Piracy of the Noble

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Star Trek: Hidden Frontier
Episode 4.02
"Piracy of the Noble"
Audio Play/Teleplay by
James DeRuvo, R. Scott Bolton and Rob Caves
Story by
James DeRuvo & R. Scott Bolton
Directed by
James DeRuvo & Dave Mason


Contents

Episode Summary

Synopsis

While enroute to diplomatic negotiations on DS9, Admiral Nechayev and her away team of Excelsior personnel are kidnapped by pirates commanded by rogue Starfleet officer, onboard a stolen Federation starship. Meanwhile, Captain Shelby takes the Excelsior to assist the Cardassians in identifying where the pirates work from, as tensions with the Son'a increase.

Brink of War

"Captain's Log, Stardate 57236.1: The Son'a and Cardassians are on the brink of war. My first officer is preparing to escort Admiral Nechayev to Deep Space Nine to conduct negotiations."

Commander Naros joins Captain Shelby in her ready room. Shelby reminds Naros that the accord that the Federation had previously negotiated between the Son'a and the Cardassians is both fragile and vital to stability in the region. Naros asks Shelby if she is concerned about the threat of piracy. Shelby says that she is and that it is putting a strain on relations in the region. When Naros suggests that Cardassian raiders wouldn't venture deep into Federation space, Shelby warns him that he shouldn't count on that. It is not certain who is responsible for the piracy. Shelby then notes that if the Excelsior's investigation proves fruitless, they will rendezvous with Naros and his crew prior to his arrival to DS9.

Commander Naros, bookworm.

Shortly thereafter, a Federation mission scout departs the Excelsior, carrying Naros and Nechayev, along with Ensigns Andrew Barrett and Jorian Zen. Some time into their trip, while Naros is reading a book, Barrett reports that his sensors are reporting a spatial distortion in their path. Zen asks what it might be. Barrett reports that it's signature suggests a strange light curvature. Suddenly, he becomes agitated, suggesting that a cloaked Romulan Warbird is approaching fast. Zen then reports that they are being hailed. Naros tells Zen to open the channel. A voice warns them to prepare to be boarded.

Piracy of the Noble

Naros' scout encounters the USS Columbia.

A ship decloaks in front of Naros' scout ship. Nechayev asks who they are. Barrett identifies the vessel as a Miranda-class Federation starship. He reports that its markings match those of a starship stolen from the Starfleet Orbiting Museum five years earlier by the Maquis. Naros orders the shields raised, but Zen reports that they're too late. The crew of the scout materializes aboard the stolen starship, and are greeted by a human male and female, both wearing Starfleet uniforms but with black turtlenecks (instead of department-colored ones) and missing both rank insignia and combadges. The male comes forward and welcomes them aboard, introducing himself as Captain Roberts. Naros steps forward, begs Roberts to forgive his rudeness and asks him to explain his actions. Roberts simply invites the scout crew to follow him, and they depart the transporter bay.

Meanwhile, the Excelsior travels at warp towards their rendezvous with the Cardassians. In her ready room, Captain Shelby talks with Commodore Knapp. Knapp tells her that they do not know who the pirates are, but that they have been attacking Cardassian and Federation ships. He notes that it could be the Orions, the Son'a trying to provoke a war, Cardassians, or some other party that they do not know about yet. When Shelby asks him if there are any leads, Knapp tells her that there aren't any yet. Regardless, this "buccaneer" has gotten the attention of both the Cardassians and the Son'a. Shelby tells Knapp that they will rendezvous with the Cardassians shortly. Knapp responds by telling her to be careful. Shelby nods slightly in agreement and tells Knapp that she'll do what she can to capture the perpetrators and keep Cardassian-Son'a relations at their "well-defined state of nervousness". After closing the channel with Knapp, Lieutenant McCabe signals from the bridge, informing Shelby that the Cardassians have arrived and are hailing.

Onboard the Columbia, Nechayev cooly tells Captain Roberts that she doesn't know who he is or what he represents. Roberts asks Ensign Barrett to help answer. Barrett recites that he is Captain Nicolas Roberts, wanted for desertion, theft of Federation property and piracy. Roberts acknowledges that Barrett's information is correct, but begs to differ with the accuracy of the charges lodged against him. He says that the warrant for his arrest does not explain the nature of the crimes of which he is accused, suggesting that they are the views of Starfleet bureaucrats who have no notions of nobility or justice. Nechayev takes visible offense at this last suggestion.

Naros expresses surprise at Roberts being a member of the Maquis, that organization having been decimated during the opening salvos of the Dominion War with the exception of the crew of the USS Voyager. Roberts disagrees with Naros' assessment that the Maquis are all dead, noting that there are many former Maquis being held in Cardassian concentration camps. He reminds Naros about how, historically, prisoners of war are often overlooked in the haste to achieve peace. Roberts suggests that the Cardassians are enslaving entire worlds. Nechayev objects to this last statement, suggesting that the Cardassians are no threat. Roberts retorts that if she thinks that their loss in the Dominion War had pacified the Cardassians, she was wrong, suggesting that if the Cardassian Empire was allowed to rebuild to its former glory, the Federation would have a larger problem on its hands than just the Grey.

Naros notes that Roberts took matters into his own hands and stole the Columbia. Roberts notes that he did that, plus salvaged Romulan cloaking device from the Chin'toka debris field. With the help of a few anti-Cardassian sympathizers, he was able to install the cloaking device and manage to rescue his crew from their penal colonies. Nechayev continued that in doing so, he was the "idiot" that almost started a war by destabilizing the region. She suggests that the Son'a must be kept in balance lest they conquer the Cardassians and consolidate their power. Roberts suggests that Nechayev's dismissal of the Cardassian threat as another sign of Starfleet's unwillingness to take any action. He continues, telling her that he raids vessels to continue the battle to free those who have been enslaved.

Naros tells Roberts that the Cardassians have the sovereign right to rule their planets as they see fit as they are not members of the Federation. On the other hand, Roberts has blatantly violated the Prime Directive with his actions. Roberts agrees with this assessment, but notes that there isn't a starship captain that isn't willing to do the same - he is just willing to act. When Naros asks Roberts whether he is able to prove whether the Cardassians are holding the Maquis as prisoners, Roberts responds in the affirmative. He contacts Marshall on the bridge and orders her to set a course for the D'Artsma system, surprising both Naros and Nechayev.

Investigations

The Excelsior has rendezvoused with the Cardassian Galor-class destroyer Perdition. On the bridge, Captain Shelby tells Gul Malek that the Excelsior stands ready to assist their investigation. Malek welcomes her assistance but reminds her that they expect her crew's full cooperation in exchange for permission to enter Cardassian space.

Aboard the cloaked Columbia, Roberts orders the ship into standard orbit. Barrett observes that the crew performs routine duties as if they were part of any regular starship crew. This prompts a sidelong glance from the captain. Naros tells Barrett that it's hard to see the Columbia's crew as renegades. Roberts then inserts himself into the conversation, telling them both that the crew follow full military procedure down to the last report and that he hopes to eventually make their case to Starfleet Command. Besides, without a tightly-run ship, they are simply pirates. He then invites the two to join him and see his case.

Admiral Nechayev is shocked at what she sees.

The scout's crew, along with Roberts and Simpson beam down to the planet's surface. Roberts orders Simpson to find them a way into the city. As Simpson departs, Roberts invites Barrett to join him which he does after asking Naros' leave. The rest of the away team follows suit. After a while, the team comes to a stop, horrified at what they find. Roberts tells them that the Cardassians have no longer bother to bury the bodies of their prisoners.

Meanwhile, the Excelsior and Perdition continue their investigation. On the bridge, McCabe reports that their sensors are reporting an adrift vessel with no power. Bringing the image of the vessel on the viewscreen, Lefler identifies the vessel as Naros' scout. McCabe reports that there are no lifesigns aboard. Shelby orders Lefler to take McCabe to the scout and report back to her in 30 minutes. Shelby then turns to Counselor Elbrey, asking her for her thoughts on the matter. Elbrey senses that Gul Malek is getting more agitated the closer they get to Cardassian space. When Shelby asks if the Perdition might be responsible for the attack on the scout, Elbrey doesn't believe so. Elbrey believes that it is something larger, something Malek is trying to hide.

"Captain's Log, Stardate 57263.8: I suspect the Admiral and my away team may have fallen victim to the same pirate activity which is affecting peace in this sector."

Shelby asks Lefler and McCabe for their report. Lefler reports that the scout had been plundered. When McCabe questions who did the plundering, Shelby presses him to elaborate. McCabe suggests that the manner in which the scout was stripped suggested Starfleet salvaging. He theorizes that their renegades are Starfleet officers, perhaps even the Maquis. Elbrey notes that would explain a great many things. Shelby expresses her disbelief, repeating the commonly-held belief that there are no more Maquis remaining. Shelby asks Lefler about any local planets that might be responsible. Lefler responds that the only Class M planets in the area are deep within Cardassian territory.

Full Alert

Zen, Naros and Nechayev discuss what to do with Captain Roberts and his crew.

Aboard the Columbia, Marshall reports that they will reach the Federation border in 22 minutes. Nechayev, Naros and Zen discuss what they should do about Captain Roberts and his crew. Zen asks the key question - do they assist him or arrest him? Naros doesn't believe they can do either - Roberts has a loyal crew that believes in their mission. And Nechayev, after seeing what she saw earlier, she finds it difficult to think of him as a criminal. Zen notes that it's much easier to think of him as a hero. Naros agrees, especially if Roberts brings attention to the atrocities the Cardassians have been committing and forces Starfleet to take action. Nechayev pledges to take care of that matter. When Zen asks what they do, Naros responds that they do what they can to keep the Columbia and her crew out of the hands of the Cardassians.

Marshall warns of the Cardassians placing their border patrols on full alert.

Suddenly, Barrett reports that a Cardassian vessel is closing behind them, but do not appear to be in pursuit. Naros tells Roberts that he'll need to show him some day how he manages to keep a Romulan cloaking device operational on a starship. Roberts notes that it doesn't always work - it's an obsolete device prone to shorting out circuits on their power grid. He suggests that they'll be lucky to make it back to Federation space without being detected. Naros then tells Roberts that with the Admiral and his away team's testimony, the charges against him would be looked at in a different light. Roberts reminds him of his recent activities, suggesting that Starfleet Command might not be as forgiving as Naros suggests. Naros concurs, noting that Roberts has been "busy". Marshall then reports that the Cardassians are placing their border patrols on full alert.

Aboard the Excelsior, McCabe reports that he has intercepted a coded Cardassian transmission and then excitedly notes that the Perdition has gone to full alert. Shelby tells him to open a channel. Gul Malek responds, brusquely asking her what she wants. Shelby tells him that they have computed the possible locations of pirate bases in the sector and that they appear to all be in Cardassian space. Nonetheless, she is willing to provide assistance. Malek dismisses this offer, telling her that he has more important matters to tend to and that her concern, while appreciated, is not needed. He then closes the channel.

McCabe then reports that the computer has broken the coded transmission - Cardassian border units are being ordered to rendezvous to intercept and destroy a fleeing Federation starship. Shelby noting that this is a piece in the puzzle, orders the Excelsior to red alert. She then orders McCabe to compute the Perditions velocity. McCabe reports that they'll arrive at the designated coordinates in 36.2 minutes. She orders McCabe to open the Emergency Fleet Channel to communicate with the captain of the vessel. She then orders McFarland to plot a course to overtake the Perdition at Warp 9. Elbrey raises a concern about breaching the Cardassian border. Shelby tells her that a Starfleet vessel may be under attack, Admiral Nechayev's away team is still missing, and for whatever reason, it's their duty to render assistance. She then orders McFarland to engage; the Excelsior jumps to warp.

Evasive Action

As Captain Roberts asks Marshall for a status report, the lights on the Columbias bridge fade. Marshall reports a major power surge in Engineering. Zen reports a malfunction in the cloaking device. Roberts curses the cloaking device, then orders emergency warp speed and for the Columbia's weapons to be armed. Barrett reports that the Cardassians have detected them and are on an intercept course. When Naros asks him if he's going to make a run for it, Roberts simply notes the need for the cloaking device to function. Roberts then "offers" Barrett an opportunity to repair the cloak, which he readily accepts with Naros' approval. Zen reports a second vessel inbound. Roberts orders evasive action and red alert. The Columbia drops to impulse and comes under attack from a Hideki-class patrol ship, with multiple torpedo strikes damaging her #1 shield. Zen reports that the power drain from the cloaking device could cause the shield to fail if hit again. The Columbia maneuvers to avoid the Cardassian attacks.

Barrett tells Naros of the dangers of rewiring the Columbia's cloaking device.

Naros asks Barrett where his repairs on the cloaking device are. Barrett reports that the wires in the cloaking device have burned out. Without the original schematics to the device, rewiring it would either fix the device or cause the ship's shields to implode. With the ship shuddering from another weapon's hit, Roberts tells him to jump start it if he needs to, but to get it online. Zen reports that the #1 shield has failed. Roberts orders the photon torpedoes armed.

On the Excelsior, McCabe informs Shelby that they are detecting a battle ahead and that the Perdition is maneuvering to intercept. When Shelby asks about the participants in the battle, he reports a Cardassian destroyer and a Miranda-class starship. Shelby is shocked at the presence of a Miranda-class starship and tells McCabe to get the captain of the vessel on the comm. She tells McFarland to keep the Excelsior even with the Perdition.

The Columbia takes Cardassian disruptor fire.

The Columbia takes several disruptor hits to the stern. Zen reports two more ships incoming. When they prepare to fire, Roberts orders Zen to execute a barrel roll that causes the oncoming ships' torpedo to hit one of the vessels trailing them, destroying it. Naros calls Barrett again, who tells him that the repairs to the cloaking device will take at least ten minutes. Roberts tells him he has 90 seconds. Zen then reports that they are being hailed by the Excelsior.

Regrouping

McCabe reports that the Federation ship's markings identify her as the Columbia, which Shelby recalls is a ship stolen by the Maquis. McCabe then reports that the Columbia is responding to their hail and is requesting a secure channel. Shelby asks what the Cardassians' status is - the Perdition is regrouping with a damaged vessel. Lefler suggests this might be a good opportunity for the Excelsior to regroup as well. Shelby agrees and tells McCabe to open the channel. After a brief exchange between the two captains, Naros tells Shelby that the away team is safe. Nechayev tells them about the civil rights violations they observed. Naros noted that their cooperation with Roberts was like the ends justifying the means. As the Columbia takes another hit, Shelby tells McCabe to extend the Excelsior's shields around the Columbia, but it's too late - he has broken the channel and the ship has cloaked.

Later, in her ready room, Shelby talks with Commodore Knapp via subspace. Knapp tells Shelby that Starfleet Command had been aware of Roberts' activities for some time. When Shelby asks if they looked the other way while he tried to shed light on the Cardassian slave planet situation, Knapp responds in the affirmative. He notes that Roberts was a good officer but a bit "quick on the trigger". Knapp then tells Shelby that Roberts is to be treated as a renegade - the Excelsior is not to assist in his entanglements with the Cardassians. Shelby asks what she is supposed to about her away team. Knapp tells her that there are bigger issues at stake - she has her orders. When she asks him whether she's supposed to aid in the capture or destruction of the Columbia, Knapp suggests that she focus on convincing the Cardassians that she's on their side while giving Roberts time to figure out his escape.

Captain Roberts' combadge, given to Commander Naros.

After a momentary glitch, Barrett is able to get the cloaking device back online. Barrett warns Roberts that prolonged use of the cloaking device under battle conditions will cause it to fail. Zen then reports that their photon torpedoes are armed and ready at Roberts' command. Roberts orders Simpson to escort their "guests" to the transporter room and await his signal to return them to the Excelsior. Naros suggests that regardless of whatever trouble he's in, Roberts still needs their help. Roberts tells him that to do so, Naros and his party would have to violate laws that Starfleet officers are sworn to uphold, even though they need to break them from time to time. Roberts then tells Naros that, as Renegades, those laws do not apply to them - they are guided only by their conscience. Nechayev wishes Roberts luck as she and the rest of the party are escorted to the turbolift. As Naros departs, Roberts gives him a handshake and his combadge, asking him to give Commodore Knapp his regards. Puzzled, Naros leaves the bridge. Roberts then orders Marshall to prepare to fire a full spread of torpedoes while ordering Stringwell to prepare to engage the cloaking device.

The Legend of the Columbia

The Perdition fires its "fatal" shot the Columbia.

McCabe reports that the Columbia is headed directly for the Perdition. Shelby is shocked and Lefler notes that this would be a suicide run. McCabe then reports that they are receiving a transporter signal from the Columbia. Shelby orders it directed to the bridge. The away team beams aboard. McCabe then reports that the Perdition is firing. The Columbia appears to be hit by a disruptor beam and destroyed. Breathless from what she just witnessed, Shelby stands and asks Naros how his away team is doing. Naros says that his team is fine but wishes that he could say the same for Captain Roberts and his crew. McCabe reports that the Cardassians are returning home, reporting that their mission has been accomplished. Nechayev tells Shelby that she will use her ready room to file a report with Starfleet Command.

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 57289.8: Excelsior is on course for the conference on Deep Space Nine. Admiral Nechayev has vowed to make Cardassian war crimes a major issue. Officially, the legend of the renegade Captain Roberts and his pirate crew has ended. Or has it? Although Captain Shelby has reported that the Columbia was destroyed and all hands lost, something tells me that Captain Nicolas Roberts isn't so easy to kill. Nevertheless, members of the away team, myself included, were greatly affected by the spirit of Captain Roberts, a man so willing to give up his position in Starfleet, and perhaps his life, to save his crew and an oppressed people. No matter his methods, I can't help but admire a man so selfless and noble."

Food for thought....

As Naros completes his log entry in the conference room, Barrett and Zen enter. Naros notes that they look perplexed. Zen agrees, noting that Barrett had repaired the Columbia's cloaking device for their escape. Barrett noted that instead of using the cloak, the Columbia engaged in battle and then self-destructed. When Naros expresses confusion, thinking that the Cardassians had destroyed the Columbia, they both note that they thought the same thing. Lieutenant McCabe, however, had informed them that the amount of radiation and debris was too small - only an intentional self-destruction would cause this. Naros asks Barrett if a self-destruction could be simulated, Barrett suggests that Roberts could have cloaked the ship while detonating photon torpedoes directly in front of the ship. Zen notes that this could give the illusion of the ship being destroyed by weapons fire. Naros tells them both that this possibility is food for thought.

Background Information

Memorable Quotes

  • Zen: (regarding Captain Roberts) "So do we arrest him, or assist him?"
  • Zen: "Damage to shield no. 1! With the energy drain from the cloaking device, I doubt it will survive another hit."
Roberts: "Thanks for your optimism, Ensign."

Production Notes

  • This is the first appearence of John Whiting's perfected Cardassian make-up, reducing (and in some cases, eliminating) the need for the full-face masks previously used. This allowed John Nelson to more fully portray the role of Gul Malek. Previously, he was only the voice, in the episode Modus Operandi, while Jonathan Foertsch embodied the character via a mask.
  • Viewers will note that the bridge design of the Columbia is reminiscent of that of the Enterprise-A from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Astute observers will note that the clocks on the bridge are frozen at 10:47:10 for the entirety of the episode.
  • Viewers will also note that the Columbia's transporter room is reminiscent of that of the Enterprise (NX-01).
  • This episode features an attempt to dim the Excelsior's bridge lighting when the ship is taken to red alert.
  • The music for this episode was derived from the soundtrack from the computer game Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, by Ron Jones and Brian Luzietti.
  • Sadly, Perry Garrett is the first known actor seen on Hidden Frontier to pass on.

References

Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology
Previous Episode
"Hell's Gate, Part 2" 		Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Next Episode
"Addictions"
Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology
Previous
"Hell's Gate, Part 2" 		2380
Stardate 57236.1 		Next
"Addictions"


Cast and Crew

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