Imminent Danger
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 5.02 | |||||||||||||
| "Imminent Danger" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by Rob Caves, Robert O'Geen, Mike Urvand and Carlos Pedraza | |||||||||||||
| Story by Rob Caves and Robert O'Geen | |||||||||||||
| Directed by Adam Browne | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
While exploring the currents in the Briar Patch, the Excelsior crew realize the Tholians have a greater presence in the patch than previously thought. An ambush on a planet surface leaves Barrett racked with guilt and it's up to his friends and colleagues to rally round him. Meanwhile, a diplomatic conference with the Tholian Ambassador raises more questons than answers.
First Command
"Captain's Log, Stardate 58217.3: The Excelsior has been exploring the currents for two days. I've sent an away team down to Tagus V to have a look at some anomalous surface formations. We're the first Starfleet vessel to explore this part of the Patch."
On the surface of Tagus V, Ensigns Barrett and S'Tal and Crewman Deadow conduct their survey, phasers drawn. S'Tal reports that they are entering a region of high kelbonite deposits, which are obscuring her tricorder scans. Barrett notes that Ba'ku has similar deposits and wonders if this is a common feature to planets in the Briar Patch. S'Tal points out that two examples is not sufficient to form a theory. This prompts Barrett to remind her that this is first command, asking if she would cut him a little slack. The request falls on unsympathetic Vulcan ears, prompting Barrett to end that line of conversation.
As they continue their survey, it becomes apparent that they are under surveillance. Deadow reports that he is receiving no tricorder readings ahead, suggesting that they might be masked. Barrett asks S'Tal to confirm, wondering if she detects any sign of the ruins the Excelsior detected from orbit. Conducting her own scan, S'Tal suggests that their presence may have detected. Just then, the away team comes under fire. As the team takes cover and begins returning fire, Barrett calls the Excelsior urgently requesting beam-out. Captain Shelby tells him that they cannot establish transporter lock, owing to the concentration of kelbonite in the area - they need to get closer to the location where they beamed in. Barrett acknowledges this, telling his team to fall back. They take cover at a new location, Barrett asks S'Tal who is attacking them. S'Tal tells him that she believes they are Tholians, but will attempt to confirm this.
On the Excelsior's bridge, Shelby asks Lieutenant McCabe if they can transport the away team yet. McCabe tells her that they need to move another 25 meters before they can establish a transporter lock. Shelby then turns to her executive officer, Commander Naros asking him about the planet being uninhabited. A surprised Naros tells her that it was. Shelby orders McCabe to scan for nearby vessels.
Back on the planet, S'Tal confirms at least four Tholians attacking them, possibly more. Barrett tells her that the team will lay down suppressing fire once they reach the beam-down site. Suddenly, Deadow, who was moving towards their location, is shot in the chest by weapon fire and falls to the ground. S'Tal moves over to his body, scanning it with her tricorder. She reports that he is dead. She also detects at least five Tholians closing in on their location. Barrett decides that they have to run. Just as they depart, Barrett is knocked to the ground by the effects of weapons fire. A Tholian closes in on him. Barrett picks up the nearest phaser, that of his dead colleague and fires at the Tholian, killing it. S'Tal retrieves Barrett, who is obviously upset that he killed the Tholian. They engage in a running firefight until they reach the beam-out coordinates, dematerializing as Tholian weapons fire streaks through their former location.
Gunboat Diplomacy
Shelby calls to the transporter room, asking if the away team has been retrieved. Chief Teb tells her that the team is aboard. Shelby orders evasive maneuvers and for the Excelsior to break orbit. Naros tells Shelby that if the Tholians are this deep in the Briar Patch, they have found holes in Starfleet's blockade and found access to Patch currents. Shelby suggests that they may have been in the Patch longer than they previously suspected. The ship is rocked by weapons fire. McCabe reports that the aft shields are holding and that they are under attack by three Tholian webspinners. Shelby turns back to Naros and tells him that they're not going to start a war, but if the Tholians follow them, they won't hold their punches. She orders the helm to get them to the nearest current. McCabe activates a tachyon pulse as Shelby orders the ship to jump to warp, removing them from the Tagus system. McCabe reports no signs of pursuit. Naros suggests that the Tholians were driving them away from the planet for a reason. When Shelby asks him what that reason might be, he has no answer for her. Shelby orders the Excelsior back to Deep Space 12 while requesting communications with Admiral Nechayev.
In the transporter room, S'Tal tells Barrett that they should prepare their mission report. When Barrett does not respond to this suggestion, S'Tal emphasizes that the mission was not without incident - they should not delay. Barrett does not take the "without incident" comment well, noting that Deadow had died. When Barrett does not respond further, S'Tal notes that his reaction is different from that of other humans she has observed. She offers to prepare the report. Barrett turns down this offer, noting that it was his command - he should prepare the report. He cuts off a further suggestion from S'Tal, thanking her. S'Tal leaves the transporter room, leaving Barrett to his thoughts.
"Captain's Log, Stardate 58247.1: We've returned to Deep Space 12. Admiral Nechayev has called a meeting with the Tholian ambassador."
A Tholian vessel approaches Deep Space 12. Meanwhile, Admiral Nechayev, Commodore Knapp, Captain Shelby and Commander Naros discuss the current situation while awaiting the arrival of the Tholian ambassador. Knapp asks Naros if the Tholians are slipping through their blockade. Naros suggests that this is a possibility, but that it would appear that the Tholians had a significant presence in the Briar Patch prior to the blockade. Nechayev notes that, as a condition of their discussions, the Tholians have agreed to withdraw their forces from the Patch. When Shelby asks if they have begun such a pull-out, Knapp notes that some Tholian vessels have been detected departing the Patch. However, given the size of the Patch, there is no way to be sure.
Shelby then suggests ramping-up the blockade, a suggestion Nechayev agrees with. Until Starfleet is able to analyze the tetrahedron recently located on the Ba'ku ocean floor, they don't know what they're dealing with. Nechayev tells them that until they do, preventing the Tholians from obtaining additional tetrahedrons should be their top priority. Knapp notes that the Tholians are also invading Federation space in their quest for additional tetrahedrons. Nechayev tells them that Starfleet wants to give peace a chance. If that is not possible, however, their options are limited. Commander Darwin then informs them that the Tholian ambassador has arrived. Nechayev tells Darwin to send him in. Siroc walks into the conference room. A stunned and less-than-enthused Naros greets him. Siroc, now also appearing less than enthused, returns the greeting.
Different Languages
Later, S'Tal and Barrett enter a turbolift. Barrett asks to confirm some details of his report with S'Tal before submitting it to Captain Shelby. He notes that Deadow's tricorder detected between four and five Tholians before the attack on Tagus V. S'Tal confirms the number - as she attempts to explain, Barrett cuts her off. He then asks about why Deadow's phaser was set on such a high setting. S'Tal reminds Barrett that they had been using his phaser to take a rock sample immediately prior to the attack. Barrett suggests that he should have told Deadow to reset his phaser to stun, as this is standard procedure. S'Tal counters that there would be no reason for him to change his phaser's power setting, as they were taking samples every couple of minutes. Barrett, obviously feeling guilty about having taken a life, then suggests that he should have changed the power settings of the phaser. S'Tal reminds him that he didn't have the time to do this. When Barrett suggests that he should have just run away, S'Tal tells him that the Tholians would have shot him in the back.
When Barrett struggles to find another action he could have taken to prevent himself from taking a life, S'Tal tells him that he did what needed to be done to protect both himself and his crewmates. As a Starfleet officer, he may be faced with similar situations in the future - he cannot hesitate. Barrett retorts that it's not that simple. He took a life and he is not capable of turning off his emotions and look at the logic of his actions. S'Tal suggests that as he cannot undo his actions, he should focus on accepting them. As she invokes logic again, Barrett explodes, telling her that logic and emotions are two totally different languages that can't be translated between each other. She cannot give him advice when she doesn't understand how he feels. S'Tal suggests that they are at an impasse. Barrett agrees and storms out of the now-stopped turbolift.
Later, Admiral Nechayev meets with Captain Shelby and Commander Naros. Naros suggests that Siroc be thrown into the brig, as he is dangerous. He even suggests that they would be doing the Tholians a favor. Nechayev tells Naros that they cannot detain a representative of the Tholian Assembly while he is on a mission of peace, no matter who he is. She reminds him that both the Assembly and the Federation are signatories of the Seldonis Convention, which would prohibit such an act. Shelby notes that the Tholians' demands aren't unreasonable - exploratory rights to the Patch are something that the Federation has granted its allies. Nechayev turns to Shelby, asking her if she really believes that is all the Tholians want. Shelby responds in the negative - they've had enough dealings with Siroc to know otherwise. Shelby asks Naros what Siroc and the Tholians might be after. Naros suggests that, beyond additional tetrahedrons, he cannot be sure what they might be after. He then takes the initiative, asking Nechayev for permission to "visit" Siroc and have a "heart-to-heart" discussion with him. Nechayev agrees, but warns Naros to be diplomatic - they don't need any more problems with the Tholians right now. Naros tells her that he will do his best.
S'Tal meets with Counselor Elbrey in her office. Elbrey is impressed by the number of PADD's that S'Tal has presented her regarding her thorough assessment of Barrett's situation. S'Tal notes that, as ship's Counselor, she is the logical source of information regarding the psychological well-being of the crew. S'Tal wanted to provide Elbrey a complete assessment of Barrett's situation. Elbrey asks what S'Tal would like her to do, in light of this assessment. S'Tal's answer is simple - "Make him well." Elbrey is taken aback by this suggestion. She notes that she should intervene, in light of the noted impact on Barrett's work performance, but she notes that S'Tal's assessment does not include anything regarding she might be able to do for Barrett as his friend. S'Tal says that she would assist if she could, but as a Vulcan, she has no experience in dealing with human emotional issues. Elbrey notes that the Vulcan neural massage has a great deal of success in dealing with human stress. S'Tal notes that the method required physical proximity - she would not want to make Barrett uncomfortable, noting that some humans would consider it an intimate act. Elbrey asks if S'Tal would consider it an intimate act. S'Tal responds that she is not certain - she simply would not want Barrett to misinterpret her actions. At this point, Elbrey takes issue with S'Tal's refusal to refer to Barrett by his first name. Again, S'Tal notes that the use of first names amongst humans is often intended as a sign of affection, an emotional state that she does not exhibit.
Elbrey asks S'Tal why she visited her. S'Tal responds that she was concerned about her shipmate. When Elbrey suggests that concern is an emotional state, S'Tal tells her that there is no reason to be offensive. She continues that her concern is to maximize Barrett's "operational efficiency". Elbrey tells her that humans operate more efficiently when their friends use their first names. It puts them at ease, forms a sense of camaraderie and helps them work better. S'Tal admits that she had not considered this. Elbrey tells S'Tal that what Barrett needs right now is his friends. She continues, telling her that friendship does not need to be an emotional state to exhibit. Elbrey respects S'Tal's feelings, or rather, opinion regarding Barrett, but friendship is characterized by mutual assistance, approval and support. Elbrey asks S'Tal if she can provide those things to Barrett. When S'Tal says that she can, Elbrey suggests that she be his friend.
Rapprochement
Later, S'Tal visits Barrett in his quarters. S'Tal enters, then apologizes for her earlier exchange, as she was not prepared for it. She admits that human emotional responses are a mystery to her. Barrett asks why she has come. S'Tal paraphrases Admiral Janeway - "I am a Starfleet officer. Mystery is part of the game." S'Tal takes a seat and continues, stating that she wishes to be there. Barrett accepts the apology, telling S'Tal that she can help being Vulcan as much as he can help being human.
Barrett then shows S'Tal a picture of his father, noting that he has been a colony security officer for 25 years. In that time, he hasn't had to so much as stun anyone. Barrett reminisces, remembering how he used to admire his father in his uniform when he came back from work. He also admits that was why he joined Starfleet. He can't help but wonder what he would have done on Tagus V. S'Tal cannot say, as he was not there, but believes, given the character of his son, that he would have done much the same thing.
Barrett then wonders aloud if he deserves to wear a Starfleet uniform. He notes that he's read the biographies of all of the major Starfleet captains and suggests that they would have found a different alternative. S'Tal reminds Barrett that each of those officers had to kill when they were forced to - they all regretted the action, but none would shirk from doing it again. As for whether he deserves to wear the uniform, she tells him that is a decision that he will need to make for himself. Calling him by his first name at the end of this statement, S'Tal leaves Barrett to his thoughts.
Meanwhile, aboard the Tholian vessel, Siroc converses with Vorina, telling her that he is sure that Naros is as confused as the rest of the Federation. Vorina tells him that the Breen has accepted their offer and await his instructions. Siroc tells her to do nothing - they will need them soon enough. He suggests that they must strike the Federation when the time is right - this would create enough disarray to ensure their success. Siroc deflects Vorina's question about what his plan is, then asks what the price is for the Breen's services. Vorina relays that they want the Ba'ku system and to share in tetrahedron research. Siroc believes this is a fair deal and tells Vorina to assure the Breen it is theirs. When Vorina tells him that she already has, he warns her not to let her ambition outrun her brain. With a sarcastic acknowledgement, Vorina's image disappears from view.
Siroc's door then chimes. Naros enters, with Siroc noting that he was informed of his presence. Answering a question from Naros, Siroc notes that the Tholians are proving to be worthy subjects, but not as worthy as he was with Naros. Naros asks if Siroc is reminiscing. Siroc reminds him of the time when he was a refugee, stranded on Tren'La. Naros notes they had more in common back then, as he was a refugee from the Borg. Siroc notes that fate brought him to the Tren'La colonies, the first outsider to arrive in the Patch. He asks, rhetorically, what species introduced Naros to the currents. He continues, noting that he wouldn't share that information with the Tren'La. Naros tells him that they weren't ready for it. Siroc continues, noting that he was ready, and that Naros had taken him under his wing and shown him most of the secrets of the Patch, but not all of them.
Naros gets to the point, asking Siroc what he is doing. Siroc states that he wants to ensure that the Tholians have their fair share of Patch access and resources, noting that the Federation covers more than half the edge of the Patch. Going around it is a slow business. Naros asks why the Tholians might need Patch access. Siroc sarcastically responds that he might want to visit the Patch every once in a while. Naros notes that Siroc's been using the currents, so there is nothing stopping him from visiting. He then warns Siroc to stop violating Federation space. Siroc asks Naros if he wants them to spend weeks going around the Patch. Naros responds in the affirmative, as he knows there is more to Siroc than wanting to reminisce about the "good old days". Siroc suggests that Naros is delusional. Naros retorts that Siroc is a poor liar.
Naros then asks what Siroc has learned from the tetrahedron they stole from the Cardassians. Siroc responds that data is classified. Naros continues, that the Patch artifacts were created by the Grey and asks if they are "keys". Siroc notes that Naros is indeed correct - they are keys to the tetrahedrons. Naros then asks about what happens once they are unlocked. He notes that isolytic pulses cause the tetrahedrons to react, but this is akin to a caveman attempting to operate a starship. He then has a revelation - total control - that is the keys' purpose. Siroc smugly suggests that this is a clever analogy and that he is surprised that he came up with it. Siroc, continuing to taunt Naros, tells him that it is too bad the Federation doesn't have one to "play with". Naros sarcastically agrees.
Siroc then offers to let Naros join him, to finish things as they begun - as partners. Naros declines, having no interest in whatever scheme Siroc has devised. Siroc is disappointed in this. He then begs off continued discussion, telling Naros that it is late and he must contact his government. Siroc then suggests that Naros should have remained on Norpin IV, tending to his garden. Naros tells Siroc that the Federation is right behind him, warning him not to "trip". Siroc retorts, telling Naros that he is like the Federation - an old man. He shouldn't meddle where he doesn't belong. Departing, Naros tells Siroc that he can count on Naros stopping him.
Causus Belli
Later, in DS12's Operations Center, Commander Darwin informs Admiral Nechayev that their listening posts have detected Tholian ships massing near their blockade line in Sectors 439, 440 and 441. He also reports that those ships could cross the Federation border in a matter of hours. Nechayev is clearly alarmed by this development. She tells Darwin to contact Starfleet Command and have them send the Eighth Fleet to reinforce the blockade line and deploy mines along its perimeter. She also demands a meeting with the Tholian Ambassador.
Shortly thereafter, Siroc meets with Admiral Nechayev and Commodore Knapp. Knapp asks Siroc why the Tholian fleet is massing along the Federation border. Siroc contends that it is a routine deployment, much like Starfleet's similar deployment along their border. Nechayev warns Siroc that if the Tholians attempt to run their blockade or if one Tholian vessel attempts to cross into Federation space without permission, there will be war. Knapp tells Siroc that they know he is after the tetrahedrons, suggesting that this technology is too dangerous and unpredictable. Siroc counters this argument, suggesting that the technology is dangerous only in hands that don't know how to use it. He rhetorically asks them which would be better - such technology in the hands of the Federation, who do not have an understanding of the technology, or in the hands of the Tholians, who have an understanding and have mastered it.
This boast of superiority prompts Knapp to suggest pooling resources in researching the tetrahedrons. Siroc laughs at this notion, suggesting that the Federation doesn't have the stomach for anything else. He tells them that the Tholians have a "greater vision". Nechayev tells him that the Tholians should be careful, asking if they're willing to risk opening "Pandora's Box". Siroc responds that the box is wide open for anyone who cares to peer into it. With that, Siroc departs the station.
Entente
As Barrett examines his combadge in his quarters, Ensign Ro stops by for a visit. Barrett asks him what's going on. Ro tells him that he just got off-duty and thought he'd stop by. Ro sits down and tells him about a book about Bajoran resistance fighters he has been reading. Barrett remarks that the book sounds interesting, but his heart isn't in it. Ro tells him that most of the book is about regular people forced to fight for their freedom and becoming heroes. He then tells him about one fighter who thought of the war as a fond memory, something he enjoyed. Every time he killed a Cardassian, he would mark a notch on his phaser, as if it was something to be proud of, like keeping score. Everyone on Bajor saw him as a hero. When Barrett asks him if he thinks that Bajoran was a hero, Ro agrees half-heartedly, but then tells Barrett that anyone who equates a life of another with a notch on a phaser isn't someone he'd like to have as a friend. After a moment of letting Barrett think on this, Ro asks him if his shift on the bridge is about to start. Barrett replies in the affirmative. Ro, nudging him further, asks him if he is going to report for duty. After a moment, gathering himself, he replies "I guess I am." As Ro departs, Barrett thanks him, then puts on his combadge.
Outside of Barrett's quarters, S'Tal is waiting for Ro. Ro tells her that he will be fine - Barrett just needed time to think and help from his friends. S'Tal reiterates her concern for Barrett's mental state. Ro then points out that she came to him as opposed to Captain Shelby or Commander Naros. S'Tal responds that it seemed logical that he needed support from his peers as opposed to "command intervention". Ro translates this and says that Barrett needed his friends. S'Tal agrees as Ro departs. This leaves S'Tal to herself, touching the bulkhead of Barrett's quarters and permitting herself ever so slight a smile.
Background Information
- This episode marks the return of Ensign S'Tal, last seen in her debut episode, HF 4.03 - "Addictions", and further establishes her relationship with fellow Ensign, Andrew Barrett.
Memorable Quotes
- Barrett: "This is my first time in command of an away team. Can you cut me a little slack here?"
- S'Tal: "Slack?"
- Barrett: "Never mind."
- Barrett: "There you go again! When are you going to realize that logic and emotions are two totally different languages that can't be translated between each other? You can't give me advice if you don't understand how I feel."
- S'Tal: "Then we are at an impasse."
- Barrett: "I guess so."
- Elbrey: "Isn't concern an emotional state?"
- S'Tal: "I see no need to insult me."
- Siroc: "You're like the Federation, Tolian, an old man. Don't meddle where you don't belong."
- Siroc: "Pooled resources? Shared ideas? You might as well roll out the red carpet, share a glass of wine and be friends. That's all the Federation ever wants to do. They don't have the stomach for anything else."
- Ro: "It seemed logical that he needed the support of his peers in this instance, as opposed to command intervention."
- S'Tal: "I see. In other words, he needed his friends."
Production Notes
- This episode marks Suzy Kaplan's final appearance on Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. The character of Vorina, which she originated, would be re-cast in the show's sixth season, with Julie Anne Gardner assuming the role beginning with HF 6.03 - "Homeport".
- Much as Lieutenant Doa's name was a play on "D.O.A." (i.e. Dead On Arrival) in HF 04.06 - "Entanglement, Part 1", Crewman Deadow's name was a play on the words "Dead" and "Ow" in this episode.
- The music for this episode was primarily derived from the Star Trek: First Contact soundtrack by Jerry and Joel Goldsmith.
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Entanglement, Part 2" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Darkest Night" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Entanglement, Part 2" | 2381 Stardate 58217.3 | Next "Darkest Night" |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Siroc | Jim Fox-Davis |
| Vorina | Suzy Kaplan |
| Admiral Alynna Nechayev | Reneé Huberstock |
| Ensign S'Tal | Julia Morizawa |
| Crewman Deadow | Jesse Saavedra |
| Transporter Chief Teb (uncredited) | Angela Hahn |
| Background Performer | Carlos Pedraza |
