Security Counsel

From Hidden Frontier

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Previous "Darkest Night"
Star Trek: Hidden Frontier episode
"Security Counsel"
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Episode no.	5.04
Season	Season 5
Release Date	September 2004
Writer(s)	Carlos Pedraza
Story Elements by	Rob Caves and Carlos Pedraza
Director	Jennifer Cole
Year	2381
Stardate	58423.1
Episode chronology
Next "Epitaph"

Security Counsel. While the Excelsior is trying to lend assistance to a world that is a long-time member of the Federation, Security Chief Matt McCabe finds himself developing suspicions that do not endear him to the world’s ruling government. He grows close to a local security officer he encounters, while they investigate the supposed terrorist activities that the planet is suffering from, but they soon stumble into something far more dangerous.

1 Synopsis
- 1.1 Background Information
- 1.2 Memorable Quotes
2 Production Notes
3 Guest Stars
4 References

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Synopsis

Putting his down time to some use, Matt McCabe is in one of Excelsior’s holodecks, running his martial arts training program. Unfortunately, his holographic sensei makes quick work of him, not once but twice, despite offering advice each time. She reminds him to not let his ego overtake him, but they are interrupted as they face off again, as Shelby informs the lieutenant that he is required on the bridge as they approach their destination. As he prepares to leave, though his sensei offers some final words, reminding her student that it takes more strength to win then it does to initiate battle to begin with. Puzzled by her words, McCabe merely nods before heading off.

“Commodore’s Log, Stardate 58423.1: I’ve been dispatched by the Federation Council to quietly investigate the reasons behind recent terrorists attacks on Vreijheid IV, a long-time Federation member.”

A short time later on the bridge, Shelby and Knapp are both getting antsy that the Vreijheid External Planetary Affairs Department have not been in contact with the ship yet, even though they have been hailing them in accordance with all diplomatic protocols. Zen also reports they are entering the system, so a cautious Shelby asks Knapp if they should hail on civilian or military channels, since they have not received diplomatic clearance. The silence has Knapp more then concerned, so he orders McCabe to hail on civilian traffic control, as Excelsior begins her final approach to Vreijheid IV. But as he begins his task, McCabe reports that they have finally received approach protocols from the proper source, which he routes to Zen to allow him to set the desired course. But the surprised ensign reports to Shelby they are being diverted to orbit a primary lunar facility. Knapp instincts tell him trouble is afoot, so Shelby has Zen follow the instructions, but orders McCabe to scan the planet as much as possible from their range. He quickly reports that his scans show multiple explosions on the planet’s main continent. Shelby has the image put on the forward screen, where large flashes are easily seen to be happening on the surface. The Excelsior’s commanding officer can only hazard a guess as to what is going on down on the surface.

As Excelsior hangs in orbit over the lunar colony, McCabe reports the flurry of activity in the planet’s news services, which inform them that a 50 square-kilometre area has been cordoned off as Planetary Security investigates, as well as searches conducted on all civilians. Knapp heads to the privacy of the briefing room to deal with the planetary leadership himself, once they respond to hails. Later on, finally having been graced with an audience with President Vindenpawl, Knapp explains how Starfleet officers are trained to assist in emergencies, despite her concerns. She calmly and coolly tries to explain her hesitation as a cultural concern, since Vreijheid’s people are not used to accepting help from off-world. She refuses Knapp’s offers to meet privately, since the current matter has left her quite busy, until the commodore reminds her that he will have to report this situation one way or the other - her cooperation would play in her favour. Not liking the idea of more negative attention being directed to her world, and her rule, she acquiesces, but only authorises Knapp and a security escort for a short meeting.

Excelsior enters transporter range, allowing Knapp to beam down with McCabe, into the busy capital city, which is amass with various traffic lanes. At the beam down site, the two Starfleet officers are met by Chief Ruman, head of Planetary Security and one of his own security officers. The pleasantries are exchanged, but both the commodore and lieutenant are surprised with the security procedures they are forced to adhere to, such as DNA authentication and records of their communicator signal codes. Ruman explains this is policy for all citizens, not just visitors, before taking them to meet Vindenpawl. Once they meet the president, she again refuses Knapp’s offer for assistance, her faith placed in her own planetary security department, but McCabe is not easily satisfied, questioning the security restrictions they place their own people under. But his questions go unanswered when a massive explosion detonates just outside of the president’s office, as a building erupts into flames. Ruman demands a report as Knapp checks in with Excelsior and McCabe jumps to his feet in alarm. Shelby reports they have picked up the explosion, but Knapp waves off her concern for their safety, ordering her to prepare away teams to lend assistance. But Vindenpawl angrily countermands the order, reminding the Commodore she has not asked for assistance. She proudly states that Vreijheid is advanced enough to secure its own independence and can solve it own problems, as Ruman adds they do not need to run to Starfleet at the first sign of trouble. Knapp plays it very carefully, diplomatically reminding the president that although she can turn their help away, it will raise even more question with the Federation Council. Realising she has no choice, lest it look very suspicious, Vindenpawl accepts the help Knapp offers again, but limits it to one team of investigators, as she and Ruman share concerned looks. McCabe, on the other hand, is growing more suspicious and dubious of this government as this whole incident plays out…

Assigned to the security detail, McCabe arrives at Ground Zero of the blast site, where he quickly introduces himself to the leader of the local law enforcement group, Colonel Mira Sulvan. Although he tries to help, and takes note at the way she deploys her forces, he soon realises she finds his presence unnecessary. She reminds him that only local law enforcement are working at the blast site, that planetary security are running their own investigation - that he was only assigned to them to appease the Federation Council. McCabe is more then a little embarrassed to have been used in such a way without his even realising. She does compliment him on his work though, and his charm soon breaks through her cynical façade, especially when he point out he see she does care about what her investigation, despite attempted protests. They discuss what their data may illuminate, even though Sulvan already knows that Ruman’s own team will pin the blame on a radical terrorist cell. Since the decimated building was government controlled, they will not be able to access security camera feeds, but Sulvan wonders if Excelsior itself picked anything up.

Giving a briefing to Shelby, Knapp and Counselor Elbrey, McCabe expresses his doubts about the actions being taking by the government and the way citizens are treated. Although Elbrey tries to point out they are allowed to govern their planet their own way, McCabe counters that she has not experienced how these people are being restricted. He explains that the population is so afraid of so-called ‘terrorist’ attacks that they are simply going with what the government tells them too. Knapp expresses his own doubts, but feels that regulations restrict how they can act, but McCabe points out they are also Federation citizens, with certain rights that must be upheld. Knapp reminds the lieutenant what little cooperation they have received thus far, and that Vindenpawl dictates what they can or cannot do, but McCabe is quick to add that they should also be able to protect the rights of people under attack from their own government, just as they would protect anyone else under attack. Shelby breaks up the heated debate by reminding everyone they need proof in order to take this further. McCabe is immediately up for the challenge, but when Knapp reminds him to tread carefully, in case his actions cause Vindenpawl to revoke their clearance, the security chief points out that this is a very difficult situation. In a strange echoing of what his holographic sensei said, Elbrey tells McCabe he will have to make an extraordinary effort if he wishes to succeed.

In one of the science labs, McCabe, having worked through the night, finishes up a call to Mira Sulvan as Ensign Ro enters. The Bajoran is surprised to see the lieutenant has not stopped his efforts, despite the fact that the explosions happened when Excelsior was on the far side of the planet. He admits that every avenue he has tried has been blocked by Chief Ruman due to planetary security concerns, despite it being simple data he is requesting. Ro jokes that the only way to get readings of their own would be to get permission from Knapp to take a runabout back through time to observe the explosions for themselves. Although the idea is said in jest, it sets McCabe thinking, but he is interrupted when Shelby calls down from the bridge - he and Knapp are to beam down, as Planetary Security has just announced the capture of those responsible. He invites Nevin to walk with him as he heads to the transporter room.

Back in Vindenpawl’s office, Knapp and McCabe are stunned with what the president tells them. She ‘officially’ thanks them for their ‘help’, admitting the accused will be brought to trail in days, although McCabe questions how the rights of these ‘terrorists’ are being seen to at such a pace. Ruman questions where McCabe’s loyalties lie, considering his questions, as Vindenpawl adds the evidence is air-tight. She denies them access to the evidentiary data, citing ‘planetary security’, an excuse McCabe is sick of hearing, which only presses Ruman’s buttons further. He reminds the lieutenant that their way of life is threatened, although Vindenpawl is confident that they will rebuild, as well as divert extra resources to security and have the population approve new anti-terrorism laws. She is angered by McCabe’s doubts, telling him ‘freedom without the power to secure it, isn’t worth the PADD its recorded on’. Reigning her temper in, she again ‘thanks’ the commodore, before dismissing them.

Back onboard Excelsior, Knapp realises that they have done all they can, the investigation now drawing to a close, once McCabe files a report with Sulvan. Suddenly Ro rushes in, having found crucial information, and after Knapp takes a quick glance at the PADD the Bajoran is carrying, tells them to prepare a briefing in the next 20 minutes.

Back in the science lab, Shelby and Knapp listen, amazed and very impressed at the lengths McCabe had gone to in order to get some positive answers. Even though Ruman denied McCabe access to various scans, McCabe has gathered data on his own - since the explosions happened 5 days ago, he had Ro take a warp shuttle to a location 5 light-days away, and was able to use sensors to record the data in real-time as the light from the planet hit those coordinates. Seismic data was gathered from universities from the planet, away from the auspices of Ruman and Planetary Security. It all leads to one conclusion - the government lied. McCabe explains that their data contradicts what Vindenpawl told them regarding shuttles being left with crude chemical explosives outside the blast areas - their own data proves that the blast patterns show that the debris radiated upward and away as if the explosions happened inside the buildings. He explains that Vindenpawl has already explained why this would be done - to concentrate more power within the planetary government by using security as an excuse, and fear of terrorist attacks as a motivator, making people more willing to hand over control. Knapp needs further proof before acting, so McCabe explains he feels Mira Sulvan will help them, as she is waiting for his report. Knapp tells him to use what few hours he can buy as he will need them.

In her officer reviewing the findings, Sulvan admits she in not that surprised to realise what the government is up to. She protests McCabe’s idea to post these information on the media nets, explaining this violates planetary law since it is illegal to reopen a close investigation. McCabe reminds her that the investigation isn’t closed until he files his report, but she argues it’s a matter of interpretation. He protests it is worth it, quoting an old earth philosopher, and she is finally won over by his argument, the two of them finally giving in to an attraction that has been building since they first met, sharing a all-too-quick kiss. Convinced of what they need to do, Sulvan copies the reports to some PADDs to deliver to the news media, but decides to wait regarding posting it on security nets, since Ruman will be watching them. But as they head out of the office for her waiting shuttle, a phaser blast strike Mira in the stomach, and she falls to the ground. A stunned McCabe quickly calls for help, but his message does not get through, as some security men grab hold of him and pull him away from Mira’s still form.

Vindenpawl hails Excelsior, to inform a shocked Knapp and Shelby of McCabe’s abduction by ‘terrorists’, and bluntly refuses Shelby’s offer of help. She reminds the captain that it was McCabe’s interference with an investigation that lead to his disappearance. Knapp tries to weigh into the situation, but again, is disregarded before the president signs off. Knapp is not easily put off by Vindenpawl’s evasion, and instructs Ro to find the missing security chief ASAP.

In a dark and secluded tunnel system, McCabe is tightly bound by energy bonds, and as he struggles, the more they cause pain. A voice taunts him with his failure to help Mira, and what trouble his interference has caused to himself and others. McCabe recognises the voice and demands Ruman show himself, who obliges, sarcastically commenting that the lieutenant’s death - shot during an escape attempt - will be a tragedy, just like Mira. But before his guards can take McCabe away, a security team from Excelsior beams in, Knapp and Shelby quickly dispatching the guards as their escort secures the site. They have Ruman outnumbered, as Shelby asks him how many Starfleet officers he plans on shooting today… But they are interrupted from taking any more action when Vindenpawl beams in with her own escort. She makes a grand showing of arresting a blustering Ruman, advising him to be silent, as is his ‘right’, before stopping Shelby from freeing McCabe from his bonds. She reminds them that McCabe did violate Vreijheid law, and he will remain in custody until the matter is sorted. But her upper hand is soon slapped down by Knapp who uses Starfleet regulations to clear McCabe of wrongdoing, as well as use Vindenpawl’s own earlier permission against her. Shelby reminds the furious president that she may have raised concerns about McCabe’s activities, but never revoked her permission, a matter she quick to clear up. As they prepare to beam out, Knapp makes a point of telling Vindenpawl that he is convinces she and her government is working against the needs of her own people, but she counters that he only has proof that Ruman was involved in anything untoward. She also makes it clear that Vreijheid’s influence stretches far, and that messing with the long-term Federation world would have consequences. Knapp is not so intimidated, though, easily seeing through her bluster and the imaginary enemies she has created in the name of politics. Seething, she demands their immediate departure, and with no other option, the Starfleet officers head for home…

McCabe, feeling extremely guilty at the consequences of his actions, has thrown himself into his martial arts exercises again, but his focus is off, as his sensei point out. Knapp pays him a visit on the holodeck, worried about the security chief’s absence from everyday social life. He admits he admires the lieutenant’s passion and ingenuity, but it is unrealistic of him to expect to solve everything. The Commodore also reminds McCabe that Vindenpawl had some justification in keeping McCabe in custody, despite what Knapp said, coercing her into letting him go. McCabe is thankful to his superior, but still feels the issue is unresolved, until Knapp remind him that the evidence collected and what it took, will get a good look over by the Federation Assembly, despite Vindenpawl’s many friends. He leaves McCabe to his workout, hoping to see more of the security chief in Ten-Forward soon. McCabe, having taking in what Knapp had to say, faces off against his sensei, who tells him to stand and begin again. He replies, with a slight smile, that this is the best advice she has given him yet…

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Background Information

The 'great Terran philosopher' McCabe quotes to Colonel Sulvan is Benjamin Franklin.
The writer Commodore Knapp quotes to warn President Vindenpawl is early 20th Century political journalist and iconoclast H.L. Mencken.
Staff writer Carlos Pedraza did considerable research into Federation law and Starfleet regulations to properly portray McCabe's, Knapp's and Vindenpawl's actions in this episode.
McCabe's holodeck martial arts training program is apparently popular with the crew. It appears again in "Epitaph" and "Her Battle Lanterns Lit."

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Memorable Quotes

"Generally, in battle, one should use normal force to engage. To win, however, takes extraordinary force." – the holographic Wise Master quotes Sun Tzu's The Art of War to Lieutenant McCabe.
"On Earth, Madame President, we had a writer who observed that the aim of politics is to alarm the populace, make them clamor for safety, by menacing them with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary. Let's see how real your hobgoblins turn out to be under the harsh light of truth." – Commodore Knapp to the treacherous President Vindenpawl.

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Production Notes

J.T. Tepnapa and Dave Mason served as assistant directors for this episode.
While the episode echoes issues raised in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, executive producer Rob Caves based the depiction of the bombings at the beginning of the episode on the Oklahoma City bombing, a domestic terrorist attack in May 1995.
The overhead scenes of devastation shown in the episode are actual photgraphs from Ground Zero in New York City, following the September 11 attacks.
Celia Xavier, who portrayed the holographic Wise Master, also provided the Japanese translation for the martial arts scenes, and coached Wayne Webb (Lt. McCabe) in speaking Japanese.
"Security Counsel" marked actress Rebecca Wood’s second appearance on the show. She also portrayed villainess Glinn Betras in "Grave Matters."