Modus Operandi

From Hidden Frontier

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Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode
"Modus Operandi"
Placeholder
Episode no.	305
Season	HF Season 3
Release Date	\
Writer(s)
Story Elements by	Rob Caves
Director	Dave Mason
Year
Stardate	56512.6
Episode chronology
Previous "In Memory Of"
Next "Santa Q"

Commander Tolian Naros' arrival aboard the Excelsior sets several noises out of joint, as he starts work on understanding the various mysteries of the Briar Patch. While he heads out on a covert mission deep in the Patch with Ensign Artim Ibanya, Captain Shelby, Admiral Nechayev and the Excelsior heads out to Son'a space to mediate a dispute between them and encroaching Cardassian forces.

Contents 1 Synopsis 2 Background Information 3 Memorable Quotes 4 Guest Stars 5 References

Synopsis

The atmosphere in DS12’s main conference lounge is tense, as Admiral Necheyev and Commodore Knapp welcome the Son’a Ambassador, O’Faur, aboard. She quickly gets down to business, and hands a data disc to the pair, which they immediately activate on a nearby monitor. It shows a shipyard, instantly recognisable as Cardassian, with several warships and shuttles docked, which in itself may be nothing, until O’Faur reveals that is located on the edge of the Briar Patch, inside Son’a territory. Responding to a query from Knapp, she informs that their protest with Cardassia Prime has barely been acknowledged, since they dispute the border. They claim the territory now under Son’a control is actually rightfully Cardassian, as it belonged to them before their losses in the Dominion War. Being blunt, O’Faur explains that unless the Federation intervenes, the Son’a will take the matter beyond diplomatic channels, her threat clear. The two flag officers share a nervous look, realising just how serious this situation could become.

As Excelsior, alongside an escort of two Renaissance-class Mark II starships, head toward the disputed area, to begin talks, Necheyev briefs Shelby and Lefler, who is doubling as First Officer for the time being. Introducing her companion, Commander Tolian Naros, the admiral replies to Shelby’s questioning of his assignment that it is classified, but Naros politely cuts her off, which surprises and confuses the Excelsior officers. The commander explains the origins and requirements of his mission without going into details, but Lefler and Shelby share a concerned look due to the way Necheyev seems to defer to this officer of junior status. At his request for a runabout, Lefler immediately replies that it wont be a problem, even when Naros outlines the need for a near-warp launch, to make sure Excelsior does not miss it’s arrival time, in the hopes this will hide the launch as well. Necheyev takes control of the meeting again, reminding them they have a lot of work before the launch at 0530 hours, dismissing them. But Shelby asks for a moment with Naros, as she tries to figure out his degree of pull with Necheyev, but Naros plays it straight. Shelby is not happy with his evasive tactic, or the way that Necheyev is allowing him free rein aboard Excelsior itself. Naros apologises, but reminds her that his assignment is direct from Starfleet Command. Something in his attitude allows Shelby to recognise that he is in fact, El-Aurian, and she points out to him, “El-Aurians have a way of showing up, when you least expect it…” To this, he only nods as if in agreement, smiling mysteriously…

While Excelsior continues on her way, Shelby intrudes on Necheyev, who is not at all surprised to see her, or at her questions, which reflect her own. The admiral explains that she is under orders herself, to allow Naros a certain amount of latitude in his work, but Shelby points out angrily that not only has Naros been inactive for several years, he has reassigned Matt McCabe from the Independence to Excelsior’s staff, and the science lab he requested is now off-limits from the entire crew. She asks the admiral bluntly, “Am I overreacting here?” Necheyev understand exactly how Shelby feels, identifying with it from her own experience as a ship’s Captain. But she knows Naros is ready for this assignment, so questions Shelby’s own abilities - she needs to focus on their assignment with the negotiations, as well as choosing a full-time replacement Executive Officer. She hangs the possibility that she herself will assign one if Shelby does not choose one soon. But Excelsior’s new commanding officer is not so easily perturbed, insisting she will uncover what she can, near enough storming out, although as Necheyev gets back to her own work, she admits to the empty room that she is counting on Shelby doing just that…

As Ensign Ro Nevin heads towards Science Lab 4, accompanied by Ensign Andrew Barrett, they discuss the shocking departure of their Academy friend, Brad Rawlins. The former communications chief has resigned from his position after marrying his half-Tarlac, half-Son’a girlfriend, who is now pregnant with his child. Barrett is stunned not only at his leaving but his marriage too, not believing Rawlins was the first of them to make that move away from a Starfleet career. But Ro guesses that the pregnancy could have been a primary motivator for his choice, although Barrett wonders if Rawlins truly realised what he is getting himself into

On Barrett’s questioning, Ro admits it is Lieutenant McCabe who called him down to the science lab, which miffs Barrett slightly, since the lieutenant is still relatively new aboard. New or not, Ro reminds him, McCabe is their superior officer, even though he was a member of their graduation class.

Ensign Artim Ibanya interrupts Naros’ musings over a stellar cartography display of the Briar Patch and outer-lying areas, responding to the El-Aurian’s summons. Immediately getting to business, he asks about Artim’s experiences not only with certain areas of the Patch, but his piloting ability regarding those areas. Even though he is familiar with them, Artim recommends the commander making use of Jenna McFarland, instead of him. But Naros needs not only a good pilot, but someone with experience of both the Patch and Ba’ku, so he knows Artim is his officer, despite Artim’s doubts. To reel him in, he admits that the mission is top-secret and undercover, and will be dangerous, because they need to find out for what reason the Cardassians have established their supply facility. The bait works, as Artim, eager for some adventure, quickly agrees to help out.

Excelsior drops from warp for the several seconds necessary for the runabout to make its launch, before heading on its way again. As the runabout veers off, and Excelsior jumps back into warp, Ro Nevin and Matt McCabe are both hard at work examining one of the Patch artefacts he helped recover while on the Independence, even though so far their work has revealed little. While all his own research data has been transferred with him, the other artefact was sent to the Grey Research Facility.

While working the two reminisce about their time at the Academy, and how McCabe feels about being back with his old classmates. Ro explains about Rawlins’ departure, otherwise they could have arranged a game of Parrises Squares for old time sake. They also discuss Shelby’s disappointment at not conducting the wedding herself, and Barrett’s transfer back to bridge operations duty. McCabe inquires to the XO position’s availability, seeking an opportunity to move up while he is onboard, and Ro advices him to talk to Shelby, even though he believes it is Lefler who will get the position.

Upon arriving at the Cardassian shipyard, Excelsior discovers a tense stand-off, as Son’a battle cruisers face up against the squadron of Cardassian vessels stationed there. Necheyev is informed by Shelby of their arrival, who calls for the delegates of each power to be brought to the conference lounge, which Luko coordinates.

Back in the science lab, Ro is surprised to find out about the isolytic scans that McCabe used in his preliminary research in the artefacts, and he mentions the tetrahedrons the Excelsior encountered the previous year in the Osiris system. McCabe remembers reading about it, and wonders at the similarities, although Ro, despite working on the data they recorded in his spare time, has yet to find anything conclusive without proper scans of the tetrahedron’s interior. The idea of finding a link between the Grey, the tetrahedrons and the artefacts excites the two officers, but McCabe suggestion of asking Lefler for advice quickly quashes Ro’s budding enthusiasm. He admits to his habit of avoiding Engineering since Corey Aster came onboard, still uncomfortable with the young man’s feelings for him. McCabe offers to talk to Lefler himself, so Ro prepares the latest report for Shelby, although they both admit it wont contain much!

Covertly tailing a Cardassian shuttle, Artim and Naros continue in their search deep in the Patch, although Artim’s natural curiosity gets the better of him. He questions his superior about his age, but even though his father is around 300 years old, the ensign is still stunned to discover Naros is nearly 700 Terran years, which is middle age for an El-Aurian. The friendly inquiry allows Naros to lapse into a moment of nostalgia as he remembers life on El-Aura, before the Borg came. As he mentions the loss of his family, Artim postulates that they are not very different, confessing he left his home-world because he was afraid of never being free to do what he felt he needed to do. Naros advises that sometimes, fears must be faced down, to “turn on the lights and see what’s really there”, something Artim can understand. The subject becoming a tad heaving, the ensign changes tacks by asking about Naros’ recent reactivation from his life if retirement. Naros smiles as he mentioned how interesting his time on Norpin IV was, although Artim is surprised that Naros never had a command. The El-Aurian explains he only became a commissioned officer during the Dominion War, serving as an enlisted man before that. Command had not appealed to him, but retirement did, especially after the war was concluded, an idea Artim can understand.

But their idle conversation soon ends abruptly, when their target finally reveals its destination - another Cardassian facility docked right up against what Artim recognises as a tetrahedron, explaining Excelsior’s encounter with one in Osiris. They hypothesis the facility is a research station, prompting Naros to order a close fly-by and sensor sweep, although Artim is concerned how the Cardassians will react. Naros, though is more concerned with finding out everything they can, until two Cardassian fighters focus their own attentions on the runabout. Naros and Artim are rocked by weapons fire, as the ensign suggests relaying their findings to Excelsior, but Naros thinks otherwise, having Artim continue the scans, before heading for the closest metreon formation. Artim tries to use the tetrahedron as cover, but the Cardassians are dogged in their pursuit, as dorsal shields begin to weaken under the barrage. Naros, having difficulty penetrating the interior of the construct, admits defeat, and they veer away into a hiding space, losing the Cardassians. The older man compliments Artim on his piloting skills, before turning back to the matter of clearer and more direct scans. Artim suggests changing their tactics before heading back, but wonders why not simply report what they have found already, as it should be enough. Naros, though realises it goes deeper then simple research and border violations, especially with the Grey involvement. Although he mentions the actions of the Grey and subsequent destruction of the entire Osiris system, Artim is unable to convince Naros to leave yet, since they need a sample for a more detailed analysis. Remembering how the tetrahedrons reacted to isolytic scans, Artim suggests using the gravitational waves created to distract the Cardassians, an original idea that impresses Naros, who quickly begins running simulations.

An impressed Lefler is discussing with Shelby some the ideas Lt. McCabe present to her, although Shelby also questions what McCabe knows about Naros’ assignment, even though Lefler believes the young lieutenant is as out of the loop as all of them. When asked by her friend, Lefler admits she too is suspicious of Naros and what is going on, but there is no solid evidence, and nothing has actually been done so far, so until it does, they may just have to wait. In order to lighten the mood, Shelby also admits that McCabe has approached her about the open position of First Officer, and although she told him he would be considered, she admits she wants Lefler for the job. But Lefler is unsure, apparent by calling Shelby by her title, despite their privacy and friendship, and she admits although she does want to help her, she knows she belongs onboard as the Chief Engineer, cracking a joke that she would do both if they clone her. But Shelby is still disappointed at her friend’s choice. Back in the Patch, their simulations appear to have locked on the right frequency to get the tetrahedron’s attention, although they are not entirely sure. Taking the risk, they activate the pulse, causing the construct to react enough that the Cardassian ships begin to spin and lurch, losing attitude control. The runabout heads in, and lands on one of the surfaces of the tetrahedron, Naros using the airlock to get close to the ‘skin’ of it, but he cannot help but be impressed by the perfection in its design. Artim nervously notes the Cardassians powering themselves up again, and Naros conducts scans and takes a sample of the outer surface. With barely seconds to spare, they disengage from the surface and raise shields as the Cardassians again open fire, heading into a metreon cloud for cover. Artim confidently pilots them away from their attackers, although Naros is feeling a little shaken from his encounter, and admits to it, gaining more respect from the younger pilot.

As the negotiations continue, Excelsior’s crew have noticed Artim’s absence, which only needles at Shelby more, since she has no idea where he is. Ro jokes that he is ‘probably out saving the universe’, commenting that he wishes he got exciting missions. Elbrey warns him to be careful for what he wishes, making Shelby wonders if she is sensing anything, to which she admits she has noticed an alarming lack of trust among the crew. “Hope its not a symptom of a larger problem,” she subtly berates Shelby. Shelby unashamedly asks if the Betazoid has picked up anything from Naros, but Elbrey reminds her that even if she had, if would be unethical for her to broadcast it without good reason. But the telepath’s attention is diverted when she senses with a sudden start that the talks have broken down, seconds before Necheyev arrives on the bridge, advising the ship be taken to Red Alert for possible trouble.

As the opposing fleets power weapons, while still not responding to hails, Shelby orders the hails to continue, until Ambassador O’Faur responds, refusing Necheyev’s offer to establish a meeting, announcing that they will move the station themselves if necessary, giving the Cardassians ten minutes to respond. As Necheyev orders the Cardassian to be contacted, Barrett reports a coded message from Naros, before politely pointing out to a stunned Necheyev that it is coded for Captain Shelby only. She quickly takes the message in her ready room, leaving Luko in charge. A few tense moments later, she emerges, and after opening a channel to both sides, informs them that their dispute will be settled shortly, but if they refuse to attend a meeting on Excelsior, the Federation will leave them on their own to settle it. She then pointedly invites Necheyev to the meeting.

O’Faur and Gul Malek have arrived, and are bluntly told by Shelby to stand down. O’Faur threatens war, until Shelby reveals she knows about what the Cardassians are hiding in the Patch. She also admits that although the Cardassians have a powerful tool, the Son’a are numerous in the region, and would win any kind of conflict, if the Grey do not beat them to it. Malek perceives her comments as a threat, but Shelby knows her position is strong, and does not back down. Malek makes a hasty exit, promising his superiors will be in contact. As he leaves, O’Faur gives him a parting message, her words laced with an obvious threat, before ‘thanking’ her Federation friends for their help. But her smarmy smile collapses when Necheyev responds icily, “We are not your ‘friends’”, telling her that she will withdraw her ships, before warning her they will continue to watch them.

The conflict resolved, now the shipyard is moved into the Patch and out of Son’a space, Excelsior is heading for home. Lefler, after a lot of thinking, has finally decided to accept Shelby’s offer, which pleases the captain immensely, even though she also needs to think about how the transfer would effect things. But the matter is soon taken out of their hands, as Naros arrives with new orders, which Shelby quickly refuses. To her amazement, she finds that Naros has now been appointed as her new First Officer, and that McCabe will work with the Science department to continue his research. Naros is completely formal with her, standing to attention while in the ready room, before Shelby tells him to talk to Luko about quarters. After he leaves, Shelby can only apologise to Lefler for getting her hopes up, although Lefler takes it as a sign, back peddling from her decision, as Shelby wonders who she annoyed to have this done to her. Lefler is confident though, that her friend will give them hell if necessary.

Feeling they need to start again, what with the tension the mission had generated between all parties, Shelby and Naros meet for a social drink in her quarters. There, they both agree that trust between Captain and XO is the most important part of the relationship. Naros also understand that to be a good First Officer, he must balance out Shelby, by bolstering her strength, but also by helping her recognise any weaknesses she may have. From his short time with them, Naros quickly realised how good the Excelsior crew is, as well as Shelby herself, and hopes to prove himself in whatever comes next. Taking a moment of deliberation, Shelby warmly welcomes the newest member of her crew aboard.

Background Information

Both Commander Naros and Lieutenant Matt McCabe join the crew of the Excelsior in this episode, as Artim begins his first assignment of many more for the enigmatic El-Aurian officer. Andrew Barrett also returns to his Ops position, while Ro Nevin expresses discomfort with Corey Aster being onboard. The departure of Ensign Brad Rawlins is also explained - he has married his Son'a/Tarlac girlfriend, who is pregnant with his child.

Memorable Quotes

• Shelby : You're El-Aurian
• Naros : That's right
• Shelby : El-Aurians have a way of showing up when you least expect them

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• Artim : I think we've got the right frequency
• Naros : I certainly hope so Ensign, any less and we'd simply alert those destroyers to our presence, any more and we could be destroyed along with the artifact
• Artim : Er, are you as nervous as I am ?

Guest Stars

• Beau Christian Williams as Ensign Artim Ibanya
• Wayne Webb as Lieutenant Matt McCabe
• Barbara Clifford as Ambassador O'Faur
• Jonathan Foertsch as Gul Malek
• John Nelson as Voice of Gul Malek

References

Tetrahedrons, Son'a

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Episodes of Star Trek: Hidden Frontier

Next episode: Santa Q