ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - MAIN LOBBY
As before: surrounded by grim and heavily armed soldiers, the six crewmembers have backed up into a circle with their backs to one another. Only T'Pol has yet to draw a weapon but, from the expression on the two ensigns' faces, they won't be of much use in the event that the situation deteriorates further. The Vulcan sub-commander appears outwardly unperturbed as she studies the twelve soldiers aiming rifles at the group. Captain Archer, Major Reed, and Lieutenant Chen, however, have their sidearms out and braced - all three appear poised to defend themselves as necessary.
It's not exactly a great way to start negotiations.
For several LONG BEATS, the two groups continue to yell at one another - both sides demanding that the other lower their weapons - and, in the moment that it appears that shots will be fired, a stern voice rings out over the din.
VOICE (OFFSCREEN)
Sergeant Lunceford!
The helmeted soldier who appears to be the man in charge of the security force glances to one side as three new figures appear in the doorway. Dressed in his traditional diplomatic robes, AMBASSADOR SKON approaches, flanked by two Vulcan soldiers. Unhurried and remarkably regal in appearance, the ambassador covers the distance with a smooth and easy stride.
SKON
(calm despite the situation)
Lower your weapons, Sergeant. Captain Archer is here at my request.
Without saying a word, the sergeant balks. He frowns and glances back at Archer - who has already started to lower his own weapon. For a BEAT, it appears as if the sergeant is going to disobey the Vulcan.
SKON
(stern)
Lower your weapons.
We can't see the ambassador's face as he stares at the sergeant but the human soldier quickly breaks eye contact and looks away, broken by something he saw in the Vulcan's expression. He nods to his men, still not looking at the ambassador. At the same moment, Archer gives Reed a subtle glance and the major responds by lowering his own sidearm. Following his lead, Lieutenant Chen and the two ensigns do the same. With that, the tension in the hall eases considerably.
SKON
Thank you. That will be all, Sergeant.
SERGEANT
Sir! They're still armed!
SKON
(unyielding)
Thank you. That will be all.
Once again, the sergeant breaks under the ambassador's unseen look and gestures sharply to his men. As they begin to file out, the Vulcan faces Archer and raises his right hand with the traditional ta'al hand salute.
SKON
Greetings, Captain Archer. I am Skon.
ARCHER
(a touch acerbic)
Ambassador. Thank you for the ... assistance.
There is a hint of a smile on the ambassador's face as he abruptly offers his hand to Archer. Even T'Pol reveals a flicker of surprise at the gesture as Archer slowly accepts the offered hand, not even trying to hide his own startled reaction.
SKON
It would have been ... unfortunate if there was an incident this early in the proceedings.
(beat, another hint of amusement)
And it would have ... damaged my reputation as a diplomat.
At the subtle hint of humor in the ambassador's voice, Archer forces a smile. He's in a surprisingly awkward position - his deep rooted resentment toward Vulcans seems inappropriate when faced with an individual such as Ambassador Skon who is obviously making an effort to interact with humans on a level that doesn't include the condescension that other Vulcans like Soval have turned into an art form. Even the paranoid Major Reed has relaxed a little bit in Skon's presence ... although he is keeping a close eye on the two Vulcan soldiers standing a short distance away.
ARCHER
(awkward)
Well ... we can't have that, can we?
SKON
Indeed not.
The Vulcan glances at Archer's party and the captain picks up on the hint immediately.
ARCHER
Allow me to introduce my crew.
(gesturing to T'Pol, with a tight voice)
My First Officer, Sub-Commander T'Pol.
T'POL
(in Vulcan, as she raises her hand in the traditional salute)
[Greetings, Ambassador.]
SKON
(in Vulcan, as he returns the salute)
[Sub-Commander.]
ARCHER
Major Malcolm Reed and Lieutenant Sun Chen of the UEM.
(beat, off their quick nods)
And Ensigns Travis Mayweather and Hoshi Sato of UESPA.
SATO
(in flawless Vulcan, also with the ta'al salute)
[It is my honor to make your acquaintance, Ambassador.]
Again, the subtle almost smile appears on the Vulcan's face as he returns the salute and nods to Hoshi. Amusement fades quickly, however, as he turns his attention back to the captain.
SKON
I regret to inform you, Captain, that Governor Cheet is unable to attend this first session. He has, however, provided me with a list of requirements from the United Earth representatives before he will agree to meet with you.
ARCHER
(darkening with anger)
Has he now?
(beat, with restrained anger)
And what sort of demands does the governor have?
Skon raises an eyebrow slightly as he senses Archer's temper building. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see T'Pol frown slightly at the human captain and realizes that she is clearly not comfortable with her crewmates - the humans remain clustered in a half circle but she is two full steps away from them, a self imposed isolation that is entirely understandable for a Vulcan.
SKON
Please understand, Captain, that I am only relating Governor Cheet's requests.
(beat, off of Archer's tight nod)
His primary requirement for a meeting is that you offload all remaining explosive ordnance from Enterprise.
Reed's reaction is immediate and obvious - he frowns hard and shoots Captain Archer a telling glance but says nothing. The captain himself crosses his arms and glares at the ambassador for a moment.
ARCHER
(tight)
Is that it?
SKON
That is his primary concern.
(beat, with an understanding tone)
I suspect that the governor is simply reacting to some of the recent ... unpleasantness that occurred during the brief Tellarite occupation.
Archer's expression shifts slightly as he recognizes Skon's reference to the “Tellarite occupation” as a way to avoid referencing the previous governor's attempt at secession. Remembering his diplomatic training, Enterprise's captain forces a smile that he obviously doesn't feel.
ARCHER
I believe we can arrange that.
Again, Reed shoots his captain a look, this time an incredulous one, but holds his tongue. Skon's expression brightens as he realizes that Archer is more than capable and willing of playing ball.
SKON
Then shall we adjourn to diplomatic chambers? I am sure that you are ... eager to begin.
Archer shakes his head.
ARCHER
I'm not Earth's representative in this, Ambassador.
(beat, off the Vulcan's raised eyebrow)
I have orders to present Earth's official stance on this ... situation.
SKON
And what is Earth's ... stance?
ARCHER
(frowning)
We do not recognize Governor Cheet's authority to represent Alpha Centauri in any legal capacity and still consider this to be an Earth colony.
(beat, off of the Vulcan's complete lack of response)
Governor Cheet seized power during an armed coup which makes this ... government illegal and immoral, regardless of the previous administration's actions.
(beat, off of the ambassador's continued silence)
Earth further objects to Vulcan interference in an internal matter, especially since you've gone out of your way to remind us that you won't interfere with internal matters. I understand it's something of a directive of yours.
Skon raises an eyebrow.
SKON
I see. Why are you here then?
ARCHER
I'm here to keep the seat warm until the official delegation arrives.
Archer's communicator abruptly chirps and the captain reaches for it without hesitation. He pauses before flipping it open.
ARCHER
If you'll excuse me, Ambassador...
At Skon's nod, the captain takes several steps away - as if that could keep a Vulcan from overhearing the coming conversation. We follow Archer as Skon takes a step closer to Sub-Commander T'Pol and begins speaking with her softly in their native tongue; from their body language, it appears that they already know each other.
Flipping the communicator open, Archer speaks immediately.
ARCHER
This is Archer.
TUCKER (COMM VOICE)
Tucker here, sir. We're receivin’ an urgent message from UESPA Command. Admiral Forrest wants to talk to you ASAP.
ARCHER
All right.
(beat, with a glance at Skon)
I think we're done here for now anyway. I'm on my way back now. Archer out.
Closing the communicator and returning it to his pocket, Captain Archer rejoins the small party, noting instantly that Major Reed and Lieutenant Chen still appear poised for action while Hoshi has eagerly joined the conversation in Vulcan and Travis looks on quietly. At the captain's approach, the conversation ends.
ARCHER
I'm sorry, Ambassador, but I have to return to Enterprise.
SKON
Of course, Captain. I am quite familiar with the constraints of duty.
(beat, considering)
You will be returning to attend the official mediation?
ARCHER
Absolutely.
SKON
Then I will bid you good day.
(beat)
If you don't mind, Captain, I would like to speak to Sub-Commander T'Pol for a while. I can arrange for a shuttle to return her to your ship when we are done.
Suspicion flares in Archer's eyes for the briefest of moments but is suppressed almost immediately. He forces another smile as he nods.
ARCHER
That will be fine.
(beat, tightly)
UESPA regulations require all personnel to accompanied by at least one crewmate when on potentially hostile planets.
(wryly)
Alpha Centauri fits that bill right now.
SKON
Unfortunately, it does.
SATO
I'll stay, sir.
ARCHER
So will Lieutenant Chen.
Both Vulcans raise eyebrows in identical fashion at the unspoken hint of distrust in the captain's assignment of a soldier but neither can counter the logic of his decision. Without further words, Archer turns away and we fade to...
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 01 - ON APPROACH
There is a subtle tension in the atmosphere of the 'pod. As before, Major Reed sits near the far end of the craft, close to the hatch but this time, it's an indication of his present state of mind as it puts at least two meters between him and his commanding officer ... especially since the shuttlepod is mostly empty this time.
With a slight frown, Archer releases his restraints and moves quickly to the back of the 'pod, stooping slightly to avoid striking his head on the low ceiling. Reed glances up as the captain eases into the seat in front of him.
REED
(coolly)
Captain.
ARCHER
(softly so Mayweather can't overhear their conversation)
Is there a problem, Major?
For a BEAT, Reed says nothing.
REED
Permission to speak freely, sir?
ARCHER
Absolutely.
REED
Off loading our missiles is a mistake, sir. It leaves Enterprise vulnerable to assault and weakens our ability to defend ourselves.
ARCHER
Enterprise is moored to a dry dock, Major, and she's not in any condition to do much fighting right now.
(beat, off of the major's unconvinced expression)
We still have our lasers and plasma batteries.
REED
(tight, frustrated)
Yes sir.
(beat, terse)
We already know that these ... rebels aren't afraid to use force to attain their goals, sir. I'm uncomfortable with weakening our defensive capability knowing that and I'm afraid that I must officially request that you reconsider.
Archer sighs. It's times like this that he remembers why he doesn't like dealing with military mindsets.
ARCHER
(half joking)
I gave my word, Major, and I hate having to go back on that.
(beat, on the major's lack of amusement)
Cheet's people are scared and just want assurances that we won't suddenly start bombing their cities. If we can prove to these people that we're not the enemy, maybe we can actually open a dialog that results in something positive being accomplished for once...
Reed pins the captain with flat look.
REED
In my experience, sir, scared people are more dangerous than any other kind.
MAYWEATHER (OFFSCREEN)
Captain, Major, we're on final approach.
Leaning back into his seat, Archer secures his restraints, obviously considering Major Reed's words.
EXT. SPACE - APPROACHING ENTERPRISE
The shuttlepod decelerates as it approaches the EX-01 and slides through the open launch bay door. EV-suited work crews can be seen scurrying over the hull of the Enterprise and flashes of light from vacuum torches is evidence that repairs are already underway.
INT. ENTERPRISE - HANGAR DECK
Shuttlepod 01 comes to rest in its designated location and the engines slowly power down. Almost at once, the same two flight deck crewmen who checked it out prior to launch approach it, clipboards and tools in hand. The hatch opens seconds later and Captain Archer emerges, followed closely by Reed. Still seated at the flight controls of the shuttlepod, Ensign Mayweather begins his post-flight checklist.
ARCHER
I want you to oversee offloading the missiles, Major.
(beat, off Reed's blank expression)
I understand your concerns about defending Enterprise but my decision stands.
With a grudging nod, Reed acknowledges the instruction and moves away as Archer heads for the decontamination room.
INT. ENTERPRISE - OUTSIDE DECON
Emerging from the decontamination chamber, Archer is unsurprised to see Trip waiting for him. The engineer begins speaking without preamble as he falls into step with the captain.
TUCKER
You've got about five minutes before the admiral contacts us again. I've already told the bridge to pipe it into your office.
ARCHER
Good. Any idea what this is about?
TUCKER
(shaking his head)
Not a clue, sir.
They continue down a busy corridor and the captain gives his friend and chief engineer a smile.
ARCHER
I see you managed to avoid crashing my ship.
TUCKER
(sarcastically)
Well, it was tough, sir. Us being powered down and tied off to a dry dock and all...
(beat, off Archer's chuckle)
Repair schedule is on your desk. I told Kelby to focus on the hull damage first.
(beat, heavy sigh that almost turns into a yawn)
We're runnin' low on hull patches so if you could remind the good admiral about that supply ship...
Archer nods as they stop at the turbolift.
ARCHER
Will do.
(beat, off of Trip's appearance)
And you need to get some sleep.
TUCKER
(smirking)
You're always tellin' me that...
ARCHER
(returning the smile)
Because it's always true.
Trip begins walking away as the lift door slides open.
TUCKER
Got work to do, Cap'n.
(beat, with a broadening smile)
Besides ... my ship needs me.
With a smile, Archer enters the lift and we fade to...
EXT. ALPHA CENTAURI - AMBASSADOR SKON'S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
Walking side-by-side, Ambassador Skon and Sub-Commander T'Pol leisurely stroll around a well tended garden that is bustling with life. For the most part, this garden appears as if it could come from any location on Earth with a few minor exceptions where the colors are just ... wrong. Several meters behind them, Lieutenant Chen and Ensign Sato converse softly in the lieutenant's native Chinese.
The entire conversation between Skon and T'Pol takes place in their native Vulcan.
SKON
[I must confess to surprise in seeing you among the humans, T'Pol. Given your previously stated ... opinion of them, I would never have expected you to volunteer for a mission of this nature.]
T'POL
[I did not volunteer, Ambassador. My presence was requested.]
SKON
(flatly, with just a hint of distaste)
[Soval.]
(beat, off T'Pol's raised eyebrow)
[You allow him far too much influence on your career.]
They continue in silence for another BEAT.
SKON
[Your opinion of the humans remains unchanged?]
T'Pol is silent for a very LONG BEAT and the older Vulcan gives her a glance.
T'POL
[In part ... yes.]
(beat)
[Humans are primitive and irrational. They are ill prepared for the hazards of deep space exploration.]
SKON
[You judge them too harshly.]
(beat, off her silence)
[They are young but they advance both socially and technologically at a rate that we do not. It has taken them less than a hundred years to accomplish what took us a thousand.]
(beat)
[In a century, humanity will be the dominant force in this sector.]
T'Pol's expression is sour as she gives her elder a frown.
T'POL
(wryly)
[Providing they do not destroy themselves first.]
SKON
(amused)
[Of course.]
(beat, curious)
[You said “in part”. May I presume that you have observed events that have revised your original opinion?]
T'POL
[You may.]
(beat, slight frown)
[Ensign Sato, for example, has displayed a linguistic understanding that is nothing short of remarkable. And ... several of Enterprise's crew have displayed an exploratory attitude that is commendable.]
Something in her voice must have given her thoughts away as Skon openly studies her expression for a BEAT. The tips of her ears darken slightly as she continues.
T'POL
[Yet despite such commendable qualities, they are still driven by emotion.]
SKON
[It is their way.]
T'POL
(firmly)
[It is wrong.]
The ambassador stops and faces her, a frown on his face. Still meters away and yet out of hearing range, Chen and Sato stop as well.
SKON
[Is it?]
(beat, off her mild embarrassment)
[What works for us may not work for others. The humans will find their way ... or they won't. It is our duty to help them find that path...]
(beat, sternly)
[...but not to dictate that path for them. Doing so is the path to tyranny.]
T'Pol glances down, chastened. If she is thinking that she has heard similar comments from a human engineer stated in a different manner, there is no hint to it in her features.
T'POL
[I will reflect upon your words, Teacher.]
Skon offers her his almost-smile yet again.
SKON
[Surak said: Challenge your preconceptions, or they will challenge you. Few of our generation apply that wisdom to every day life.]
(beat, off her considering look)
[You should return to your ship, T'Pol. They will need your guidance and logic in the coming days.]
As both Vulcans present the ta'al salute to one another, we can see that T'Pol is seriously thinking about what Skon has just told her. And as she turns to rejoin Lieutenant Chen and Ensign Sato, we ...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
Continue to Act Three
