ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
We open with an establishing shot of the two starships as they continue to conduct repairs.
T'POL (VO)
Status report, continued.
We PUSH IN toward Enterprise, and...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY
Sub-Commander T'Pol is seated on a biobed, her burned hand outstretched for Doctor Phlox to treat it. Her expression displays no indication of any pain as the doctor applies a salve to the burns.
T'POL (VO)
It was not until this most recent crisis that I fully understood the Vulcan axiom about trust being the most important element for an effective crew.
Over Phlox's shoulder, we can see Crewman Wistrom being attended to by Doctor Lucas.
PHLOX
This should prevent any long-term scarring, Sub-Commander.
(with a smile)
Although I strongly recommend that you get some rest afterward.
T'POL
I have a great deal of work to finish, Doctor.
PHLOX
(smiling)
That work won't get done if you further damage yourself.
The Vulcan gives the Denobulan a flat look.
PHLOX (CONT'D)
And, based on these scans, you don't appear to be taking very good care of yourself.
(beat, off her look)
It looks like you haven't eaten in some time and your neural readings indicate that you haven't slept either.
T'POL
Vulcans can go several days without sleep, Doctor.
PHLOX
Not when they're fasting at the same time.
T'Pol frowns at that, but doesn't correct him. His smile disappears and he gives her a worried look.
PHLOX
I don't know what is concerning you, Sub-Commander, but if you want to talk...
T'POL
(flat)
No.
(off his look)
Thank you for your concern, Doctor, but I'm fine.
Phlox begins to wrap her hand up with gauze and says nothing for a BEAT.
PHLOX
As you wish, Sub-Commander.
(beat)
If you change your mind, my door is always open.
(off her look)
Keep this hand clean and I want to see you again tomorrow to change the bandages.
He steps back, allowing her to slide off of the biobed. She flexes her left hand slightly before giving him a nod.
T'POL
Thank you, Doctor.
Without further comment, she heads toward the door leading from Sickbay, ignoring the Denobulan's concerned eyes that follow her out.
T'POL (VO)
Trust, after all, is not easily earned, especially when there is a history of deception between the parties involved.
With that, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - C-DECK CORRIDOR
A trio of jumpsuit-clad personnel are working on the corridor with fusion welders. All three of them are wearing welding goggles as they work, and, as we PUSH IN, we can recognize Captain Archer among them. PETTY OFFICER ROSTOV and ENSIGN TAYLOR are also present, with the former checking a hand-scanner.
T'POL (VO)
Yet, it is this faith in one's colleagues and their abilities that allows a human crew to work together more efficiently than any Vulcan crew that I have served with.
Into this scene strides Captain Vanik and Sub-Commander T'Lyr. Both of them draw up short at the sight of Captain Archer aiding with repairs, and they exchange a look, complete with raised eyebrows.
ROSTOV
(loud to be heard over the welder)
That should do it, sir!
Archer steps back, raising his welding goggles and giving the petty officer a look. Rostov quickly passes the hand scanner to the captain as Taylor gives the approaching Vulcans a measuring look.
ARCHER
(off the scanner data)
Good.
(beat)
What's next?
ROSTOV
Nothing here, sir. C-Deck looks clear.
(beat)
I'll check with Chief Linquist about where we go next.
The captain nods before turning toward Vanik.
ARCHER
Colonel. Sub-Commander.
VANIK
Captain Archer.
(beat)
Do you require additional assistance?
Archer gives the Vulcan a confused look at that.
ARCHER
Can't say that we do. As far as I know, we're ahead of schedule.
(beat)
Why do you ask?
VANIK
I am merely...surprised to find you assisting in these kinds of repairs.
ARCHER
(tight)
We all do what we can, Colonel.
Again, the two Vulcans exchange a look.
VANIK
Fascinating.
T'LYR
Captain Archer.
(off his look)
Could you direct me to Sub-Commander T'Pol?
Archer frowns as he gives the sub-commander a look.
ARCHER
She's probably in Astrometrics since Phlox released her from Sickbay.
T'LYR
(with a hint of concern)
The sub-commander was injured?
ARCHER
A minor burn according to Phlox.
T'LYR
I see.
(beat)
Can you direct me to...Astrometrics?
ARCHER
Ensign Taylor can show you the way.
Taylor straightens at his comment, then hefts her toolbox.
T'LYR
That would be agreeable.
The captain gives Taylor a look and she nods.
TAYLOR
This way, ma'am.
They walk from the scene, leaving an uncomfortable-looking Archer with Vanik.
ARCHER
How's your ship, Colonel?
VANIK
Repairs are ongoing. My chief engineer informs me that Ti'Mur will be fully operational within the hour.
(beat)
Enterprise appears more resilient than I expected.
Archer gives the Vulcan colonel a look, clearly trying to figure out whether his ship has just been insulted or complimented.
ARCHER
(with pride)
She's a tough ship.
VANIK
She?
ARCHER
Enterprise.
(off Vanik's look)
It's a human tradition, to refer to our ships as “she”. Dates back to our seafaring days.
VANIK
Fascinating.
A BEAT passes and we can see Rostov finish packing up his tools and discreetly departs in the opposite direction.
ARCHER
(uncomfortable)
I'm...sorry that we put you in this situation, Colonel.
The Vulcan quirks an eyebrow.
ARCHER (CONT'D)
If you hadn't acted, Enterprise would have probably been lost.
VANIK
Indeed.
(off Archer's frown)
In the future, Captain, I recommend that you exercise more caution.
Archer glowers at that, and, off his expression, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - D-DECK CORRIDOR
Now armed with a pair of tools that look suspiciously like wrenches, Commander Tucker is reattaching a power junction to the wall. At his feet, we can see a blackened junction box that is also covered in extinguisher foam.
T'POL (VO)
This unstated element is the cornerstone of human relationships, and is essential for the development of their friendships.
Stepping back, Trip studies his work and consults a hand-scanner. A BEAT passes as he studies the scanner.
REED (OS)
There you are.
Tucker looks up as Major Reed approaches. Surprisingly, the major is in a utility jumpsuit himself and, based on the dampness of his hair and the streaks of sweat on the uniform, has been working.
TUCKER
Yep. Here I am.
(beat)
Something I can do for you, Mal?
REED
Looking for you, actually.
(beat, with a tight smile)
I've been officially designated to complain about how you're using my SFs.
TUCKER
Excuse me?
Reed smirks.
REED
A couple of my troopers are complaining that you're using us for nothing but grunt work.
TUCKER
(grinning)
Well...you're grunts, right?
(off Reed's look, teasing)
Good for moving heavy stuff and catching bullets.
At that, the major gives the engineer a faux glare.
REED
Playing that game, are you, Commander Deckape?
(off Trip's grin)
Anything I can do to help?
TUCKER
Don't think so.
(as he steps back)
All done here.
(beat)
Don't take it personally, Mal, but your SFs really don't have the training to do anything more than "grunt work".
REED
(frowning)
I beg to differ, sir.
(beat, off Trip's look)
A lot of my troopers have extensive technical training.
Trip considers for a BEAT.
TUCKER
Tell you what. After we get my ship squared away, you and I will sit down and bash out a revised damage control schedule.
(beat, teasing)
Maybe some of your grunts might be useful after all.
(beat, smiling)
You bring the beer.
Reed returns the smile as he turns away.
REED
As long as it's not that weak stuff you Yanks call beer.
And, off Tucker's laugh, we...
CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - OUTSIDE THE ASTROMETRICS LAB
Carrying his toolbox, Commander Tucker rounds a corner and walks into the scene. His attention is riveted on a PADD that is in his other hand. The sound of feminine voices speaking in Vulcan causes him to look up.
His POV: the door leading to the astrometrics lab is open and we can see T'Pol facing Sub-Commander T'Lyr. Both women are wearing almost identical expressions of subdued hostility as they face off.
There are no subtitles to translate what their conversation entails but, based on the expressions, it isn't friendly.
Back to scene: Trip hesitates for a BEAT as T'Lyr snaps something to T'Pol, something harsh-sounding. We focus on his expression as he considers. Finally, he takes several rapid steps forward, entering the astrometrics lab. His sudden appearance causes the two Vulcans to stop their conversation.
TUCKER
(to T'Pol)
There you are.
(off her look)
Are you still up for lending me a hand?
The Vulcan raises an eyebrow at the comment even as T'Lyr gives Tucker an openly annoyed look.
T'LYR
The sub-commander and I-
T'POL
(interrupting)
Of course, Commander.
(off T'Lyr's sudden look)
I apologize for the delay.
Once more, T'Lyr gives Tucker a look that borders on emotional.
T'LYR
(cold)
May I inquire as to the nature of these repairs?
TUCKER
Sure.
He locks eyes with her and offers the tiniest of smirks. A BEAT passes as she waits for him to comment and her eyes narrow when he does not. She then gives T'Pol a look, noting the other Vulcan's raised eyebrow.
T'LYR
(to Tucker, annoyed)
What is the nature of these repairs?
TUCKER
(openly smirking)
Classified.
At that, we actually see T'Pol's lips quirk slightly, but neither Tucker nor T'Lyr notice.
TUCKER (CONT'D)
But if you have to know, it's some specialized EV work.
The annoyance on T'Lyr's face barely shifts and she gives T'Pol another look.
T’LYR
(sharp)
Shan-tor s’nash-hali il nar-tor mesh!
T'Pol does not respond as she heads to the doorway, and Trip offers another smirk to T'Lyr.
TUCKER
I'm sure you can find your way out.
On that, he follows T'Pol from the lab, leaving T'Lyr to, once more, give their retreating forms an almost frown.
And, off that, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
Continue to Act Five
