Ashes
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 3.07 | |||||||||||||
| "Ashes" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by Rob Caves | |||||||||||||
| Story by Rob Caves and Dan Crout | |||||||||||||
| Directed by Risha Denney | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
The Excelsior is called in to mediate a dispute between two sets of colonists after the death of one of the Federation colonists in an accident. A fundemental cultural difference threatens everything they have built. Meanwhile Ro Nevin is struggling with the concept of a relationship with Corey Aster.
"Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match..."
"Captain's Log, Stardate 56725.1: The Excelsior is en route to Valuna IV to mediate a dispute between the Federation and Andrani colonists. They have been coexisting peacefully until now."
Ro relaxes in Wozniak's quarters, acting as a thesaurus whilst Wozniak writes his holonovel. Wozniak then notes that Lefler remarked that she hasn't seen Ro in Engineering in ages. He asks Ro if he's been avoiding it for a reason and, after a noncommittal response, asks if he's talked to Corey Aster since he joined the crew. When Ro responds that Aster "just got here", Wozniak reminds him that he's been assigned to the Excelsior for three months now. Ro asks if Wozniak's prying for a reason. Wozniak responds that he's just trying to help and then asks why he's avoiding Aster. Ro says that he "just hasn't had the time." When Wozniak asks whether Ro is attracted to Aster or not, he responds that he's never felt this way about anyone. Commander Lefler then calls, asking Ro to join her in Engineering to get his opinion on something. Wozniak tells Ro to say hello to Aster for him as he leaves.
Lefler and Aster are working in Engineering. As a member of the crew, Jorian Zen, approaches with some thruster modification requests, Aster leans over to Lefler and tells her that he's another one of "McFarland's candidates" - apparently she's been trying to set Aster up with several members of the crew. Aster tells Zen that next time, McFarland can deliver the requests in person. He then apologizes to Lefler, afraid that he might have overstepped his authority. Lefler brushes the concern aside as Ro enters Engineering.
Aster gives Ro a bit of grief, suggesting that Ro's absence was the result of his transfer off of the ship. Lefler thanks Ro for coming and then gets to the business at hand. Lefler and Aster had been going over some sensor data of the Ba'ku surface that was concerning - the planet is undergoing an apparent cooling trend, at the rate of two degrees per year, enough to cause changes to the planet's ecosystem within five years. There is no apparent cause. Ro, examining the data, suggests that the planet appears to be undergoing a large-scale reverse greenhouse effect, possibly the result of a thermolytic reaction. Lefler says she will contact Deep Space 12 and advise them to keep an eye on similar readings while they are away. Once they return, they'll do a full sensor scan of the planet, on foot if possible where the terrain does not permit accurate scans. After thanking Ro for his assistance, Lefler decides to turn in for the evening. Aster then asks Ro to join him in Ten Forward to catch up. He declines the invitation, but agrees to meet Aster at some point in the future.
Phobias
As the Excelsior and her escorts enter into orbit of Valuna IV, Commander Naros briefs Captain Shelby on the situation on the planet. The colonists had been living together peacefully on the planet for several years until recently. When a Federation colonist of importance fell and died during an accident at an Andrani mining facility. The Andrani performed a religious tribute over the body on the spot, eating it. Shelby is shocked at the notion of cannibalism. The incident led the Federation colonists to hold those responsible pending trial. A group of Andrani militants subsequently threatened to flood the Federation colony by using the planet's weather control station unless their colonists were released.
Confronted with this situation, Shelby asks to meet with the Federation colony's leader. She postpones meeting with representatives of the Andrani, emphasizing that their primary concern is the safety of the Federation colonists. She also suggested that the Andrani need to learn that it isn't acceptable to cannibalize their neighbors' remains. Naros cautions against appearing xenophobic, as it could cause more problems. Shelby promises to keep that in mind.
Later, in Ten Forward, Ro and Dr. Henglaar are looking at Wozniak's holonovel, based on Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. When Wozniak asks what they think, Henglaar remarks that the pilot character appears to be based on McFarland. Wozniak notes that the characters were based on people that he knew and hopes they don't mind. Henglaar suggests that he would like to run the program and might make a good Tom Corbett. Aster enters the lounge and approaches their table. Henglaar suggests a game of poker and asks Aster to join them. Wozniak asks how he's liking working in Engineering. Aster compliments Lefler, saying that she "knows her stuff." Not getting any response to his suggestion of a poker game, Henglaar then suggests that they might try the holonovel out. After a moment of hesitation, Ro decides to join them.
Later, coming out of a holodeck, they all complain about the loud sound effects of the holonovel and Aster's hesitance to fire weapons. Henglaar then leaves to check in with Dr. Anderson and Wozniak retires for the evening, leaving Aster and Ro alone. After they both comment that they had fun, Ro turns to leave. Aster then asks Ro out for dinner some time. Ro appearing uncomfortable, says he "has some stuff to do", quickly says good night to Aster, then leaves.
Captain Shelby then meets with the Federation colony's governor, Adams, in the conference lounge. The governor immediately asserts that it is within their right as a Federation protectorate to determine what is and is not a crime on their planet. Shelby says that she would normally agree but notes that the planet was settled concurrently by both the Andrani and the Federation. She then suggests that the Federation cannot be making its own law, no matter how offensive the Andrani's customs are. The governor disagrees - the Andrani can treat their own citizens as they will, but they must send a clear message that cannibalism will not be tolerated when it comes to Federation citizens. Shelby asserts that by punishing the Andrani, the message that would be sent is that the Federation is xenophobic and unwilling to tolerate the Andrani's practices outright. She then suggests that the Federation Council could rule in this matter. The governor then argues that the Council would never overrule a local authority except in the case of a capital offense. Adams then mentions that the colonist who died was his daughter, Malina. This revelation visibly shocks Shelby - she did not know it was a member of the governor's family that had been killed.
Shelby attempts to empathize but suggests that continuing to pursue the course he is on could cause a breakdown in relations with the Andrani, which could take both peoples to an unknown place. Adams asserts that they need to uphold their principles and that they can handle anything the Andrani might try. Shelby hopes he is right but again asserts that if they proceed, they would be as bad as he claims that the Federation Council is. Adams responds that she was 14, that there was nothing left to bury but skin and bones and asks if she can imagine such a thing. Shelby says she doesn't have to - she's seen worse. She tries again to empathize, telling Adams that things will get better. Adams retorts that her family is alive and well. He then leaves the lounge. Shelby then calls Aster and Ro to meet her in the geology lab.
"Data-Finding Mission"
Shelby meets Aster and Ro in the geology lab and asks them to determine the environmental effects that the Andrani could inflict on the Federation colony. Aster notes that anything they could do would also affect the Andrani. When Ro asks what Shelby has in mind, she notes that she has setup peace talks between the Federation and Andrani colonists, but wants to be ready for anything should they fail. Shelby then leaves them to their task.
Ro then apologizes for not giving Aster an answer earlier. Aster asks how he's supposed to respond to that and notes that Ro has feelings for him but had been avoiding every possibility to discuss the situation. Ro says that he wasn't sure he was comfortable in being in "that kind of relationship", being afraid of making a choice he might regret. Aster tells Ro that he can't show him the future. He also suggests that he shouldn't be influenced by other peoples' opinions. If Ro wants their relationship to work out, that's an understanding they will have to reach themselves. Aster then leaves the lab, opting to continue the work in his quarters.
Shortly thereafter, Counselor Elbrey enters the lab, claiming to be on a "data-finding mission" for a project she is working on. Elbrey asks if Ro is alright. Ro says that he's fine and asks why. Elbrey says that there's no reason why. She then asks him why he's so "bent on hurting Aster". Ro responds that he's not comfortable with "it" and not comfortable with Aster. Elbrey questions that last assertion, wondering whether it's Aster or how others will perceive Ro with him. She states that Ro has a "knack" for hurting himself more than he does for hurting Aster. She then offers her "professional opinion", suggesting that he figure out why. As she turns to leave, Ro asks if she needs to use the lab. Elbrey responds that her work in the lab is done and departs, leaving Ro to ponder her words.
Delicate Ecosystems and Sage Advice
Later, on Valuna IV, Shelby and Naros are walking in a courtyard after the talks she called had ended. Naros asks her if he should set up another meeting. Shelby declines the offer, suggesting that they need to find a way to impress upon both sides how delicate their ecosystem is and what might happen if they don't resolve their conflict peaceably. When Naros suggests that this might be "heavy handed", Shelby asks if there is any other way. Naros can't think of any. He opts to stay on the planet while Shelby beams back to the Excelsior.
A while later, Naros encounters the Andrani ambassador, Gev while walking. Naros admires the planet. Gev explains that on a clear day, they could see the mountaintops of the planet's southern continent, the "beacons" that led the Andrani people to their settlement. Naros asks if it was difficult for them to settle on Valuna IV, not knowing that their planet would later be annexed by the Federation. Gev then explains how ritual cannibalism became a part of their culture on the planet. Centuries prior, when the planet was first settled, it was critical to them to ingest the minerals found in the bodies of the deceased to protect them from bacteria found in the planet's water supply, found in swamps and stagnant pools present prior to the Federation's construction of the weather control station. When Naros questions why they still practice the ritual cannibalism since the planet's water is now clean, Gev notes that it is a deeply-rooted custom of their people and that the human ritual of burying their dead is equally offensive to them. He then wonders why the Federation colonists attack their way of life when the Andrani do not attack theirs. Naros notes that people grow up believing in one way of life and when they encounter another idea or way of life they don't understand, they tend to attack it. Naros then comments that this is a shortcoming of many species, one that the Federation is not proud of but is attempting to overcome. Gev nods in understanding.
Later, in Shelby's quarters, Naros asks to hold another meeting between the parties onboard the Excelsior to convince Governor Adams to release the Andrani. Shelby doesn't think that there is much point, as Adams has "suffered too much already". The Federation colonists are intent on standing their ground and forcing the Andrani to eliminate their custom. Naros notes that doing so is a violation of the Federation's principles. Shelby agrees and notes that a way of life is irreparably harmed either way, but sees no other way. Naros agrees. Shelby then orders Naros to setup the meeting for the following morning.
Later that evening, Shelby enters the bridge. After approaching her ready room she turns around and opts to go to the conference lounge instead. While looking out of the lounge's windows, Counselor Elbrey enters. Shelby remarks how beautiful Valuna IV is from orbit. She then asks Elbrey if there is anything on her mind, or if she always visits the lounge at late hours. Elbrey admits that while she likes Mr. Scott's company, she needed a bit of peace and quiet. She then asks Shelby permission to speak freely. Elbrey then tells Shelby that they shouldn't be attempting to "play God" on Valuna IV and that the colonists should be solving their own problems and not call upon the Federation every time they run into trouble. When Shelby reminds her that Valuna IV is a Federation colony, Elbrey reminds her why the colonists are there and asks her which is more important: a corpse and the rituals of their neighbors or what the colonists leave behind for history and their children? She then suggests that, rather than calling on Starfleet to solve their problems, they should have the courage and dignity to "make their own decisions, fight their own battles and make their own peace." Elbrey then apologizes for overstepping her bounds. Shelby is clearly touched by Elbrey's thoughts on the matter and thanks her.
Later, Aster visits Ro in his quarters while Ro is looking at a family album. Ro then pulls out a Bajoran earring to show Aster, noting that his grandmother had given it to him to give to his children. Aster is taken aback, not knowing that Ro had ever wanted children to honor his family. Ro then notes that he finds it increasingly difficult to answer that question. His whole life has been guided by design and he's never had to make a major decision on his own. He asks Aster how liberating that would be. Aster tells Ro that the decision is ultimately up to him. He also tells Ro that he will always be his friend. Aster then turns to leave and return to Engineering. Ro asks him to stay. Aster tells Ro "maybe some other time" and again, Ro is left to his thoughts.
Sending Messages
Shelby asks the same question of Governor Adams and Ambassador Gev that Counselor Elbrey had asked her earlier - "What's more important, a corpse and religious practices of their neighbors, or what they leave behind to history and their children?" She then agrees with them - their dispute is a local problem and leaves it to them to solve it. Adams agrees. Gev regrets the decision and suggests that the Andrani can and will deal with the situation in the only way they know how. Shelby then orders the Excelsior to prepare to beam them up. While waiting, Shelby asks Naros about the results of Aster and Ro's research into the effects of the dispute. Naros notes that death, famine, disease and the loss of everything they have fought for will occur because of their intolerance for each other. Shelby notes that it's not too late for them to avert these consequences. As it appears they are finally beginning to listen, they leave them to their own devices and beam out.
"Captain's Log, Stardate 56792.6: The leaders of Valuna IV have come to a tentative agreement, but they still have much to accomplish."
In Engineering, Lefler asks Aster to clean up some ODN conduits on Deck Six. Ro then arrives, asking Aster if he can guess what he has. Aster responds that Ro has more than he can handle. Ro laughs at this and then tells Aster that he has season tickets to a hoverball tournament at DS12. Aster asks if Ro is asking him out and that he has the work on the ODN conduits. When Ro asks if this is a "yes", Aster plays "hard to get" for a moment, saying he has a lot of work to do. He agrees to go with Ro.
Background Information
- This episode marks the introduction of Jorian Zen to the Hidden Frontier universe, initially as a member of Jenna McFarland's department who she sends as a potential date to Engineering for Corey Aster.
- This episode also marks the introduction of Alex Wozniak to the Hidden Frontier universe.
Memorable Quotes
- Aster: "I can't show you the future, Ro. Don't be influenced by other peoples' opinions. If you want this to work, we have to come to an understanding between ourselves."
- Elbrey: "Why are you so bent on hurting Aster?"
- Ro: "How many ways can I say this, Counselor? I'm not comfortable with it and I'm not comfortable with him."
- Elbrey: "With him? Or how you perceive others will think of you with him? You have a knack for hurting yourself, Ro, even more than you hurt Aster. If you want my professional opinion, I think you'd better figure out why." (turns to leave)
- Ro: "Don't you need to use the lab?"
- Elbrey: (looks around with a smile) "I'm done here. Thanks."
- Elbrey: "As much as I enjoy Mr. Scott's company, I need a little peace and quiet."
- Elbrey: "We shouldn't be playing God here. These people need to solve their own problems and not look to Big Brother to do their thinking for them."
- Shelby: "This is a Federation colony, Counselor."
- Elbrey: "These people chose to risk their family and their lives in the hopes of building a better future. What's more important? A corpse and the religious practice of their neighbors? Or what they leave behind to history and their children? What's more important? That they have the power and the might to call in the Federation whenever something happens that they don't like? Or that they have the courage and dignity to make their own decisions, fight their own battles and make their own peace?"
- (beat)
- Elbrey: "I'm sorry, Captain. I shouldn't have overstepped by bounds like that."
- Shelby: "Thank you, Myra."
- Ro: "You know something, lately, I've found it harder to answer that question. You know something? My whole life has been guided by design. I've never made a major decision on my own. You know how liberating that would be?"
- Aster: "Well, the decision's ultimately up to you. I'll always be your friend, Nevin. That's the only reason why I came. To tell you that."
- (beat)
- Aster: "I'd better get back to Engineering."
- Ro: "Corey...please stay."
- Ro: "Hey Corey, guess what I've got?"
- Aster: "More than you can handle?"
Production Notes
- Some of the music in this episode is derived from the Deep Impact soundtrack by James Horner.
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Santa Q" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Voyage of the Defiant" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Santa Q" | 2379 Stardate 56725.1 | Next Star Trek: Nemesis |
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 Luko | Terence Schoshinski |
| Counselor Myra Elbrey | Barbara Clifford |
| Ensign Ro Nevin | Arthur Bosserman |
| Ensign Jenna McFarland | Adrianne Lange |
| Ensign Andrew Barrett | Tyler Bosserman |
| GUEST CAST | |
|---|---|
| Ensign Corey Aster | J.T. Tepnapa |
| Governor Adams | Ryan Keating |
| Ambassador Gev | Glenn Barkan |
| Ensign Alex Wozniak | Sam Bacsa |
| Crewman Jorian Zen | Adam Browne |
| Transporter Chief Teb (uncredited) | Angela Hahn |
| Background Performers | Michael Hoff Barbara Clifford Jennifer Cole |
| CREW | |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Rob Caves |
| Assistant Director | Quinn Promarug |
| Microphone Boom Operators | Rob Caves Michael Hoff |
| Tape Operators | Jennifer Cole Adam Browne Sam Bacsa |
| Producers | Jennifer Cole Risha Denney Quinn Promarug |
| Support Services | James DeRuvo Adam Tindall |
| Costume, Makeup and Props | Barbara Clifford John Whiting |
| Story Consultant | Dan Crout |
| Technical Consultants | John Whiting Jonathan Foertsch |
| 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 |
