Entanglement, Part 1
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 4.06 | |||||||||||||
| "Entanglement, Part 1" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by Rob Caves | |||||||||||||
| Story by Rob Caves | |||||||||||||
| Directed by Dave Mason and Jennifer Cole | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
The Independence prepares to become the first starship to enter and explore the subspace currents that allow warp travel in the Briar Patch. Officers from the Excelsior investigating strange readings on Ba'ku run into an old enemy. Dr. Henglaar faces some personal demons when his ex-fiancée, Independence Chief Engineer Sou, arrives on board with her husband, CMO Qu'Qul. But when Qu'Qul realizes his wife still has feelings for the Tellarite doctor, he challenges Henglaar to a Klingon ritual for Sou’s affection.
Plum Assignments
“Station Log, Stardate 57921.3: In light of recent events, Starfleet has green-lighted the exploration of the Patch currents. The first starship to embark on this historic mission will be the USS Independence, commanded by Jennifer Cole."
In her quarters, Cole is joined by her old friend, Commodore Ian Quincy Knapp. She is glad to be back at DS12, as their blockade duty along the Tholian border has been unsuccessful in her opinion. She dismisses the idea of a formal declaration war that Knapp admits has been discussed, as they still lack strong support from many of their allies. Knapp admits his surprise that her vessel was selected for this mission into the currents, rather then his former command, the Excelsior, but is happy for his friend. Cole admits she will be glad to explore once more and get away from border patrols for a while. Her comments make Knapp nostalgic for his time in command of a starship, instead of a starbase. He knows that the assignment makes sense, allowing him to raise his daughter in a stable environment, but he still misses the days in the center seat. Cole, having been in his position four years ago, empathizes with his feelings.
The discussion turns to Knapp's daughter, Traya, who will soon be on Cardassia Prime for an academic exchange against Knapp's better judgment. Cole sees this as a chance for Traya to strike out on her own and learn about a new culture. Knapp can’t help but feel his daughter is growing up a little too quickly. He asserts that being a parent means he is entitled to worry. Cole is quick to play down his concerns, despite admitting she has not had any practical experience herself.
Meanwhile, Captain Shelby is not happy that the Excelsior has been relegated to a patrol assignment, feeling her crew is more then capable of handling the exploration of the currents. She voices her concerns to Admiral Nechayev, who agrees with Shelby on some points, but notes that Starfleet Command has decided that Excelsior is needed near DS12, should the Tholians launch a major offensive. Starfleet must send a clear message to the Tholians that they too can make use of the currents. There is also concern about the Tholians' continued search for Tetrahedrons, especially since they are involved with Siroc.
Shelby cannot help but be concerned about how they seem to be fast-tracking a ship to explore the currents. She fears that this is too steeped in politics rather than exploration, just as the mission of the ill-fated space shuttle Challenger had been. Necheyev shrugs off her concerns, stating that her analogy is ancient history and that the Independence will be the first Starfleet vessel to navigate the currents. Their success will lead to further flights, including those of the Excelsior. Seeing Necheyev will not be moved on this subject, Shelby grudgingly admits defeat, and is dismissed. As Shelby departs, it seems Necheyev has more then her own fair share of concerns.
Tampering
With the Excelsior tucked in its docking bay, Commander Lefler and Lieutenants Aster and McCabe are spending an uneventful shift in Engineering, where McCabe is telling the tale of his night in Poindexter's Lounge. He suspects Jenna McFarland having hacked the program as, having asked for a vodka martini, Pointexter tied him up and barraged him with a medley of Irving Berlin songs - not his best songs, either. He could not end the program as it had been encrypted until Poindexter had finished the set. Aster and Lefler cannot help but be amused at the security chief’s plight, but they both consider an offer to join him in the mostly-debugged program after their shift ends.
Lefler explains they are still finishing up an atmospheric sweep they conducted of Ba’ku - the planet's temperature is dropping and they don't know why. Aster adds that while they believe they had removed most of the Breen cooling units, they're conducting searches on the planet's surface where scans are proving inconclusive. Checking in with the away team deployed, hoping for a quick report in order to call it a night, Lefler speaks with the team leader, Lieutenant Doa. Their plans for a early night are dashed when Doa reports some anomalous readings of kelbonite ore and some faint energy readings. Aster notes that this could indicate a cooling unit that is still active. Lefler decides to head down to the planet's surface and tells Doa to use caution. As Lefler and Aster prepare to beam down, McCabe offers to join, prompting Lefler to rib him about feeling safer already.
As the shift in Sickbay comes to a close, Dr. Henglaar, having finished all his surgeries for the day, greets Dr. Anderson, who is on the night shift. Anderson has come in early to run tests on some bacterial samples, a favor she is doing for a member of the Environmental Sciences division. Henglaar is not pleased at the circumvention of laboratory booking policy, although Anderson defends the activity since Sickbay is quiet at the moment. Disgruntled, Henglaar heads for his office, intent on returning to his quarters afterwards for a "nice, warm mud bath".
To his surprise and dismay, finds he has some visitors. Commander Sou, the Tellarite Chief Engineer of the Independence and her husband, its Klingon Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Commander Qu’Qul, have made themselves comfortable behind his desk, waiting for him to arrive. Henglaar is his usual abrasive self with the unexpected company, an attitude Qu’qul expected. Sou, Henglaar's former fiancée, continues to persist, even though Henglaar flatly turns down her request that he join them for dinner. He tells them he is just starting his shift. They both see through the deception straightaway, however, as Dr. Anderson already explained he was just finishing his shift. Henglaar is not at all happy with his night shift chief, as he has been left without an excuse to not join his "guests".
On Ba’ku, Lefler, McCabe and Aster join Lieutenant Doa as they continue to track the strange readings. Doa reports they are closing in on the errant power reading. Lefler asks Aster if he is picking up any lifesigns. Aster reports that his own readings are being blocked by the high kelbonite concentrations in the surrounding hillside. As they walk up a steep incline, Doa following the trail on his tricorder, Aster suddenly bellows for everyone to drop to the ground. In the silence that follows, all eyes are on the young Lieutenant. When quizzed by Lefler, Aster admits that he had a premonition - Lefler being hit by a phaser blast. He is surprised by how real it seemed. Lefler, on-edge herself, sympathizes with the junior officer. Doa slowly rises, telling them that it's perfectly safe. As the others begin to stand, an energy beam streaks across out of nowhere, striking the Bre'elian officer squarely in the chest. He drops to the ground. As McCabe returns fire, Aster checks on Doa - the Lieutenant is already dead.
As more phaser fire screams overhead, Lefler calls for assistance from the Excelsior. On the bridge, Shelby informs them that reinforcements are being dispatched. Ensign Barrett reports that DS12 is sending forces out as well. He scans the upper atmosphere on Shelby’s order, as Zen prepares the ship for an emergency departure. Still under heavy fire, McCabe manages to catch a glimpse of their attackers, realizing that it could be Orions. Aster confirms this, although he cannot trust his scans. Lefler suggests McCabe flank them, as she and Aster maintain their own field of fire. McCabe slowly starts to make his way around as his two shipmates keep the attackers attention diverted.
As they return fire, Vorina disregards the pleas of her colleague, DiFalco, to call for beam-out, as they wont get paid if they don’t get the readings they are taking. As the return fire increases, DiFalco disregards her, even as she tells him to call for reinforcements. McCabe manages to circle around their position and begins to fire at them. Caught between the two fields of phaser fire, they are cornered quickly. On McCabe’s demand they drop their weapons. As Lefler and Aster approach, Vorina manages one last smile before calling for an emergency transport, her and DiFalco vanishing in a flash of light.
Their attackers gone, Lefler informs Shelby of the identity of their assailant. Shelby orders them to sweep the area for any other surprises. Barrett reports a single Breen cruiser leaving Ba'ku orbit, which is not responding to their hails. As Excelsior executes its emergency departure to pursue, a contingent of DS12’s fighters pursue the Breen as they make a run for the edge of the Patch. However, the head start they already have may give them the distance they need. Shelby asks Counselor Elbrey her opinion of the situation. She, too, is at a loss for an answer. Shelby proverbially kicks herself for ever letting Vorina go from custody. Proceeding at high impulse, the Excelsior gives chase to the Breen, heading out of the Patch with alacrity.
Unwanted Guests
Sou and Qu'Qul call upon Henglaar in the sanctity of his quarters. With Excelsior's sudden departure from the station, they have been stranded on board. Henglaar finds himself forced to play innkeeper after Dr. Anderson suggested the two Independence officers could stay with him. Qu'Qul shares the same reservations as Henglaar does, despite Sou’s efforts to silence him. Henglaar grudgingly offers up his quarters to them. Qu'Qul compliments Henglaar on his choice of furniture.
Aboard the Breen cruiser, as it makes its way clear of the metreon gases that make up the Briar Patch, Vorina berates the commander of the vessel, angry at the loss of data she was meant to collect. She angrily reminds the armored officer that she does not report to him. As she heads for her quarters, the ship jumps to warp. Meanwhile, on the Excelsior, Barrett reports to an angry Shelby that the advance fighters have lost contact with the Breen ship. Barrett's scans for a warp trail are inconclusive. Shelby remains patient but furious as he runs a subspace distortion analysis. Soon thereafter, he confirms the Breen's warp trail. The Excelsior jumps to maximum warp in pursuit.
At DS12, Commodore Knapp is in a briefing session with Admiral Necheyev and Commodore Cole, as they discuss not only the Independence's mission, but also an unconfirmed massing of Tholian forces near the Briar Patch. Necheyev wants to make a show of exploring the currents, while Knapp is more apprehensive. Cole admits that while the Independence could use a few more days of shield simulations, but now is a good a time as any. Necheyev orders Cole to be ready to proceed the following day. Knapp feels they should wait for Excelsior to return. Necheyev believes that with both the USS Saratoga and USS Odyssey battle groups, the station will be well defended. Cole then points out she is short a Chief Engineer - Knapp volunteers Lefler, as she was stranded on Ba’ku before Excelsior left. As Cole departs to prepare, Knapp angrily reminds Nechayev about what happened the last time she sent DS12's defensive fleet away. When Nechayev tells him that is why the bulk of their forces are remaining to defend the station, he suggests that she keep it that way.
Later, in the Excelsior's sickbay, Henglaar is working when Sou, sans Qu'Qul, drops in on him. This does little improve his general mood. They verbally spar regarding her husband and Henglaar’s throwing himself into his work. The conversation eventually turns to the subject that is bothering both of them - their failed relationship. Sou wants to try and talk to Henglaar, but he hides his pain with his usual countenance of miserly attitude. She angrily states that they never had a chance as a couple as he was always busy with one thing or another - work, his brother, his garden - so they never dealt with their issues as a couple.
Sou questions his attitude towards Qu’qul, which surprises him, since he believes the Klingon to not be particularly enamored with him. He feels they have no common ground to even meet on, not even medicine, as he regards Klingon approaches to medicine as barbaric. They argue over his attitude, but when Sou wonders if it is done to his being married to her, she is brought up short by Henglaar admitting that may have something to do with it. She explains she wants to move on from what happened between them and have something resembling a friendship again. She admits she still has feelings for him and she does not believe he feels any different. This rubs Henglaar the wrong way, and with one final verbal barb, leaves Sou alone as he heads to his office. Dr. Anderson finds herself in his path and, seeing as her superior appears the worse for wear, asks how he is feeling. Henglaar tells her that it was “like she hit me with a stun blast to my hindbrain” before heading into his office.
Embracing the Unknown
The following day, the Independence, under escort, heads out on its mission to begin exploring the currents. On the bridge, Lefler reports that the final shield tests are complete. Cole thanks her, then orders a tachyon pulse. She then tells her helmsman to jump to warp. With a brilliant flash of light, the Sovereign-class starship leaps into the opening maw of a subspace current.
In her quarters aboard the Breen ship, Vorina is disturbed as a fuming DiFalco barges in, complaining about the Breen. He labels them incompetent. Vorina quickly says that she will deal with them and that they are not his concern. He then angrily states that Sha'Kev, Vorina’s deceased Andorian partner-in-crime, would now how to handle them. She does not take kindly to this comment, leaping to her feet, furious and demands DiFalco never mention him again, shoving him backwards. After calming down, she orders him to go about securing passage from the spaceport at Weldair back to Ba’ku aboard a refugee ship.
As DiFalco departs, a transparent hologram of Siroc appears opposite her, demanding a status report on the scans he wants. The former Orion slave tries to pin the blame first on the Federation, then the Breen, but Siroc does not buy her excuses, telling her that it was a mistake to trust both Sha'Kev and her. She begs for a second chance. Siroc tells her that he's out of time and is insistent that if she cannot get the scans he desperately needs, he will find someone who can. Vorina tells him that she has a plan, which intrigues Siroc.
Back at DS12, McCabe meets with Commodore Knapp about the Breen cooling device that they found in their recent encounter with Vorina and DiFalco. He explains to a curious Knapp that the device would, along with the others they have been finding, help cool the planet a few degrees per year. Knapp suggests this means the Breen were still continuing with their plan to plant the cooling devices. McCabe then tells Knapp that the device they found is different - it contains an advanced long-range scanning device. McCabe continues, telling Knapp that the Ba'ku radiation creates a unique inversion field that prevents scans underneath the Ba'ku ocean - this device counteracts this effect. Knapp wonders if the device was planted by the Breen to scan under the Ba'ku ocean. McCabe counters this suggestion, proposing instead that the scanner is Vorina's idea. The Breen cooling device may be a front and the Breen themselves may be unwitting accomplices. When asked by Knapp, McCabe is unsure what they might be scanning for. After saying that he's going to talk to Admiral Nechayev, Knapp asks if the scanner's abilities could be replicated. McCabe tells Knapp that he was about to head to Engineering to ask them that very question.
Downward Spiral
In one of the Excelsior's holodecks, Elbrey and Henglaar are relaxing in the privacy of his gardening program. Elbrey senses Henglaar’s emotional conflicts. In her usual style, combining their friendship with her counselor’s touch, she helps Henglaar finally admit to himself what his really bothering him. He reasons his feelings for Sou, though still strong, are now longer a concern as she is now married. Elbrey points out that his behavior will ultimately hurt him more then Sou.
Their conversation is derailed when Qu'Qul, armed with a machete, storms in, demanding to know how Henglaar feels about Sou. He tries to ignore the Klingon, but when Qu'Qul openly asks if he is a coward, that settles it for the Tellarite. After some posturing, which amuses Elbrey to no end, Henglaar finds himself with a date the following day to deal with the situation in an honorable, Klingon, way. Although Henglaar would rather not go through with it, Elbrey believes it is exactly the remedy required for the problem. She even suggests letting Qu'Qul win. Henglaar however, has no intention of making it easy, especially if the holodeck's safeties are disengaged. Elbrey encourages Henglaar to find Crewman Thalek fast - Henglaar will need the practice
In a shuttlecraft from DS12, McCabe and Knapp head towards Ba’ku. McCabe brings the scanner online while Knapp brings the shuttle in over the Ba'ku ocean. As their search proceeds across several grids of ocean surface, Knapp points out that Admiral Nechayev is watching Traya while he is away. McCabe is surprised to find out that Admiral Necheyev babysits. Knapp notes that Traya is more the capable of looking after herself, but with the station on constant yellow alert, it makes him feel better. He also suggests that the Admiral actually enjoys it.
A panel alerts McCabe to something on the surface of the ocean floor. He is unable to get a clear reading, but it is clear that the object is massive. After discussing options, McCabe initiates an isolytic pulse to define the shape of the object. Almost instantly, the shuttle suddenly slams into an uncontrolled descent. The two officers desperately try to regain control. Knapp sends a distress call. McCabe is able to activate the shuttle's emergency power, then sends another distress call to DS12. Knapp tries to keep the ship steady as they clear the ocean, heading straight for a mountain range. Knapp’s attempts to pilot the craft are unsuccessful - the shuttle is still descending at too great a speed. The shuttle continues to careen out of control, heading for a crash landing....
To Be Continued…
Background Information
- Susan and Jim Fox-Davis were part of the Voyages of the USS Angeles, as the characters they portray in this two-part episode.
Memorable Quotes
- Sou: "So, how have you been?"
- Henglaar: "They haven't killed me yet."
- Lieutenant Doa (just before he is shot): "It's perfectly safe."
- Qu'Qul: "Nice chair."
- Henglaar: "What's the point of all of this, Sou?"
- Sou: "Don't play stupid with me."
- Henglaar: "No, really, I am stupid. I just pretend to be smart to throw people off."
- Dr. Anderson: "You're looking a little pale, Doctor. How are you feeling?"
- Henglaar: "Like she hit me with a stun blast to my hindbrain."
- Henglaar: "What I want and what I'm inclined to live with are two totally different things, my dear. You of all people should understand that."
- Henglaar: "Would this be a good time to transfer to the Gamma Quadrant?"
- Elbrey: "I think a friendly little duel is exactly what the doctor ordered. Even if you let him win, you'll both feel better about the situation."
- Henglaar: "I have no intention on letting anyone win. I doubt the holodeck safeties will be on. I don't think I'd feel too badly if I accidentally broke a rib or two."
- Elbrey: "There's the spirit! You better find Thalek and fast. You're going to need the practice."
- Knapp: "This could take a while. I'm glad I left Traya with Admiral Nechayev for the evening."
- McCabe: "The Admiral babysits, sir?"
- Knapp: "Traya's old enough that she doesn't need a babysitter. But with the constant yellow alert, I'm more comfortable if she's with someone who can see to her safety if something should happen."
- McCabe: "I'm sure Admiral Nechayev is thrilled, sir."
- Knapp: "I figure I still have a few favors to collect. Just between you and me, I think she enjoys it."
Production Notes
- With the departure of Suzy Kaplan from the cast after "Imminent Danger" (HF 5.02), this episode marks the final appearance of Dr. Anderson on Star Trek: Hidden Frontier to date. This role would be replaced with that of Dr. Meredith Abney in the show's sixth season.
- The name of Lieutenant Doa is a play on "D.O.A." (i.e. Dead On Arrival), referring to the manner of his demise.
- While listed as "Breen" in the credits, the character "speaking" to Vorina on the Breen ship's bridge is actually wearing a Borg mask, which was also seen in "Perihelion" (HF 1.05) and "Yesterday's Excelsior" (HF 2.02).
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Crossroads" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Entanglement, Part 2" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Crossroads" | 2380 Stardate 57912.3 | Next "Entanglement, Part 2" |
See Also
Challenger-class, clairvoyance, Curry-class, Insignia-class, Oberth-class
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 | |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant Commander Sou | Susan Fox-Davis |
| Admiral Alynna Nechayev | Reneé Huberstock |
| Dr. Qu'Qul Siroc | Jim Fox-Davis |
| Vorina Dr. Anderson | Suzy Kaplan |
| Commodore Jennifer Cole | Jennifer Cole |
| Lieutenant Doa | Mark Waters |
| DiFalco | Dave Mason |
| Ensign Jorian Zen | Adam Browne |
| Breen | Craig Byrne |
| Background Performers | Wayne Webb Quinn Promarug Adam Browne |
| CREW | |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Rob Caves |
| Assistant Director | Quinn Promarug |
| Story Editors | John Whiting Jim Fox-Davis |
| Tape Operators | Jennifer Cole Quinn Promarug Adam Browne |
| Producers | Jennifer Cole Risha Denney Quinn Promarug |
| Makeup | John Whiting Adam Browne J.T. Tepnapa |
| Story Consultant | Mike Urvand |
| Technical Consultant | Jonathan Foertsch |
| Props | Bart Gold |
| 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 |
