In Memory Of
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode | |
| "In Memory Of" | |
| |
| Episode no. | 3.04 |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 3 |
| Release Date | 2002 |
| Writer(s) | Rob Caves |
| Story Elements by | Rob Caves |
| Director | Rob Caves |
| Year | 2379 |
| Stardate | 56xxx |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous
"Heroes" | |
| Next | |
Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
After having a vision of a Borg attack, Corey Aster tells Counselor Elbrey of a mission he was on, while aboard the Olympus, when they encountered the Collective.
News Travels Fast
Three Borg cubes appear in orbit of Deneb IV, home of Farpoint Station. They approach the station, transmitting their normal demand for surrender, as "resistance is futile". Suddenly, Ensign Corey Aster wakes up in his quarters, screaming. He gets out of bed and goes to a computer terminal and requests a feed from the Federation News Network. He is stunned by what he sees on his screen.
Later, on Excelsior, Counselor Elbrey and Lieutenant Luko are talking in a turbolift. Luko tells Elbrey that he's not enjoying his working in Engineering, as it's not his cup of tea, despite earning some "brownie points" with Lieutenant Commander Lefler. Elbrey muses that she's a Counselor for a reason - ODN relays don't suffer emotional stress. Luko then asks Elbrey about Corey Aster, suggesting that he might make a good Assistant Chief Engineer for Lefler. Elbrey notes that he's just arrived at DS12 onboard the Endeavour. Luko asks if she'd talk to him about the possibility. Elbrey agrees after Luko agrees to give her a copy of his "Poindexter program".
Later, in Aster's quarters on the Endeavour, they discuss his recent experience. Elbrey tells him that clairvoyance is possible among humans, but it's very rare. She suggests that his brain simply tracked the information into his subconscious as soon as he saw the news. Aster tells her that it seemed very real, seeing the ships enter the Deneb system. Elbrey tells him that it was probably good he woke up when he did, as Farpoint Station was destroyed and thousands were assimilated. She then tells him that Martinez believes that the Borg may have mistaken Farpoint for the top-secret Grey Research Facility - Martinez now works there.
Aster then complains that the Federation has become complacent about the Borg threat and their ability to adapt. Elbrey then notes that Aster's parents were killed at Wolf 359. Aster continues, noting that the future technology that Voyager brought back with it made the Federation even more complacent - now the Borg have adapted to that technology. Elbrey credits that technology with helping destroy two of the Borg cubes, helping thousands to escape. Aster suggests that it would be better to continue adapting existing technology than to continue "bothering" with the Voyager's technology. Elbrey doesn't disagree, reminding Aster that the Federation can adapt as well. Aster tells Elbrey that he used to think the same way, reminiscing about the time when people forgot about Wolf 359 and the Borg were just another enemy that could be dealt with.
Reminiscing
Elbrey then notes that Aster wasn't present for Munoz's funeral. He apologized - the Endeavour didn't arrive in time. Elbrey tells him that Knapp's eulogy was beautiful and that Munoz died doing what he loved. She then asks him if he knew Munoz at the Academy - they were roommates. After another moment of reminiscing, Aster then asks her if McFarland ever told her how the Olympus went up against a Borg cube all alone. Corey begins to tell her a story....
Two years earlier, the Olympus is pulling out of Deep Space 12 and towards open space. Munoz, in command as a Lieutenant (this is his command certification) orders McFarland, at the helm, to execute a course to Starbase 373 at Warp 8. Later during the voyage, the bridge crew is reminiscing about their days at the Academy. They recount various pranks they pulled during their tenure there, like how Munoz and Aster took Admiral Brand's tribble and tried to teach it how to swim, planning to have it on her plate for breakfast the following morning. Ensign Durkos recounts how Jeremy and Corey Aster had two kegs of Romulan Ale beamed onto the parade grounds after the Admiral's speech at their commencement ceremony - Lieutenant Birkmeyer seems to admit complicity in the transporter work required for that feat. McFarland tells them of how she put gagh in one of Boothby's fish ponds and put a jumja stick on Admiral Jellico's seat. Just as Durkos is about to make a less-startling revelation, Aster reports an unusual chroniton flux 1.2 parsecs off the Olympus' port bow. It appears to be a transwarp conduit, leading Munoz to believe it's the Borg.
Back in the present, in Excelsior's engine room, Luko meets up with Lefler and tells her that he thinks he's found her a new assistant. When told it is Corey Aster, she notes that he seemed to know his engineering very well during their last meeting. Luko then confesses that he enjoys spending time with Lefler, but that engineering isn't really his thing. Lefler had noticed, noting that he fires phasers better than he realigns power conduits, although she's seen worse. Lefler is thankful for his help during her time of need, regardless. Luko suggests that they find something else to do together. Lefler agrees and mentions the "Poindexter program", wondering when she gets to play with it. Luko says he'll have to talk to McFarland about spreading the word about the program.
On Endeavour, Corey has taken a break from telling his story - he and Elbrey are having a drink. Elbrey asks after his cousin, Jeremy, whom Corey notes Turkoz had a crush on during their sophomore year. Elbrey then asks more about the anomaly that they had encountered on the Olympus. Corey says they felt like they had something to prove, just having left the Academy, but that they should have known better. Everyone underestimated the Borg at that time. He continues telling his story....
Q-sality Loop
Munoz resumes the center seat on the Olympus' bridge and tells his crew that he had just spoken with Admiral Viek. Captains Cole and Willcocks have been dispatched to assist. They have three hours to investigate the phenomenon, after which they are to fall back and await those reinforcements. Munoz takes the ship to yellow alert. Later, Birkmeyer notes that they are approaching the system - it has seven planets, the fourth being Class M. Munoz orders the ship to impulse and to establish an orbit of the planet. Birkmeyer then reports strange readings from the planet - it may have been Borg at one time, but it appears to be regenerating itself, reverting to its original state. Aster notes that there are people present and the planet appears to have a post-industrial civilization.
Suddenly, a female Q appears on the bridge and warns them to leave the system immediately. She has been sent to make sure no one interferes with what is occurring there. Munoz insists that they're not leaving without some answers. He asks about the quantum flux they had been detecting. The Q suggests that the puzzle is far too difficult for them to understand and again suggests they leave the system before the Borg arrive - they may not be as "cordial". She leaves them to find their own answers, disappearing in a flash of light.
Munoz orders Aster to send a message to DS12, recommending that Captain Willcocks hurry up. Birkmeyer then reports that the planet appears to have completed its reversion. Aster then tells him that, given the neutrino levels he's detecting, the Borg will likely be there within the hour. Munoz orders an away team assembled, disregarding McFarland's suggestion about following first contact protocols - there's simply no time. Aster then reports that Admiral Viek has ordered them out of the system. Munoz tells him to send Viek a message, telling him that they will depart in twenty minutes. He gives McFarland command of the ship as he prepares to beam down with Aster.
The duo beams down to the planet. Aster reports that the life-signs he's detecting are hiding in buildings. After a while, they encounter three natives running down a path. They tell Munoz that the "dark ships" are coming and they have to hide, as they'll be assimilated. Munoz asks them why the planet keeps regenerating - they tell him that it's the Q's fault and they should leave before they're assimilated as well. The natives then run off. Munoz notes that it seems that time keeps repeating for them, continually being assimilated and remembering each experience. Aster suggests that this might be a causality loop. Munoz figures that there's only one being that can tell them what has occurred - he yells for Q to appear.
The female Q appears on the path near them. She reminds them that she warned them to stay away. Munoz asserts that he will not stand by and watch the world be assimilated. The Q tells him that the world has been assimilated a thousand times already. Munoz asks for the "full story" - after asserting that his "primitive brain" couldn't understand it, the Q begins telling the tale. The natives of the planet developed some of the powers of the Q Continuum. They paraded like gods and tormented other species. They even thought themselves better than the Q. Having violated the laws of the Continuum, they were stripped of their powers and punished by being assimilated and re-assimilated by the Borg for all eternity. Aster notes that this sounds like the story of Prometheus. Noting that Earth mythology had a similar story about a common man trying to play god, Munoz asks if the punishment might be harsh. Q disagrees and notes that the Borg are always happy to have new drones. They send a cube every 28 days with the next one due within 15 minutes. She suggests they be well on their way by then. Aster notes that a planetary evacuation would take too long. McFarland then hails them, informing them that their time is up. They beam back to the Olympus.
Mano e Mano
"Captain's Log, Supplemental: After informing Admiral Viek of the situation, he has left it up to my crew and I to decide whether to stay or retreat until reinforcements have arrived."
Munoz explains the situation to them - they can retreat or attempt to prevent the Borg from assimilating the planet. Aster tells them that while he dislikes the Q, he dislikes the Borg more, their having killed his parents at Wolf 359. The remainder of the bridge crew agrees - they should stay and fight the Borg. Telling them that the gods are about to feel the wrath of Prometheus (a reference to their Prometheus-class starship), he orders the crew to battlestations.
The Borg arrive and issue their standard order to surrender. Munoz engages the Borg ship. The Olympus scores multiple phaser and quantum torpedo hits against the cube. The Borg attempt to lock onto her shield frequency, which is being constantly rotated. They score several hits on the Olympus. Munoz then orders the ship to enter its multi-vector assault mode. It splits into its three separate combat units, each commencing fire with their weapons against the Borg cube. Birkmeyer notes that the cube is taking heavy damage to its outer hull. The Borg score a hit against the saucer module, forcing it to divert phaser power to maintain shielding.
The cube and the units of the Olympus continue to exchange fire. The Borg attempt to lock onto the saucer module's shield frequency - they begin to recharge only after auxiliary power is engaged. Aster then reports that they are punching a small hole in the cube's shields. Munoz plans to take advantage of this hole by beaming a tricobalt device into the cube. Aster was already working on this solution but he notes that they must be within 2,000 meters to initiate transport. The Olympus heads towards the cube, taking heavy fire. The saucer module's shields begin to buckle, but its ablative hull armor is taking the punishment for the moment. They close to the required distance and beam the tricobalt device aboard. As they begin their breakaway, the saucer module takes another hit, taking out its shields. Munoz orders all units to retreat and then orders the tri-cobalt device to dentonate. The Borg cube explodes as the three units of the Olympus speed away. The imminent threat having been dealt with, Munoz thanks the crew for their good work and orders the ship to reunite.
Old Endings and New Beginnings
Later, the Angeles and Independence have rendezvoused with the Olympus in the system where the battle occurred. On the Olympus' bridge, Admiral Viek congratulates Munoz for having saved many lives. Munoz tells him that it was the only thing he could do - he couldn't live with himself if he had let them die. Viek then tells them that the Borg transwarp conduit has collapsed. He also notes that he's also left an impression on the Continuum. The female Q reappears in a flash of light, telling Munoz that they're not pleased with what they have done and that their efforts could be undone. Munoz agrees, but suggests that they wouldn't do that as they broke their "puzzle" fair and square. Q notes that the Continuum agrees with him. After comparing Munoz's "scheming" to Jean-Luc Picard, something with which Munoz agrees, she departs. Aster then reminds Munoz about Admiral Brand's tribble, provoking a mild reaction from the Vulcan Admiral, apparently aware of the incident. Munoz and Aster quickly depart stage left. The ships go their separate ways.
Back in Corey's quarters on the Endeavour, Elbrey tells him that they put a lot of faith in the Olympus. Corey disagrees, noting that the Borg had simply not adapted to its technology yet - now they have. Elbrey tells him that they're always developing new technology, but this doesn't cheer him up any - arms races are never won. Elbrey concedes he may have a point, but notes that the galaxy is a different place since he went on his mission. The Borg may have bloodied the Federation's nose again just to remind them that they're still around. She then goes on to suggest that it might be a good thing that Voyager's technology had been nullified - maybe now the Federation, having been shaken from its complacency, will do what needs to be done to protest them from the Grey and the Borg.
Myra then suggests that Corey could start that kind of effort right here at DS12. She then makes her approach, telling him that Lefler needs an assistant who knows both the Excelsior and the Briar Patch - he knows both. Corey agrees to take the job. Elbrey notes that Luko deserves some credit, as he couldn't stand any more work in engineering. With that, she welcomes him to the crew.
Later, in a holodeck, Luko escorts Lefler into his "Poindexter program". They meet Poindexter, who runs a British pub. He welcomes them heartily and then tells them about the entertainment they'll be seeing that evening. He then sees them to Luko's regular table, later bringing them some drinks "on the house". Lefler finds Poindexter to be "charming". She then notes that she was surprised to see him recreate an Earth locale. Luko notes that he spent a lot of time in London and the program is a recreation of various places he went to while he was there - Bre'el IV doesn't have many similar venues, it being a "boring place." Lefler notes that she was raised in Cannes, not too far from London. Poindexter, with great fanfare, announces the first act of the evening, bringing the episode to a close.
Background Information
- While not specifically stated, it would appear that this episode took place shortly before then-Captain Knapp's assuming command of DS12, sometime in late 2376 or early 2377. This is based on Elbrey's noting that the incident took place "two years ago" and the references to then-Fleet Captain Jennifer Cole (who commanded the Independence in that timeframe) and then-Captain Janice Willcocks (who commanded the Angeles in that timeframe).
- In this episode, Corey Aster appears in a red, Command division uniform. It would appear that he later transferred to the Operations division (i.e. the "gold" uniform) sometime after this incident, but before the events of HF 2.05 - "Encke", when he subsequently transferred from the Olympus to the posting we see him at in this episode, on the Endeavour.
Memorable Quotes
- Luko: "If I have to replace one more ODN relay in the next ten years, that'll be too soon."
- Elbrey: "Don't look at me. I'm a Counselor for a reason. ODN relays don't suffer emotional distress."
- McFarland: "You two were little terrors...sir."
- Durkos: "You put 'glop on a stick' in Jellico's seat?"
- Lefler: (to Luko) "You fire your phasers better than you realign power conduits."
- Aster: "The Borg killed my parents at Wolf 359. As much as I dislike the Q, I dislike the Borg even more. I say we give 'em hell."
- Munoz: "So be it. The gods are about to feel the wrath of Prometheus."
- Q: "I'll be sure to keep my eye on you, though. Something tells me you're just as scheming as Jean-Luc Picard."
- Munoz: "You have no idea."
- Q: "Until next time."
- Aster: "If she only knew about Admiral Brand's tribble."
- Viek: "Admiral Brand's tribble? That was you two?"
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: Need production notes. |
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 |
| Terence Schoshinski | Lieutenant Luko |
| Barbara Clifford | Counselor Myra Elbrey |
| Arthur Bosserman | Ensign Ro Nevin |
| Adrianne Lange | Ensign Jenna McFarland |
| Tyler Bosserman | Ensign Andrew Barrett |
Guest Stars
| Actor | Role |
| J.T. Tepnapa | Ensign Corey Aster |
| Terence Schoshinski | Peter Poindexter |
| Jason Munoz | Lieutenant Jason Munoz |
| Brendan Pentzell | Lieutenant Brandon Birkmeyer |
| Mikka Scott | Ensign Marla Durkos |
| Elizabeth Reynolds | Q |
| Mike Storer | Admiral Viek |
| with Arthur Bosserman Tyler Bosserman Tristan Clark | planet residents |
References
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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 references - do we need this section? |
