ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. ORION MOON
We open with a wide shot of a bleak and barren-looking moon. There is no vegetation or even indication of water. Great jagged rocks climb up into the sky. A massive orange and yellow gas giant looms prominently in the atmosphere and we can see a number of other moons. Colors here are oddly hued, as befitting a red star.
A starship crosses overhead and we pursue it across the barren landscape. As we pass over a towering mountain range, we suddenly see what appears to be a fortified town. A half dozen starships are parked on the rudimentary landing ports outside of the shoddy-looking buildings. PUSHING IN, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ORION MOON - SLAVE PENS
It is a grim and miserable sight: over a dozen human females are crowded together in an actual barred pen. Among these women, we can recognize ENSIGN HOSHI SATO, 2ND LIEUTENANT AMANDA COLE, and NORA. All of them are still wearing their clothes but now have a curious collar around their necks. Immediately adjacent to that pen is another, this one bearing a number of other alien females. Other pens can be seen (most of which are full or at least occupied) and there is an odd haze in the air above the pens.
Walking through the pen areas is a familiar figure: HARRAD-SAR. He is accompanied by several other Orion males as well as the sultry NAVAAR who studies the human women with interest. Harrad-Sar and Navaar pause several meters from the pens to watch as their men work.
NAVAAR
(in Orion)
[They don't appear that impressive. Are you sure they were worth the effort?]
Harrad-Sar gives her a dark look and she takes a step back as if rebuked. The moment that his attention returns to the humans, her posture straightens, as if she were reasserting herself.
At Harrad-Sar's nod, one of the Orion males enters the human pen, brandishing a stick that appears to be a high-tech cattle prod analog. Lieutenant Cole steps forward, offering the male a contemptuous look. As he attempts to strike her with the prod, she sidesteps his lumbering attack and punches him in the throat with a brutal jab. Up her knee comes, smashing into his groin with punishing force. As the male shrieks, Navaar begins to applaud.
NAVAAR
[Well done!]
(softer, to Harrad-Sar)
[She'll fetch a hefty price on the Klingon markets.]
Harrad-Sar frowns at the apparent incompetence of his own men but nods in agreement. Navaar stands close to him as they both watch what's happening in slave pen.
Now Hoshi is at Cole's back and, despite the fear on her face, has assumed a martial arts stance as well. The ring of Orion males surround the two, hefting their shock sticks with murderous intent. One of the lunges toward the two women and Hoshi sends him to the ground with a
perfect judo throw. Twisting his arm up behind his back, she grabs the shockstick and uses it on him.
HARRAD-SAR
[So will she.]
He gestures to one of the other Orions and the ring of males pulls back slightly. Lifting his left arm, Harrad-Sar presses a button on an elaborate gauntlet he is wearing.
Instantly, all of the human females begin screaming and collapse. Most clutch at the collar they are wearing as they twitch spasmodically and we can see a subtle glow around each of the collars. Harrad-Sar releases the button and the screaming ends.
HARRAD-SAR
(to a grim-looking Orion)
[Have them cleaned up.]
(off the man's ominous smile)
[If they are molested in any way, I'll have you executed and fed to a targ.]
The male's expression turns to one of fear and he nods quickly. Harrad-Sar studies the male for another BEAT before turning away. Navaar smirks at the human woman and we note that the Orion that Cole attacked is still unmoving on the ground. One of the Orions nudges him with a toe, then shrugs.
We PUSH IN to focus on Hoshi's terrified face as she looks at her surrounding. Desperation is in her eyes as she looks up into the sky as if looking for a rescue team to coming roaring down at any moment.
ZOOMING UP into the sky, we...
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - ORION SYSTEM
...pause briefly, revealing that the "planet" is in fact another moon. In the far distance, the red dwarf glitters dully in the void. A number of ships, several of which we recognize from the teaser, orbit the moon. We PULL BACK...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
...revealing that we're now observing the Orion moon on the main viewer of Enterprise. Archer is leaning forward in his command chair, expression troubled. Major Reed is at the tactical station but, from the occasional wince he makes, is clearly not at 100%. Commander Tucker is not present.
ARCHER
Any indication that we've been detected?
T'Pol is silent for a BEAT as she works her console.
T'POL
Not at the present, Captain.
(beat, off her console)
There is considerable interference to our scans from the Orion moon.
Archer frowns at that.
ARCHER
What sort of interference?
T'POL
Unknown.
(beat)
It seems logical to assume, however, that the Orions have countermeasures to conceal their activities.
From his station, Reed is nodding in agreement at that.
ARCHER
What can you determine about the moon?
T'POL
Gravity below Earth average, minimal atmosphere, minimal vegetation.
(beat)
There are six warp capable starships in orbit over the moon. I am unable to determine their offensive capability.
Archer glances to Reed.
ARCHER
Is Lexington still receiving telemetry readings?
REED
Yes, sir.
ARCHER
Then get your teams together, Major.
Off of Reed's nod, Archer depresses the comm. button on his command chair armrest.
ARCHER
Archer to Tucker.
A BEAT passes.
TUCKER (COMM. VOICE)
Tucker here.
ARCHER
Give me some good news, Trip.
TUCKER (COMM. VOICE)
The shuttlepod modifications are almost done, sir. We need another thirty minutes or so and they'll be ready.
Archer's expression lightens slightly at that.
ARCHER
That's the good news I wanted to hear.
(beat)
Senior staff meeting in the briefing room in one hour. Archer out.
We PUSH IN to focus on Archer's grim expression and...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIEFING ROOM
PULLING BACK, we reveal that we've changed locales. Captain Archer stands at the head of the table, glancing over the assembled officers present: Sub-Commander T'Pol quietly waits next to an empty seat, a blank expression on her face. Major Reed and Major Holmberg sit next to one another, quietly discussing tactics. Lieutenants Chen and Alves are present and appear eager for action as they listen to the two majors. Ensign Mayweather stands at the far end of the room, expression intent. Standing beside the doorway in a parade rest stance is Sergeant Major Hayes. His straight-backed stance is in sharp contrast to the more casual appearance of SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER KYLE LINQUIST who leans against the wall. A female wearing the same rank pin as Linquist sits in the only other available chair around the table with a male chief petty officer directly behind her; the two of them have a winged badge on their uniforms, indicating that they are back-up pilots.
Everyone's attention is drawn to the opening door as Commander Tucker enters. He is wearing a utility jumpsuit instead of the standard duty uniform and appears to have been working hard as his hair is damp with sweat. An apologetic expression is on his face.
TUCKER
Sorry I'm late!
(as he makes his way to the seat beside T'Pol)
We're having some problems with getting the stealth mods to work on Pod Three.
(with a rueful grin to Archer)
So we had to put them on Shuttlepod One.
Archer frowns as everyone except Trip, T'Pol and Major Holmberg reacts negatively to that. There are grumbles, head shakes and sighs.
ARCHER
Couldn't you mod Four?
TUCKER
No sir. Four is still having problems with acceleration.
ARCHER
Alright.
(beat)
You'll be in command while I'm planetside, Trip.
Tucker reacts to that with a surprised glance at T'Pol.
TUCKER
You're going down there?
From Reed's reaction, he isn't happy about that but says nothing.
ARCHER
Yes.
(beat)
Hoshi wouldn't even be on Enterprise if I hadn't pulled some strings so I'm responsible for her.
Trip's expression darkens and he glances down to the table as T'Pol lifts an eyebrow at the captain's comment. Archer turns his attention to Reed.
ARCHER
Has Phlox cleared you for this, Major?
REED
(sullen)
No, sir.
(with a nod to Holmberg)
Major Holmberg will be the ground commander in my absence.
Archer reacts slightly to that and gives Holmberg an appraising look for a BEAT before nodding.
ARCHER
Fine.
(to T'Pol)
Sub-Commander?
T'POL
I have determined a weakness in the moon's sensor sweep patterns.
She hands Archer a PADD and he glances over the data for a BEAT.
ARCHER
(off the data)
That's a pretty narrow window.
T'Pol raises an eyebrow.
T'POL
Indeed.
(beat)
If Enterprise creates a sufficient distraction, the window of opportunity increases significantly.
ARCHER
(off of the PADD data)
With a window this narrow, we'll need the best pilots on the two assault shuttles. I want Travis to pilot Pod Two.
(with a sigh)
I'll take Shuttlepod One.
Reed and Tucker have nearly identical dark expressions at the captain's comment.
ARCHER
Anything else?
(off of a BEAT of silence)
Then let's go get our people back.
As the senior staff begins filing out of the conference room, Archer notes Tucker's expression.
ARCHER
Trip.
(off Tucker's look)
Could you stay for a minute?
TUCKER
(tight)
Yes, sir.
T'Pol is the last person out of the conference room and gives the captain and commander a brief glance before exiting.
ARCHER
Is there a problem, Trip?
Tucker gives the older man a look as he rolls his tongue against his cheek.
TUCKER
(sharp)
You mean aside from you going on this mission and leaving me here?
ARCHER
I need you on the bridge while I'm down there.
(with an annoyed glance at the now closed door)
And I still don't entirely trust the Vulcan.
TUCKER
That's not my point, Jon. You shouldn't be going on this mission. You're the captain and you have a responsibility to the crew of this ship!
Archer suddenly smiles which only seems to piss Trip off more.
ARCHER
(amused)
I never thought I'd hear you talking about responsibility, Trip. Not after Mars...
TUCKER
(angry)
Don't try to change the subject, dammit!
(off of Archer's surprised look)
What happens if you get yourself killed down there? You're the one who is always telling me that the mission comes first! That the captain is supposed to put the needs of the ship before his own!
ARCHER
(tightly)
He does.
(with a dark look at Trip)
And you're treading close to insubordination, Commander. I've made my decision.
A BEAT passes as they glare at one another.
TUCKER
Will that be all, Captain?
Archer's expression flickers as he (and we) hear Trip pronounce the rank without the usual "Cap'n" twang.
ARCHER
Trip, I need to do this.
(beat)
Hoshi didn't even want to serve aboard Enterprise and I convinced her that it would be safe.
(beat, sad)
I promised her.
Trip's anger seems to falter in the face of that revelation.
TUCKER
(tight)
Yes, sir.
(beat)
I'm sorry for yelling, sir.
Archer smiles as he reaches out and grips Tucker's shoulder.
ARCHER
Don't ever be afraid to speak your mind around me, Trip. The minute I stop listening to my officers is the minute I need to be relieved of command.
Tucker nods with a sheepish smile. As the two men walk to the doorway, the captain suddenly smirks.
ARCHER
Try not to mess up my ship too much while I'm gone, okay?
Tucker gives him a look of amused annoyance as he triggers the door release. We PUSH IN past the two men and...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - HANGAR DECK
We PUSH IN through the doorway in a nifty transition and briefly linger on the SFs as they prepare for the mission. Unlike previous instances, they are in full combat gear with helmets and body armor. Captain Archer enters the scene and approaches Ensign Mayweather who is doing a walkaround of Shuttlepod Two, clipboard in hand. Both UESPA men are wearing field uniforms that include holstered sidearms and utility belts.
ARCHER
Ensign.
Travis turns around, lowering the clipboard at the captain's approach.
MAYWEATHER
Sir.
ARCHER
Are you up for this, Travis?
MAYWEATHER
(intense)
Absolutely, sir. You can count on me.
ARCHER
Good. I need you at a hundred percent.
(beat)
Once we land, I'll also need you to remain with the shuttlepods.
Travis' expression is stricken at that.
MAYWEATHER
Sir!
ARCHER
(as if Travis hadn't even spoken)
We may need an emergency extraction if things go bad so I want our best pilot standing by.
An expression of understanding crosses Travis' face and he nods.
MAYWEATHER
Yes, sir.
Archer smiles as he briefly grips Travis' shoulder.
ARCHER
I'm counting on you, Travis.
Archer turns away.
ARCHER
Major!
(off of Holmberg's look)
Let's get moving.
Holmberg nods before giving Sergeant Major Hayes a look. Instantly, he reacts.
HAYES
(shouting)
Come on, you apes! Get tactical!
The SFs begin crowding into their respective 'pods. In the background, we can see Shuttlepods Three and Four begin powering up as well. Archer is the last person to enter Shuttlepod One and, as he prepares to pull the hatch shut, we ZOOM and focus on his face.
ARCHER
(under his breath)
Here we go...
He pulls the hatch shut. A BEAT later, Shuttlepod One lifts up from the deck and moves toward the launch bay access. The winglets at the back of the 'pod retract as Shuttlepod Two comes to within a meter of One, its winglets also retracted. Side-by-side, the two 'pods continue toward the launch bay access.
EXT. SPACE - ORION SYSTEM
The two shuttlepods streak from the launch bay, still side-by-side. It is an amazing display of precision piloting and the 'pods move farther apart as they deploy the winglets. They immediately orient toward the distant (but just barely recognizable) gas giant with Shuttlepod One taking point. As they accelerate toward the target, we PAN BACK and see Shuttlepods Three and Four emerge from Enterprise (although they are moving slower and not as efficiently).
PULLING BACK, we focus on Enterprise as she pulls away from the shuttlepods. With a flash, she transitions to warp speed and we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
Continue to Act Four
