TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DESERT WORLD
We find ourselves on an alien world with a barren desert landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. The ground is cracked and dusty, with random patches of dried out grass sprouting from the cracks. In the distance we can see a vast mountain range.
Slowly we pan around taking in more of the landscape until we rest upon a group of people in the distance. We PUSH IN closer to see that they are a landing party from Enterprise, wearing some type of desert uniform. Among the group we can make out CAPTAIN ARCHER, COMMANDER TUCKER, LIEUTENANT GARLA, and CORPORAL SCOTT of Delta team. There are several other UESPA personnel walking near the group with various scanning devices hooked to harnesses that hold bulky equipment to their uniforms.
Moving in even closer we are now able to make out a conversation going on between Archer and Tucker.
ARCHER
Next time I say I’m going to join the landing party on anything but a nice tropical Minshara class planet, remind me about this.
TUCKER
(teasing)
Oh it ain’t that bad, Cap’n. It’s just a little dry heat.
Archer frowns and takes a sweeping look at their surroundings.
ARCHER
Maybe it just reminds me too much of basic survival training.
The engineer laughs and shakes his head.
TUCKER
At least we don’t have to eat a rattlesnake.
Archer steps over a clump of grass in his path and smiles to himself. We can tell that the smile is somewhat strained under the exhaustion on Archer’s face.
ARCHER
Food didn’t agree with you, Trip?
(beat, grinning broader)
One of the few things that I didn’t mind about that course.
TUCKER
I’ll be sure to let Midas know; maybe he can find some for you.
Archer stops in his tracks and gives the engineer a look that says he would regret doing that.
TUCKER
Don’t worry, I was just kidding.
ARCHER
(joking)
You better have been, for your sake…Lieutenant.
TUCKER
Hey!
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
SUB-COMMANDER T’POL is hunched over her holo-viewer at the Science station as everyone around her quietly goes about their work. She seems to be “fascinated” by whatever she sees in the screen, the blue light shining back in her unblinking eyes. After a few seconds she pulls back from the screen slowly, as if what she sees is cause for concern. Without hesitation, she moves over to the captain’s chair. Sitting down on the edge of the seat she presses a control.
T’POL
Enterprise to Captain Archer.
BEAT.
ARCHER (COMM VOICE)
Archer here.
T’POL
Captain, sensors are detecting energy bursts emanating near the periphery of this system.
EXT. DESERT WORLD
Archer and the group have stopped while the captain talks with T’Pol. Archer discreetly distances himself from the group to try and keep them from overhearing. We PUSH IN closer to his face as he speaks into the communicator.
ARCHER
Can you be more specific?
Archer looks a little irritated as he waits for his Vulcan first officer to reply.
T’POL (COMM VOICE)
I cannot, Captain. We are at too great a range for the readings to be accurate. I am only capable of determining that they are high level energy bursts, not naturally occurring.
Archer is now visibly concerned, his face tightens as he thinks. There is only so much he can do from the surface of the planet.
ARCHER
Sub-Commander, go to General Quarters.
(beat)
We’re going to head back to the shuttlepod now.
There’s a long pause over the channel, causing everyone around Archer who managed to hear the conversation to become concerned.
T’POL (COMM VOICE)
I will inform… (interference, static)…bay to prepare… (static, popping noises)…orbit.
(beat)
Captain, we are-
The communication cuts out completely, replaced by nothing but the hiss of static.
ARCHER
(frantic)
Sub-Commander! Sub-Commander, can you hear me?!
When there is no reply he closes the communicator and quickly puts it back. He snaps around to face everyone.
ARCHER (CONT’D)
Everyone grab your gear and head back to the shuttle!
There’s a slight pause of confusion among the cluster of science personnel who don’t know what is going on. Corporal Scott butts in to snap them back to reality.
SCOTT
You heard the Captain! Grab your gear and haul ass, people!
This seems to do the job as everyone hastily puts away the bulky scanning devices in their backpacks and other carrying cases. As they work to secure the sensitive equipment Trip moves closer to Archer.
TUCKER
This doesn’t sound good, Cap'n.
The engineer gives his captain a worried look, obviously hoping Archer will elaborate further.
ARCHER
(stoic)
Let’s get moving, Commander. We’ll have time to discuss it on the way back to Enterprise.
TUCKER
(taken aback)
Aye, sir.
The commander quickly moves off to help Garla with her things, as everyone else starts to head back to the shuttle per Archer’s orders. Archer himself just stands there for a BEAT, looking up at the sky in a vain attempt to see his ship.
ARCHER
(to himself)
We’re coming…
Realizing that he is the last to remain he quickly runs to catch up with the rest of the landing party. We remain where he was and slowly pan up to the bright sky. Locked on the view Archer had moments ago we…
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
Continue to Act One
