ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
It's another establishing shot of the Eagle and the two shuttlepods, this time from a different angle that allows us to see into the forward viewport of the 'pods. As we PUSH IN toward the Shuttlepod 03, we can see some movement within the pod.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 03
Captain Archer is looking down at the exposed engine parts of the shuttlepod as Commander Tucker and Ensign Mayweather kneel to examine the components closer. Sub-Commander T'Pol is several steps away, her attention focused on her scanner. Looking up from his tools, Trip glowers at Archer.
TUCKER
It doesn't make sense, sir. These power cells are fully charged...
(beat, frustrated)
But they just aren't producing any damned power!
Archer frowns at that and gives T'Pol a sidelong glance. She seems to pick up on the unspoken command to report.
T'POL
Commander Tucker's assessment is correct.
(off Trip's annoyed look)
According to my scans, the circuits also appear to be functioning properly.
(beat)
There is no detectable reason why the shuttlepods are not functioning properly.
A BEAT passes as the captain thinks.
ARCHER
All right. Trip, get down to the Eagle's engineering deck and see if there's anything there we can salvage. Maybe we can jury-rig something.
TUCKER
Not with the tools I've got here, sir. The best I can do is maybe get some of Eagle's power back online.
ARCHER
Do what you can.
(beat, as Trip stands)
Take Edwell with you. He was an Engineer's Mate on Eagle so he should be familiar with her systems.
TUCKER
Aye, sir.
He heads toward the airlock.
ARCHER
Sub-Commander, see if you can get some more out of the sensor hub. Maybe we can find a weak spot on this...asteroid.
Off her look, we...
CUT TO:
INT. EAGLE - ENGINEERING
Compared to Enterprise, the engineering section of Eagle is small and ridiculously archaic-looking. The central warp core is bulky and difficult to maneuver around, with large pipes and cooling tubes placed in locations that only heighten the sense of age. Slowly weaving his way through these pipes (which appears to be difficult in an EV-suit), Commander Tucker approaches a central console. Immediately behind him are Petty Officer Rostov and Crewman Edwell.
ROSTOV
(under his breath)
God, I miss Enterprise.
Trip gives him an amused look, noting that the petty officer is struggling with the contortions necessary to reach their destination. At the same time, Edwell appears to be traversing the distance with ease, demonstrating a familiarity with the placement that is unsurprising.
TUCKER
(with a smirk)
I'll remember that the next time I hear you complaining about something.
(beat, to Edwell)
Tommy, where’s the primary power hub?
Edwell points.
EDWELL
Right there, sir. Next to the auxiliary controls.
Trip reacts with surprise.
TUCKER
Damn...haven't seen controls like this outside of a museum.
He doesn't notice the pained expression that crosses Edwell's face at that.
TUCKER
Rostov, see what you can do about the generator.
(grins)
And watch your head!
As the petty officer moves toward another large apparatus, we can hear him grumbling softly under his breath (although we can't tell what he's saying.)
EDWELL
That's the wrong button, sir.
The crewman reaches forward and indicates a different set of buttons. Trip shrugs.
TUCKER
(teasing)
In my defense, this ship launched when my parents were still in diapers.
Again, Edwell reacts to that with a flinch but Trip notices this time.
TUCKER
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.
(beat, comforting)
You okay?
EDWELL
(soft)
No, sir.
(beat)
My head hurts and everyone keeps shouting at me. I can't think because of the noise.
(beat, with a forced smile)
And I really need to pee.
Trip smiles at that although we can tell that he's a little confused.
TUCKER
Somebody's shouted at you? Tell me who and I'll have them walking home.
The timelost crewman tenses and then quickly shakes his head.
EDWELL
I'm sorry, Commander. I'm confused.
(beat, frustrated)
It's just so hard to think...
Trip puts his hand on the crewman's shoulder in an attempt to calm him.
TUCKER
It's okay, Tommy. I understand.
(smiles)
Besides, thinking's overrated.
EDWELL
Elizabeth told you that.
TUCKER
Yeah. She...
(beat, with suddenly narrowed eyes)
What did you say?
The crewman is staring off into space as he replies.
EDWELL
When you told her you were thinking about joining UESPA.
(suddenly with an American south accent)
"Thinking is overrated, Trip. Just do it. Who cares what dad thinks?"
Tucker is seriously weirded out right now and it shows in his face as he stares at Edwell.
EDWELL
(tight, to himself)
Shut up, shut up, shut up! Stop yelling!
TUCKER
(uncomfortable)
Are you...are you okay?
Edwell looks up suddenly, his eyes wide and his pupils are dilated completely so he appears to momentarily have black eyes.
EDWELL
No, sir.
(slightly angry)
I already told you that!
Before Tucker's very eyes, the crewman suddenly seems to sag and his pupils return to normal. Once again, he looks lost, lonely and too young to be in this situation.
EDWELL
(with despair)
I'm sorry, sir. I...
(off Trip's look, soft)
I think there's something wrong with me...
And, off of his expression, we...
CUT TO:
INT. EAGLE - SENSOR CONTROL
It's only Archer and T'Pol in this area now as the Vulcan is indicating the monitor. Around them, ship lights are flickering, an indication that Commander Tucker's efforts are paying off. We enter the scene with the Vulcan already reporting.
T'POL
-an indication that the power dampening that has affected the shuttlepods is tightly focused.
ARCHER
So, it specifically targeted the 'pods?
T'POL
I have no way of confirming that.
(beat, off his look)
If it did, that would denote intelligence.
ARCHER
(tight)
Hostile intelligence.
T'POL
We don't know that. This may be a self-defense mechanism.
ARCHER
Maybe.
(beat, considering)
But we've picked up no life signs or transmissions so it's most likely an automated facility.
T'POL
Agreed.
ARCHER
How do we turn it off?
T'POL
I don't know.
(off his look)
The sensor array on this vessel is limited and partially damaged. I am unable to get accurate scans of the target.
The lights flick off for a BEAT, casting the entire area in complete darkness. When they snap back on, Crewman Edwell is standing outside the doorway, giving the captain an eerie, wide-eyed look. Sensing the presence of someone else, Archer glances back and then jumps in surprise.
ARCHER
Thomas!
EDWELL
It killed them. It killed them all.
His eyes are riveted on the sensor monitor and he isn't blinking. At all.
ARCHER
(a little concerned)
What killed them?
Edwell points to the asteroid. A BEAT passes as Archer gives T'Pol a look, noting immediately how she seems to be studying Edwell with what could only be trepidation.
SATO (OS)
Captain, I-
Ensign Sato appears around the corner but draws up short at the unexpected image of Crewman Edwell standing in the corridor and pointing. She glances to Archer, who shrugs.
ARCHER
(to Edwell, stern)
Crewman, I think you need to rest. It's been a tough day for you and...
(with a nod to Hoshi)
Ensign Sato will give you a hand.
Hoshi reaches forward to touch Edwell's outstretched and pointing arm; the moment her fingers graze his EV Suit, he reacts by pulling away sharply and taking a step away from her.
EDWELL
(panicked)
Too loud! The noise...too loud...
He crumples into a heap (with is kind of odd-looking since he has mag-boots on), and Archer springs forward to catch him (they are in zero-gee, after all.) The captain doesn't seem to note that Hoshi is now cradling her hand as if it had just been burned, but T'Pol does. The Vulcan quirks an eyebrow as Archer hefts the unconscious crewman.
ARCHER
(to T'Pol)
Tell Mitscher to meet me at the shuttlepod.
As he starts down the corridor, Hoshi notes T'Pol's study of her and quickly follows the captain. Off of the Vulcan's look, we...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. EAGLE - RUINED GALLEY
Commander Tucker is seated at the same table that we saw Crewman Edwell was at earlier and is quickly tapping on a larger than normal PADD (clearly intended for use while in an EV Suit.) At his side, Sub-Commander T'Pol is doing the same and the two quickly glance at the other's data. Across from them are Major Reed and Lieutenant Picard, both of whom look a little bored.
The clump-clump-clump of approaching boots heralds Archer's arrival with Hoshi just behind him.
ARCHER
Report.
TUCKER
We've got the shuttlepods running again. They'll fly.
ARCHER
That's good news.
Trip appears almost sheepish as he continues and, during his comments, gives T'Pol a couple of glances.
TUCKER
Based on the current rate of energy drain, though, we're not going to have enough power on either shuttlepod to maintain thrust and get clear of the gravimetric currents.
ARCHER
What about the Eagle?
TUCKER
She's still got the fuel, but the power cells-
(off Picard's look)
The batteries are bone dry.
REED
But if the current is running in one direction, why hasn't this ship crashed?
T'POL
The presence of the asteroid appears to be blocking the...
(with a hint of disgust)
Current. This ship is not being drawn forward and appears to be held in a relatively stationary orbit at a precise distance from the asteroid.
ARCHER
How long until the shuttlepods are completely drained, Trip?
TUCKER
An hour. Maybe less if that thing ramps up whatever it is that's sucking the juice out.
ARCHER
Wonderful
(to everyone)
Options?
A BEAT passes as everyone considers.
REED
Could we rig Eagle to explode? Maybe give it a nudge toward the base?
(beat)
The shockwave might knock us clear...or even deviate this stream.
TUCKER
(incensed)
You want to blow it up? This ship is a relic! It belongs in a museum, not destroyed!
REED
With all due respect, Commander, what good does it do if we die on this relic?
TUCKER
That's your solution to everything, isn't it, Major? Nothing a bit of explosives can't fix.
(snide)
Typical.
ARCHER
Enough!
(beat)
Is that possible, Trip?
TUCKER
(sullen)
Yes, sir.
(considering)
We'd have to use the shuttlepods to give her a push. Gravity would do the rest.
ARCHER
T'Pol?
T'POL
I will need time to determine the precise calculations for the shuttlepod placement...
(considering)
But it is feasible.
Archer weighs the plan for a moment, then nods.
ARCHER
(to Tucker)
I don't want to destroy Eagle any more than you do, Trip, but we've got a duty to get everyone back to Enterprise.
(beat)
Including one very sick young man named Tommy.
(off Trip's nod)
Then let's get to work.
Everyone stands and we...
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
It's a broad shot of the Eagle as the two shuttlepods slowly detach. Engines alive and thrusters flaring, they maneuver to the secondary hull and lower themselves again, this time oriented toward the distant asteroid. As we PUSH IN, we can see them firmly attach to the hull.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 02
As before, everyone is aboard the 'pod in their appropriate locations. Archer is clenching and unclenching his hands as we waits for something. Through the bubble, we can see the asteroid and the mostly ruined "saucer" section of Eagle. In the seat immediately behind Hoshi's place at the sensor board is Major Reed and we can see he is fiddling with something that looks like a transmitter.
TUCKER (COMM. VOICE)
We're set here, Cap'n. Waiting for the green light.
Archer glances at Reed who nods.
ARCHER
Set here. Sub-Commander, whenever you're ready.
T'POL (COMM. VOICE)
Understood. On my mark, full impulse. Overburn for exactly seventeen seconds.
(beat)
Mark.
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
The engines of the two shuttlepods suddenly FLARE brightly and bring to mind the afterburners of a modern military jet. Slowly...ever so slowly, the derelict Eagle begins to shift and then starts toward the asteroid.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 02
The shuttlepod is shaking hard and we can hear the high whine of its engines. Archer's grip on the flight controls is being tested as they try to vibrate their way free.
T'POL (COMM. VOICE)
End overburn...now.
Archer reacts and the whine of the engines begins to dwindle.
T'POL (COMM. VOICE)
Eagle is on approach.
The captain hits a switch and we can hear the sound of the shuttlepod detaching.
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
Both 'pods come loose and immediately re-orient themselves away from the asteroid. Instantly, they start shaking as they try to fight the gravimetric current. Behind them, we can see the Eagle gathering speed as it is suddenly freed from the stationary orbit.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 03
Ensign Mayweather is fighting the controls in a way that tells us how difficult this is. Everyone is being rattled around and, as we PAN AROUND, we can see that Lieutenant Picard is now aboard this shuttlepod. At his side, as far from T'Pol as physically possible on this craft, is Edwell. His eyes are closed and he is mumbling...something.
T'POL
Impact in ten seconds.
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
It's a shot looking toward the shuttlepod noses as they fight the current. We can't see Eagle anymore, only the asteroid. Suddenly, there is a small flash of light far in the distance. A BEAT passes before the asteroid suddenly EXPLODES! It sends an omni-directional shockwave out that races toward the two 'pods...
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 03
Alarms are shrieking now, as the 'pod shakes and trembles with jarring force. Loud clanks of debris impacting the hull echoes loudly and we can see more than a few of the people in the back apparently praying.
The 'pod suddenly rocks HARD, and we can tell that it seems to be tumbling. Sparks explode from the controls and there are unintelligible shouts of fear.
EXT. SPACE - IN THE OORT CLOUD
Trailing debris and fuel, the two shuttlepods continue to spin end over end through the field. Their engines are misfiring and sputtering. A massive shadow suddenly covers them and we PULL BACK to reveal Enterprise. Twin grappler lines streak out, smacking onto the failing
'pods, and the EX-01 twists into a hard bank away from the cloud, dragging the two craft behind her.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD 02
Looking beyond his viewport, Captain Archer can see the familiar curves of his ship as he exhales with visible relief. Behind him, we can hear and see the jubilant cries of the men and women in his shuttlepod.
TSIEN (COMM. VOICE)
Enterprise to Captain Archer. Hope you don't mind us lending a hand.
The captain smiles broadly.
ARCHER
Just in time, Lieutenant. We were starting to get a little worried.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - AN UNIDENTIFIED SYSTEM
Enterprise continues away from the Oort Cloud, the grappling lines slowly beginning to pull the two shuttlepods closer. And, off that image, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
Continue to Act Five
