Crossroads
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 4.05 | |||||||||||||
| "Crossroads" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by Rob Caves and J.T. Tepnapa | |||||||||||||
| Story by Rob Caves | |||||||||||||
| Directed by J.T. Tepnapa | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
The Federation discovers suspicious fleet movements by the Tholians and believe it is a precursor to launching an attack to steal the Cardassian Tetrahedron. Attempting to warn the Cardassians and make preparations to join forces to stop it falls on deaf ears. The Federation decides to lay in wait outside of Cardassian space for the attack they are certain is coming.
Border Crossings
In a system near the Briar Patch, the USS Independence encounters four Tholian webspinners on a course that will send them into Federation space. On the Independence's bridge, Commodore Cole orders an intercept course. Commander Johns reports that their attempts to hail the vessels have not been successful. As Cole wonders aloud what the Tholians are up to, Johns reports that the sector they are about to enter is devoid of star systems, but it does offer a route to another sector of the Patch that is adjacent to Cardassian space. Biederman notes that crossing the Patch on that route would take years. Johns asks him if he has a better hypothesis - Biederman does not. Biederman then reports that the Tholians are about to enter Federation space. Cole orders that the Independence's weapons be armed and to fire a warning shot. The Independence fires a volley of quantum torpedoes and phasers.
Lieutenant Biederman then reports that the vessels are forming up, prompting Johns to suggest that the Tholians are feeling lucky. Cole tells Biederman to fire when ready. The Independence exchanges several rounds of weapons fire with the attacking Tholians. As the ship is buffeted, Biederman reports that the Tholians are targeting their engines. Cole orders that the attack continue, with a phaser hit eventually destroying one of the Webspinners. Johns then tells Cole that they may have a problem - a Tholian command carrier has entered the fray. Cole, realizing that the Independence is outgunned, orders the helm to fall back. The ship comes about and leaps to warp. Johns tells Biederman to keep a sensor lock on the Tholian ships for as long as possible, but he is not able to do so for long, as they are entering the Briar Patch. Johns asks Cole if they should pursue. She responds in the negative, wanting backup before taking on such a task force and postulating that the ships may already be gone. She is also convinced that nothing short of a full naval blockade will be able to stop the Tholians' incursion into Federation space. On that note, she orders Biederman to open a channel to Deep Space 12 so that she can give Commodore Knapp the news.
Current Events
Later, on Deep Space 12, Commodore Knapp discusses a recent report filed by Commander Naros. Knapp asks Naros if he believes that the Tholians are going after the Cardassian Tetrahedron by using the Briar Patch's subspace currents. Naros answers in the affirmative - that is their best guess. He also notes that if Siroc has told the Tholians about the currents, then their problems are just beginning. Knapp then asks if the Cardassians can hold on to their Tetrahedron. Naros doesn't believe this is the case - perhaps, before the Dominion War, but not now, not without serious help. Knapp asks Naros if he believes that they should offer that kind of assistance. Considering what is at stake, Naros believes that it might not be a bad idea. Knapp wonders what exactly is at stake, considering that no one has yet been able to unlock the power of the Tetrahedrons. Naros tells Knapp that there are certain things regarding this mystery that need to play out on their own - things he doesn't fully understand.
Knapp then recounts his conversation with Q the previous Christmas - that the Briar Patch is a riddle within itself, something important enough that the Q Continuum felt compelled to keep an eye on. Knapp asks Naros if any of this means anything. Naros mentions that fragments might, but that there is nothing he would care to stake his reputation on. Knapp changes the subject, asking how Captain Shelby is treating him. Naros tells him that she's an excellent captain. He admits that he had difficulty confiding in her initially, but that in doing so, he has gained her trust and respect, something she doesn't give away easily. Knapp concurs with this last assessment. Knapp then tells Naros that Admiral Nechayev has ordered the Excelsior to the Cardassian border. He will accompany Nechayev in negotiations with the Cardassians to attempt to convince them to permit Starfleet to assist moving their Tetrahedron to a secure location.
Evidence of Things Unseen
Later, with the Excelsior leading a task force towards the Cardassian border at warp, Commander Lefler, Lieutenant Aster and Ensign Zen meet in Main Engineering to discuss how they are going to tow the Cardassian Tetrahedron. Aster comments that they will be lucky to have three tugs to assist them this time - they'll mainly be working with standard tractor beams on ships like the Excelsior. Lefler notes that the biggest problem they have with towing something as large as a Tetrahedron is tractor beam surface area. The last time they towed a Tetrahedron, they had fifteen starships and only a short distance to travel. Zen notes that McFarland's thruster modifications should permit them to maneuver closer to the Tetrahedron, permitting them more power to work with. Lefler agrees and tells them that they should work on getting more power to the tractor beam emitters while she begins coordinating with the other ships in the task force. Aster then turns to Zen and suggests that they begin by looking at the impulse reactors on Deck 11.
Meanwhile, Admiral Nechayev and Commodore Knapp meet with Gul Malek aboard the Saratoga. Knapp asks Malek if there has been any response to their recent fleet movements. Malek is not aware of any, although Son'a forces have been gathered along their border since their last incident. Nechayev then tells Malek that Starfleet knows that they are in possession of a Tetrahedron and that they suspect that an outside force may attempt to take it from them in the near future. Malek suspects that it is the Son'a. Knapp counters, telling him that they suspect the Tholians. Malek is incredulous - the Tholians share no border with the Cardassian Union - it would take them a long journey through or around the Briar Patch to attempt an attack on their Tetrahedron. Knapp tells him that the Tholians may have found a means of traversing the Patch at warp velocities. Malek asks how they came across this evidence, but Nechayev tells him that they are not prepared to reveal that.
Nechayev then tells Malek that the point of their meeting is to offer Federation assistance in moving their Tetrahedron to a secure location. Malek laughs at this suggestion, suggesting that Nechayev and Knapp think the Cardassians are fools to think that they would let their most powerful asset "fall into the hands of the Federation". Nechayev asks him what the alternative is - the Tetrahedron in Tholian or Son'a hands? Malek tells them that they are able to defend what is theirs. He then ends the meeting. As Malek departs, Nechayev reminds him that should they change their minds, all they need do is call upon their Federation neighbors. Malek snorts at this reminder and departs the observation lounge. After Knapp comments that the meeting could have gone better, Nechayev tells him that they need to be prepared should the Tholians come and that he should see to it.
Later, Aster is helping Zen on Deck 11 when Aster comments that he never sees Zen in Ten Forward and wonders if he spends all of his time working. Zen replies that he often gets focused on his work and McFarland can be a bit of a perfectionist. Aster tells him that everyone needs a little "holodeck time" and then invites him to lunch with himself and Ensign Ro. Zen is reluctant with the mention of Ensign Ro, suggesting that they might want privacy. Aster figures out what Zen is getting at and tells him that things never worked out with Ro. Zen apologizes for his assumption. Aster continues, telling Zen that he and Ro are just friends - Ro can't figure out what he wants and he can only wait so long for someone to face their "inner demons". With a pang of regret, Aster tells Zen that he thinks they're both happy with where their relationship stands.
Zen tells Aster that is normal for Trills to be in a relationship with someone of the same sex, whereas Bajorans tend to be more narrow-minded when it comes to sexuality, as their culture is rooted in spirituality and family. But Zen understands what Ro is feeling - he can only be who he is. Aster tells Zen that he should never have pursued a relationship with Ro. Zen comments that Ro doesn't know what he's missing. Zen suddenly becomes flustered, suggesting that they finish up their work so they can report back. Aster, taking the initiative, suggests that they have a snack in Ten Forward, sans Ensign Ro. Zen, claiming a need to work on something else, quickly departs, leaving Aster to wonder what happened.
Disclosures
The Saratoga joins the Excelsior and her task force. In the observation lounge, Captain Shelby tells Admiral Nechayev, Commodore Knapp and Commander Naros that at their current distance, they may not be particularly effective against a Tholian strike - it may be over by the time they arrive. Commodore Knapp tells her that if they can't convince the Cardassians to grant them permission, their current position is as close as they can get without violating their space. Naros asks about a covert mission - a type of "early warning system". Nechayev is against this idea - if it were discovered, it would undermine the trust that the Federation has gained with the Cardassians.
Knapp then suggests that they not wait, but rather take a fleet into the currents and intercept the Tholians before they are able to strike. Naros asks him if Knapp is willing to disclose the existence of the currents to both their own crews and their allies and the potential ramifications of that act. Shelby suggests that a pre-emptive strike would simply weaken the Federation's position further. She then laments the fact that the current situation is more "cloak and dagger" as opposed to "direct conflict" - at least they would be able to pick sides. Nechayev tells them that Starfleet Command is currently unwilling to disclose the existence of the currents - it would be a "Pandora's Box" that could not be contained once opened. Naros suggests that the box has already been opened by Siroc. Shelby then suggests that Nechayev request another meeting with the Cardassians. Nechayev agrees, emphasizing that the task force remain at its current position for the time being.
Meanwhile, in one of the Excelsior's science labs, Zen walks in on Aster, providing him a report on the impulse regulators and telling him that he's reconsidered his offer. After complimenting him on his work, Aster asks what offer he's reconsidered. Zen reminds him about his offer about a snack in Ten Forward and apologizes about his earlier jitters - he's been attracted to Aster since he first met him in Engineering but he's been hesitant to say anything. Aster asks him if he's seeing anyone. Zen tells him that he's shied away from relationships, as he's lost too many people he's cared about. Aster says one thing in response - "Wolf 359". Zen asks him how he knew this. Aster can't say - he just sensed it. Zen remarks that was rather "Betazoid" of Aster. Aster then tells Zen that he lost his parents at Wolf 359. Zen tells Aster that he's always wanted to be in a relationship, but that he's not sure he can have one right now. When Aster asks why, Zen tells him that he is in the Trill Initiate Program. He doesn't want to risk hurting someone should he become joined some day. Aster asks why this might hurt. Zen responds that after joining, he might not be the same person and not have the same feelings for them. Aster tells him that there is risk in everything - sometimes you have to accept that possibility. Zen wishes that it were that simple. He reiterates what Aster had told him earlier - one can only spend so much time waiting for people to face their inner demons. Zen doesn't want to become another "Ensign Ro" to Aster. Aster responds that it is up to him who he waits for. The two then head off for Ten Forward.
The following day, Aster and Ro are in the Tom Corbett, Space Cadet holonovel, searching for their ship, which has apparently gone missing. Aster ribs Ro for looking at both the slave girls and boys, becoming distracted. Eventually Ro sits down and asks where Aster was the previous evening, as he had gone to his quarters late and he wasn't home. Aster told him about the previous evening at Ten Forward, prompting Ro to ask if he and Zen are dating. Aster accuses Ro of being jealous. Ro denies this, telling Aster that he's simply been busy lately. Aster says that they're not dating, as that would be awkward - he's never thought of Zen in that way before. He then asks why everyone (McFarland, Lefler, Elbrey) thinks he should be with Zen. Ro tells Aster that he doesn't have to wait for him anymore. When Aster presses Ro, he suggests that Aster might have feelings for Zen. Aster cannot deny this. Suddenly, Captain Shelby's voice is heard over the comm, taking the Excelsior to red alert. Both leave the holodeck, shutting down the program.
Entering the Fray
On the Excelsior's bridge, Ensign Barrett opens a channel from the Saratoga. Admiral Saratoga tells Captain Shelby that she believes that the Tholian attack against the Cardassians' Tetrahedron research station has commenced. She also tells her that they have yet to secure Cardassian permission to cross the border, but that the task force should begin to move towards that location should they request assistance. Shelby acknowledges the order and closes the channel. She then orders Ensign Zen to set a course to the station at best possible speed.
Back on the Saratoga, Admiral Nechayev talks to Gul Malek. Malek tells her he would ask for Federation assistance but that many Cardassians feel that the Federation is involved with the Tholian attacks. She asks him if he would have Starfleet sit idly by while the Tholians attack their station. Malek tells her that there is nothing he can do - he cannot guarantee their safety should Federation forces cross their border. Nechayev remarks that the Cardassians cannot even guarantee the safety of their own ships. She then tells Malek that, in order to secure galactic peace, the Federation will take whatever actions are necessary to prevent the Tetrahedrons from falling into Tholian hands. She then closes the channel and orders Commodore Knapp to set course to rendezvous with the Excelsior's task force.
Meanwhile, the Excelsior's task force has reached the Cardassian research station, entering the fray of a battle where the Tholians have a clear advantage over the Cardassian forces present. Lieutenant McCabe reports that the Tholian command carrier is preparing to tractor the Tetrahedron. Shelby orders the left flank of the task force to engage the carrier while the remainder of the group attempts to split up the attacking Tholian forces.
As the task force begins to engage the attacking Tholians, Shelby calls down to Engineering, asking Lefler the status of the tractor beams. Lefler reports that the thruster alignment have been completed, but that they are attempting to increase the tractor beam surface area. Shelby gives her ten minutes to complete the work. Lefler quotes Lefler's Law #32 - "Keep a cool head under pressure." Zen suggests that tying the tractor beam field emitters into the structural integrity fields might permit them to use a small number of capital ships as tugs. Lefler initially frowns upon this idea, as it would be dangerous - if one ship lost its lock, they could lose everything. Aster tells her that it will work, as he did something similar while serving on the Olympus but that it would need to be highly coordinated. Lefler agrees to the plan and leaves Engineering, going to the bridge to coordinate. Ensign Ro then appears, offering his assistance. Aster tells him to pull up the specifications of the USS Challenger, as they'll need their main tractor beam emitter to assist in towing the Tetrahedron.
The Tholians destroy the Cardassians' research station, leaving the Tetrahedron untethered. The bridge shudders, but McCabe reports that the Excelsior's shields are holding. He also reports that the Tholians are regrouping. Shelby tells Barrett to signal the Cardassians - they can help them tow the Tetrahedron or not, but if they fire upon the task force, she will respond in kind. Naros then reports that the Saratoga has entered the fray, having taken out a Tholian webspinner. Lefler then reports that the tractor beams are synchronized and ready - she can control them all from the Engineering console on the bridge. Shelby tells her to lock onto the Tetrahedron. The Excelsior, Challenger and a Nebula-class starship engage their tractor beams, beginning to tow the Tetrahedron. Shelby orders a course for Federation space at full impulse. McCabe reports that the Cardassians are flanking them, helping to ease pressure on them.
The bridge shudders again under weapons fire. Aster calls from Engineering, telling Lefler that they need to divert additional power for the structural integrity field. Lefler tells them to divert power from the main plasma relays for the time being, as they won't be engaging the warp drive immediately. She emphasizes the need to keep the ship's weapons online. After closing the channel, Aster tells Zen to stabilize the port-side tractor emitter. Ro suggests that they send a damage control team to make sure it isn't a hardwire problem. Aster agrees and sees to it.
Barrett reports that the Excelsior is five minutes from open space, prompting Shelby to order the ship's weapons readied - she doesn't want anything to get through. Lefler begins to prepare the three ships for a warp tow. Shelby contacts Admiral Nechayev aboard the Saratoga, asking for her orders. Nechayev tells her that the task force should set a course for Starbase 373 - the Seventh Fleet will rendezvous with them there. Shelby orders Zen to transfer helm control to the Engineering console in preparation for the jump to warp. Lefler tells them to standby.
Every Man For Himself
Suddenly, McCabe reports that the Cardassians are coming about. Shelby tells the crew to brace for impact. The Cardassians fire on the task force, taking out the Challenger's tractor beam and sending it out of formation. The Excelsior is buffeted by weapons fire. McCabe reports that shields are down to 22%. Lefler reports that while the tractor beam is holding, they lost the Challenger's emitter - they can no longer perform a warp tow. Shelby tells her to shut down the tractor beams so that they can save their power for another attempt. As Shelby orders evasive maneuvers, Naros points out that the Cardassians appear to be getting into a formation to attempt a tow of the Tetrahedron themselves.
McCabe then reports that the Tholians have regrouped. As the Excelsior is buffeted by Tholian fire, McCabe reports that the Tholian command cruiser is moving into position to tow the Tetrahedron. Shelby orders an intercept course and to target the carrier's weapons. The Excelsior takes more weapons fire, causing consoles to explode on the bridge. McCabe reports that their shields are beginning to buckle. Shelby opens a channel to Admiral Nechayev, suggesting that they regroup their forces. Nechayev's response is cut off mid-transmission as the Saratoga's communications array is hit. Suddenly, to the dismay of all on the bridge, the Tholian command carrier engages a tractor web, capturing the Tetrahedron, and leaps into a subspace current. Lefler begins to suggest remodulating the shields of the remaining ships to enter the currents but Shelby cuts her off mid-sentence - it would take too much time. McCabe reports that the remaining Tholian and Caradassian ships are still engaged in combat. Shelby orders the task force to return to Federation space at best possible speed.
New Directions
The Excelsior returns to Deep Space 12. Later, in Admiral Nechayev's office, Nechayev tells Captain Shelby that she did the right thing. The task force was in no shape to continue fighting in unfamiliar territory. Additionally, entering the currents would have only solidified the Cardassians' suspicions about their assisting the Tholians. Starfleet will wait to fight another day. Captain Shelby then notes that the Cardassians have been beaten badly and humiliated - she wonders whether they're "out of the picture". Nechayev suggests that the Cardassians not be counted completely out, but that they are no longer a key player. She then tells Shelby that when the time is right, they will use the currents whether Commander Naros agrees or not. Captain Shelby tries to reassure the Admiral that they're all on the same team. Nechayev tells her that she's glad to hear this.
Later, Zen enters a turbolift containing Aster. Aster asks if McFarland had assigned Zen to Engineering again. Zen tells him that Aster he guessed correctly. Aster says that he should thank her. Zen tells Aster that he understands he could use help with repairs. Aster thanks him. Then he recounts their previous discussion about the possibility that Zen could someday be joined. Aster tells Zen that if he went away some day, he'd wait for him, even if he'd come back a different person. He then asks Zen if he'd take the same risk with him. Zen doesn't know what to say. Aster moves closer and gives Zen a kiss, telling Zen that he should say he'll have dinner with him. Zen accepts the offer as the turbolift comes to a stop and they both exit.
Background Information
- While mentioned, Jenna McFarland is not seen in this episode. This is one of several references to the character after Adrianne Lange's departure from Star Trek: Hidden Frontier after its third season but before the role was re-cast in the show's seventh season. This establishes that she was still on-board the Excelsior as a Flight Control Officer in this timeframe.
- This episode establishes the relationship between Corey Aster and Jorian Zen which will continue through the balance of Star Trek: Hidden Frontier and into Star Trek: The Helena Chronicles.
Memorable Quotes
- Aster: "Ro and I are just friends. What we tried for...well, let's just say he can't figure out what he wants and I can only spend so much of my time waiting for someone to face their inner demons. I think we're both happy with our friendship."
- Zen: "It's pretty normal for Trills to be with others of the same sex. Bajorans tend to be more narrow-minded where sexuality is involved. Their culture is deeply rooted in religion and family. But I can understand what Ro is feeling. He can only be who he is."
- Aster: "I should have pursued a relationship with him."
- Zen: "Ensign Ro doesn't know what he's missing."
- Shelby: "Sometimes I wish things more were a little less cloak and dagger and a little more direct conflict. At least we'd be able to pick sides."
- Zen: "I've kinda shied shy away from relationships. I've lost too many people I've cared about."
- Aster: "Wolf 359."
- Zen: "How'd you know?"
- Aster: "I don't know. I just sensed it."
- Zen: "That's a bit Betazoid of you."
- Aster: "There are risks in everything. Sometimes you have to accept the possibility of pain in our lives. Nothing tried, nothing gained."
- Zen: "I wish it was that simple. I think you deserve better. Like you said, you can only spend so much of your life waiting for someone to face their inner demons. I don't want to be another Ensign Ro."
- Ro: "I swear this is where we parked."
- Aster: "Well, if you weren't so busy flirting with the local slave girls, you might have noticed where we were going."
- Ro: "Yeah, I think you're just jealous there weren't any slave boys."
- Aster: "Oh yes there were. And I saw you looking at them too."
- Ro: "Very funny, Corey."
- Ro: "Well, you don't have to wait for me any more."
- Aster: "Wait. What is it Ro?"
- Ro: "Nothing, Corey. I was surprised. Seems like you have feelings for him.
- Aster: "I don't know, Nevin. I guess I might."
- Aster: "McFarland assign you to Engineering again?"
- Zen: "You guessed it."
- Aster: "Well, I'll have to thank her."
- Zen: "I understand you could use some help with the repairs."
- Aster: "Thanks." (long beat) "I've been thinking a lot about what you said. About being joined some day. If you went away, I'd wait for you. I'd take the risk that you'd come back a different person. If you take that same risk with me."
- Zen: "Corey, I don't know what to say."
- Aster: (kisses Jorian) "Say you'll have dinner with me."
Production Notes
- Michael Hoff's character, Lieutenant Biederman, was credited in this episode as "Lt. Bitterman."
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Grave Matters" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Entanglement, Part 1" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Grave Matters" | 2380 Stardate 57xxx | Next "Entanglement, Part 1" |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Ensign Jorian Zen | Adam Browne |
| Admiral Alynna Nechayev | Reneé Huberstock |
| Gul Malek | Travis Sentell |
| Commodore Jennifer Cole | Jennifer Cole |
| Commander Joseph Johns | Mike Johns |
| Lieutenant Biederman | Michael Hoff |
| Background Performers | Dan Garnreiter Rob Caves Sam Bacsa Adam Tindall Quinn Promarug Robert O'Geen Tim Bland |
