ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
All eyes are on T'Pol in the wake of Ensign Sato's comment and we can see Archer's expression beginning to darken with anger. Hands clenched tightly together, he narrows his eyes as he addresses his Vulcan first officer.
ARCHER
What are they doing out here?
The contempt in the captain's voice as he says the word "they" is clear for everyone to hear and T'Pol raises an eyebrow in response.
T'POL
(coolly)
Perhaps you should ask them.
Another BEAT passes as Archer glares at his first officer.
T'POL (VO)
Status report, continued.
ARCHER
(sharp, to Hoshi)
Hail them.
The ensign nods and inputs several additional commands. A beep sounds.
ARCHER
This is Captain Jonathan Archer of the United Earth Starship Enterprise.
A BEAT passes.
T'POL (VO)
The lack of patience is exemplified by their reaction in the presence of Vulcan authority figures.
Sato's panel chirps once more.
SATO
Incoming transmission. Audio and visual.
ARCHER
On screen.
The main viewer changes to the image of a stern and familiar-looking Vulcan, COLONEL VANIK. Archer reacts to the man, obviously recognizing him.
ARCHER
Colonel Vanik. You're a long way from Alpha Centauri.
VANIK
And you are a long way from Earth, Captain. Are you lost?
ARCHER
(tight)
Not at all. Just taking a look at this wormhole.
Vanik raises an eyebrow at that.
VANIK
Indeed.
(beat)
My science officer is equally interested in this stellar event. If you have no objection, we'd like to stay here and conduct readings of our own.
Archer forces a smile.
ARCHER
Stay as long as you want. I'm sure that-
The transmission ends.
ARCHER
-my science officer...
TUCKER
Friendly guy.
ARCHER
(to T'Pol)
Why is he here?
T'POL
Perhaps they're simply curious.
Archer's expression reveals what he thinks of that.
ARCHER
(sarcastic)
Of course he is.
(standing)
How long until he arrives?
T'POL
At their current velocity, the Ti'Mur will arrive in two point three four hours.
TUCKER
Just in time for dinner.
Archer shoots his engineer a look.
ARCHER
(to T'Pol)
Do whatever you have to do to make him go away.
He heads for the turbolift with Trip a half step behind him.
TUCKER
Maybe we could invite him over for a visit. Give him a tour to prove we're not out to blow up the universe.
T'POL
(wry)
I'm sure he'd appreciate the gesture.
Archer pauses, not entirely sure if T'Pol is being sarcastic. From Trip's expression, he's not sure either.
ARCHER
That'll be fine.
(to T'Pol)
Give Midas some menu suggestions.
(beat, tight)
Just make him go away!
He enters the turbolift, followed by Tucker. As the bridge crew return to work, we focus on T'Pol's face for a LONG BEAT - it's pretty clear that she is very distracted about something.
T'POL (VO)
Whether justified or not, such a presence is quite often perceived as interference or even espionage.
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING
The door leading to the rest of the ship opens, revealing Ensign Sato. She appears immediately out of place within the domain of Commander Tucker, especially given that she is the only one not wearing a utility jumpsuit. In her hand, she is carrying a PADD, and she makes a beeline for Commander Tucker who is studying a number of displays with Lieutenant Kelby.
KELBY
-won't need to reinforce that section if we try this.
TUCKER
It's worth a try. Write up a proposal and I'll look over it.
The lieutenant moves away and Trip notices Hoshi for the first time - she's looking at the immense warp reactor with no small amount of trepidation on her face and he starts to smile.
TUCKER
It's perfectly safe, Ensign.
SATO
(disbelieving)
Yes, sir.
Trips smiles again although there is a teasing glint in his eyes.
TUCKER
Totally safe. There's only a five percent chance you won't be able to have kids now.
(beat, off her startled look)
It's a joke, Ensign. Jeez...
(beat)
Something I can do for you?
SATO
(offering the PADD)
I was running a diagnostic for the communication array and found a power surge that I thought you should see.
From his expression, Trip thinks this is pretty small potatoes but is trying to avoid telling her that. He glances over the PADD quickly.
TUCKER
We have surges like this all the time. Mostly it's background noise-
SATO
(interrupting)
Sir, it looks like an encrypted transmission.
That shuts him up and the engineer frowns. A BEAT passes in relative silence.
TUCKER
Then you should have taken this to Sub-Commander T'Pol. If it's a security breach...
(off her expression)
What?
SATO
(uncomfortable)
It's just ...
TUCKER
(with a sigh)
-the captain doesn't listen to her.
(beat, frustrated)
I know.
Ensign Sato looks embarrassed and refuses to make eye contact with the commander.
TUCKER
All right. I'll take care of it.
(muttering)
It's not like I don't already have enough to do...
And, off his disgruntled expression, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
A puzzled expression on his face, Captain Archer is seated behind his desk, staring at the PADD he holds. Commander Tucker stands before him, looking very much like an overworked chief engineer.
ARCHER
And we don't know what it is?
TUCKER
(shaking his head)
No, sir. That's why I wanted to get your okay to pull Ensign Sato off of her regular duties. She thinks it's some sort of encrypted message and has a better ear for this sort of thing than anyone else.
The captain considers for BEAT, then nods.
ARCHER
I don't see a problem with that. Permission granted.
(beat, slightly puzzled)
Why are you bringing this to me, Trip? Shouldn't the Vulcan be involved?
Trip's expression tightens slightly at the captain's use of T'Pol's species as an almost slur.
TUCKER
Hoshi brought it to me, Cap'n.
ARCHER
Why?
(darkening)
Is the first officer not doing her damned job?
A BEAT passes in silence; from the expression on Trip's face, he's arguing with himself about something. Finally, he straightens slightly as he assumes the position of "attention".
TUCKER
Permission to speak freely, sir?
The captain is surprised at the sudden change in Trip's tone and frowns as he nods.
ARCHER
Always, Trip. You know that.
TUCKER
Ensign Sato brought this to me for the same reason that Major Reed approached me about the landing party protocols, or Chief Watson consulted me about approval of the enlisted duty schedule last week, or Midas got me to sign off on this week's menu.
(beat, tight)
With all due respect, sir, the crew...
(beat, considering his words)
The crew has picked up on your issues with T'Pol and are-
ARCHER
(interrupting)
What issues?
Trip gives his old friend a look of almost disbelief.
TUCKER
I know this time of year is tough for you, Jon...
(off of the captain's darkening expression)
...but the crew has started to treat T'Pol with the same disrespect that you've been giving her since she came aboard.
ARCHER
(tight)
What?
TUCKER
I'm not trying to tell you how to run the ship, Captain-
ARCHER
(a little hot)
Good.
TUCKER
-but this has to stop, sir. Since she's been aboard, T'Pol has busted her ass, even when she totally disagreed with us.
(with authority)
Do you remember what you told me when I made lieutenant commander? "Always treat your fellow officers the same way you want to be treated by them, no matter what you may think about them personally."
(beat)
You're not doing that, sir. Not with her.
(beat)
And the rest of the crew is starting to do the same thing.
Another BEAT passes in silence as Archer digests Trip's diatribe. Finally, the captain nods slightly.
ARCHER
(slightly defensive)
I can't help not wanting her on my ship-
TUCKER
(interrupting)
Too bad.
(beat, off of Archer's look)
"Sometimes, we just have to shut up and follow orders." You told me that when UESPA assigned that Ukrainian assclown to my engineering team two years ago.
ARCHER
(suddenly smiling)
I remember him. He was the one with the monobrow, right?
TUCKER
(also smiling, but only just)
Yes, sir.
The captain grows serious once more as he studies Trip with an almost weighing look in his eyes. Finally...
ARCHER
I don't have any answers for you, Trip.
(beat, tight)
After what happened to Dad ... you know how I feel about Vulcans...
TUCKER
Yes, sir, I do.
(beat)
Which is why I thought it was about time I said something.
ARCHER
(with an official sounding tone)
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Commander.
(beat, with a sad smile)
I've let you down again, haven't I, Trip?
TUCKER
Not a chance, Cap'n.
(with a smile of his own)
You just needed a kick in the ass to get your head on straight.
ARCHER
A kick that you were happy to provide.
TUCKER
Hey, what are friends for?
They share a smile for a BEAT.
ARCHER
Never thought I'd hear you standing up for a Vulcan though.
TUCKER
How do you think I feel?
(off of the captain's smile)
If there's nothing else, sir, I'm going to go track Hoshi down and get her started on this.
Trip gestures with the PADD as he speaks. Archer gives him a nod of dismissal and watches without comment as Trip heads for the door. There is a torn expression on the captain's face, one that appears midway between angry and confused.
TUCKER
(as he exits)
Talk to you later, sir.
The door closes behind the engineer and Archer stares at it for a LONG BEAT before glancing to the rotating flat-images on his desk. It's currently a shot of his father standing before a mock-up of the same engine that is now housed in Main Engineering, and Archer's expression tightens once more. He gives the closed door another conflicted look.
And off that look, we...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE - BEFORE THE WORMHOLE
With a flash of light, the Ti'Mur slows from warp speed and approaches the still stationary EX-01. As the Vulcan ship slowly nears Enterprise, we can see that the various sensor arrays are still deployed and a number of small objects appear to be in orbit around the human craft. We PUSH IN and...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - ASTROMETRICS LAB
Standing before the holographic display, Sub-Commander T'Pol is finishing her debriefing to the newly arrived Colonel Vanik and SUB-COMMANDER T'LYR, the primary science officer of the Ti'Mur. Standing across from Vanik and T'Lyr are Captain Archer and Commander Tucker, with the engineer the closest to T'Pol.
T'POL
-lost at approximately zero point two four nine seven light-seconds from the event threshold.
T'LYR
A failing of Terran technology, no doubt.
Both Archer and Tucker bristle slightly at that, even as T'Pol gives her colleague a withering look.
T'POL
As the probes are based on Vulcan specifications, that is an illogical assumption.
Vanik gives T'Lyr a look that clearly says "shut up".
VANIK
(flat)
A fascinating anomaly.
From his tone, it does not appear that the colonel is actually fascinated at all.
ARCHER
(equally flat)
Yes, it is.
(beat)
I'm sure you can see now why we decided to stick around for a while.
Vanik lifts an eyebrow at the captain's tone.
VANIK
Indeed.
(beat)
Sub-Commander T'Lyr will coordinate with Sub-Commander T'Pol. The sensors on Ti'Mur are better suited for research such as this.
Once again, Archer bristles visibly at the unspoken slam on his ship and he frowns darkly.
ARCHER
(tight)
We've been doing fine so far, Colonel.
(beat, off Vanik's look)
Your science officer can coordinate with T'Pol, but we're taking point on this.
A tense BEAT passes as the two commanding officers lock gazes. It's a prime example of the differences between Humans and Vulcans: Archer is gritting his teeth slightly, obviously angry but holding his emotions in check, while the white-haired Vulcan colonel appears completely without emotion.
VANIK
As you wish, Captain.
(with a glance to T'Lyr)
Coordinate with Sub-Commander T'Pol.
(focusing on Archer)
At the captain's request.
Archer gives Vanik a forced smile as he gestures slightly toward the door.
ARCHER
If you'd like, Colonel, I would be ... happy to provide you with a tour of Enterprise.
VANIK
That is unnecessary, Captain. I am aware of this ship's specifications.
A BEAT passes in hostile silence as Archer glances to Trip. The engineer offers a half shrug in reply.
ARCHER
Well...
(beat, tight)
I've had my chef prepare some traditional Vulcan meals if you'd care to join me for dinner.
A flicker of distaste crosses T'Lyr's face but is gone almost instantly. She abruptly frowns at the brief glance that T'Pol and Commander Tucker exchange; neither notice her discreet observation.
VANIK
I ... thank you for your consideration, Captain, but-
TUCKER
Our chef would be really put out if you didn't at least give it a try, Colonel.
Vanik pauses, giving Tucker an appraising look complete with a raised eyebrow, before nodding slightly.
VANIK
Of course.
(beat)
Please, lead the way, Captain.
Archer heads for the door without hesitation, followed by the more sedate Colonel Vanik and the quiet Sub-Commander T'Lyr who hesitates for a BEAT at the doorway, giving one last glance at the two officers still before the holographic display.
Her POV: Commander Tucker gives Sub-Commander T'Pol a concerned look.
TUCKER
You okay, T'Pol?
T'POL
I am fine, Commander.
Back to scene: Sub-Commander T'Lyr quirks an eyebrow as she departs the astrometrics lab. Off her look, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
Continue to Act Five
