Security Counsel
From Hidden Frontier
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Episode 5.04 | |||||||||||||
| "Security Counsel" | |||||||||||||
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| Audio Play/Teleplay by Carlos Pedraza | |||||||||||||
| Story by Rob Caves and Carlos Pedraza | |||||||||||||
| Directed by Jennifer Cole | |||||||||||||
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Contents |
Episode Summary
Synopsis
While the Excelsior attempts to lend assistance to a longtime member of the Federation, Security Chief Matt McCabe finds develops suspicions that do not endear him to the world’s rulers. He grows close to a local security officer while they investigate the supposed terrorist activities that the planet is suffering from. Soon, they stumble onto something far more dangerous.
The Art of War
Lieutenant Matt McCabe is in one of Excelsior's holodecks, running his martial arts training program. His holographic sensei makes quick work of him, not once but twice, despite offering advice each time. She tell him to not let his ego overtake his talent. They are interrupted as they face off again - Captain Shelby informs the McCabe that, as they are approaching their destination, he is required on the bridge. As he prepares to leave, his sensei offers some final advice, reminding her student that it takes normal force to engage in battle, but that it takes extraordinary force to win one. Puzzled by her words, McCabe 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 terrorist attacks on Vrijheid IV, a longtime Federation member.”
A short time later on the bridge, Shelby asks if McCabe has received any message from Vreijheid's External Planetary Affairs Department. McCabe responds in the negative. In response to a query from Commodore Knapp, McCabe reports that they have been hailing them in accordance with all diplomatic protocols. Ensign Zen then reports that the Excelsior is entering the Vrijheid system. A cautious Shelby asks Knapp if they should hail on civilian or military channels, as they have not yet received diplomatic clearance. The silence has Knapp more then concerned, so he orders McCabe to hail civilian traffic control. Zen then reports the Excelsior is beginning her final approach to Vreijheid IV.
His panel sounding, McCabe reports that they have finally received approach protocols, which he routes to Zen at the helm. Confirming the instructions, a surprised Zen tells Shelby they are being diverted to orbit Vrijheid IV's primary lunar outpost. Knapp suspects trouble. Shelby has Zen follow the approach instructions, then orders McCabe to scan as much of the planet as he can. He reports that his scans show multiple explosions on the planet’s main continent. Shelby has the image put on the viewscreen, where large explosions are seen on the surface, leaving Captain Shelby to wonder what's going on down there.
Of Bombings and Apron-Strings
As the Excelsior orbits Vrijheid IV's lunar outpost, McCabe reports a flurry of activity from the planet’s news services. A 50 square-kilometer area has been cordoned off by Planetary Security, which is conducting searches on all buildings and civilians within that radius. Knapp heads to the observation lounge, telling McCabe to contact him when President Vindenpawl responds to their hails.
Later, finally in contact with President Vindenpawl, Knapp explains how Starfleet officers are trained to assist in such situations, despite her concerns. She explains that Vreijheid’s people are not used to accepting help from off-world. She refuses Knapp’s offers to meet privately, as the current matter has left her quite busy. Knapp then reminds her that he will have to report this situation to the Federation Council - her cooperation would be in her favor. Obviously uncomfortable with the idea of additional Federation scrutiny, she acquiesces to his request, but only authorizes Knapp and a security escort to beam down for a short meeting.
The Excelsior enters orbit of Vrijheid IV proper. Knapp and McCabe beam down into the busy capital city. At the beam-down site, the two Starfleet officers are met by Chief Ruman, head of Planetary Security and two of his own security officers. After pleasantries are exchanged, both Knapp and McCabe are surprised with the security procedures they are forced to adhere to, including as DNA authentication and recording of their combadge signal codes. When McCabe asks if this is required for all visitors to the planet, Ruman explains this is policy for all citizens, not just visitors. Ruman then escorts them to a nearby transport station.
Finally meeting with President Vindenpawl, she again refuses Knapp’s offer for assistance, placing her faith in her planet's security department. McCabe is not satisfied, questioning the security restrictions their citizens are placed under. As if punctuating his statement, suddenly the room shakes as a building explodes within sight of the President's office. Ruman demands a report as Knapp contacts the Excelsior. Shelby reports they picked up the explosion on sensors. Knapp waves off her concern for their safety, then orders her to prepare away teams to lend assistance. Vindenpawl angrily countermands the order, reminding the Commodore she has not asked for assistance. She proudly states that Vreijheid is advanced enough to conduct its own investigations and look after their own people. Ruman adds they do not need to "hang onto Starfleet's apron-strings" at the first sign of trouble. Knapp diplomatically reminds Vindenpawl that they are bound by regulations to render assistance. He continues, noting that while she can decline their assistance, it will raise even more questions with the Federation Council. Realizing she has no choice, Vindenpawl relents and accepts Knapp's offer of assistance, but limits it to one team of investigators. Knapp orders Shelby to beam down an away team..
Superfluity
Assigned to the away team, McCabe arrives at the blast site, where he introduces himself to the leader of the local law enforcement team, Colonel Mira Sulvan. She welcomes him, then tells him that his assistance is futile. Somewhat unphased, he presents recommendations for some sensor enhancements. She wonders out loud that he doesn't "get it", then backhandedly compliments him on his work, calling it "very Starfleet". She notes that her disdain isn't personal - she just doesn't find his assistance being of much use. She points out that everyone present is local law enforcement - there is no Planetary Security presence. Continuing, she notes that he was assigned to assist her team to get Starfleet off of Planetary Security's back - Ruman is conducting his own investigation and thus his presence is "superfluous". She then walks away to get a report from a colleague.
McCabe follows her, asking if he gets to say anything. Sulvan admires his persistence and tells him to speak his peace. McCabe tells her that he doesn't buy her cynical act. He takes note at the way she has deployed her forces and that while only local law enforcement are working at the blast site, they are indeed running their own investigation despite most of the evidence having been removed. When she notes that Planetary Security checks debris for survivors, he points out that the explosions were of such force that no one could have survived. McCabe's charm soon breaks through her cynical facade, with the two of them finally establishing a first-name basis. Sulvan then tells McCabe that Ruman's own investigation will undoubtedly pin the blame on some radical terrorist cell. As the buildings were government-controlled, the surveillance data from the area would be under the control of Planetary Security - they won't release it. Sulvan then asks what data the Excelsior might have.
Later, aboard the Excelsior, McCabe gives a briefing to Knapp, Shelby, Counselor Elbrey, McCabe expresses his doubts about the investigation and the actions being taken by the government in the treatment of their citizens. Elbrey suggests they are allowed to govern their planet as they see fit. McCabe counters that she has not experienced how these people are being restricted, noting that the population is so afraid of so-called "terrorist" attacks that they will do whatever the government tells them to do. Knapp expresses his own doubts, but notes that Starfleet regulations restrict how they can act. McCabe counters this argument, as Vrijheid's citizens they are also citizens of the Federation, with rights guaranteed by the Federation Charter. Knapp reminds the Lieutenant that they have little leverage in this situation, as the planetary government dictates what they can or cannot do. McCabe is quick to add that their duty should extend to protecting the rights of people under attack from their own government.
Shelby reminds everyone they need solid proof. McCabe is immediately up for the challenge, but Knapp cautions him to tread carefully - if Vindenpawl to revokes their clearance, they have to depart. McCabe points out that this would be a difficult situation under the best of circumstances. In an echo of what his sensei said earlier, Elbrey tells McCabe he will have to make an extraordinary effort if he wishes to succeed.
Later, in one of the Excelsior's science labs, McCabe finishes up a call to Sulvan, noting that the terrorists waited until the ship was on the far side of the planet when they conducted their attack - there are few sensor readings. Ensign Ro enters, surprised at McCabe having worked through the night. McCabe 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 jokingly suggests that they ask Commodore Knappfor permission to take a runabout back through time to observe the explosions themselves. This gets McCabe thinking, but he is interrupted when Shelby calls from the bridge. He and Knapp are to beam down, as Planetary Security has just announced the capture of those responsible. He invites Ro to walk with him as he heads to the transporter room.
Back in Vindenpawl’s office, Knapp and McCabe are stunned when Vindenpawl officially "thanks" them for their "help" in capturing the terrorists responsible for the bombings. She then tells them that the accused will be brought to trial in a matter of days. McCabe questions how the rights of these "terrorists" can be assured with such a speedy trial, prompting Ruman to question where McCabe's loyalties lie. Vindenpawl suggests the evidence is airtight, telling them that they have evidence of the terrorists leaving shuttles containing crude explosives outside of each installation. When Vindenpawl denies them access to the evidential data, citing "planetary security", McCabe comments that he has heard this before. This presses Ruman’s buttons further, prompting him to remind McCabe that their way of life is threatened. Vindenpawl is confident that they will rebuild and divert additional resources to security. She also suggests that the population will approve new anti-terrorism laws. When he questions the effectiveness of such measures, Vindenpawl becomes angered by, telling him that "freedom without the power to secure it, isn’t worth the PADD its recorded on". Regaining her composure, she again "thanks" them for their efforts, then dismisses them.
Time Travel
Beaming back aboard the Excelsior, Knapp apologizes to McCabe, telling him that they will have to depart as soon as he files his report with Colonel Sulvan. Ro then rushes in, having found the evidence they were lookingn for. After Knapp takes a quick glance at the PADD Ro is carrying, he tells them to prepare a briefing in 20 minutes.
In the science lab, Shelby and Knapp listen, as McCabe informs them that, while Ruman denied McCabe access to various scans, McCabe has gathered data on his own. Since the explosion happened five days ago, he had Ro take a warp shuttle to a location five light-days away and 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. Shelby commends them for their efforts. When Knapp asks what their conclusions are, McCabe suggests that the government lied.
McCabe continues, explaining that their data contradicts what Vindenpawl told them regarding shuttles being left with crude chemical explosives outside the blast areas - their data shows that the blast patterns show that the debris radiated upward and away as if the explosions happened from inside the buildings. He suggests 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. Knapp suggests that the theory is sound, but tells him that they need additional proof before acting. McCabe believes that Colonel Sulvan will help them when he presents his report to her. Knapp tells him that will only buy him a few hours - he suggests he make the most of them.
Critical Interpretations
In her office reviewing McCabe's findings, Sulvan admits the she is not surprised at what the government is up to. She protests McCabe’s idea to give the data to the media and post it on the public data nets, explaining that this violates planetary law, as it is illegal to reopen a closed investigation. McCabe reminds her that the investigation is not closed until he files his report, but she argues that this is a matter of interpretation. He suggests that it is worth it, quoting an old Earth philosopher in defense of his cause. She is finally won over by his argument. They then give in briefly to the attraction that had been building between them since they first met, sharing a all-too-quick kiss.
Convinced of what they need to do, Sulvan copies the reports onto some PADD's to deliver to the news media. She suggests waiting to post it on the public data nets, since Ruman will be watching them. As they head out of her office for a waiting shuttle, an energy beam strikes Sulvan in the abdomen - she falls to the ground. A stunned McCabe quickly calls the Excelsior for an emergency beam-out, but his message does not get through. Security officers grab hold of him and pull him away from Sulvan’s still form, telling him that they will take her to an emergency medical facility.
President Vindenpawl contacts the Excelsior to inform Knapp and Shelby of McCabe's abduction by "terrorists". She bluntly refuses Shelby’s offer of help, reminding her that it was McCabe's interference in an investigation that lead to his disappearance. Knapp tries to insist but Vindenpawl simply assures them that they will find McCabe, then closes the channel. Knapp, not trusting Vindenpawl, instructs Ro to find McCabe immediately.
In a dark and secluded tunnel, McCabe is bound by energy bonds. Ruman notes that McCabe was violating Starfleet regulations by interfering in Vrijheid's affairs, something that they do not take kindly to. McCabe tells him that he cannot hide behind Starfleet regulations while denying Federation citizens their rights. Coming out of the shadows at McCabes request, he continues, sarcastically commenting that McCabe's death - shot during an escape attempt - will be a tragedy, just like Sulvan's death. Before his guards can take McCabe away, a security team from the Excelsior beams in. Knapp and Shelby quickly dispatch the guards. With Ruman outnumbered, Shelby asks him how many more Starfleet officers he plans on shooting today.
Vindenpawl then beams in with her own escort. She makes a grand gesture in arresting Ruman, advising him to be silent as he has rights. As Ruman is escorted away, she then stops Shelby from freeing McCabe from his bonds, reminding them that McCabe did violate Vrijheidian law - he should remain in custody until the matter is sorted out. Knapp cites Starfleet General Order 14 - as the flag officer in the sector, it is his judgment that McCabe acted properly, securing the lives and property of Federation citizens. He then notes that she had granted permission for Starfleet to assist. When Vindenpawl argues the point, Shelby reminds the furious President that while she may have raised concerns about McCabe’s activities, she never revoked her permission. She quickly rectifies this oversight.
As they prepare to beam out, Knapp tells Vindenpawl that he is convinced that she and her government are working against the needs of her own people. She counters that he only has proof that Ruman was involved in anything untoward and he will be duly tried for his crimes. She also points out that Vreijheid, as a longtime Federation member world, is not without influence. Knapp is not intimidated, telling her of another Earth philosopher who commented that the point of politics is to alarm the populace and make them clamor for safety by presenting them with an endless series of imaginary hobgoblins. He suggests they find out how real her hobgoblins are under the harsh light of truth. An angered Vindenpawl then tells them to get off of "her planet".
General Orders
McCabe later returns to the holodeck, throwing himself into his martial arts exercises again. His focus is off, as his sensei points out. Knapp interrupts his workout, expressing concern about his absence from everyday social life. McCabe tells Knapp that Colonel Sulvan is dead because of him. Knapp admits that he admires McCabe's passion and ingenuity, but that it was unrealistic of him to expect to solve everything. Knapp also reminds McCabe that Vindenpawl had some justification in keeping McCabe in custody. Knapp effectively coerced her into letting him go. McCabe is thankful but still feels the issue is unresolved. Knapp reminds him that the evidence collectedwill get a good examination by the Federation Council, despite Vindenpawl’s many friends there. He leaves McCabe to his workout, expressing his hope to see more of the Security Chief in Ten Forward soon. McCabe, having taking in what Knapp had to say, faces off again with 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.
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 HF 5.05 - "Epitaph" and HF 6.06 - "Her Battle Lanterns Lit".
Memorable Quotes
- Wise Master (to McCabe): "Generally, in battle, one should use normal force to engage. To win, however, takes extraordinary force." (quoting Sun Tzu's The Art of War)
- Knapp (to Vindenpawl): "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." (quoting H.L. Mencken)
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 photographs 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.
- This episode marked actress Rebecca Wood’s second appearance on Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. She first portrayed villainess Glinn Betras in HF 04.04 - "Grave Matters". Rebecca and the character of President Vindenpawl would return in HF 6.04 - "Beachhead", Star Trek: Operation Beta Shield and is a lead in Star Trek: Federation One.
- The music for this episode is primarily derived from the Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country soundtrack, composed by Cliff Eidelman.
References
| Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Chronology | ||
| Previous Episode "Darkest Night" | Star Trek: Hidden Frontier | Next Episode "Epitaph" |
| Hidden Frontier Universe Chronology | ||
| Previous "Darkest Night" | 2381 Stardate 58423.1 | Next "Epitaph" |
Cast and Crew
| REGULAR CAST | |
|---|---|
| Commodore Ian Quincy Knapp | David W. Dial |
| Captain Elizabeth Shelby | Risha Denney |
| Commander Tolian Naros | Larry LaVerne |
| Doctor Henglaar | John Whiting |
| Lieutenant Commander Robin Lefler | Joanne Busch |
| Lieutenant Matt McCabe | Wayne Webb |
| Counselor Myra Elbrey | Barbara Clifford |
| Ensign Ro Nevin | Arthur Bosserman |
| Lieutenant, junior grade Corey Aster | J.T. Tepnapa |
| Ensign Andrew Barrett | Tyler Bosserman |
| GUEST CAST | |
|---|---|
| President Karah Vindenpawl | Rebecca Wood |
| Colonel Mira Sulvan | Jennifer Marshall |
| Chief Ruman | Jared Weber |
| Wise Master | Celia Xavier |
| Guard | Peter Elder |
| Background Performers | John Nelson Peter Elder Samuel Keplinger Brandon Ishkandar Carlos Pedraza |
