ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE – CLOSE TO JUPITER
We watch as the Enterprise slowly approaches, then PAN as the ship passes us, getting a good look at the new ship with the giant gas planet coming into view and taking up most of the background. The ship heads away from us now as we finish our pan, Jupiter moving out of sight to the left side of the screen.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
The full bridge crew is present and accounted for, including T’Pol, now sitting at the Science station, her new post. There is also a Junior Lieutenant serving as Navigator and a full Lieutenant monitoring the ship’s Operations in their shared niche at the back of the Bridge. Those who can see the main viewscreen watch it, and those who can’t watch on smaller monitors at their stations. We focus on the main viewscreen and see that it’s Zefram Cochrane giving a speech at a podium – a documentary film.
COCHRANE
Today is a momentous day, as we, the people of Earth unite together for a common goal...that of exploration. We are at the very brink of exploring beyond the confines of this system, out into the deep recesses of space...in search of the unknown.
We watch the different crew members as they react to Cochrane’s words, finishing with T’Pol as she considers what the Human has to say, and what it might mean for her new crewmates.
INT. ENTERPRISE – MESS HALL
The Mess Hall is pretty well packed with a mixture of both UESPA and UEM crewmembers, but we notice that no one is eating, and those still in the chow line have stopped. We PAN to see what they are all looking at, and see that a projection screen has been pulled down along one of the walls with Cochrane on it.
COCHRANE (CONT’D)
When I look up at the stars I can't help but dream, and I wish I was a poet so I could convey to you those dreams. Then I realize, I don't have to be a poet, because we've all had those dreams; the desire to reach out, to discover, to learn! Those things that drive us to make these great accomplishments that allow us to further ourselves and our great civilization.
INT. ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING
We get our first look at the impressive engine room, which, though technically the largest room on the ship after the cargo bays, is actually quite cramped, filled with the huge matter/antimatter injectors that flank the large dilithium reaction chamber, as well as various other conduits carrying vital fuel and power in and out of the room. There are monitoring stations everywhere that have at least one engineer at them. Trip sits at the large, main monitoring console at the front of the room, with his trusted assistant, LIEUTENANT JACOB KELBY, standing next to him as they both listen to the comm. system. There is no viewscreen here, but everyone has still stopped what they were doing to listen.
COCHRANE (CONT’D, COMM VOICE)
Behind me is a building, one that will contain the hundreds of minds that will work day and night to make those dreams come true. To create, for the people of Earth, ships that will take us to distant stars, so that we might fulfill our destiny. I promise you that I will not rest until this goal is accomplished, and I ask that all of you struggle right alongside me. Through hard work and dedication, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
Trip looks up towards the ceiling, smiling as he beams with pride at the fruits of his own labor, all around him.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Reed’s expression remains rather dubious and unenthusiastic.
REED
(flatly)
Very inspiring, Sir.
T’Pol glances at Reed, then at Archer, but remains unreadable. Having seen whatever she was interested in, she turns in her seat and focuses on the Science panel. Archer rolls his eyes and switches on the comm. panel.
ARCHER
Nearly a century after his historic flight, we’re finally living up to Doctor Zefram Cochrane’s vision. Though we might not be going to the most glamorous place in the galaxy, we’re still reaching out to the stars and exploring.
INT. ENTERPRISE – SICKBAY
Phlox and Lucas stand in Sickbay listening, with a noticeable distance between them.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE, CONT’D)
We’re living up to our credo of seeking out new life and new civilizations, and boldly going where no Human has ever gone before.
LUCAS
(mumbling sarcastically)
More like boldly going where probes have gone before.
Phlox looks at his colleague with a somewhat confused look on his face, not at all understanding why Lucas shouldn’t be as excited as he is.
INT. ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING
Trip and Kelby continue to listen in front of the large main console.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE, CONT’D)
We have a lot of great expectations to live up to, and I expect the best out of everyone.
(beat)
Mister Tucker, it’s time to stretch our legs.
Trip turns on his comm. panel.
TRIP
Aye Cap’n, and let’s see if we can’t break a few speed records while we’re at it.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE)
Promise?
(beat)
Let’s she what she’s got. Archer out.
Kelby immediately starts adjusting the various controls and throttle-like levers on the main console. Gauges come to life and start registering higher levels as the energy audibly builds up in the warp core. Trip gets up and leans on the railing facing aft to address his fellow engineers.
TRIP
Alright, let’s get to work! Let’s show the cap’n what we can do!
Inspired by Trip’s own version of a pep talk, the engineers go to work, some standing at consoles, working them, and others scrambling to other parts of the room, climbing up ladders and using catwalks to get at various components to make adjustments and to monitor them as they run at full capacity.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise flies away from us in open space, then suddenly stretches out, disappearing in a flash of light as it goes to warp.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Although most of them have seen it before, the Humans watch with a certain sense of awe at the streaks of light on the viewscreen as they continue to accelerate. Only T’Pol remains unimpressed, and keeps herself busy at the Science console. Hoshi and Travis are T’Pol’s complete opposite, as the most excited crewmembers on the Bridge. Travis manages to take his eyes off the viewscreen to watch the electronic needles on the gauges in front of him continue to rise, well past anything he’s ever seen before.
TRAVIS
(excited)
Warp two-point-five….warp three…….warp four………..warp five…warp five-point-two!
(beat)
We’ve stopped accelerating Captain.
Archer permits himself a smile.
ARCHER
(to himself)
Quite a ship you’ve built here, Trip.
Hoshi can’t take her eyes off the viewscreen, her eyes like saucers.
HOSHI
(in awe)
It’s so beautiful; I never imagined it’d be anything like this.
ARCHER
And its beauty never fades, Ensign.
(beat)
So, is it as bad as you thought it would be?
Hoshi shakes her head, never looking away from the viewscreen. Travis turns and looks at Hoshi, then at Archer with a dumbfounded look on his face.
ARCHER
Oh, that's right, you don't know.
(beat, smiles)
This is Ensign Sato's first time outside of the system, and her first trip at warp.
Hoshi finally looks away from the viewscreen, blushing. Archer just smiles and gives her a wink. Everyone else, including T’Pol, looks at Hoshi, not sure what to say. This only makes Hoshi feel even more embarrassed at her wetness behind the ears, and she blushes another shade of red before turning to her console. Archer frowns, reconsidering his little announcement. Everyone’s a little surprised by who finally breaks the silence.
REED
Well, there’s a first time for everything.
Hoshi turns and looks at Reed. He gives her a comforting smile.
REED
Hope it’s a memory to last a lifetime.
Hoshi laughs a little nervously.
HOSHI
Somehow I think it will be.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise flies by us at warp speed.
INT. ENTERPRISE – MESS HALL
There’s a different bunch of people in the Mess Hall than last time, and it isn’t as full. We see a few faces that we will come to recognize as regulars, including FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGES PICARD, Reed’s Vice Commander for the UEM Security Forces, FIRST LIEUTENANT SUN CHEN, FIRST LIEUTENANT ALESSANDRA “OLIVE” ALVES, and SECOND LIEUTENANT AMANDA COLE, who sit in their own corner of the room along with a few more enlisted SFs. Reed sits at a table away by himself, working on a PADD as he eats. There are a few UESPA crewmembers scattered throughout the room, including the Navigator and Ops Manager. T’Pol sits unobtrusively in the corner farthest from the SFs, herself working on a PADD as she eats a salad. We pan to see Phlox enter, followed closely by ENSIGN ELIZABETH CUTLER.
CUTLER
(excited)
…Actually I wouldn’t mind a look at that little menagerie you have there in Sickbay.
PHLOX
Well, stop by Sickbay later and I’ll see what I can do.
(beat)
Anything to get you interested in medicine.
Cutler pretends to be insulted and gives his arm a playful little push as they stand in the chow line. She fails to notice the slightly uncomfortable look on his face at the physical contact.
CUTLER
Now we have been through this, Doctor; I’m an exobiologist, not a nurse.
Phlox smiles innocently as the white-clad dining services people behind the serving counter dish them up.
PHLOX
I don’t recall saying anything about being a nurse.
Cutler gives him an amused look and shakes her head. The two of them turn and look for a place to sit down. They can’t help but notice T’Pol sitting in self-isolation. Cutler exchanges a sympathetic look with Phlox.
CUTLER
(softly)
She looks so lonely.
PHLOX
Vulcans do tend to be somewhat self-isolating, but I don’t think it would hurt if we gave her a little company.
Phlox and Cutler walk up to T’Pol’s table and wait for her to look up from her padd.
PHLOX
May we join you, Sub-Commander?
T’Pol considers the two of them for a moment; honestly surprised that anyone on this ship would want anything to do with her.
T’POL
I can tolerate your presence.
PHLOX
(jovially)
Well, that’s a start.
Phlox plops down without a fuss, but Cutler is visibly uncomfortable as she takes a seat at the simple round table.
CUTLER
You looked a little lonely over here by yourself.
T’Pol goes back to her padd before answering.
T’POL
Loneliness is a Human emotion; Vulcans do not share such weaknesses.
(beat)
It was logical for me to use this time accomplish certain unfinished work; companionship is unnecessary.
Cutler starts on her dinner, taking small, tentative bites and nibbling at them. She looks nervously at Phlox. Phlox just eyes T’Pol thoughtfully.
PHLOX
I find that a little hard to believe that you are completely without any emotion. I haven’t been around Vulcans for very long, but from what I’ve seen they can be quite emotional, if somewhat aloof.
T’Pol’s eyebrows go up in shock and surprise, and she looks up from her padd at the Denobulan doctor with wide eyes. Her “emotional” display doesn’t last too long, but it's enough to prove Phlox right, and if we look close enough, we can tell that T’Pol is actually a little insulted by his assertion.
T’POL
(forcefully)
Vulcans learned long ago the dangers of allowing emotions to rule us. Before Surak brought logic, we devastated our planet and nearly caused our own extinction.
(beat, calmed down)
Since that time, all emotions have been suppressed.
(beat)
Only then were we able to advance as a species.
Cutler is a little unsure if she’s been insulted or not. Phlox sits back and watches with interest.
CUTLER
Humans have come pretty far since First Contact.
T’POL
Indeed. Your progress in such a short span of time is quite impressive if a little disconcerting.
CUTLER
(confused)
Disconcerting?
T’Pol considers her answer, but she never gets a chance to respond.
PHLOX
(thoughtfully, with surprising insight)
So you isolated yourself from the rest of the crew, intending to stay out of their way.
(beat)
Why is that?
T’Pol again considers her answer, as if she hadn’t really given it much thought.
T’POL
I could not help but sense a certain amount of... hostility directed toward me.
(beat)
It is likely due to my abrupt assignment to this vessel. I did not wish to exacerbate the situation by…
(beat, slightest of frowns)
I did not want the crew to think that I was forcing them to accept my presence.
Phlox smiles.
PHLOX
No one forced us to socialize with you, Sub-Commander. We simply thought you could use the company.
T’Pol is a little surprised, but in a pleasant way. She looks at Cutler, who smiles herself in between bites of her dinner.
T’POL
(raising an eyebrow)
You don’t find my presence offensive?
PHLOX
On the contrary, I’m actually finding you to be quite interesting.
CUTLER
I’m actually looking forward to working with you, Commander; I haven’t worked with any Vulcans before.
T’POL
(matter-of-factly)
Sub-Commander.
CUTLER
Pardon?
T’POL
I am not a full Commander, as I have not yet earned that rank; I hold the rank of Sub-Commander.
CUTLER
Right, but I thought I’d call you Commander for short.
T’POL
It’s a matter of protocol; much in the same way I wouldn’t refer to you by another rank, or by a contracted name.
CUTLER
(confused)
A nickname?
T’POL
As I understand it.
CUTLER
Right, but this isn’t a Vulcan ship…
T’POL
A fact of which I am painfully aware.
Cutler flinches, which doesn’t escape T’Pol’s notice; she almost seems to regret saying that.
CUTLER
I just meant that around here when we verbally address someone informally, we normally don’t use full rank.
T’Pol considers what Cutler said for a brief moment.
T’POL
Still, I must ask that you address me by my proper rank, Ensign.
CUTLER
(disappointed)
Okay…
(beat, more upbeat)
I’m still looking forward to working with you though.
T’POL
(ambiguously)
Indeed…
We change angles, now viewing the trio from across the room. They continue to talk, but we can’t hear them from this far away. We pan to see the group of SFs silently watching them as they eat. We focus on Olive in the foreground as we continue to pan, leaving only the SFs in view.
OLIVE
(sarcastically)
Well, they seem to be getting along well.
There are a few grunts of agreement from around the table.
PICARD
(darkly)
I can't believe UESPA actually agreed to put a Vulcan on the crew.
(sourly)
Guess I shouldn't be surprised though; it's not like UESPA is actually effective.
(softly)
Naïve morons.
CHEN
And of course it’s up to us now to baby-sit them.
COLE
And now this Vulcan.
Cole eyes T’Pol suspiciously.
COLE
Damned Vulcans. They're so condescending and-
REED’S VOICE
That’s about enough of that.
We pan to follow as everyone’s heads turn to look at the origin of the voice, and see that Reed has put down his padd and is looking sternly at his SFs.
REED (CONT’D)
We have a job to do, and it’s time to accept that fact or this is going to be the longest tour you have ever served. It doesn’t matter what we think of it, or if we like it, we have our orders, handed down to us from our Commander-in-Chief, and we will obey them.
(beat)
We work for this ship now, and its crew, and we will do our job to the best of our ability, without complaint. Am I making myself clear?
PICARD
(grudgingly)
Yes Sir.
We focus for a moment on the SFs’ faces, which have hardened with the reality of the situation, which not one of them likes.
INT. ENTERPRISE – CAPTAIN’S PRIVATE DINING ROOM
SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER MARCUS “MIDAS” LAFAYETTE, the senior chef on the Enterprise, enters the room, carrying four trays. We pan to follow him the short distance to the small rectangular table in the cramped room, which Archer, Trip, Hoshi, and Travis sit at.
LAFAYETTE
Order’s up!
TRIP
(joking)
‘Bout time too!
Trip rubs his hands in anticipation, but he certainly isn’t the only one looking forward to the chef’s cooking. Lafayette starts placing the trays on the table.
ARCHER
More of the same great cooking Midas?
Lafayette smiles broadly.
LAFAYETTE
Oh, always.
(beat)
And you better enjoy this catfish while it lasts, Commander, I didn’t have room for many of them in the freezer.
TRIP
Don’t worry, Chef, I’ll do my best.
Trip grabs his knife and fork and eagerly starts cutting his roasted catfish into smaller pieces.
TRAVIS
It sure was exciting hitting that throttle and seeing the numbers get that high that fast.
(beat)
I’ve lived my whole life on starships, but I’ve never been on one this fast and responsive.
Trip looks up from his catfish at Travis. He finishes chewing and swallows before replying; obviously, his mother taught him manners.
TRIP
(proudly)
I do what I can.
Hoshi gives an expression of distaste directed toward Trip's catfish, but quickly turns her attention back to Travis.
HOSHI
(confused)
You’ve really lived your whole life in space?
Lafayette grunts and jerks his thumb towards Travis.
LAFAYETTE
This kid has been out in the black almost as long as I have.
Travis laughs at Lafayette’s joke, but Archer notes Hoshi’s growing confusion.
ARCHER
Ensign Mayweather here is a “boomer”; he was born on a starship and grew up on one. He’s also a damn fine pilot.
TRAVIS
And to think my brother told me I'd never amount to anything.
(grins broadly)
I learned how to fly on the old rust-bucket cargo ship that I grew up on, but now I can fly anything from a shuttlepod to a ship like this.
Travis looks about the room with pride at how far he’s come. Hoshi takes the opportunity to start making small talk that we can’t quite make out, but no doubt dealing with Travis’s childhood. Archer lets them get to know each other and turns his attention back to Trip and smiles as he sees his old friend hungrily devouring his catfish. Lafayette watches with him and shakes his head.
LAFAYETTE
(idly)
I guess I should take that as a compliment.
ARCHER
Oh, of course, why do you think everyone calls you Midas? Everything you touch turns to gold.
LAFAYETTE
(grumbling)
I still have some reservations over that old nickname. It’s good that they all like my cookin’, but back in my day all the head cooks were called “cookie”, and I always thought that sounded better. But someone decided that sounded too “military” so they had to come up with something else for me.
ARCHER
(thoughtfully)
Speaking of…
(beat)
What do you think of our new arrangement with the military?
Lafayette sighs heavily and rolls his eyes.
LAFAYETTE
Can you believe I almost joined the military? Something to get me out in space and away from home of course. I just wanted to see the stars, but the military doesn’t seem all that interested in really taking the time to do that.
(beat, sighs)
I guess I still don’t think much of them, and this bunch is no different. They have this attitude towards us I just can’t stand, like standing around “running security” makes them better than all of us somehow.
Travis and Hoshi have stopped talking and are now listening. Trip has even stopped eating and is now intently listening to Lafayette talk. It’s not hard to tell that everyone in the room agrees with him.
LAFAYETTE
Oh well, at least they seem to like the food.
(smirks)
It's probably ten times better than the crap they serve on UEM ships.
Archer chuckles.
ARCHER
Yeah… I can’t say I much care for having them on my ship either; it’s like having someone constantly looking over your shoulder.
(beat, frowning)
And then there’s that Vulcan…
LAFAYETTE
She’s not too bad from what little I’ve seen of her. Real quiet that one, and keeps to herself when she’s in the mess hall.
Archer shakes his head, obviously not agreeing with the resident “old man” on this one. Archer decides to change the subject and notices that Trip is no longer eating.
ARCHER
So how’s my ship holding up Trip? Any signs of the trouble we had before?
TRIP
Nope, my ship is doing pretty good this time around. I hope it keeps up like this for a while.
Trip smiles and spears another chunk of catfish with his fork.
TRIP (CONT’D)
I almost don’t know what to do with myself.
Archer smiles.
ARCHER
I’m sure you’ll think of something.
(beat)
Can we keep this speed up indefinitely?
Trip shakes his head.
TRIP
Not indefinitely, but we’ll be able to hold it ‘til we get to where we’re going.
(beat)
And before you ask, no, I wouldn’t keep doing this all the time. Probably more like something between warp four-point-five and-
COMM OFFICER (COMM VOICE)
(interrupting)
Captain, Command is calling over subspace; they say it’s urgent.
Archer gets up and goes to the room’s comm. panel, which is next to a small monitor on the wall. He switches it on.
ARCHER
Put it through down here.
The monitor changes form its normal status display to show Archer two familiar faces: Forrest and Narsu.
ARCHER
Gentlemen, something I can do for you?
FORREST
Something for Earth, Jon; something you’re not going to like any more than I do.
ARCHER
What is it?
NARSU
Alpha Centauri has rebelled and declared its independence.
ARCHER
(sarcastically)
Again?
NARSU
(sternly)
Yes, again. You need to pay attention now, Captain.
(beat)
This time they have expelled all ships and local personnel not loyal to their cause, and have brought in an alien force to do their fighting for them.
Archer’s features grow concerned.
FORREST
The military is assembling a fleet to retake the system, but it will take them some time to get organized. In the mean time, Enterprise is the most capable ship anywhere near Alpha Centauri. You’re armed, and you have a security detail on board.
(beat)
The President has authorized you to take a police action if necessary, but until the UEM task force gets there, you’re on your own. Attempt to negotiate a peaceful resolution, but make it clear that they must stand down if bloodshed is to be avoided.
(beat, sighs)
If necessary, land your contingent of Security Forces, along with as many crewmembers as you can spare and arrest the Centaurian government officials.
ARCHER
What about the aliens they’ve recruited?
NARSU
We’re hoping they are just posturing, but if they do fire on you, defend yourself with any force necessary until the task force arrives.
ARCHER
(grimly)
You’re right, Admiral Forrest; I don’t like this, not one bit.
FORREST
I understand, Captain, but this comes straight from the President; they’re forcing his hand.
(beat)
Contact us after you’ve established a presence in the system, and give us any intelligence you learn about those aliens.
ARCHER
Understood, Enterprise out.
The monitor goes back to its status report. Archer turns to the others, whose expressions mirror his own concern.
ARCHER
I’m sorry to cut dinner short, but I need all of you to report back to your posts.
(beat)
Ensign Mayweather, alter course and take us to Alpha Centauri.
TRAVIS
Aye Sir.
Travis gets up and exits the room, followed closely by Hoshi.
ARCHER
Trip, I need you down in Engineering; make sure this ship doesn’t fly apart on us because I want you to push the engines as hard as you can.
TRIP
I’ll see what I can do, Cap’n.
Trip pushes himself away from the table, but stops and looks at Lafayette.
TRIP
Can you…
Lafayette puts his hand up to stop him.
LAFAYETTE
Don’t worry; I’ll take care of your damn fish for you so you can finish it later.
Trip grins broadly and finishes getting up, brushing himself off as he heads out of the room. Lafayette loses his hardened expression for a moment as he regards Archer.
LAFAYETTE
Don’t worry, Captain; I’m sure everything will work out, you’ll see.
ARCHER
I hope you’re right, Midas.
Archer turns and exits the room, leaving Lafayette to clean up.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise flies by us at warp speed, somehow looking menacing now as it goes to its new mission.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Everyone is at their posts again, all of them working intently on their consoles. We watch over Archer’s shoulder as the Navigator checks his “pool table” navigation chart.
NAVIGATOR
Captain, we’re closing on the system.
We focus on Archer’s grim features.
ARCHER
Helm, go to impulse.
(beat)
Let’s see if we can approach unnoticed.
TRAVIS
Aye Sir.
We watch the main viewscreen as the streaking stars slow down and become simple points of light again.
ARCHER
Sub-Commander, do we have any readings on the alien ships yet?
T’Pol leans over her console, looking into her holographic scanner and activating it. We can see the bluish light of the scanner shine across her eyes as she squints into it.
T’POL
Scanning….
(beat)
Yes Captain, initial readings indicate twenty ships of various sizes.
T’Pol straightens and makes eye contact with Archer.
T’POL
Energy signatures suggest Tellarite vessels.
ARCHER
(confused)
Tellarites?
T’POL
A humanoid race the Vulcan Science Ministry made contact with over a century ago.
(beat)
They are a… crude species, ruled by emotions.
ARCHER
(critically)
You mean like Humans.
T’Pol raises an eyebrow.
T’POL
Human behavior is significantly more logical than Tellarite behavior.
ARCHER
(cynically)
I guess I should take that as a compliment.
T’POL
Indeed. However, Tellarite technology is far more advanced than Human technology; they’ve undoubtedly detected our presence by now.
As if on queue, a beeping comes from Hoshi’s panel. Hoshi puts her hand to her ear, listening over her earpiece briefly before turning to face Archer.
HOSHI
The Tellarites are hailing us Captain, and demanding that we leave the system.
ARCHER
(to himself)
Fat chance.
(beat)
Put them on screen, Ensign.
The angry porcine face of the TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN appears on the main viewscreen.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
Withdraw at once Earther, or we will destroy that puny ship of yours.
Archer is momentarily surprised at the fact that the Tellarite speaks English but his surprise is quickly replaced by anger that he keeps in check...barely. He isn’t able to hide it completely.
ARCHER
This is Captain Jonathan Archer of the United Earth Ship Enterprise. You are the invader here, interfering in an internal matter. Your presence here is construed an act of war against United Earth, and you are ordered to withdraw immediately. If you do, this incident will be overlooked, and no further action will be taken on our part.
The Tellarite laughs at Archer.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
Are you trying to confuse me with your fancy talk Earther? We have a contract with the Alpha Centauri and we intend to keep it.
(beat, aggressively)
Any incoming Earther ships are to be expelled, and your pathetic little toy ship is no exception. Get out of here if you know what’s good for you.
ARCHER
We are not a violent people…
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
What!? Pathetic….
Archer begins to lose his temper, and he strains his voice to keep a professional tone.
ARCHER
…But we will use any and all force at our disposal if you force us to. Comply with our orders or face the consequences.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
What consequences? Are you delusional Earther? Do you think you command a battleship?
The Tellarite bellows with laughter again, making Archer’s brow furrow with his anger at having to deal with this insulting character.
ARCHER
I’ve heard enough; Ensign Sato, end transmission.
Hoshi complies and the viewscreen returns to the starfield. Archer gives T’Pol a frustrated look.
ARCHER
Crude?
(beat)
Boy do you ever understate.
T’POL
As I said, they are ruled by their emotions. The only way to successfully negotiate with them is to out-insult them without resorting to personal attacks. Once their leader has become sufficiently impressed, headway can be made with them. However, if you fail to impress him, he will consider you weak and attack.
ARCHER
(critically)
Are you kidding me? I have to out-insult him?
T’Pol says nothing but inclines an eyebrow at Archer's tone; it is the only indication of her annoyance with his aggressive behavior toward her. Archer turns his attention back to Hoshi.
ARCHER
Get that Tellarite Captain back on screen.
The Tellarite Fleet Captain appears again, looking smug.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
What is it now, Earther? Back to make more idle threats?
Archer stands up for emphasis, glowering at the Tellarite. He’s a little smug himself, thinking that he knows the game now.
ARCHER
I’m giving you one last chance to leave before I have to blow apart that rickety tub you call a ship.
The corners of Archer’s mouth curl slightly upwards as the Tellarite on the viewscreen actually looks a little impressed.
ARCHER (CONT’D)
It’s up to you, Captain; back down or I'll put your ship on the junk heap where it belongs.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
(enjoying the game)
I hear a lot of talk, Earther, but we have shuttles that are tougher than that garbage scow you're flying around in.
ARCHER
(cocky)
Don't let that thick skull of yours keep you from making the right decision, Captain. If I have to, I’ll come over there and kick your fat ass myself.
The Tellarite is obviously insulted by Archer’s personal barb. Insulting one’s ship is one thing, but Archer crossed the line.
T’POL
(warning)
Captain….
Archer gives her the briefest of glares, silencing her without words. She watches the situation develop with a sense of helplessness.
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
(suddenly dangerous)
What did you say, Human?
Archer continues, oblivious of his mistake.
ARCHER
You heard me. Or are your ears not working either?
TELLARITE FLEET CAPTAIN
(coldly)
You have one minute to vacate this system.
The viewscreen goes blank again and Archer glances at T'Pol who is already working her scanner.
T'POL
They are charging weapons, Captain.
Archer glares at her for a half-second.
ARCHER
(under his breath)
Dammit.
(louder)
Major Reed, sound battle stations.
Reed stares back at Archer for a moment, finding it hard to believe that this civvie is actually prepared to do what he agrees is necessary. He’s already reconsidering his view of Archer as he works his console. The bridge dims, illuminated now only in red light. Reed sounds the appropriate klaxon three times before switching on his comm. panel.
REED
Attention all hands, report to battle stations; all hands to battle stations.
Reed checks his console.
REED
Laser cannons and plasma batteries coming online, Captain.
ARCHER
Polarize the hull and load missile launchers.
Reed works his console again.
EXT. SPACE
We focus on the Enterprise’s hull as blast shudders slide closed over all the viewports. To finish it off, much larger doors slowly slide closed over the exposed warp coils of the nacelle, leaving only the bulky plasma injectors exposed.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
REED
Hull armor fully polarized; missile launchers ready to fire. Fire control teams report plasma batteries also ready to fire.
T’Pol grows more worried by the moment.
T’POL
Captain, I highly recommend against this course of action; Tellarite offensive and defensive capabilities far outstrip this vessel’s.
(beat)
The logical course of action is to retreat.
Archer cuts T’Pol a look.
ARCHER
This isn’t open to discussion anymore.
(beat, soft but dangerous-sounding)
Mind your panel and do your damn job, Sub-Commander. If and when I want your opinion I’ll ask for it. Understood?
T’Pol blinks, totally taken off guard by Archer’s outburst. Her face hardens; she isn’t going to forget this anytime soon.
T’POL
(tightly)
Yes Captain.
Archer sits down in his command chair again, and pulls out the four-point seat restraints, buckling them at his chest. Reed frowns as he pulls on his own restraints, his opinion of Archer continues to be somewhat mixed; as career military, he knows that disagreements between the commanding officer and the executive officer should take place behind closed doors, not in plain sight of everyone else. He turns to give Archer a disapproving look, but the captain has his mind on the coming battle and doesn’t notice. Travis has been staring at the viewscreen the entire time though, a little shell-shocked by the growing seriousness of their situation.
ARCHER
(calmer)
You better get your restraints on too, Ensign Mayweather.
Travis slowly becomes aware of his surroundings again, and fumbles with his restraints. An uncomfortable silence fills the room.
ARCHER
What are they up to?
Reed checks his holographic viewer, even though T’Pol is already checking her own.
REED
Two ships are breaking off and moving to intercept.
ARCHER
On screen.
The viewscreen changes, offering a closer view of the two black ships moving in formation toward the screen. Both of them look more than a match for Enterprise.
ARCHER
Tactical analysis?
REED
Multiple particle weapons, indeterminate missile capability.
ARCHER
Stay on course.
REED
(warning)
Captain, I’d rather not wait to see what their weapons can do to us.
ARCHER
This isn’t a warship, Mister Reed; it would exceed our orders to fire the first shot.
Reed can only frown – the use of 'Mister' doesn't sit well with him – and go back to his console.
REED
They’re targeting us…
An alarm sounds on Reed’s panel.
REED
(off console)
They’re opening fire!
EXT. SPACE
Both Tellarite ships fire gold beams of light, and we PAN to see them strike Enterprise. Electricity arcs over the portion of the hull the beams hit, which is now blackened. The beams fire again, and chunks of the armor break off, turning into dust as it drifts away. More electricity arcs over that section of the hull.
INT. ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING
Trip holds on tight to the railing lining the front of the main console; it’s all he can do to keep from being thrown out of his chair. Others aren’t as fortunate, as several crewmen and SFs are thrown to the floor. We pan to look down at the lower level just in time to see one of the many monitoring panels glow brightly and explode, spewing sparks everywhere. A nearby engineer scrambles to assess damage. We pan back to Trip and see that he’s looking in horror at a schematic of the ship. The part of the hull that had been hit flashes in red, while power indicators fluctuate at the bottom of the monitor. Trip switches on his comm. panel.
TRIP
I don’t know what those bastards are using, but it’s wreakin’ havoc on the hull! I don’t know how many more hits we can take!
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Archer stares down the Tellarite ships on the viewscreen while his crew struggles to do their jobs.
ARCHER
Lock laser cannons and return fire. Ready forward launchers and prepare to fire.
EXT. SPACE
The laser cannons swivel to face the Tellarite ships and open fire, the scarlet laser beams instantly connecting to their black hulls. The forward missile launchers pop up out of the hull and each swivels to target a Tellarite ship.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
ARCHER
Missiles… Fire!
EXT. SPACE
Four missiles steak out of each launcher at their targets, their sleek bullet-like shapes barely visible to us as the light gleams off of them.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
We watch the eight points of light fly towards the Tellarite ships, an instant later hitting them and exploding in orange fireballs.
ARCHER
Damage assessment.
REED
That hurt them Captain, but not much.
The dust clears from the explosions and we can see that the Tellarites are indeed damaged, with large chunks missing from their armored hulls, but we can also see that there’s more armor underneath. More beams lash out from the Tellarite ships, followed by several flashes from tubes lining their hulls. The ship bucks from the impact of the beam weapons. Sparks erupt from part of the Science panel; T’Pol shields herself with her arm.
REED
Missiles!
ARCHER
Evasive action!
The viewscreen turns sharply and begins to spin.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise banks sharply and rolls, dodging the missiles streaking towards her. The plasma batteries open up, firing wildly at the incoming missiles. Most of them miss or are destroyed, but one hits her port nacelle, breaking off a segment of armor along with a thruster assembly. The impact makes the bow whip around, and the ship starts to tumble out of control. The Tellarites close and continue to fire.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
The stars on the viewscreen seem to spin as the ship continues to tumble sickeningly. We focus on Hoshi, clearly having a hard time keeping what little dinner she had down as she clings to her console.
ARCHER
Maintain fire!
Archer turns to T’Pol, who is somehow remaining a vision of serenity in all the chaos.
ARCHER
Damage report!
T’Pol gets up and makes her way across the Bridge to the Damage Control console with great difficulty. She manages to plant herself in the seat and starts to work the console. Schematic images of the ship show us where the damage is.
T’POL
(calmly, despite the situation)
Hull armor has lost its integrity. There is severe damage to the port nacelle, as well as the maneuvering thrusters.
(beat)
Short range sensors are experiencing heavy interference.
REED
She’s right, Captain! I can’t get a decent shot at them anymore!
TRIP (COMM. VOICE)
We need to get out of here, Cap’n, we’re comin’ apart at the seams!
Archer slams his fist into his console.
ARCHER
Damn!
(beat, reluctantly)
Helm, take us out of this system, best possible speed.
Travis, already busy trying to dodge incoming fire, doesn’t bother to acknowledge the command and simply follows through with it.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise performs one last maneuver to avoid another salvo of gold energy beams, then straightens out and speeds away from their origin. The blast shutters on the nacelles open, and the ship streaks away at warp just as several missiles reach its former location.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
Continue to Act Three
