Encke
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode | |
| "Encke" | |
| |
| Episode no. | 2.05 |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 2 |
| Release Date | 2002 |
| Writer(s) | Rob Caves |
| Story Elements by | Rob Caves and J.T. Tepnapa |
| Director | Risha Denney |
| Year | 2378 |
| Stardate | 55493.7 |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous | |
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
Investigating the destruction of the terraforming vessel Encke in orbit of a planet in the Osiris system, the Excelsior takes aboard Mission Specialist Corey Aster, an old Academy classmate of Ro and Rawlins. Ro is made uncomfortable when he realises Aster still has feelings for him that he demonstrated while at the Academy, but the two are soon working together to identify what really happened to the Encke.
Roller-Coaster to Disaster
"Stardate 55493.7. Terraforming vessel SS Encke log, J.T. Edwards, commanding officer. We have arrived in orbit over Osiris III to begin terraforming. Due to our close proximity to the Briar Patch, we're on alert for signs of Grey activity."
As the Encke settles into orbit over Osiris III, Captain Edwards orders a high orbit. Serilla requests permission to run scans for a suitable base camp site for the ship's geology team. The Captain agrees and she commences an isolytic scan. Immediately, the helmsman reports abnormally high tachyon readings which appeared when Serilla commenced her scan. The captain asks Serilla whether there was any indication of solar flare activity - there is none. Edwards orders the ship to yellow alert and for a scan for any nearby vessels. Again, nothing - just the Encke and Osiris III. Suddenly, the ship begins to shake. It starts a headlong descent towards the planet, her shields heating up in Osiris' atmosphere, primary systems and helm control offline, inertial dampers and structural integrity under critical strain. The crew are able to pull the ship back out of the atmosphere at the last minute when her backup systems come online. The Captain orders a high orbit. Serilla reports that they have structural damage, their main systems are still offline and that there are no ships in the area. Almost immediately, the ship begins shaking again and the lights go out on the bridge. The Encke begins another dive towards the planet's surface, this time breaking up en route.
New Faces
"Captain's Log, Stardate 55529.8. We've rendezvoused with the starship Olympus on our way to the Osiris system to investigate the disappearance of a Federation terraform ship. We've taken aboard a mission specialist for the duration."
Commander Shelby enters Knapp's ready room and introduces Ensign Corey Aster. Knapp welcomes Aster aboard. He then notes that the Encke's situation doesn't look good, as long range scans have detected debris in orbit of Osiris III. Shelby expresses hope that they'll be able to locate the ship's flight data recorder to help piece the puzzle together. Aster notes that the Encke was not designed for atmospheric entry - if she'd gotten too close, the stress might have torn her apart. According to Shelby, there were no ships in the area - if the Encke had been attacked, her attacker has long since left. Knapp doesn't want to rule anything out. He orders Aster to work with Ensign Ro to recover and analyze the data recorder, as it could be a critical component of their investigation. Aster departs. Knapp asks Shelby what their ETA is - it is five days and ten hours, Shelby noting that it's "a long way from Federation space for a civilian vessel." Knapp agrees, but explains that Starfleet's strategy to secure the Briar Patch is to colonize and place outposts in the sectors surrounding it. Shelby suggests that Starfleet begin defending them. Knapp reminds Shelby that they don't know what happened to the Encke and that as far as they know, Sector 431 isn't inhabited at all.
Later, in sickbay, Doctor Anderson comments on Doctor Henglaar's change of appearance - his nose is now pointed downward. Henglaar blows up at her, asking her if he comments on every change in her appearance. Cutting her off, he notes that he does not and asks her to show him the same courtesy. He then storms off to his office. Anderson notes that she didn't need to be a Betazoid to tell that he was embarrassed about something, but she isn't sure what it might be. Counselor Elbrey tells her that she would likely have found out eventually, as he can't hide it any more - Henglaar suffers from a rare disorder and is a "late bloomer" for a Tellarite - he's just now entered puberty. She then notes that it couldn't have come at a worst time - the last day of his leave on Risa.
On a turbolift, Ensigns Ro and Rawlins are chatting about Rawlins' new girlfriend, Lana who's part-Tarlac and part-Son'a. Rawlins notes that it's "very cultural" when he's at her place. Ro then asks why they're going to sickbay. Rawlins lifts his uniform tunic and shirt to show a discolored patch of skin on his abdomen. He asks Ro what he thinks it is - Ro thinks it is a rash. Rawlins wonders if he got it from Lana, a suggestion to which Ro disagrees, calling it xenophobic. After some additional disagreement over the rash and whether they should actually go to sickbay, they exit the turbolift. In sickbay, Henglaar tells Rawlins that he'll live - it's just a standard opportunistic infection. Henglaar gives him a hypospray and tells him that it should clear up in a few days...if he's lucky. He also suggests that Rawlins follow the interspecies mating guidelines more closely next time. Ro and Rawlins then leave sickbay.
Just outside of sickbay, the two encounter Ensign Aster. Aster introduces himself to Ro, asking if he remembers him from the Academy. Ro seems not to remember Aster despite their having had a few classes together. Aster then tells Ro that they've been assigned to work on the Encke's data recorder. Ro hopes that it wasn't vaporized with the rest of the ship.
Investigations
The Excelsior enters the Osiris system and approaches its third planet. Rawlins announces that he's completed scanning the debris - it's definitely the Encke. Aster appears puzzled, noting that if the ship had broken up during an atmospheric entry, there shouldn't be any debris. Lieutenant Luko then reports that he's detected the ship's data recorder in the debris field - it appears to be relatively intact. Knapp orders it beamed directly to the science lab and for Ro and Aster to get to work. As they depart, Luko notes that there's no sign of weapons damage on any of the debris, suggesting that if this was an attack, it was an unconventional one. Shelby asks if it could have been a terrorist incident, something from inside the vessel. Luko notes that this would have left telltale on the debris, something he's not detecting. Knapp orders Luko to have Engineering work with him to catalog the wreckage.
Later, in the science lab, Ro and Aster look at a reconstruction of the Encke's final moments. Aster wonders if this could have been a suicide, a suggestion which prompts Ro to consider approaching Counselor Elbrey look over the psych reports of the ship's crew. Aster then checks his previous thought, noting that this would be a convoluted way to commit suicide. Ro suggests that it was if the hands of the Prophets had reached out and smacked the Encke down. When the first attempt didn't succeed, they smacked it again to finish the job. Aster then asks if Ro is religious. Ro responds that "religion" is not exactly the word he would use - Bajorans' faith is very black and white and there are portions of it with which he does not agree. Aster asks Ro if he's looking for answers. Ro confirms that this is why he joined Starfleet. Aster says that he was in Starfleet for the same reason. After exchanging an awkward moment, Ro then suggests looking at the sensor logs to see why the Encke lost power.
Aster later visits Counselor Elbrey in her office, to follow-up on Ro's suggestion of checking out the Encke's crew psych reports. Elbrey indicates that there is nothing unusual in them, to which Aster expresses no surprise. Elbrey then suggests that the reports were not the only reason Aster was visiting her. Aster asks her if she ever allows her patients to bring something up. Elbrey responds that she doesn't have that kind of time - she has a busy schedule. He then asks her about Ensign Ro. She wonders if they're not getting along - Aster says that he's not getting along with Ro as much as he'd like. Elbrey asks Aster's real question for him - would Ro get along with Aster as well as Aster would like to get along with him? Elbrey says that she can't give him a definite answer - she can read Bajorans but it's not her practice to invade the thoughts of others. Aster then notes that she's worked with Ro and asked if he's given any indication as to the kind of relationships he'd open to. Elbrey says that she's seen nothing specific, but that he spends a lot of time with Rawlins, which is not atypical with best friends. When Aster notes that Rawlins has a girlfriend, Elbrey cuts him off, noting that the only way he'll ever know is to ask Ro directly.
Later, back in the science lab, Aster and Ro continue to work on the Encke's mysterious destruction. Ro notes that it's 22:00 and asks to pick things up tomorrow - he and Aster leave to see Rawlins. Ro asks Rawlins if he remembers Aster from the Academy. He does remember the report he gave on new terraforming strategies, the revelation of which surprises Ro. They then settle in for some bloodwine and a three-person game of 3D Chess.
Early Bird Gets the....
Early the following morning, Lefler encounters Luko in Engineering. He'd run an electron scan and found small amounts of tachyo-kinetic radiation in the hull plating of the Encke. Lefler suggests that this would be the result of low-frequency waves. Luko then asks if it might be the result of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Lefler notes that this wouldn't show in the hull plating, but it might show up in the sensor data. Luko suggests calling Ro and Aster. Lefler wakes Aster - he and Ro are sleeping on Rawlins' couch, having passed out from the previous evening's "festivities". After Lefler ribs him a bit about getting up late, she orders them both to the science lab. Ro wakes and is clearly anxious about what happened during the night. Aster recounts the 3D Chess and drinking of bloodwine until the replicator wouldn't provide them any more. Ro is not assuaged and asks if anything else happened - Aster assures him that nothing happened. After being blasted by Rawlins' loud wake-up call, they all head to their respective duty stations.
In the science lab, Lefler asks Ro and Aster to check the sensor logs to scan for a large EMP. Aster notes that it will take a while. Lefler leaves to await their results. Shortly after she leaves, Ro asks Aster if he's attracted to him, noting that it was somewhat obvious. Ro then says that he's "not interested." He apologizes and says that it's not about gender. Aster asks him what he's afraid of, noting that they've become good friends over the past week. Ro again states simply that he's not interested. Aster questions whether it is a "gender thing." Ro says that he wishes it wasn't, but that he was caught off-guard in Rawlins' quarters. Aster accepts this and notes that they'd had a lot to drink the previous evening.
Aster then reports that he's found several electromagnetic pulses in the sensor logs, apparently in response to the isolytic scans that the Encke had been sending out. Ro then asks Aster if he's ever heard of hyperdimensional physics. Aster reminds Ro that it was mentioned in his terraforming paper, but that the energies behind it are a complete mystery. Ro suggests running their idea past Lefler.
Tom Corbett, Space Cadet
Later, Ro stops by Rawlins' quarters. Ro asks Rawlins if he remembers Aster having "a thing" for him at the Academy, noting that he still does. Rawlins wonders why this matters. Ro says "he's a guy". Rawlins responds that "whatever powers your starship" is fine by him. Rawlins then asks him why Ro is bothering him with the discussion if he's not interested in such things. Ro then turns to Rawlins' unfinished Tom Corbett, Space Cadet novel. Rawlins asks why Ro isn't at the library, his intended destination. Ro notes that he was intending to study the history hyperdimensional physics with Aster there. Rawlins thinks that its science fiction, it being an element in his unfinished novel. Ro excitedly asks Rawlins to borrow the PADD. He then goes to a holodeck and asks the computer to extrapolate a program from the novel. He then calls Aster to join him.
After they view the program, Aster and Ro discuss what they've learned with Lefler and Luko in Engineering. Lefler is incredulous that she's talking to them about a 20th Century science fiction novel in connection to the Encke 's destruction. Ro explains that a massive displacement field hit the Encke, taking out her systems and tearing her apart. Aster adds that this was triggered by the Encke 's isolytic scans. Ro then adds that the novel postulates an ancient civilization that uses hyperdimensional technology, which uses strong electromagnetic forces. Luko asks if the Encke was destroyed by some sort of hyperdimensional weapon. Aster suggests that it was not necessarily a weapon, but rather a reaction to the isolytic scans. When Lefler asks why there would be a connection to the novel, Ro notes that the author was involved with 20th Century efforts to understand hyperdimensional physics. Aster adds that if the novel's model holds, what they are dealing with is likely leftover technology from an ancient civilization, perhaps the one that seeded the galaxy billions of years ago. Ro continues that such artifacts could be spread all over the galaxy. Luko suggests that confirming their hypothesis would be easy - if they start scanning with isolytic pulses, they should get some sort of response.
Shockwaves
The Excelsior pulls out of its orbit of Osiris III and moves well away of the planet. Lefler initiates an isolytic scan to no effect. Ro suggests she increase to the higher bands, which causes a 500% increase in electromagnetic activity. Luko notes there's enough gravitational force in the orbit of the planet to tear apart a starbase. Lefler continues, forcing the hyperdimensional field generators, referred to as Tetrahedrons, to appear in orbit of the planet. The crew are stunned at what they've discovered. Shelby notes that if these are artifacts from an ancient civilization, then they've stumbled upon the "greatest discovery of all time". Lefler adds that hyperdimensional phsyics is the "holy grail" of every scientist - a unified theory of gravity. Shelby asks what the Tetrahedrons' purpose is. Luko suggests they could be defensive sentries, but Ro doubts this. He believes that the response to a non-aggressive action of the Encke meant its destruction was a misunderstanding. He postulates that they are power generation units to feed the planet. Captain Knapp asks if there are any lifesigns - Rawlins indicates that they cannot scan the interior of the Tetrahedrons. Ro reminds them that if the Tom Corbett model holds, the race that constructed them had long since died out.
Suddenly, a Grey battleship folds into the system and begins to scan the Tetrahedrons. Knapp takes the Excelsior to red alert. Shelby suggests that the Grey may have been shadowing them and that they cannot be allowed to plunder the technology of the Tetrahedrons. Attempts to hail the Grey are unsuccessful. Luko then reports that the Grey have locked onto something, suggesting that they might be attempting to use their transporters. Suddenly, the Tetrahedron explodes, destroying the Grey battleship and rocking the Excelsior. Lefler reports an energy build-up in the planet's core. Ro adds that the energy is being fed directly from the Tetrahedrons - the Grey must have somehow induced the effect. Rawlins notes that if the planet explodes, it will create a Level 14 shockwave. With less than a minute, Knapp orders the Excelsior to maximum warp, escaping just before the planet explodes, destroying all of the remaining Tetrahedrons in its orbit.
"Captain's Log, Supplemental: The loss of the alien artifacts is a disappointment for us all, but at least they're not in the hands of the Grey. We're offloading our mission specialist before heading back to the station."
The Excelsior has rendezvoused with the USS Endeavour, Aster's new assignment. In the transporter room, Chief Teb informs Aster that the Endeavour is ready to receive him. Before he can leave, Ro enters the transporter room and asks for a moment. Teb leaves. Ro thanks Aster for his help on the mission. Aster wishes that he could do more. Ro knows Aster must be hurt - he tells Aster that someday, he'll fall in love with a good-looking guy and that guy will be very lucky. Aster wishes Ro well and shakes his hand. Ro then gives Aster a hug, which Aster returns tentatively. Ro then energizes the transporter, beaming Aster off the ship, his expression showing a hint of regret at his departure.
Background Information
- This episode introduces the mystery of the tetrahedrons and the Grey's desire to make sure no one gets ahold of them.
- Another important fact is that this episode launches a gay character into Star Trek, as we meet Corey Aster, and start a journey with Ro Nevin that will change how he thinks about himself and others.
Memorable Quotes
- Elbrey: (regarding Henglaar): "He has a rare disorder, but you have to know Tellerites to tell. He's... well... a late bloomer."
- Anderson: "You mean to tell me that he's just now going through puberty?!"
- Henglaar: "Next time, consider following the Inter-Species Mating Guidelines a little more closely."
- Elbrey: "This report wasn't the only reason you wanted to talk to me, was it?"
- Aster: "Do you ever wait for your patients to bring something up, Counselor?"
- Elbrey: "Why wait? I have a busy schedule."
Production Notes
- This marks the first appearence of the new make-up John Whiting designed for his character of Dr. Henglaar.
- This episode marks the first appearance of Corey Aster, who later joins the show full-time.
- In this episode, the Transporter Chief, Teb (played by Angela Hahn), is credited as a guest star, but she appeared uncredited in the previous episode, HF 2.04 - "Great Starship Robbery".
Cast
Guest Stars
| Actor | Role |
| J.T. Tepnapa | Ensign Corey Aster |
| Angela Hahn | Transporter Chief Teb |
| Suzy Kaplan | Doctor Anderson and Serilla |
| Hugo Moreno | Captain J.T. Edwards |
| Ariel Vitali | "Encke Helmsman" (uncredited) |
