Entanglement, Part 2
From Hidden Frontier
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| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode | |
| "Entanglement, Part 2" | |
| Image Not Presently Available | |
| Episode no. | 5.01 |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 5 |
| Release Date | May 2004 |
| Writer(s) | |
| Story Elements by | Rob Caves |
| Director | Jennifer Cole and Dave Mason |
| Year | 2381 |
| Stardate | 58117.3 |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous | |
| Next | |
Entanglement, Part 2 (Season Premiere).
Excelsior gives chase to a Breen vessel they believe may be carrying fugitive Vorina, as Henglaar and Qu’qul prepare for their showdown, despite Sou’s objections. With Princess Illiana onboard, and Lefler covering for Sou, the Independence begins its mission into the currents, but soon runs into Grey forces as they pillage an inhabited planet. Examining someone who the Grey returned to the surface, Cole and her crew are shocked by evidence that suggests that the Grey have been a threat for longer then realised…
Contents |
Synopsis
Having survived the crash landing of their shuttlecraft, Lieutenant Matt McCabe and Commodore Ian Knapp are slowly making their way away from a series of kelbonite-rich outcroppings. These deposits are masking their bio-signs and preventing communication with DS12, so once clear, they will be rescued. As they continue on their way, McCabe walks with a noticeable limp, while Knapp sports a nasty gash on his forehead, and his forced to stop to collect himself, wincing as he gingerly touches his wound. McCabe is concerned for his superior, but Knapp waves off the attention, as they discuss what caused the shuttle to loose power - the isolytic pulse they used seconds before the ship systems failed. They reason that this could be evidence of a tetrahedron on the Ba’ku ocean floor, which would be an amazing discovery, but potentially hazardous if Vorina know as well. This motivates to get moving, and they head onwards.
Excelsior is in hot pursuit of a Breen starship, a barrage of phaser fire knocking out it’s warp drive systems, although they still refuse to answer Barrett’s hails. He also manages to get a bioscan of the ship, and is surprises to find only Breen life signs aboard, despite the fact the ship’s markings match the one that fled the Ba’ku system before. On Shelby’s order, Barrett continues fire, quickly disabling the shields and impulse engines of the vessel, and as it looses power and begins drifting, Commander Tolian Naros is instructed to take an away team to secure the vessel. Shelby makes it clear to her XO she wants some answers from the commander of the vessel. As he heads off, Shelby sits back in her chair, glad that something has worked out today…
“Captain’s Log, Stardate 58117.3: We’ve been exploring the currents for two days now - we estimate it would take Starfleet at least 20 years to explore every branch and hollow of this incredible anomaly.”
In her ready room, Commodore Jennifer Cole is discussing possible areas of the Patch to visit with their resident expert, Princess Illiana of Tren’La. On the sovereign’s suggestion, Cole has the Independence set course for the Pernia system, as well as reluctantly inform Illiana that they will not be able to visit her home planet. Illiana remains hopeful of one day freeing her people from the Grey, and her son from his self-imprisonment in the pocket fold, but Cole is more pessimistic.
As Excelsior hangs alongside the damaged Breen vessel, Naros reports to Shelby that Vorina and DiFalco were not present onboard the cruiser. Shelby predicts that Naros did not get any information from the ship’s commander, and instructs Naros to take them back to DS12 - with the various inhabited worlds that were along the ship’s path, finding Vorina would be a hopeless task. It seems Vorina has the upper hand again…
Meanwhile, Excelsior’s erstwhile security chief, Lieutenant McCabe, is conducting a briefing with Commodore Knapp, informing Commander Darwin and Admiral Necheyev about their discovery of the tetrahedron on Ba’ku. He points out, using some visual scans that they succeeded in taking, that the artefact is submerged into the sea floor, and damaged. Necheyev immediately makes it clear to everyone that the meeting is classified, as is all the data they have, but Knapp is concerned this may be too late. Darwin advises setting up a perimeter, as well as increase in-system patrols, whereas McCabe points out any efforts they make to understand the tetrahedron will alert their foes. At this, Necheyev informs them that the new Grey Research Facility is sending teams to investigate in submersible vessels, although Knapp is more concerned about theorising how it ended up on Ba’ku in the first place. Darwin points out that maybe Commander Naros can explain that particular fact, but since they have nothing further to discuss, the meeting is ended. As everyone heads out, Knapp takes a moment to thank Necheyev for minding Traya during his absence, a task the Admiral admits she enjoyed, despite the girls inheriting her father’s stubbornness. That is something Knapp is quite proud of, to which Necheyev cannot help but agree.
Having emerged from the currents, the Independence closes in to the inhabited planet they have read about in the Pernia system. At one of the engineering stations, Lefler ducts a series of scans that reveal a post-industrial civilisation, similar to 21st century Earth. She also reminds the Commodore, after scanning for warp technology, that there would be no reason to develop warp drive, since it does not work in the Briar Patch. Commander Joseph Johns, Independence’s XO, makes his own scan, which reveals the inhabitants are not using the currents either, which seems to prove the race is a pre-warp type. Commodore Cole quickly agrees that the Prime Directive is therefore in play. But before they can discuss their next course of action, Lieutenant Biederman, manning his tactical station, reports transporter signals, which he manages to localise it to the far side of the planet. Intrigued, Cole has the ship moved in for a closer look.
In the holodeck on Excelsior, Crewman Thalek is giving Henglaar a training session using kendo sticks. Henglaar feels out of his element, joking about transferring to Starfleet Medical, although Thalek believes this experience is the mark of a true warrior - facing his enemy. As the continually spar, Henglaar grumbles about why Andorians and Klingons call themselves warriors, trying to get Thalek to loose his cool, which has some of the desired effect. Offended at the words, Thalek proudly states that a true warrior has honour, but that is not good enough for Henglaar - he calls ‘honour’ a ‘self-righteous way of justifying everything you do as good’. But Thalek explains that ‘if you know in your heart you are a honourable person, then you have what it takes to be a warrior’. Henglaar manages to get the upper hand, and knock Thalek to the floor, but instead of going in for the ‘killing blow’, he lowers his guard and offers his hand to the downed Andorian. Thalek manages to take advantage, and place his own staff right by Henglaar’s neck - if this were battle, he would be dead. He remarks, that although Henglaar has just proven his honour, he still has some way to go, before taking the offered hand.
As the Independence orbits the planet, approaching the source of the transporter signals, Biederman reports he has picked up three ships in low orbit, but they show no signs of detecting the Sovereign-class vessel. Cole quickly calls for Red Alert though, when Lefler identifies them as Grey science-wings, as Johns worries about a Grey warship in the vicinity to support the smaller vessels. Biederman runs a long-range scan as Lefler picks up another transport from the science ships, this one from a large city in the southern continent that she reasons could be the capital. Johns wonders if they are witnessing the covert abductions they have heard about in the past, but Cole wonders if this is simply how the Grey keep the Patch planets in line. Running a bio-scan, Lefler realise that the abductees are being sedated upon arrival, so they may not really have any conscious awareness of what is being done to them. Intrigued, Cole ponders the possibility of examining a victim for themselves, although Lefler and Johns cautions that it might alert the Grey to their presence, and make them a target. Curiosity getting the better of her though, Cole orders Biederman to beam the next available victim to Sickbay when he has the chance, as she alerts Sickbay for incoming.
At Hell’s Gate station, in the back of its seedy bar, Vorina is plying her trade with Daimon Brok, a Ferengi officer who has some information she desires. She uses her Orion training to seduce the information out of him, but soon loses patience with the sleazy Ferengi, demanding answers. She is stunned to discover that there is a tetrahedron on the Ba’ku ocean floor, realising Siroc was using her, to avoid taking risks himself. Her business partner is not concerned with her indignation though, demanding she fulfil her end of their bargain, and get them to Ba’ku. Proving she has no intention of doing that, she pulls out a concealed blaster, and shot Brok dead. As she heads out, she tosses some currency onto the bar for the owner, apologising for ‘the mess’…
As the Independence continues in orbit of the planet, Biederman manages to transport one of the Grey victims to Sickbay, and heading there, Cole requests Princess Illiana to join her there as well. Arriving, they find assistant CMO Mistral examining the sedated patient, as Illiana explains possible motivations for why the Grey have been doing this - covert research and subversion tactics included. But she is doubtful that is all there is too it, wondering if the Grey have a bigger picture for the planet’s inhabitants. Cole however, is stunned when Mistral’s examination reveals something startling - a telltale gill protruding from the back of the patient’s neck. Illiana recognises it as the telltale mark of a siliquoid, used by the Grey to control member of a planet’s populace, but Cole recognises it from reports of the attempted takeover of Starfleet Command by parasites, nearly 15 years ago. She realises this discovery means the Grey have been aware of the Federation long before they knew of the Grey, before asking Mistral if he can remove the creature. Mistral is doubtful though, and Illiana explains her own people would euthanize someone implanted with a siliquoid, since they usually died anyway. Cole disregards that particular piece of advice, having Mistral investigate possible avenues to help the patient, before being called to the bridge by Johns calling for a Red Alert. She arrives just as a Grey warship drops from fold-space to stand alongside the science-wings that have already formed up in front of the Independence, apparently having picked up on their transport. Illiana recommends returning the victim, but Cole is in no mood to lower the shields and become exposed to the Grey, seconds before a phaser barrage strikes them. Biederman reports the shields are holding, before returning fire on Cole’s order. Mistral also reports he may have found a way to safely remove the siliquoid, but it will take him 5 hours, which is the best he can do, despite Cole’s protests. With no choice, the Independence breaks orbit, heading for the currents, although Illiana is surprised Cole wishes to reveal their usage of the currents to the Grey. Cole reasons they have no other option, and as the Grey close in on them, the Independence makes the jump to warp, entering the nearest current.
In Thalek’s quarters, he offers Henglaar a broth he has prepared, although, after taking a swig, the Tellerite is not impressed to discover the foul-tasting stuff is made from the intestines of a goloth beast. He explains to a doubtful Henglaar that it will help purge him and make him ready for the duel, although Henglaar abstains from drinking more. As Henglaar tries to make light of the situation, Thalek asks the CMO is he is afraid, to which he admits he is, a little. Thalek explains that by admitting the fear, he has done the first step to facing it. With the challenge tomorrow, Henglaar dubiously wonders what the next step is…
Aboard their procured vessel, DiFalco and Vorina enter orbit of the Breen home world, where the Orion is determined to visit. Although DiFalco questions her, she reminds him that Siroc not only played them, but the Breen as well. She explains she is going to give Siroc exactly what he said he wanted - an alliance with the Breen, and they will play along for as long as they have to, until they can make Siroc regret his treachery. DiFalco reminds her that Siroc would not flinch at killing either of them, but he stands by Vorina, who is sick of his whining. She heads for the surface, leaving DiFalco wondering is he is going to regret his decision…
In Sickbay onboard the Independence, Cole congratulates Dr. Mistral for successfully removing the siliquoid, although he admits he still needs some time to repair some ancillary nerve damage. Johns is pleased that they have been able to complete the procedure, since he doesn’t particularly care for the idea Illiana offered. Cole contacts Beiderman and has him set course for Pernia again, although Johns reminds her that the Grey will be ready for them, although she reminds him that they will be ready too.
In the Excelsior’s holodeck, Henglaar and Qu’qul face off, although Henglaar is surprised to see the Klingon brought kendo-staffs, not something more lethal. He explains that he knew how Sou would react if one of them went to Sto-Vo-Kor today, although the safeties are still off, to add a little risk. As Henglaar launches into his attack, Qu’qul barely reacts, easily blocking the Tellerite’s blows, as they verbally spar as well. The Klingon questions Henglaar’s honour, but admits he believed the Tellerite would not even attend the challenge, to which Henglaar explains he is a man of his word. Qu’qul continues to push Henglaar’s buttons, until a very angry Sou interrupts their duelling, freezing the program as well. She demands an explanation from her husband, reminding him that they decided that even attending would prove Henglaar’s honour - they were not supposed to duel at all! Guilty at being caught out, Qu’qul tries to blame Henglaar, but Sou is not falling for it, so admitting defeat, Qu’qul lets Henglaar of the hook. To Sou’s amazement, he also apologises, and asks Henglaar to accept him as a brother-in-arms. Henglaar also admits that Qu’qul is a fine mate for Sou, before accepting the impressed Klingon’s offer for another round.
As the Independence closes in on the planet, they detect four Grey warships, as Cole relays orders to make their way into transporter range. Phaser fire impacts the shields, although they continue to hold, as Lefler reports they are now in range. They manage to get some distance in order to lower shields safely, quickly returning their patient home, although a lucky strike manages to get through before their shields are back up. Biederman reports that shields are down 35% alongside some minor structural damage to the secondary hull, as Cole orders a course for the nearest current. As they manoeuvre away from the incoming Grey warships, Biederman detects activity - they are about to launch fighter craft. In response, Cole orders a torpedo barrage, which severally damages its target, as another ships break off. As the approach the current, the other two ships continue firing, the Independence’s shields ready to collapse. Lefler reroutes power to keep them up, and as the Grey recharge their weapons, the Independence makes a run for it into the current.
With the Excelsior having rendezvoused with the Independence, Sou and Qu’qul are looking forward to returning home. Qu’qul does admit though, having been impressed with Henglaar’ sparring skills, he will miss the session he had been enjoying with the Tellerite and Crewman Thalek. Sou jokes she wondered if her husband was going to trade her in for Henglaar! Qu’qul admits Gre’thor would freeze over before that would happen, although he does point out that considering her feelings for Henglaar, he had to give her the opportunity to choose to stay as well. She sarcastically comments on how ‘honourable' that action would be, before reminding her husband that she and Henglaar are long done, that her heart now belongs to Qu’qul, her ‘one and only fierce fire of Qo’noS’. But she does admit she needs to say goodbye to him, and so heads for Sickbay as Qu’qul agrees to wait for her in the transporter room. Arriving in Sickbay, she finds Henglaar in his office, and tentatively admits she why she is there. Having been expecting this, he finally admits to her that he is glad she came, and agrees to keep in touch. After an emotional hug, he also admits she was right about his feelings for her, and she will always be in his heart, even when it hurts. Overcome, Sou kisses him on the cheek, which he rubs fondly, as she leaves. Henglaar tries to resume his work, and but swapped by memories of Sou, and finds himself unable to concentrate…
Background Information
- This is the last episode to feature most of the music from Star Trek: Insurrection
Production Notes
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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: No information |
