TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE – TRINARY SYSTEM
We’re centered on three bright stars. Two of them are a bright yellow, similar to Sol, and they orbit each other closely. A kind of haze seems to surround them. Further away is a red dwarf.
Enterprise enters the scene, cruising toward the stars at impulse.
INT. ENTERPRISE – BRIDGE
The Alpha shift is all present and accounted for at their usual posts, save a certain chief engineer. CAPTAIN ARCHER sits brooding in his command chair, his chin resting on his fist as he stares at the image of the three stars on the viewscreen. He’s obviously not excited by the “discovery” at all. In fact, he looks like he’d rather be someplace else.
ARCHER
(impatiently)
Why were we sent out here again?
SUB-COMMANDER T’POL turns from her console to answer Archer’s question. From her mannerisms we can tell that she’s already answered this question more than once.
T’POL
We were sent to confirm the presence of a third star in this system, as previous sensor data was ambiguous.
ARCHER
(irritated)
Seems to be pretty obvious that there’re three of them now, wouldn’t you say, Sub-Commander?
(beat)
So, was that it?
T’Pol raises an eyebrow in consideration.
T’POL
I imagine that we are expected to conduct a preliminary survey of the system.
ARCHER
(critically)
So what are you waiting for?
Archer directs a glare at T’Pol, as if challenging her to respond to his insulting tone. She quirks an eyebrow as she responds.
T'POL
Initial scans are being completed now, Captain. I estimate three hours and twenty minutes before we have completely mapped this system.
The captain's expression darkens slightly during her comments and, over his shoulder, we can see other bridge crew exchanging uncomfortable looks. Clearly, the captain's foul mood is causing some tension.
ARCHER
(snide)
Then you should get to work, Sub-Commander.
MAJOR REED shifts uncomfortably in his chair and casts a disapproving look in Archer’s direction. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Archer immediately straightens up in his chair and glares at Reed.
ARCHER
Is there a problem, Major?
Reed hesitates for a short BEAT, weighing his answer.
REED
(carefully)
No, sir.
ARCHER
Then mind your panel.
(beat)
If it isn’t an Orion raider it’s a Vulcan cruiser or a Tellarite warship.
(beat)
I don’t want anyone getting the drop on us while we’re sitting here twiddling our thumbs.
The entire bridge crew tenses up, as the atmosphere becomes very uncomfortable. Archer fixates his attention on ENSIGN SATO at this point.
ARCHER
What about you, Ensign?
SATO
(nervously)
Sir?
ARCHER
(condescending)
There’s definitely precedence for habitable planets in trinary systems. Stands to reason that they might be inhabited, and since our primary mission is to seek out life and civilizations, we should probably be watching for any signs of it while we’re here.
The young woman is obviously hurt by the intimation that she isn’t doing her job, but Archer doesn’t seem to notice or care. Even T'Pol seems surprised at this and raises an eyebrow at the captain's tone.
SATO
(flabbergasted)
Aye, sir.
Sato does the only thing she can by turning back to her console and concentrating on the sound of the galaxy.
T'POL
Based on preliminary readings, the likelihood of discovering a Minshara-class planetary body is remote.
Once more, the captain gives his Vulcan science officer a dark look. She doesn't blink under his hostile expression, and both officers are ignorant of the thankful look Ensign Sato shoots the sub-commander. As T'Pol refuses to quail under Archer's hostility, it seems to occur to Archer that he shouldn’t be focusing on individuals, as he sends a sweeping glare around the entire room.
ARCHER
(angry)
We’ve been out here long enough that you should all know your jobs without me having to remind you.
Archer sits back in his chair and mulls for a BEAT.
ARCHER
I’ll be in my office. Call me if anything requires my attention.
(beat, rising)
And it’d better be good.
(beat)
You have the Bridge, Sub-Commander. But I want those scans done.
Without waiting for a response, he makes his way to the turbolift and exits the room, leaving behind a bewildered crew and more than a few ruffled feathers. T’Pol watches the closed turbolift door for a BEAT after Archer is gone, her stoic face giving away nothing. Finally, she raises an eyebrow as we…
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
Continue to Act One
