Hell's Gate, Part 2
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode | |
| "Hell's Gate, Part 2" | |
| |
| Episode no. | 4.01 |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 4 |
| Release Date | ? |
| Writer(s) | Rob Caves and Dan Crout |
| Story Elements by | Dan Crout |
| Director | Jennifer Cole |
| Year | 2380 |
| Stardate | 57xxx |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous | |
| Next | |
Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
Bigger Than a Breadbox
Onboard Sha'Kev's freighter, Captain Shelby orders Sha'Kev's body cut down and taken back to the Excelsior for an autopsy and pathology report "yesterday". She then orders Vorina taken to the brig and thoroughly searched. Luko offers the opinion that Sha'Kev bit off more than he could handle, tried a double-cross, got caught and paid the price. He also suggests that the torture was not punitive, but rather to extract information, given that the same was done to the entire ship's crew, except Vorina. Both Luko and Shelby wonder why she was spared and wonder if she might have given up Sha'Kev to the Tholians.
Luko then reminds Shelby about her theory about whether the freighters they have been investigating were carrying Patch artifacts related to the tetrahedrons. Shelby tells Luko that she thinks that Sha'Kev was looking for more than those artifacts, which she is convinced are connected to their current investigation. She then tells Luko of Admiral Nechayev's supposition that Commander Naros is on a parallel mission to their own, leading her to believe that that the Tholians may be looking for a "whom" rather than a "what".
Saying Nothing
Meanwhile, back on Hell's Gate station, Siroc gives Naros no end of grief when he has nothing to say to him except "Hello", leaving Naros to remark that he's developed histrionics since he's last seen him. When Naros mentions Siroc's "penchant for theft", Siroc takes obvious offense. It also prompts nearly every alien in the bar to draw their weapons against Naros, Lefler and Artim. When Naros suggests that Siroc's made some "new friends", Siroc suggests that Naros simply has some "old enemies". Lefler suggests that they are in a bad situation and should regroup - what Siroc has done isn't worth risking a conflict. And he's not leaving unseen. They can just call the Excelsior, lock down the station and begin asking questions. Siroc agrees - the Excelsior will have questions for him. And Naros. Naros, obviously frustrated, tosses a PADD to Siroc. Siroc picks it up off of the table, looks at it, and then appears surprised as he is beamed out of the bar, along with Naros and his team.
In Exclesior's sickbay, Dr. Henglaar is scanning Vorina with Counselor Elbrey observing when Shelby enters. Henglaar asks Shelby if she'd seen his report on Sha'Kev. Shelby says that she had - there were no surprises there. She then asks after Vorina, wondering if she is sedated. Quite the contrary - Henglaar has given her enough stimulants to have a "Tellarite mud sloth doing backflips." Elbrey suggests that Vorina is experiencing some sort of defense mechanism - she's trying to hibernate, shut the world out. Elbrey can't tell if it is an Orion trait or something learned. Shelby wonders if it might be some sort of anti-interrogation technique and suggests that they can't let it work. She then suggests that Henglaar has done all that he can and asks Vorina directly what happened on Sha'Kev's ship. Vorina refuses to answer. Elbrey reminds her that her silence will let her lover's killers go free. Shelby continues, suggesting that the person who allowed this to occur in the first place would also go free. She then suggests that the opportunity to exact vengeance for Sha'Kev's death might be worth something to her. Vorina finally speaks, suggesting that Shelby would never let her free. Shelby laughs. She suggests that Vorina is a "little fish" without the protection of her Andorian. Vorina response that she is a dangerous person that has killed many men. As Elbrey becomes visibly disturbed by the conversation, Shelby tells her that she's only interested in killing one person - finding, rather than killing. How Vorina does it is up to her and asks if they can help each other.
Shortly thereafter, Elbrey and Shelby enter a turbolift. Shelby tells the turbolift to take her to the bridge. Elbrey immediately asks Shelby what she is doing. Shelby tells her that she's playing on a criminal's distorted view of the world. She then asks Elbrey if she actually thinks she'd carry through the bargain with Vorina. Elbrey asks if Shelby has forgotten who she is talking to. Shelby tells her that Vorina needed to believe her. Elbrey says that she has no doubt that she'll keep Vorina in custody - it's the "maiming and killing part" that concerns her. Shelby simply stands in the turbolift silently until it deposits her on the bridge. She orders Ensign Zen to set course for the Eisley system, maximum warp. Luko asks her if there are any special preparations that need to be made. Shelby tells him to prepare the ship for combat - there are likely to be some angry Tholians present looking for the same person they are. She wants a small security detail prepared - herself, Luko and "a guest".
Babysitting Schoolchildren
Back at Hell's Gate station, a Tholian command carrier has entered a holding pattern. On Naros' runabout, Lefler asks Naros why the Tholians might be looking for them. Naros tells her that Siroc likely doesn't want to be in their custody any more than he wants to be in theirs. Siroc responds that Naros has too many secrets - one day, he'll confuse himself on the lies he's told people. Naros asks Siroc directly where the Grey battleship is hidden. Siroc tells him that he's not coming from a strong negotiating position - what is he going to threaten him with? Naros then notes that an appeal to his "better nature" would be wasted. Siroc concurs, reminding Naros that he is what Naros made him. Cast someone in deep space for 200 years and see how they turn out. Lefler then chimes in, noting that this is the second time Siroc had made that particular statement and asks what he's talking about and which battleship is being referred to. Artim then notes that Starfleet already has a Grey battleship in its possession and wonders why they might need another one. Siroc then reveals that they "had" one.
Naros then goes through a logical exercise. If the Tholians and Sha'Kev don't have the battleship and if the Tholians are looking for Siroc, then Siroc doesn't have the battleship, but he would know where it is. And if the Tholians don't have it, and he knows how to move it, then everything else he has said is true. Naros then notes that he was right to set Siroc adrift. Siroc notes that it might have been good for Naros - he sees Naros' robbing him of his birthright to be a different matter. Naros reminds him that this is the difference between perception and perspective. An exasperated Lefler chimes in, reminding them that, for whatever reason, a large hostile ship is docking with what is likely a large hostile station. The arguments and cryptic jibes aren't helping - perhaps calling in the Excelsior would. When Siroc tries to say something, Lefler motions him to be silent. Naros notes that their mission is incomplete and thus it is ill-advised to bring in an obvious Federation presence at the present time. He does suggest that it is becoming appealing. Artim then suggests using the currents. Siroc is surprised that Naros has told his companions about the currents, suggesting that he's become desperate. Lefler interjects to silence them again, likening it to babysitting schoolchildren. Naros notes that the currents extend only throughout the Briar Patch and that it would be some distance to the nearest launching point. But he agrees that they should depart Hell's Gate - they've dawdled long enough.
Shortly after the runabout's departure, the Excelsior approaches Hell's Gate. On the bridge, Luko notes the presence of the Tholian command carrier, prompting Shelby to order the ship's shields raised. She then orders Zen to put them in a similar holding pattern, 2,000 kilometers off of the station. She then gives Dr. Henglaar command of the ship and orders Luko and Vorina to join her as she leaves the bridge.
Naros' runabout is in a subspace current, heading towards an unknown destination. Artim asks Naros where they are headed. Naros notes that if they held their course for a few days, they would arrive in the Tren'La system. Artim suggests that they're not headed there, an assessment Naros concurs with. Siroc then suggests that they could search the Patch forever and never find it without his assistance. Naros turns to him and says that he understands why the Tholians would want to harness the power and technology of a Grey battleship but that he doesn't understand Siroc's interest in it. Siroc sarcastically suggests that he might be trying to take over the Alpha Quadrant one star system at a time. Naros laughs and says that would be the least of their worries - Naros believes Siroc has something else in mind, but he is not sure what.
Naros then asks Siroc about when they first met, on one of the colonies of Tren'La. He notes that they were good friends, perhaps even partners, learning from each other. But he then suggests that Siroc was reckless and inexperienced. Siroc agrees that he learned a great many things from Naros but that their goals were somewhat different. Naros suggests that Siroc's goals were dangerous and would have had dangerous consequences for those in and around the Briar Patch. Lefler becomes exasperated again, demanding that they not couch their words in allegory and just speak directly. Naros tells her that sometimes, it's not important what is said. Lefler gives up.
Cross and Double-Cross
Shelby and Luko discuss their recent foray to Hell's Gate. Luko relates to Shelby that three Starfleet officers had kidnapped an alien named Siroc. Shelby posits that this has to be Naros, as no other Starfleet officers were out this far. Luko agrees but wonders why Siroc is so important and asks if Sha'Kev might have been working for him. Shelby then notes that they're dealing with Patch artifacts and Grey battleships. Luko points out the commonality of these two things - the tetrahedrons. Shelby then points out that the Tholians are still present at Hell's Gate, so they don't know where the Grey battleship is. She wonders aloud if there is someone who does.
Meanwhile, Naros' runabout comes out of its subspace current near the orbit of an unknown planet. Artim reports that their course has zig-zagged through the Briar Patch, bringing them to a position approximately four light-years away from Hell's Gate and near the edge of the Patch. Siroc, a bit agitated, asks Naros why he brought them here, as they are too close to the edge of the Patch to serve as an adequate hiding place. Naros agrees that he might be right, but suggests that he had the Tholians use their command carrier to tow the Grey battleship to their current location before double-crossing them. He then suggests that the location would also need to be accessible via warp drive - hence, the edge of the Patch. Lefler reports that she has detected something on the far side of the planet. Naros reminds Siroc that he knows all of his hiding places - they were his first. Siroc suggests that Naros is underestimating him as he always has. Naros counters that if this was the case, Siroc would have set him adrift rather than the other way around. Siroc suggests that he was young and made mistakes, much as Naros did. Artim then reports that they are coming into visual range - before them is the lost Grey battleship in orbit of the planet. Naros suggests that Siroc couldn't get the battleship to work. Siroc confirms this - without a bio-energy source, it would be like trying to get a Borg cube to work without a collective. Naros tells Siroc that the battleship isn't going anywhere - and neither is he.
The Excelsior peels off from Hell's Gate station, with the Tholian command carrier in close pursuit. In the brig, Shelby asks Vorina about Siroc. Vorina tells her that she may have heard the name and then asks what it means to her. Shelby suggests that Siroc had led Sha'Kev and his crew into a setup with the Tholians - she has no further to look for her lover's killer. Vorina becomes agitated, noting that they were attacked by the Tholians and suggesting that Shelby pursue them instead of Siroc. Shelby questions Vorina's intelligence and suggests that she's lost her "lust for vengeance" by holding back information. If she wants to go after Sha'Kev's killer, then she needs to "ante up". After thinking about it for a moment, Vorina suggests that there might be a place....
Back on the runabout, Naros suggests that it's time to "call in the cavalry". He orders Artim to plot a course for open space at full impulse so that they can get within communicatons range of the fleet. Siroc interjects before he can, saying that they have to beam over to the Grey battleship, as there are tetrahedron keys onboard, which cannot be permitted to fall into Federation hands. The Tholians believe Siroc has them. Lefler suggests that they are safer in the Federation's hands than in his. Naros tells them that they are both right - he'll oversee the destruction of the keys. Siroc objects. Artim suggests that they not jump to conclusions. Naros ignores both of them, drawing his phaser and telling him to follow him.
Naros and Siroc beam over to the Grey battleship. Naros asks Siroc how far the artifacts are. Siroc says that they are not far away. He then asks if he would really destroy them. Naros tells him that, if he has to, he'll trust them to the Federation. As Siroc had proven how untrustworthy the Federation's hands were, and if Naros can't keep them safe, then there's no one else more capable or trustworthy. Hence, they must be destroyed. Siroc questions whether Naros actually considers himself to be trustworthy. Naros reminds him that where trust is earned, trust is given - and Siroc is not worthy of his trust. Naros then demands to see the artifacts, lest Siroc see them fall into the Federation's hands. Siroc asks why he should help. Naros can't find the keys without him, as their sensors will not work inside the battleship. Just as Naros threatens to turn Siroc over to the Tholians, Artim informs him that the Excelsior is entering the sector, followed by the Tholian command carrier.
On the Excelsior, Ensign Barrett informs Shelby that he has confirmed that the Tholian command carrier has been pursuing them since their departure from Hell's Gate. Henglaar orders red alert while Shelby orders the ship's weapons brought online. Luko tells them that the Grey battleship is dead ahead, along with the runabout - two lifesigns aboard each. Shelby opens a channel to the runabout. Lefler reports that Naros beamed aboard the battleship with Siroc but that they've lost contact with them. Shelby tells Lefler to prepare for docking, as they may have some company.
Aboard the battleship, Naros has difficulty contacting either the runabout or the Excelsior. During this attempt at communication, Siroc assaults Naros, knocking him to the ground while taking his phaser. Siroc then tells Naros that he has a command carrier to catch and that he's taking his tetrahedron keys with him. After suggesting that Naros not "go down with the ship", he leaves. After a moment, Naros gets up and pursues Siroc.
Ten Minutes
The Tholian command carrier approaches the Excelsior, her escorts and the Grey battleship. Shelby asks if the runabout is aboard yet. Barrett reports that they are not and that they are hailing the Excelsior. Lefler tells her that if Naros has encountered trouble aboard the battleship, the runabout would need to get in close to beam him out - she requests permission to search for him. Shelby denies this request as it's too dangerous with the Tholians bearing down on them. Lefler then says that, despite their misgivings about Naros' motives, she is now convinced that he has the greater good in mind. She asks Shelby to give him the benefit of the doubt. If they can get in close, they might be able to achieve a transporter lock. Shelby gives her ten minutes to find him. After the channel is closed Lefler orders Artim to close with the battleship.
Luko reports that the Tholians are ordering the Starfleet vessels out of the system. Shelby tells Luko to inform them that they are in neutral space and that the Grey battleship is Federation property. Luko tells Shelby that he doesn't think the Tholians would agree. When Shelby asks why this the case, she is answered by the Excelsior rocking under the Tholians' weapons fire. Shelby orders the Excelsior's escorts to peel off and attempt to draw the Tholians' fire. The Excelsior fires quantum torpedoes at the command carrier, causing minor damage to their starboard hull plating. Shelby asks Barrett if they've heard anything from Commodore Knapp. Barrett tells her that they've heard nothing and questions whether their signal made it to the Commodore. The ship is rocked by weapons fire again. Shelby orders the shields reinforced and for Luko to "give them phasers". The Excelsior executes a strafing run on the carrier's starboard side, hitting it several times with sustained phaser fire.
On the runabout, Lefler frets about the weak lifesigns she detects onboard the Grey battleship, noting that they are too deep within the structure of the ship to achieve a transporter lock. Artim suggests beaming aboard a communications relay to improve their chances of contact. Lefler believes the plan will work and orders it executed. She opens up a weak channel to Naros. Naros tells her that Siroc has escaped - he's tracking him, but it might be too late. He suggests that Siroc might be trying to rejoin the Tholians. He then tells Lefler that they cannot let them escape with both the artifacts and the battleship. When Naros notes that Siroc has his phaser, Lefler wonders if he'll use "harsh language" to stop him. Naros asks if the Excelsior can spare a security detachment, but Lefler kills this idea - the Excelsior is busy at the moment. Naros then notes that Siroc will have to return to his position prior to beaming off of the battleship. He'll make his move then, when Siroc has the artifacts with him. If this plan fails, Naros tells Lefler to convince Shelby to destroy the battleship - it's the only way to ensure that Siroc and the Tholians cannot explot the battleship. Lefler agrees and then asks if Naros had any intention to destroy the tetrahedron keys. Naros tells her that there wasn't a chance, but Siroc had to believe him. Lefler and Artim nod to each other in satisfaction.
Containment Failure
Luko reports that the Excelsiors escorts have been battered - the Cochise has been destroyed while the Marshal Marks has had to retreat, suffering from engine failure. Shelby orders the phaser cannon fired. Luko reports that the blast caused severe damage to the Tholian's outer hull, but only minimal damage to their weapons systems. Shelby orders the ship to circle around for another pass against the Tholian ship. She then tells Barrett to remind Lefler that her ten minutes are up. As the Excelsior maneuvers, the Tholian lands several disruptor shots, eventually piercing her shields and damaging her starboard warp nacelle. Zen is incapacitated and falls to the deck as the conn explodes in a shower of sparks. Henglaar orders medics to the bridge while taking over the conn. Shelby orders him to pilot the ship outside of the Tholians' weapons range. The conn is non-responsive. Shelby orders Barrett to reroute helm control to the Operations station.
The Excelsior takes another hit. Shelby calls for a damage report. Luko reports that their shields are buckling and that they have a warp containment failure in progress. Shelby calls down to engineering. Aster reports that things are not looking good - they are trying to shut the warp core down, lest they be forced to eject it. Shelby tells Aster to do what he can and then orders Henglaar to evacuate the crew to the ship's saucer module in preparation for separation. Barrett announces that he has been successful in rerouting helm control and is able to pull the Excelsior away from their Tholian pursuer.
Down in Main Engineering, the engineering team struggles to get the warp core offline as the computer warns them that they are approaching the limits of the warp core's containment. Aster orders Crewman Thalek to divert power from anywhere except from life support. As the two argue over the wisdom of that call, the ship is rocked by another explosion. The computer warns them that they are exceeding the warp core's thermal limits. Aster orders engineering cleared, including Thalek. Thalek objects, telling Aster that he will not abandon his commanding officer. Aster tells him that he should make himself useful and shut off power flow to the damaged nacelle, as they'll need all the power they can get to contain the warp core.
The Excelsior makes another strafing run against the Tholian carrier. On the bridge, two medics tend to Zen's wounds. Luko reports that the carrier is on a course back to the Grey battleship and appear to be preparing a tractor beam to take it into tow. Shelby tells Lefler to get out of the area.
Onboard the Grey battleship, Naros sneaks up behind Siroc and takes his phaser. He then tells Siroc to drop the bag he has, apparently with the tetrahedron keys inside. Siroc doubts that Naros would shoot him with his phaser. Naros retorts that if he's come this far, Siroc knows that he will. Siroc tells him that he's out of time, contacting the Tholian ship which promptly beams him aboard. Naros fires his phaser, but it is too late - Siroc is gone. Meanwhile, the Tholian carrier comes into position, activates its tractor beam and begins to tow the Grey battleship away.
"Look Up"
Shelby tells Lefler that if she doesn't have Naros, she needs to leave the area now, as they only have one shot to destroy the Grey battleship. Lefler tells her that Naros is approaching the ship's perimeter, so she should be able to beam Naros aboard any second now. Shelby leaves Lefler to that task. Luko reports that the Tholian carrier is approaching the edge of the Briar Patch, with their warp engines coming online. Shelby orders Luko to fire, but it is ineffective - the Tholians are too heavily shielded. Barrett then tells Shelby that they have an incoming message from Commodore Cole. Shelby, surprised, asks what it is. "Look up", Barrett replies looking puzzled. Shelby is equally puzzled.
Suddenly, a task force, led by the Independence arrives and begins to fire on the Tholian carrier. Luko reports that the carrier is taking heavy damage, causing it to disengage its tractor beam. Shelby orders them in to recover the runabout. Barrett reports that the Tholian carrier is coming about, preparing to target the battleship themselves. As Lefler beams Naros aboard, Shelby tells Lefler to get out of the area. She then orders all ships to fall back as the Tholians open fire on the battleship, eventually causing it to explode. As the Excelsior crew is buffeted by the explosion of the battleship, the carrier escapes at warp speed. Luko reports that the radiation from the explosion renders their course difficult to trace. Lefler then opens a channel, reporting that the Independence had beamed the runabout aboard - they'll beam back over to the Excelsior presently. Aster then calls from Engineering, reporting that they've managed to contain the warp core, but that they will require assistance in getting back to DS12, something Shelby thinks won't be hard to manage. After accepting the Captain's thanks, Thalek asks him if he would have died to save the warp core. Aster says he doesn't know - they had a job to do and they did it. Thalek answers that there isn't anything more honorable than that. Aster nods in agreement.
Of Good Children and Bad
In sickbay, Henglaar wonders why Ensign Zen is still there. Zen tells him that Nurse Hanley wouldn't let him leave until she's sure he's healed. Henglaar refers to Hanley as "overzealous". Zen then remarks that McFarland told him that Henglaar was confident at the helm during their recent battle, suggesting that the crew might begin referring to him as "Captain Henglaar". Henglaar suggests that Zen to not be too hasty, as his first duty is to his patients. Speaking of which, he releases Zen from sickbay. When Zen asks where his lollipop is, Henglaar reminds him that the lollipops are for the good children. As Zen leaves, Henglaar muses that "Captain Henglaar" has a certain ring to it.
In Shelby's ready room, Naros asks what they will do with Vorina. Shelby, to Naros' surprise, tells him to get her off of the Exclesior, as they have no solid evidence to charge her with. Shelby notes that they lost the Grey battleship, wondering where that leaves them. Naros notes that at least it isn't in anyone else's hands. It also wasn't going to be of much further use to the Federation anyways. Lefler then wonders about the Patch artifacts, if they were keys to the tetrahedrons. Naros indicates that he does believe that they were. Shelby suggests that he start at "the beginning". After looking at the looks on Shelby's and Lefler's face, Naros begins to tell them his story. He asks them to picture a boy, who might some day become a man, going to a place to make his fortune, or take someone else's as it might be more convenient. He went there to make his mark, to make himself someone important. When Shelby asks of what he did when he got there, Naros responds that he found himself to be both insignificant and capable, capable of doing terrible things to keep it that way.
Ranger
Later, in a turbolift, Lefler tells a newly-promoted Lieutenant Commander Luko that the USS Ranger is a "fine little ship". Luko takes exception at the definition of "little" but Lefler reminds him that it's not the Excelsior but she's a great escort ship and she is sure that Luko will make it his own. When Lefler refers to him by his new rank, he wonders why she's being so formal, wondering if she's jealous. Lefler recounts their recovery of the USS Defiant and their most recent adventure. Luko asks her if she wants the job, but she demurs. He then asks if she'd like to be his First Officer, but she is happy where she is. Luko then reminds her that if she ever misses him, she can always run his Poindexter program. Lefler laughs but then suggests that Poindexter is not him. The turbolift stops and they exit.
As they enter the transporter room, Chief Teb tells them that the Ranger is hailing - Starfleet needs them underway as soon as possible. After Luko tells her that he'll be right over, Lefler tells Teb that she'll take care of this transport personally. As Teb leaves, Luko tells her that the Ranger will be escorting and patrolling, but that he isn't sure when they'll be back in the vicinity again. Lefler tells him that she'll always remember the good times they had in the holodeck and on DS12. She can't believe that this is "goodbye". Luko then quotes Lefler's Law #103 - "A few light-years can't keep good friends apart." Luko then notes that he has half of those laws memorized, mostly through osmosis.
Lefler then asks him about whether he regrets "what might have been". Luko admits that he does think about the "road not travelled" sometimes, wondering if it might happen someday, but tells her not to wait, as she deserves better than that. Lefler says that he does as well. Luko reminds her that he had his chance and the opportunity he has been given is "once in a lifetime". They each say they will miss the other, then exchange a brief embrace, followed by a kiss. Luko then gets on the transporter pad, telling her to write him at least once a week. Lefler takes mock offense, reminding him that he doesn't outrank her. Yet. She then beams him over to the Ranger which subsequently peels off from the task force, pursuing its own mission.
Background Information
- This episode establishes the relationship between and amongst Naros and Siroc, Siroc and the Tholians and Naros, Siroc and the secrets of the Briar Patch (i.e. the tetrahedrons, tetrahedron keys and the Grey). These would serve as key plot points for the remainder of Hidden Frontier's run.
Memorable Quotes
- Siroc: "What? No words of greeting? Have I finally rendered Tolian Naros, charmer of children, bedder of women, rainmaker to the Briar Patch, speechless at last? How about something like pedestrian, like 'Hello, Siroc.'?"
- Naros: "Hello, Siroc."
- Siroc: "'Hello, Siroc'? After all this time? After everything you've done?"
- Naros: "You know why I did it."
- Siroc: "Because you think it was the right thing to do? Space take men who think they have an inkling about...."
- Naros: "I see you've developed histrionics."
- Elbrey: (to Shelby) "Oh, I have no doubt that you'll keep her in custody. It's the maiming and killing part that has me concerned."
- Siroc: "You have too many secrets, Tolian. One of these days, you're going to get confused and ask yourself 'What lie have I told this time?'"
- Naros: (referring to the Grey battleship) "You couldn't get it to work, could you?"
- Siroc: "The Ethereals controlled it via telepathy. Without a bio-energy source, it's like trying to run a Borg cube without a collective."
- Shelby: "What's the message?"
- Barrett: "'Look up.'"
- Thalek: "Just tell me one thing, Ensign. Would you have died trying to save the core?"
- Aster: "I don't know, Crewman. We had a job to do and that's what we did."
- Thalek: "I can't think of anything more honorable than that, sir."
- Zen: "You know, McFarland told me you were pretty competent at the helm. Before you know it, we're going to start addressing you as 'Captain Henglaar.'"
- Henglaar: (snorts) "Let's not be too hasty, Ensign. My first responsibility is to my patients. Speaking of which, you're released."
- Zen: "What, no lollipop?"
- Henglaar: "The lollipops are for the good children."
- Zen: "Never mind." (Zen leaves)
- Henglaar: "'Captain Henglaar.' It has a certain ring to it." (beat) "Nah."
Production Notes
- This episode is the last to-date to feature Terence Schoshinski and the character of Lieutenant Commander Luko.
- The opening credits for this episode reflect Corey Aster being promoted to Lieutenant, junior grade, although this promotion is not actually seen until Aster's next appearance in HF 4.04 - "Grave Matters".
- The bulk of this episode's music is derived from the TNG two-part episode "Best of Both Worlds", composed by Ron Jones.
Cast
Regular Cast
| Actor | Role |
| David W. Dial | Commodore Ian Quincy Knapp |
| Risha Denney | Captain Elizabeth Shelby |
| Larry LaVerne | Commander Tolian Naros |
| John Whiting | Doctor Henglaar |
| Joanne Busch | Lieutenant Commander Robin Lefler |
| Wayne Webb | Lieutenant Matt McCabe |
| Barbara Clifford | Counselor Myra Elbrey |
| Arthur Bosserman | Ensign Ro Nevin |
| J.T. Tepnapa | Lieutenant, j.g. Corey Aster |
| Tyler Bosserman | Ensign Andrew Barrett |
Guest Stars
| Actor | Role |
| Jim Fox-Davis | Siroc |
| Beau Christian Williams | Ensign Artim Ibanya Crewman Thalek |
| Suzy Kaplan | Vorina |
| Angela Hahn | Chief Teb |
| Adam Browne | Ensign Jorian Zen |
| Terence Schoshinski | Lieutenant Commander Luko |
| Jennifer Cole | Bartender |
