be here this morning. And I thought I better tell you before she got here that…
Archer is clearly frustrated and doesn’t want to hurt Trip, but Trip desperately wants to hear it now.
TRIP
Tell me what? How much worse can it get than having to put up with a Vulcan?
ARCHER
She’s going to be our new Science Officer, and as part of the compromise Command made with the Vulcans last night, she’s also being assigned as First Officer, or we would have had to start bumping people to take on more Vulcans.
Trips face turns beet red as his anger swells.
TRIP
What!? This Vulcan is taking my spot? How the hell could they have done this over politics?
ARCHER
I know, Trip, you’re the only one who deserves to be my first officer after all the work you’ve done on this project, but it’s out of my hands. If there was anything I could do…
TRIP
I know.
(beat, calming)
It doesn’t make it any easier though.
ARCHER
Hey, if you think you have it hard, I’m the one who probably has to put up with a spy to second-guess my every decision.
The comm. panel on Archer’s desk beeps. Archer switches it on.
ARCHER
This is the Captain, what is it?
SHUTTLE CONTROLLER (COMM VOICE)
The shuttle is aboard now, Sir. She’s on her way up.
ARCHER
Very well.
Archer switches the comm. off, leans back in his chair and sighs heavily.
TRIP
(sarcastically)
Well this should be interestin’…
ARCHER
Yeah…
We focus on the main entrance, watching and waiting, until the door chime sounds.
ARCHER
Enter!
The newly reinstated SUB-COMMANDER T’POL, now dressed in a Vulcan uniform, cautiously enters the room. She immediately senses the hostility directed at her from Trip and Archer and tenses up. She stands in front of Archer’s desk and clasps her hands behind her back.
T’POL
Sub-Commander T’Pol reporting for duty, Captain.
ARCHER
(not sounding very welcoming)
Welcome aboard, Sub-Commander. I trust you’ve been briefed about your new duties.
T’POL
Yes, Captain; I was told I’d be responsible for the science staff, as well as your executive officer.
ARCHER
That’s right.
(beat)
Let me introduce you to the ship’s Chief Engineer, Commander Charles Tucker the Third.
Trip stands up and faces T’Pol, who is almost a head shorter than he is.
TRIP
And former first officer…
Trip offers his hand to her. T’Pol merely looks at it a moment, raises an eyebrow, and faces Archer again.
T’POL
If that is all, Captain, I’d like to meet my new department heads, and familiarize myself with the ship.
ARCHER
I guess we’re done here.
(beat, coolly)
Dismissed.
T’Pol turns on her heel and quickly exits the room, leaving Trip and Archer to fume over their new Vulcan crewmate. As the door slides shut, Trip shakes his head in annoyance.
TRIP
(sarcastically)
Yep. This is goin’ to be real interestin’...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
Continue to Act Two
