Addictions
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 4.03 | |||||||||||||
| "Addictions" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by John Whiting and Rob Caves | |||||||||||||
| Story by John Whiting | |||||||||||||
| Directed by Risha Denney and Quinn Promarug | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
Interests, Appropriate and Otherwise
The Danube-class runabout Colorado departs the orbit of a planet for open space. Inside, Ensign Andrew Barrett is telling his fellow Ensign, S'Tal, how Thalek recently gave Dr. Henglaar a "big bear hug". When S'Tal asks why Thalek would do such a thing, Barrett suggests that it might be a bit of "hero worship", as Andorians are not noted for their affection. He then suggests that Counselor Elbrey put him up to it. S'Tal asks if Elbrey would do something like that. Barrett suggests that S'Tal doesn't take notes on her shipmates. While S'Tal admits that observing one's shipmates is important, she suggests that what he is describing is best classified as "gossip". Undeterred, Barrett then attempts to figure out who on the Excelsior S'Tal might be interested in, leading S'Tal to suggest that he pick a more appropriate topic for the coming two hours and 32 minutes before their rendezvous.
Suddenly, Barrett detects a ship a half-parsec away. S'Tal detects another moving to intercept at full impulse. One is an Orion Syndicate vessel, the other is a Yridian freighter. Barrett tells S'Tal to keep a sensor lock on the vessels and then to send a coded message to the Excelsior. The Excelsior speeds towards their location at red alert, three minutes away. Captain Shelby tells Ensign Zen to increase to Warp 9.8. Shelby tells the Colorado to fall back and orders the Excelsior's shields to be raised and her weapons to be armed. Barrett tells her that the two vessels are disengaging and preparing to enter warp themselves. Shelby tells him to follow the Orion vessel while they follow the Yridians. The Colorado jumps to warp in pursuit while the Excelsior changes course.
Barrett hails the Orion vessel, ordering them to drop out of warp and prepare to be boarded. S'Tal tells Barrett that she does not believe that this approach would work. When Barrett asks why, he is answered by the ship's buffeting under weapons fire. Barrett orders S'Tal to execute evasive maneuvers and return fire. The Colorado fires several photon torpedoes at the fleeing Orion vessel which responds by hitting the runabout with two of its own, sending it spinning out of control and forcing it out of warp. S'Tal tells Barrett that they've lost the Orion ship. Amidst the smoke-filled cabin, Barrett contacts the Excelsior and informs them that they've lost their quarry.
Of Smuggling and Shore Leave
"Captain's Log, Stardate 57324.6: With the Yridian drug runners in custody, we've tracked their last visit to the Federation colony on Bovina VIII. It appears the Yridians weren't just smugglers, but users of the Orion's cargo."
In sickbay, Dr. Henglaar tells Captain Shelby that they're definitely dealing with Venus drug, in a form more potent than that found in Admiral Kirk's time. Shelby asks him why someone would willingly take such a drug. Henglaar explains that the drug acts on the more ancient centers of the humanoid brain - women become helpless, appearing more attractive so they can trade on this for protection, whereas men become "homicidal apes", stronger and more aggressive. Shelby sarcastically thanks Henglaar for the "informative lecture" but notes that he didn't answer the question - why would someone take a drug that deranges their faculties and slowly kills them? Henglaar continues that the drug instills feelings of potency in self-worth - its users have low levels of self-esteem, often being hopeless or near-suicidal. Shelby then notes that the Orions are supplying the drug, the Yridians are smuggling it and the residents of Bovina VIII are buying and dying from it. Shelby becomes determined to put a stop to this. Henglaar nods in agreement.
Some time later, Henglaar enters Shelby's ready room at her request. Shelby notes that Henglaar has family on Bovina VIII but that he hasn't requested shore leave. Henglaar stiffens up and tells her, respectfully, that is a personal matter. Shelby agrees, but notes that she has an assignment for him and having contacts on the planet might come in useful. Henglaar asks what kind of assignment Shelby had in mind.
Later, Henglaar has dinner with Falo, his brother, and his niece Silan. Answering Falo's question about why he's come to the "underbelly of the Federation", Henglaar tells him that he is on shore leave. Falo laughs at this notion, suggesting that if he's looking for "second-class bars and rotund women", he's come to the right place. Silan then recounts her gang's "exploits" at school during the day. Falo reminds them both that "a good Tellarite always stands his or her ground, no matter how wrong they may be." Henglaar asks if the planet has any openings. Falo notes that they always have openings for hard workers and "anybody who knows how to use their brain to do the work". Henglaar suggests that this wouldn't be any harder than starship life and that he, as a Starfleet officer, is the "dumbest creature since Klingons crawled out of the ooze." Falo laughingly questions whether the Klingons had actually managed this feat.
Meanwhile, the Excelsior launches a runabout towards the Bovina system's asteroid belt. Onboard, Barrett tells S'Tal that any asteroid larger than one kilometer in diameter could be a supply depot for the smugglers and that she should set the sensors to identify any such asteroids. S'Tal asks him whether he thinks they'll find the Orions. Barrett jokes that they'll have them by tomorrow, prompting S'Tal to remind him that she doesn't have a sense of humor. Barrett remarks that it's a cultivated taste that some people don't bother to cultivate. He then directs S'Tal to commence the sensor sweep.
Absent Without Leave
On Bovina VIII, Henglaar and Falo are in a bar. Falo suggests that after they leave, they can take a refreshing mud bath. Henglaar agrees, noting that the holodeck loses something in the translation. Shelby and Lieutenant McCabe walk in. Shelby confronts Henglaar asking if there's something wrong with his combadge. Henglaar responds that he thought it was working. Shelby then reminds him that he's supposed to be on duty. Henglaar apologizes, suggesting that he lost track of time celebrating his niece's birthday. He then introduces Falo. Shelby reacts badly to this, telling Henglaar he's drunk and that he's to report back to the Excelsior immediately or he can kiss his career goodbye. Henglaar tells her that the Excelsior is out of position and will not be in transporter range for another half hour. Shelby tells him that he's not going to remain in the bar, getting any drunker.
Falo intervenes, asking Henglaar if he's going to let Shelby talk to him like that. He then turns to Shelby, asking her to mind her own business, as they're not finished with their drinks yet. Shelby reminds them both that Henglaar is drunk, on-duty and away from his post - that's big trouble. She suggests Falo not dig a bigger hole for his brother. Falo tells Shelby to "take a hike", pushing her in the shoulder in the process. When Shelby again asks Henglaar if he is coming, Falo tells her that she's going to need reinforcements. While Falo asks Henglaar if he's afraid of Shelby and McCabe, Shelby takes Falo down to the floor and puts him in a headlock. She then asks if she's coming with her or if he's as stupid as his brother.
Henglaar, after complaining about the rigors of starship life, tells Shelby that he's staying on Bovina VIII and resigning from Starfleet. Shelby angrily tells him to report to the Excelsior within 24 hours - if he's late, she'll see to it that he mines dilithium with his teeth for the next 18 months. Shelby then tells Falo to learn some manners - she doesn't appreciate being interrupted. After Shelby releases him, Falo gets back up and goes after a bottle to hit her with but Henglaar stops him, suggesting Shelby and McCabe leave. After Shelby and McCabe depart, Falo has some choice words for Henglaar, going so far as to suggest that he should kill Henglaar, his having taken Shelby's side over his brother's at the end of their confrontation. Henglaar tells Falo to get out of his way, telling him that they will discuss the incident later.
A Hot Lead
Barrett's runabout continues its survey of the asteroid field, coming across an asteroid that would appear to meet their criteria as a possible supply depot. S'Tal notes that they cannot get a clean reading of the asteroid, either because of its composition or shielding. Barrett tells S'Tal to send a warning and then to charge phasers. Hearing nothing in response to their hail, the runabout fires its phasers, destroying the asteroid. S'Tal's analysis reveals no presence of lifesigns or contraband. Barrett, referring to S'Tal as "Batgirl", orders her to resume their search.
Meanwhile, on Bovina VIII, Henglaar wins a round of gambling against a Son'a, leaving him broke. Henglaar offers the Son'a a few credits to tide him over until the next time, which he accepts, grudgingly as he departs. In one of Excelsior's science labs, McCabe tells Shelby that "he's tagged another one". Shelby suggests that one of them should lead them to their Orion connection. Ensign Ro then calls from the bridge, telling them that Barrett has "a hot lead." The pair rush from the lab.
In the asteroid field, Barrett's runabout is engaged in a fierce dogfight with a Yridian vessel. Barrett hails the Yridians, ordering them to stand down immediately. S'Tal confirms that the vessel is carrying 24 illegal substances, including Venus drug. Barrett orders S'Tal to return fire. S'Tal reports that the Excelsior is en route but that the Yridian vessel is heading for open space. Barrett tells S'Tal that they need to show the Yridians "the way" by giving them a "nudge". The runabout continues to fire its phasers, keeping the Yridian vessel on a course. S'Tal then informs Barrett that the Yridians are powering up their warp drive. Barrett orders S'Tal to take out their warp engines, which she is able to manage after a few moments. Barrett tells her that their luck is about to run out. As the Yridians reach open space, the Excelsior is there to take over from the runabout. Shelby orders McCabe to hold their vessel in a tractor beam and put their crew in the brig. Shelby congratulates the crew and then orders a course for Bovina VIII as soon as the runabout has docked, intent on finally shutting down the drug operations there.
Later, on Bovina VII, Henglaar encounters a hooded Shelby on the street. Shelby tells him that Falo is a dealer - they botched his arrest a few hours ago. They need his help before he can disrupt any other raids. Henglaar reminds her that he and Falo aren't exactly on speaking terms right now. Shelby asks him for a list of Falo's haunts. If they don't capture him, Shelby will come back for Henglaar. When Henglaar remarks that it sounds like she doesn't want him in on any of the raids, she says that he is correct - they can't expose his cover before they've completed their raids. Henglaar agrees, then walks away.
Wants and Needs
Falo answers his door and Henglaar bursts in, telling him that "they"'re onto him and likely on the way already. When Falo tries to feign ignorance, Henglaar tells him to save it, just wanting to know why he's selling this "poison". Falo tells him that he needs the credits - anyways, only the fools who buy it get hurt. Henglaar suggests that being a thief would be "cleaner" than this. When Falo tells him that nothing is lower than a thief, Henglaar reminds him that the people who buy his drugs robs or kills to get the credits to buy them - he's created a crime wave. Falo doesn't care, as he only sells to the "stupid ones" - it is evolution only faster. When he asks Henglaar why he cares, Henglaar replies that he could have been one of them, having been an outsider, even at home when dealing with Falo and his sister, Nalia. Falo accused him of being "too good" of associating with them. Henglaar describes how they would always manage to get him into trouble. When Falo tells him that their mother was the only one who would ever stick up for him and his sister, Henglaar recounts the letters he got from their mother in later years, describing the troubles Falo often got into, even once expressing fear.
When Falo says this is a lie, Henglaar pulls out a phaser. Falo quickly knocks this out of his hand and grabs a knife. When Falo reminds him that he's only lost one fight to Henglaar, Henglaar welcomes him to his second. There is a brief melee, during which Falo knocks Henglaar across the dining room table. Eventually, Henglaar is able to get the upper hand on Falo and sedates him using a hypo. Henglaar then goes back for his phaser, points it at his brother, but thinks better of firing it.
Later, in Excelsior 's brig, Henglaar tells Falo that he's addicted to the Venus drug and turns his words on him, telling him that only the "stupid ones" used it. Falo denies that he's addicted, saying that he can quit any time he wants. Henglaar tells him that this is good - he's cutting him off right now - he can watch Falo's "evolution" in action. Falo offers Henglaar a deal - if Henglaar gives him Venus drug, he'll give up the names Henglaar needs in the drug raids. Henglaar reminds Falo that everything in the brig is recorded. Falo acknowledges it and, at Henglaar's suggestion, insists that he swear on his honor as a Starfleet officer that if Falo gives him all the names he needs, he'll give Falo all the Venus drug he needs.
In Ten Forward, Ro asks Barrett if S'Tal knows if he likes her. Barrett suggests that "S'Tal knows all" and expresses the opinion that she's looking for a "cerebral type", doubting that she'd be interested in him as a "goofball". Ro suggests the term "putz" might be more appropriate. Barrett then tells Ro not to do anything - he wants to give things time and not risk his and S'Tal's friendship. When Ro asks Barrett if he's going to Poindexter's later, he declines, noting that he, S'Tal and McCabe will be doing artifact research. Barrett does not react well when Ro refers to this as a "threesome."
Back in Excelsior 's brig, Falo's asking for his "stuff". Henglaar tells him that he'll get all he needs. McCabe enters the last information from the interrogation into a computer terminal and acknowledges this fact to Henglaar, including the fact that Henglaar had offered Falo illegal drugs. Henglaar repeats the fact that he was going to give Falo "all he needs" - as Falo has previously stated, he's not addicted, so he doesn't need it. McCabe, perplexed, simply acknowledges this. Falo, realizing the trap Henglaar had set for him, resigns himself to his fate.
Compassion
Henglaar is in his quarters, sharpening a knife when Captain Shelby comes calling. Henglaar notes that she is not disturbing him any more than usual when asked. He then tells her about needing to talk to officials on Bovina VIII to secure a guardian for his niece, Silan. When Shelby asks whether he had considered doing this himself, he notes that he hasn't had the time to think about it. Shelby then asks him about the knife. Henglaar notes that it was given to him by Crewman Thalek, who felt he didn't need it any more. Shelby notes that she'd heard about Thalek's "hero worship" and then asks if sharpening it helps. Henglaar says that it "does the job." Shelby then tells Henglaar that she's entered him for promotion for having done a difficult job very well.
When Shelby asks Henglaar why he doesn't seem pleased, Henglaar says his thoughts were of his brother. He then says that arresting Falo wasn't hard - he enjoyed it. It was keeping him alive afterward that was hard. Shelby asks if Tellarites have the same strong respect for family as Humans do. Henglaar replies that he never considered Falo much in the way of family, especially after being threatened. Falo's drug use didn't matter - he was a miserable excuse for a sentient being, causing his family grief and sending their mother to an early grave. Henglaar regrets killing him when he had the chance. When Shelby asks him if he has any compassion for his brother's situation, Henglaar notes that when a dog goes mad, the compassionate thing to do is destroy it before it harms someone. Shelby asks Henglaar why he didn't kill Falo when he had the chance. After some initial confusion, he says killing Falo would have been a waste of time - someone else would come along and you can't kill them all.
Shelby expresses some surprise at this statement. Henglaar reminds her that Hippocrates did not visit Tellar - there, it is a doctor's job to eliminate suffering and disease. Getting rid of drug dealers would be a good start on that. When Shelby asks him if he is just a murderer at heart, he responds that he doesn't know what he is - it just wasn't worth the effort this time. Henglaar then reminds her that if she wanted easy answers out of life, she wouldn't have gone for command. Shelby notes that he is good at handling his temper when he needs to. She asks how good he is at living with his decisions. He reminds her that he's a doctor - he lives with his decisions every day. Shelby suggests that he become more forgiving of both his foes and himself. Henglaar thanks his "Counselor". Shelby, turning to leave, suggests talking the matter over with Counselor Elbrey. Henglaar tells her that he'll give it some thought, then returns to sharpening his knife.
Background Information
- This episode introduces the characters of S'Tal (and her pairing with Andrew Barrett), Dr. Henglaar's niece, Silan; and her father, Falo.
- This episode mentions Crewman Thalek several occasions, both in having a "hero worship" of Dr. Henglaar and in his giving his knife, last seen in HF 2.08 - "Coward's Death". Henglaar's statement that Thalek no longer felt he needed the knife suggests that the treatment of his depression, started in that episode, is progressing.
- This episode is the first to suggest that Dr. Henglaar might become Silan's guardian as her uncle. This thread is picked up in HF 7.03 - "Past Sins".
Memorable Quotes
- Barrett: "My guess is, Elbrey put him up to it."
- S'Tal: "Elbrey would do something like that?"
- Barrett: "You don't take notes on your shipmates do you?"
- S'Tal: "Observation of others is important, but I believe the human word for what you are describing is 'gossip'."
- Falo: "Well, if it's second-class bars and rotund women you desire, then this is the place for you."
- Falo: "A good Tellarite always stands his or her ground, no matter how wrong they may be."
- Henglaar: "...as for brains, you're talking to a Starfleet officer, the dumbest creature since Klingons crawled out of the ooze."
- Falo: "Klingons. Who says they have?"
- Barrett: "That was a joke."
- S'Tal: "You know I don't have a sense of humor, Ensign."
- Barrett: "It's a cultivated taste. Not everyone takes the time to cultivate it."
- Barrett (to S'Tal): "Onto the next one, Batgirl."
- Henglaar: "You get all that?"
- McCabe: "Yes, sir. Every bit of it. Including your agreement to supply the prisoner with illegal drugs."
- Henglaar: "All he needs. But you heard him yourself. He's not addicted. He doesn't need it."
- McCabe: "Yes, sir.
- Henglaar: "Your Hippocrates never visited Tellar. On my world, it's a Doctor's job to eliminate suffering and disease. Getting rid of drug pushers is a good start on that, wouldn't you say?"
- Henglaar: "If you wanted easy answers out of life, Elizabeth, you wouldn't have gone for command."
Production Notes
- The music for this episode is derived from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Encounter at Farpoint", composed by Dennis McCarthy. Additional music came from the Enterprise episode "Broken Bow", also by Dennis McCarthy and the "Enae Volare Mezzo" by ERA.
- This episode introduces the first actress to play Silan, Ariana Bradbury. The role would be later reprised by Kate Quigley and, finally, Heather Ashleigh in the seventh season of Star Trek: Hidden Frontier.
- "Eiram" (played by Suzy Kaplan) is "Marie" spelled backwards.
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Piracy of the Noble" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Grave Matters" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Piracy of the Noble" | 2380 Stardate 57324.6 | Next "Grave Matters" |
Cast and Crew
| REGULAR CAST | |
|---|---|
| Commodore Ian Quincy Knapp | David W. Dial |
| Captain Elizabeth Shelby | Risha Denney |
| Commander Tolian Naros | Larry LaVerne |
| Doctor Henglaar | John Whiting |
| Lieutenant Commander Robin Lefler | Joanne Busch |
| Lieutenant Matt McCabe | Wayne Webb |
| Counselor Myra Elbrey | Barbara Clifford |
| Ensign Ro Nevin | Arthur Bosserman |
| Lieutenant, junior grade Corey Aster | J.T. Tepnapa |
| Ensign Andrew Barrett | Tyler Bosserman |
| GUEST CAST | |
|---|---|
| Falo | Michael J. Kirkland |
| Ensign S'Tal | Julia Morizawa |
| Eiram | Suzy Kaplan |
| Silan | Ariana Bradbury |
| Son'a Dealer | Dave Dial |
| Bartender | Jennifer Cole |
| Background Performers | Betty Bainton Adam Browne Jennifer Cole |
| CREW | |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Rob Caves |
| First Assistant Director | Adam Browne |
| Second Assistant Director | Jennifer Cole |
| Additional Costuming | Camin Bradbury |
| Tape Operator | Jennifer Cole |
| Makeup | John Whiting Adam Browne Camin Bradbury |
| Story Consultant | Mike Urvand |
| Producers | Jennifer Cole Risha Denney Quinn Promarug |
| Support Services | Adam Tindall Sam Bacsa James DeRuvo |
| Set Design | Sean Robertson |
| CGI Artist | Rob Caves with Lightwave 3D® |
| CGI Model Makers | Rob Caves SciFi-Art Eric Peterson Gerard Dolan Sarod Ralph Schoberth Ed Giddings Anscension MK84 Fabio Presario Joe McMullen Dave Charnow Mark Kane Kier Darby and various others |
| Craft Services | Betty Bainton |
