ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - BEFORE THE WORMHOLE
We begin once more with an establishing shot of the wormhole and the EX-01 as it hangs silently against the azure backdrop. As we slowly ZOOM IN on Enterprise, we can see the numerous sensor arrays fully deployed. With a FLASH, a probe is launched from Enterprise and races toward the massive stellar anomaly.
T'POL (VO)
Status report continued.
And off of that, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - ASTROMETRICS LAB
Captain Archer stands quietly in front of the holographic display, a look of bemused wonder on his face as he stares at the image of the wormhole. Directly across the display from the captain and wearing a similar expression is Commander Tucker. Her own features very composed, Sub-Commander T'Pol is manipulating the controls of the holo-viewer; although it is subtle, there is an air of slight distraction around the Vulcan, as if she were only dedicating part of her mental resources to the task at hand.
T'POL (VO)
In my continuing attempts to understand human behavior, I have often overlooked what may be both their bane and their greatest strength: curiosity.
Archer looks up from the display to give T'Pol a look.
ARCHER
A wormhole?
Tucker smiles broadly at that, shooting the Vulcan an almost goofy grin as he does so.
T'POL
The sensor readings remain inconclusive but, based on the data we currently have, that is the logical assumption.
ARCHER
I thought they were only theoretical...
TUCKER
Not anymore!
The two men share a smile and return their respective attention to the three-dimensional display.
ARCHER
Where does it go?
T'POL
Unknown.
(off their glances)
All probe telemetry ends approximately one point four light seconds from the event horizon.
ARCHER
Why are we losing the telemetry?
T'POL
Unknown.
Archer frowns as he stares at the holographic display; he is clearly thinking hard. At the same time, Trip gives T'Pol a brief glance, taking in her distracted appearance with a touch of concern on his face. It's an indication of how distracted she is that the Vulcan doesn't seem to notice the engineer's look.
ARCHER
Trip, how close can we get to this thing and still be safe?
TUCKER
I have no idea, Cap'n. This is T'Pol's area of expertise, not mine.
The captain gives his engineer a wry look before glancing in the Vulcan's direction.
ARCHER
Sub-Commander?
There is a BEAT of silence as T'Pol stares at the holographic display before looking up. She blinks rapidly, as if caught unprepared.
T'POL
(hesitantly)
I will...I will need to do additional calculations, Captain. The gravitonic eddies of this...event appear to fluctuate at random intervals so determining-
ARCHER
(interrupting)
That'll be fine.
(beat)
Find us a safe spot to get a better look at it.
(to Trip, amused)
Didn't you write a paper on this sort of thing?
TUCKER
Yep.
(smiling)
Used a lot of your dad's research to back up my theories too.
At mention of Henry Archer, the captain's expression hardens slightly and he gives Trip a forced smile. An expression of remorse abruptly flashes across Tucker's face and he glances away.
T'Pol is oblivious to the interactions of both men.
ARCHER
(terse)
Get me those coordinates.
Without another word, the captain storms from the lab, leaving behind his two senior-most officers. Trip's eyes follow his friend's departure and his own expression slowly transforms into one of slight anger.
TUCKER
(under his breath)
Dammit.
(louder, to T'Pol)
Don't let him get to you. He's always short-tempered this time of year.
The Vulcan gives Tucker a flat look, clearly not understanding what he is talking about. The anger in Trip's face disappears, replaced by a wary concern.
TUCKER
You all right?
For a BEAT, the sub-commander doesn't reply.
T'POL
I am fine, Commander.
Ignoring his look of disbelief, she turns to a computer console. Off of Tucker's expression of mild concern, we...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - MESS HALL
The hour is obviously very late as there are only a couple of people present. Among those people are Commander Tucker and Major Reed who are sharing a table for a late night dinner. Based on the commander's expression, this isn't an entirely friendly dinner.
Through the viewports, we can see the spectacular image of the wormhole and, based on the reactions of the other three crewmembers in the dining facility, the mess hall has turned into a de facto observation lounge.
T'POL (VO)
Humanity's incessant drive to explore, even at great personal risk, is, perhaps, the most appealing element of their entire society.
REED
-so I was thinking, you could put in a good word with the captain.
TUCKER
Now why would I do that? You still haven't convinced me yet.
The major's expression tightens slightly and he frowns at his meal.
REED
Commander...
TUCKER
Dammit, Mal, I told you to call me Trip.
REED
This is official business.
(beat, with emphasis)
Sir.
(off of Trip's annoyed look)
All I'm asking is that you get the captain to think about it.
TUCKER
(slightly amused)
I kind of doubt he'll agree to stay on the bridge. He likes going on the landing missions.
The major glares at the viewport for a BEAT.
REED
(muttering)
Fat lot of good that'll do if he gets himself killed.
Once more, Trip gives the major a slight smile before glancing at the swirling wormhole beyond the viewport.
TUCKER
(with eyes on the wormhole)
I'll talk to him.
(beat, returning his attention to his meal)
I'm not promising anything, but I'll talk to him.
(beat)
Why did you come to me though? Shouldn't something like this go through T'Pol?
Reed's expression tightens at that.
REED
What would be the point? Everyone knows that he doesn't listen to her.
A LONG BEAT passes in silence as the two men digest this comment. From the major's expression, he wishes he'd kept his mouth shut, and from Trip's expression, he's not comfortable with the thought either.
TUCKER
(sullen)
Yeah.
Once more, Trip's attention drifts to the wormhole beyond and we focus on Reed's expression as it slowly transforms into one that could only be teasing.
REED
So, scuttlebutt is that you're spending a lot of time with the resident Vulcan.
The engineer gives his friend a look of mild surprise.
TUCKER
I've been helping her with this wormhole thing.
REED
(smirking)
Uh huh.
(beat, amused)
This doesn't have anything to do with me mentioning her pretty bum, does it?
Tucker rolls his eyes.
TUCKER
You just don't quit, do you?
REED
Not really, no.
(off Trip's annoyed look)
How's that coming, anyway?
(off Trip's look)
The wormhole thing.
TUCKER
Slowly. She's having trouble finding a safe spot to get clearer readings.
(with a glance toward the wormhole)
I thought I was good with math, but the numbers she's crunching...
Reed is smiling now.
REED
Jealous, Commander?
TUCKER
Maybe a little.
(with a faux glare)
And if you tell anybody, I'll see to it that you have nothing but cold showers for a month.
The major chuckles.
REED
(slightly sarcastic)
Aye aye, sir.
(off Trip's smile)
Is this ... wormhole that important?
TUCKER
Absolutely. If the theories are right, travel time between the two points is nearly instantaneous.
(with another smile)
Imagine it: from Earth to Vulcan in thirty seconds.
REED
And if they're not? The theories, that is.
Trip gestures to the nearest viewport and the wormhole beyond.
TUCKER
(grinning)
Then at least we've got a hell of a view for dinner.
And off of Reed's smile at that, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Sub-Commander T'Pol is hard at work at her station.
T'POL (VO)
Yet their lack of patience in actually acquiring this knowledge is astounding.
The turbolift door slides open and Captain Archer emerges alongside Commander Tucker and Major Reed. Based on their appearances, some time has passed since the previous scene.
ARCHER
-will consider your suggestion, Major.
REED
(slightly sour)
Thank you, sir.
Archer gives Commander Tucker a quick glance, before continuing forward. He pauses for a BEAT at the sight of Sub-Commander T'Pol at her Science board.
ARCHER
What's our status, Sub-Commander?
The Vulcan looks up from her console.
T'POL
Unchanged. I have been unable to isolate a pattern in the event's gravitonic eddies and do not recommend moving closer.
ARCHER
(mildly frustrated)
You've been working on it for four days and still haven't made any progress?
T'Pol's expression doesn't change but from her body language, it's evident that she has taken offense. Over Archer's shoulder, we can see Trip frown slightly as he glances at the captain.
T'POL
(tight)
As you are no doubt aware, Captain, much of this data is based on theoretical science.
(beat, with a hint of derision)
You are welcome to check my math for errors.
Archer's eyes narrow and, from his body language, it's pretty obvious that he recognizes her unspoken insult. Most of the bridge staff busies themselves with tasks that keep their eyes away from this confrontation. Commander Tucker, however, takes several steps forward and deliberately inserts himself between the two.
TUCKER
I don't think that will be necessary.
(with a flat look toward Archer)
Will it, Cap'n?
A BEAT passes in silence as the captain transfers his glare to Trip ... who doesn't even blink or react. Clearly, Tucker has known Archer long enough to read him fairly well.
ARCHER
No. It won't.
(beat, with barely hidden annoyance)
Has any progress been made?
T'Pol raises an eyebrow at his tone but does not comment on it.
T'POL
Exact dimensions of the event have proven difficult to map due to extreme sensor interference. Three of the four probes launched have been lost during our attempt to isolate the outer limit of the event threshold.
TUCKER
Lost? As in destroyed or simply not there anymore?
T'POL
Unknown. Telemetry completely failed at zero point two five light-seconds from the event threshold.
ARCHER
And the fourth probe?
T'POL
It is currently in a holding pattern at zero point eight light-seconds from the threshold.
Archer seems to almost cheer up at that.
ARCHER
Then we should be able to close to within a light-second to get better readings, right?
T'POL
I do not recommend that, Captain. The data we are receiving from the fourth probe is contradictory and we have no way of knowing what effect our increased mass will have on the event.
ARCHER
(sourly)
So you want us to just sit here?
T'POL
Until we have more accurate data on this anomaly, that is the logical course of action.
The captain glowers at the image of the wormhole on the main viewer, unaware of the quick glance that Trip gives T'Pol.
TUCKER
(to Archer)
As long as it doesn't result in breaking my ship, I'm fine with hanging back for a while longer.
He gives the captain a slight smile that, after a BEAT, Archer returns.
ARCHER
All right.
(beat)
And it's my ship, Mister Tucker.
TUCKER
(smirking)
Keep telling yourself that, sir.
And just like that, the tension is broken as Archer gives his old friend a long-suffering but amused look. Without further comment, the captain moves toward the damage control station as Trip gives T'Pol a slight nod before following him; within seconds, the engineer is pointing out something to the captain on his display in a soft voice. Everyone returns to work for a LONG BEAT.
A BEEP echoes loudly from T'Pol's console, drawing the attention of pretty much everyone on the bridge. She inputs commands before responding to Archer's unspoken question.
T'POL
I am detecting a ship closing on our position.
At his station, Major Reed visibly tenses and begins inputting commands into his own board, while Ensign Sato consults something on her own console before frowning.
SATO
It's Vulcan.
As if synchronized, all human eyes turn to T'Pol as she quirks an eyebrow in what could be surprise. Off her look, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
Continue to Act Four
