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STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE
"An Occurrence At Tau Sigma V"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - SHUTTLEPOD ONE (OPTICAL)
cruising along at impulse.
HOSHI (V.O.)
Personal Log, Ensign Hoshi Sato; October 20, 2156. Lieutenants Reed, Talah, and I are returning to Enterprise after a two week joint-conference with the Vulcans and the Tellarites.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD ONE
TALAH at the controls, REED, and HOSHI at the side consoles. There's nothing that they absolutely need to be doing so Reed and Hoshi are passing the time by comparing their experiences at the conference. Talah is less than enthused about the "small talk" -- keeps her eyes on the controls.
HOSHI
You wouldn't believe the complexities of protocols on Tellarite ships. It makes our’s look tame.
REED
For instance?
HOSHI
They have protocols governing just about every ship-board activity. Including their meals!
REED
Eating?
HOSHI
Yep. There are thirteen different steps that have to be followed before eating dinner.
REED
And to think... there are some nights that I hate waiting in line.
HOSHI
What about you? Learn anything interesting?
REED
Indeed. The weapons seminar was quite informative.
HOSHI
I bet you loved getting a chance to fire those "experimental" weapons.
REED
It was wonderful.
(beat)
They were the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The handles. The triggers. The view scopes.
HOSHI
If I didn't know you any better, I'd say that you're in love.
REED
(considering)
There are many types of love.
They exchange a smile.
REED
No. In all seriousness these weapons are going to prove useful against the Romulans.
HOSHI
Anything that helps...
REED
These weapons should have been developed a long time ago. It's a shame that it took a war for them to finally get off the drawing board.
Hoshi turns her attention to Talah.
HOSHI
What about you, Lieutenant?
TALAH
It was another diversion. Nothing more.
REED
(skeptical)
You didn't learn anything?
TALAH
The shuttlecraft seminar I was invited to was for first year students.
HOSHI
Really?
TALAH
If I didn't already have my suspicions about the Tellarites I would have assumed that they did that on purpose.
HOSHI
So what did you do there?
TALAH
I was able to give the instructor several tips on how to better control a thruster assembly during an ion storm.
REED
Well, I guess that's what they get for inviting a six-star pilot to their seminar.
Talah misses Reed's joke altogether.
TALAH
Yes. It is.
Hoshi and Reed look at each other, "That's Talah." Before anything else can be said, Talah's station BEEPS! She reacts.
TALAH
Curious.
REED
Report.
TALAH
Enterprise isn't at the rendezvous point.
That gets their full attention. They all start working their consoles.
REED
Scan the vicinity.
TALAH
Perhaps they've changed the rendezvous coordinates.
HOSHI
They would have transmitted new coordinates to us by now.
A tense beat passes. Then, Reed's station BEEPS.
REED
I've got something... a faint energy signature one-quarter of a light year from here.
(beat; reads the console)
It's got a Starfleet signature.
Talah and Hoshi start working their consoles.
TALAH
Altering course to intercept. Increasing speed to maximum impulse.
As the crew works...
EXT. SPACE - SHUTTLEPOD ONE (OPTICAL)
alters course and increases speed.
INT. SHUTTLEPOD ONE
A few hours later. They are still at their posts. There's a slight jolt. Nothing serious... no systems are damaged.
REED
What was that?
TALAH
(off console)
Some type of energy wave.
REED
Where'd it come from?
TALAH
According to sensors the wave originated from the fifth planet in the Tau Sigma system.
HOSHI
Is that where Enterprise is?
TALAH
(off console)
Yes.
REED (V.O.)
This is strange. The power readings aren't consistent with Enterprise's normal output.
TALAH
Can we hail them?
HOSHI
That wave is interfering with our transmissions.
TALAH
I have a visual.
INCLUDE THE WINDOW (OPTICAL)
To see the STARSHIP ENTERPRISE -- adrift and in power-down mode.
RESUME
OFF Reed, Hoshi, and Talah's shocked expressions, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. SHUTTLEPOD ONE - CONTINUOUS
After the initial shock of the situation wears off, they return to their consoles and begin an investigation.
HOSHI
My god!
REED
Hoshi, we need that transmitter!
HOSHI
I'm working on it.
REED
(to Talah)
See if you can interface with Enterprise's guidance systems.
Talah works, but can't establish the interface.
TALAH
I can't establish the interface.
REED
Keep trying.
TALAH
It's not going to work. Enterprise simply doesn't have the power for us to interface with a major system.
HOSHI
Than we don't interface with a major system.
They turn to her.
HOSHI (CONT’D)
The only way we're going to find out what happened to Enterprise is to go onboard. It's a safe bet that with all the power failures the transporter isn't working, but if we could interface with the launch bay control systems...
TALAH
(catching on; continuing)
...we could open the launch bay doors and dock.
HOSHI
And gain access to the ship and its systems.
Reed takes a beat to think about it. Then:
REED
Proceed.
Talah and Hoshi work their consoles.
TALAH
I'm taking the inertial dampeners offline. Matching rate of rotation and synchronizing docking procedures with the onboard computer.
Talah works her console. The inertial dampeners are taken offline ant the Shuttlepod begins to rotate in relation to the camera -- spinning in a controlled manner.
HOSHI
(steadying herself)
Initiating the interface.
Her console BEEPS, signaling that the interface is active.
HOSHI
I have access.
REED
All right. Open the launch bay doors and extend the docking arm.
OUT THE WINDOW (OPTICAL)
To see ENTERPRISE grow closer and appear to "level out" (in actuality the Shuttle Pod is rotating with ENTERPRISE).
RESUME
HOSHI
It's not working. The controls are fused.
TALAH
How do we get aboard?
HOSHI
I'm going to try tapping into the EPS grid. With any luck, it will route enough power to the bay doors to allow them to open.
(beat)
I'm in the EPS grid... transmitting the instructions.
(beat)
That should do it.
INCLUDE THE WINDOW (OPTICAL)
The launch bay doors OPEN and the docking arm is LOWERED into position. The arm looms closer and then disappears over the window. After a beat, there's a JOLT and we hear the sound of metal connecting.
TALAH (V.O.)
We're on the arm.
REED (V.O.)
Bring us up into the bay.
And as Talah works, the view out the window ascends into the PITCH BLACK LAUNCH BAY!
RESUME
As Reed, Hoshi, and Talah stare out the (offscreen) window into the pitch black launch bay.
REED
We better break out the flashlights.
HOSHI
Is life support online?
TALAH
(off console)
Yes. But there's no power on any of the decks.
REED
That’ll make the search difficult.
(beat)
Let's get going!
And as they all make their way to exit the pod we...
CUT TO:
INT. LAUNCH BAY - TOTAL DARKNESS
There is absolutely NO LIGHT coming from anywhere in the Launch Bay.
The hatch to Shuttlepod One OPENS, casting an eerie blue light into the empty, dark and foreboding launch bay. Seconds later, Reed, Hoshi, and Talah step out of the pod. Reed and Talah are holding flashlights and Phase Pistols while Hoshi holds a flashlight and scanner.
HOSHI
I'm not picking up any bio-signs on this deck.
REED
Are you certain?
HOSHI
Quite.
TALAH
The scanner is only confirming what the Shuttle's sensors told us earlier. There's no one here.
Reed sighs at this.
REED
(refusing to give up)
Are you detecting any power signatures... anything that might indicate the presence of the crew?
HOSHI
(off scanner)
No, sir.
A HIGH VIEWPOINT --
The conversation continues:
TALAH
We need to get to the bridge... try to access the ship's logs.
REED
We should check all the key departments on our way. See if we can get partial power back online at least.
Slowly, the CAMERA DRIFTS about at the high viewpoint and comes to rest at an angle where a piece of damaged BULKHEAD blocks our complete view of Reed, Hoshi, and Talah.
TALAH
Agreed.
HOSHI
No argument here.
REED
Good. We'll stay together and conduct a deck-by-deck search from "E" to "A".
With that, they move OUT of the glow of the blue light and OUT into the DARK ship.
THE BULKHEAD
That's been in the foreground "steps" out of FRAME!
INT. CORRIDOR - TOTAL DARKNESS
The light of the flashlights briefly illuminating pieces of the wall and bulkheads. There's no noise of any kind in the corridor.
Reed, Hoshi, and Talah round a corner. Reed and Talah take note of an OPEN ACCESS PANEL and move to investigate. Hoshi continues down the corridor, never getting too far away from the others.
Talah scans the panel...
REED
Can you access anything?
TALAH
Not from here.
ON HOSHI --
as she stops her forward advance. She shines her light down the corridor...
TALAH'S VOICE (CONT’D)
It appears that all of the major systems are undamaged. They're just... offline.
HOSHI'S POV (OPTICAL)
As A LEG, that is being illuminated by Hoshi's light, "STEPS" out of the light and into the DARKNESS!
Hoshi SCREAMS!!!!
RESUME
Reed raises his Phase Pistol as he and Talah run to join Hoshi.
REED
What is it?
HOSHI
Something's here!
Talah scans...
REED
What's here?
HOSHI
I don't know what it is. I shined my light on something and it...
TALAH
What...?
HOSHI
(scared)
It ran away.
REED
(to Talah)
Anything on scanners?
TALAH
No.
HOSHI
I'm telling you... something's here.
TALAH
The evidence would say otherwise.
HOSHI
You think I imagined it?!
SOMEONE'S P.O.V.
of Reed, Hoshi, and Talah standing in their circle.
TALAH
The scanner is only detecting three bio-signs -- ours.
HOSHI
I've been accused of imagining things before. They all turned out to be real!
Our P.O.V. drifts away from our people. There's a NOISE...
THE AWAY TEAM --
turns with a start and raises their weapons in the direction of the noise. Now they're all jumpy.
HOSHI
(to Talah)
Still think I'm imagining it?
REED
Come on.
And they begin to make their way down the corridor.
INT. SICKBAY - TOTAL DARKNESS
Suddenly, light streams in through the doors as they are FORCED OPEN. Reed, Hoshi, and Talah make their way into the room. The place looks like it was vacated in a hurry.
HOSHI
Looks like Phlox left in a hurry.
Talah spots an experiment that Phlox was working on.
TALAH
Ensign...
Hoshi comes over to take a look at what Talah's found.
HOSHI
A protein analysis...
(pause; looks around)
But it's only half finished.
TALAH
He must have left it behind.
HOSHI
It looks like the whole crew left in a hurry.
REED'S VOICE
Do you hear that?
Hoshi and Talah turn to look at him.
HOSHI
I don't hear anything.
REED
Exactly! Where are all of Phlox's animals?
Hoshi looks around. Reed's right. All of Phlox's animals are gone.
TALAH
We should keep searching -- make our way to the bridge.
HOSHI
(agreeing)
When we get there we'll be able to open a com-channel and call for help.
REED
Let's move.
INT. MESS HALL - TOTAL DARKNESS
Chairs overturned, dishes strewn about and drinks spilled. Reed, Hoshi, and Talah are making their search of the room.
As they walk about the room Hoshi spots a SLIMY COMPOUND spread over one of the tables. She scans it. Reed and Talah join her.
REED
What is it?
HOSHI
(off scanner)
Some type of mucilaginous compound...
(beat)
I can't identify it.
Reed reaches out and touches the compound -- the gooey substance oozing down his fingers.
TALAH
Perhaps the medical instruments in sickbay would be more effective.
REED
(to Hoshi)
Collect a sample. We'll get it down there as soon as we've been to the bridge.
And as Hoshi collects a sample we...
CUT TO:
INT. ACCESS TUBE - TOTAL DARKNESS (OPTICAL)
Hoshi and Talah sitting a few feet away from Reed who's working a panel to open the hatch that leads to the bridge.
HOSHI
(re: access tube)
Is it my imagination or does this thing seem smaller?
TALAH
It’s your imagination.
HOSHI
(sotto voce)
So much for small talk...
The panel Reed's been working on BEEPS, indicating that he cannot access the bridge.
HOSHI
What is it?
REED
The hatch won't open.
Reed examines the panel, reacts to what he sees.
REED (CONT’D)
I see why.
(to Hoshi and Talah)
There's no atmosphere up there.
TALAH
There must be a hull breach.
REED
(re: main system failures)
It makes sense. The main systems are designed to deactivate in the event of a hull breach on the bridge. Only a command authorization from engineering or some predetermined location can reactivate them.
TALAH
(moving toward the panel)
If we can access environmental controls...
(reaches for the panel)
...we could activate force fields and re-introduce a breathable atmos--
The panel SPARKS, sending Talah backward in a recoil. Hoshi immediately examines Talah's hand while Reed checks the panel.
HOSHI
You'll be fine. It's just a flesh wound.
The panel BEEPS at Reed. He checks it.
REED
Perhaps there's someone onboard after all.
(turning to face them)
There's a power surge on D-deck.
OFF the team's reaction...
INT. CORRIDOR - TOTAL DARKNESS
A hatch covering flies off the wall and lands on the floor a few feet away. From the Access Tube, Reed, Hoshi, and Talah emerge, scanners and weapons at the ready. They hesitate -- scanners aren't telling them anything useful. Reed eyes the corridor, makes a decision.
REED
This way.
HOSHI
How can you be certain?
Something catches Talah's eye...
TALAH'S P.O.V.
Of an open PANEL a few feet away.
RESUME
Talah moves toward the panel as Reed and Hoshi continue their discussion (parts of which can be placed over the above scene).
REED
Survival instincts.
HOSHI
And logic?
REED
It never hurts to have it on your side.
(pause)
Do you have a better idea?
Hoshi considers for a beat.
HOSHI
After you.
And they begin to walk down the corridor, neither of them noticing that Talah isn't following. They make it a few feet down the corridor before Reed asks...
REED
(to Hoshi)
Have you seen anything move yet?
HOSHI
No. You?
REED
Nothing. What about you, Talah?
But there's no response. They stop and turn...
HOSHI & REED’S P.O.V.
of a dark and deserted corridor.
RESUME
REED
(calling out)
Talah! Lieutenant, can you hear me?
He turns to Hoshi who's frantically working her scanner.
REED
Anything?
HOSHI
No.
(disbelief)
She's gone!
There's a moment as they realize that something is in the corridor with them. Something that's taking them one-by-one.
REED
Come on. Let's get to engineering and see if we can get auxiliary power online.
And as they make their way down the corridor we HEAR something SCURRY off in the opposite direction.
INT. ENGINEERING - TOTAL DARKNESS
Tight on Reed and Hoshi as they ENTER and make their way to Trip's desk. Reed attaches a portable power pack to the computer and it comes to life. He punches in a few commands.
REED
That should do it!
He keys in one more command and POWER comes up to HALF the normal level. (NOTE: All sets will be at HALF POWER until stated otherwise.) A wave of relief sweeps over them. Then, Hoshi turns and looks out at the rest of engineering -- lets out a BLOOD-CURDLING SCREAM!
HOSHI'S P.O.V.
of Enterprise CREWMEMBERS suspended from the ceiling, hooked up to machines that are draining their blood. OFF this horrifying sight...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS
Hoshi turns and winces from the sight of the bodies.
HOSHI
Oh my god!
Reed grimaces at the sight, but pulls out a scanner and begins an investigation.
HOSHI
(not looking at him or the bodies)
Are they...?
REED
(beat; off scanner)
I'm afraid so.
Hoshi swallows a whimper, takes a deep breath and steadies herself. The next question is a hard one.
HOSHI
The senior staff...?
Reed scans. A little bit of relief can be seen on his face after a few seconds.
REED
They're not here.
HOSHI
Then they may have gotten off the ship.
REED
We don't know that.
HOSHI
Where else could they be?
Reed looks at her. All he can offer:
REED
I don’t know.
He looks around the room, checking to see if they're alone.
REED
But we have to refrain from making assumptions until we've ruled out all the possibilities.
HOSHI
What if I can give you access to the main sensor net?
REED
How?
Hoshi tries to pull herself back together.
HOSHI
There's an interface at the com-station on the bridge.
REED
We can't get to the bridge.
HOSHI
As long as the com-station is undamaged, I should be able to gain access to the interface from the command center.
REED
(indicating a console)
That's your area of expertise.
Hoshi moves to the console and begins to work. The computer denies her access to the bridge sensors.
HOSHI
That's odd.
REED
What is it?
HOSHI
The computer won't let me access the sensors on the bridge.
All of a sudden, the computer unleashes an angry series of BEEPS. She jumps back slightly, reacts to what she sees.
HOSHI
There's a power surge on E-deck -- section fifteen.
They run for the exit...
INT. CORRIDOR
Reed and Hoshi come running around a corner and discover Talah, convulsing on the floor, burn marks on her hands and face. Hoshi pulls out a scanner while Reed secures the area.
HOSHI
Second degree plasma burns to her face and hands. We have to get her to sickbay!
A SCREECH echoes through the corridor. Reed whirls and aims his Pistol at the empty Corridor. Hoshi draws her weapon as well. After a moment when their nerves calm down:
REED
Let's get out of here.
Reed joins Hoshi. Together, they pick up Talah and hurry off down the corridor.
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR
The turbolift door OPENS and Hoshi and Reed emerge carrying the unconscious Talah in their arms. They reach a pair of doors and EXIT to...
INT. SICKBAY
Where Hoshi and Reed get Talah onto a bio-bed. Reed draws his Pistol and secures the area while Hoshi begins more detailed scans of Talah. The main diagnostic computer lights up with information. Hoshi takes the information in...
HOSHI
Take a look at this!
Reed walks over. Hoshi indicates something on the board to him.
REED
How is that possible?
HOSHI
I don't know. But somehow all of the cells in her body are in a state of flux.
(beat)
By all medical standards she shouldn't be alive!
There's a GROAN from the bio-bed. They turn to see Talah regaining consciousness. Hoshi immediately reaches for a hypospray and prepares to inject Talah with it. Reed stops her.
REED
We need to know what she saw.
HOSHI
She's in pain.
REED
And the only one who knows what's out there.
Reed turns to Talah.
REED
Talah. This is Lieutenant Reed. Can you hear me?
There's a brief pause. Then:
TALAH
(with pain)
Yes. I can...
REED
Do you remember what happened?
TALAH
(trying to remember)
It was dark.
NEW ANGLE -- SOMEONE'S P.O.V.
of Reed and Hoshi gathered around Talah. This person or thing is lurking in the shadows.
TALAH (CONT’D)
I got separated from you. I was trying to access the main EPS grid to restore power when...
REED
When what?
TALAH
When something grabbed me from behind. I didn't get a good look at it. The motion was all blurry.
REED
Do you remember an EPS conduit overloading?
TALAH
No.
RESUME
Talah groans again and then loses consciousness.
HOSHI
Something from the shadows? Sounds like one of Commander Tucker’s old horror movies.
REED
With one exception. This is real.
HOSHI
Let's go to the command center... access the communication system -- send out a distress call.
REED
No. We need to search the ship. Find what did this to Talah.
HOSHI
This "thing" overpowered the entire crew. What makes you think the two of us can stop it?
REED
We have to try.
HOSHI
And end up like our crewmates -- hanging from hooks in engineering?!
(beat)
If we call for help we'll be rescued. At least then people will know what happened here.
Reed thinks for a beat.
REED
Fine. We'll call for help. But first we go to the armory and get Phase Rifles.
And Reed heads for the EXIT with Hoshi close behind.
INT. ARMORY (OPTICAL)
Reed and Hoshi ENTER and move to the weapons locker. Reed takes out two Phase Rifles and TEST-FIRES them to make sure they work. We focus on Hoshi as we hear:
PHLOX'S VOICE
Ten cc's of cortolin, stat!
Hoshi looks around confused -- "Where did that voice come from?"
HOSHI
Did you hear that?
REED
(focused on the weapon)
Hear what?
HOSHI
Phlox. He was asking for medicine.
Reed stops and turns to her, pulls out a scanner.
HOSHI
He was asking for ten cc's of... um... of cortolin.
Reed looks at the readings on the scanner. He's confused too.
REED
Normally I would suggest a malfunction with the com-system, but it's offline.
HOSHI
I'm not crazy. I did hear something.
REED
I'm not saying you didn't.
HOSHI
But the evidence isn't there to corroborate my story... is it?
REED
(reassuring)
Sensors aren't functioning. There's no way to be certain what it is you heard.
All of a sudden there's a MASSIVE JOLT! Reed reacts by tossing her a Phase Rifle.
REED
Command center!
Reed EXITS in a hurry. Hoshi hangs back for a beat and looks around the place, then EXITS.
INT. COMMAND CENTER
A MAJOR JOLT as Reed and Hoshi ENTER. Hoshi moves to a console and begins working it.
HOSHI
There's a ship.
REED
Can you identify it?
HOSHI
I'm bringing the main sensor array online... now!
INCLUDE THE MAIN MONITOR (OPTICAL)
which displays an image of the ATTACKING ALIEN SHIP (similar in design to the alien ship seen in "Silent Enemy").
HOSHI
The computer can't find a match in our database.
REED
Hail them.
HOSHI
(to com)
This is the Starship Enterprise to the Alien vessel off our port bow. Please, break off your attack.
The ship FIRES PHASERS. There's a JOLT!
REED
Target their weapon systems and fire.
Hoshi works. JOLT.
HOSHI
Our weapons are offline!
JOLT!
HOSHI
The shield generator is failing.
REED
Reconfigure firing systems for manual launch.
HOSHI
What!
REED
(heading for the door)
If I can fire a torpedo manually that should take care of his weapon systems.
HOSHI
I don't think splitting up is a good idea. Divide and conquer!
REED
If we don't do something about that ship, our shields are going to fail. They’re already at forty percent.
Reed grabs his Phase Rifle and heads for the EXIT.
REED
Get a manual target on the ship's weapons. We'll keep an open com-line.
JOLT! Reed EXITS. Hoshi pulls her Phase Rifle a little closer as she works the console...
TIME CUT TO:
INT. ARMORY
Reed ENTERS and moves to the main board. He calls up the manual launch protocols and opens his communicator.
REED
Hoshi.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. COMMAND CENTER
Where Hoshi picks up her communicator...
HOSHI
I'm here.
REED
I'm configuring the torpedo and setting the detonation yield for ten teracochranes.
HOSHI
Acquiring a lock on his weapon systems.
Reed works his console which now displays a graphic of a photon torpedo. At his side, a torpedo is moved into the firing tube.
Hoshi enters a final sequence into her console...
HOSHI
I have a lock.
REED
I see it!
(beat)
Firing!
INCLUDE THE COMMAND CENTER MONITOR (OPTICAL)
Hoshi watches the monitor as a torpedo flies from offscreen and COLLIDES with the ALIEN SHIP. The ship VEERS off and ZOOMS out of sight.
HOSHI
They're gone.
REED'S COM VOICE
Understood. I'm on my way...
The com FRITZES OUT for a moment. We hear a muffled scream and then a loud THUD! Hoshi freezes.
HOSHI
(yelling)
Malcolm!
There's no response. Hoshi grabs her Phase Rifle and runs OUT of the room.
INT. ARMORY (OPTICAL)
Moments later. Hoshi comes running INTO the room where she finds Reed unconscious on the floor a few feet away from the door.
HOSHI
Malcolm!
Hoshi runs to his side and examines him. He has similar burns on his face and hands as Talah did.
Hoshi scans him, realizes that he's suffering from the same effects as Talah. She tries to pick him up but fails. She runs to a console and...
HOSHI
Computer, is there enough power for a site-to-site transport?
COMPUTER VOICE
Affirmative.
HOSHI
Lock onto my communicator and prepare to beam two directly to Sickbay.
Hoshi runs back to Reed, kneels next to him and grabs his hand. Then:
HOSHI
Computer -- energize!
Hoshi and Reed DEMATERIALIZE to...
INT. SICKBAY
Hoshi struggles to get Reed onto a bio-bed. She grabs a hypo and injects him.
SOMEONE'S P.O.V.
of Hoshi treating Reed. We slowly PUSH IN toward Hoshi's back. Then, a HAND REACHES up into frame and grabs Hoshi's shoulder...
HOSHI --
GASPS and WHIRLS! She raises her Phase Rifle and discovers that she's pointing it at...
TRIP --
who reacts to Hoshi's weapon. Hoshi immediately lowers her weapon and BURSTS INTO TEARS OF JOY!
HOSHI
(shocked)
Trip!
Hoshi jumps into his arms and HUGS him tightly! OFF this moment we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY - CONTINUOUS
Hoshi and Trip break their embrace. They stare at each other, each of them thinking that they're looking at a ghost.
HOSHI
Oh, you have no idea how good it is to see you!
TRIP
I thought we were the only ones left. How did you manage to survive this long?
HOSHI
I don't know. We haven't really been trying to find what did this.
TRIP
(re: Reed and Talah)
Looks like it did a pretty good job of finding you.
HOSHI
Did the others react this way?
TRIP
What we witnessed of it.
HOSHI
What?
TRIP
The ones who were attacked... they didn't make it.
(beat; nervous)
We should leave while we're still alive.
HOSHI
Leave?
TRIP
To the catwalks. They have protective shielding that this lifeform can't cross. Come on!
Trip grabs her hand and begins leading her toward the door. Hoshi resists.
HOSHI
Wait!
(re: Reed and Talah)
We can't just leave them here.
TRIP
Weren't you listening? This thing kills. They're as good as dead. We have to save ourselves!
HOSHI
They're not dead yet and I'm not leaving them here to be... devoured by this "thing."
TRIP
You're being irrational.
HOSHI
(speaking before thinking)
You're the one being irrational!
(realizing what she just said)
I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say that, Commander.
There's a beat as Trip thinks over the situation.
TRIP
No, no. It's all right. I'm the one who overreacted.
(beat)
Let's get them to the catwalk.
Trip walks to one of the bio-beds. OFF Hoshi wondering what's gotten into Trip...
INT. CATWALK - GENERAL AREA
The MAIN HATCH leading to the rest of the ship OPENS and Trip and Hoshi begin to emerge. Instantly, FIVE PHASE RIFLES are aimed at the hatch.
TRIP
Don't shoot. It's just me... and I've found some friends.
Trip jumps up into the catwalk followed closely by Hoshi. ADJUST TO REVEAL: ARCHER, T'POL, and THREE MACOs lowering their weapons as their friends enter safety. The MACOs disappear into the tube to retrieve Reed and Talah. Hoshi has her reunion with Archer.
ARCHER
Hoshi... how did you manage to survive?
HOSHI
I'm not sure.
T'POL
Did you witness anything that might be useful? The ship's location? Enemy vessels? Coalition ships?
ARCHER
(before Hoshi can respond)
Let's talk about this in private.
Archer motions to something that is offscreen at the moment. They all turn and walk in the direction Archer indicated.
INT. CATWALK - EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTER
A hub of activity -- the new "central nervous system" of the ship. Archer, T'Pol, and Hoshi ENTER and move to one of the sides where there's a row of cots and seats.
ARCHER
Take us through what happened after you got back to Enterprise.
HOSHI
We tried to figure out what had happened. We searched the ship and found some type of compound in the mess hall and the... bodies of the crew hanging in engineering.
T'POL
Is that all?
HOSHI
(remembering)
Well... there was something else... something odd. Every time we tried to access the bridge or a system on the bridge there was a...
Hoshi is interrupted before she gets a chance to finish telling T'Pol this part of the story.
PHLOX'S VOICE
Sorry to interrupt.
ADJUST to reveal PHLOX who's just stepped into the room.
ARCHER
It's all right. What do you have?
PHLOX
Fortunately I'll be able to treat Mister Reed's injuries -- nothing more than burn cream and osmotic eel therapy.
T'POL
Lieutenant Talah?
PHLOX
I'm afraid her injuries are too severe to treat. It's only a matter of time.
There's a somber beat as the crew realizes they are about to lose Talah. Then, something dawns on Hoshi.
HOSHI
(sotto voce)
The compound.
(louder)
The compound we found in the mess Hall. Lieutenant Reed touched it. Talah didn’t. It could hold the key to saving her life.
PHLOX
Or it could simply be someone's regurgitated lunch.
Hoshi is amazed at the surprising change in attitude that the crew is exhibiting.
HOSHI
All we have to do is activate the sickbay control systems.
T'POL
The main computer is offline. We won't be able to interface with any of the primary systems for another day.
HOSHI
Lieutenant Reed and I were able to access the weapon systems.
T'POL
By going to the armory directly.
HOSHI
So let's go to sickbay and get the information we need.
T'POL
It's too dangerous to attempt a walk to sickbay.
Hoshi opens her mouth to say something, but...
ARCHER
It's been a long day.
(to Hoshi)
Try and get some sleep. If there's a way to retrieve the information from sickbay safely, we'll certainly consider it.
(beat)
Don't worry. Everything's under control now. We'll talk again when you wake up.
Archer and T'Pol turn their attention to a main diagnostic board.
Hoshi sits on a cot for a few more seconds and then rises and EXITS to...
INT. CATWALK - GENERAL AREA
Hoshi, a little disturbed by what she's just witnessed, walks down the length of the nacelle. The look on her face is one of "what's gotten into them?"
She looks around at the people lining the walls. Somehow they look different, like they're not our normal crew.
Hoshi is thrown by this experience, looks around -- a little bit of panic starting to surface on her face. Then, she spots a familiar face -- Reed. She heads for his little area of the catwalk.
REED --
is lying on a cot just off the main walkway of the catwalk when Hoshi walks down into his little alcove.
REED
Hey.
HOSHI
You have a minute?
REED
What's on your mind?
HOSHI
(sotto)
Have you noticed anything... strange about the crew since they found us?
REED
(sotto)
Strange? In what way?
HOSHI
They seem completely unconcerned about the wellbeing of others. And they're not the slightest bit interested in that compound we found in the mess hall.
REED
(a simple reason)
They're going through a rough time right now.
HOSHI
So are we.
Reed becomes irritated with Hoshi.
REED
What are you getting at?
HOSHI
This crew has seen tough situations before... and they've never reacted this way -- with such blatant disregard for other people.
REED
(loud)
That's ridiculous!
A few of the crewmembers who are standing nearby turn and look at the two of them. Reed throws them a look. They turn back to their business.
REED
(sotto)
Look, from what Phlox tells me, the Captain and T'Pol have a plan to retake the ship. Granted it'll take some time to implement, but they've had more time to analyze the situation than we have.
HOSHI
And what about Talah? What happens to her in that "some time?"
REED
(confused)
What about her?
HOSHI
You mean they haven't told you?
REED
No.
Hoshi can’t believe this.
HOSHI
She's dying! And that compound in sickbay may be able to save her life. But they're not willing to take the risk of going down there to retrieve it.
Reed considers.
REED
I'm sure they have their reasons.
Hoshi realizes that whatever's affecting the crew has gotten to Reed as well. She contains her feelings and puts on a smile.
HOSHI
You're right. I guess this situation just got to me.
(beat)
I'm going to go lie down... try and get some sleep.
HOSHI (OPTICAL) --
walks back into the main part of the catwalk. She looks from side to side, stares at the crew as they mull around the confined space.
Then, all hell breaks loose! There's a HUGE JOLT! SPARKS FLY and a CONDUIT EXPLODES! Hoshi stumbles but manages to keep her balance.
Reed flies out from his alcove and makes a bee-line for the emergency command center. Hoshi takes off after him.
INT. CATWALK EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTER (OPTICAL)
Archer, T'Pol, and Trip stumble as another JOLT rocks the ship. SPARKS FLY from one of the consoles.
ARCHER
Do we have a visual?
TRIP
Not yet.
ARCHER
Well get me one.
Reed ENTERS in a hurry and quickly moves to one of the consoles and begins working.
Hoshi arrives at the door a few seconds after Reed. But she doesn't enter -- she just stands there and observes the situation.
T'POL
Dorsal hull plating is failing.
ARCHER
Shields!
REED
They're offline.
ON HOSHI --
As she observes the chaos of the situation -- realizes that no one's paying her any attention. She silently takes her leave...
INT. CATWALK GENERAL AREA - MAIN HATCH
Several JOLTS rock the corridor, throwing the crew about and causing general mayhem. Hoshi arrives at the hatch leading to the rest of the ship. She retrieves a Phase Pistol from a case, OPENS the HATCH, and disappears into the opening.
INT. COMMAND CENTER (OPTICAL)
A SHOWER OF SPARKS greets Hoshi as she ENTERS and moves to the main console. She immediately begins working and, after a few beats, the main monitor comes to life with an IMAGE OF THE ATTACKING ALIEN SHIP (same ship seen in Act Two).
HOSHI
(re: image of ship)
That was easy.
JOLT! Hoshi works the console and opens a com-channel.
HOSHI
This is the starship Enterprise to the alien vessel off our starboard aft. Cease your attack!
There's a JOLT!
HOSHI
I guess not!
Hoshi begins to work the console but is interrupted when the ALIEN SHIP unleashes a HUGE VOLLEY OF TORPEDOES at the (offscreen) Enterprise.
There's a MASSIVE JOLT! SPARKS FLY, CONSOLES EXPLODE! Hoshi is thrown to the floor. NITROGEN GAS spews from a damaged conduit.
On the monitor, the ALIEN SHIP goes to warp. It takes Hoshi a long time to recover, but she manages to get herself back to the console, works it. She doesn't like what she sees.
HOSHI
Computer, damage report to the port nacelle catwalk.
COMPUTER VOICE
There are two hull breaches located in the port nacelle catwalk.
HOSHI
The crew?
COMPUTER VOICE
There are no bio-signs present in the catwalk.
This hits Hoshi like a wall of bricks. Every member of the crew, all the people she's come to know are dead!
TRIP'S VOICE
Hoshi!
Hoshi gasps and whirls.
ADJUST to reveal Trip who's just entered the room. Hoshi does not react with the same joy as she did earlier. She's more scared then anything else. She backs away.
HOSHI
What are you doing here?
TRIP
We detected you're escape from the Catwalk. I was sent to bring you back.
HOSHI
(matter-of-fact)
There's nothing there now but a vacuum.
TRIP
(concerned)
They're all... dead?
HOSHI
Yes.
TRIP
We've gotta call for help.
Trip's attitude has changed. Now, the very thing that he and the rest of the crew were against he's suggesting they do. Hoshi doesn't know what to make of this but decides to play along.
HOSHI
I agree. We have to get to the bridge.
TRIP
No. It's too dangerous to go there.
HOSHI
We don't have a choice. If we're going to...
A sudden SPASM OF PAIN overtakes Hoshi. She grabs onto Trip's arm for support.
HOSHI
...to...
PHLOX'S VOICE
Her vital functions are...
A WHITE FLASH overtakes the screen and we find ourselves in...
INT. SICKBAY - REAL TIME
The lights are on at full level, the animals are in their places, and Phlox and Archer are frantically working on the unconscious Hoshi who's lying on the main bio-bed.
PHLOX
(continuing)
...failing. If we can't stabilize them we're going to lose her.
ARCHER
Can we give her anymore inoprovaline?
PHLOX
If we give her any more it could send her into anaphylactic shock.
Archer looks at a monitor that shows Hoshi's vital signs -- they're dangerously low.
ARCHER
I need answers, Doctor.
PHLOX
I wish I had them. But right now all I know is that every medical treatment I can think of is being blocked. By what, I don't know.
ARCHER
How long does she have?
PHLOX
At her present rate... three hours at most.
Archer heads for the door...
ARCHER
I'll be back in thirty minutes.
Archer EXITS. Phlox turns back to Hoshi...
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As it orbits a ROCKY PLANETOID.
INT. SITUATION ROOM
Archer, T'Pol, Trip, and Reed are gathered around the pool table. The mood is grim. They have very little time to figure out a way to save Hoshi's life.
T'POL
(mid-briefing)
Other than the neurogenic field emanating from the planetoid's surface there's nothing else of relevance on sensors.
REED
Tactical scans were equally inconclusive.
ARCHER
There has to be something. We can’t just give up on her.
There's a silent beat as they all think. No one knows how to proceed.
ARCHER
Think! I want a solution!
There's another beat. For a moment it appears that no one has anything to suggest. Then...
T'POL
There is a procedure that I have recently become familiar with -- an ancient Vulcan technique buried deep within the writings of the Kir'Shara.
ARCHER
Go on.
T'POL
It's called the "bridging of minds."
TRIP
(protective)
What does this "bridging of minds" involve?
T'POL
It's a telepathic form of contact that allows a person to experience everything that another is experiencing.
REED
So you would experience everything Hoshi is?
T'POL
No. I would act as the "bridge" between two minds.
REED
So we need a volunteer.
ARCHER
(hopeful)
How soon can you be ready?
T'POL
I'll need at least an hour to review the texts.
ARCHER
I'll meet you in Sickbay in one hour.
(to all)
Dismissed!
T'Pol and Reed EXIT while Trip hangs back.
TRIP
(concerned)
Are you sure about this?
ARCHER
We have to help her, Trip. And right now I don't see any other option.
And that's all that Archer has to say on the subject. He EXITS. Off Trip's look of concern...
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As it orbits the Rocky Planetoid.
INT. SICKBAY
Hoshi has been moved to one of the auxiliary bio-beds on the far wall. Phlox is performing one last series of scans.
When he's done, ADJUST to REVEAL Archer, lying on the adjacent bio-bed and T'Pol standing in-between Archer and Hoshi. Phlox turns to the two of them.
PHLOX
(re: Hoshi's condition)
Her vital signs are extremely weak. At her present rate she has less than two hours. If there's a way to expedite this procedure I suggest you try.
T'POL
Thank you, Doctor.
Phlox nods and steps to the other side of Hoshi's bio-bed where he'll observe the procedure. Archer exchanges a look with T'Pol and lies down on his bio-bed.
T'Pol places her left hand on Archer's forehead and her right hand on Hoshi's. Archer and T'Pol both close their eyes.
T'POL
Your minds to my mind. Your thoughts to my thoughts. Are minds are joining. Are thoughts are becoming one.
PUSH IN on ARCHER'S FACE. Then, the screen WHITES OUT...
INT. CORRIDOR - HOSHI'S MIND
The lights are at emergency levels as seen before. The corridor appears to be deserted. ADJUST to REVEAL: Archer -- taking in the situation with grave concern. OFF the moment...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. CORRIDOR - HOSHI'S MIND
Archer is standing in the middle of the corridor taking in the scene. Off in the distance, two shadows move across the corridor. Archer is curious, takes a step or two toward the advancing figures.
ON HOSHI & TRIP
The two of them walking briskly down the corridor. They're engaged in some type of argument. Hoshi has apparently recovered from her collapse in the previous act.
TRIP
You're being irrational.
HOSHI
You're one to talk!
TRIP
What's that supposed to mean?
HOSHI
I'm not the one who tried to leave Talah and Reed in Sickbay to die!
TRIP
You wanted to go to the bridge... the place on this ship where there's a hull breach and no atmosphere.
HOSHI
That's right.
TRIP
And you think I'm the irrational one.
Trip grabs her by the arm. They stop walking.
TRIP
Can't you see I'm trying to protect you?
HOSHI
Protect me from what?
TRIP
(matter-of-fact)
From the creature that's running around loose on this ship.
They're both startled by the sound of Archer's voice from off camera:
ARCHER'S VOICE
Are you sure about that, Hoshi?
They turn to see Archer, who's just stepped around a bend in the corridor. Now Hoshi's really freaked out! She raises her Phase Rifle and points it at Archer, takes a few steps away from Trip as well.
HOSHI
(to both of them)
What the hell is going on!?
(to Archer)
You're dead!
ARCHER
No. All this is an illusion, Hoshi. It's all in your mind.
TRIP
He's the illusion. He’s trying to keep us from calling for help.
ARCHER
No! That's exactly what he wants.
HOSHI
Just... both of you stay where you are!
Hoshi's breathing becomes heavier as fear and outright paranoia begins to set in.
HOSHI
(to Archer)
Why should I believe you?
Archer thinks quickly.
ARCHER
The conference that you attended... do you remember it?
HOSHI
(skeptical)
What about it?
ARCHER
You passed through an energy wave on your way back to Enterprise. It was coming from the fifth planet in the Tau Sigma system.
Hoshi tries to calm her nerves, but can’t.
HOSHI
How could you know that? You weren't there.
ARCHER
But I was there -- in the launch bay -- when you returned to Enterprise. You were unconscious. We rushed you to sickbay. That's where you are right now. That's where I am.
HOSHI
If you’re there... why are you here!?
ARCHER
The wave rendered you unconscious. Everything you've experienced from that point has been an illusion.
All of this is becoming overwhelming for Hoshi. On one side of her she has Trip, the person who was willing to let Talah and Reed die in sickbay. On the other she has Archer -- a person who she could swear is supposed to be dead.
HOSHI
(to Trip; re: the "dream")
Are you responsible for this?
TRIP
He's trying to deceive you, Hoshi. He's the one you should be worried about.
HOSHI
He's the only one who's given me any answers so far.
TRIP
Hoshi, he's trying to pit you against me.
Archer reaches out to Hoshi with a plea...
ARCHER
I have no way of proving to you that what I'm saying is true. But I'm asking you to trust me. You and I are lying on bio-beds in Sickbay. T'Pol’s performing a procedure that's allowing me to experience what you’re experiencing... to share your memories of the past few hours.
Hoshi doesn't know who to point the weapon at now, switches between Archer and Trip.
HOSHI
(to Archer)
Let's say for the moment that I believe you. How do I get out of this... "dream?"
Archer thinks for a beat. Then it hits him...
ARCHER
The bridge!
Hoshi doesn’t understand.
HOSHI
What about it?
ARCHER
That's the key.
(explaining)
When we dream, most of the time we don't realize that we are dreaming. But sometimes there are things that give the dream away... improbable scenarios, smells, colors. Once we see or experience those things, we realize we're dreaming. And once we realize that, we have control of the dream.
(beat)
The mind is our control center. It allows us to discern fact from fiction, reality from fantasy, probable from improbable. Much the same way that the bridge controls the vital functions of the ship.
(pointing at Trip)
He's created a block to the bridge. In your mind, this "dream" is controlled from the bridge and he knows that. Why else would he be trying to stop you from going there?
(driving home his point)
You have to go to the bridge, Hoshi. Once you go there you'll have control... control over him and over the "dream."
Trip's temper is starting to rise.
TRIP
He's trying to kill you, can't you see that! There's no atmosphere on the bridge. You'll die in seconds.
ARCHER
(calm and collected)
You're dying, Hoshi. That pain that you've been feeling is real. It's your body dying in the real world.
(pause)
If you don't go to the bridge, you'll be dead in less than an hour.
Hoshi has a decision to make. After a tense beat, she points the weapon at Trip and joins Archer.
TRIP
You're making a mistake!
HOSHI
No. I'm not.
And with that, she and Archer turn and make a bee-line for the bridge.
TRIP
(calling after them)
You'll regret that decision! You'll see that I'm right!
OFF Trip we...
TIME CUT TO:
INT. ACCESS TUBE - EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Archer and Hoshi are crawling along at a brisk pace on their way to the hatch that leads to the bridge. They reach the hatch. There's a JOLT! The power running through the EPS grid begins to surge!
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Reactor overload in progress. Warp reactor breach in one minute.
ARCHER
Ignore it, Hoshi. He's trying to draw you away from the bridge.
HOSHI
(cautious)
Right.
Hoshi remembers the force field.
HOSHI
What about the force field?
ARCHER
It's not there. Every block you've come across has been created to keep you from opening that hatch. As long as you believe that the path is clear and that there's a nice, warm, breathable atmosphere waiting for you on the other side of that hatch, you'll be fine. All you have to do is believe... and then pull open the hatch.
NEW ANGLE - HOSHI'S P.O.V.
Of the HATCH that's right in front of her.
ON HOSHI --
As she reaches out, places her hand on the lever and pulls...
WHITE OUT & SMASH CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY - REAL TIME
Hoshi's eyes POP OPEN!
T'Pol's eyes open and she breaks the link between the three of them. Trip moves to T'Pol and helps her to a chair.
Archer sits up on his bio-bed. Phlox quickly moves in with a medical scanner and examines Hoshi. Hoshi looks at Archer.
PHLOX
(off scanner)
Heart rate, blood pressure, and vital signs are returning to normal levels.
Phlox smiles at Hoshi, who's very relieved, yet confused, about being back in the real world.
ARCHER
Welcome back.
OFF Hoshi as she manages a smile...
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
gliding along at warp.
INT. HOSHI'S QUARTERS
Hoshi is lying in bed wide awake. It's late. She's in simple pajamas. Her face tells us that she's still trying to make sense of what happened and she isn't having any luck. The door CHIMES. At first we think she didn't hear it, then...
HOSHI
(far away)
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Archer standing in the corridor holding a PADD. Hoshi doesn't seem to notice him.
ARCHER
May I come in?
HOSHI
(sitting up)
Of course.
Archer walks over to a chair and takes a seat. There's a long beat.
ARCHER
How are you feeling?
HOSHI
I've been better.
(re: PADD)
What's that?
ARCHER
Phlox's medical report on what happened today.
HOSHI
(wry)
Anything interesting?
Archer hands her the PADD.
ARCHER
I'll let you be the judge of that.
Hoshi looks at the information on the PADD. She's surprised by what she sees.
HOSHI
(more to herself)
Psilosynine!
(to Archer)
How can that be?
ARCHER
Apparently, what you experienced was a telepathic form of communication.
HOSHI
Strange way to communicate...
Archer senses Hoshi's feelings about the situation and moves to the bed, sits down next to her.
ARCHER
I know what you went through, Hoshi. Fear can be a very powerful emotion. It takes a strong person to overcome it.
(pause)
I wish I had more answers for you. I wish I could tell you who was behind this, where they live, how they did this, and why they focused on your fears. But I can't.
Hoshi knows he wants to comfort her.
HOSHI
I’ll be all right.
The emotional impact of what's happened starts to come to the surface.
HOSHI
If you hadn't come after me... I don't know what I would have done.
There's a beat between them. They've just shared a very personal experience... and yet regulations force them to keep a professional distance.
ARCHER
I want you to take the next few days off. You have a lot to think about.
HOSHI
Thank you, sir.
Archer rises from the bed and EXITS.
ON HOSHI --
She lies down and begins to read the PADD that Archer gave her. She's been through a lot. She's faced some of her worst fears in a matter of hours... and none of it actually happened. As we PULL BACK from Hoshi, lost in thought...
FADE OUT.
END OF EPISODE.