ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise flies by us, traveling at low warp. We can see the extensive damage; the starboard nacelle is dark, the conduit leading to it too damaged to carry plasma to it.
ARCHER (V.O.)
Captain’s Log: 20 May 2152, 2130 hours. Basic repairs have been completed and Enterprise is on course back to Alpha Centauri. We can only make a little over warp one at the time of this log entry, which is actually pretty good considering the damage the ship has taken these past few weeks.
(beat)
It’s disappointing that on our first mission out, we ended up fighting a war. I can only hope that once my Chief Engineer gets the ship fully repaired that we’ll be able to spend more time doing what this ship was intended to do to begin with – explore.
INT. ENTERPRISE - ARCHER’S OFFICE
Archer sits in his office chair, dressed in a UESPA screen-printed t-shirt with matching sweatpants, trying to stay as relaxed as he possibly can. He faces his monitor, talking to someone. We pan around to see that it’s Admiral Forrest.
FORREST
Intelligence is sketchy at the moment, but apparently the Tellarites simply vanished from the Alpha Centauri system.
Archer allows himself a mischievous smile.
ARCHER
I think I might have an idea about what happened to them, Sir.
Forrest gives Archer a knowing look.
FORREST
Care to clue the rest of us in?
ARCHER
It’s all in the report, Admiral.
(beat)
I can’t really explain how, but I was able to send both the Tellarites and the Andorians back to their home systems.
Forrest picks up a PADD and looks it over for a moment.
FORREST
Looks like I’ll be in for an…interesting read.
(beat, putting the PADD down)
About the Andorians…
Archer tenses up slightly, sensing what Forrest is about to say.
FORREST (CONT’D)
I know you were given permission to bring them into the situation, and that things turned out well, this time… I just can’t help but feel a little conflicted about it, Jon.
(beat, sighs)
You know you have my support because of the work you did on the project, but counting on aliens you haven’t even met yet for yourself… It just doesn’t fly… and I know it did this time, but you got lucky.
ARCHER
I understand, Admiral, but I didn’t see any other alternative.
FORREST
(lighter)
Helluva first contact.
Archer smiles.
ARCHER
With two species.
Forrest shakes his head.
FORREST
It’s times like this that make me glad that I drive a desk for a living.
Forrest waits to see how Archer reacts for a moment, then finally lets himself crack a smile, which quickly fades, much to Archer’s surprise.
ARCHER
(concerned)
What is it?
FORREST
You’re not out of the woods yet, Jon.
(beat)
We still have a situation to deal with on Alpha Centauri.
ARCHER
But with the Tellarites gone-
FORREST
(interrupting)
General Bernard’s task force is refitting in open space, and she refuses to move until every ship is able to maneuver under its own power.
(beat, sighing)
And just to make matters even more complicated, the Vulcan Alliance has officially recognized Alpha Centauri as an independent power.
ARCHER
(shocked)
What?
FORREST (CONT’D)
A diplomatic envoy is being sent to mediate our…dispute over Alpha Centauri’s independence, and it’s being sent under the protection of a Vulcan peacekeeping force.
Archer bolts upright in his chair and leans toward the monitor.
ARCHER
(angry)
Since when have they ever protected anyone? They sure as hell didn’t protect us from the Nausicaans!
(beat)
And now they’re “protecting” Alpha Centauri from us?
Archer rolls his eyes. Though he feels the same way, Forrest maintains his composure and waits for Archer to dial it down a little.
FORREST
So it would seem.
ARCHER
(sarcastically)
Guess I’ll have to ask the resident Vulcan about this latest development.
Forrest gives him a critical look, bordering on anger.
FORREST
I’ve already gotten a report from her regarding your treatment of her.
(beat)
You know I feel the same way about the Vulcans, but try to keep it under control, at least for your part in it. I fought hard to keep you in command while still keeping our exchange program with the Vulcans, a program that benefits us, so try to keep diplomatic.
Archer leans back in his chair again, having lost some of the fire within him.
ARCHER
(regretfully)
I understand…
Forrest leans a little closer to the screen.
FORREST
(more quietly)
Let me know if you do find something out though.
Archer nods and Forrest goes back to his normal posture.
FORREST
I’m discussing the matter with Ambassador Soval shortly, so hopefully I’ll have more information for you later.
(beat)
Keep in touch.
ARCHER
Understood; Enterprise out.
Archer taps a button on his control panel and the monitor goes blank. He leans back in his chair and sighs, contemplating the situation and planning for the future.
EXT. SPACE
We watch at a distance as at least a dozen Vulcan ships enter orbit of Alpha Centauri, their copper/ochre-colored hulls a stark contrast to the Tellarite ships that had so recently occupied that same space. In addition, though these ships share the same deadly purpose, their curved, flowing shapes are much more pleasing to look at, and are so beautiful that it’s easy to forget that these are in fact warships.
EXT. ALPHA CENTAURI – CAPITOL CITY – PUBLIC SQUARE
Coming full circle, we watch as a Vulcan shuttle prepares to land in the same courtyard we watched the then Governor Franklin give his fiery speech in. The newly appointed Governor Titus Cheet waits with a group of his followers and a respectable number of police officers at the bottom of the capitol building’s stairs. The shuttle sets down in the wide open space of the empty courtyard, and Titus’s group starts to walk out to meet the arriving delegation. The shuttle’s door opens and a small group of Vulcan soldiers step out, establishing a protective perimeter in preparation for a robed figure to step out. Titus and the robed figure meet at the edge of their respective protectors. The robed figure reaches up and pulls the hood from his head, revealing himself to be Ambassador Skon. His hand goes up in the tradition Vulcan salute.
SKON
Live long, and prosper, Governor Titus Cheet.
Titus returns the gesture.
TITUS
Peace, and long life, Ambassador Skon.
Titus now extends his hand in typical human fashion. It takes Skon a moment to recognize the gesture, but once he does, he takes Titus’s hand and gives it a firm shake.
SKON
I must admit that I did not expect to be standing here, Governor.
Titus flinches slightly at the use of his new title, but Skon doesn’t seem to notice it as they begin to walk back toward the capitol building, their groups in tow.
TITUS
Yet here you are Ambassador. I hope this bodes well for the future.
(beat, on consideration)
Though to be completely honest, I’m actually a little surprised that you or your government agreed to help us. I was under the impression that the Vulcan High Command had taken a stance of complete non-interference with Earth, even in the event that Earth was being attacked by a hostile alien force.
Skon raises an eyebrow as he considers the human walking next to him.
SKON
We have been interfering since we first made contact with your people, Governor. We continue to interfere by advising humanity in its endeavors in space, as well as offering an exchange program to allow humans to gain experience outside of their own systems.
(beat, off Titus’s mildly confused reaction)
You mistake the pledge my government made not to provide military aid to Earth, which is why we did not interfere in the recent situation here.
Titus makes a show of looking at the Vulcan soldiers escorting them to the capitol building.
TITUS
What about them? Aren’t you providing military aid now?
SKON
They are not here to aid Alpha Centauri militarily; they are here to provide protection for myself and my delegation of mediators, and to ensure the integrity of these proceedings.
Titus pauses before entering the building, and Skon turns to face him.
TITUS
I guess I can accept that, especially if it gets President Vanderbilt’s people talking and keeps them honest about it.
Skon gives Titus a concerned look.
SKON
I hope that you do not give yourself the false impression that we are here to support you exclusively. I may sympathize with your position, but my delegation is completely impartial, as my final ruling will be, based on their recommendations.
Titus’s face betrays his disappointment.
TITUS
As you’ve already said, Ambassador, but then, that’s a big part of why I asked Vulcan to provide mediation.
(beat)
I stand by my promise abide by any ruling you make, be it in favor of Alpha Centauri or Earth.
Skon merely inclines his head, and patiently waits for Titus to lead him into the capitol building.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise passes us at low warp, her recent battle scars still marring her beauty.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
Two enlisted engineers work on the heavily damaged science station, having already cleared away most of the parts that are beyond repair. Trip hands one of them a replacement part, and watches their progress for a moment before crossing to the other side of the Bridge. He gives T’Pol a flat look as he passes behind her as she sits in the command chair; it's clear that he's still not happy with her presence. She continues working on something on the small console provided for the ship’s commander, giving it her full attention. Her expression changes ever so slightly; she is aware of the displeasure being directed at her by Trip.
Reaching the Damage Control station, Trip sits down and starts to work the console, calling up the latest progress reports on the repairs being conducted all over the ship. He takes a moment to rub his fatigued eyes, and we note that he looks remarkably similar to how we first saw him, framing him from exactly the same angle for a few seconds.
The turbolift door opens, and Trip turns at the sound, lighting up as he sees a fully rested Captain Archer step onto the Bridge. T’Pol finishes working on the small console and stands, stepping to the side so Archer can sit in the command chair.
TRIP
Good to see you back where you belong Cap’n.
Both Archer and T’Pol turn to face Trip. Archer smiles at the comment, and the brightened expression on his friend’s face.
ARCHER
It’s good to be back.
Archer gives his attention back to T’Pol.
T’POL
Repairs are progressing on schedule, and we remain on course for Alpha Centauri, Captain. Unfortunately, we are still limited to warp one-point-two, and several other systems remain offline.
Archer eyes Trip.
ARCHER
(teasing)
Aren’t you done fixing my ship yet, Commander?
TRIP
(playing along)
Not yet, Cap’n. Those Andorians and Tellarites worked my ship over pretty well.
(beat)
She’s just mad ’cause I haven’t fixed the Science station yet.
Archer smiles and gives T’Pol a look. She’s a little irritated, but tries to hide it.
T’POL
Vulcans do not get “mad”.
Unfortunately for her, she doesn’t succeed well enough to hide her irritation from Trip.
TRIP
(smirking)
Your mouth says no, but your body language says yes.
T’Pol cuts Trip a look, but Archer isn’t quite sure how to react. There is a SHORT BEAT before he speaks.
ARCHER
(with a warning tone)
Trip…
Archer can’t quite find the words, but he isn’t flustered, just attempting to be professional despite his agreement with Trip’s assessment. Trip can tell that he’s taken it a step too far and his expression shows it, but it’s clear that neither his apologetic expression, nor Archer’s unspoken warning are out of any concern for T’Pol personally.
TRIP
Sorry, Cap’n, she set herself up perfectly for that, and I couldn’t resist. Won’t happen again.
ARCHER
See that it doesn’t.
T’Pol goes back to a more neutral stance, at least partially satisfied. She clasps her hands behind her back and looks at the viewscreen. There’s an awkward silence for a BEAT, interrupted only by the occasional sound of the crewmen working on the Science station. Trip shifts uncomfortably in his chair before brightening as something occurs to him.
TRIP
Now that I think about it, I could rig part of the Tactical station to act as a temporary science station.
T’Pol looks at Trip, her expression showing her pleasant surprise at his suggestion, especially in the wake of his continued distrust of her. Archer considers it, but Reed isn’t about to let him make a decision about his station without his input. He responds without even looking up from his console.
REED
I’d rather you didn’t do that, Commander.
TRIP
Why not?
Reed finally turns to face Trip.
REED
(ambiguously)
There isn’t much room over here to begin with, Sir, and I rather like having my personal space.
Archer and Trip aren’t quite sure what to make of Reed’s statement, but they don’t read as much into it as T’Pol does.
T’POL
Indeed.
(beat, turning to face Trip)
Your suggestion is appreciated, Commander Tucker, but it is unnecessary.
Archer and Trip exchange glances briefly. Trip shrugs.
TRIP
Okay, suit yourself.
Reed goes back to his console.
TRIP
Anyway, Cap’n, I have some people working on getting the starboard nacelle running again. The magnetic constrictors were messed up pretty bad when we had to vent the warp reactor, but hopefully we’ll be doing better than warp three by the day after tomorrow.
Archer nods approvingly.
ARCHER
That’d be nice.
Reed’s console beeps and he checks an appropriate monitor.
ARCHER
What is it?
REED
We’re passing that singularity we saw on the way to the Andorian outpost.
(beat)
I’m detecting another ship nearby, but there’s too much interference to get a positive ID.
ARCHER
Drop out of warp.
TRAVIS
Aye, Captain, dropping out of warp.
Travis starts to throttle back; the stars streaking by slow, and stop streaking altogether as the ship drops to impulse.
ARCHER
Let’s take a look, Major.
Reed types a command into his console and the viewscreen changes angles. We see the black hole in its full majesty, perpetually devouring its former twin. We almost can’t see the small smear of copper/ochre in the lower corner of the viewscreen.
ARCHER
Magnify.
Reed types in another command, and a rectangular box forms over the ship. The rectangle grows to take up the whole viewscreen, zooming in on the image as it does so. The new image runs through several filters that clean it up, and we can see the familiar annular warp ring and copper hull of a Vulcan starship.
Archer’s face falls in disappointment and possibly a touch of anger, although the latter is quickly concealed.
ARCHER
A Vulcan ship.
T’POL
A Surak class science vessel, no doubt sent to study this phenomena.
Trip eyes the Vulcan ship, then T’Pol.
TRIP
(sarcastically)
Gee, wonder who tipped them off about it.
Both Archer and T’Pol eye Trip again, but Archer remains silent. From his tight expression, it’s clear that the Captain agrees with Trip’s intimation but is trying to remain “diplomatic”, as Admiral Forrest had instructed him.
T’POL
The Vulcan Alliance has many ships deployed on missions of exploration, Commander. This vessel likely happened on the phenomena in the course of their assigned duties.
(beat, with eyes locked on Trip’s)
I did not inform them of this singularity.
Her calm but firm words make it clear that she recognized what Trip was hinting at, but there is no evidence that she is insulted by his comment. Archer continues to consider Trip, whose face is still wrinkled with his displeasure as he stares at T’Pol.
ARCHER
Don’t worry about it, Trip.
This breaks the death glare between Trip and T’Pol, as Trip brings his attention to Archer.
TRIP
(mildly frustrated)
I’m just saying that it figures that we finally beat the Vulcans to something, and they still manage to rush in and get to it before we can get a better look at it for ourselves.
ARCHER
I know, but there’ll be more discoveries Trip. It’s a big galaxy.
Archer gives Trip a smile, and it calms him down. Trip manages to return a faint smile before going back to his console.
T’Pol watches the viewscreen, her scientific curiosity fully engaged, and her recent disagreeable experience with Trip nearly forgotten.
T’POL
Request permission to go to Science Lab One to study this phenomenon more closely, Captain.
ARCHER
That’s a good idea, Sub-Commander. It should give you a chance to give your science staff some experience.
T’Pol recognizes the order for what it is, and nods her agreement with it. Without wasting another moment, T’Pol enters the small turbolift, unaware that Trip’s eyes linger briefly on her posterior as she walks. Only Archer seems to really notice Trip’s wandering eyes and, with a smirk that he quickly hides, he turns his full attention to the viewscreen; a look of wonder slowly replacing his amusement. We change angles to see that everyone, including Reed, is watching the viewscreen with varying degrees of that same wonder.
TRAVIS
How long are we sticking around, Captain?
ARCHER
Haven’t really decided yet, but there’s no rush.
Travis smiles and we…
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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