Darkest Night
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 5.03 | |||||||||||||
| "Darkest Night" | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
| Audio Play/Teleplay by Matthew Burkey and Carlos Pedraza | |||||||||||||
| Story by Matthew Burkey | |||||||||||||
| Directed by J.T. Tepnapa | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
The Federation considers using Centris III as a listening post. The planet is believed to be uninhabited and offers a perfect chance for some well-deserved shore leave. "The Camping Trip Mission" begins and Barrett, Ro and Aster get more than they bargained for. The camping trip becomes a life and death battle for one of the team.
"The Camping Trip Mission"
"Captain's Log, Stardate 58312.6: We've arrived at Centris III, an unihabited world that may serve the Federation as a listening post. On the advice of Dr. Henglaar, I've authorized two days of shore leave."
Ensigns Ro and Barrett join Lieutenant Aster in Engineering. Aster remarks that he knows their look - they're up to something. Barrett tells Aster that Ro (i.e. "Ensign Workaholic") cannot just take shore leave like everyone else. He managed to convince Captain Shelby to allow him to explore some ruins that he charted from orbit. Barrett then invites Aster on "The Camping Trip Mission". Aster tells them that he and Ensign Zen were already making plans. Undeterred, Barrett suggests bringing him along. Aster asks Ro if that would be okay - Ro agrees that it would be. Aster then admits that he was never much of a camper. Barrett suggests that it would be a growth experience. He then informs Aster that Lieutenant McCabe will be running security drills around the clock - something Aster is not fond of. Ro tells him that it will be fun - all of them in the great outdoors.
Later, in Ten Forward, Zen is less than enthused at the idea. Zen tells Aster that he wants to be friends with Ro, but an overnight camping trip on an alien planet is not his idea of the ideal circumstance. Aster points out that he already said yes, thinking that Zen would like the idea. He also points out that they would have the survey work to distract them. Zen notes that camping is not his strong suit and suggests that Aster go on the trip without him. He also promises that he'll find time to become better friends with Ro. Aster tells Zen that he is amazing and promises to make it up to him. He then leaves Ten Forward, leaving Zen to think quietly with his beverage.
Sleeping Like A Baby
Captain Shelby is in her ready room when Commander Naros stops by to deliver the last of the shore leave assignments. Naros raises a concern about Aster, Ro and Barrett going down to the planet's surface. He notes that while the planet is uninhabited, it may not be safe. Shelby points out that their scans didn't show anything dangerous present and Ro was very interested in exploring the ruins they detected. Shelby then changes tack, asking Naros if there's something about Centris III that troubles him. Naros just stands there, mute.
Down on the planet, Barrett is struggling to build a campfire without technological assistance. He begs Ro to let him use his phaser, but Ro refuses - Barrett lost a bet. Aster ponts out that Ro caught two fish and Barrett caught one - he suggests it might be easier to replicate some food, or at least some field rations. Ro tells him that then he'd be missing out on all the fun. Aster admits that he prefers this experience. Ro asks why Zen didn't come along. Aster asks him if he would believe that Zen doesn't like to camp, but Ro doesn't accept this explanation. Aster, turning more serious, tells Ro that Zen is still nervous around him. As Ro begins to attempt to figure why this might be, their conversation is interrupted - Barrett has successfully lit his fire. His exclamations of success quickly turn into screams for help as his jumping around the campfire cause his trousers to catch flame. Ro quickly moves to put Barrett out.
Later that night, Aster and Barrett are kept awake by Ro's loud snoring. Both restless, Aster suggests that no humanoid can snore like this. Barrett suggests ignoring it, but Aster tells him that would be like trying to ignore a warp core breach. Barrett's suggestion of taping Ro's mouth shut is met by Ro snoring louder.
Meanwhile, on the Excelsior, Zen meets with Ensign Wozniak in Ten Forward. Wozniak asked Zen if he encouraged Aster to go down to the planet. Zen tells him that he obviously wanted to. He also didn't want Aster to think he was jealous of Ro. Wozniak points out that he is jealous of Ro. Zen suggests that isn't the point - he didn't want to look like a "putz" on the camping trip. Wozniak, not buying this excuse, dispenses some blunt love advice - Aster wanted him to go, he should have.
The following morning, Aster, Ro and Barrett are walking, Ro leading the way scanning with his tricorder. Aster complains of being tired, prompting Ro to tell them that he "slept like a baby". Aster tells him that he didn't sleep like a baby - Ro kept Barrett and Aster up for half the night with his snoring. Ro tells them he doesn't snore. Barrett sarcastically suggests that he just breathes heavy. Ro turns and starts jogging, ending the ribbing on the subject.
Grey Clouds on the Horizon
Ro comes to a stop near a large metal object, motioning Aster and Barrett to join him. Aster tells them that it appears to be hyloditrixium, a substance that, at long range, acts like a natural deflector. Sensors, electromagnetic energy, even gravity waves are affected. Only short-range scans work near it. Barrett wonders what the ruins were and who built them.
On the Excelsior's bridge, Lieutenant McCabe reports that a Grey warship has folded into the system and will intercept them in two minutes. Shelby takes the ship to battlestations. McCabe then reports that he cannot raise the away team, noting that they are in an area with an unusually high mineral concentration, scattering both sensors and communications. He also reports that a transporter lock is impossible. Naros suggests that sending a shuttlecraft would be inadvisable with the Grey closing in on them. Shelby, intending to divert their attention from the planet. The Excelsior breaks orbit, taking several shots from the Grey warship. Shelby orders evasive action and for McCabe to fire all weapons. The Excelsior fires a volley of quantum torpedoes, damaging the bow of the approaching warship.
Back on Centris III, the away team comes under fire. As they exchange phaser fire, Barrett reports that he is unable to contact the Excelsior. As they get under cover, Aster reports four Grey lifesigns along with an approaching electromagnetic storm. Barrett suggests that he move to a nearby boulder to help establish a crossfire. Aster tells Barrett to be careful, but Barrett responds to not worry about him. As Ro takes out a Grey soldier, Barrett makes his move, but is shot by another before he is able to get under cover, falling to the ground. Ro calls out to Barrett. He and Aster begin moving to his location, taking out the remainder of their attackers in the process.
Aster scans Barrett with his tricorder, telling him that he is trying to get a clear reading of his wound. Barrett jokingly responds that it hurts while Ro gives him an injection from a hypospray for the pain. Aster tells Ro that it doesn't look good - he has severe internal bleeding. All they can do is get him to shelter. Ro tells Barrett that they need to move him. Barrett resists, telling them that they'd be better off if they left him behind. Ro, ignoring this suggestion, tells Aster to help him. They pick him up and begin to move off.
Damage Reports
The Excelsior has returned to orbit above Centris III. Shelby asks McCabe if they have been able to cut through the interference from the mineral desposits. McCabe responds in the negative, noting that short-range sensors are currently offline. Naros echoes this, noting that short-range sensors and transporters are both offline and their shields are down to 45%. McCabe, adding to the bad news, notes that the away team's situation isn't likely to improve either, owing to an electromagnetic storm approaching their position.
Meanwhile, Ro and Aster have managed to move Barrett into a cave. Aster, scanning Barrett again, notes that the wound is not closing. He tells Ro to apply pressure to the wound while he applies the dermal regenerator again. Ro's application of a bandage causes Barrett to yelp in pain. Aster, performing a scan, tells them that he's picking up some unexpected energy signatures further down the cave. Ro agrees to stay while Aster checks the phenomenon out.
In her ready room, Shelby asks Naros if there is any sign if the Grey warship will return. Naros doesn't think so, but he wonders why the Grey attacked them. Shelby suggests that there is something they want on Centris III. She tells him to check the sensor logs to see if anything is apparent. She then asks about sending a shuttlecraft to retrieve the away team. Naros wouldn't risk it, owing to the electromagnetic storm - the shuttle would be as blind as they are. The storm could last another five to six hours. Wanting options, Shelby tells Naros that they need to get to work on this.
Perfect Timing and a Working Hypothesis
Aster returns from his exploration, telling Ro that he found a chamber, but the entrance is blocked by a boulder that he cannot move himself. Ro tells Aster that he cannot leave Barrett - he needs to be monitored. Aster then tells Ro that he is detecting major energy readings concentrated in that chamber. Even through the scanner interference, he's convinced there is a link between this and the electromagnetic storm on the surface. Ro repeats that he cannot leave Barrett.
Zen suddenly appears and tells them that it appears they have a problem. Aster is pleased to see him. Zen explains that he decided to take him up on the camping invitation, beamed down, but lost contact with the Excelsior shortly thereafter. He then tracked them down. Ro makes a comment about Zen's tracking abilities, to which Zen retorts that it was pretty obvious where the away team was headed. Aster tells Zen that his timing is perfect, as they need to investigate the energy reading while taking care of Barrett's injuries. Ro comments that as Science Officer, he should go with Aster. Zen takes over Barrett's care while Ro and Aster return to the chamber. After a while, they come upon an odd-shaped device that Ro notes has a similar composition to the tetrahedrons, but that this one is decaying. Aster points out that it is broadcasting some sort of signal. Ro wonders who the signal might be going to.
Meanwhile, on the Excelsior, Naros enters Shelby's ready room, reporting that the electromagnetic storm should dissipate within four hours. He also reports the "good news" that the Grey show no signs of returning. Shelby tells him that they need to expect their return and in full force. Naros nods in agreement
Ro and Aster meet up with Zen. Going over the scans of the device, Aster determines that the signals appear to be aimed at a low orbit, likely to a network of cloaked satellites. Zen notes that the satellites would need to be cloaked; otherwise, they would have detected them upon the Excelsior entering orbit. Ro has a moment of inspiration. He hypothesizes that the ruins they were investigating were the remains of a military base. They satellites and electromagnetic storm could be part of an elaborate defense mechanism. Aster notes that the storm did appear out of nowhere and they are just a few meters from the ruins. He wonders how they tripped the satellites. Ro suggests that the security system might have been activated when they entered the ruins.
Aster asks what such a system might protect. Ro reminds Aster that he noted that they were surrounded by gravity-wave enhancing materials. He postulates that the artifact they located might use gravity as a weapon, much like the tetrahedrons. Aster notes that the Grey didn't want them to find the artifact. Ro asks if they can destroy it. Aster responds in the negative - they would need a few torpedoes. Aster then notes that they might be able to use the artifact to shut down the storm, possibly by using their tricorders to establish a control interface. Ro suggests that they get back to the artifact. Barrett then calls out to Ro, asking him not to leave. Zen volunteers to go with Aster, as this is an engineering problem to be solved. Ro agrees to stay behind and tells them to be careful. Aster reminds Ro to keep Barrett awake and talking.
"All These Stories...."
Barrett tells Ro that this isn't how he pictured dying. Ro tells him that he is not going to die - he still has too many women to charm. Barrett reminds him of the time he "charmed" Laura at Starfleet Academy. Ro reminds him of her cousin as well, and about a particular time at a bar in San Francisco....
Flashing back to their Academy days, both Ro and Barrett are eyeing an attractive woman at the bar, talking to someone in a Starfleet uniform. Ro tells Barrett that she is out of his league. Barrett comments that she appears both urbane and attractive. Ro agrees, then notes that these would be reasons that she wouldn't go out with him. Barrett comments about Ro's lack of faith in him. Ro suggests that Barrett getting a date with her would be like getting a Vulcan to laugh - theoretically possible, but not likely. Barrett tells Ro that sounds like a challenge and bets him that he can get her to go out on a date with him. Ro accepts the bet and asks what the stakes are. Barrett suggests that if he wins, Ro must do his homework for a week - if he loses, he'll do the same for Ro. Ro suggests that this last term is actually a threat. Barrett then promises to take Ro to Risa for an entire week, all expenses paid. Ro accepts as Barrett moves over to the bar. He orders a drink, then strikes up a conversation with the Trill woman, interrupting her previous chat. After a few moments, Barrett leaves with her on his arm. Ro is obviously surprised.
Back in the cave, Barrett tells Ro that he welched on that bet. Ro reminds him that he never really won it. Back in San Francisco....
Barrett, stark naked, appears in front of Ro's window at Starfleet Academy. Barrett manages to wake Ro. Ro asks what he's doing there naked. Barrett tells him to keep it quiet, then explains that Laura is the cousin of Samantha, who he broke up with three months prior. Samantha told Laura stories about that time and while he and Laura were making out, she ran off with his clothes. Ro jokes about Barrett keeping his most important part covered. Barrett asks Ro to let him in - he can't afford to have people, like Red Squad see him like this, as they would never let him live it down. Ro agrees, but tells him that the bet is off. Barrett, under obvious duress, agrees.
Back in the cave, Barrett notes that Ro reminded him of this incident for a year afterwards. Barrett begins coughing, prompting Ro to scan him with his tricorder. Barrett tells him that he doesn't want to die. Ro tells him that he will get him out of there. Barrett tells Ro not to lie to him - he knows the signs of shock and knows he's experiencing them all. Ro tells him to stay awake, but it is no use - Barrett loses consciousness.
Aster and Zen return, asking what is wrong. Ro tells them that he fell into a coma. Aster tells them that they might be able to get them out soon. They were able to setup a crude control interface using the orbiting satellites. The artifact's controls iare too complex to dissipate the storm or decloak the satellites, but they were able to piggyback a Starfleet communications signal that would permit the Excelsior to locate them. Zen tells them that Barrett is fading fast. Ro tells them that he promised he'd get Barrett out of there. Just then, they are beamed out of the cave.
Fumbling Around in the Dark
Shortly thereafter, aboard the Excelsior, Shelby, Naros and McCabe are briefed by Aster and Ro. Shelby asks how Barrett is doing. Ro responds that he is still in emergency surgery. Aster tells Shelby that they believe what the Grey were doing on the planet. Shelby welcomes a theory, as they have been "fumbling around in the dark" while in orbit. Aster tells them that the artifact is made of the same materials as the tetrahedrons and it works in concert with cloaked satellites. Ro continues, telling them that the hyloditrixium surrounding the artifact amplifies gravity waves like a parabolic dish. He suggests that it was responsible for both the electromagnetic storm they encountered and that it could fire gravity waves. When Shelby asks how big a gravity wave it could produce, Aster notes that would be large enough to wipe out the installation above it, as well as depolarize any electrical signatures. McCabe suggests this is why the Grey would be interested. Shelby takes the suggestion further, postulating that the Grey were sent to remove the artifact. Now that Starfleet is exploring the Briar Patch, the Grey are "cleaning house".
Shelby then asks if they could move the artifact. Ro tells them that would require an extensive excavation that would likely trigger another electromagnetic storm. Naros suggests destroying it, keeping it out of the hands of the Grey. Aster points out that the structure of the artifact is significantly weaker than that of a tetrahedron - a few well-placed torpedoes should be sufficient to destroy it. Shelby agrees to this plan. Shortly thereafter, the Excelsior launches torpedoes at the artifact's location, completely destroying it.
Later, in sickbay, Barrett wakes up with Ro sitting in a chair next to him. Barrett wakes Ro up, who then welcomes him back to the "land of the living." Barrett askes how long Ro has been with him in sickbay. Ro responds that he has been there for five hours - it took the doctor three hours to complete the surgery. Barrett says he didn't know Ro cared that much. Ro responds that he is not good about showing his feelings - something Counselor Elbrey pointed out to him a while ago. Barrett thanks Ro for not leaving him alone down on the planet. Barrett goes back to sleep as Ro departs sickbay, knowing his friend is on the mend.
Background Information
 |
This section of the article may require cleanup to meet Hidden Frontier Production's quality standards. Discuss. Please improve this article using the edit function if you can. Reason: Need background information. |
Memorable Quotes
- Aster: "No humanoid can snore like that."
- Barrett: "Just try to ignore it, I guess."
- Aster: "It's like trying to ignore a warp core breach."
- Barrett: "Hey, maybe we could tape his mouth shut."
- Wozniak (to Zen): "Aster wanted you to go. You should have."
- Ro: "I slept like a baby."
- Aster: "You didn't breathe like a baby. You kept Barrett and me up half the night with your snoring."
- Ro: "I don't snore."
- Barrett: "Oh, then you just breathe heavy."
- Aster: "It looks like hyloditrixium."
- Barrett: "Hylo-di-what?"
- Barrett: "What's up, doc?"
- Aster: "Hold still, Andy. I'm trying to get a clear reading of your wound, okay?"
- Barrett: "Here's a clear reading: It hurts."
- Ro: "Well, you getting a date with her is like getting a Vulcan to laugh out loud. Theoretically possible but not easily done."
- Barrett: "That sounds like a challenge. I bet you I can get her to go out on a date with me."
- Ro: "I'll take that bet. What are the stakes?"
- Barrett: "If she goes out with me, you gotta do my homework for an entire week. And if I lose, I'll do yours."
- Ro: "That sounds like a threat."
- Ro (to Barrett): "Well, at least you managed to keep the most important part covered."
Production Notes
- The music for this episode was primarily derived from the Star Trek: Generations soundtrack composed by Dennis McCarthy.
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Imminent Danger" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Security Counsel" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Imminent Danger" | 2381 Stardate 58312.6 | Next "Security Counsel" |
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 |
| Ensign Alex Wozniak | Sam Bacsa |
| Laura | Lelamarie Kelly |
| Grey Soldiers | Ariana Bradbury Dave Mason |
| Background Performers | Peter Elder Brandon Ishkandar "Dr. Henglaar as Himself" |
| CREW | |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Rob Caves |
| First Assistant Directors | John Whiting Adam Browne |
| Second Assistant Director | Brandon Ishkandar |
| Tape Operators | Brandon Ishkandar Peter Elder |
| Boom Operators | Peter Elder Jennifer Cole John Whiting |
| Costumes | Adam Browne Barbara Clifford J.T. Tepnapa |
| Props | Bart Gold |
| Cave Interior Animation | David Berry |
| Support Services | Adam Tindall Ricky Boone Sam Bacsa Karl Puder |
| CGI Artist | Rob Caves with Lightwave 3D® |
| CGI Model Makers | Rob Caves SciFi-Art Eric Peterson Gerard Dolan Sarod Ralph Schoberth Ed Giddings Anscension |
| Additional CGI Models | Fabio Presario Joe McMullen Mark Kane Kier Darby David Berry Sean Robertson |
| Craft Services | Betty Bainton Jennifer Cole |
