Refugees
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode | |
| "Refugees" | |
| |
| Episode no. | 2.01 |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 2 |
| Release Date | 2002 |
| Writer(s) | Rob Caves |
| Story Elements by | Rob Caves |
| Director | Rob Caves |
| Year | 2378 |
| Stardate | 55xxx |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous
"Echoes" | |
| Next | |
Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
Captain Knapp welcomes two representative of the planet Tren'La, who have had centuries of experiences with the Grey, Princess Illiana and her son, Aris. Fleeing a Grey attack, they appeal to the Federation for help, although Admiral Nechayev must turn down their request, despite the advantages their spatial fold drive may bring. But when Aris and recent Academy graduate Artim Ibanya discover Grey troops on Ba'ku, Knapp must take command of the fleet to fight off a Grey attack against Deep Space 12.
Escape From Tren'La
Deep in the Briar Patch, a battle is underway. Grey warships of varying kinds are engaging a squadron of fighters launched from Tren'La IV. Mixed in with the fighters is another light craft, containing Princess Illiana and Prince Aris. Taking fire during the battle, Aris prepares to use the ship's "space-fold" system. His mother resists the suggestion, as the system has never been tested. Aris responds that they either test it now or become the next victims of the Grey. Illiana doubts that the Federation exists and suggests that they head for one of their outlying colonies instead. Aris insists that this may be their only chance. Illiana relents and begins plotting the jump points necessary to escape the system, lest they fly into a planet or Grey warship.
As the Tren'La craft continues its escape, two Grey wings begin to close in on them. Aris expresses concern about there being a planet to return to; his mother expresses confidence in her husband, his father, as he has fought the Grey successfully before. Aris pilots the ship on an evasive course, but is unable to shake the Grey; their ship takes shield damage. Illiana then announces that two Grey warships are approaching, suspecting they have detected the space-fold drive onboard. At the last minute, the drive comes online and they are able to successfully escape their pursuers.
Request Denied
Later, onboard Excelsior, Captain Knapp asks after their "new visitors". Commander Shelby informs him that they have been assigned quarters and that their request for aid has yet to be acted upon by the Federation Council. Knapp reminded Shelby that he was meeting with Admiral Nechayev and that there wasn't much he could do about the situation before then. Knapp then meets with Ensign Artim Ibanya, a native of Ba'ku, who has recently graduated from Starfleet Academy. He was close to Lieutenant Commander Munoz prior to his transfer to command the Olympus. He was was instrumental in getting him into the Academy. Artim graduated the Academy in two years, which Knapp remarked "must be some kind of record." Knapp gave Artim a Type-II phaser, circa 2270, that had been in his collection for some time - Knapp insisted that every officer should know how to defend themselves at all times. Artim noted that he has been assigned to the science team on Ba'ku, to study the planet's healing rings.
The following day, Princess Illiana meets with Admiral Nechayev and Captain Knapp onboard Deep Space 12. Nechayev tells Illiana that the Federation is not currently in a position to offer the kind of assistance that Illiana is requesting for Tren'La. Illiana reminds Nechayev that the Grey raid the Tren'La system weekly, costing thousands of lives. She offered their space-fold technology in exchange for the Federation's assistance. Nechayev responded that their request for 1,000 starships would leave the Federation stretched thin within their own borders. She also raised a concern regarding the Prime Directive. Illiana reminded Nechayev that if the Federation allied themselves with the Tren'La Council, they could offer the aid they are requesting. Knapp then interjected, that Starfleet was not ready for an all-out war with the Grey. Having just captured one of their warships, it would take years to figure out their technology. Illiana suggested that their hundreds of years of experience would help them do so faster if they pooled their resources. Nechayev reiterated the Federation's position that there is no interest in getting deeper into the Briar Patch at the present time. Responding to Illiana's concerns that the Grey might come across Starfleet's position in the Briar Patch, which would force a confrontation, Nechayev noted that their attacks thus far have been directed against colony worlds on the Patch's border. Nechayev leaves, again apologizing for having to deny the request for aid. Knapp then offers Illiana the opportunity to stay as DS12 as long as they like but that they will have to finish repairs to their ship, as the Federation is simply unfamiliar with their technology. Illiana thanked Knapp and said they would remain only as long as necessary - their homeworld needed all the help it could get.
New Friends and Old
A short time later, Knapp calls Artim to his ready room and asks him to show Aris around and try to find out how much their visitors know about the Grey. Artim boards the Tren'La vessel and meets Aris. After a short conversation and an invitation to see a holodeck, Illiana arrives and tells Aris to go with Artim.
Later, in a holodeck, Dr. Henglaar and Counselor Elbrey are in a garden. Henglaar is working in the garden while Elbrey appears to be trying to get a suntan with Mr. Scott at her side. Elbrey says that it is beautiful. Henglaar remarks that he tries to get into the program every chance he gets, as it is more peaceful than sickbay. He then gives Elbrey one of Mr. Scott's toys, raising a concern that he might like the garden too much. Henglaar, in answering a question from Elbrey, says that he doesn't bring anyone into the program as he didn't think they would understand.
The tranquil discussion is cut short when Artim and Aris enter the holodeck. Uninvited, they invite the ire of the Tellarite Doctor. Undeterred, Artim introduces his guest, explaining briefly where he came from and how he came to be there. Henglaar welcomed Aris to "civilization". Artim then explained that the Tren'La use "powerful kinetic powers". Aris then expands on this explanation, noting that it is the result of small microorganisms in their blood, but that not all Tren'La have the abilities. They have used the powers for centuries in their battles with the Grey. By means of a demonstration, Aris then levitates an orange-handled trowel into his hands. Henglaar suggests that Aris not poke out anyone's eyes out. The conversation then turned to the state of their battle with the Grey. Aris noted that it might "already be too late". Henglaar voiced the opinion that if the Grey are that powerful deep inside the Patch, the Federation's assistance might not be of much use, as they'd be spread out too thin. After deciding to leave to visit Ba'ku, Henglaar implores the "boys" to not get into trouble.
They take the ship that Illiana and Aris had flown to DS12 and enter orbit of Ba'ku and then beam down. While hiking on the planet later that day, Aris explains more of their kinetic powers, saying that they're used to "fight fire with fire" by distracting, evading and occasionally taking over the minds of Grey who invade the planet to conduct terrorism. They then come across a Grey wing parked in a ravine. Aris notes that this is how the Grey conduct their terror raids. When asked by Artim how they could have gotten past the planet's defenses, Aris remarks that they Grey use a space-fold system similar to the one on his ship. Artim then suggests informing the station and the Ba'ku village of the threat. They attempt to beam up to his ship to avoid detection, but Artim learns via a tricorder scan that the ship was destroyed in orbit. Aris then suggests stealing the Grey wing, which they are able to do as the ship is empty and Aris' father taught him the basics of piloting a ship.
Invasion!
Back on Deep Space 12, Admiral Nechayev informs Captain Knapp that a large fleet of Grey ships has entered the system and is on a course for Ba'ku. Lieutenant Commander Darwin then informs them that the ships "folded" into the system. He also informs them of a ship leaving the planet with Ensign Ibanya's signature, sending tactical information on how to fight the Grey terror team on the surface. Nechayev orders all Marines deployed to the planet to protect the Ba'ku village and all ships launched, under Captain Knapp's command, to repel the incoming fleet.
In space, the two fleets begin to close in on each other. Lieutenant Martinez informs Knapp that they have the fleet outnumbered, but that the Grey were launching fighters to attempt to even the odds. Knapp orders the USS Kursk and USS Nimitz to launch their fighters to even things out. Knapp tells his fleet that they're not "in the business of starting wars, but we're sure as hell going to end one." The battle commences, first between the waves of fighters each side has launched and then between the fleets themselves. Knapp orders several dozen protomatter bombs readied - when the Grey ships' shields go down, the transporters are to be used to give them "a little present".
Martinez reports that the metaphasic energy of the Patch is causing difficulty in the fleet penetrating the Grey ships' shields, which regenerate, much as in their previous encounters. A Niagara-class cruiser is destroyed - Knapp orders the fleet redeployed to compensate for its loss. A Grey ship then loses its shields - Knapp orders all ships within a 200 kilometer sphere to back off the ship as Excelsior beams a protomatter bomb aboard, destroying it. Princess Illiana suggests that, as the Starfleet vessels are far more maneuverable than the Grey's, circling their fleet might force them to rotate their shields. Knapp agrees it's a good idea, as it might permit use of the transporters again, and orders it executed. Another ship is destroyed, this time, a Nebula-class ship. Martinez suggests that their fleet is simply being "outpowered". Illiana suggests "decapitating" the fleet by destroying the Ethereals onboard the Grey battleship that is part of the fleet.
An additional two ships are destroyed in the battle, a Renaissance II-class and an Intrepid-class. Knapp calls for backup, but Martinez informs him that all ships are committed and it would take another week for a task force to enter the Briar Patch. Martinez then announces that a single Grey wing is entering the fray. Aris contacts the Excelsior and requests that they clear a path for them to approach the Grey battleship, as they won't expect them in one of their own ships. Meanwhile, Excelsior takes out two more Grey warships with protomatter bombs. The Grey begin performing kamikaze runs on the fleet with their fighters. Knapp orders all ships to divert necessary power to their shields to prevent the tactic from succeeding. Almost immediately, one Grey fighter crashes into the Exclesior 's shields. Knapp decides to "go for the jugular" and orders the fleet to open fire on the Grey battleship.
Another Grey fighter crashes into the primary hull of the Excelsior during this maneuver, causing an explosion on the bridge that injures Princess Illiana. The Grey battleship's shields go down, but Excelsior is unable to take advantage of the situation as her transporter targeting scanners are offline. The Grey battleship prepares to fold out of the system. Aris suggests the Excelsior back off from the battleship. Suddenly, the Grey wing disappears, followed immediately by an explosion that destroys the battleship. Knapp orders the fleet to "mop up" the field of battle. In the aftermath, Martinez reports the presence of an escape pod with two lifesigns aboard. Knapp orders the occupants beamed aboard - it's Ensign Ibanya and Aris. Aris explains that he folded the Grey wing into the battleship's fold reactor, causing its destruction. Knapp then informs Aris about his mother's condition - he and Ibanya immediately head to sickbay. The Excelsior returns home to Deep Space 12.
"Never Give Up"
In sickbay, Aris tells his mother that she's going to be OK. Illiana tells him not to worry about her and to never give up. Dr. Henglaar then prepares to operate - he'll have to return tomorrow.
Captain's Log, Supplemental: We've beaten back the Grey for now. The Ba'ku village sustained minor damage, but repairs are underway. With the loss of the Tren'La fold ship, we are no closer to matching the Grey's ability to expand.
Lieutenant Commander Darwin reports to Knapp's ready room and provides him with the report on the attack on the Ba'ku village. He then informs Knapp that Rayvan is dead, having gone to the planet with the Marines to defend the village. According to Darwin, he "saved them all" but was ambushed and he did not survive long enough to return to the station. Knapp expressed regret at his loss.
Later, in sickbay, Dr. Henglaar escorts Illiana out to meet her waiting son, her having made a full recovery. Aris noted that without their ship, they they are trapped and may never see their homeworld again. Henglaar reminds them that they captured a Grey battleship several months earlier (see HF 1.06 - "Echoes") and that they may unravel its fold drive technology. Aris reminds them that it took decades for the Tren'La to do so. Artim responds that the Federation has the resources of an entire quadrant to draw upon. Illiana indicated their willingness to stay aboard the station to provide information and assistance. Artim and Aris then agree to become "friends forever" despite Artim's reminder that the Ba'ku live for a very long time.
Background Information
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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: Aren't these production notes? |
- This episode introduces the Tren'La system and its inhabitants, as well as explaining how the Grey traverse the Patch - the 'spatial-fold' drive. It also introduces Princess Illiana, portayed by Katie Moss (whom also starred in the USS Angeles episodes as Counselor Moss), and her son, Prince Aris.
- This episode also marks Beau Christian Williams' first appearence as Ensign Artim Ibanya.
Memorable Quotes
- Aris: "See that small shovel over there?"
- Henglaar: "That bright orange-handled trowel? I dare say I do." (The trowel flies into Aris' hand.)
- Henglaar: "Don't poke anyone's eye out, kid."
- Henglaar: "Don't get into any trouble!"
- Artim: "We won't!" (Artim and Aris depart the holodeck.)
- Henglaar: (With a disapproving look to Elbrey) "Boys."
- Aris: "We folded the Grey wing right into the battleship's fold reactor. The results were...'explosive'."
Production Notes
- During the first portion of the fleet's battle with the Grey, several Star Wars TIE fighters are seen briefly in the fray, just after the destruction of a Starfleet fighter.
Cast
Regular Cast
| Actor | Role |
| David W. Dial | Captain Ian Quincy Knapp |
| Risha Denney | Commander Elizabeth Shelby |
| Barbara Clifford | Counselor Myra Elbrey |
| John Whiting | Doctor Henglaar |
| Joanne Busch | Lieutenant Commander Robin Lefler |
| Terence Schoshinski | Lieutenant Luko |
| Arthur Bosserman | Ensign Ro Nevin |
| Tristan Clark | Ensign Brad Rawlins |
| Adrianne Lange | Ensign Jenna McFarland |
Regular Cast (Uncredited)
| Actor | Role |
| Anthony Diaz | Lieutenant William Martinez |
| Tyler Bosserman | Ensign Andrew Barrett |
Guest Stars
| Actor | Role |
| Beau Christian Williams | Ensign Artim Ibanya |
| John Reynolds | Prince Aris |
| Katie Moss | Princess Illiana |
| Cliff Gardner | Lieutenant Commander James Darwin |
| Reneé Huberstock | Admiral Alynna Nechayev |
References
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