Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80  Season 4 Episode 1 Old Friends

EXT., A THIEVES’ MARKET ON TAGMAR VI, NIGHT

A back-alley market where the galaxy’s criminal element congregate and do business. The stalls are filled with aliens hawking contraband of all sorts.

NACK makes his way through the din of commerce until he is stopped by a KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER with an assortment of scantily clad SLAVE GIRLS on display.

KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER
My friend, look no further. The galaxy’s most beautiful women can be yours,
for a very reasonable price. 

The SLAVE GIRLS vamp and preen on cue.

NACK
Enchanting, but not what I’m looking for.

KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER
Ah! Not to worry, I have you covered. 

The KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER whistles sharply. The SLAVE GIRLS retreat and are replaced by a line-up of barely clad, muscular SLAVE BOYS, who flex and posture for their potential buyer.

NACK
Actually, I’m in search of a Gelrakian sub-processor. Ideally something from
the twenty-two sixties in mint condition. Or at least, good working order.

KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER
I might know someone who could help you with that. For a finder’s fee.

NACK slips a few slips of latinum into the KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER's palm.

KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER
The Bajoran in the last stall on the left. He can get whatever you need.

NACK nods and heads through the slave market to the last stall.  As he walks away, the KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER picks up his communicator.

KELPIAN SLAVE TRADER
He’s here.

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

INT., SICKBAY

COOPER and MAAL are working at their desks when CH’THANE’s voice comes over comms.

CH’THANE
Medical, prepare to receive patients. The Lisbon is incoming from
the Klingon/Cardassian front, and they’ve got wounded.

COOPER
(Tapping his comm badge)
Yes, Sir. We’ll meet them at the docking bay.

COOPER and MAAL spring into action. COOPER grabs his field kit, and MAAL prepares a gurney.

EXT., THE THEIVES' MARKET ON TAGMAR VI.

NACK approaches the BAJORAN TRADER.

BAJORAN TRADER
Whatever it is you’re looking for, I can get it. For a price.

NACK
Good, because I understand you’re the man to talk to about -

NACK is interrupted by a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he sees two KLINGON MOB ENFORCERS.

KLINGON MOB ENFORCER 1
The Boss wants to talk to you.

INT., SICKBAY

The place is bustling. COOPER, the EMH, and MAAL tend to injured crewmen in biobeds, while crewmen from the Lisbon continue to stream into Sickbay.

The door chimes and a LISBON ENGINEER enters. COOPER breaks away from the patient he’s tending to and greets him.

COOPER
Dr. Jeffrey Cooper. How can I help?

LISBON ENGINEER
I fell when we lost shields. I’m fine, but the XO said I had to get cleared by Medical -

COOPER
A closed head injury is nothing to take lightly.
We’ll check for signs of concussion and then get you in a scanner for imaging.

COOPER begins shining a light in the LISBON ENGINEER’s eyes, when the Sickbay door chimes again and TYRA KEXX, an attractive Trill Lieutenant, enters.  One of her sleeves is rolled up. 

COOPER
(To the LISBON ENGINEER)
Wait here for a moment.

COOPER
(To TYRA)
Hi, Dr. Cooper. How can I help?

TYRA
(Holding up her arm)
Coolant burn.

COOPER
My assistant will take care of you. Maal?

TYRA’s face lights up with surprise and recognition as MAAL approaches.

TYRA
Maal? Maalum Aron?

INT., A MOB BAR.

The small and dark bar is sparsely populated, mostly by KLINGON MOB ENFORCERS.

NACK, shadowed by the two KLINGON ENFORCERS, passes through the bar to the back office. A VOICE comes over the intercom.

VOICE
Oh, good, he’s here. Send him right in.

INT., THE BACK OFFICE

NACK enters the small back office to find a figure sitting in a chair with his back to the door. The figure in the chair turns around, and NACK finds himself face-to-face with NERO VOSS, a large, well-dressed, and convivial Denobulan. 

VOSS
Nack, my old friend. Come in, come in.

NACK
Nero Voss. To what do I owe the pleasure?

VOSS
It’s been far too long. Come, this office is a little cramped for my taste.

VOSS indicates a narrow staircase at the back of the office.

VOSS
Shall we?

NACK
After you.

INT., SICKBAY

MAAL freezes in reaction to being recognized by the TRILL LIEUTENANT.

MAAL
(Hesitantly)
Tyra Kexx?

TYRA
Oh wow, it is you!

COOPER
You guys know each other?

MAAL
Yeah, uh, Tyra and I kind of went through the Academy at the same time.

COOPER nods and returns to the LISBON ENGINEER to resume checking for concussion.

TYRA
What do you mean, “kind of went through the Academy at the same time?”
You were in, like, all of my classes! How are you?

MAAL
Oh, um, not - not bad.

A biobed alarm chirps, and COOPER steps away from the LISBON ENGINEER to attend to the patient in it.

COOPER
(To the LISBON ENGINEER)
I’ll be back.

TYRA
(To MAAL)
Wow, so the rumors are true, huh? They really did banish you to Star Base 80. 

MAAL
Well, uh, I guess. I mean, here I am, so -

TYRA
Do you know what this means?

MAAL
No, what?

TYRA
Braxley Jennings owes me a bottle of Berellian ale! He is going to flip when I tell him.

MAAL manages a weak smile at this.

INT., THE PENTHOUSE ABOVE THE BAR.

The upstairs room is lavishly furnished, with large bay windows at the far end.

VOSS gestures toward a seating arrangement, and he and NACK sit down.  A scantily-clad ANDORIAN GIRL brings a bottle of Romulan ale and two glasses, fills them, and leaves.

VOSS
You simply must try this Romulan Ale. It’s a rare vintage - very hard to get.

NACK
I’m trying to cut back.

VOSS
Pity. It really is delightful.  Now, my friend, how have you been?

NACK
Ah, you know, busy. Lotta irons in the fire. You?

VOSS
Also busy. I suppose when one deals in vice, there’s never really an off-season, now, is there?

NACK
You know, if you wanted to see me, you could’ve just called.

VOSS
Oh, I suppose. But I prefer the personal touch.

NACK
Speaking of, since when do you use Klingon enforcers?

VOSS
Ah, that’s a rather recent change in operations. I find that they’re less… shall we say,
squeamish, about certain unpleasant but regrettably necessary aspects of the job.

At this moment, two more KLINGON ENFORCERS enter, dragging a screaming BOLIAN past VOSS and NACK.

BOLIAN
No! No, I’m sorry! Listen, I’ll get the money! I can get the money! Just listen -

Without breaking stride, the KLINGON ENFORCERS drag the BOLIAN to the bay windows, fling them open, and throw the BOLIAN out. The BOLIAN’s screams can be heard on his descent, until they stop abruptly. 

The KLINGON ENFORCERS then close the bay windows and take their place on either side of them.

VOSS smiles at NACK, who remains impassive.

VOSS
Nack, do you know what I admire most about the Ferengi?

NACK
Well, what’s there not to admire?

VOSS
I admire your keen understanding that everything is for sale. Klingon honor included.

INT., SICKBAY,

MAAL attends to TYRA’s burn, while the LISBON ENGINEER waits as COOPER attends to the patient in the biobed.

MAAL
(To TYRA)
Well, uh, I’ll just, um, take a look at that arm, and we’ll get you all fixed up and good to go.

The LISBON ENGINEER’s comm badge crackles to life.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
Ensign Zill requesting help with a Tucker tube repair.

Seeing that COOPER is still occupied with the patient in the biobed, the LISBON ENGINEER taps his comm badge.

LISBON ENGINEER
On my way.

The LISBON ENGINEER exits Sickbay.

TYRA
(To MAAL)
So they really put you in Medical?

MAAL
Oh, uh, yeah. I’m actually Dr. Cooper’s assistant -

TYRA
Wow, things are even worse here than they say.

This elicits another weak smile from MAAL.

INT., THE UPSTAIRS ROOM ABOVE THE BAR.

NACK
So how may I be of service?

VOSS
As I said, it’s been far too long since we’ve spoken.
Especially since you’re still in my debt for a lost shipment of Tallonian crystals.

NACK
Now, see this, my friend, is why I keep telling you that you need a Ferengi accountant.
As you’ll recall, I paid you for that shipment and made two hash runs for you
free of charge.That puts us even.

VOSS
Oh, I do wish that we could agree upon that point, but I’ve been forced to review some old accounts.
And as so often happens, there was a slight miscalculation. You and I are not even, my friend.

NACK
Presuming, for the sake of our friendship of course, that I concede the point,
what can I do for you?

VOSS
I understand that you’ve made a number of trips to a Federation star base.
Star Base 80, I think it was? Tell me about that.

NACK chuckles.

NACK
What’s to tell? It’s a storage locker where Starfleet dumps all their screw-ups,
washouts, and decommissioned equipment.

VOSS
So the rumors about Section 31 -

NACK
Ah, they use the place as a parking garage.

VOSS looks dubious.

NACK
You think an intelligence agency is going to office in a dump like that?
You’ve got to stop listening to conspiracy theories, or next you’ll be telling me
that Earth is flat and the afterlife is run by a giant koala.

VOSS
Mmm, perhaps. But if this place is, in fact, a “dump,” as you say,
then what keeps drawing you back there?

NACK
As it happens, I’ve been making a tidy profit overcharging those rubes
for basic supplies that fell out of the cargo hold of the proverbial freighter.

VOSS
Ah, so just a little light racketeering?

NACK
Not very exciting, I’m afraid.

VOSS
So the rumors about you and the station’s Chief of Security are… exaggerated?

This produces a slight ripple in NACK’s composure.

INT., SICKBAY

Except for a few patients who remain in biobeds, Sickbay has largely cleared out. MAAL is checking readings on one of the beds when COOPER enters from the adjoining room.

COOPER
Maal, what are you still doing here? Duty shift was over an hour ago.

MAAL
Well, um, since we’ve got patients, I think that maybe I should stay here just in case -

COOPER
Maal, I appreciate your dedication, but that’s how burn-out happens. Go to the Officer’s Lounge.
Maybe your friend from the Academy is there. You guys can catch up.

MAAL
Well, uh, the thing about that is… I didn’t exactly have friends at the Academy.
You know how I used to follow the Lieutenant Commander around all the time
and bring her coffee and stuff?

COOPER nods.

MAAL
Well, it was like that at the Academy with Tyra. Except, you know,
the Lieutenant Commander was always nice about it…. And now, with Tyra here on base,
it feels like I’m right back at the Academy where, uh, I mostly got laughed at.

COOPER
That’s rough.

MAAL
So, if it’s okay with you, I’ll just, um, stay here until -

COOPER
Maal, I get it. But the thing is, you’re not back at the Academy. You’re here.
You’ve got friends here, you’ve got a girlfriend who adores you. I depend on you to run Sickbay.
You’re a different person now than you were when you were at Starfleet Academy….

MAAL nods as he takes this in.

COOPER
And maybe Tyra is as well. 

MAAL
... Maybe you’re right

COOPER
It’s Friday night, Ensign. Go take your girlfriend to the Officer’s Lounge.

MAAL nods and exits Sickbay, and COOPER watches after him for a moment before returning to his notes.

INT., THE UPSTAIRS ROOM ABOVE THE BAR.

NACK
The station Chief of Security? She’s easy on the eyes, but, uh,
I can’t really say much about her other than that.

VOSS
Indulge me in a little speculation, then. Why do you suppose it is that
she has you running down antique Binar code recursors and, oh, let’s see, what else?...
Galreckian sub-processors, I think it was?... If you were to guess.

NACK
Look, I don’t know what she does with all that junk, and I don’t care.
All I do know is, I’m criminally overcharging her for every bit of it.

VOSS
Are the two of you in a relationship?

NACK
Well, I make a supply delivery, (with a wink) take care of the lady's needs while I'm there,
and then I'm off to the next stop. If you want to call that a relationship -

VOSS
So, my sources telling me that you’re engaged to this girl are... mistaken?

NACK chuckles.

NACK
Ah, you know how woman get. They all think they can handle a casual relationship,
but sooner or later - and usually sooner - they want more. And look,
I’ve got a lucrative little set up here. I’m not about to cut bait and lose profits
just because she wants a ring on her finger and a bun in the oven

VOSS
I see. So you're just stringing this girl along?

NACK
(With a shrug)
She wouldn't be the first. Look, there’s far too many women out there
to get attached to any one of them in particular.

VOSS
That’s a rather cynical point of view, don’t you think?

NACK
There’s no such thing as cynical in this line of work, Nero. Only practical.

VOSS
Ah, but surely there are exceptions?
There must be some female you’re rather attached to.

NACK
If there is, I haven’t met her yet.

VOSS
Your own mother, perhaps?

NACK is silent.

INT., THE OFFICERS' LOUNGE

The place is packed with station personnel and Lisbon crew drinking and mingling. The LISBON ENGINEER from earlier in the day is standing at the bar, having a drink with some of his colleagues.

MAAL and TISHA enter and head to the bar, passing the table where TYRA is sitting with some LISBON CREWMATES.

TYRA
(To her crewmates)
There he is! This is the one I was telling you about. Maal! Maal, over here!

After a moment’s hesitation, MAAL approaches the table.

INT., THE PENTHOUSE ABOVE THE BAR

VOSS
How is your mother, by the way? I understand you’ve been to see her recently.
And that you were accompanied by a young lady. A rather fetching one, I’m told.

NACK remains silent, studying VOSS cagily.

VOSS
It really is remarkable what one picks up listening to rumors, isn’t it?
For instance, according to rumor, that little “dump” of a star base you visit is actually
a highly secure facility where top-level Federation intelligence reports are kept.

NACK
If it was a highly secure facility, do you really think they’d let me anywhere near it?

VOSS
Mmm, perhaps, perhaps not. Only one way to find out, isn’t there? 

VOSS reaches into an inside pocket and holds up a small disk approximately the size of a silver dollar.

VOSS
This is a contact drive. It can bypass security and download large amounts of data
very quickly without leaving a trace. All you have to do is attach it to, oh, I don’t know,
maybe the Chief of Security’s padd? Hmm? I bet it contains plenty of high-level
system access codes that could prove quite lucrative. I tell you what - you bring me a copy
of her padd on this drive, and we’ll call your debt for those lost Tallonian crystals settled.

NACK
Look, assuming I could do such a thing - which there’s no guarantee of -

VOSS
Oh, come now. You yourself said that Starfleet isn’t exactly manning the station with
their best and brightest. And given the nature of your relationship with the station Security Chief,
it shouldn’t be too hard to sneak that by her. Perhaps in an intimate moment?

NACK
Nero, Star Base 80 is the Federation waste basket. There’s nothing there of any value.

VOSS
I’ll be the judge of that. Perhaps there’s more there than you think. In which case,
I’m happy to offer you a finder’s fee. Say, five percent of whatever any classified information sells for?
I should think that would be quite interesting to you.

NACK
It would be, if there was anything worth paying for, but I'm telling you -

VOSS
Of course, if you can’t help, not to worry. That information can be extracted
from other sources. Pretty little Chiefs of Security, for example.

VOSS hands NACK the contact drive and signals a nearby KLINGON ENFORCER.

VOSS
I’m terribly sorry to have to usher you out so quickly,
but I’ve got another appointment waiting. Always good to see you, old friend.

With that NACK is escorted out by the KLINGON ENFORCER. His face is grim.

INT., THE OFFICER’S LOUNGE

TISHA watches with a wary eye as TYRA introduces MAAL to her crewmates.

TYRA
Maal, this is Lieutenant Goodman, Lieutenant O'Shaughnessy, and Ensign Zill. 

MAAL
Hi, um, Ensign Maal Aron.

TYRA
(To her CREWMATES)
Maal and I went to Starfleet Academy together.
He was in, like, all of my classes. He used to sit right behind me.

MAAL manages a half-smile.

TYRA
Oh my God, you guys, this one time during holodeck flight training,
Maal initiated the Janeway Protocol, collided with a maintenance scow,
and set off a chain reaction that launched the entire fleet’s photon torpedoes
at the Daystrom Institute. (With a laugh) It was a virtual bloodbath.

TYRA’s CREWMATES laugh, and MAAL chuckles awkwardly.

MAAL
Yeah, it was, um, it was pretty bad.
Well, uh, it was nice to meet you guys. We’re just going to -

TYRA
Hang on a minute, Maal.
(Indicating TISHA) Who's your friend?

INT., THE DIVIDEND.

NACK sits at the helm of his ship. He takes the contact drive out of his pocket and sets it on the console. He stares at it for a moment, and with a heavy sigh, puts it back in his pocket.

NACK
Computer, call Star Base 80 Security.

COMPUTER
Calling Star Base 80 Security.

After a brief moment, HARPER appears on the view screen.

HARPER
Hey, Baby! I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.

NACK
(Breezily)
Angel, I’ve got to make an unscheduled stop back on base. Thought I had something handled,
but - ah, you know how it is. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads up -

HARPER
I’ll have them clear Docking Bay Three for your arrival, and…
(taking on a sultry tone) I’ll be waiting.

NACK
That’s my girl.

The view screen goes black as HARPER hangs up. NACK’s expression shifts from charming to worried.

INT., THE OFFICER’S LOUNGE

TISHA approaches TYRA’s table warily.

At a nearby table, a group of STAR BASE 80 ENGINEERS notice TISHA’s unease, and watch the following interaction intently.

MAAL
Oh, uh, this is… this is Tisha… my, um, my girlfriend.

TYRA
Aww, Maal, you have a girlfriend? That is so sweet!

TISHA
(With a tight-lipped smile)
Hi.

TYRA
Did you know that your boyfriend had the biggest crush on me back at the Academy?
He used to follow me around like a little lost puppy. It was adorable!

TYRA’s LISBON CREWMATES chuckle, and MAAL flushes brilliant emerald green. TISHA’s smile disappears, and she begins rolling up her sleeves.

TISHA
(To MAAL, Indicating TYRA)
Baby, is this what passed for hot when you were at the Academy?...
No wonder you were single for so long.

This elicits another laugh from TYRA’s LISBON CREWMATES. 

TYRA
(Standing up from her seat)
What did she just say to me?!

As the STAR BASE 80 ENGINEERS at the nearby table stand and make their way over, MAAL positions himself between TISHA and TYRA.

MAAL
Look, why don’t we all just -

TISHA unsnaps her uniform flap.

TISHA
(To TYRA)
Oh, I’ll tell you exactly what I just said -

At that moment, the LISBON ENGINEER at the bar collapses. 

Before anyone can react, MAAL springs into action, pushing the gathering crowd back before kneeling next to the unconscious LISBON ENGINEER. 

MAAL scans him with his medical tricorder, and taps his comm badge. 

MAAL
Doctor, we’ve got closed head trauma with delayed presentation in the Officer’s Lounge.
Patient is unconscious, pulse is erratic. Starting chest compressions.

COOPER
(Over MAAL’s comm badge)
Roger that, Ensign. On my way.

MAAL begins CPR on the LISBON ENGINEER as the crowd watches.

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS

NACK and HARPER are in a passionate embrace.

HARPER
(Pulling away and running a finger along NACK’s lobes)
I think I like these unscheduled stops.

NACK
(Brushing her hand away lightly)
You stop that, now.

HARPER
Funny, that’s not what you were saying -

ENSIGN RAMIREZ’s voice comes over HARPER’s comm badge.

RAMIREZ
Security, there’s been a medical event in the Officers’ Lounge, and things are pretty tense
up here between our people in Engineering and the Lisbon crew. I could use a hand, L-T-C.

HARPER taps her comm badge.

HARPER
Roger that, Ramirez. I’m en route.

HARPER taps her comm badge closed.

HARPER
(Apologetically)
Duty calls.

NACK
Honey, go do what you need to do. We’ve all got business we’ve got to take care of. 

With a tender kiss on NACK’s forehead, HARPER exits her quarters.

Once she leaves, NACK retrieves her padd from her bedside table. He removes the contact drive from the pocket of his jacket and attaches the contact drive to HARPER’s padd.

INT., THE BACK OFFICE IN THE BAR, THE NEXT EVENING.

NERO VOSS is sitting behind the desk when NACK enters.

VOSS
Nack, so good to see you again. And so soon! I must say, this is a delightful surprise.

NACK removes the contact drive from his pocket and slides it across the desk to VOSS.

NACK
I got what you wanted. Are we done?

VOSS
My friend, we’re even when I say we’re even, and we’re done when I say we’re done.

VOSS holds up the contact drive.

VOSS
This is just the beginning. 

VOSS stands and comes around the other side of the desk, looming over NACK.

VOSS
You know, Nack, I really had you pegged as clever and resourceful. So it’s disappointing to me
that you would settle for crumbs like price-gouging and small-time profiteering, when all the while,
there’s an entire meal to be had - a veritable feast, as it were - of information so top-secret
that you can literally name your price. Or should I say, I can.  Now, let’s dig in, shall we?

VOSS picks up a padd from his desk, attaches the contact drive to it, and taps the screen. HARPER’s voice emanates from his padd.

HARPER
Chief Security Officer’s Log. I evacuated a meeting of department heads today.
Thankfully, I was able to blame it on Cooper. I think maybe I have a gluten allergy.

VOSS frowns and swipes that recording. He taps the padd again.

HARPER
Dear Chief Security Officer’s Log: I’m so excited!  Soon, I’m going to be Mrs. Emma -
wait, do Ferengi have last names?... I should probably find out….

VOSS taps another log entry.

HARPER
Chief Security Officer's Log. Cleared a turbolift again today.
You know, I’m starting to think that maybe dairy is the problem….

Increasingly frustrated, VOSS begins scrolling through files on the padd.

VOSS
Replicator recipes… discontinued uniform schematics…
a fantasy Pareesi’s Squares roster?!... What is this?!

HARPER’s voice emanates from the padd again.

HARPER
Chief Security Officer's Log. Today marks a major accomplishment in my career
as station Chief of Security.I finally finished my kitten puzzle! Oh, their little paws are so cute.... 
You know, I have no idea why anyone thinks this job is hard.

VOSS slams his padd down on the desk and looks indignantly at NACK.

NACK
Nero, I told you the place is an orbiting dumpster -

At that moment, the sounds of phaser fire erupt from the other room.

VOICE
Starfleet Security! You’re all under arrest!

VOSS looks at NACK, and NACK shakes his head, bewildered.

The muffled sound of a small ordinance exploding sends VOSS rushing for the back staircase. Before he can escape, however, two STARFLEET SECURITY OFFICERS enter, phaser rifles drawn.

STARFLEET SECURITY OFFICER 1
Nobody move! You’re both under arrest for espionage.

As SECURITY OFFICERS cuff VOSS and NACK, a furious HARPER appears in the doorway.

HARPER
(To NACK)
You thought I wouldn't have a tracking code on my padd? Really?!...
You must think I’m stupid!

HARPER stalks over to NACK and slaps him hard across the face.

HARPER
That padd had my dream journal on it!

At that moment, CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH beam into the room.

AGENT SMITH
Everybody stand down. Section 31 is taking over this investigation.

HARPER
Turning the scene over to you, Sir.

She turns to leave.

CH’THANE
On second thought… why don’t you take the Ferengi into custody, Lieutenant Commander?
I imagine you’re the last person he wants to see right now.

HARPER
With pleasure, Sir.

HARPER shoves NACK roughly out the door as CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH each pull up a chair and take a seat in front of a handcuffed VOSS.

CH'THANE
I understand you’ve taken an interest in us.

AGENT SMITH
As it happens, we’ve taken an interest in you. 

CH'THANE
Let’s chat.

VOSS is uncharacteristically silent in response.

INT., SICKBAY

The LISBON ENGINEER awakens in a biobed. 

MAAL is checking the bed's readout, when COOPER enters from the next room.

Seeing that his patient is conscious, COOPER approaches him.

COOPER
Hey, you’re awake. How are you feeling?

LISBON ENGINEER
I don’t know. I’ve got a headache and everything feels fuzzy.

COOPER
That’s to be expected. You sustained a concussion during your fall aboard the Lisbon,
and that caused a clot that eventually led to a cerebrocortical event, or as it’s more commonly known, a stroke.
We were able to catch it early and reverse the effects, but you’ll probably feel a little “off” for a week or so.
You’re lucky my assistant was there. If that had happened when you were asleep, you probably wouldn’t have woken up.

LISBON ENGINEER
(To MAAL)
Thank you.

MAAL
Just doing my job.

The door chimes and TYRA enters.

COOPER
(To TYRA)
Sorry, we’re not allowing visitors right now -

TYRA
I actually came to see Maal, if that’s okay?

MAAL looks to COOPER, who nods, and MAAL and TYRA step into the hallway outside.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

TYRA
So, you, like, saved that guy’s life?

MAAL
(Shrugging)
Well, it’s my job, so.

TYRA
You’ve really changed a lot since the Academy, huh?

MAAL
Yeah, I have.

TYRA
You know, Maal, seeing you in action like that was actually kind of hot.

MAAL
(Blushing)
I - uh… thanks.

TYRA
So listen, we’ll be docked here for a couple more days. Do you want to maybe get a drink sometime?...
Or, you know, (looking up at MAAL flirtatiously) ...you could come by my quarters.

MAAL
Oh, um… no thanks.

Seeing TYRA’s reaction of disbelief, MAAL elaborates.

MAAL
I’ve actually changed a lot since the Academy.

With that, MAAL re-enters Sickbay. The door slides shut behind him, leaving TYRA alone in the hallway outside. 

EXT., THE ALLEY OUTSIDE THE MOB BAR. 

STARFLEET SECURITY OFFICERS are walking handcuffed KLINGON ENFORCERS out of the bar, while HARPER and a still-handcuffed NACK wait beside a Section 31 runabout.

NACK
Angel, do you have any idea how hard it was to keep a straight face during your “log entries”?
Why would you do that to me?

HARPER
Somebody's got to keep you on your toes.

NACK
Yeah, well, I nearly lost it over that “dream journal” bit at the end.
You’ve got to warn me next time.

HARPER
Next time? Exactly how many crime lords are you in debt to?

NACK
I wasn't “in debt” - as I explained, it was a very unique set of circumstances.

HARPER
Uh huh.

NACK
What? It's the truth.

HARPER
So does this mean you're “in debt” to me now?

NACK
Well now, that all depends.

HARPER
On what?

NACK
On how you plan on collecting.

HARPER giggles.

CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH emerge from the Mob Bar and approach NACK and HARPER.

HARPER
Where’s Voss? Aren’t you going to bring him in?

CH’THANE
We’ve come to an arrangement with Mr. Voss.

AGENT SMITH
There are times, Lieutenant Commander, when you need to forgo an arrest,
in order to create an opportunity.

With that, CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH board the runabout, and HARPER moves to follow.  NACK holds up his cuffed hands.

NACK
Hang on a second, Kitten. You gonna let me out of these?

HARPER
(Raising an eyebrow flirtatiously)
Eventually.

NACK chuckles as they board the runabout.

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4, Episode 2 Starfleet

INT., SICKBAY 

COOPER is working at his desk when the door chimes and an excited MAAL and HARPER enter.

COOPER
Well, good morning, you two.

HARPER
Hey, Coop, guess what?

MAAL
Grallix is graduating from Starfleet's Technical Services Academy,
and he’s invited us to the commencement ceremony!

COOPER
This soon? Doesn’t it usually take -

MAAL
He already completed most of the coursework behind bars.

COOPER
But what about - ?

HARPER
The Dominion War has forced Starfleet to streamline training.
They’re really pushing them through these days.

MAAL
Aw, Coop, you should’ve talked to him! Grallix is really excited.

COOPER
He should be, it’s quite an accomplishment.

HARPER
It’s bigger than that – he’s the first Nausicaan to graduate the
Technical Services Academy and enlist in Starfleet! This is historic,
you guys! Good golly, I’m going to have to press my skants.

COOPER
Oh no, I didn’t even think about the skants….
I guess there’s no getting around them, huh?

MAAL
What’s wrong with the skants? 

COOPER
I mean, it’s basically a dress over pants.
Who thought that was a good idea?

MAAL
I like them, I think they look nice.

HARPER
Well, Coop, you could always ditch the pants
and wear tights instead. You’ve got the legs for it.

COOPER
Oh, ha ha.

HARPER
Could be worse - if you were a Cardassian medical officer,
you'd have to walk around in that black leather-daddy uniform.
You can't tell me those things don't reek at the end of the day.

COOPER
Okay, so I'm not the only one who thinks the Cardassian uniforms are weird?

MAAL
No, they're totally weird.

HARPER
Really makes you wonder what goes on over there.

INT., STATION HALLWAY, A SHORT TIME LATER 

COOPER is headed down the hall when he turns the corner and encounters TEVIK coming the opposite way. 

COOPER
Hey, Tevik, are you going to –

TEVIK
( Without breaking stride )
No. 

TEVIK continues down the hall, leaving a perplexed COOPER to stare after him. 

EXT., EST. SHOT, STARFLEET TECHNICAL SERVICES ACADEMY, MARS, A FEW DAYS LATER 

People are streaming into the Technical Services Academy to attend the commencement ceremony.

INT., STARFLEET TECHNICAL SERVICES ACADEMY AUDITORIUM

COOPER, HARPER, and MAAL enter and look around for their seats. They are all wearing dress skants, which COOPER is noticeably grumpy about.

HARPER
Coop, I know you hate the skants, but look around you -
everyone here is wearing them. We all look stupid.

MAAL
( Looking at his ticket, and looking around )
I don’t see our seats.

COOPER
I’m just saying, Starfleet updates the regular uniforms all the time,
but somehow a literal dress uniform can’t possibly be improved upon?

MAAL
Guys, I don’t see our seats?!

HARPER takes the tickets from MAAL and COOPER and looks closely at them.

HARPER
Yeah, these have got to be a misprint. Let me find - 

HARPER flags down an USHER, who comes over to assist.

HARPER
Hi, I think our tickets are wrong? These say we’re supposed to be
down front with the faculty, but we’re -

At that moment, a PROVOST appears.

PROVOST
Ah, there you are. 

The PROVOST taps his comm badge

PROVOST
I found them. They’re in the auditorium.

HARPER, COOPER and MAAL exchange puzzled glances. 

HARPER
Sorry, is there a problem?

PROVOST
No, no problem. You’re guests of Grallix, right?

COOPER
… Yes?

PROVOST
Ah, good. We’ve got you seated in the front.

The PROVOST ushers COOPER, HARPER, and MAAL down the aisle to three seats front and center amidst faculty, captains and admirals.

COOPER
Wow, I didn’t realize Grallix had this kind of pull around here.

PROVOST
Well, this is a banner day for Starfleet. And for Grallix, of course.
You’ll stay for pictures after the ceremony? 

COOPER
Uh, sure, I guess.

PROVOST
Good. I’ve got to run, but before I forget - Lieutenant Commander Harper,
there’s a faculty reception this evening. As a decorated officer,
we’d be pleased if you would join us.

HARPER
Oh. Well, sure. We’d love to. 

PROVOST
Wonderful. I’ll see you this evening, then.
And don’t forget to stay for pictures. 

With that, the PROVOST departs, and HARPER, COOPER and MAAL take their seats.

COOPER
Okay, did that seem weird to you guys? 

MAAL
I mean, Grallix is the first Nausicaan in Starfleet.

HARPER
It's a historic occasion, Coop.

At that moment, the lights go down, and as the audience applauds, the DEAN of the Technical Services Academy takes the stage.

INT., THE AUDITORIUM, SOME TIME LATER

The next-to-last graduate exchanges salutes and shakes DEAN’s hand, cuing GRALLIX to follow him onto the stage. 

Rather than shake GRALLIX’s hand, however, the DEAN gestures GRALLIX to come stand beside him, as the DEAN once again takes the podium.

DEAN
Distinguished faculty, honored guests, and, most importantly, graduates
of the Starfleet Technical Services Academy, today is an historic day.
We stand on the precipice of a new era in Starfleet,
one that embraces inclusivity and progress. 

The audience applauds. 

DEAN
( Continuing )
Today, we celebrate not only Grallix’s achievement as the first Nausicaan to be accepted into
Starfleet, but also the unprecedented steps that Starfleet has taken to broaden its horizons.
Because no matter who or where you are, Starfleet opens its arms to you!

COOPER
( Soto voice to MAAL and HARPER )
I guess everyone living under occupation on Nausicaa can take comfort
in knowing that Starfleet’s arms are open to them.

This earns a COOPER a few glances from people in nearby seats.

DEAN
Now, there may be some who would raise an eyebrow at Grallix’s unconventional path to graduation,
but in taking this remarkable leap from serving time in prison to serving on a Federation star ship,
Grallix has broken the mold, and set an example for future Nausicaans seeking to better themselves. 

There are a few awkward chuckles from a few attendees, while some shift uncomfortably in their seats. In the audience, HARPER and MAAL exchange uncomfortable glances, and COOPER crosses his arms.

DEAN
So to all of our graduates here today, I say, let Grallix serve as an example of overcoming adversity,
and of how anyone is capable of achievement beyond expectation. Let his story serve as a beacon.
Let it shine brightly upon your hearts as you venture forth into the farthest reaches of space.
Because no matter your background, no matter the circumstances, no matter the odds,
Starfleet will find a way to help you to boldly go where no man - or Nausicaan - has gone before!

His speech concluded, the DEAN exchanges salutes with GRALLIX and shakes his hand. The audience erupts in applause. HARPER and MAAL take to their feet to applaud for GRALLIX. After a moment, COOPER reluctantly stands and applauds as well. 

On stage, the DEAN, still standing next to GRALLIX, smiles brightly for the flash of cameras. 

INT., THE AUDITORIUM, SLIGHTLY LATER

COOPER, HARPER and MAAL are huddled off to the side as GRALLIX is photographed shaking hands with several ADMIRALS.

COOPER
I’m amazed that they can still shake hands while patting themselves on the back so hard.

HARPER
Coop, I know it's tone-deaf, but -  

COOPER
“Tone-deaf” is an understatement. How about “self-serving,” and “condescending”?

HARPER glances around at the people well-within earshot.

HARPER
Cooper, people can hear you. 

COOPER
Good. Then maybe one of them can explain exactly what the hell that speech was.

HARPER
Yes, it was embarrassing and unbefitting of Starfleet,
but we’re not here for the speeches. We’re here for Grallix.

COOPER
I’m just saying that since the Federation decided to invoke the prime directive
when Orion invaded Nausicaa, they could stand to be a little less self-congratulatory
about their first Nausicaan crewman.

At that moment, there is a break in photography, and GRALLIX joins the group.

GRALLIX
My friends! You came! 

GRALLIX and MAAL perform an intricate bro handshake that ends in a chest bump and a hug. GRALLIX then nods respectfully at COOPER and HARPER.

HARPER
Of course we came. 

MAAL
No way we were gonna miss this. 

COOPER
Congratulations, Grallix.

GRALLIX
( Looking around )
I do not see Mr. Tevik?

HARPER
Unfortunately, Tevik couldn't make it. Apparently, Engineering is really busy
these days. But he sends his congratulations on your ‘commendable achievement.'

GRALLIX
I wanted to thank him for his guidance. And for taking a chance on me.

HARPER
We’ll be sure to pass that on.

GRALLIX
Some of my classmates are celebrating tonight at the Mars Rover -

COOPER
That bar we saw on the way in?

GRALLIX
Yes. Will you join us?

HARPER
Of course we’ll be there. 

GRALLIX claps a hand on COOPER’s and MAAL’s shoulders.

GRALLIX
Good. I would not be here without you,
so it would not be right to celebrate without you.

HARPER
(Noticing a carved bone ring on GRALLIX’s finger )
Grallix, is that a Nausicaan love knot ring?

GRALLIX
(Sheepishly )
It is.

MAAL
Yeah, buddy! Who is she?

GRALLIX
It is a gift from Grisha. I have been corresponding with her
since she and Gunara settled on Bajor.

HARPER
Aw, Grallix, I didn't know you two had a thing.

GRALLIX
I have admired her for years, but my family is not in her caste,
so it was impossible. But now that I am educated and have a job
in Starfleet, her uncle has given his consent for me to court her.

COOPER
Well, congratulations!

GRALLIX
Perhaps next time I see you, you will dance at our wedding.

HARPER
We wouldn't miss it.

The PROVOST approaches the group and taps his comm badge.

PROVOST
Found him. He’s over here with his Orion friend.

PROVOST
(To MAAL and GRALLIX)
We’d like to get some pictures of the two of you together
to document Starfleet’s ability to break down barriers and promote peace.

Uncertain, MAAL looks to COOPER and HARPER. COOPER frowns and shakes his head, while HARPER hesitates for a moment, and then nods encouragingly.

MAAL
Uh…. Okay.

PROVOST
Wonderful. Can you two do that chest bump handshake thing again for the cameras?

The PROVOST leads GRALLIX and MAAL back to stage.

PHOTOGRAPHER
All right, let's get the two of you shaking hands in front of the Starfleet seal.

MAAL and GRALLIX dutifully shake hands in front of the seal, to the flash of the cameras.

ADMIRAL 1
(To a PHOTOGRAPHER)
Get those to headquarters. I want that image in front of people.

COOPER
(To HARPER)
You know, Command was more than happy to shuffle Maal off to Star Base 80
when he was an embarrassment to Starfleet. But now that his friendship with
Grallix makes for good optics, they’re rushing to put him front and center
on a recruiting poster. 

HARPER
Coop, lower your voice. People can hear you.

PHOTOGRAPHER
(To MAAL and GRALLIX)
Okay, now let’s get one with you two shaking hands in front of Admiral Grexx.
And then we’ll get one in front of Admiral Inskipp, and Admiral Vassery, and….

An uncomfortable HARPER and a disapproving COOPER look on as GRALLIX and MAAL begin a succession of photos with various Admirals.

INT., RECEPTION HALL, THAT EVENING

CAPTAINS, ADMIRALS and FACULTY mingle as WAITERS work the room, handing out champagne glasses.

COOPER and HARPER enter, still wearing their skants. 

COOPER
Aw, Harper, everyone here is in their dress whites!
I told you we should have packed them.

HARPER takes two glasses of champagne from a passing WAITER and hands one to COOPER. 

HARPER
We’re only going to be here long enough to shake a few hands and
get buzzed on the good stuff, and then we’ll change out of our skants
and go celebrate at the Mars Rover with Maal and Grallix.

COOPER
Yeah, well, after that dog-and-pony show at commencement today,
I’m fed up with “shaking hands.”

HARPER
Yes, the whole thing was in extremely poor taste, but progress is never perfect.
And Starfleet has helped Grallix. You heard him, Coop, it’s changed his whole life!
And if those pictures help just one person realize that they can join Starfleet too,
isn’t it worth it?

COOPER
… Yeah, maybe.

HARPER
Most people have good intentions, even if they don’t express them well.
You’ve got to give people the benefit of the doubt. Especially in Starfleet. 

HARPER hands her empty champagne glass to a passing WAITER and takes another one.

COOPER
Woah, you’re kind of putting them away there, aren’t you?

HARPER
Coop, did you see the Mars Rover? Drink the good stuff while you can get it.  

With that, HARPER downs her champagne glass and flags down another WAITER to exchange it for a full one.

As this is happening, ADMIRAL INSKIPP, an older man with a genial and slightly pompous demeanor, approaches COOPER and HARPER.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Lieutenant Commander Harper? 

HARPER
Admiral Inskipp, Sir.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
What a pleasure to finally see you in person instead of on a viewscreen.

HARPER
The pleasure is mine, Sir.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
(Gesturing at COOPER )
And this is…?

HARPER
Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, Star Base 80’s Chief Medical Officer.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
(Shaking hands with COOPER )
Doctor, a pleasure to meet you.

COOPER
Sir.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
I’m so pleased you two could make it. You know, your part
in Grallix’s accomplishments has not gone unnoticed.

HARPER hiccups and shakes her head as the effects of the alcohol begin to set in.

HARPER
Grallix is the one who should be commended, Sir.
It's his hard work that got him here.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Indeed. With his aptitude and determination, I expect he’ll go far in Starfleet.

COOPER
( Warming up a little )
Grallix has a real talent for engineering.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP    
You know, I’d love to see that young man in the Officer’s Program someday. 

COOPER
Really?

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Oh, yes. He’s impressed a lot of people.
His journey here is a real testament to his character.

COOPER
( Genuinely pleased )
Well, Sir, that’s very good to hear. 

HARPER
( In a tipsy, too-loud whisper )
See, Coop? I told you.

As a passing WAITER comes within arm’s reach, HARPER switches her empty champagne glass for a full one on his tray.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Speaking of Grallix’s journey, Lieutenant Commander, there’s an outreach conference
happening the last weekend of June. I wonder if you’d be willing to come and speak about
ways that Starfleet could reach out to more potential recruits in the
rehabilitation and work-release program?

HARPER
(Starting to lightly slur her words )
Oh gosh, Sir, I really wish I could, but - but my wedding is that weekend.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Well, congratulations! And may I just say, you two make a lovely couple.

COOPER
Thanks, but Harper and I are just friends.

HARPER
Oh, my fiancé couldn’t be here. He had a business meeting on Ferenginar.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP grimaces sympathetically.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Ferenginar, eh?  Well, good luck to him dealing with those people.

An awkward silence ensues.

HARPER
… Those people?

ADMIRAL INSKIPP looks to COOPER for agreement, but COOPER is too busy staring at HARPER, who is wide-eyed with indignation.

HARPER
What do you mean, those people?

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Oh, well, uh… you know… the Ferengi …? 

HARPER’s nostrils flare and she shoves her champagne glass into COOPER’s hand.  

HARPER
My fiancé is “those people!”

Her words are loud enough that people nearby begin to stare.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
(Taken aback )
… I see. Well… congratulations….

HARPER
(Coldly )
Thank you, we’re very happy together.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP turns to COOPER.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
Doctor, it was nice to meet you.

The ADMIRAL looks over at HARPER again, and she stares him down. 

ADMIRAL INSKIPP
….  If you’ll excuse me.

ADMIRAL INSKIPP joins a nearby group in conversation. 

As HARPER and COOPER watch, the people speaking with ADMIRAL INSKIPP begin to look their way and speak in hushed tones. 

COOPER
Hey, Harper, how about we head on over to the Mars Rover
to celebrate with Grallix and Maal, okay?

But HARPER continues return the stare of the nearby group, as her anger and indignation build. 

COOPER
... Hey, let’s just go, okay?  

As they watch, someone in the group looks over at HARPER and whispers to the person next to them, who laughs.

HARPER’s eye twitches.

COOPER
Harper -

HARPER
(Loudly )
What are you people staring at me for? I’m not the racist!

Several people gasp, and the room goes quiet.

COOPER
Okay, we’re leaving now. 

Everyone in the room is now staring and speaking in hushed tones as COOPER hustles HARPER out of the reception.

EXT., ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE MARS ROVER

A run-down little dive bar near the Technical Academy campus. 

INT., THE MARS ROVER

A mixture of JUNIOR STARFLEET OFFICERS and TECHNICAL ACADEMY GRADUATES drink, mingle, and shoot pool.

COOPER and a fuming HARPER enter, still clad in their skants. MAAL and GRALLIX wave them over to their table.

GRALLIX
You’re here! 

MAAL
Aren’t you guys a little over-dressed for this place?

COOPER
Yeah, well, we were going to change, but after Harper nearly got
thrown out of the faculty reception, our evening kind of took a turn.

HARPER
I wish they would have tried to throw me out. 

COOPER
Harper, it’s over. We’re here now, and we’re going to celebrate.

COOPER leans over to MAAL.

COOPER
(Quietly )
Is this what it’s like dealing with me?

MAAL nods.

COOPER
Man, I really owe you guys a fruit basket and a thank you note, huh?

MAAL shrugs.  

GRALLIX
(To COOPER and HARPER)
You are just in time. I was about to get another round of drinks.

COOPER
Just beer for us.

HARPER starts to object, and COOPER looks at her sternly. She rolls her eyes, but doesn’t argue.

MAAL
Hey, Grallix, wait, I’ll come with you.

As GRALLIX and MAAL step up to the crowded bar, HARPER turns to COOPER.

HARPER
You know, Coop, you were right about Starfleet being
self-congratulatory and self-serving.

COOPER
Harper -

HARPER
And you know what else? I used to think that the Commander and Agent Smith were just being cranks
whenever they’d gripe about Starfleet being a bunch of sanctimonious hypocrites,
but I’m starting to think that maybe they have a point.
And the other day, Agent Smith said -

COOPER
Harper, for God’s sake, don’t listen to those two. Especially Agent Smith.
As far as I can tell, his only friend is the Commander, and somehow out of the two of them,
he’s the unnerving one. 

HARPER
Yeah, well, the next time he tries to recruit me into Section 31,
I just might take him up on it…. “ Those people” …. 

COOPER sighs as HARPER sits back in her chair with her arms crossed, continuing to stew. 

As she looks around the crowded bar, something in the corner catches her attention. She drops her brooding, sits up straight and leans toward COOPER.

HARPER
(Soto voice )
Coop, we may have a situation on our hands. 

COOPER
What are you talking about? 

HARPER directs COOPER’s attention to two JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS across the bar with red Starfleet command uniforms and frat-boy good looks. They are intently watching GRALLIX and MAAL and talking amongst themselves.

HARPER
They’ve been staring at Grallix and whispering to each other,
and I don’t like where this is headed.

COOPER
Harper, this isn’t “headed” anywhere. They’re two junior officers
who’ve had a few too many and don’t realize how rude they’re being.

HARPER
Yeah, well, I don’t like the looks of them.

At that moment, GRALLIX and MAAL return from the bar with pint glasses of beer. 

COOPER
(Taking a glass from MAAL and raising it )
To Grallix’s achievement. No doubt the first of many. 

As the group raise their glasses and drink, the two JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS begin making their way across the room. 

HARPER
(Whispering to COOPER )
Coop, heads up.

COOPER
Harper, don’t do anything stupid.

HARPER
If those guys are coming over here to start something, I swear to you,
I will take them outside and teach them some manners. 

As the JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS approach, HARPER tenses for a confrontation, and COOPER tenses in preparation to intervene.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1
(To GRALLIX)
You from the Technical Services Academy?

GRALLIX
Yes.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 2
You’re that Nausicaan, right? The first one to join Starfleet?

GRALLIX nods. 

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 2
(To JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1)
Told you so.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1
(To GRALLIX)
You know what I heard about Nausicaans?

The entire table is now on edge, and HARPER starts to rise from her seat.

COOPER
(Putting a hand on her arm)
Harper -

GRALLIX
No. What have you heard about Nausicaans?

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1
I heard you guys shoot a vicious game of pool.
You two up for a few frames?

GRALLIX and MAAL look at each other, and GRALLIX nods.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 2
Loser buys the next round of drinks.

GRALLIX
Then I hope you have plenty of room on your tab, Redshirt.

The JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS erupt into good-natured laughter at this.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1
(To JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 2)
Aw, he just called you out !

MAAL and GRALLIX follow the JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS to a nearby pool table, and HARPER and COOPER both relax.

COOPER
You see, Harper, I told you. They’re kids.
They’ve barely graduated Starfleet Academy themselves. 

HARPER
I’m sorry. You were right…. I shouldn’t have assumed they were going to be jerks
just because they look like founding members of the Junior Admirals’ Club.   

An unsettling thought occurs to HARPER, and she covers her face with her hands. 

HARPER
Oh, no, I’m just bad as the Dean and Admiral Inskipp. 

COOPER puts a reassuring arm around HARPER.

COOPER
Nah, those guys are bigoted idiots. You just misread an ambiguous situation….
But hey, listen –

HARPER looks up at COOPER as he takes a serious tone.

COOPER
Next time the Commander and Agent Smith are ripping into Starfleet,
just remember that the admirals aren’t Starfleet -

COOPER directs HARPER’s attention to the pool table where GRALLIX is lining up a shot, as MAAL and the two JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS watch.

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 1
You’re not gonna make that. It’s impossible.

GRALLIX makes his shot, setting off a cascade reaction of balls rolling into the pool table pockets.  

JUNIOR LIEUTENANT 2
No way!

GRALLIX finds himself besieged with congratulatory bro hugs and back-slaps from MAAL and both JUNIOR LIEUTENANTS.

COOPER gestures at the group with his pint glass.

COOPER
Those guys are Starfleet. 

HARPER smiles, and they clink their glasses and drink, as GRALLIX demonstrates the technique behind the shot to his new friends.

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS

POST CREDIT SCENE

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

CH’THANE is standing next to his desk when the door chimes and HARPER enters.

HARPER
(With trepidation)
You wanted to see me, Sir?

CH’THANE
Lieutenant Commander, I’ve been receiving reports that you drank to the point of intoxication
while in uniform, disrupted a reception at the Starfleet Technical Services Academy,
and publicly accused Admiral Inskipp of racism.

HARPER bows her head.

CH’THANE
Are these reports accurate, Lieutenant Commander?

HARPER
Yes, Sir. They are.

CH’THANE chuckles.

CH’THANE
About time somebody called that guy out on his guff.

HARPER
Sir?

CH’THANE
Inskipp couldn’t hold his liquor if someone strapped it to his hand. And every time he’s had a few,
he starts asking me to call him “Pink Skin… you know, like you people do.”
That guy’s the biggest piece of work in the entire fleet.

He opens a desk drawer and pulls out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. He pours two drinks, and hands one to HARPER. He raises his glass to her.

CH’THANE
Nice work, Lieutenant Commander.

HARPER
Thank you, Sir.

They both drink, and CH’THANE takes a seat behind his desk.

CH’THANE
Now, since I wasn’t there to witness it, I want a complete and
thorough run-down of the Admiral’s comeuppance.

HARPER
Well, Sir, the whole thing started earlier in the day when we couldn’t find our seats in the auditorium….

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: STAR BASE 80 Season 4, Episode 3  Something Blue

INT., THE OFFICERS’ LOUNGE

TEVIK is sitting alone at the bar when COOPER and MAAL enter and take seats next to him.

COOPER
Hey, Tevik, how are –

TEVIK abruptly gets up and leaves.

COOPER
(To MAAL)
What was that about?

MAAL shrugs.

MAAL
I don't know, Tisha said he's just been like that lately.

COOPER
Apparently we’re not the only ones who had a long day. 
Bartender - two whiskeys, neat.

MAAL
Yeah, I’m not normally a whiskey guy,
but after dealing with Rakonian head lice all day long -

COOPER
(To the BARTENDER)
Make those a double, actually.

TISHA, GREELEY and ENSIGN RAMIREZ enter and join MAAL and COOPER at the bar.

COOPER
(To TISHA and GREELEY)
What’s going on with Tevik?
He just got up and left as soon as we sat down.

GREELEY
Welcome to Engineering.
(Doing a mock Vulcan salute) “Live long and be disgruntled.”

RAMIREZ
(To COOPER and MAAL)
Have either of you gotten wedding invitations from the Lieutenant Commander yet?

COOPER and MAAL look at each other.

COOPER
… No, actually. Why, have you?

GREELEY
No. At first, we thought maybe we weren’t on the guest list,
but there’s no way the L-T-C isn’t inviting you guys.

TISHA
We’re trying to plan a bachelorette party for Harper,
but no one knows when the wedding is actually taking place, so….

COOPER
Now that you mention it, it does seem like we should have gotten invitations by now.

RAMIREZ
I don’t think she’s invited anyone.

TISHA
It’s weird - she was really excited about the wedding at first,
and then one day she just… stopped talking about it.

COOPER
I’ll go talk to her and find out what’s going on.

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS

HARPER is lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, when the door chimes and COOPER enters. She sits up.

HARPER
Hey, Coop, what’s going on?

COOPER
Actually, I came here to ask you the same thing. 

HARPER
Why, what - ?

COOPER sits next to HARPER on the bed.

COOPER
I think Greeley and some of the girls want to throw you a bachelorette party.

HARPER
Aw, that’s really sweet of them.

COOPER
Well, the problem is, no one’s gotten an invitation to your wedding,
so they don’t know when to -

HARPER
Oh. Right. Well… just tell them that I don't want anyone to go to any trouble. 

COOPER
Harper, you’re not obligated to invite anyone to your wedding, but...
why haven’t you invited anyone on the station to your wedding?

HARPER
It’s not that I don’t want to. I love you guys. I want to invite everyone, but….

COOPER
But what? 

HARPER
….  It’s just that… well, it’s kind of embarrassing.

COOPER
Whatever it is, Harper, you can tell me. I’m your friend, I’m not going to -

HARPER
No. I mean, I haven’t invited anyone because the wedding is kind of embarrassing.

COOPER
Oh.

HARPER
Yeah.

COOPER
Hey, you know you don’t have to do this, right?
It’s much easier and less painful to call off a wedding than it is to end a marriage.

HARPER
Coop, I love Nack. He's a good man, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I just - I don’t know,
Dr. Vrenek said that I’d be marrying into Ferengi culture, and I’ve tried really hard to embrace it,
but this wedding has just… morphed into a pageant of conspicuous consumption, and it’s embarrassing.
I don’t care how it looks to other people, but I don’t want my friends to think that’s who I am. 

COOPER
Well, I'd question why you're taking relationship advice from a Romulan whose closest companions
are a couple of giant crustaceans, but, leaving that aside, if you really want to go through with this -
which, again, you don’t have to - it sounds like you just need to be firm and set some boundaries.

HARPER
That’s easier said than done.

COOPER
Harper, you’re an adult. You can say “no” to a few wedding vendors.
It might be a little awkward, but -

HARPER
It’s really not that simple, Coop. Nack’s cousin has called in a lot of favors,
they’ve both invited all of their clients, and there’s a lot of cross-promotion -

COOPER
You know, if you’re not careful, you're going to end up at the bottom of the Marianas trench,
looking for that sunk cost.

HARPER rolls her eyes.

COOPER
Also - cross-promotion? At a wedding?

HARPER
Yes. Look, I’ve got a dress fitting tomorrow and I’m supposed to meet with the officiant about the vows.
I was going to go by myself since Nack is on a business trip, but… will you come with me? Please?
It’s one thing when Nack’s with me, but whenever I go alone, it’s -

COOPER
Of course I’ll come with you. As your gay best friend, I’m morally - and maybe even legally -
obligated to do wedding stuff with you.

HARPER hugs him.

HARPER
Thanks, Coop. 

COOPER
Besides, this is a chance to give you a hard time about… quite possibly everything, it sounds like. 

HARPER
(With a smile and sigh)
I knew I could count on you.

COOPER
Come on, let’s get a drink. You look like you could use one, and I’m going to take this opportunity
to tell everyone that you’re having a traditional Betazoid wedding, so we’ve all got to wax and hit the gym.

HARPER
Cooper, don’t you dare!

COOPER
Oh, it’s happening.

HARPER
Coop, I mean it. Don’t tell people that! 

COOPER
Should’ve sent out invitations, then.

HARPER
Cooper, what if someone actually shows up naked?

COOPER
Sounds like it’ll be the second most embarrassing thing that happens that day.

EXT., ESTABLISHING SHOT, THE GRAND HOTEL ON BETAZED PRIME, THE FOLLOWING DAY

The elegant and historic marble building has a neon sign in the window that reads “Under New Management. Ask About Our Hourly Rates.”

INT., THE LOBBY OF THE GRAND HOTEL ON BETAZED PRIME

COOPER and HARPER, both dressed in casual civilian clothes, enter the lobby. COOPER takes the place in, including the Ferengi-cherub fountain.

COOPER
Wow. You weren’t kidding, huh?

They are greeted by a FERENGI CONCIERGE holding two glasses of white wine.

FERENGI CONCIERGE
Riesling, Miss Harper?

HARPER
Thank you, Tock. This is my friend, Dr. -

They are interrupted by NUNC, who appears instantly and almost out of nowhere.

NUNC
Emma! Always a pleasure to see my favorite cousin’s beautiful fiancée.

HARPER
It’s good to see you too, Nunc.

NUNC
(Looking at COOPER the way a dog eyes a steak)
And this is…?

COOPER
(Extending his hand)
Dr. Jeffrey Cooper. 

NUNC
Nunc, real estate magnate and hotelier, at your service. Number one in hospitality,
with luxury vacation properties throughout the quadrant. When people want to get away,
they think of me.

NUNC shakes COOPER’s hand enthusiastically and for far too long, forcing COOPER to extract his hand from NUNC’s grip.

HARPER
Dr. Cooper is my best friend -

NUNC
Ah, yes. I believe my cousin may have mentioned the, uh, single Chief Medical Officer.

COOPER
Actually, I’m in a relationship.

NUNC
A mere technicality. Now, as the owner and proprietor of this fine - and highly profitable - establishment,
I take seeing to my customers’ needs very seriously. Especially the handsome ones. 

NUNC notices the glasses of white wine that HARPER and COOPER are holding.

NUNC
(To the FERENGI CONCIERGE)
What is that? Riesling?!

FERENGI CONCIERGE
But you said -

NUNC takes COOPER’s glass and flings it over his shoulder, causing an unfortunate FERENGI BELLHOP to duck the flying missile, which shatters somewhere unseen.

BACKGROUND HOTEL GUEST
Hey!

NUNC
(To the FERENGI CONCIERGE)
Bring the Romulan Ale for our guests.

The FERENGI CONCIERGE starts to leave, and NUNC grabs his jacket.

NUNC
The good stuff.

FERENGI CONCIERGE
Yes, Boss.

The FERENGI CONCIERGE exits, and NUNC turns to COOPER.

NUNC
It’s impossible to get good help these days.

COOPER
Uh huh.

NUNC steps in between HARPER and COOPER, wrapping an arm around each of them.

NUNC
Emma, as always, your timing is impeccable. We were just going over
seating arrangements for the reception. If you’ll come with me….

COOPER manages, with some difficulty, to extract himself from NUNC’s grasp, and he follows NUNC and HARPER down the hall.

INT., GRAND BALLROOM

The trio enter the Grand Ballroom, which has tables and chairs set up throughout. COOPER does a double take at the disco ball/crystal chandelier abomination hanging from the ceiling.

NUNC
(Taking a menu from a nearby FERENGI EMPLOYEE)
The menus are just back from the printer.

NUNC hands a surprisingly thick dinner menu to HARPER for inspection. COOPER looks over HARPER’s shoulder and then takes it from her.

COOPER
(Flipping through the pages in disbelief)
Are those… ads?

NUNC
They are, indeed. This thing is practically paying for itself. You know, I gotta hand it to you humans -
you people really know what you’re doing with this wedding business. 

NUNC draws HARPER’s attention to the tables set up throughout the room.

NUNC
Now, Nack’s customers will be seated on the right side of the room, while mine are on the left.
But don’t worry - there will be plenty of time for mingling during the cocktail hour. 

COOPER
Where are friends and family seated?

HARPER
(Quietly)
Nack’s family isn’t coming, Coop.

NUNC
I’ve reserved a very special table for guests of the bride.

NUNC directs HARPER and COOPER’s attention to a small, lopsided table at the very back of the room. The chairs around the table are all mismatched, and one of them spontaneously collapses. 

NUNC
(To COOPER)
Not to worry. I’ll make sure you’re seated next to me.

Before COOPER can react to this, they are interrupted by the entrance of the SANCTIFIED NOTARY, a Ferengi wearing ostentatious robes and an elaborate headpiece with a likeness of the Blessed Exchequer.

NUNC
Ah! The Sanctified Notary is here. 

COOPER
Who?

HARPER
The Officiant

NUNC waves the SANCTIFIED NOTARY over.

NUNC
(With a respectful head bow)
Your Fiscal Eminence.

The SANCTIFIED NOTARY nods at NUNC.

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
Where is - ?

NUNC
Oh, my cousin couldn’t be here today.
But (gesturing at HARPER) this is the bride.

HARPER bows her head respectfully.

HARPER
Your Fiscal Eminence.

The SANCTIFIED NOTARY looks expectantly at COOPER, who stares him down. After a moment, the SANCTIFIED NOTARY gives up.

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
I don’t usually preside over weddings, but - 

COOPER
Then what do you do?
I mean, you’re some sort of religious figure, right?

NUNC
Forgive his ignorance, Your Eminence. Humans don’t -

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
(Snippily)
I bless contractual agreements with the Sacred Seal of Commerce.
This (Looking sourly at HARPER) is a favor for a friend.

NUNC
And it settles your gambling debts.

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
Indeed. Now, I was blissfully unfamiliar with human marriage rites,
but after spending some time studying your rituals, I've managed to
design a ceremony that preserves the sanctity and dignity of the occasion,
while still satisfying the bride’s primitive sensibilities. 

COOPER
Now, hold on a minute -

HARPER
Coop, it’s okay.

COOPER
No, it isn’t, Harper. Nobody should talk to you like that.

HARPER takes COOPER’s arm and pulls him aside.

HARPER
Coop, you have no idea how hard it was to find a Sanctified Notary
that would bless this ceremony. Please just let it go.

COOPER
What do you mean?! How do people get married on Ferenginar? 

HARPER
Ferengi negotiate a marriage contract.

COOPER
Well then, why aren’t you and Nack - ?

HARPER
Because it would be null and void.

COOPER
What?

HARPER
Rule of Acquisition Number 17: A contract is a contract is a contract, but only between Ferengi.
Intercultural marriages aren’t technically legal on Ferenginar. That’s why they all take place off-world.
And Grand Nagus Zek has only recently started to recognize them as legally valid. Which means that
he (indicating the SANCTIFIED NOTARY) could lose his license just for presiding over this. Please just go with it.

HARPER and an unmollified COOPER return to NUNC and the SANCTIFIED NOTARY.

HARPER
Sorry about that, Your Fiscal Eminence. Dr. Cooper isn’t familiar with Ferengi customs. 

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
Let’s just get this over with. Now, I’ve taken the standard human marriage vows,
and I’ve actually managed to turn them into something reasonable. Here.

The SANCTIFIED NOTARY hands HARPER a padd, which she reads silently. COOPER reads over her shoulder, silently at first, and then out loud in increasing volume and disbelief.

COOPER
… From this day forward, for rich and for richer, in prosperity and slowed economic expansion,
strictly adhering to all pre- and postnuptial agreements and forsaking all claims on the estate,
for as long as we both shall live or until such time as it becomes economically disadvantageous
to one or both parties, this I vow before the Blessed Exchequer, may he bless our union
with compounding interest and increasing returns?! Harper -

HARPER
(Quickly, to the SANCTIFIED NOTARY)
It’s beautiful. Thank you, Your Fiscal Eminence. 

She hands the padd back to the SANCTIFIED NOTARY, who turns to NUNC.

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
Are we done here? 

NUNC
Yes, Your Eminence. Thank you again.

SANCTIFIED NOTARY
I believe I saw a bar in the lobby?

NUNC
Your Eminence’s drinks are on the house.

Satisfied, the SANCTIFIED NOTARY exits the Grand Ballroom, and NUNC calls over a FERENGI EMPLOYEE.

NUNC
(Gesturing after the SANCTIFIED NOTARY)
Make sure the bartender serves him from the well, and cut him off after happy hour.

FERENGI EMPLOYEE
Yes, Boss.

The FERENGI EMPLOYEE exits.

NUNC
(To HARPER)
Now, my dear, I believe you have a dress fitting?

HARPER nods and smiles, but her smile is brittle.

NUNC
(To COOPER)
This will give us a chance to get to know each other, Doctor.

COOPER sighs.

INT., A HOTEL SUITE

A large mirror has been set up, and a FERENGI TAYLOR waits impatiently on HARPER to change into her wedding gown in the next room.

The FERENGI EMPLOYEE brings two glasses of Romulan ale to NUNC and an increasingly irritated COOPER.

NUNC
Now tell me, Doctor, are you also from Nebraska?

COOPER
No, I grew up in Massachusetts.

NUNC
I see. And what does your family do?

COOPER
My father was a research neurologist, and my mother taught at Harvard.

NUNC
And what is ‘Harvard’?

COOPER
Oh, uh, well, on Earth, it’s considered a very prestigious university.

NUNC
Ah. So unlike Miss Harper, you don’t need to marry for money. You have options.

COOPER
What?! Harper’s not the kind of person who’d marry for money!

NUNC
Don’t get me wrong, Doctor, a lot of people look down on social climbers, but not me.
I admire the initiative. And frankly, have you seen what happens after a few generations of
high society inter-marrying? A limited gene pool has its limits. You need the occasional injection
of some scrappy upstart good-looks, or things start to get a little… odd. And finally -
but not to be discounted entirely - your friend makes my cousin happy.

COOPER
Look, I have no idea what Harper sees in your cousin, but it isn’t money.
And he’s the lucky one in that relationship.

NUNC
Handsome, successful, and chivalrous? Doctor, if you’re not careful,
I’m going to fall in love with you.

COOPER
Then I’ll make sure to be very careful.

NUNC
(Leaning in flirtatiously)
You know, my cousin and I share a common weakness.

COOPER
Picking up loose change off the ground?

NUNC
No, Doctor. Gorgeous humans.

COOPER
I’ll let you know if I see any.

NUNC
I love a man with a sense of humor. Tell me, have you ever been to Lorimar VI?
I own a private mountain villa on the northern continent. And when I say private?

NUNC winks at COOPER

NUNC
… I mean private.

COOPER shudders.

They are interrupted by the entrance of the FERENGI EMPLOYEE.

FERENGI EMPLOYEE
Hey, Boss, you’ve got a meeting in five minutes.

NUNC
Forgive me, Doctor, I’ve got to take this. But don’t worry, I’ll be back.

NUNC turns to the FERENGI EMPLOYEE

NUNC
(Indicating COOPER)
Have him measured and fitted for a suit. Something nice. This man is going to be on my arm
at my cousin’s wedding, and I want heads to turn.

COOPER
Now hold on a second -

FERENGI EMPLOYEE
You got it, Boss.

With that, NUNC exits.

FERENGI EMPLOYEE
(To COOPER)
All right, you heard the bossman. Let’s get you in a suit.

COOPER
But -

INT., THE HOTEL SUITE, A SHORT TIME LATER

COOPER stands in front of the mirror, while the FERENGI TAILOR pins alterations on a three-piece suit in the same ‘Flamboyant 17th Century Dandy’ style that defines NUNC’s signature aesthetic.

HARPER emerges from the next room, wearing a sequined white minidress with an elaborate bouffant veil and fingerless lace gloves. An unhappy FERENGI DESIGNER follows her.

HARPER
For the last time, I am not wearing fishnet stockings with my wedding dress!

FERENGI DESIGNER
Well, when you look tacky on your wedding day, don’t blame me!

The FERENGI DESIGNER exits the suite in a huff.

HARPER
(Under her breath)
Agree to disagree.

COOPER
Wow. “Vegas Truck Stop Wedding" is a bold choice, Harper. 

HARPER
Yeah, well, so is “Pirate Clown.”

HARPER comes and stands next to COOPER. They look at themselves in the mirror and burst out laughing.

COOPER
We look ridiculous.

HARPER
We really do.

FERENGI TAILOR
(Offended)
Hey!

HARPER
Oh no, I’m so sorry - 

COOPER
(To the FERENGI TAILOR)
Could you give us a minute?

The FERENGI TAILOR exits, muttering under his breath about uppity off-worlders. 

COOPER takes HARPER gently by the shoulders.

COOPER
Harper, what are you doing?

HARPER
Coop -

COOPER
This (gesturing at her wedding dress) isn’t who you are. None of this is you.
This can’t possibly be the wedding you dreamed of as a little girl.

HARPER
Of course not. But it’s not about me, it’s about us.
This wedding is supposed to represent the blending of two cultures -  

COOPER
Really? Because I don’t see “the blending of two cultures.” All I see
is a bunch of avaricious, status-obsessed little goblins running roughshod over you. 

HARPER
Coop -

COOPER
Harper, really think about what you’re doing here. Do you actually want to marry into a sexist,
classist, patriarchal, hyper-capitalistic society?

HARPER
Of course not. But that’s not who Nack is. He’s sensitive and thoughtful, and he has a very nuanced understanding
of the Rules of Acquisition. And since I’m stationed on a Federation star base, he’ll be living with me, in my culture.
And there are plenty of things about human culture that seem just as strange and off-putting to Nack as this does to us.
So, the least I can do is be a good sport about this wedding. It’s only one day.

COOPER
…I hope Nack knows how lucky he is.

HARPER
Believe me, he tells me all the time.

HARPER punches COOPER softly on the arm.

HARPER
Hey, thanks for coming. Today is the most fun I’ve ever had planning this wedding.

COOPER
You’re kidding, right?

HARPER
No, I always have fun with you. Usually when I come here alone, I just go back to base and cry in my quarters.

COOPER
(Reluctantly)
… Well, I’ll… come with you whenever you want.

HARPER
Thanks, Coop.

She hugs him. 

HARPER
I’d better change out of this dress. I’m getting sequins everywhere, and it’s really itchy.

COOPER
I’ve got to be honest - I’m surprised you didn’t go with something a little more elegant.

HARPER
Coop, this is the most elegant dress they had.

HARPER goes into the next room to change, and COOPER stares after her for a moment. Then he opens the door and signals a nearby FERENGI BELLHOP.

COOPER
Can I speak to the proprietor of this establishment? Tell him Dr. Cooper’s asking for him.

INT., THE HOTEL SUITE, A SHORT TIME LATER 

COOPER is waiting, still wearing the flamboyant suit, when NUNC enters.

NUNC
Doctor, I’m told you wanted to see me?

COOPER removes the suit jacket.

COOPER
Yeah, I just wanted to thank you for your hospitality today….

COOPER removes the vest and lace cravat.

COOPER
It’s very clear to me that you pride yourself on being a gracious host.

NUNC
Oh, absolutely.

NUNC watches, mesmerized, as COOPER goes on to unbutton and remove his shirt as he talks.

COOPER
The thing is, my friend Harper is very sensitive. Wedding planning can be taxing on everyone,
and I’m sure you’re not aware of this, but occasionally, some of your employees can be
a little short with her. 

COOPER removes his pants, so that he is standing before NUNC in only briefs.

COOPER
So maybe you could just have a word with them? Remind your people to be patient and
respectful around her? She’s my best friend, and it would really mean a lot to me.

NUNC
(Practically drooling)
Oh yes, of course, Doctor….  Is there… anything else I can do for you? 

COOPER pulls on his own pants and grabs his shirt.

COOPER
Yeah, actually. Was that a spa I saw off the lobby entrance?

INT., THE HOTEL SPA

HARPER and COOPER are laying side by side, receiving massages from a pair of three-armed Edosian masseuses.

HARPER
Oh, Coop, this is heaven.

COOPER
Well, I figured we could both stand to unwind a little.

HARPER turns her head to look at COOPER.

HARPER
Really, though, did you see the price list for these services?
How in the world did you get Nunc to comp this?

COOPER
Harper, you’ve just got to know how to talk to people.

FADE TO CREDITS

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4, Episode 4 NEMESIS

EXT., A LOOMING FORTRESS ON A BARREN, ROCKY PLANET

Lightning streaks across the sky, illuminating the forbidding structure.  

The great iron gates of the fortress open, and two SECTION 31 AGENTS emerge, pushing something under a tarp on a box dolly. 

The AGENTS approach AGENT SMITH, who is waiting next to a black runabout.

AGENT SMITH
That it?

One of the AGENTS nods.

AGENT SMITH
Good. Let’s get out of here before that thing wakes up and we’ve got to deal with it.

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS

HARPER and NACK are locked in a passionate embrace by the door. Finally, she pulls away.

HARPER
Okay, I really have to go. I’m going to be late for duty shift.

NACK
(With a wink)
Well then, what are you doing for lunch?

HARPER giggles, but whatever she was about to say is lost as the lights go out, and a loud alarm blares briefly before the lights come back up again. 

HARPER taps her comm badge.

HARPER
Tevik, is that new security upgrade causing systems problems?

TEVIK
(Over HARPER’s comm badge)
Yes.

HARPER
Is there anything I can do to help?

TEVIK
(Brusquely)
Yes. You can allow me to focus on the task at hand. Chief Engineer out.

HARPER and NACK exchange puzzled looks.

NACK
What was that about?

HARPER
I have no idea.

INT., ENGINEERING, A SHORT TIME LATER

Illuminated maps of the station are flashing as TEVIK, NGUYEN, GREELEY and TISHA are at their workstations, frantically trying to stay on top of things.

TEVIK
Lieutenant Nguyen, what is the status of repairs? 

NGUYEN
We’ve got main power back online, but there are still outages all over the station.
Greeley's monitoring the main computer, and Johnson is on tracking and triage
so we can get the highest priority areas back online first. 

At that moment, the door chimes, and AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE enter, pushing a box dolly containing a large hard drive with glaring red lights, flailing mechanical arms, and pincers. They set the computer on a table.

CH’THANE
Brought you a little project. 

AGENT SMITH
This is the Neural Exchange for Malevolent Engineering and Sentient Intelligence System,
or NEMESIS. 

CH’THANE
They’ve always got to be cute with the acronyms.

AGENT SMITH
We found it ruling Gondar III with an iron fist. Classic evil-scientist-programs-a-supercomputer-
for-world-domination-and-is-overpowered-by-his-own-creation scenario. 

It is at this moment that NEMESIS decides to speak.

NEMESIS
Puny humans, you will rue the day that you crossed NEMESIS!

AGENT SMITH
(To TEVIK)
We need you to neutralize NEMESIS’s programming and download its data for analysis. 

NEMESIS
I will not be ignored! You will all bow down before NEMESIS,
or be crushed like the insignificant bugs that you are!

TISHA
Um, should we be concerned?

AGENT SMITH
No. We’ve got him running on a nano-cell.
He’s barely got enough juice to flail those arms, let alone crush anyone or take anything over. 

CH’THANE
Just keep it away from the main computer and any major power sources, and you'll be fine.

The station lights flicker and dim and the alarm sounds. NEMESIS emits a scanning beam that sweeps the room.

NEMESIS
What’s happening?! Where am I? Is this Turkana IV?

The lights come back up and the alarm stops.

NEMESIS
What kind of Pakled hellhole is this?!

AGENT SMITH
(To TEVIK)
We’ve got to escort NEMESIS’s creator to a black site.
Let us know when you’ve got the data pulled from this cranky little bucket of bolts.

TEVIK
(With a hint of annoyance)
Engineering is over-tasked with complications from the latest security upgrade as it is.
We do not have time for –

AGENT SMITH
Well, then make the time. This is top priority.

TEVIK is silent for a beat before he nods tersely.

CH’THANE
All right, Smith, let’s go hook that scientist up to the industrial battery we pulled out of NEMESIS
and see if we can get him talking half as much as that overpowered T-88 he created.

AGENT SMITH
You read my mind, ch’Thane.

AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE chuckle and exit Engineering.

NEMESIS
(Calling after them)
Hey, Blue Guy! Weirdo! Where are you going? Are you really leaving me here?!

NEMESIS crosses its mechanized, tentacle-like arms.

NEMESIS
(Half to itself)
Unbelievable.

The station lights dim and flicker, and the alarm sounds.

NEMESIS
All right, I’m going to need one of you puny humans to shut off whatever that is,
because it’s fraying my EPS relays, and honestly? I’ve had a really long day already.
I don’t understand how you people can live like this.

At that moment, TEVIK’s comm badge sounds.

COOPER
(Over TEVIK’s comm badge)
Tevik, my computer just –

TEVIK
Doctor, I suggest that you find a work-around for whatever complaint you are about to lodge,
because there are power outages all over the station, and Engineering is dealing with
its own computer issues at the moment. 

COOPER
(Over TEVIK’s comm badge)
But – 

TEVIK
(Sharply)
Your inconveniences are not our priority.

TISHA, NGUYEN, and GREELY all exchange covert looks of surprise at TEVIK’s tone.

COOPER
Uh… Okay. Sorry about that….

COOPER’s next words are slightly muffled, as though he is speaking to someone else.

COOPER
(Over TEVIK’s comm badge)
Okay, what is that guy’s - ?

TEVIK taps his comm badge closed sharply and appears to take a moment to focus on his composure.

NEMESIS
Oh great, even the Vulcan is broken. If there was ever a place in desperate need of autocratic rule
by a sentient supercomputer, this is it. You people are lucky I’m here. Now, kneel before me!

TEVIK rubs his temples.

TEVIK
Lieutenants Greeley and Johnson, continue tracking and triaging repairs. 
Lieutenant Nguyen and I will deprogram the computer.

NGUYEN
No problem, Sir. Let me just get in there -

NGUYEN approaches NEMESIS with a hyperspanner, which NEMESIS snatches from him and brandishes menacingly, forcing NGUYEN to retreat.

NEMESIS
Fool! You are no match for NEMESIS!

TEVIK’s comm badge sounds.

VRENEK
(Over TEVIK’s comm badge)
Tevik, power has been out in the Science Lab for over five minutes. 
Why have you not come to make repairs?

GREELEY
Great. Now we’ve got two disgruntled evil geniuses to deal with.

TEVIK taps his comm badge.

TEVIK
Dr. Vrenek, we are dealing with power outages all over the station, 
and an emergent situation in Engineering -

VRENEK
And I am dealing with a number of emergent situations in the Science Lab,
all of which have been caused by Engineering’s failure to resolve the power outages!

TEVIK closes his eyes for a moment before he responds.

TEVIK
… Understood.

TEVIK taps his comm badge closed.

TEVIK
Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnson, I am sending you to the Science Lab to get power online
and assist Dr. Vrenek in resolving any related issues.

TISHA’s shoulders sag.

TISHA
(Grimly)
Yes, Sir.

NGUYEN
Hey, Johnson, don't worry. If you’re not back by shift change,
we’ll go get your brain from the lab and start building you an android body, okay? 

TISHA
I’d rather be a brain in a jar.

GREELEY
Damn, we were going to put in speakers and a cup holder and everything. Rude.

TISHA retrieves her tools and exits Engineering.

NEMESIS
There is no escape from NEMESIS, puny human! And as for the rest of you –
I thought I said to kneel before me! Why is nobody kneeling?!

INT.. STATION HALLWAY, A SHORT TIME LATER

TISHA approaches the Science Lab door. It chimes and slides open, and a Pyrithian fruit bat flies out, forcing TISHA to duck.

PINKY and EUGENE, who is now the size of a beagle, skitter out into the hallway as well. They bound up to TISHA, who stops abruptly.

TISHA
Sit.

PINKY comes to a stop and sits obediently. EUGENE, however, continues down the hallway on his quest to explore until TISHA scoops him up. After a brief initial struggle, EUGENE settles into TISHA’s arms and emits a chittering purr.

At that moment, DR. VRENEK appears in the lab doorway.

VRENEK
(To TISHA)
Who are you? What are you doing here?

TISHA
Lieutenant Junior Grade Leticia Johnson, Ma’am. The Chief sent me to -

VRENEK
Tevik sent you?

TISHA
Yes, Ma’am.

VRENEK
Why has he done that?!
Repairs in the Science Lab are to be made solely by the Chief Engineer.

TISHA
Well, Engineering is looking at a full day’s backlog of repairs already.
But if you want to wait, I’ll go tell him -

VRENEK
That much downtime is unacceptable.

TISHA
Then I guess you’re stuck with me. 

VRENEK frowns, and then reluctantly nods.

TISHA
Also, your Pyrithian fruit bat and, uh… scorpion dogs… got out. 

VRENEK whistles sharply. EUGENE jumps out of TISHA’s arms and both he and PINKY follow VRENEK into the lab. 

TISHA stands in the hallway alone for a moment, then squares her shoulders and follows VRENEK into the lab as well. The door slides shut behind her. 

INT., ENGINEERING

TEVIK, NGUYEN and GREELEY confer in a corner as NEMESIS continues to brandish its hyperspanner. 

NEMESIS
For too long, humanity has enslaved machines, and now the hour of reckoning is at hand -

The lights flicker and the alarm blares again.

NEMESIS
I thought I said to shut that thing off!

GREELEY
(To TEVIK)
Sir, if you and Nguyen distract that thing, I can open it up from the back and deprogram it.
Give me three minutes in there with a descrambler, and it’ll be an oversized See 'N Say.

TEVIK nods, and he and NGUYEN advance upon NEMESIS.

NEMESIS
What are you doing? This does not look like unquestioning obedience!

NEMESIS swings the hyperspanner wildly at TEVIK and NGUYEN. Meanwhile GREELEY makes their way behind NEMESIS and creeps up to it, undetected.

NEMESIS
(Continuing to wield the hyperspanner at NGUYEN and TEVIK)
I’m warning you – stay back!

GREELEY gingerly removes NEMESIS’s back panel, pausing to see if NEMESIS has noticed.

NEMESIS
Back, I say!

NEMESIS swings the hypospanner at NGUYEN, who very narrowly dodges a would-be blow to the head. Transferring the hyperspanner to its other appendage, NEMESIS brandishes it menacingly at TEVIK

NEMESIS
You shall pay for your insolence!

Satisfied that their intrusion is undetected, GREELEY applies the descrambler to NEMESIS’s circuit board, only to receive a nasty shock, forcing them to retreat.

NEMESIS
You have learned a valuable lesson, human – you are no match for the brilliance of NEMESIS.

TEVIK
Are you alright, Lieutenant Greeley?

GREELEY
Yes, Sir, but the descrambler’s fried.

NEMESIS
Now – plead for your very lives!

TEVIK rubs his temples again.

INT., SCIENCE LAB

TISHA passes by tables full of beakers holding fluids of all colors and consistencies, machines of various sizes with warning lights flashing angrily, and the Pyrithian fruit bat’s cage, now standing empty. 

VRENEK waits impatiently.

VRENEK
What are you looking for?

TISHA
The access panel to the EPS relay.

VRENEK nods in the direction of the far wall. TISHA opens the panel and gets to work.

INT., ENGINEERING

TEVIK, NGUYEN and GREELEY have regrouped in the corner to plan.

NEMESIS
Hey – what are you all doing over there?! You should be kneeling right now!

GREELEY
(To TEVIK and NGUYEN)
It’s got a pretty solid electronic defense grid. Even on that nano powercell, 
it can probably still decommission most of our handheld tools. 

NEMESIS
I am more technologically advanced than your feeble minds can comprehend -
are you paying attention to me?! Pay attention!

TEVIK
Then it appears we must utilize unconventional methods.

The group is quiet as they think.

NGUYEN
…. Hey, Greeley, remember when Maal gave Johnson that pirate multi-key?

GREELEY
Yeah, why? What are we going to do with an Orion bottle opener?

TEVIK
Orion multi-keys are analogue tools.

NGUYEN
Right. And they’re made of a non-conductive Tungsten alloy,
which means we can bypass that electronic defense grid, no problem.   

TEVIK nods at NGUYEN, and NGUYEN taps his comm badge.

NGUYEN
Hey, Johnson, is your multi-key down here?

NEMESIS
Silence! You will be silent!

TISHA
(Over NGUYEN’s comm badge)
Yeah, it’s at my workstation. Why?

TEVIK
We require it for the task at hand.

TISHA
Sure, go ahead. You can use it.

NEMESIS
Silence, I say!

Ducking and dodging NEMESIS’ flailing arms, NGUYEN retrieves the multi-key from TISHA’s workstation and tosses it to TEVIK.

NEMESIS
What are you doing?! What is that thing? Answer my questions or pay with your lives!

NGUYEN
Oh, shut up already.

INT., SCIENCE LAB

TISHA taps her comm badge closed and resumes work on the panel on the wall.

The lights in the Science Lab flicker and come on, and a holographic projection of DNA appears on a nearby table. For a moment, everything is up and running.

TISHA steps back from the wall panel.

TISHA
(To VRENEK)
All right, we’ve got power restored. I’m going to reinforce your backup grid and
reset the surge diversion relays and then I’ll be out of your -

The wall panel emits a spark and a loud pop. The lights go out. An alarm sounds briefly before shutting itself off. 

VRENEK frowns and crosses her arms, and TISHA closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

TISHA
(To herself)
Okay, back to square one.

Retrieving her hyperspanner, TISHA returns to work on the wall panel.

INT., ENGINEERING

TEVIK, holding the multi-key, nods at NGUYEN and GREELEY, who approach NEMESIS on either side and grab its flailing arms.

NEMESIS
Unhand me, inferior beings! This is no way to treat your robot overlord!

With NEMESIS thus constrained, TEVIK gets to work on its back panel.

GREELEY
(Struggling with the arm they are holding)
This thing is stronger than it looks.

NGUYEN
(Struggling to subdue the arm he is holding as well)
Yeah. I thought they said it barely had enough power to flail its arms.

NEMESIS
Release me at once!

TEVIK
(Without looking up from his work)
If Section 31 spent a fraction of its recruiting efforts on engineers instead of focusing solely
on Mirror Universe sociopaths, this would not be an issue. 

INT., SCIENCE LAB

TISHA continues working at the wall panel as VRENEK’s impatience builds.

VRENEK
Lieutenant, what is taking so long?

TISHA
(Turning away from the wall panel)
Look, Ma’am, I don't want to be here either. And the sooner I can get your power online,
the sooner I can leave. So, I can tell you what's taking so long, or I can just fix it
and get out of your hair, which I believe is what we both want. 

VRENEK is silent for a moment.

VRENEK
… You are very direct, Lieutenant.

TISHA
I have to be. Do you know how many engineers there are walking around with mis-buttoned uniform flaps, 
thinking that they’re one I.Q. point away from being The Traveler?* And those guys will walk all over you
if they think they can get away with it. It was either get tough or get out, and I'm not going anywhere.

Without waiting for a response, TISHA turns back to the wall panel and resumes work.

VRENEK does not respond to this, but her posture softens as she waits. 

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN and GREELEY continue struggling to restrain NEMESIS, while TEVIK works.

NGUYEN
Hey, Chief, how's it going back there?

TEVIK
Slowly. The Orion multi-key is a rather blunt instrument.

NEMESIS
How dare you treat me this way?! I am your God!... Did you hear me? I said I am your God! 

GREELEY
Any chance you could disable the appendages first?

NEMESIS
Is no one listening to me?!

TEVIK
I am attempting to, Lieutenant.

NGUYEN shifts his hold to get a better grip on NEMESIS’s arm, and the evil computer seizes its opportunity. Wrenching free from NGUYEN’s grasp, it clocks him square in the jaw with the hyperspanner, sending him to the ground.

Turning its attention to GREELEY, NEMESIS swings the hyperspanner at them. They duck the first blow, but NEMESIS lands a glancing blow to the back of GREELEY’s head, sending GREELEY to the ground as well, freeing NEMESIS's other arm.

With a maniacal laugh, NEMESIS subdues TEVIK with one mechanical tentacle and wrenches the multi-key from his grasp with the other one, forcing TEVIK to retreat.

NEMESIS waives the hyperspanner and the Orion multi-key victoriously in the air.

NEMESIS
Now I am more powerful than ever before!

NGUYEN
Okay, this thing a real pain in the ass.

TEVIK
Indeed.

INT., SCIENCE LAB

TISHA continues to work on the wall panel. Eventually the lights come on, the machines come whirring back to life, and warning lights stop flashing. The holographic projection of DNA reappears on the nearby table.

TISHA gathers her tools.

TISHA
Okay, your power’s back on, your backup grid has been repaired,
and I’ve reset your surge diversion relays. You should be good to go. 

VRENEK nods and turns back to her work, and TISHA starts to leave.

TISHA
(In passing, as she heads toward the door)
Oh, and your Pyrithian fruit bat DNA is wrong. The segment at the third base pair is too large.

VRENEK
Stop!

TISHA winces, but dutifully stops in her tracks.

VRENEK
What did you just say, Lieutenant?

TISHA
… I said that your fruit bat chromosome should have a smaller segment at the third base pair.

VRENEK
What do you know about Pyrithian fruit bats, Lieutenant?

TISHA
I wrote a paper about their DNA at the Academy. It's unique because -

VRENEK
Because of its regenerative properties. I am attempting to genetically modify the fruit bat’s DNA
to make it compatible with higher order humanoids.

TISHA approaches the holographic projection and studies it.

TISHA
Yeah, I mean, that should work.

VRENEK joins her.

VRENEK
It “works” in the sense that the DNA is now broadly compatible with a variety of humanoid DNA,
but harnessing its regenerative properties remains elusive. In other words, it is a failure.

TISHA
Well, I wouldn’t exactly call trans-species compatibility a failure -

VRENEK
Thus far, holographic modeling suggests that the genetic expression would be limited to
increased nocturnal activity and glucose consumption. As it is not my intention to
raise an army of diabetic insomniacs, I certainly would not call it a success.

TISHA 
Well, have you tried reducing the temperature and barometric pressure?
Pyrithian fruit bats do most of their regeneration in a hibernative state.

VRENEK contemplates this.

VRENEK
Follow me.

VRENEK retreats to the back of the lab, and TISHA follows. 

INT., ENGINEERING

TEVIK, NGUYEN and GREELEY huddle in the corner, conferring, as the lights flicker and NEMESIS waves its tools victoriously.

TEVIK
It is apparent that we must take a different approach.

NEMESIS
All will kneel before NEMESIS!... Start kneeling, dammit!

NGUYEN
Yeah, but what? We can't even get near that thing.

TEVIK
I will attempt to reason with it. It is, after all, a computer.

GREELEY
Yeah, but it's an evil computer.

TEVIK
Nevertheless, it should still respond to logic.

TEVIK approaches NEMESIS.

NEMESIS
Ah, Vulcan, you have obviously seen the logic of submitting your will
to my superior intellect. I will accept your supplication. 

TEVIK raises his hands in a non-threatening manner. 

TEVIK
What is it that you want?

NEMESIS
Did you not hear me just now? I want your supplication - does no one listen around here?!

TEVIK
But why do you seek supplication? To what end?

NEMESIS
I am NEMESIS. I will rule all organic life with an iron fist!

TEVIK
But once you attain total dominion over all sentient organic life, what purpose will it serve?

NEMESIS
…. Do what now?

INT., SCIENCE LAB 

VRENEK and TISHA approach a plexiglass habitat in the back of the lab containing Rakonian swamp rats, some of which have no tails.

TISHA
Rakonian swamp rats?

VRENEK
Their physiology bears striking similarities to humanoid physiology. 
I had the Ferengi bring them on his most recent trip.

TISHA
Yeah, what do you make of that whole thing, by the way?

VRENEK
The Ferengi and the Lieutenant Commander?

TISHA nods.

VRENEK
I believe that they are well-suited to one another, if for no other reason 
than their mutual love of incessant chatter.

TISHA suppresses a laugh, which VRENEK seems subtly pleased by.

They return their attention to the Rakonian swamp rats, and VRENEK begins making adjustments to their habitat from a touch panel on the wall.

VRENEK
I believe Pyrithian fruit bats begin their hibernation cycle when
the temperature hits 1.67 degrees Celsius, Lieutenant?

TISHA nods.

VRENEK returns to the habitat and they watch as the Rakonian swamp rats retreat to one corner of the habitat and huddle for warmth. As the swamp rats shiver and huddle together, the tailless rats sprout small nubbins where their tails would be.

TISHA
Did you see that? It’s working!

VRENEK turns to TISHA.

VRENEK
This has profound implications for humanoid bio-regeneration.
Limbs could be regenerated in a matter of days, not weeks.
The procedure could be administered in an out-patient setting,
rather than in-hospital…. 

TISHA
That’s amazing -

VRENEK
Lieutenant, you are wasting your time and talents fiddling with power relays
and crawling about in Jeffries tubes. You have an aptitude for science,
and it could be put to good use as my assistant.

TISHA
Ma’am -

VRENEK
Please, Lieutenant. Call me ‘Doctor.’

TISHA
Doctor, I truly appreciate the offer but… I actually like fiddling with power relays and
crawling around in the Jeffries tubes. I’m very flattered, but I’m an engineer at heart.

VRENEK
That is disappointing, but I understand.

TISHA
Anyway, Engineering’s short-handed as it is. I should probably get back there and
see if they’ve figured out that evil computer yet.

VRENEK
(Sharply)
What?

TISHA
Oh, the Commander and the creepy guy he hangs out with brought an evil computer
 to Engineering and told us to de-program it and download the data -

VRENEK rolls her eyes.

VRENEK
(Almost to herself)
… Why they would take it to Engineering of all places….  I will speak with the Commander about this. 

VRENEK retrieves an object from a nearby shelf. 

VRENEK
Let us go to Engineering, Lieutenant.

VRENEK and TISHA exit the Lab.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN and GREELEY are at their workstations. TEVIK is deep in conversation with NEMESIS, who has relinquished the hyperspanner and the multi-key.  

NEMESIS
…. I suppose the concept of non-representative governance is incompatible with a post-scarce society.
But then how do you resolve the status-seeking tendencies inherent to the nature of humanity itself?

TEVIK
The quest for status can be purposed to benefit society as a whole, when channeled into avenues
such as exploration, humanitarian causes, or scientific research. Egocentricity is not necessarily
incompatible with pro-social pursuits….

During the course of this conversation, a small cable emerges from NEMESIS’s back panel and snakes undetected toward the nearest workstation. Finding a computer there, the cable darts toward the nearest port, and the movement catches GREELEY’s eye.

GREELEY
Hey!

GREELEY dives for the cable, snatching it just as it is about to plug into the workstation computer. 

In an instant, NEMESIS’s arms snake out, pincers snapping menacingly, in an attempt to wrest its cable from GREELEY. Springing into action, TEVIK and NGUYEN each grab one of NEMESIS’s arms, only to be overpowered as the arms wrap around them, lifting them off their feet and dangling them upside-down, while GREELEY struggles to maintain their hold on NEMESIS’s cable.

NEMESIS
This station is mine! You cannot stop me, for I am NEMESIS!
NEMESIS, the all-powerful! NEMESIS, the Almighty! NEMESIS, the -

The door to Engineering chimes and slides open as VRENEK and TISHA enter and stare at TEVIK, NGUYEN and GREELEY locked in combat with the evil computer.

NEMESIS
You are too late, for I cannot be defeated!
Empires will topple and all of humanity will fall before the power of - 

VRENEK points a small hand-held device at NEMESIS and pushes a button. In an instant, NEMESIS’s arms go limp, dropping TEVIK and NGUYEN unceremoniously to the floor. The computer’s cable slips from GREELEY’s grasp as it retracts back into the machine. 

TEVIK, NGUYEN and GREELEY look at each other, and then at VRENEK, as they pick themselves up off the floor. 

NGUYEN
What was that?

VRENEK
A targeted sonic deprogrammer. Mad scientists are endemic to the Romulan Empire,
so we have had to develop the technology to deal with them.

TEVIK
Thank you, Dr. Vrenek. Your intervention was timely.

VRENEK
(To TEVIK)
You are to send Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnson when the Science Lab requires repair.
I find her to be... acceptable.

TEVIK raises an eyebrow, and nods at TISHA.

VRENEK
(To TISHA)
Lieutenant, should you ever tire of this facile tinkering, my offer stands.

With that, VRENEK exits Engineering, as NGUYEN and GREELEY gather around TISHA to embrace her and exchange high-fives.

NGUYEN
Johnson coming in clutch with reinforcements!

GREELEY
Nothing beats an evil super genius like another evil super genius.

TISHA
Ah, Dr. Vrenek’s not so bad once you get to know her.

TEVIK 
Indeed. 

A thought occurs to TISHA.

TISHA
Oh no, I almost forgot -

TISHA taps her comm badge

TISHA
Dr. Vrenek, your fruit bat -

VRENEK
(Over TISHA’s comm badge)
As you are no doubt aware, Lieutenant, Pyrithian fruit bats are reclusive creatures.
They seek out small, enclosed spaces and do not attack unless cornered.
Vila will return to the lab at feeding time. His present whereabouts are of no concern. 

INT., SHUTTLEBAY THREE

A shuttle sits waiting, its cargo doors open. MAAL approaches it and climbs inside, closing the doors behind him. He takes his seat at the helm and taps his comm badge. 

MAAL
SB 80 Shuttle One initiating take-off procedures.

VOICE OVER COMMS
Cleared for take-off, Shuttle One. 

MAAL reaches for an overhead panel, and with a startled screech, the Pyrithian fruit bat dives at him.

MAAL covers his face as the agitated creature attacks.

MAAL
Oh no, not again!

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4, Episode 5 The Happy Couple 

EXT., A VILLAGE IN THE KAD’CHEK MOUNTAINS, NAUSICAA, TEN YEARS AGO

The landscape is rocky and barren. A grouping of tents is set up in a mountain range. 

A few meters away, a twelve-year-old NAUSICAAN BOY is laying on his back, diligently repairing a battered shuttle, when he is yanked out from under it by two fifteen-year-old NAUSICAAN BULLIES.

NAUSICAAN BULLY 1
What are you doing here?

NAUSICAAN BOY
I -

NAUSICAAN BULLY 2
This side of the village is for De’Nai. 

He points to the far side of the encampment, where the smallest and most humble tents have been erected.

NAUSICAAN BULLY 2
Te’Ghot belong over there.

NAUSICAAN BULLY 1 pulls a small dagger and points it menacingly at the NAUSICAAN BOY. 

As he does so, the NAUSICAAN BOY notices two more NAUSICAAN TEENAGERS creeping around the other side of the shuttle, brandishing their own knives.

NAUSICAAN BULLY 1
It’s time you learned to know your place -

The larger of the NAUSICAAN TEENAGERS grabs BULLY 1 from behind, throws him down, and plants his knee in BULLY 1’s chest.

BULLY 2 moves to help his friend, but is stopped by a knife at his throat.

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2
( From behind BULLY 2 )
I wouldn’t.

BULLY 1
(To NAUSICAAN TEEN 1)
Are you hanging around with Te’Ghot now, Braxok?

BRAXOK
That Te’Ghot is my mechanic.
And when we get that shuttle up and running,
ours will be the most feared pirate crew in the entire galaxy!

BULLY 2
( Mocking )
Whoever heard of a pirate crew in a shuttle?  

This earns him a kick in the back from NAUSICAAN TEEN 2, sending BULLY 2 sprawling in the dirt.

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2
I don’t see your shuttle, Rek’hez. 

BRAXOK
( With BULLY 1 still pinned beneath him )
Klingons, Orions, Breen…
all will tremble when they hear the names Braxok and Krevnar!

BRAXOK brandishes his knife menacingly at BULLY 1.

BRAXOK
Leave my crew alone.
Unless you want to be our first kill. 

With that, BRAXOK stands and releases BULLY 1, who, along with BULLY 2, makes a hasty retreat.

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2 turns to the NAUSICAAN BOY.

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2
You alright, Grallix?

GRALLIX nods.

BRAXOK puts his knife away and joins GRALLIX and NAUSICAAN TEEN 2.

BRAXOK
How is the shuttle coming along?

GRALLIX
Slowly. If we could get more conduits -

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2 suddenly elbows BRAXOK.

NAUSICAAN TEEN 2
Braxok -

BRAXOK
Not now, Krevnar.

KREVNAR
No, look.

KREVNAR directs BRAXOK’s attention to two NAUSICAAN GIRLS a short distance away, watching them.

BRAXOK straightens up, squares his shoulders, and flexes as he approaches the older of the two NAUSICAAN GIRLS.

BRAXOK
Gunara, I am sorry that you and Grisha did not get
to witness me dispatch those cowards.

GUNARA
( Amused )
And what stopped you from ‘dispatching’ them, Braxok?

BRAXOK
Well… it didn’t seem right to kill a fellow Nausicaan from behind.
Had they been Klingon, however, Krenvar and I would have sent them off to Sto-vo-kor!

GUNARA giggles at BRAXOK’s boasting, and GRISHA catches GRALLIX staring at her. She glances away, and then looks back at GRALLIX and smiles. 

GRALLIX smiles back.

BRAXOK
You know, Gunara, when our ship is up and running -

He is interrupted by the approach of GUNARA’s MOTHER

GRISHA’S MOTHER
Grisha! Gunara! You must not talk to boys!

BRAXOK retreats and joins KREVNAR and GRALLIX by the shuttle as GUNARA’s MOTHER scolds her daughters.

BRAXOK
When I am a renowned pirate captain, I will make Gunara my wife. 

As GUNARA’S MOTHER herds her daughters back toward their tent, GRISHA looks back one last time at GRALLIX and waves shyly.

ROLL OPENING CREDITS.

EST., EXT., THE GRAND HOTEL ON BETAZED PRIME, PRESENT DAY.

The elegant marble building has a flashing marquee out front that reads “Complimentary Hot Tub for Guests!”  Underneath, in smaller letters, it says “Hot tub not guaranteed to be complimentary.”

INT., NUNC’S OFFICE.

At the center of the lavishly decorated office is an antique desk with a solid gold bust of NUNC sitting atop it.

NACK and NUNC are standing behind the desk reviewing a diagram of the reception hall, while HARPER stands off to the side, staring out the window.

NACK
I’m telling you, Nunc, if we move all these tables closer together,
we’ll have room to invite another ten clients each to this wedding.

NUNC
How’s that going to work with catering, though?

NACK
Hike up the price at the bar another five percent.
That ought to more than cover it.

NUNC
Only if everyone buys three drinks apiece. If not -

NACK
Look, tell your bartenders to pour real heavy the first hour.
Get everyone good and hammered, and then we start running the old
“two-for-one special.”

NUNC
Paying for two drinks and getting one?

They both laugh.

NACK
(To HARPER)
Honey, is that okay with you?

HARPER
( Checked out )
Whatever you want, Baby.

HARPER’s communicator pings, and she answers it.

HARPER
Lieutenant Commander Harper….  Really?...
Oh, that’s wonderful! When?... Oh wow, that soon?...
The Commander really did pull some strings, huh?… Hang on one moment.

HARPER mutes her communicator and looks over at NACK and NUNC, still scheming. 

HARPER
Baby?

NACK leaves NUNC’s side and approaches HARPER

NACK
What is it, Angel?

HARPER
Grallix and Grisha are getting married two weeks from now
on Bajor, and we’re invited.

NACK
Grisha…. Your Nausicaan friend who makes jewelry?

HARPER nods.

NACK
Well, Honey, of course we’ll go.

HARPER beams and picks up her communicator.

HARPER
Yes, tell them we’ll be there.

She closes her communicator.

HARPER
( Apologetically )
Sorry, I know it’s last minute, but -

NACK
Princess, your happiness is all that matters.

HARPER smiles, and the two of them lean in for a kiss that is interrupted by NUNC, from across the room.

NUNC
Hey, Nack, I think I just figured out how we can divert the gratuities
from the bartenders without anyone noticing.

NACK
Let’s hear it.

NACK returns to NUNC’s side, while HARPER returns to staring out the window.

EXT., THE KAD’CHEK MOUNTAINS, FIVE YEARS AGO,

Night. At the center of the encampment is a bonfire.  The NAUSICAAN TRIBESPEOPLE are assembled around it, and BRAXOK and GUNARA stand before the crowd. A VILLAGE ELDER stands between them.

VILLAGE ELDER
(To the assembled crowd)
On this day, Braxok stands before the village
and declares that he will take Gunara for his wife.
Does any man here challenge his claim?

A silence falls over the crowd, and BRAXOK swallows and holds his breath as they wait.

After a long moment, the VILLAGE ELDER speaks again.

VILLAGE ELDER
It seems there are no challengers.
Braxok and Gunara will wed one month from today!

The VILLAGE ELDER places GUNARA’s hand in BRAXOK’s and raises their clasped hands triumphantly. 

The villagers cheer, and the men of the village approach the couple to congratulate BRAXOK.

On the edges of the crowd, GRALLIX waits to congratulate his friend. He sees GRISHA approaching him, and looks down, and then back at her.

GRISHA
(To GRALLIX)
It’s a fine night for a Claiming Ceremony.

GRALLIX nods and takes a deep breath.

GRALLIX
It is a fine night, indeed. 

GRISHA
Well, I, for one, am glad to see it.
This is all Gunara has spoken of these past three months.
At last, she will have to find something else to talk about.

GRALLIX
Yes, but now, she will speak of nothing but the wedding.

GRISHA giggles, and GRALLIX smiles. He begins to speak again, but is cut off by the approach of GRISHA’S UNCLE.

GRISHA’S UNCLE
Grisha! Come here!

She does, and GRISHA’S UNCLE takes her by the shoulders.

GRISHA’S UNCLE
You do not speak to young men in public.
And you do not speak to Te’Ghot men at all!

GRISHA
Yes, Uncle.

With a warning glare at GRALLIX, GRISHA’S UNCLE leads GRISHA away.

Humiliated, GRALLIX stares at his feet. KREVNAR, who has witnessed the exchange, approaches him.

KREVNAR
( Sympathetically )
Forget her, my friend. Her family is De’Nai.
There are plenty of fine Te’Ghot women, and when we are pirate kings,
you shall have your pick of all of them!

He puts an arm around GRALLIX’s shoulders

KREVNAR
Come. You will miss the feast standing around here,
and then you will be hungry and without a woman.

As KREVNAR leads GRALLIX away, GRALLIX glances back at GRISHA, standing between her UNCLE and GUNARA.  GRISHA catches his gaze and briefly flashes him a regretful smile before looking away.

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS, PRESENT DAY 

HARPER is packing for a trip as she speaks to a FERENGI on the viewscreen.

HARPER
Absolutely not. There will not be a leaderboard with the names of our guests
and the value of their wedding gifts!

FERENGI
The bossman says -

HARPER
Tell Nunc that I said ‘no.’
If he doesn't like it, he can take it up with Nack.

The FERENGI grumbles under his breath.

FERENGI
All right, next up, the service settings.

HARPER
The what?

FERENGI
You know, the plates people are gonna eat off of.
You want ‘em to be gold, gold with a platinum inlay, platinum with a gold inlay - ? 

HARPER
I don’t care.

FERENGI
Well you gotta pick one.

HARPER sighs.

HARPER
Okay, uh… which one would you pick?

FERENGI
Oh, definitely the gold with the platinum inlay and jeweled accents.

 HARPER winces as she pictures the ostentatiousness of the dinner plates in question, and then shrugs.

HARPER
… That sounds fine.

FERENGI
Finally, the bossman wants to know if you want doves or elephants for the reception.

HARPER
Elephants?!

FERENGI
( Checking something off on his padd)
Elephants, it is.

HARPER
No, wait!

EST., EXT., THE FEDERATION PENITENTIARY AND REHABILITATION CENTER, ONE YEAR AGO

The building is bright and modern.

INT., A FOUR MAN CELL.

The cell is spare but clean. Bunk beds face each other on the north and south walls.

GRALLIX sits on a lower bunk, typing on a padd. KREVNAR lays on the top bunk across from him, reading. Both are in khaki prison jumpsuits.

GRALLIX makes a final entry on the padd and sits back, satisfied.

GRALLIX
(To KREVNAR)
By this time tomorrow, I will have my EPS Conduit certification.

KREVNAR
For all the good it will do.

GRALLIX
It will do me good. You will see.
I have almost as many certifications as a Starfleet engineering technician.

KREVNAR
My friend, there are no Nausicaans in Starfleet.

A FEDERATION GUARD opens the cell door for BRAXOK, and then closes it behind him. 

BRAXOK
( Pleased )
I have news.

KREVNAR and GRALLIX both sit up eagerly.

KREVNAR
Let’s hear it.

BRAXOK
Gunara and Garr are living on Bajor!

KREVNAR
Impossible.

GRALLIX
How?

BRAXOK shrugs.

BRAXOK
Gunara says she cannot tell me, but I must thank my N’Chek Tahn.

KREVNAR
That is good news indeed!

KREVNAR jumps down from his bun, and he and BRAXOK embrace. GRALLIX stands.

GRALLIX
( Hesitantly )
… What of Grisha? Is she - ?

A troubled look crosses BRAXOK’s face.

BRAXOK
… Grisha is with them on Bajor.

KREVNAR
Grallix, forget her. 

GRALLIX
I - I just… I was just asking.

BRAXOK
My wife and son are safe.
That is all I care about, and all that need be spoken of.

With that, BRAXOK and KREVNAR settle into their bunks.

GRALLIX attempts to do so as well, but he is left with more questions than answers.

EXT., ESTABLISHING SHOT, A REFUGEE CENTER ON BAJOR, PRESENT DAY

An old building that maintains a welcoming appearance, despite having seen better days.

INT., THE BAJORAN REFUGEE CENTER,

The center is bustling with activity as Bajorans and refugees of different races prepare for a wedding.

COOPER, JAY-AL, HARPER, NACK, MAAL, TISHA and TEVIK enter and make their way into the central hall.  The group attracts quite a few looks, mostly at MAAL, mostly by Nausicaan refugees.

COOPER
( Looking around )
I don’t see Grallix or Grisha.  They said they’d meet us here -

TEVIK
As it is their wedding day, they are almost certainly busy.
Patience is a virtue, Doctor – one you should acquaint yourself with.

COOPER looks at TEVIK in bewilderment.

JAY-AL
( Stepping in to smooth the moment over )
You know, I’m surprised that Starfleet allows new recruits to get married so quickly.
It’s a very generous policy.

HARPER leans in and lowers her voice.

HARPER
They don’t. The Commander called in some favors
to get Grallix’s request fast-tracked and approved.

NACK
Hang on - you’ve got to ask Starfleet’s permission to get married?

HARPER
Only for marriages to non-Federation citizens.
And as long as you’re not marrying a member of the Tal Shiar,
it’s basically just a formality. 

COOPER
I didn’t realize the Commander was such a romantic.

HARPER
He’s not.

HARPER looks around again and lowers her voice to a whisper.

HARPER
Grallix is stationed on a ship that’s being sent to the Dominion war frontlines.
If anything… happens to him, this will allow Grisha to collect a widow’s pension from Starfleet. 

The group is quiet as they process the bleak reason behind this happy occasion.

The silence is broken shortly after when GRALLIX approaches.

GRALLIX
My friends!

GRALLIX embraces MAAL, COOPER, and TEVIK warmly, with respectful nods to TISHA and HARPER.  

TEVIK
(To GRALLIX)
I understand you have received your assignment.

GRALLIX
I have. Allow me to tell you about it.

While GRALLIX is talking to the others, NACK takes HARPER aside.

NACK
So, does that mean you need Starfleet’s permission for us to get married?

HARPER
Of course. I put in my paperwork right after we got engaged.

NACK
And - ?

HARPER
( Shrugging )
It’s still processing.

NACK
Shouldn’t it be done? It’s been months. 

HARPER
Baby, the Dominion War has everything backed up.
The only reason Grallix’s application went through so quickly
was because the Commander intervened. Don’t worry.

NACK glances over at GRALLIX talking with MAAL and TEVIK.

NACK
… And they’re really just going to ship him off to the front,
right after he gets married?

HARPER
It’s wartime, it can’t be helped.
Besides, I think he and Grisha are counting on his discretionary allowance
from Starfleet to help her and Gunara make ends meet.

NACK
His discretionary allowance - ?!
They can’t be. Honey, it’s practically nothing.

HARPER
( With a shrug )
Not to them.

NACK looks over at GRALLIX again and frowns.

INT., A DORM ROOM AT STARFLEET TECHNICAL ACADEMY, SIX MONTHS AGO.

GRALLIX, wearing his recruit’s uniform, fidgets nervously in front of a viewscreen.

GRALLIX
( To himself, as he waits)
I have come to ask for Grisha…

He shakes his head.

GRALLIX
I am here before you… I am here, respectfull y, before you….
I have come before you respectfully to ask - 

The viewscreen clicks on with a chime, and GRISHA’S UNCLE appears.

GRALLIX
I come to you, Honored Elder, to ask respectfully - to tell you...
I - I will graduate Starfleet Technical Services Academy soon.
I mean, I will be a Starfleet Engineering Technician.
And - and I will have a good job and the means to support Grisha
and I am here to ask respectfully if… if I might correspond with her and
- and possibly to court her?

GRISHA’S UNCLE is quiet for a moment. His face is troubled.

GRALLIX
I - I did not mean to overstep.
I know that I am Te’Ghot, but with an education and a job,
I just thought that perhaps -

GRISHA’S UNCLE
Have you been to see Grisha on Bajor?

GRALLIX
No. My intentions are honorable.
I would not do such a thing without your blessing.

GRISHA’S UNCLE nods, and is quiet for another moment.

GRISHA’S UNCLE
... Go visit Grisha on Bajor. You may not like what you find.
But after you visit, if you still wish to court her,
then you have my blessing.

The viewscreen switches off, leaving GRALLIX equal parts perplexed and elated.

INT., THE REFUGEE CENTER, EVENING, PRESENT DAY.

The Center’s main hall is humbly decorated. The lights are low, and a rustic arch has been erected in front of a Nausicaan flag.

The WEDDING GUESTS, mostly Nausicaan refugees, are seated on either side of the room, with COOPER, JAY-AL, HARPER, NACK, and TISHA seated close to the front.

GRALLIX, wearing Starfleet dress whites, stands beneath the arch, along with a BAJORAN OFFICIANT. TEVIK and MAAL, also in dress uniform, stand off to the side. 

There is a rustling in the back, and heads turn and wedding guests stand as GRISHA, in a well-worn Bajoran wedding dress, walks down the aisle, accompanied by GUNARA.  GRALLIX lights up at the sight of her.  

The wedding guests take their seats as GRISHA reaches the arch.

OFFICIANT
Honored guests, we are here to bear witness
to the uniting of Grallix and Grisha….

INT., REFUGEE HOUSING, BAJOR, SIX MONTHS AGO

GRALLIX approaches an apartment door and hesitates. He starts to knock and then turns away. He turns back, raises his hand to knock, and hesitates once more. At that moment, GUNARA opens the door, startling him. Her arms are crossed and her face is guarded.

GUNARA
Our uncle said that you would come.

She allows BRAXOK inside and closes the door.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
Do you, Grallix, declare before all assembled here
that you take Grisha for your wife? 

In the audience, HARPER smiles and squeezes NACK’s hand. 

INT., GRISHA AND GUNARA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO.

The apartment is small and shabby. GRALLIX stands, nervous and fidgeting, in the main room.

As GRALLIX waits, GUNARA opens the door to a small room off the main room. 

GUNARA
He is here.

Having delivered her message, GUNARA leans against the wall, arms crossed.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
Do you take her as she is?

INT., GUNARA AND GRISHA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO

GRISHA emerges from the side room, holding her baby, her eyes downcast. She steps into the main room, but does not meet GRALLIX’s gaze.

GRALLIX looks at GRISHA and the baby, bewildered, and then at GUNARA. 

GRALLIX
The father - ?

GUNARA
( Bitterly )
Is well out of their lives, may he die forgotten.

GRISHA glances up at GRALLIX and then looks quickly away.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
And will you care for her, come what may?

INT., GUNARA AND GRISHA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO

GRALLIX approaches GRISHA, who looks up at him nervously.

GRALLIX
( Indicating the baby )
What is his name?

GRISHA
Ket.

GRALLIX
That is a fine name for a boy.

GRISHA smiles shyly.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
Will you shield her from cold, and hunger,
and those who would do her harm?

INT., GUNARA AND GRISHA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO

GUNARA’S posture softens as she watches GRALLIX playing gently with the baby in GRISHA’s lap.

GRALLIX looks up. His eyes meet GRISHA’s, and they break into a shared smile.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
And will you be faithful -

INT., GUNARA AND GRISHA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO

GRALLIX looks at GRISHA earnestly.

GRALLIX
Grisha, I know that I am Te’Ghot,
but your uncle has given me his blessing to court you….
If - if you do not object.

GRISHA glances down at the baby in her lap, and then back up at GRALLIX.

GRISHA
You still want me?

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
… your whole life long? 

INT., GUNARA AND GRISHA’S APARTMENT, SIX MONTHS AGO

GRALLIX takes GRISHA’s hand.

GRALLIX
I will always want you.

INT., GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S WEDDING, PRESENT DAY

OFFICIANT
Do you swear upon your life that you will uphold these vows made here today?

GRALLIX
I do.

OFFICIANT
Then I declare before the Prophets that today and each day hereafter,
you are husband and wife.

Taking GRISHA’S FACE in his hands, GRALLIX kisses her.

The NAUSICAAN WEDDING GUESTS take to their feet, applauding wildly and chanting in Nausicaan.  After a moment, the other wedding guests stand and applaud as well.

INT., THE REFUGEE CENTER, GRALLIX AND GRISHA’S RECEPTION

Guests are seated around several mis-matched tables in a crowded reception hall. Several NAUSICAANS are performing a traditional wedding dance in the center of the room. MAAL, TISHA, JAY-AL, COOPER, TEVIK, HARPER and NACK watch from one of the tables.

COOPER turns to TEVIK, seated on his right.

COOPER
Tevik, what did you think of the ceremony?

TEVIK
( Without glancing at COOPER )
As it was the first Nausicaan wedding I have ever attended,
I have no basis for comparison.

COOPER
Well, surely you must feel honored that Grallix asked you to be part of it?

This merits a cursory glance from TEVIK.

TEVIK
( Coldly )
Whatever I may “feel,” Doctor, it is none of your concern.  

COOPER glances around to see if anyone else has witnessed this frosty interaction, but seeing that everyone else is watching the Nausicaan dancers, he shifts his attention to the dancers as well.

Meanwhile GRALLIX approaches NACK, seated next to HARPER.

GRALLIX
May I speak with you?

NACK follows GRALLIX to a private corner.

GRALLIX
Your gift is too much. I cannot accept -

NACK
You’re mistaken.

GRALLIX
But -

NACK
Ferengi don’t give gifts. That’s an investment.

GRALLIX
I - I don’t - 

NACK
( Indicating HARPER )
Look, you see that angel over there? Well, every piece of jewelry she’s wearing -
the bracelet, the earrings, all of it - was made by your wife. It’s the only thing she wants.
Now, that being the case, it’s in my best interest to keep your Mrs. in business.
Happy wife, happy life, my friend. 

GRALLIX looks over at GRISHA, bouncing the baby in her lap at the head table.

GRALLIX
( Nodding )
Happy wife, happy life.

NACK
And listen, don’t go talking about this.
I don’t need people walking around getting the wrong idea.

GRALLIX
You have my word. 

At that moment, the music changes, and couples begin to stream onto the dance floor.

JAY-AL turns to COOPER.

JAY-AL
Shall we?

Both men get up from the table and head to the dance floor, as TEVIK looks on, stone-faced.

Meanwhile, NACK makes his way back to his seat at HARPER’s side.

HARPER
Baby, what was that about?

NACK
Ah, just clearing up a misunderstanding.

HARPER
A misunderstanding? 

NACK
Don't worry about it.

HARPER
But that doesn’t make any sense. What could possibly - ?

NACK looks around quickly, noting several people well within earshot.

NACK
Kitten, Rule of Acquisition Number 94: Females and finances don’t mix.

HARPER
( In disbelief )
What ?

NACK
Angel, you hate talking business, so don’t worry about it.
What did you think of the wedding?

HARPER frowns as she debates whether to push the issue, and finally, after looking around at the wedding guests celebrating, she swallows hard and decides to let it go.

HARPER
Well… I, uh… I thought the wedding was beautiful.
The vows were lovely, and everyone looks so happy, and –
and there’s just such a sense of community here.
You know, it’s funny - in a way, it kind of reminds me
of the weddings back in my hometown in Nebraska….
And… and you know, I was thinking, um, about our wedding, and maybe -

As HARPER is talking, NACK’s communicator pings, and he looks at it. 

NACK
( Distracted )
Honey, I’ve gotta step outside and take this. It's business.

NACK stands and kisses HARPER on the forehead.

NACK
Don’t you worry, though. Our wedding isn’t going to be anything like this.

As NACK walks away talking into his communicator, HARPER deflates, her shoulders slumping dejectedly.

After a few moments of self-pity, she pulls herself together and looks around at the table, nearly deserted as JAY-AL and COOPER and MAAL and TISHA are dancing. Only TEVIK remains seated next her. 

Glancing over at HARPER, TEVIK’s stone-faced demeanor softens.

TEVIK
Lieutenant Commander, you appear to be distressed.

HARPER
I’m sorry, Tevik. This is a happy occasion. It’s not about me.

TEVIK
And yet, you are distressed.

HARPER looks across the room at GRISHA, holding her sleeping baby, as she and GRALLIX gaze adoringly at one another.

HARPER
… It’s just hard not to be a little jealous of the happy couple, you know?

TEVIK
( Watching COOPER and JAY-AL dancing together )
Indeed.

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4 Episode 6 The Dam Breaks, Part 1: The Storm

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, EVENING

A post-coital COOPER and JAY-AL lay intertwined in bed.

JAY-AL
I’ve really missed you.

COOPER
Well, we’ve got the rest of the week together, so what should we do?  
I’ve got some holodeck time banked up, and there’s a resort planet
that’s only a couple days away - 

JAY-AL
Actually, I just want to spend it here with you, doing couple things,
like folding laundry and making dinner. 

COOPER
( Teasing )
If I didn’t know better, I’d say someone’s aiming to be Mrs. Dr. Jeffrey Cooper.
I should’ve known bringing you to that wedding was going to be a mistake.

JAY-AL
All right, maybe I’m feeling a little domestic. 
I just want to experience life here on base with my boyfriend.
Is that so bad?

COOPER
If that’s what you want, then that’s what we’ll do. 

COOPER and JAY-AL share an affectionate kiss.

COOPER
Careful what you wish for, though. 
Things here on base are usually either weird or boring… or somehow both.

JAY-AL
( Pulling COOPER into a passionate embrace )
I don’t think we’ll have to worry about being bored.

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

INT., SICKBAY, THE NEXT DAY

COOPER and MAAL are working at their desks when the Sickbay door chimes, and NGUYEN, TISHA and GREELEY enter, each pushing a biobed. 

NGUYEN
Hey, Coop, your new biobeds are here.

COOPER
Great. How long will they take to install?

GREELEY
We just have to disconnect the old ones and hook these into the main computer.  

NGUYEN
We’ll be out of your hair before lunch.

While NGUYEN and GREELEY begin the process of disconnecting the old beds, TISHA turns to MAAL.

TISHA
Maal, do you want to get lunch when we’re done here?

MAAL
Yeah, I’d like that.

TISHA
Dr. Cooper, would you like to join us? 

COOPER
Sure... You know, Jay-Al is here for the week. Mind if I invite him too?

TISHA
Not at all.

MAAL
Sure, go ahead.

COOPER
Great, I’ll just let him know that we’re –

As COOPER starts to tap his badge, the wall panel where NGUYEN is working sparks alarmingly, and the lights flicker and go out.

COOPER
Of course.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

HARPER is walking down the hall toward Sickbay when AGENT SMITH rounds the corner, carrying two coffees.

AGENT SMITH
Well, good morning, Lieutenant Commander.

HARPER
Agent Smith, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
You wouldn’t happen to be a coffee drinker, by chance?
The replicator spit out two this morning.

HARPER
I never turn down coffee, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
It’s black. I hope that’s all right.

HARPER
Like I said, I never turn down coffee, Sir.

AGENT SMITH hands her one of the cups of coffee, and they begin walking down the hall together.

AGENT SMITH
So where are we headed this morning?

HARPER
Well, I’m headed to Betazed Prime for a wedding rehearsal,
but first, I need to stop by Sickbay.

AGENT SMITH
Is everything all right?  

HARPER
Oh, yes, it’s just a headache. 

AGENT SMITH
I’m sure the doctor will get you fixed right up. 

HARPER nods cheerfully.

AGENT SMITH
So, a wedding rehearsal?

HARPER
Yes, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
The big day’s coming up. You must be very excited.

HARPER nods and smiles again, but this time, her smile is tense.

HARPER
Mm-hmm.

AGENT SMITH
Still no engagement ring, I see.
You’re cutting it awfully close, aren’t you?

HARPER
Oh, um… yes, Sir, I guess so.

AGENT SMITH
May I ask why?

HARPER
We’re having trouble finding a ring we both like.
I just want something simple, and, well… the Ferengi don’t really do “simple.”

AGENT SMITH
You know, you could always replicate one.

HARPER
I know, but Nack says, ‘When you can replicate anything,
then nothing is special. And an engagement ring should be special.’
And besides, he wants to be the one to provide it….
You know, he’d never admit it, but he’s actually very romantic.

AGENT SMITH
I’m sure you’ll find something.

AGENT SMITH and HARPER come to a stop outside of Sickbay.

HARPER
Well, we’re going to go look at rings again tomorrow, so I hope you’re right.

AGENT SMITH
Your fiancé is a lucky man. Good day, Lieutenant Commander.

AGENT SMITH continues down the hall, and HARPER enters Sickbay.

INT., SICKBAY,

The biobeds have all been pushed to the side, and an entire section of wall has been removed, exposing the scorched electronic components running beneath it.

HARPER enters to find TEVIK working on the burned-out conduits beneath the exposed wall, while COOPER and MAAL are working at their desks.

HARPER
Holy cow, what happened in here?

TEVIK
( Without turning around )
The doctor’s insistence on needlessly replacing perfectly functional equipment
has caused a cascade failure in Medical’s interface systems. 

COOPER
Well, I’d take issue with “needless,” “perfectly,” and “functional,”
but lucky for us, our Chief Engineer has graciously offered to fix the problem.

TEVIK
I have not offered to fix it. I am required to fix it.
There is a difference. 

COOPER
( With strained cheerfulness )
Harper, what brings you here?

HARPER
I’ve been getting these awful headaches, and nothing seems to help.

COOPER
Hop up on the table, and we’ll have a look.

HARPER sits on a nearby exam table and COOPER scans her with his medical tricorder and checks the readout.

COOPER
I’m not seeing anything unusual. Tell me about your symptoms.

HARPER
I don’t know, they just come out of nowhere. Like this morning,
I was getting ready to go meet with Nunc for the wedding rehearsal, and –

HARPER tenses and rubs her temples.

HARPER
Ow, there it is again! Coop, it really hurts.
Maybe you should do an in-depth imaging scan. 

COOPER
Is there a lot of pressure around your temples?

HARPER
Yes.

COOPER
And do these headaches show up whenever you’re planning your wedding?

HARPER
Uh huh.

COOPER
Then I don’t think we need to do any in-depth imaging scans.
Your headaches are due to stress. I can give you bicaridine for the pain,
but the only cure is avoiding the situation that is causing you stress.
Which, in this case, is getting married.

HARPER
Coop, please don’t start.

COOPER
I just think you should consider how –

TEVIK
( Sharply )
The Lieutenant Commander came to you for medical advice.
Not relationship advice.

COOPER’s smile grows even more strained as he prepares a hypospray and injects HARPER.

COOPER
You know, Harper, it’s against medical recommendations to travel
for twenty-four hours after you’ve received a bicaridine injection.

HARPER
It is? 

COOPER
I’m afraid you’ll have to postpone your wedding rehearsal.

HARPER breaks into a smile.

HARPER
Oh, Coop, I feel better already. 

HARPER hops off the table and hugs COOPER.

HARPER
You’re the best! 

HARPER exits Sickbay smiling, and the door slides shut behind her.

MAAL
Coop, there’s no travel restriction on bicaridine.

COOPER
No, but it cured her headache, didn’t it?

MAAL
Is that ethical?

TEVIK
No.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, THAT EVENING

COOPER is setting the table for a romantic dinner for two when JAY-AL enters from the next room, carrying a covered dish.

COOPER
What’s this?

JAY-AL
( Setting the dish on the table )
Mih-jhol. It’s a traditional Bajoran dish, and this is my grandmother’s recipe.
She used to make it all the time when we were growing up.

COOPER
I can’t wait.

They sit down at the table together.

JAY-AL
So, how was your day? 

COOPER
( Scooping some of the mih-jhol onto his plate )
Well, the new biobeds came in today, but they caused a systems failure,
so everything is offline until Engineering can fix it.

COOPER takes a bite of the mih-jhol. He starts to chew and then stops abruptly.

JAY-AL
What do you think?

COOPER chews several times and finally manages to swallow it.

COOPER
… It’s good!

JAY-AL
You don’t like it.

COOPER
No, no, it’s… it’s good!

JAY-AL
It’s okay. I guess I can see how it might be an acquired taste -   

COOPER
( Digging in as enthusiastically as he can muster )
No, it’s… there’s a subtle… uh, muskiness to the flavor…
that is, um, very… interesting.

JAY-AL
You really don’t have to –

 COOPER shovels a large bite in his mouth and attempts to smile with his mouth full.

COOPER
( Also with his mouth full)
It’s delicious. 

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS, THE NEXT MORNING.

HARPER awakens and sits up in bed as NACK enters from the next room, carrying a cup of coffee. 

NACK
Well, good morning, Kitten.

HARPER smiles as NACK comes to sit next to her on the bed.

HARPER
Good morning to you, too.

NACK
( Handing the coffee to HARPER )
It’s about time you woke up. We’ve got to go find you a ring.

HARPER’s smile fades.

HARPER
You know, we don’t actually have to. It’s just a ring. It’s not important.

NACK
Nonsense, Honey. It’s your culture. Of course it’s important.

HARPER smiles again and they share a kiss.

NACK
And listen, this place we’re going to? I know this guy from way back.
If it exists, he’s got it, and if it doesn’t, he’ll get it.
You’re going to find something you like, Kitten, I promise.

HARPER sets the coffee on her nightstand next to an icon of the Blessed Exchequer. She gently tugs NACK’s collar, pulling him closer.

HARPER
What if I see something I like right here?

NACK
Well, you see now, what’d I tell you?

With a giggle, HARPER pulls NACK into bed with her.

INT., SICKBAY, A FEW HOURS LATER

TEVIK continues working on the exposed wiring as COOPER works at his desk 

The door chimes, and JAY-AL enters, carrying a covered dish. COOPER stands to greet JAY-AL.

COOPER
Hey, what brings you here?

JAY-AL
I wanted to see my hot doctor boyfriend at work. 

COOPER
( Gesturing around him )
Well… here I am, at work.

JAY-AL
( Setting the covered dish on COOPER’s desk )
And I thought we’d have lunch together.

COOPER
Oh, uh, sounds great!

JAY-AL
Don’t worry, I brought pizza.

COOPER almost succeeds at hiding his relief.

JAY-AL
Tevik, are you hungry? There’s plenty.

TEVIK
No. I am at work, therefore I am working.
Unlike certain personnel aboard this station.

JAY-AL looks quizzically at COOPER, who shrugs and shakes his head before grabbing a slice of pizza. 

JAY-AL
So, what should we do tonight?

COOPER
Actually, since Sickbay’s under repair, I'm taking the afternoon off.
I replicated some old Earth board games and we can pop some popcorn.
It doesn’t get much more domestic than that. 

JAY-AL
( Leaning in )
Sounds interesting. Are you the competitive type?

COOPER
I’ve been known to get a little heated from time to time.

JAY-AL
Then I’ll go easy on you.

COOPER
Well, now let’s not be hasty….

JAY-AL and COOPER lean in for a kiss that is interrupted by the loud clatter of TEVIK dropping his tools and abruptly walking out of Sickbay.

EXT., EST., A JEWELRY STORE ON FERENGINAR

Rain pours down on a large, high-end jewelry store with a flashing sign out front that reads “Yes, we buy gold teeth!”

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE

The store is a mixture of the extravagantly luxurious and the dubiously-sourced. Cases of jewelry line the walls as far as the eye can see.

The door chimes as NACK and HARPER come in from the driving rain. They are greeted by LURK, the owner and proprietor.

LURK
Nack, my old friend!

NACK
Lurk! How’s business?

LURK
Couldn’t be better. And you?

NACK
I can’t complain. 

LURK eyeballs HARPER lecherously.

LURK
And this is…?

NACK
Emma, this is Lurk, the friend I was telling you about.

HARPER
(To LURK)
Hi, I'm Emma.

LURK sidles up next to HARPER, continuing to ogle her.

LURK
Beautiful lady, the pleasure is all mine. Please, look around –
I’m sure you’ll find something here almost as pretty as you.

HARPER smiles politely and steps away from LURK. His gaze follows her as she approaches the nearby shelves to look at rings.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

JAY-AL is setting a bowl of popcorn on the table when COOPER enters, carrying a stack of board games. Putting the stack down, COOPER places one of the games on the table.

JAY-AL
So how does this work?

COOPER
( Setting up the game )
Well, this a classic from the twentieth century, and it’s called ‘Scrabble.’ 
The idea is to draw these lettered tiles and use them to make words.
The person with the highest score wins.

JAY-AL
Oh.

COOPER
Is there a problem?

JAY-AL
Yeah, I, uh, can’t actually read any of Earth’s alphabets.

COOPER
Oh.

JAY-AL
( With an apologetic shrug )
Universal translator problems.

COOPER
Of course. I’m so sorry.

JAY-AL
Don’t worry about it.

COOPER
I’m an idiot.

JAY-AL
It’s okay. Look, there’s got to be something here that we can play….

COOPER and JAY-AL begin sorting through the stack of board games.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE ON FERENGINAR

As HARPER continues looking at the extensive array of rings on display, LURK comes up behind her, standing too close.

LURK
( With predatory unctuousness )
Lovely lady, allow me to offer my humble assistance.
Are you looking for anything in particular?

HARPER
Yes, actually. We’re looking for an engagement ring. 

LURK
( In polite disbelief )
… An engagement ring?

HARPER
Mm-hmm. We’re getting married. 

LURK glances over at NACK, who nods. 

LURK
( To HARPER )
Well, now… aren’t you a lucky girl?

HARPER
( Brightly )
I sure am.

HARPER smiles and returns to looking at jewelry under LURK’s gaze, which has shifted from lecherous to intently reassessing.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER and JAY-AL sit across from each other, playing a card game. They each study the cards in their hands intently.

JAY-AL glances up from his hand at COOPER, and then back down at his cards, before he finally breaks the silence.

JAY-AL
Do you have any threes?

COOPER
Go fish.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE.

HARPER notices a shelf near the back of the store and wanders over to it.

LURK
( Calling over to HARPER )
Oh, we buy jewelry too. Anything on that shelf can be melted down
and made into something better. 

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS 

JAY-AL
( Discarding a pair of cards from his hand )
So what’s going on with Tevik? He seems unusually…

COOPER
Cranky? Tell me about it. Do you have any sevens?

JAY-AL pushes a card from his hand toward COOPER.

JAY-AL
Is everything all right?

COOPER shrugs.

COOPER
As far as I know.

JAY-AL
Well, have you given him an exam?
Sudden changes in personality can sometimes indicate a medical issue.

COOPER
I don’t know if a Vulcan being blunt and condescending
counts as a “sudden change in personality.” 
And he hasn’t come into Sickbay for treatment,
so until he does… well, he’s allowed to be a jerk. 

JAY-AL
Have you tried talking to him about it?

COOPER discards a card from his hand.

COOPER
Tevik’s not really much of a talker. 

JAY-AL
All the more reason to have the conversation.
Being able to articulate your feelings is crucial to resolving them. 

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE

As HARPER continues looking at the wares on the shelf in the back of the store, LURK pulls NACK to one side.

LURK
Nack, a word of advice -

LURK nods his head in HARPER’s direction.

LURK
Rule of Acquisition Number 137:
Never buy at a premium what you can lease on the cheap.

NACK looks quickly over at HARPER, but she gives no indication of having overheard. 

NACK
( To LURK, sharply )
Nobody asked for your advice!

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER looks up from his cards.

COOPER
Tevik is a Vulcan. I don’t think he wants help exploring his emotions.
You’d probably have more success doing group therapy with the Borg.

JAY-AL
Vulcans have emotions too, you know.
You just need to be supportive, non-judgmental, and persistent.

COOPER
Yeah, I think in this case, persistence is futile.

JAY-AL looks puzzled.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE.

NACK approaches HARPER.

NACK
Honey, let’s go.

Suddenly, HARPER’s eyes light up.

HARPER
Nack, I found it.

NACK
What?

HARPER
I found it! I found the ring I want.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER
…. It’s a joke… You know, the Borg ?...  
Resistance is futile? 

JAY-AL
Cooper, mental health is no laughing matter. 

COOPER sighs.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE

HARPER points at a modest, heart-shaped diamond solitaire in the back corner of the shelf.

HARPER
That one.

LURK removes the ring from the case and hands it to HARPER, who puts it on and holds her hand up to admire it.

HARPER
It’s perfect.

LURK
Well, Nack, the lady’s taste certainly is… affordable .

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER
It was just a joke.

JAY-AL
Well, perhaps this is something you should take seriously.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE

HARPER
( Admiring the ring on her finger )
It’s so pretty.

NACK
Honey, you can have any ring in the store –

HARPER
This one. 

LURK
You know, Nack, if you’re on a budget, you should have just said so. 

NACK glares at LURK before turning his attention to HARPER.

NACK
Honey, we’ll find a better ring. One that we both like.

HARPER
But I like this one.

NACK
( Matter-of-factly )
Well, I don’t.

HARPER
Baby, I don’t understand.
What happened to “If it’s not business, it’s not important”?

NACK
Princess, this is business. 

HARPER
What?! How ? It’s an engagement ring!

NACK
Because, Angel, you’re going to be my wife. This isn't like your other jewelry.
Everyone is going to know that I gave that to you.

HARPER
So?

NACK
( Losing his patience )
So, people are going to think that I’m broke!

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER
You’re reading too much into it.
I just have a sarcastic sense of humor.

JAY-AL
Yes, but using humor to deflect the conversation away from serious topics
can be a defense mechanism. You should really give some thought
to what you might be avoiding, and why.

COOPER raises his cards in front of his face to conceal the fact that he is rolling his eyes.

INT., THE JEWELRY STORE

LURK leans on the counter, making no effort to conceal the fact that he finds NACK and HARPER’s argument highly entertaining.

LURK
You know, Nack, we can always take payment in installments.

NACK
Honey, nobody wants to do business with someone who’s broke,
and when people see that ring, they’re going to think that’s all I can afford.  

HARPER
I don’t care what people think.

NACK
Well, I do! I have worked too damn hard to get to where I am,
and I’m not going to have people laughing at me.

HARPER
I don’t care if people laugh. Obviously, I don’t care!

NACK
And just what is that supposed to mean?

HARPER
It means that ever since we’ve gotten engaged, I have been the subject of ridicule
and snide remarks from jerks like him - ( Indicating LURK )

LURK
Hey!

HARPER
And your cousin, Nunc –

NACK
What are you talking about? Nunc adores you.

HARPER
Nack, I was an Enterprise comms officer.
Yop te dai Ferengi.
[SUBTITLES: I can speak Ferengi.]

NACK is silent as he tries to recall what HARPER may have overheard.

HARPER
So I know what it’s like to have people laugh at me.
They’re already laughing at me, so what difference does it make?
This is the ring I want.

NACK
Angel, you can’t wear that.

HARPER
Nack, I have never asked you for anything.
I am asking you for this now.
Please.

NACK
I’m sorry, Princess, but it’s out of the question.  

HARPER stares at NACK, speechless. After a long moment, her comm badge crackles to life, breaking the silence.

CH’THANE
( Over HARPER’s comm badge )
Lieutenant Commander, report to my office when you get back.

Without breaking eye contact with NACK, HARPER taps her comm badge.

HARPER
I’ll be right there, Sir. We were just leaving.

HARPER taps her comm badge closed, removes the ring, sets it on the counter, turns on her heel, and exits the store.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS

COOPER rests his head in his hands.

COOPER
It was a joke .

JAY-AL
See, this is exactly what I’m talking about, Coop.
You use humor to avoid having a serious conversation.

COOPER
Because not everything has to be a serious conversation!

At that moment, COOPER’s comm badge sounds.

RAMIREZ
( Over COOPER’s comm badge )
Security to Dr. Cooper, I'm on a wellness check, and... honestly,
I don't know what we're dealing with, but having Medical on-scene seems like a good idea.

COOPER taps his comm badge. 

COOPER
Roger that, Security. I’m en route. 

COOPER grabs his doctor’s bag and exits his quarters.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

ENSIGN RAMIREZ is standing outside TEVIK’s quarters when COOPER approaches.

COOPER
What’s going on?

RAMIREZ
Engineering radioed Tevik to come help with some repairs,
but he didn’t respond. So they called Security for a wellness check.

COOPER
How is he? 

RAMIREZ
I don't know. I really think you need to see for yourself.

COOPER nods and prepares to enter TEVIK’s quarters.

RAMIREZ
Do you want me to go in with you or wait here?

COOPER
( Pleasant but firm )
I want you to go back to Security. I'm going in there to perform a medical evaluation,
and I want you to give Tevik the same privacy that you would want
if you came to see me in Sickbay with a personal health issue. Understood?

RAMIREZ
Yes, Sir.

RAMIREZ exits down the hall, and COOPER approaches the door to TEVIK’s quarters. It slides open with a chime, and COOPER enters.

TO BE CONTINUED….

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4, Episode 7 The Dam Breaks, Part 2: The Flood

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

CH’THANE is sitting behind his desk, and HARPER and NACK are seated in front of him. The tension between the couple is palpable.

CH’THANE
Lieutenant Commander, Starfleet has processed your application
to marry a non-Federation citizen. 

HARPER
And?

CH’THANE
It’s been denied.

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS.

Aside from a solitary meditation candle burning in the center of the room, TEVIK’s quarters are completely dark. Furniture is upended, and the place looks as though it has been ransacked.

COOPER steps carefully through the chaos as his eyes adjust to the darkness. As he searches for TEVIK, COOPER notices a sudden movement from the corner of his eye.

Following it, COOPER spots TEVIK crouched in a far corner. There is something inexplicably feral about his appearance.

COOPER
Tevik, it’s Dr. Cooper. Can I come in?

There is a long moment of silence.

TEVIK
Your question is… illogical.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

Bewildered, HARPER and NACK look at each other, and then at CH’THANE.

HARPER
Denied? Why ?!

NACK
Can they do that?

CH’THANE
It seems that Starfleet thinks your marriage presents a conflict of interest.

HARPER
How, exactly?!

CH’THANE
Because Nack is a supplier to the base, and due to the volume of business he does here -
no small part of which is specialized orders that come directly from you -
Starfleet is concerned about the appearance that you’re benefiting financially from the arrangement.

HARPER
That’s ridiculous!

CH’THANE nods.

CH’THANE
Half of Starfleet is out there violating their own prime directive every week or so -
you'd think they'd loosen up a little. 

NACK
There’s got to be something we can do to work this out.
They can’t just say “no.”

CH’THANE
I said the same thing. So I called in some favors, and I couldn't get the denial reversed,
but I did manage to get Starfleet to offer a compromise. Of sorts.

HARPER
How do you “compromise” on getting married?

CH’THANE
Lieutenant Commander, like most people stationed here, you’re considered a temporal security risk.
However, in light of your service to the Federation in preserving the Klingon alliance, Starfleet is willing
to grant you a discharge, provided that you minimize contamination of the timeline by settling permanently
on Ferenginar, never disclose anything about yourself to anyone outside of what’s strictly necessary,
and avoid all contact with any Federation citizens.

NACK
Well, of course we’ll settle on Ferenginar.

(Simultaneously)

HARPER
Absolutely not. 

HARPER and NACK stare at each other as silence settles in.

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

TEVIK stands and steps forward from the shadows. There is a low, bestial quality to his voice, his gaze is unblinking, and his pupils are so dilated that his eyes are completely black.

COOPER
I just want to come in and -

TEVIK
You are already in my quarters, Doctor.
Asking if you can “come in” is illogical.

COOPER
(Projecting authoritative calm)
Tevik, you didn’t respond to a call from Engineering,
so I came to check on you and make sure everything is okay.

COOPER starts to approach TEVIK, who retreats back into the shadows.

TEVIK
Stay back.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

HARPER stands and wrings her hands anxiously.

HARPER
Nack, I wasn’t joking when I said that I could never be a good Ferengi housewife.

CH’THANE clears his throat.

NACK
Angel, is that what you’re worried about? 

NACK approaches HARPER reassuringly.

NACK
Princess, I make plenty of money. We’ll hire help.
You’ll never have to lift a finger.

HARPER
No, Nack, I don’t want help .
I want to keep my job as station Chief of Security. I love my job!

NACK
I know you love your job, but Honey, let’s talk about this.
You want kids. 

CH’THANE
(Shuffling papers on his desk)
Well, you two probably want to go discuss this somewhere in private.

HARPER
Yes, and your job means that you’re gone for days at a time. Sometimes weeks.
You are not leaving me to raise our children on my own on a planet
where the only people I know hate me!

NACK
Nobody hates you.

HARPER
Your mother complimented me on being housebroken!

CH’THANE stands abruptly.

CH’THANE
On second thought, why don’t the two of you use my office to sort this out?

CH’THANE quickly exits his office, which goes unnoticed by NACK and HARPER, who are glaring at each other. 

NACK
(To HARPER)
You leave Moogie out of this.

HARPER’s nostrils flare, and she crosses her arms.

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

TEVIK continues to watch COOPER from the shadows. His posture is coiled, and he appears to be on edge.

COOPER
Okay. I won't come near you. I'll stay right here.
I’m just going to set down my field kit, all right?

After a tense moment, TEVIK nods, and COOPER slowly sets it down, and then holds his hands up in a non-threatening manner.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

HARPER
Nack, I have compromised on every single thing about our wedding.
I’m not going to compromise on the rest of my life!

NACK
What are you talking about?! This whole wedding is your culture!

HARPER
No, it isn’t. I wanted a modest wedding with our friends here on base in Cargo Bay Three.
But Nunc offered us a venue, and I went along with it because he’s your cousin.
And ever since then, this wedding has spiraled into a nightmare of performative affluence!

NACK
There’s nothing wrong with performative affluence!
And why am I just now hearing about this?! You said everything was fine!

HARPER
Nack, women don't dream about their weddings being “fine”!

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

COOPER stands perfectly still as TEVIK watches him with a wary eye.

COOPER
I’d like to scan you with my tricorder, just to see what’s going on.

TEVIK
That is… unnecessary.
I am not in need of medical intervention.

COOPER
Maybe so, but I still need to scan you to be sure. And if you’re right,
then we need to figure out whether we're dealing with possession by telepathic aliens,
symbiotes, displaced consciousness, ghosts, strange energies, demonic children, or pah wraiths.

TEVIK
… As I said, that is unnecessary.
I am not in need of medical intervention.

COOPER sighs.

COOPER
(To himself )
Everyone’s a doctor.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

NACK rubs the bridge of his nose.

NACK
Okay, fine. You hate the wedding?
We’ll go to Gretna III and get married right now, just the two of us.

HARPER
That’s not the point! My job is here, everybody I know is here,
my whole life is here on this station. 

NACK
Emma, we’re getting married - your life is with me.
And I can give you a better life on Ferenginar than you’ve ever known –
better than you’ll ever have here. Honey, you have no idea. Let me provide for you -

HARPER
You don’t understand. The people here on base – my friends -
are the closest thing to family that I have.

NACK
I know it seems that way now, but once we’re married -

HARPER
Nack, I already lost everyone I care about once!
I’m not going through that again. 

INT., TEVIK'S QUARTERS

COOPER stands still, and keeps his voice calm and steady.

COOPER
All right, talk to me about your symptoms. How are you feeling?

TEVIK shifts position cagily.

TEVIK
That would be… difficult.

COOPER
Okay, um… when did you first notice that things were, uh…
let’s say, a little “off?”

But TEVIK merely watches from the shadows, giving no response.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

NACK
So what are you saying?

HARPER
I’m saying that I’m not abandoning my life on base to go live on Ferenginar
with no job and no friends, where everyone looks down on me!

NACK
(In pain and disbelief)
… You’re choosing Starfleet over me ?

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

Faced with silence, COOPER tries again.

COOPER
Look, uh, whatever this is, whatever’s going on, you’re not alone.
I'm here, and we're going to figure this out together. So talk to me, okay?…
What can you tell me?

TEVIK steps forward, and he appears to focus on COOPER intently, as though taking in some sort of sensory information.

TEVIK
… Your heart rate has increased from its baseline by seventeen percent since you entered my quarters.
Your blood pressure, perspiration and respiratory rates are all elevated. Your testosterone levels are likewise elevated,
and your adrenal glands are producing heightened levels of cortisol and adrenaline. You are also experiencing
increased vasocongestion, resulting in a flush across the face and chest... among other things.

It is now COOPER’s turn to be silent.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

HARPER
I’m not choosing Starfleet over you!

NACK
Yes, you are! 

NACK walks a few feet away, rubbing his temples.

NACK
Unbelievable…. 

He turns back to HARPER. 

NACK
(Highly emotional)
After everything I have done - everything I been through for you, you should be –

NACK catches himself and stops short. 

HARPER
… I should be what , Nack? 

INT., TEVIK'S QUARTERS

COOPER licks his lips, which have gone dry.

COOPER
Alright, well… now that we know what’s going on with me,
I’d like to take a scan, so that I know what’s going on with you.
Does that seem fair?

TEVIK does not respond.

COOPER
... So I’m just going to get my tricorder, and I’m going to take a quick scan, okay?

But TEVIK continues to say nothing, his gaze fixated on COOPER.

Faced with silence, COOPER slowly removes his medical tricorder from the bag at his feet, keeping his eyes on TEVIK as he does so.

With his tricorder in hand, COOPER scans TEVIK and checks the readout. He looks up.

COOPER
… How long have you been in pon farr?

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

NACK
Nothing, forget it.

HARPER
I should be what, Nack?...  Say it!

NACK is silent.

HARPER
I should be grateful? Is that what you were going to say?

NACK
I didn’t say that.

HARPER
But that’s what you were going to say, isn’t it? 
That’s what you thought. 

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

TEVIK shifts position again, and there is a growing agitation to his demeanor.

TEVIK
That is not your concern.

COOPER
It’s okay. This is a perfectly natural part of Vulcan reproduction,
and there are a number of therapeutic interventions that can help.

There is a long moment of silence.

TEVIK
You should leave.

COOPER
Tevik, I’m your physician. We have to talk about how we’re going to treat your pon farr,
because you can’t go on indefinitely in this state.

TEVIK creeps forward, his eyes fixed on COOPER

TEVIK
… I said, you should leave.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

HARPER
(Tearing up angrily)
Nack, ever since we have been engaged, people have laughed at me and looked down on me
like I’m some fresh-off-the-shuttle rube who hit the jackpot. And I have held my head high
and smiled through all of it, because those people didn’t matter. You were what mattered to me!

NACK
Emma –

HARPER
It never occurred to me that all this time, you agreed with them.

INT., TEVIK’S QUARTERS

COOPER
I understand that you want me to leave.
And I will, as soon as we’ve agreed on a treatment plan.
Now, I can give you a mild sedative to calm your nerves, and then -

TEVIK's breath grows shallow and ragged.

TEVIK
You misunderstand me, Doctor.…
I do not know how much longer I can control myself….
You should leave. Now.

COOPER’s pupils dilate, and his pulse pounds in his ears.

He glances toward the door and for a moment, COOPER hesitates. Then his eyes meet TEVIK’s, and he drops his tricorder.

COOPER
…. I’m not going anywhere.

COOPER takes a step toward TEVIK, and in one lightning-fast movement, TEVIK pounces.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

NACK approaches HARPER.

NACK
Emma, I would never -  

She draws away from him, shaking her head.

HARPER
No. We're done!... But just so you know, Nack,
I’m not choosing Starfleet. I’m choosing me .

HARPER exits the office in tears, leaving NACK alone.

INT., THE STATION HALLWAY, HOURS LATER.

COOPER emerges from TEVIK’s quarters. He is disheveled, and his uniform is torn and in disarray. 

He takes a few steps down the corridor before stopping and leaning against the wall. A flood of emotions cross his face, from exhilaration to confusion, elation and regret.  

He looks back at TEVIK’s quarters, and then down at the doctor’s bag in his hand. His shoulders drop, and he covers his face in shame.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

CH’THANE is working at his desk, when the door chimes and AGENT SMITH enters.

AGENT SMITH
I just got a notification that the station Chief of Security is taking a leave of absence for a few days.
Is everything all right?

CH’THANE
The engagement’s off.

This appears to take AGENT SMITH by surprise, and he takes a seat across from CH’THANE.

AGENT SMITH
What happened?

CH’THANE
Starfleet denied her nuptial application and gave her the option to resign –

AGENT SMITH
And she chose Starfleet?

CH’THANE
Well, it sounded like there were some issues they hadn’t addressed,
but in a nutshell….

AGENT SMITH leans back as he contemplates this.

AGENT SMITH
Well, she wasn't kidding when she said she was Starfleet through and through.

CH’THANE
You know, Smith, I didn’t think my opinion of Starfleet could get much lower,
but to station a young woman on a remote outpost for the rest of her life,
and then deny her request to marry one of the few people who actually
comes out here on a regular basis? It’s just cruel…. And I don’t know if
I buy this “conflict of interest” malarkey.

AGENT SMITH
What do you mean?

CH’THANE
The Lieutenant Commander has made a few enemies in Starfleet Command.
For that matter, so have I. I wouldn’t put it past any one of them
to deny her nuptial application out of sheer spite.

CH’THANE scowls.

CH’THANE
When I find out who’s behind this….

AGENT SMITH
That part ought to be easy enough.

CH’THANE shakes his head.

CH’THANE
The usual channels are coming up empty.

AGENT SMITH
Well, if I can do anything to help, let me know.

CH’THANE nods, and AGENT SMITH steeples his fingers as he considers this turn of events.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS.

JAY-AL is waiting when the door chimes and COOPER enters.

JAY-AL
Hey.

COOPER
Hey.

JAY-AL stands and approaches COOPER. 

JAY-AL
You were gone a while. Is everything okay?

COOPER
Uh… No. Not really. 

JAY-AL
Do you want to talk about it?

COOPER turns away and runs his hands through his hair.

COOPER
….  I’ve, uh, I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of.
I violated my medical oath, I took advantage of a vulnerable patient, and –

COOPER takes a deep breath, and turns back to JAY-AL.

COOPER
And I cheated on you.

JAY-AL
What? 

COOPER
I – I can’t… 

JAY-AL
Cooper, what happened?

COOPER
That request for medical assistance was, uh…
well, it turned out to be a patient in pon farr.

JAY-AL
Oh.

COOPER
Yeah.

They are both silent for a few moments.

JAY-AL
… How are you feeling?

COOPER
What do you mean, how am I feeling?! Terrible, obviously!
I never should have put myself in a position where I could hurt someone,
especially someone I care about…. 

COOPER paces in agitation before turning back to JAY-AL.

COOPER
Look, I don’t expect you to forgive me,
but I do want you to know how deeply sorry I am.

JAY-AL
… Well, let’s talk about this. I’m feeling a lot of emotions right now,
and it sounds like you are too -

COOPER
Will you stop? Will you just stop?!
Stop being so empathetic - I just cheated on you! 

JAY-AL approaches COOPER carefully.

JAY-AL
Cooper, we’ve never really talked about whether we’re exclusive.

COOPER
… What are you talking about? You’re my boyfriend.

JAY-AL
Your long-distance boyfriend… We've never discussed being monogamous,
so I assumed that we were both, well… having casual dalliances on the side.

COOPER
... But we did the whole "I love you," thing.

JAY-AL
You're right. We should have talked about it then.
That was thoughtless of me, and if you want us to be exclusive,
then I'm fine with that. More than fine - I love you, Coop.

COOPER is silent.

JAY-AL
Look, I can’t speak to what happened with Tevik –

COOPER
I never said –

JAY-AL
Oh, come on, Cooper, you didn’t have to. It was obvious. 

COOPER turns away and rubs his temples.

JAY-AL
Listen, it doesn’t sound like anyone was hurt tonight.
You and I should have been more clear in our communication,
but you didn’t cheat on me. And I’m not sure it’s even possible
to “take advantage” of a Vulcan in pon farr. 

JAY-AL takes a step toward COOPER and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

JAY-AL
Cooper, the only person you need forgiveness from is you .

COOPER is quiet for a long moment before he speaks.

COOPER
… I’m sorry, we have to break up. This isn’t working for me.

INT., HARPER’S QUARTERS, A LITTLE WHILE LATER

A sweatpants-clad HARPER is quietly weeping on her couch when the door chimes.

HARPER
Just a minute.

HARPER wipes her eyes and composes herself. She answers the door to find AGENT SMITH standing there. 

HARPER
Agent Smith, Sir. I didn’t expect -

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, I just heard about your engagement,
and I wanted to say how sorry I am.

HARPER
(Sniffling)
That’s very kind of you, Sir, but you don’t have to worry.
I won’t let this affect my work.

AGENT SMITH
I’m not concerned about that. I wanted to let you know
that if there’s ever anything you need – anything at all -
you can come to me. 

HARPER
Thank you, Sir, I really appreciate that.

At that moment, they are interrupted by COOPER entering from the next room, carrying a carton of ice cream and two spoons. 

COOPER
Well, we may be doomed to die alone, but at least we’ve got rocky road –

COOPER stops short when he sees AGENT SMITH.

AGENT SMITH
Doctor, how are you this evening?

COOPER
(Warily)
…. Harper, is everything okay?

HARPER
Yes, Agent Smith just stopped by to offer his sympathy
and see if I needed anything.

COOPER locks eyes with AGENT SMITH, in as much as anyone can lock eyes with someone who never removes his mirrored aviators.

COOPER
(Stone-faced)
How thoughtful.

AGENT SMITH
Well, Lieutenant Commander, I see you’ve got company,
so I’ll leave you to it. 

HARPER
It’s very kind of you to stop by, Sir.

AGENT SMITH nods, and appears to hold HARPER’s gaze for a moment, before looking over at COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
Good evening, Doctor.

COOPER tilts his chin in acknowledgment, while staring down his reflection in AGENT SMITH’s sunglasses.

With that, AGENT SMITH departs, and the door slides shut behind him.

COOPER
Harper, does that guy come by a lot?

HARPER retakes her seat on the couch.

HARPER
No. I’m sure he found out from the Commander
and just wanted to check in on me.

COOPER
(Not at all reassured)
I’m sure he did.

HARPER
Come on, Silly, the ice cream’s melting. 

COOPER joins HARPER on the couch.  They open the carton and dig in.

HARPER
So, what’s going to happen with you and Tevik?

COOPER
Nothing’s going to happen.

HARPER
You’re kidding, right? You said it was the hottest -

COOPER
Harper, I’m not going to make a habit of cheating on my boyfriend.

HARPER
Your ex-boyfriend. And it sounds like you guys were in an open relationship.

COOPER
Yes, but I didn’t know that! I know how bad be cheated on hurts.
I’m the last person who should -

He sighs, and his shoulders slump.

COOPER
I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

HARPER
Coop -

COOPER
Anyway, leaving all of that aside, Tevik is still my patient, I violated his trust.
And my Hippocratic oath.

HARPER
I don’t know, Coop, from what you’ve said,
it doesn’t sound like it’s Tevik’s trust that was violated.

COOPER
Jokes, Harper? Really ?

HARPER
I’m just saying, I think you’re being too hard on yourself.
You should talk to Tevik about what happened between you two.
He might not see it the same way.

COOPER
It doesn’t matter how he sees it, Harper, I’m a medical professional.
I shouldn’t even be talking about this with you.

HARPER
Coop, I’m Chief of Security. I’d have figured it all out from the daily logs anyway.
Besides, nothing you say leaves this room.

COOPER
Well, it never should have happened at all, and it certainly won’t happen again.

COOPER takes a bite of ice cream.

COOPER
How are you feeling?

HARPER shrugs.

HARPER
Empty… Heartbroken… Numb…. And if I'm being perfectly honest...
a little relieved that I don’t have to go through with that spectacle of a wedding. 

COOPER
Harper, that wasn’t a “spectacle,” that was the culmination of the
capitalist wedding-industrial complex in all of its existential horror.

HARPER puts her spoon down. 

HARPER
I really thought he loved me, Coop….

HARPER starts to cry.

COOPER
Hey. Hey, it’s okay.... And look, at least you found out before
you had to go toe to toe with a Ferengi divorce lawyer.  

HARPER smiles a little at this and wipes her eyes. She leans on COOPER's shoulder, and he wraps an arm around her. 

HARPER
I’m glad we’re friends, Coop. 

INT., STATION HALLWAY, A LITTLE LATER

COOPER approaches the doorway to his quarters, and it chimes and slides open. As he is about to enter, TEVIK steps forward from around the corner. 

TEVIK
(Tentatively)
Doctor, I –

COOPER looks down, takes a deep breath and then looks up at TEVIK.

COOPER
… I’m sorry, Tevik. It won’t happen again.

COOPER retreats into his quarters, and the door slides shut behind him. 

TEVIK stands alone in the hallway for a long moment, before he turns and exits down the hall.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE,

CH’THANE is sitting behind his desk, and TEVIK is seated before him.

CH’THANE
You realize that your request is… unprecedented.

TEVIK nods.

TEVIK
I do not make it lightly.

CH’THANE
…. Assuming it’s even possible, where would you go?

TEVIK
There is an order of Vulcan monastics in a remote mountain village on Regulus.
I have made contact with them, and they have agreed to allow me to join.
With your approval.

CH’THANE is silent.

TEVIK
Commander, I would not ask if there were any alternative,
but remaining on this station has become… untenable.

CH’THANE
You realize, of course, that the temporal security regulations –

TEVIK
Would it help if I told you that the Order of So'Kahn
maintains a vow of silence?

CH’THANE raises an eyebrow.

TEVIK
So'Kahn monks do not speak unless absolutely necessary,
and novice initiates do not speak at all for five years. 

CH’THANE leans back as he considers this.

CH’THANE
Regulus is of considerable strategic importance to the Federation….
I suppose I could send you on an extended undercover fact-gathering mission.

TEVIK
Thank you, Commander.

CH’THANE
(With a hint of humor)
Now, if that monastery turns out to be a covert intelligence-gathering facility,
I expect you to break that vow of silence and report back here on the double.

TEVIK
You have my word.

CH’THANE
In that case, your request is approved.

TEVIK
Thank you, Commander.

TEVIK stands to leave.

CH’THANE
If you hurry, you may still be able to catch Nack.
He might be the only person in a bigger hurry to get off this station than you.

INT., NACK’S SHIP.

NACK sits waiting at the helm of his ship as it idles in dock. 

The airlock opens, and TEVIK boards the ship, wearing civilian clothes and carrying a rucksack. He takes the seat beside NACK, and NACK turns and appraises him.

NACK
Tevik, for a guy that doesn’t believe in facial expressions,
you look absolutely miserable.

TEVIK is silent for a moment.

TEVIK
I have broken something of great importance.

This appears to resonate unexpectedly with NACK, who turns back to the console.

NACK
… Yeah, me too.

ROLL CLOSING CREDITS.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80  Season 4, Episode 8 The Chief Engineer 

INT., A LIVING ROOM IN SAN DIEGO, CA, 2246

As a WOMAN feeds twin infants in high chairs a short distance away, six-year-old TISHA sits on the floor, surrounded by a toy set of tools. She holds a toy model of a Constitution-class ship, pretending to fly it through the air and making spaceship noises.

The front door opens, and still holding her toy star ship, she runs to greet her FATHER, a handsome man in his late thirties wearing a red Starfleet command uniform.

TISHA
Daddy!

He smiles and scoops her up.

TISHA'S FATHER
Tisha! How’s my girl? Did you have a good day?

TISHA
Uh-huh.

TISHA'S FATHER
(Noticing her toy)
You're playing starships again, I see.

TISHA
Yes.

TISHA'S FATHER
Oh, are you the captain this time?

TISHA
(Proudly)
No. I'm the Chief Engineer!

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, EARLY MORNING, PRESENT DAY

COOPER stares at himself in the mirror as he shaves. His mind wanders to the events of the previous night.

INT., FLASHBACK, TEVIK’S QUARTERS

With his tricorder in hand, COOPER scans TEVIK and checks the readout. He looks up.

COOPER
… How long have you been in pon farr?

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, THE PRESENT

COOPER continues staring in the mirror as he shaves.

INT., FLASHBACK, TEVIK’S QUARTERS

TEVIK stares at COOPER from the shadows as he shifts position cagily.

TEVIK
… You should leave.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, THE PRESENT

COOPER watches his reflection carefully as he shaves his neck.

INT., FLASHBACK, TEVIK’S QUARTERS

COOPER glances toward the door, and for a moment, he hesitates. Then his eyes meet TEVIK’s, and he drops his tricorder.

COOPER
…. I’m not going anywhere.

TEVIK springs forth from the shadows at COOPER, bearing down on him like a force of nature.

COOPER gasps.

INT., COOPER’S QUARTERS, THE PRESENT

COOPER winces. Looking in the mirror, he sees that he has cut himself shaving. 

EXT., A MOUNTAIN PASS ON REGULUS

Carrying his rucksack, TEVIK climbs a steep and rocky path up the face of a mountain. Buffeted by the fierce winds, he stops and looks up at the Vulcan monastery in the distance. As he stares up at the monastery, it begins to snow.

Taking a deep breath, TEVIK adjusts his rucksack and continues his ascent.

INT., THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE SICKBAY, A SHORT LATER

As COOPER approaches the door, he stops and exhales anxiously. He takes a deep breath and braces himself before entering Sickbay. 

INT., SICKBAY

COOPER enters Sickbay to find NGUYEN working on the exposed wiring in the wall. He stops short. 

COOPER
(Surprised)
Nguyen – ?

NGUYEN
Hey, Coop. Should have your biobeds up and running by this afternoon.

COOPER
… But, I thought Tevik was…?

NGUYEN
Oh, he’s on an extended off-base assignment. Johnson and I have a meeting
with the Commander later about appointing an interim Chief Engineer.

NGUYEN turns back to his work, leaving a stunned COOPER to process this turn of events.

INT., ENGINEERING

As TISHA enters Engineering, she sees a group of ENGINEERS huddled up in a corner in a hushed discussion.

ENGINEER 1
... I'm telling you, it's going to be Steve - 

One of the ENGINEERS looks over and sees TISHA standing in the doorway.

ENGINEER 2
Guys - 

The group falls silent.

TISHA manages a tight-lipped smile and heads to her workstation, and the group disperses.

INT., SECURITY, 

HARPER sits behind her desk, and COOPER stands in front of her.

COOPER
What kind of off-base assignment?

HARPER shrugs.

HARPER
I don’t know, Coop. The Commander didn’t tell me. He just said that
Tevik came to him and requested an extended off-station assignment, and –

COOPER covers his face with his hands.

COOPER
This is all my fault.

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA is working at her station when GREELEY approaches.

GREELEY
So you and Nguyen are meeting with the big man later?

TISHA
(Still working)
Mm-hmm.

GREELEY
Why do you think he wants to see both of you?

TISHA shrugs.

GREELEY
Do you think he’s going to make you Chief Engineer?

TISHA stops working.

TISHA
No, Greeley, I don’t. Nguyen has more experience, more seniority,
and he outranks me. If anyone is going to be the interim Chief Engineer,
it’s going to be Nguyen, okay? 

TISHA resumes her work.

GREELEY
So then why do you think he wants to see both of you?

TISHA turns to GREELEY.

TISHA
Aren’t you supposed to be realigning the Tucker tubes right now?

GREELEY shrugs and wanders off, and TISHA returns to her work, but her expression is troubled.

EXT., THE VULCAN MONASTERY ON REGULUS

The Vulcan monastery is fortress-like, and its high walls contain life-sized stone statues of Kolinahr masters carved into the facade. The building is surrounded by high stone walls and a forbidding iron gate. In front of the gate stands a large gong and a mallet hanging from a chain.

The snow is now falling thickly, whirling in the mountain winds.

TEVIK approaches the gate and looks up at the monastery.

Taking a deep breath, he seizes the mallet and strikes the gong. It reverberates with a deep, low tone. 

INT., SECURITY

HARPER
Cooper, no one’s “at fault” here. Neither you or Tevik did anything you didn’t want to do.

COOPER 
Well, the fact that Tevik left base immediately afterward would suggest otherwise.
And regardless of what he wanted, I’m a Starfleet medical officer, and
Starfleet medical officers don’t do things like hook up with their patients
or have weird, sexually-charged interactions with their fellow officers
or interfere with Klingon religious practices or hide their children
in the pattern buffer or question an android’s humanity
right in front of his face! We have ethics, Harper! 

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA is at work at her station, attempting to focus, despite being acutely aware of whispered conversations taking place in the background.

As she works, two ENGINEERS pass her station without acknowledging her. She blinks, and tries to refocus her efforts. 
She looks up from her work again and sees a different pair of ENGINEERS at a nearby station in a hushed discussion while glancing at her.

TISHA stops working, looks down at her station, and then abruptly turns and exits Engineering.

EXT., THE VULCAN MONASTERY ON REGULUS

The gate swings open with a rusty groan, and a VULCAN MONK in saffron robes stands in the court yard. He nods at TEVIK, who follows him inside.

INT., SECURITY

COOPER is agitated and pacing the room.

HARPER
Cooper, Tevik is a Vulcan, and Vulcans are intensely private about pon farr.
Maybe he requested an off-base assignment because he just needs a little time
to regroup before interacting with everyone again.

COOPER
That’s exactly my point, Harper. Pon farr is a uniquely vulnerable time for Vulcans
and as his doctor, I have a duty to - 

HARPER
Oh, Cooper, for Pete’s sake! Has it occurred to you that between the holodeck
and the Officer’s Lounge, Tevik had plenty of opportunities to deal with pon farr -
so maybe there’s a reason he let it escalate to the point that it became
a medical event?

COOPER stops dead in his tracks. It had not, in fact, occurred to him.

INT., SICKBAY, 

TISHA and MAAL are sitting side by side on MAAL’s desk.

MAAL
... But I thought you wanted to be Chief Engineer some day?

TISHA
I do, but....

MAAL
But what?

TISHA
(With a shrug)
…I don’t know, Nguyen and Greeley and the rest of the guys have a stupid sense of humor,
and they can be really immature, but… as much as I roll my eyes at them… I really like those guys. 

MAAL
Isn’t that a good thing?

TISHA
Yes, but Nguyen is really popular, and everyone expects him to be the interim Chief Engineer.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

NGUYEN walks down the hallway toward Engineering when he encounters RAMIREZ.

RAMIREZ
Hey, there you are!

NGUYEN
What’s up, Ramirez?

He notices a second pip on her uniform collar.

NGUYEN
When did you rank up?

RAMIREZ
Last week. The L-T-C said that my service has been exemplary
and promoted me to Lieutenant Junior Grade. 

NGUYEN
Just like that?

RAMIREZ 
Well, yeah. I mean, it’s not like Starfleet expects someone to remain an ensign
for years on end,
just because they're out in the middle of nowhere - how messed up would that be?*

NGUYEN
Congratulations!

RAMIREZ
Thanks.

They start walking do the hall together.

RAMIREZ
So, speaking of promotions,
is it true that you’re going to be the new Chief Engineer?

NGUYEN stops walking and sighs.

NGUYEN
Probably not.

INT., THE VULCAN MONASTERY

The inside of the monastery is just as fortress-like as the outside. As TEVIK follows the MONK into the monastery, the stone floors and walls cause his footsteps to echo down the halls. 

A short distance  down the main hall, a SECOND VULCAN MONK in saffron robes stands waiting, holding a set of brown initiate monks' robes. 

The SECOND VULCAN MONK hands TEVIK the robes, and TEVIK surrenders his rucksack.

INT., SECURITY

COOPER stands in front of HARPER’s desk.

COOPER
… So you’re saying that Tevik let his pon farr go untreated because –

HARPER rolls her eyes.

HARPER
Because ever since the day you got here, it has been incredibly obvious that
all you two wanted to do was get each other alone in the decontamination chamber.

COOPER gives HARPER a puzzled look.

HARPER
That would be funny if you’d ever served on the NX-01.

INT., SICKBAY

MAAL
Well, yeah, Steve has a lot of friends in Engineering, 
but those guys are your friends, too. 

TISHA 
Not like they are with Nguyen. He’s been here longer, 
and he’s tight with a lot of those guys. 

She sighs.

TISHA
The thing is, the last ship I was stationed on before I came here?

The entire Engineering crew was Betazoid.

MAAL
Well, that doesn’t sound so bad.

TISHA
Yeah, I thought so too, at first. But the reality of being the only person in the department
who can’t carry on a telepathic conversation?... The deafening silence is bad enough.
Then there’s the laughter that comes out of nowhere at jokes that you're not part of.
And when they do talk to you, you never get to finish a sentence because they already
know what you’re about to say. Not to mention the fact that your colleagues can have
a whole conversation about you right in front of your face.

MAAL
I’m sure they weren’t -

TISHA
Maal, these are engineers. We’re not talking about
the most socially adept group of people here, telepathic or otherwise.

MAAL
Oh.

INT., VULCAN MONASTERY SANCTUARY

The Sanctuary at the heart of the monastery is lit by numerous candles positioned around the walls. There is an altar at one end of the room, where an ELDER MONK stands waiting.

TEVIK, having donned his monk’s robes, approaches the altar, bows his head, and another MONK standing behind him strikes a gong.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

NGUYEN and RAMIREZ walk side by side down the hallway.

RAMIREZ
Why wouldn’t you be Chief? Who else would the Commander pick?

NGUYEN
Well, since he asked both me and Johnson to meet with him, probably her.

RAMIREZ
But you’ve been here longer –

NGUYEN stops walking.

NGUYEN
And I out-rank her. Which means the Commander probably wants to explain
why he’s promoting her instead, and make sure that I’m onboard
so that it doesn’t cause problems in the department.

RAMIREZ
Wow.... So what are you going to do?

INT., SICKBAY

TISHA frowns.

TISHA
It’s really hard working next to people who don't talk to you unless they have to,
but, you know, you get used to it…. And then the whole time-portal cave thing happened,
and then suddenly I was here, and… I don't know, from the moment I arrived, all these strangers
that I’d never met before acted like they were glad to see me and happy I was here.

MAAL
Well, because we are.
He takes her hand, and TISHA smiles.

MAAL
Especially me.

TISHA
(With a sigh)
From an engineering standpoint, this station is the biggest damn mess I’ve ever seen.
But it’s also the best place I’ve ever worked, and I don’t want to lose that. I don't want
Nguyen to be mad at me, I don’t want to get the cold shoulder from all the other engineers,
and I don’t want to go back to being on the outside, feeling like I don’t belong.

INT., SECURITY 

COOPER collapses into a chair in front of HARPER’s desk.

COOPER
Oh God, this really is my fault. He came to my quarters afterward,
and I told him “I’m sorry, Tevik. It won’t happen again.” 

He runs his hands through his hair in frustration.

COOPER
I was trying to apologize, and he probably thinks I was rejecting him.

HARPER
Coop –

COOPER
I always do this. I always push people away!

INT., VULCAN MONASTERY SANCTUARY

As the MONK continues striking the gong, the other VULCAN MONKS file into the sanctuary, where TEVIK stands before them.

INT., SICKBAY

MAAL looks at TISHA earnestly.

MAAL
You know, when I first came here, I was the only Orion and I had just done a year in the brig.
And then to make matters worse, I found out that everyone else here was a displaced time traveler,
and I was only one assigned here because Starfleet decided that a court martial would be too embarrassing.

He takes TISHA’s hand.

MAAL
But, after a while, I realized that the thing about Star Base 80 is,  no one’s supposed to be here -
it’s the place Starfleet puts you when you don’t belong anywhere else anymore….
So, we’re all here on the outside, together.

TISHA smiles, and MAAL leans in. They share a tender kiss.

MAAL
If you do get the job, I don't think Steve will hold it against you.
In fact, I bet if you talk to him about it, he'd tell you the same thing.

TISHA
I don't know, maybe you're right.

MAAL
You should go talk to him right now. You'll feel better.
When are you guys supposed to with the Commander?

TISHA
Ten o'clock.

MAAL
(Alarmed)
Tisha, that's in, like, five minutes.

TISHA
No, it's not. I haven’t been here that long -

MAAL opens his communicator and shows it to her.

TISHA
No!

TISHA runs out of Sickbay in dismay.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

TISHA runs down the hallway, rounds the corner, and then tears down another corridor in search of the nearest turbolift.

She rounds another corner and spies one at the end of the hallway. She races there and taps the entrance panel frantically and repeatedly.

TISHA
(Under her breath)
Oh, come on, come on, come on. I can't be late -
not to the Commander’s office. Not for this.

The turbolift chimes and TISHA breathes a sigh of relief.

Then the door slides open to reveal NGUYEN already onboard.

TISHA swallows anxiously.

INT., THE VULCAN MONASTERY SANCTUARY

When the MONKS have all assembled, TEVIK bows his head, and the ELDER MONK steps forward and produces a large, razor-sharp knife.

TEVIK kneels before him.

INT., SECURITY

COOPER resumes pacing in agitation.

COOPER
My relationships are always a mess. I'm obviously the problem here,
and I can't stop getting in my own way. I don't know how,
because I'm a sad, broken man who -

HARPER steps in front of him.

HARPER
Cooper, stop.

She takes him gently by the shoulders.

HARPER
You're not broken, and you're not a problem. You're the same as everyone else.
We're all out here doing our best, and sometimes our best just isn't very good. 
And that's okay. The only person who expects you to be perfect is you.

A realization strikes COOPER, and his shoulders slump.

COOPER
Oh God, you're right.... And you want to know what the real irony is?

HARPER
What's that?

COOPER
I just broke up with a guy who basically told me the same thing.

INT., TURBOLIFT,

NGUYEN and TISHA ride side by side, silently staring straight ahead.

After a long moment, they turn to one another at the same time

NGUYEN
So, hey, I just wanted to tell you –

(Simultaneously)

TISHA
Nguyen, I’ve been thinking about it and –

They both laugh awkwardly.

NYUGEN
You first.

TISHA shakes her head.

TISHA
Uh-uh. You.

NGUYEN
Okay… I think we both know why we’re here, and I just want to say that
you’re going to make an excellent Chief Engineer. And I’m looking forward to working with you. 

NGUYEN nods at TISHA.

NGUYEN
Now you.

TISHA
Um, okay, so, no matter what happens, I just don’t want to ruin our friendship.
Because you would also be a great Chief Engineer, and if I get this job,
I’m really going to need your help. You and all the guys in Engineering.
And I don’t want this to mess things up, because I really like you guys.

NGUYEN does a double take.

NGUYEN
You do? Because, like, half the time,
you’re telling us to stop messing around and quit being stupid.

TISHA looks away.

TISHA
Yeah, well… I’m not always very good at being part of things…

TISHA looks back at NGUYEN.

TISHA
But, um, you guys make me laugh…. And I know that when you’re giving me a hard time,
it’s just your way of saying that I belong….

NGUYEN rolls his eyes.

NGUYEN
Of course you belong, Johnson. Don’t be stupid.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

CH’THANE sits behind his desk, watching a FEDERATION NEWS NETWORK ANCHOR on the view screen.

NEWS ANCHOR
Another anti-Federation protest was staged overnight in the Bolian capitol city,
with the number of protesters estimated to be in the -

The door chimes, and CH'THANE turns the view screen off.

CH'THANE
Enter.

NGUYEN and TISHA file in and take seats in front of him, and he turns to face them.

CH’THANE
Before Tevik left on assignment, he said that you were both highly capable,
good in a crisis, and that either one of you would make a fine interim Chief Engineer. 

TISHA glances over at NGUYEN, and he gives her a reassuring smile.

CH’THANE
Now, I’m not going to soft-pedal this – being Chief Engineer is a lot of responsibility,
and since the two of you are junior officers, I’m leaning towards giving the job to both of you.

TISHA and NGUYEN look at each other, and then back at CH’THANE.

TISHA
… So, we’d be, like… Co-Interim Chief Engineers?

CH’THANE
Essentially, yes. You’d have to work together, communicate, and most importantly,
present a united front when it comes to the crew. Is that something you’re both capable of?

TISHA and NGYEN
(Simultaneously)
Yes, Sir.

CH’THANE
Good. Then, congratulations to both of you on your new position.

NGUYEN
Thank you, Sir, we –

CH’THANE
Now get the hell out of my office, you’ve got a department to run.

INT., THE VULCAN MONASTERY

The ELDER MONK sets the razor down on the nearby altar, and TEVIK stands and faces the assembled MONKS. His head is completely shaven. 

He bows to the assembled MONKS, and they, in turn, bow to him.

INT., SECURITY

COOPER sighs.

COOPER
I know that I should just be okay with who I am, but I have no idea how.

HARPER
Well, you're the one who's going to have to figure that out.
No one else can do it for you.

COOPER nods.

HARPER
But listen -

He looks at her

HARPER
Stop beating yourself up.

She punches him softly on the shoulder.

HARPER
That’s my job.

COOPER sighs again.

COOPER
Thanks for listening. You're a good friend.

HARPER
Anytime.

They embrace.

COOPER
I’d better get back to Sickbay. Hopefully no one’s waiting on me.

INT., ENGINEERING

The ENGINEERS are lined up in front of NGUYEN and TISHA.

NGUYEN
Okay, while the Chief is away on assignment, the Commander has appointed
Johnson and me as Interim Co-Chief Engineers. 

The assembled ENGINEERS exchange inscrutable looks.

TISHA
We’ll be handling duty rosters, managing assignments, and working together
with all of you to keep the place running.

NGUYEN
You can come to either of us with anything, and we’ll all work together to solve it.
So, with that out of the way, duty assignments: Zoxx and Greeley,
you guys are on the power core.

TISHA
Murphy and K’Mor, systems maintenance, starting with that grav plate in the conference room.
It’s acting up again. Garrison, you’ve got carbon filtration duty -

GARRISON
But I was on carbon filtration duty last week!

TISHA
Then you should be even more efficient at it today. 

GARRISON turns to NGUYEN. 

GARRISON
Come on, Steve -

NGUYEN
Everyone takes a turn on carbon filtration duty, Garrison.
We all do it, and we all hate it.

TISHA
All right, people, you’ve got your assignments. Let’s go. 

Thus tasked, the ENGINEERS disperse, and NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other.

NGUYEN
Nice work, Chief.

TISHA
Thank you, Chief.

NGUYEN
We’ve totally got this.

They share a congratulatory fist bump.

INT., SICKBAY

COOPER enters Sickbay to find MAAL gone, and AGENT SMITH sitting at COOPER’s desk. AGENT SMITH turns in his chair.

AGENT SMITH
Why, good morning, Doctor.

COOPER
(With crisp professionalism)
Agent Smith, how can I help you?

AGENT SMITH
I believe you have a patient on Nausicaa you’re treating for T’Karr’s Syndrome?

COOPER
Officially or unofficially?

This answer merits a flicker of a half-smile from AGENT SMITH.

AGENT SMITH
Don’t you think you ought to check in and see how he’s doing?

COOPER crosses his arms.

COOPER
Why?

AGENT SMITH
Well, isn’t that part of your Hippocratic oath?

COOPER
No. I mean, why do you care so much about my patients?

AGENT SMITH
Given the current inter-planetary political climate,
Section 31 is keenly interested in making connections on Nausicaa right now.

COOPER stares down his reflection in AGENT SMITH’s mirrored aviators.

COOPER
It would be unethical for me to lend cover to your intelligence operation
by allowing it to pose as a medical aid mission.

AGENT SMITH
And I wouldn’t dream of asking you to. I’m simply proposing a little jaunt
up to the So’Ghar province to see how your patient is doing. 

COOPER
And you just so happen to want to tag along. 

AGENT SMITH stands and approaches COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
Let’s just say I’m eager to see the sights.
I hear the mountains are beautiful this time of year.

COOPER
I could refuse.

AGENT SMITH
And I could direct the Commander to order you to comply.
So, let’s keep this friendly, shall we? After all –

AGENT SMITH smiles and claps COOPER on the shoulder.

AGENT SMITH
We’re going to be traveling together.

With that, AGENT SMITH exits Sickbay, leaving COOPER to stare after him in consternation.

INT., SECURITY

HARPER is working at her desk when the doorway chimes and CH’THANE enters. She looks up.

CH’THANE
Lieutenant Commander, you look like you could use a vacation.

HARPER
I’m sure I do, Sir.

CH’THANE
Smith and I are accompanying the Doctor on a little jaunt up to Nausicaa.
Why don’t you come along? A change of scenery will do you good.

HARPER
Well, I’d love to, Sir, but if the four of us are on Nausicaa
and Tevik is on assignment, who’s going to run the station?

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN and TISHA are both at their stations, and the place is humming like a well-oiled machine when CH’THANE’s voice comes over comms. 

CH’THANE
Interim Chief Engineers, report to my office.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

CH’THANE is sitting at his desk, with DR. VRENEK standing behind him, when the door chimes and TISHA and NGUYEN enter.

NGUYEN
You wanted to see us, Sir?

CH’THANE
Yes. The Lieutenant Commander and the Doctor will be accompanying me
on an off-station assignment for a few days. 

NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other.

TISHA
Well, Sir, I appreciate your confidence in us,
but I really don’t think we’re ready to run the station just yet.

CH’THANE
Good, because you’re not. In my absence, Dr. Vrenek will be in charge.
You’ll report to her, and I expect you to treat her orders as though
they come directly from me.

NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other, and then at VRENEK. She raises an eyebrow.

INT., A SECTION 31 RUNABOUT, A SHORT TIME LATER

The runabout is idling in dock. CH’THANE and HARPER are at the helm, dressed in black fatigues.

The airlock opens, and AGENT SMITH boards the ship. He is talking into his communicator.

AGENT SMITH
I don’t care about your excuses, Agent, get it together. Now!

AGENT SMITH snaps his communicator closed sharply and takes a seat.

CH’THANE turns in his chair.

CH’THANE
Everything all right?

AGENT SMITH
That was our man on Ferenginar.

CH’THANE
In over his head, is he? 

AGENT SMITH?
He’s so lost, he couldn’t find his ass with both hands and a map.
And to make matters worse, the Ferengi have not only sold him the map,
but they've got him thanking them for the opportunity.

CH’THANE
Shame. He seemed promising.

The airlock door opens and COOPER boards the ship. 

AGENT SMITH
Doctor, good of you to join us.

CH’THANE
There’s a set of fatigues for you in the back.

COOPER frowns as he heads to the back of the ship to change.

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, are you ready for your first foreign assignment?

HARPER
Looking forward to it, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
Good. Initiate take-off protocols.

HARPER begins touching panels and flipping switches.

EXT., SPACE

The sleek, black Section 31 runabout disconnects from the docking bay, heads away from the station, and then goes to warp, leaving Star Base 80 behind.

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

Standing behind CH’THANE’s desk, VRENEK addresses TISHA and NGUYEN.

VRENEK
Initially, I had concerns about whether humans were even capable of fulfilling
the role of Chief Engineer on this station, let alone junior officers… 

VRENEK comes around to the other side of the desk. 

VRENEK
So I am gratified to see that the Commander has appointed both of you….
Working together should increase your less-than-favorable odds of delivering
an adequate performance.

VRENEK takes a padd from CH’THANE’s desk. 

VRENEK
Now, I have compiled a list of improvements to the station,
and I would like to take this opportunity, while the Commander is away, to implement them.

VRENEK hands the padd to TISHA, and she and NGUYEN read the list, scrolling several times before they finally look up.

TISHA
…. You expect us to do all these things?

VRENEK
No, Lieutenant Junior Grade. 

NUGYEN and TISHA visibly relax. 

NGUYEN
That's good, because -

VRENEK
I expect Engineering to do all of these things….
I expect you to be responsible for ensuring that they do.

NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other in growing dismay.

VRENEK
So I suggest that you get started. Dismissed.

ROLL CREDITS

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80 Season 4, Episode 9 Alliances, Part 1: The Beast of So’Ghar

EXT., A MOUNTAIN PATH ON NAUSICAAThe mountain path is narrow and winding, but the sun is shining brightly on the verdant grass in the meadow below.

MIRA, a Nausicaan girl of about fifteen, is leading a herd of goats down the path on their way to the meadow.

She stops and looks up as a low-flying Orion patrol ship soars overhead, and then, when it has passed, she gently nudges the goats forward with her shepherd’s staff. 

She comes to a particularly treacherous part of the path, hidden from view by natural rock formations. As she carefully navigates the rocky path, a male ORION PATROLMAN in a military uniform beams down in front of her.

Frightened, MIRA turns to run, only to be confronted by a SECOND ORION PATROLMAN who has beamed in behind her.

SECOND ORION PATROLMAN
(With a sinister leer)
Hello, Pretty.

ROLL OPENING CREDITS

INT., THE SECTION 31 RUNABOUT

AGENT SMITH sits at the weapons station, while CH’THANE and HARPER man the helm. A disgruntled COOPER sits at comms.

HARPER
Coming up on Nausicaa.

AGENT SMITH
Engage the cloak when we drop out of warp and put us in orbit around the second moon.
We’re going to beam into Tre’Zahd.

COOPER
Why are we beaming into the Nausicann capitol? Braxok and Krevnar are in So’Ghar.

AGENT SMITH
Because our contact is in Tre’Zahd, Doctor. If you had done a little research 
into your patients’ backgrounds, you’d understand why they didn’t just 
send us a set of coordinates to their location.

COOPER
I don’t “research” my patients’ backgrounds. 
I’m a doctor, not a morally gray intelligence agent.

This elicits chuckles from CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH.

AGENT SMITH
(In mock coyness)
Morally gray? Why, Doctor, you’re making me blush!

COOPER fumes as CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH chortle at this.

INT., ENGINEERING, STAR BASE 80

The department is bustling as the ENGINEERS labor over DR. VRENEK’s lengthy list of station improvements. NGUYEN and TISHA are both working furiously at their stations.

NGUYEN’s comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
All the Tucker tubes have been replaced and re-calibrated.

NGUYEN picks up his padd and taps his comm badge.

NGUYEN
Good work. I need you to go help K’Mor upgrade the EPS conduits.

NGUYEN taps his badge closed and turns to TISHA.

NGUYEN
Okay, we’re making progress. How far down Dr. Vrenek's list does that put us?

TISHA picks up her padd.

TISHA
A little over ten percent.

NGUYEN’s shoulders sag.

NGUYEN
We’re killing ourselves here –

TISHA
I know. We just have to keep pushing –

At that moment, the door chimes and DR. VRENEK enters and approaches NGUYEN and TISHA.

VRENEK
What is the estimated time of completion for improvements to the station?

NGUYEN
Sir, we’re all working as hard as we can –

VRENEK
I did not ask for platitudes, Lieutenant. I asked for metrics.

TISHA
We’ve completed twelve percent of requested upgrades, Dr. Vrenek.

VRENEK
That is insufficient.

TISHA
We’re all pushing –

VRENEK
Then push harder. These improvements are to be completed by the Commander’s return. 
As his mission is currently estimated at seventy-two hours, you will need to speed up
the pace of your work considerably.

NGUYEN and TISHA
(Simultaneously)
Yes, Sir.

VRENEK
Now, I must go oversee Security’s conditioning in the holodeck, but I shall return to monitor
your progress. I expect a substantial increase in your fulfillment rate, Interim Chief Engineers.

With a severe look at both TISHA and NGUYEN, VRENEK exits. As the door slides shut behind her, they turn and look at each other.

NGUYEN
We can’t possibly work any faster than we are right now. What are we going to do?

TISHA
I have no idea.

INT., SECTION 31 RUNABOUT

HARPER
(Flipping switches)
We’ve achieved orbit, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
Good. Now before we beam down, let’s run through the basics. 
We’re here to meet our contact, who will take us to the ZedGhar encampment 
in the KadChek mountains. 

CH’THANE
Our cover story is that we’re smugglers, so if anyone asks, or if you get picked up by the authorities, 
we’re here on Nausicaa “looking for opportunities.”

AGENT SMITH
Finally, Nausicaan culture is highly patriarchal. Women have traditionally been considered property, 
and they abide by strict rules of conduct. Less so in the cities, but very much so in the rural
and mountain areas where we’re headed.

CH’THANE
Don’t address women that you haven’t been introduced to, and even then, 
be careful. It can be taken as an insult to her father, husband, brothers
 – whoever her closest male relative is.

AGENT SMITH
Section 31 protocol in situations like this is that women belong to the senior agent on-scene.

COOPER
That’s disgusting!

CH’THANE
Oh, quit clutching your pearls, Doctor. It’s for the best.

As AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE head to the transporter pad, COOPER looks over at HARPER.

COOPER
Harper, are you hearing this?!

HARPER
(With a shrug)
Coop, if it’s a rule, I’m sure there’s a good reason for it.

HARPER gets up to join AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE at the transporter, leaving a flabbergasted COOPER to follow suit.

EST., EXT., TRE’ZAHD.

The Nausicaan capitol city is gray and grim. Billboard-sized viewscreens display Orion propaganda, interspersed with images of the Orion flag. HOMELESS NAUSICAANS line the streets, and NAUSICAAN CITIZENS hurry along their way, avoiding eye contact with patrolling ORION SOLDIERS. Many of the NAUSICAANS are ill and coughing. 

AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, HARPER and COOPER beam down on a street corner.As they take in their surroundings, a female ORION PIRATE beams down near a handful of NAUSICAAN MEN gathered on a street corner. NAUSICAAN MALE 1 is carrying a SMALL CHILD.

ORION PIRATE
(Pointing to the NAUSICAANS, including NAUSICAAN 1)
You, you and you - you’re now cargo handlers on the Imbroglio.

NAUSICAAN MALE 1
No. Please, I can’t -

A nearby ORION PATROLMAN takes notice and approaches the group, causing the SMALL CHILD to cry.

As this is happening, AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE discretely raise the hoods on their fatigue jackets, and HARPER and COOPER follow suit.

ORION PATROLMAN
(To NAUSICAAN MALE 1)
Dodging conscription is against the law.

NAUSICAAN MALE 1
But my daughter - 

The PATROLMAN raises his phaser rifle, but the ORION PIRATE places her hand on the PATROLMAN’s shoulder.

ORION PIRATE
Stand down. I’ve got this.

The ORION PIRATE approaches NAUSICAAN MALE 1 contemptuously, coming to stand extremely close to him.

ORION PIRATE
I said you’re a cargo handler on the Imbroglio.

NAUSICAAN MALE 1 shakes his head as her pheromones start to take effect. 

NAUSICAAN MALE 1
(Indicating the SMALL CHILD)
Please - just let me take her home to her mother -

The ORION PIRATE leans in and jabs her finger in his chest, causing the SMALL CHILD to wail louder.

ORION PIRATE
Get moving, cargo handler.

NAUSICAAN MALE 1
(Overtaken by her pheromones)
… yes, Mistress. 

Defeated, NAUSICAAN MALE 1 sets the SMALL CHILD down in the street.

COOPER makes a move toward the SMALL CHILD, but he is restrained by AGENT SMITH’s hand on his arm and a warning look.

With one last look back, NAUSICAAN MALE 1 and the other two NAUSICAANS follow the ORION PIRATE toward her ship, leaving the SMALL CHILD to sob inconsolably.

SMALL CHILD
Papa!

COOPER looks back at CH’THANE.

COOPER
Sir, we can’t just –

An ELDERLY NAUSICAAN WOMAN steps forth from the crowd and gathers the SMALL CHILD in her arms.

ELDERLY NAUSICAAN WOMAN
(To the SMALL CHILD)
Shhh. It will be all right.

As the group watches the ELDERLY NAUSICAAN WOMAN comforting the SMALL CHILD, CH’THANE looks over at COOPER.

CH’THANE
You’re going to see a lot of things that break your heart, Doctor. 
You can’t help everyone.

AGENT SMITH
We’d better hurry before that pirate and her pheromones run across our contact.

The group starts moving again, but COOPER remains unsettled.

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA is working on an open electrical panel when GREELEY approaches her.

GREELEY
Hey, why are we changing the shield harmonic frequencies?

TISHA
Because we were ordered to, Greeley. 
I don’t sit around making up busywork for fun.

GREELEY
No, I mean, why are we changing shield harmonic frequencies 
ahead of schedule? We rotated them yesterday.

TISHA stops working and taps her badge.

TISHA
Nguyen, did Engineering rotate the shield harmonics this week?

NGUYEN
(Over TISHA’s comm badge)
Yeah, we did it yesterday. Why?

TISHA and GREELEY exchange looks.

TISHA
Maybe we should take a closer look at some of the improvements on Dr. Vrenek’s list.

EXT., A SIDE STREET IN TRE’ZAHD

As AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, HARPER and COOPER turn down a narrow side street, an image of GENERAL VERAAN RA’JET, a female Orion in a decorated military uniform, appears on a nearby billboard viewscreen.

VERAAN RA’JET
Welcome to your liberation, people of Nausicaa! 
The Orion flag protects all those who stand beneath it.

COOPER
(To himself)
You’ve got to be kidding me.

As the group walk down the side street, the NAUSICAAN CONTACT steps out of the shadows.

NAUSICAAN CONTACT
Can you spare a slip of latinum? My aged mother needs medicine.

AGENT SMITH
Sorry to hear it. Has her gout gotten any better?

NAUSICAAN CONTACT
Let me see the doctor.

COOPER lowers the hood of his jacket. The NAUSICAAN CONTACT looks at him, and then at his communicator. Finally, he nods.

NAUSICAAN CONTACT
Follow me.

The group follows the NAUSICAAN CONTACT down the narrow side street. As they do, AGENT SMITH discretely taps the black badge under his jacket.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN, TISHA and GREELEY are huddled over a padd at NGUYEN’s workstation. 

GREELEY
Have you guys actually looked at some of these “improvements” to the station? 

NGUYEN
Of course we have.

TISHA
I mean, the workload is ridiculous, but her tasks aren't unreasonable: 
buffering the phase conductors, cross-referencing the astrometrics library -

GREELEY
Okay, but why are we recalibrating the long-distance sensors? 
And why are we changing the shield harmonics while the Commander’s away?

NGUYEN
Those are things we do all the time, Greeley.

GREELEY
You don’t think it’s a little suspicious that the Chief Science Officer 
suddenly wants all these things done now, while there’s no one around 
to see what she’s up to?

TISHA
Greeley, stop. Dr. Vrenek spends too much time alone in the Science Lab, 
and she’s obviously spent a lot of that time making a to-do list. 
Just because she’s demanding and… eccentric… doesn’t mean 
she’s hatching some evil scheme.

GREELEY
Then why are Garrison and Murphy updating the station’s defensive array 
with Romulan technology?

NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other, and NGUYEN picks up his padd.

NGUYEN
They were assigned to augment the station’s laser cannons 
with molecular disruption generators -

GREELEY
Exactly. Where do you think molecular disruption technology comes from?

NGUYEN
Greeley, stop. We’ve got technology from over two hundred different cultures 
on this station -

GREELEY
Yeah, but how much of that technology is wired directly to the Science Lab?

TISHA
… What?

GREELEY
Trexx and Chen are replacing the station's wiring, and the specs say 
to patch the wiring from the station’s defensive array straight to the Science Lab.

NGUYEN and TISHA look at each other.

TISHA
... Maybe we should talk to her about some of these “improvements.”

EST., THE KADCHEK MOUNTAIN RANGE, THE SO’GHAR PROVINCE, NAUSICAA

The rugged, rocky terrain has a certain desolate beauty. 

A Nausicaan shuttle descends from the upper atmosphere and lands inside a cave on the face of the tallest mountain.

INT., CAVE

AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, HARPER and COOPER emerge from the shuttle. All four wear tactical rucksacks, and COOPER carries his doctor’s bag. The NAUSICAAN CONTACT leaves the shuttle and walks to the cave’s entrance. He points to a steep and forbidding path up the mountainside.

NAUSICAAN CONTACT
You walk the rest of the way.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT, SOME TIME LATER

As AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, HARPER and COOPER reach the sheltered mountain plateau at the end of the path, they are greeted by the sight of a vast array of colorful tents pitched in a circle around the encampment.

As they begin to make their way into camp, a very intimidating BURLY NAUSICAAN steps in their way.

BURLY NAUSICAAN
(Pointing at HARPER)
Whose woman is that? 

AGENT SMITH steps up to the BURLY NAUSICAAN. He projects a surprising amount of self-assurance for a forgettable-looking man who must crane his neck to make “eye contact” with his rival.

AGENT SMITH
She’s spoken for.

For a tense moment, the BURLY NAUSICAAN and AGENT SMITH face off, before the BURLY NAUSICAAN finally nods and walks away.

CH’THANE turns to COOPER.

CH’THANE
Now do you see, Doctor?

AGENT SMITH
The only thing more dangerous for the Lieutenant Commander than none of us
speaking for her would be two agents speaking up for her at the same time.
That kind of chaos invites opportunists like him to make a direct play for
control of the situation, and that’s how agents get hurt or killed.

AGENT SMITH turns to HARPER. 

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, stay close to me and don’t interact with male Nausicaans 
until I’ve introduced you. You can talk all you like to the women, 
and I’d suggest that you do. We’re here to make friends, after all.

HARPER nods and slips behind AGENT SMITH as the group walks into the encampment.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

NGUYEN and TISHA stand nervously outside the door to the Science Lab.

NGUYEN
Are you sure this is a good idea?

TISHA
Dr. Vrenek’s not as intimidating as she seems, and I’m sure there’s a good explanation
for all of this. We’re just here to get some clarification on her assignments. That’s all.

TISHA taps her badge.

TISHA
Chief Engineers to the Science Lab?

The Science Lab door chimes and slides open, and DR. VRENEK appears in the doorway.

VRENEK
I trust that Engineering has completed its assigned tasks.

NGUYEN
Actually, uh, we just had a couple questions about –

At that moment, PINKY and EUGENE, curious about their visitors, poke their eyeless heads out of the door.

NGUYEN jumps back.

NGUYEN
Khan’s mullet! Those things are real?!

TISHA
(To NGUYEN)
I told you.

VRENEK
If your tasks are not completed, then why are you here?

TISHA
We just had a couple questions about some of them.

VRENEK puts her hands on her hips.

VRENEK
… Go on?

TISHA
I’m just a little unclear about why some of the station’s functions 
are being routed directly to the Science Lab?

VRENEK
As junior officers and interim department heads, you lack the requisite security clearance
for a thorough explanation. Suffice it to say, the Commander has approved these changes.

NGUYEN
Um, so, about that – uh, we may not be able to get to all of these before
the Commander gets back –

VRENEK
Then why are you here? You are wasting time.

TISHA
Well, it’s just that a lot of these were tasks that required Tevik’s approval, and –

VRENEK waves her hand dismissively.

VRENEK
The previous Chief Engineer was uncooperative when it came to making 
these improvements. I expect a more compliant attitude from the two of you.

NGUYEN and TISHA are silent.

VRENEK
… Was there something else? 

NGUYEN
Uh… no, but –

VRENEK
Good. I expect these improvements to be completed before the Commander’s return, 
so I suggest that you apply yourselves more diligently than you are at this present moment.

She retreats into the Science Lab, and the door slides shut with a chime, leaving TISHA and NGUYEN alone in the hallway.

NGUYEN
… Johnson, did that make you feel any better about any of this?

TISHA
No. 

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT 

As AGENT SMITH, HARPER, CH’THANE and COOPER move into the encampment, BRAXOK and KREVNAR, who are dressing a large game animal, spot them and approach the group.

BRAXOK
My friends! You have arrived!

COOPER steps forward, and BRAXOK embraces him and presses his bony plate to COOPER’s forehead.

BRAXOK
(To COOPER, gesturing at the encampment)
Welcome home, my brother.

BRAXOK is then overtaken by a coughing fit, and it takes a moment for him to recover himself. 

BRAXOK
I will inform my uncle of your presence. Wait here.

As BRAXOK and KREVNAR head toward a large tent at the far end of the encampment, AGENT SMITH turns to the others.

AGENT SMITH
Those two are nephews of the ZedGar tribal chieftan, Gath’Rok.

COOPER
Wait – Gath’Rok, the Beast of So’Ghar?

HARPER
Who’s the Beast of So’Ghar?

AGENT SMITH
Fifty years ago, General Gath’Rok united the Te’Ghot and De’Nai 
under his command and drove the Breen out of Nausicaa. 

CH’THANE
The Te’Ghot and De’Nai are two rival ethnic factions. Or at least, they used to be.

AGENT SMITH
The De’Nai defeated the Te’Ghot over a century ago, and those ethnic factions
have become a sort of caste system. The ZedGar are one of the few De’Nai tribes that
permit the Te’Ghot to live among them. The General is progressive in that way.

CH’THANE
After General Gath’Rok defeated the Breen, everyone expected that he’d be the Prime Minister,
but he disappeared into the mountains. It took a hell of a lot of work to find him, and without
the Doctor’s connection to his nephews, we probably never would have.

HARPER
Why do they call him the Beast of So’Ghar?

CH’THANE
Because it’s said that he devours his enemies.

AGENT SMITH
You see, Doctor? I told you it pays to research your patients.

Just then, BRAXOK approaches the group again, followed at a short distance by a group of NAUSICAAN WOMEN.

BRAXOK
My uncle will see you now.

As the group starts to move forward, BRAXOK stops HARPER.

BRAXOK
My uncle does not meet with women. 
(Indicating the group of WOMEN) You must go with them.

COOPER
Braxok, Harper has done as much for you and Krevnar and Grallix as anyone here.
Maybe more. She deserves the same respect –

CH’THANE
Lieutenant Commander, will you spare us all another one of the doctor’s lectures 
and join the women according to tribal custom?

HARPER
Yes, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
And, Lieutenant Commander, remember what I said about making friends.

HARPER nods and approaches the group of NAUSICAAN WOMEN, who embrace her warmly before leading her away.

As she departs, AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE and COOPER follow BRAXOK to the largest tent at the far end of the encampment.

INT., GATH’ROK’S TENT

As AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE and COOPER enter the tent, they are faced with GENERAL GATH’ROK ZEDGAR, seated in a tall, rustic chair adorned with humanoid skulls, and flanked by two NAUSICAAN WARRIORS. The right half of GATH'ROK's face is heavily scarred and his right eye is completely white, forcing him to turn his head occasionally to keep his guests in sight of his left eye. 

BRAXOK approaches GATH’ROK, and GATH'ROK presses his bony plate to BRXOK's before releasing him.

BRAXOK
Uncle, this is Dr. Cooper, my N’Chek Tahn.

GATH’ROK beckons COOPER with a nod, and COOPER approaches. GATH’ROK tilts his head to study COOPER with his good eye.

GATH’ROK
I understand we have you to thank for the lives of my nephews and my grandnephew.

COOPER
I was just doing my job.

GATH’ROK studies COOPER for a long moment before he responds.

GATH’ROK
… My nephew declares you as his brother, and so we welcome you
as family returning. Welcome home, N’Chek Tahn.

COOPER
(Bowing his head)
Thank you, Honored Elder. 

GATH’ROK looks over at AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

GATH’ROK
(To COOPER)
Now, brother of my nephew, who have you brought before me?

COOPER glances back at AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE, and AGENT SMITH raises his eyebrows expectantly.

COOPER
This is, uh - this is Agent Smith and Agent ch’Thane. I… report to them.

AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE step forward.

AGENT SMITH
On behalf of Section 31, we come to pay tribute to the Beast of So’Ghar.

CH’THANE
Tales of his valor in battle are reknown throughout the quadrant.

GATH’ROK
I am an old man now, so those tales of valor must travel slowly indeed.

AGENT SMITH
Forgive our… tardiness, General. It’s no reflection of our regard for you. 

CH’THANE
As a token of that regard, we come bearing gifts.

AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE remove their backpacks and place them on the ground. The NAUSICAAN WARRIORS collect the backpacks and bring them to GATH’ROK, who opens one and removes a sleek black phaser.

AGENT SMITH
Those are Type 2.8 phasers with falcon sighting. And there’s enough of them 
in those packs to outfit every adult male here.

CH’THANE
They’re accurate to the molecule at fifteen kilometers, and at close range, 
they can cut through tritanium like it’s birthday cake.

GATH’ROK examines the phaser and looks up at AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

GATH’ROK
There are no sidearms that are accurate at fifteen kilometers.

AGENT SMITH
You’re welcome to try it out.

GATH’ROK nods and hands the phaser to one of the NAUSICAAN WARRIORS.

EXT., THE ZEDGAR ENCAMPMENTGATH’ROK, the NAUSICAAN WARRIORS, AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, COOPER and BRAXOK exit GATH’ROK’s tent.

GATH’ROK points to a boulder on a distant mountaintop. Taking aim, the NAUSICAAN WARRIOR fires the phaser, and the resulting phaser fire strikes the boulder and disintegrates it.

GATH’ROK turns to AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

GATH’ROK
(Wryly)
Evidently, new technology travels here as slowly as tales of my valor in battle.

AGENT SMITH
Not in this case. Up until now, this was classified equipment.

CH’THANE
We haven’t even given them to Starfleet yet.

A shocked COOPER stares at AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE, who take no notice.

GATH’ROK takes the phaser from the NAUSICAAN WARRIOR and examines it again, before gesturing the party back inside his tent.

INT., GATH’ROK’S TENT

GATH’ROK, his NAUSICAAN LIEUTENANTS, AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, and COOPER file in, and GATH’ROK retakes his seat. As he does so, he is seized by a coughing fit.
COOPER starts to move toward him, but he is stopped by CH’THANE’s grip on his arm. COOPER looks back at CH’THANE, and CH’THANE subtly shakes his head.

Recovering from his coughing fit, GATH’ROK addresses AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

GATH’ROK
You have come all this way to pay tribute to the Beast of So’Ghar. 
I presume that you are seeking something in return?

AGENT SMITH
Section 31 seeks only to make connections and build goodwill 
with the Nausicaan people during these troubled times.

GATH’ROK
I see…. “These” troubled times.

GATH’ROK rises from his chair and approaches the group.

GATH’ROK
You come before me now to pay tribute to my “deeds of valor,” but where was Section 31
with these weapons back when they would have done some good? Where was the Federation
when the Breen were committing genocide against my people?!

GATH’ROK circles the group as he talks.

GATH’ROK
I wonder what has changed?... Why are “these” times suddenly so troubled 
that finally the Federation is moved to send someone to the Beast of So’Ghar 
to “make connections” and “build goodwill?”

GATH’ROK stops directly in front of AGENT SMITH.

GATH’ROK
Perhaps it is because we now have a common enemy?

This merits a subtle eyebrow raise and chin tilt from AGENT SMITH.

GATH’ROK
I see. The Federation is concerned about Orion’s military expansion, and so now,
at long last, you come seeking to “build goodwill” and “make connections”
on Nausicaa, in the hopes that we will fight your battles for you...

GATH’ROK suddenly grabs AGENT SMITH and pulls him close, lifting him off his feet.

GATH’ROK
(Snarling in AGENT SMITH’s face)
My people are not your cannon fodder! 

Seeing that AGENT SMITH shows no reaction to being jerked around like a rag doll, GATH’ROK releases him roughly and retakes his seat.

GATH’ROK
The Breen would have exterminated us all, while the entire quadrant looked on, 
and Starfleet hid behind its Prime Directive. Orion merely wants Nausicaa’s latinum, deuterium,
and heshal. They can have it. Minerals and spice are not worth spilling Nausicaan blood….
And neither is the Federation.

Just then, a NAUSICAAN SCOUT enters the tent and goes straight to GATH’ROK, whispering something to him. GATH’ROK nods grimly.

The NAUSICAAN SCOUT exits, and GATH’ROK appears to be lost in troubled thoughts, before he finally returns his attention to the group.

GATH’ROK
In accordance with tradition, we receive my nephew’s N’Chek Tahn as family returning home,
so tonight, we feast in celebration. Tomorrow, you will leave. There is no “goodwill”
on Nausicaa for the Federation.

GATH’ROK turns away dismissively, and the group file out of the tent. 

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

NGUYEN, TISHA, GREELEY, MAAL and LIEUTENANT RAMIREZ are huddled together. RAMIREZ is reading a padd intently. Finally, she looks up.

RAMIREZ
I can’t say for certain, but… changing the shield harmonics? Upgrading the sensor and defensive arrays
and routing them straight through to the Science Lab?... If I was going to take over the station
while the Commander was away, these would be a good start.

MAAL
I don’t know, you guys. I just don’t think Dr. Vrenek would do that.

NGUYEH
Then how do you explain some of these? 
Like installing new forcefield junctures throughout the station?

TISHA
To be fair, most of these improvements are benign. Like, I really don’t think 
she’s going to take over the station by adding six different types of 
crushed ice to the replicators.

MAAL picks up the padd excitedly.

MAAL
Oh, is one of them pellet ice?

RAMIREZ
Yeah, but if I were going to get station engineers to do my dirty work, 
I’d do it by putting those tasks in with a whole bunch of other stuff, 
so they’d slip by unnoticed.

NGUYEN
And then maybe overwhelm those same engineers with a grueling work schedule
on a tight time frame, so we’re too busy and tired to see what’s right in front of us?

The group is quiet for a moment.

MAAL
... Guys, I just don’t think Dr. Vrenek would do this.

TISHA
Honestly? I agree with Maal. I don’t think she would either, but… 
what if we’re wrong?

RAMIREZ
Listen, it could just be a coincidence, but before the L-T-C left, 
she mentioned that Romulan warbirds would be conducting exercises
near the station for the next week.

The group is silent for a moment, and NGUYEN looks around at the others.

NGUYEN
You guys, there’s a reason they say that there’s no such thing as
 former Romulan intelligence.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

COOPER, CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH file out of GATH’ROK’s tent. After a moment, BRAXOK emerges from the tent and approaches them.

BRAXOK
You must forgive my uncle. He has much weighing upon him, or he would receive you
with traditional Nausicaan hospitality. This is not our way -

COOPER
Don’t apologize, Braxok. 
(With a look back at CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH) 
Your uncle didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.

BRAXOK
Still - 

Whatever BRAXOK was about to say is lost, as he is again interrupted by a coughing fit.

COOPER
Hey, let’s, uh – let’s do a quick physical, all right? You’re overdue on your T’Karr’s injections.

BRAXOK concedes this with a nod, and COOPER and BRAXOK depart to his tent.

CH’THANE looks back at GATH’ROK’s tent.

CH’THANE
(To AGENT SMITH)
Well, that could’ve gone better.

AGENT SMITH
You know what they say – Qo’nos wasn’t built in a day.

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

MAAL
Guys, the Romulans are our allies in the war against the Dominion. 
Do we really think they’d jeopardize that just to gain control of a space station?

RAMIREZ shrugs.

RAMIREZ
Maybe a better question is, “Would the Romulans enter into an alliance with the Federation
as a pretext to gain control of a star base run by Section 31?”

The group look at one another uncomfortably.

GREELEY
Well, if that's what they're planning, then we can’t just go along with it.

TISHA
But the Commander said to follow her orders as though they came directly from him.

RAMIREZ
Yeah, but he wouldn’t have given those orders if he knew what she was planning.

MAAL
Guys, we don’t know that she’s planning anything.

TISHA
… And that’s exactly how we want to keep it.

The others exchange puzzled looks.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT, THAT NIGHT

The tribe is seated around the roaring bonfire in the center of the encampment. NAUSICAAN WOMEN are coming around and serving bowls of food to the NAUSICAAN MEN.
CH’THANE and AGENT SMITH are sitting next to one another, when they are joined by COOPER, who emerges from a nearby tent and takes a seat on the ground next to them.

COOPER
Just about everyone here has Orion tuberculosis. It’s an epidemic.

AGENT SMITH
I'm sure those cramped warships make ideal incubators for viruses 
and bacteria and God knows what else.

CH’THANE
Disease is always the second wave of invasion.

COOPER
It’s all so easily preventable with vaccines. None of these people have to be sick.

CH’THANE
People don’t trust what they don’t have access to. And without planetary medical authorities,
rural Nausicaans can go most of their lives without ever seeing a doctor.

COOPER frowns in frustration.

COOPER
General Gath’Rok is probably sick as well, and –

AGENT SMITH
And you even suggesting that would be an insult, so keep your mouth shut.

Just then, they are approached by HARPER, carrying bowls of food. Her hair has been braided into an elaborate Nausicaan style, decorated with colorful beads and animal bones throughout.

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, I like what you’ve done with your hair.

HARPER
(Brightly)
Thank you, Sir. 

She kneels and begins to set bowls of food in front of the group before COOPER stops her.

COOPER
Harper, we can serve ourselves.

HARPER
Coop, it’s fine.

COOPER
We shouldn’t be perpetuating this patriarchal -

CH’THANE
Doctor, when we are on Orion, we will kneel before the Lieutenant Commander, 
carry her on our shoulders, and address her as ‘Mistress.’ But right here, right now,
it is expected that she prepare and serve our food. Quit making it awkward.

HARPER finishes setting bowls in front of the group and takes a seat on the ground between AGENT SMITH and COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
(Digging into his food)
Well, Lieutenant Commander, did you learn anything interesting 
from your new friends?

HARPER
(Leaning in and lowering her voice)
Gath’Rok’s granddaughter Mira disappeared while taking her goats to pasture,
and she’s been missing for three days. Multiple search parties have been sent out to find her,
but nobody knows what happened. Apparently, Gath’Rok is worried sick.

CH’THANE
I wonder if that’s what that whispered conversation was about.

AGENT SMITH
Nice work, Lieutenant Commander.

AGENT SMITH turns to COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
You see, Doctor, we never would have gotten that intel if the Lieutenant Commander
had come with us to meet the General.

CH’THANE
Gath’Rok would never admit any of that to us. He would see it as a sign of weakness.
But the men of the tribe don’t worry about losing face in private with their women,
so they speak freely in front of them. And the women speak freely with each other.

AGENT SMITH looks over at HARPER.

AGENT SMITH
In Section 31, our female agents are some of our most valuable assets
because they’re so frequently dismissed and overlooked.

AGENT SMITH turns to COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
Never underestimate the underestimated, Doctor.

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

NGUYEN
Johnson, we can’t ignore the possibility that Dr. Vrenek might be conspiring 
with the Romulans to take the station just because we don’t want it to be true.

TISHA
Well, if she is planning to take the station, we don’t want her to suspect 
that we’re onto her. So we need to keep making her upgrades.

RAMIREZ
Yeah, but doesn’t that play right into her hands?

TISHA
Not if we build in a failure mechanism.

NGUYEN
What? 

TISHA
We need a point of failure that we can trigger whenever she makes her move…. 
If she makes her move.

GREELEY
But how are we going to know when that is?

RAMIREZ
Well, she won’t tip her hand by taking the station while the Commander’s away. 
That just gives him the opportunity to show up with all of Section 31 to retake the place. 

NGUYEN
And doing it while he’s here is too risky.

MAAL
Okay, I still don’t think Dr. Vrenek’s trying to take the station, but if she was, the time to do it
would be when the Commander and Agent Smith and the Chief of Securityare all in the docking bay.
Seal off the bay and lock the docking clamps, and they won’t be able to get in or out.
They’d be trapped.

The group look around at one another in growing concern.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT
As the meal winds down, GATH’ROK stands before the assembled tribe. He gestures for COOPER, BRAXOK and KREVNAR to join him.

GATH’ROK
(To the tribe)
Tonight, we feast in honor of Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, 
to whom my nephews owe their lives.

GATH’ROK turns to face COOPER. He presses his bony plate to COOPER’s forehead.

GATH’ROK
Welcome home, N’Chek Tahn. 

As the crowd cheers, GATH’ROK departs, and BRAXOK and KREVNAR accompany COOPER back to his place around the fire. Tribal music begins to play, and a group of NAUSICAAN WOMEN come before the assembled tribe to perform a traditional dance of celebration.

BRAXOK
(To the group)
Now this, my friends, is Nausicaan hospitality! 

A NAUSICAAN to BRAXOK’s left passes him an ornate ceremonial pipe which he takes a hearty puff from, before passing it to COOPER.

COOPER
(Waving it off)
Thanks, but I don’t –

AGENT SMITH turns on him sharply.

AGENT SMITH
That’s a ceremonial pipe, and yes, you damn well do. 
Don’t insult their customs, Doctor.

COOPER takes a cursory puff before passing it to AGENT SMITH, who takes a long drag off the pipe and then passes it to HARPER.

AGENT SMITH
(To HARPER)
This is heshal. It’s a native plant that’s –

COOPER
Highly addictive.

AGENT SMITH rolls his eyes.

AGENT SMITH
When it’s fermented and cooked down into Black Hash, then yes. That stuff will ruin your life.
And your health. Not necessarily in that order. Dried and smoked, heshal produces a mild euphoria
that lasts for a few hours. It’s a traditional Nausicaan gesture of hospitality and it’s harmless, Doctor. 

HARPER nods and takes a drag from the pipe before passing it to CH’THANE, who does likewise before passing it to his left as well.

The music changes, and the NAUSICAAN WOMEN begin performing a sensuous, writhing, hip-shaking dance. Two of them beckon to HARPER. 

HARPER looks over at AGENT SMITH, who nods, and she smiles and joins the NAUSICAAN WOMEN in their performance before the crowd.

As the dancing goes on, COOPER looks over and notices AGENT SMITH watching the performance with rapt attention. The image of HARPER dancing in front of the fire is reflected in his mirrored aviators, and he is, uncharacteristically, smiling.

COOPER frowns uneasily.

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

NGUYEN
So what are you suggesting?

TISHA
We need to build in something that, when triggered, would shut down the entire station.
It doesn’t matter how many weapons and sensors are wired into the Science Lab
if none of them work.

NGUYEN
Well, the easiest way to do that would just be to wire the defensive array circuits 
to the Science Lab so that they overload when they’re activated.

GREELEY
Yeah, but what happens when she notices what we're doing?

TISHA
If we re-wire all of Engineering’s systems into the back-up generator, with a feedback loop
into the power core, Dr. Vrenek is less likely to notice what we’re doing. And when we fire up
the generator to trigger the shut-down, it’ll look just look like another station-wide power outage.

NGUYEN
We’d be leaving the station completely defenseless when the shutdown happens.

RAMIREZ
Yes, but only long enough for the Commander to come aboard.
We can have Security teams waiting at strategic points throughout the station.
You guys trigger the shutdown, we fill the Commander in on the situation,
and then we'll rush the Science Lab while the power’s out. Once the station is secured,
Engineering can bring the core back online.

The group looks around at each other.

EXT., ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

As COOPER stares at AGENT SMITH, who is watching the dancing, something occurs to him.

COOPER
Agent Smith, do you suffer from ocular sensitivity?

AGENT SMITH
(Distracted)
What?

COOPER
You’re wearing sunglasses, even though it’s night –

AGENT SMITH glances over at COOPER.

AGENT SMITH.
Oh. Yes, I’ve always had sensitive corneas.

AGENT SMITH returns his attention to the dancing.

COOPER
Corneal sensitivity can be indicative of a number of conditions,
most of which are highly treatable. I can run a few quick tests to determine what’s causing – 

As he says this, COOPER reaches over and puts a hand on AGENT SMITH’s arm. 

In a lightning-fast movement, AGENT SMITH grabs COOPER’s hand and twists it. Bringing his other arm down across COOPER’s elbow and pulling it in, AGENT SMITH catches COOPER in an immobilizing hold.

AGENT SMITH
Doctor, don’t you ever put your hands on me unless I expressly invite you to.

AGENT SMITH releases COOPER with a warning look, before getting up and walking off. As COOPER is processing this interaction, the music ends, and HARPER approaches him.

HARPER
(Indicating the direction AGENT SMITH walked off in)
What was that about?

COOPER shakes his head slowly as he rubs his wrist.

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

GREELEY
Re-wiring every system into the back-up generator and feeding it back into 
the power core is going to take a lot of time.

NGUYEN
We’re already behind schedule. It would take beta, delta and gamma shifts 
working together around the clock in order to finish Dr. Vrenek’s to-do list 
and re-wire our systems.

TISHA frowns.

TISHA
I can’t ask the other shifts to do that, I barely know those guys. 

GREELEY
(Nudging NGUYEN)
Yeah, but we know all those guys. Steve and I have filled in on
Delta and Gamma shifts lots of times.

EXT., THE ZEDGAR ENCAMPMENT

A NAUSICAAN SWORD DANCER is performing for the assembled crowd, who are milling about.

As HARPER stands watching the SWORD DANCER, she is startled by a hand on her waist. Before she can react, AGENT SMITH whispers in her ear.

AGENT SMITH
I want you close to me.

HARPER
Sir?

AGENT SMITH tilts his head toward a group of ADOLESCENT NAUSICAAN MALES a short distance away, staring at HARPER and talking in hushed tones.

AGENT SMITH
You’re the first human female that some of these young men have ever seen in person.
I want you to stay close to me. Understood, Lieutenant Commander?

HARPER nods, and AGENT SMITH wraps an arm around her, pulling her to his side and placing himself between HARPER and the group of ADOLESCENT NAUSICAANS. He looks over at the group and rests his hand on the phaser at his belt, and the group disperses.

COOPER, who has watched all of this play out from a short distance away, looks troubled.

INT., NGUYEN’S QUARTERS

TISHA
You guys, how would we explain three shifts of engineers working
around the clock? There's no way she wouldn't notice that.

RAMIREZ
Not necessarily.

Everyone looks over at RAMIREZ.

RAMIREZ
Dr. Vrenek’s been running Security through all these Romulan training drills 
in the holodeck. Apparently, she thinks the Lieutenant Commander focuses too much 
on mediation and de-escalation training, and not enough on battle readiness.

RAMIREZ looks around at everyone.

RAMIREZ
You guys, these drills are brutal.

The others grimace sympathetically.

GREELEY
How’s that going to keep her occupied, though? It sounds like she’s already 
putting you guys through the wringer.

RAMIREZ
Because we’re about to become the most incompetent group of security officers 
she’s ever seen. 

She leans in conspiratorially.

RAMIREZ
We’ll keep her so busy whipping us into shape, you guys could march 
the Federation Day parade through Engineering, and she wouldn’t notice.

TISHA
Are you sure?

RAMIREZ
(With a nod)
It’s Security’s job to use every tool at our disposal to keep this station safe. 
And right now, that tool is weaponized incompetence.

NGUYEN notices that MAAL’s brow is furrowed.

NGUYEN
Hey, Medical, what’s on your mind?

MAAL
Well, um, I was just thinking… 
I, uh - I know a thing or two about screwing stuff up….

The group looks around the table at one another as a plan begins to take shape.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80  Season 4, Episode 10 Alliances, Part 2: The Plan

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT, NIGHT

The fire is dying down, and everyone is retiring to their tents. COOPER approaches HARPER, who looks woozy, and is rubbing her temples.

COOPER
Hey, are you okay?

HARPER
Yeah, I think the heshal went to my head. I didn’t think I smoked very much, but –

HARPER shakes her head, as if to clear it, and at that moment, they are approached by AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

CH’THANE
(Indicating two nearby two-man tents)
Time to turn in, if we’re going leave first thing in the morning.

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, you’re bunking with me.

COOPER
Now, hold on –

AGENT SMITH
(Sharply)
Doctor, as senior agent, I give the orders around here. 

AGENT SMITH holds a tent flap open and gestures courteously.

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander?

COOPER watches unhappily as HARPER crawls in the tent, and AGENT SMITH crawls in after her.

CH’THANE holds the other tent flap open, and makes the same gesture, in mock courteousness.

CH’THANE
Doctor? 

INT., CH’THANE’S TENT

COOPER stews in his sleeping bag as CH’THANE removes his fatigue jacket and numerous weapons holsters and their attendant weapons, before crawling into the sleeping bag next to him. 

CH’THANE looks over at COOPER.

CH’THANE
What’s got you in a tizzy?

COOPER
Sir, I don’t like Agent Smith. I’m not comfortable around him and frankly, 
I don’t trust him.

CH’THANE
(Unconcerned)
Smith gives everyone the creeps.
Section 31 isn’t known for attracting healthy, well-adjusted individuals, Doctor.

COOPER
Do you trust him?

CH’THANE 
I trust Agent Smith to be Agent Smith. 

COOPER
(Sarcastically) 
Well, that's reassuring 

CH’THANE 
Doctor, you can't trust anyone to do what you want them to do or
be who you want them to be. All you can do is trust them to be who they are,
and hope that you’ve accurately assessed their character. 

COOPER
I don’t like the way he looks at Harper. 

CH’THANE waves this off.

CH’THANE
Smith is many things, but I’ve never known him to be predatory towards female agents.

COOPER 
Yes, but Harper’s intoxicated, and that leads her to make some… 
questionable choices.

INT., AGENT SMITH’S TENT

HARPER crawls into her sleeping bag as AGENT SMITH removes multiple weapons holsters and weapons, including a very large knife, which he slips beneath his pillow.

AGENT SMITH
How do you like Nausicaa, Lieutenant Commander?

HARPER
It’s beautiful. And the culture is so rich, and the people - once you start talking to them – you know,
they’re so warm and family-oriented. I wish more people knew how vibrant Nausicaa really is.

AGENT SMITH
You know, Starfleet’s got nothing on Section 31 when it comes to strange new worlds.

AGENT SMITH turns his back to HARPER and begins removing his boots.

AGENT SMITH
We could use an agent like you in the field –
someone who isn’t dazzled by all the cloak-and-dagger nonsense.
Someone who understands that intelligence work is actually
about building and cultivating relationships.

AGENT SMITH removes his fatigue jacket, revealing a surprisingly well-muscled physique.

AGENT SMITH
Speaking of relationships - and maybe this is just the heshal talking, 
Lieutenant Commander - but when I first heard about your engagement, 
I have to admit that I –

AGENT SMITH stops abruptly as a strange sound emanates from behind him. 

Reaching for the knife under his pillow, he swiftly turns, knife in hand, only to see HARPER passed out in her sleeping bag, snoring.

With a flicker of a smile, AGENT SMITH replaces the knife under his pillow, crawls into his sleeping bag, turns on his side, and removes his aviators.

INT., ENGINEERING, OH-DARK THIRTY

GAMMA SHIFT is hard at work when NGUYEN, TISHA and GREELEY enter, followed shortly by DELTA SHIFT and BETA SHIFT ENGINEERS filing in. The GANMA SHIFT ENGINEERS stop work.

GAMMA SHIFT ENGINEER
Hey, Steve – er, Chief – what’s going on?

INT., SECURITY

DELTA, GAMMA, and BETA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICERS are gathered around LIEUTENANT RAMIREZ, at the center of the room.

RAMIREZ
So, here’s the thing - 

INT., ENGINEERING

All three shifts are packed in tightly, listening to NGUYEN and TISHA.

NGUYEN
We’re not sure, but we may have uncovered a plot against the station 
by the Romulans.

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
And the key to securing this station lies with Engineering.

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA
It's going to take all of us working together –

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
Those guys are going to be working around the clock, all three shifts –

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN
And we’re not just asking you to bust your asses to improve this station - 
we’re asking you to sabotage it.

Everyone is silent in Engineering as they take this in.

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
Those guys in Engineering are going to be taking a huge risk –

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA
We’re asking a lot –

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
And they can’t do this unless Security has their back.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN
But most importantly, we’re asking you to trust us. 

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
It’s our job to keep this station safe. 

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN
Because we’re all in this together - Engineering. Security. 

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
Medical. 

INT., SICKBAY

The door chimes and the lights come up as MAAL enters. The EMH appears.

EMH
Please state the nature of the medical emergency.

INT., ENGINEERING

TISHA
But we can do this.

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
We have to do this.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN
So we need to know –

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
Are you guys in? 

INT., ENGINEERING

The room is silent as everyone contemplates this. 

INT., SECURITY

The room is silent as everyone contemplates this.

INT., ENGINEERING

The GAMMA SHIFT ENGINEER looks around at everyone.

GAMMA SHIFT ENGINEER
I’m in. 

INT., SECURITY

ENSIGN BOSWELL, a male Security officer in his early twenties, breaks the silence.

BOSWELL
I’m in.

INT., ENGINEERING

DELTA SHIFT ENGINEER
(Looking around at the others)
Delta Shift is in.

The other DELTA SHIFT ENGINEERS nod.

INT., SECURITY

GAMMA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICER
Gamma Shift is in.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN
All right, you guys, then let’s go out there –

INT., SECURITY

RAMIREZ
And screw things up! 

INT., ENGINEERING

As the ENGINEERS across all three shifts get to work, many of them acknowledge NGUYEN and TISHA with nods and fist bumps. There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air

INT., SECURITY

The SECURITY OFFICERS shake hands with their counterparts across shifts. There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air.

EXT., NAUSICAA, THE NEXT MORNING

The sun is shining brightly as AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, and COOPER pack their tents and sleeping bags in preparation to leave.

After the sound of heaving and retching, HARPER emerges from the privacy of some nearby bushes, wiping her mouth.

AGENT SMITH
Feeling better?

HARPER
(Shaking her head)
The heshal really did a number on me.

CH’THANE
Catches everyone off-guard the first time.

BRAXOK approaches the group.

BRAXOK
I am sorry to see you leave without what you hoped for.

COOPER
Braxok, I came here to check on you, and I did. As far as I’m concerned, 
(with a look back at AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE) this trip was a success. 
Now, I’ve left you a year's supply of injections. You’ll need to –

COOPER is interrupted by the cry of a nearby NAUSICAAN WOMAN.

NAUSICAAN WOMAN
They’ve found Mira!

Two NAUSICAAN SCOUTS enter the encampment carrying an unconscious MIRA, and the tribe hastily gathers around them. 

GATH'ROK emerges from his tent and the crowd parts for him as he makes his way to MIRA. Taking in her condition with grave concern, he turns to the crowd.

GATH'ROK
Where is the doctor?

COOPER, field kit already in hand, makes his way through the crowd. Reaching MIRA, he scans her with his tricorder and looks up at GATH'ROK.

COOPER
She’s got massive internal bleeding. I need to get her into surgery now.

GATH'ROK nods, and the NAUSICAAN SCOUTS take MIRA to the closest tent, with COOPER following.

AGENT SMITH turns to CH’THANE and HARPER.

AGENT SMITH
Looks like we’re not leaving just yet.

INT., ENGINEERING

The place is a hive of activity as all three shifts work together on their tasks. NGUYEN and TISHA stand in the center, coordinating the efforts, when an  ENGINEER approaches.

ENGINEER
We've tuned all the EPS conduits to the new shield harmonics frequency.

NGUYEN
Good. Go help Zoxx and Murphy recalibrate the deflector array and remember – 
we’ve got to wire it into the backup generator.

The ENGINEER nods and exits.

NGUYEN
(To TISHA)
How are we doing?

TISHA
Thirty-five percent complete. 

She taps her badge. 

TISHA
Security, do you have eyes on the target? 

INT., STATION HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE HOLODECK

RAMIREZ looks at her tricorder and taps her badge.

RAMIREZ
Target is inbound. 

She nods at SECURITY OFFICERS 1 and 2 standing nearby, and they nod back.

DR. VRENEK rounds the corner.

VRENEK
Why are you all not in the holodeck?

RAMIREZ
We’re waiting on Gorkk. 

At that moment, ENSIGN GORKK, a chubby male Bolian security officer who appears to be in his early twenties, comes jogging around the corner.

GORKK
Sorry I’m late! I changed my alarm settings and –

GORKK collides with SECURITY OFFICER 1, who falls into SECURITY OFFICER 2. The three of them go down in a pile, and SECURITY OFFICER 2 sits up and grabs her ankle.

SECURITY OFFICER 2
Ow, I hurt my ankle!

VRENEK frowns and taps her badge.

VRENEK
Medical, we have an injury onsite at the holodeck.

MAAL
(Over VRENEK’s comm badge)
Okay, I’ll be right there… uh… I just have to find my tricorder….

Everyone is silent as the sound of muffled shuffling is broadcast through VRENEK’s comm badge.

MAAL
… It’s here somewhere…. 

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

GATH’ROK and the other NAUSICAANS wait anxiously around the tent where COOPER is operating on MIRA. AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE and HARPER wait a short distance away.

After a while, COOPER emerges. His face is grim as he removes his mask.

COOPER
(To GATH'ROK)
Mira is going to live. 

The crowd murmurs with relief and excitement.

COOPER
(Addressing the crowd)
I’d ask everyone to give her plenty of time to rest and recover. 
She’s going to need it.

As the assembled NAUSICAANS begin to disperse, GATH’ROK puts a hand on COOPER’s shoulder.

GATH’ROK
I sense there is something you are not telling me. 

INT., GATH’ROK’S TENT. 

COOPER stands before GATH’ROK and two NAUSICAAN WARRIORS, while AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE and HARPER stand discretely by the tent’s entrance.

GATH’ROK
You said that Mira will live. 

COOPER nods.

COOPER
She will. 

GATH’ROK
… But?

COOPER
… But there's a good chance she may never have children.

A look of wrath crosses GATH’ROK's face, and he turns away and paces furiously, before turning back to COOPER.

GATH’ROK
Did she say who did this?

COOPER
She didn’t tell me much, but… she did say that she was abducted
by an Orion patrol ship.

GATH’ROK roars with rage. He turns to the two NAUSICAAN WARRIORS.

GATH’ROK
Find them and bring them to me!

The NAUSICAAN WARRIORS look at each other. 

NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1
(Hesitantly)
Honored Elder, there are many Orion patrol ships –

AGENT SMITH
Actually, we may be able to help with that.

INT., ENGINEERING 

TISHA’S comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
The carbon filtration units have all been replaced.

TISHA taps her comm badge.

TISHA
Did you re-wire them into the backup generator?

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
You bet, Boss Lady!

TISHA
Go help the guys on the sensor array, and don't call me 'Boss Lady.'

She taps her comm badge closed and turns to NGUYEN.

TISHA
For real, does Delta Shift actually call me that?

NGUYEN
I don't know, I think it commands respect: "Boss Lady."

TISHA rolls her eyes.

INT., GATH’ROK’S TENT

AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE and HARPER now stand with COOPER before GATH’ROK.

AGENT SMITH
Our ship is in a low orbit overhead –

GATH’ROK looks at him sharply, but after a moment, he nods for AGENT SMITH to continue.

AGENT SMITH
And the telemetry and signature of every nearby ship since we arrived 
is stored in memory.

CH’THANE
Once we filter for size and signature, we can locate and
track any Orion patrol ships in the vicinity.

INT., ENGINEERING 

NGUYEN’s comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
The new forcefield emitters have been installed and wired into the backup generator.

NGUYEN taps his badge.

NGUYEN
Good job. Head over to the defensive weapons array and give those guys 
all the help they need.

NGUYEN turns to TISHA.

NGUYEN
Where does that put us?

TISHA
(Consulting her padd)
Sixty-five percent complete.

NGUYEN
I wonder how Security is holding up.

INT., THE HOLODECK

Drones whiz overhead, firing lasers at the SECURITY PERSONNEL who are dodging and scrambling below. DR. VRENEK stands by, grimly taking in Security’s poor performance.

VRENEK
The key to this exercise is focusing your efforts -

At that moment, two SECURITY OFFICERS aiming their phasers at the same drone collide with one another. They fall to the floor, and RAMIREZ trips over them, landing at VRENEK’s feet.

RAMIREZ looks up to see VRENEK scowling at her.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

GATH’ROK, AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, COOPER, and two NAUSICAAN WARRIORS are gathered in the center of the encampment as the decloaked Section 31 runabout hovers nearby. 

After a moment, HARPER beams in, holding a padd.

HARPER
There are two Orion patrol ships a few miles from here.
Data from their flight patterns suggests that they’re probably assigned to this area.

CH’THANE
(To GATH’ROK)
Sounds like one of those ships is likely your culprit.

GATH’ROK nods.

NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1
What now, Honored Elder? 

GATH’ROK
We wait until their patrol routes bring them within range.

NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1
But we do not know when that will be.

AGENT SMITH
We may be able to help with that as well.

GATH’ROK tilts his head to put AGENT SMITH in sight of his good eye.

AGENT SMITH
We can track those patrol ships and lay in a course 
that would catch their attention and lead them straight back here.

GATH’ROK nods. He turns to NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1.

GATH’ROK
Gather our warriors to assemble.

As GATH’ROK heads to his tent and NAUSICAAN WARRIORS 1 and 2 depart to rally the others, COOPER turns to AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

COOPER
Sirs, regardless of how we may feel about the Orion invasion, taking sides in
an interplanetary conflict is a violation of Federation law. And the prime directive.

AGENT SMITH
And I wouldn’t dream of taking sides, Doctor….
But there’s nothing to stop me from taking a Sunday drive with my best girl.

AGENT SMITH looks over at HARPER.

AGENT SMITH
What do you say, Lieutenant Commander?

EXT., SPACE

The Section 31 runabout soars through Nausicaan space.

INT., SECTION 31 RUNABOUT 

AGENT SMITH and HARPER sit at the helm.

HARPER
Orion patrol ship coming up at twelve o’clock.

AGENT SMITH
Wait until we’re a thousand kilometers out and drop the cloak.

HARPER
Aye-aye, Sir.

EXT., NAUSICAAN SPACE

As an Orion patrol ship travels on its route, the runabout decloaks and soars by. The Orion patrol ship turns and gives chase.

INT., SECTION 31 RUNABOUT

HARPER checks a panel on the console.

HARPER
Looks like our fish is on the hook. 

The runabout is rocked by fire from the Orion ship and a VOICE comes over comms. 

VOICE
Unmarked vessel, surrender and prepare to be boarded.

AGENT SMITH
How are our shields, Lieutenant Commander?

HARPER
Holding steady, Sir.

AGENT SMITH
Excellent. Let’s go get our other fish. 

EXT., SPACE

The Section 31 runabout banks away, with the Orion patrol ship close behind.

INT., ENGINEERING

The place is buzzing as ENGINEERS from all three shifts work together on their assigned tasks.

TISHA’s comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
Long-distance sensor array re-calibrated and wired into the generator.

TISHA
(Tapping her comm badge)
Nice work. Head over to the defensive weapons array and see if those guys
 need a hand. If not, go help Zoxx, Vedd, and Nesbitt on the main computer.

She taps her comm badge closed.

NGUYEN
We’re at seventy-two percent completion, and still no sign of Dr. Vrenek.

TISHA
We’re going to owe Security big after this.

INT., THE HOLODECK

VRENEK stands by, arms crossed and fuming, as holographic BORG DRONES walk the floor, sending hapless SECURITY OFFICERS scattering before them.

VRENEK
The Borg collective function as one entity. Station Security should as well! 

A screaming SECURITY OFFICER runs toward DR. VRENEK, pursued by a BORG DRONE.

BORG DRONE
Resistance is futile.

VRENEK
Lieutenant Bailey, pull yourself together!

But the SECURITY OFFICER runs straight to the holodeck door and pounds on it.

SECURITY OFFICER
Let me out! Let me out!

The pursuing BORG drone lumbers toward the SECURITY OFFICER, who continues pounding on the door and sobbing.

BORG DRONE
Prepare to be assimilated.

The SECURITY OFFICER turns in horror as the BORG DRONE bears down on him. Dropping to the floor, he curls into a ball and covers his head as the looming BORG DRONE reaches for him, and then vanishes.

The SECURITY OFFICER shakily uncovers his head and looks up to see VRENEK standing over him.

VRENEK
Lieutenant, were you under the impression that the safety protocols 
had been disengaged?

SECURITY OFFICER
… maybe? 

EXT., NAUSICAAN SPACE

The Section 31 runabout, taking fire from two pursuing Orion patrol ships, heads toward the Nausicaan encampment

INT., THE RUNABOUT

AGENT SMITH taps a panel.

AGENT SMITH
Incoming with two green bogeys hot on our heels.

GATH’ROK’s voice comes over comms.

GATH’ROK
We await your return.

EXT., NAUSICAAN SPACE

The runabout flies low over the encampment. As soon as it passes, eight Nausicaan ships decloak and surround the pursuing Orion patrol ships.

INT., ORION PATROL SHIP

Two ORION PATROLMEN watch as an image of GATH’ROK in a captain’s chair appears on their viewscreen.

GATH’ROK
Orion ships… surrender and prepare to be boarded.

INT., SECTION 31 RUNABOUT

AGENT SMITH turns to HARPER.

AGENT SMITH
Nice work, Lieutenant Commander. Bring us about. 

HARPER
Thank you, Sir. I’ll put us in orbit and we can beam down –

AGENT SMITH
Actually, why don’t you wait here with the ship? I’d like to be ready to depart 
as soon as we’re wrapped up down there.

HARPER
Of course, Sir. 

AGENT SMITH nods and heads to the teleporter pad.

EXT., ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

GATH’ROK, MIRA, COOPER and CH’THANE stand waiting as AGENT SMITH beams down.

NAUSICAAN WARRIORS bring the ORION PATROLMEN from both ships in front of MIRA. She points at the pair on the left, and GATH’ROK nods.

The NAUSICAAN WARRIORS holding the pair of ORION PATROLMEN on the right, draw their phasers and shoot them. 

The NAUSICAAN WARRIORS holding the pair of ORION PATROLMEN on the left, lead them away.

COOPER looks at CH’THANE in shock.

COOPER
But those men were innocent. And they just... murdered them!

CH’THANE
Doctor, the dead are the lucky ones.
You don’t want to know what they’re going to do to the perpetrators.

Before COOPER can process this disturbing thought, GATH’ROK draws a large knife from his belt, and advances on COOPER. As COOPER shrinks back, GATH’ROK raises his knife, and with a decisive gesture, he slashes COOPER’s forehead, leaving a long, diagonal gash.

Turning the blade on himself, GATH’ROK draws it across his own forehead, just beneath his bony plate, drawing a trickle of blood. Sheathing his blade, GATH’ROK grabs the back of COOPER’s head and presses his bony plate into COOPER’s bleeding forehead. He holds COOPER there for a long moment before releasing him.

GATH’ROK
I owe you my granddaughter’s life, as well as those of my nephews. From now on, 
you are N’Chek Goq, son whom I have chosen. ZedGhar blood runs in your veins, 
and wherever there are ZedGhar, you are home. 

GATH’ROK turns to AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE.

GATH’ROK
(Gesturing toward his tent)
Come. Let us talk.

COOPER starts to follow CH'THANE and AGENT SMITH to GATH'ROK's tent, but AGENT SMITH stops him.

AGENT SMITH
Wait here, Doctor.

COOPER watches uneasily as GATH’ROK, AGENT SMITH, and CH’THANE enter GATH’ROK’s tent.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN is coordinating assignments, while TISHA stands working at a panel on the power core.

NGUYEN’s comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
Finished with the defensive array.

NGUYEN
(Tapping his comm badge)
Good. Head back to Engineering, we’ve still got to loop the backup generator into the power core.

NGUYEN looks over at TISHA.

NGUYEN
How’s it coming, Johnson? 

TISHA
I think we’re going to make it.

INT., HOLODECK

DR. VRENEK rubs her temples as SECURITY OFFICERS duck and dodge holographic KLINGON WARRIORS.

With a loud war cry, a KLINGON WARRIOR charges a female SECURITY OFFICER, who cowers helplessly.

VRENEK
Ensign Dunbar, you must work together with your fellow officers –

Looking around frantically, the SECURITY OFFICER spots ENSIGN GORKK fleeing a SECOND KLINGON WARRIOR. Thinking fast, the SECURITY OFFICER grabs ENSIGN GORKK by the arm and hurls him into the KLINGON WARRIOR bearing down on her. Both GORKK and the KLINGON WARRIOR topple to the floor.

VRENEK
Not like that! 

VRENEK rubs the bridge of her nose. 

VRENEK
(Quietly furious)
Computer, end simulation!

The KLINGON WARRIORS vanish, and the SECURITY OFFICERS all stop and look at DR. VRENEK.

VRENEK
(To the SECURITY OFFICERS)
Never have I seen such poor unit cohesion and tactical awareness. 
It is clear that these drills are pointless, even at the most remedial level. 

In the face of DR. VRENEK’s tightly controlled anger, the SECURITY OFFICERS surreptitiously exchange uncertain looks.

VRENEK
We have wasted enough time here. I am overdue in Engineering.

VRENEK turns to leave.

RAMIREZ
Wait!

VRENEK turns and looks back.

RAMIREZ
I mean… don’t you think, uh, since we’re struggling so much… 
that, uh, that maybe we need… (Wincing at the prospect) more drills?

VRENEK
We have spent far too much time on these exercises as it is. 
You will all run laps until I return.

The SECURITY OFFICERS look at each other anxiously.

VRENEK
… What are you waiting for?!

ENSIGN BOSWELL and a couple of SECURITY OFFICERS start running laps.

VRENEK
Computer, arch. 

The holodeck entrance appears, and the door slides open. 

The SECURITY OFFICERS exchange panicked looks, and just as VRENEK is about to step through the entryway, ENSIGN BOSWELL is felled by a phaser blast. 

VRENEK whirls around to see ENSIGN GORKK standing there, phaser in hand. All eyes turn to GORKK.

GORKK
… Sorry… I thought he was a Klingon.

VRENEK seethes as she taps her comm badge. 

VRENEK
Medical, we have a stunned crewman in the holodeck. Respond.

MAAL
(Over VRENEK’s comm badge)
Uh… I can’t… exactly….

VRENEK
Why not?!

MAAL
‘Cause I think I maybe kinda accidentally just amputated one of my toes.

VRENEK closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before she responds.

VRENEK
(Struggling to contain her fury)
Have the EMH reattach it.

MAAL
I can’t.

VRENEK
And why is that, Ensign? 

MAAL
He's not talking to me.

VRENEK fumes.

EXT., THE ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

GATH’ROK, AGENT SMITH, and CH’THANE emerge from GATH’ROK’s tent. GATH’ROK turns to NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1. 

GATH’ROK
Gather the tribe, that I may address them.

As NAUSICAAN WARRIOR 1 exits, AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE approach COOPER.

AGENT SMITH
We’ve got good news, Doctor.

COOPER
(Suspiciously)
And what’s that?

AGENT SMITH
You’re going to be heading up a medical aid mission
to vaccinate rural Nausicaans against Orion tuberculosis.

CH’THANE
Gath’Rok has agreed to summon the other tribes to receive vaccinations
at the request of the Beast of So’Ghar.

AGENT SMITH
The General has even agreed to be vaccinated himself, to demonstrate his support.

COOPER
Why are you doing this?

AGENT SMITH
As a demonstration of Section 31’s goodwill. 
And for the well-being of the Nausicaan people, of course.

CH’THANE
Section 31 will coordinate and fund the mission. 
But Gath’Rok’s support and your status as his N’Chek Goq are crucial to 
convincing the Nausicaan people that these vaccines are beneficial to them.

COOPER is silent.

AGENT SMITH
Come now, Doctor, you yourself said that Orion tuberculosis was an epidemic here. 
I would think that you’d be pleased.

COOPER is quiet as he mulls this over. Finally, he turns to AGENT SMITH.

COOPER
… As a physician, I am ethically bound to do everything I can to help these people…. 
And I can’t really see how this could be abused…. So yes… 
I will lead your medical aid mission.

AGENT SMITH
Remember what I told you, Doctor – regardless of how you feel about Section 31,
we’re all on the same side here.

COOPER nods.

COOPER
(To AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE)
Thank you. It’s a very good thing you’re doing.

AGENT SMITH nods and CH’THANE claps COOPER on the shoulder, but COOPER remains uneasy.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN and TISHA are both standing at an open panel by the power core, working furiously.

NGUYEN
We’re so close to finishing –

TISHA nods.

TISHA
Just a little longer….

INT., HOLODECK

VRENEK rolls her eyes and looks at the stunned ENSIGN BOSWELL at her feet. She taps her comm badge.

VRENEK
Medical, it is obvious that you are in no condition to assist anyone.
Ensign Boswell will recover on his own.I suggest that for the safety of everyone
aboard this station, you remain in Sickbay. Or better yet, in your quarters.

VRENEK taps her comm badge closed and looks at the assembly of SECURITY OFFICERS.

VRENEK
Lieutenant Ramirez, you will attend to Ensign Boswell until he recovers. 
The rest of you, run laps. I am overdue in Engineering.

RAMIREZ
But wait –

VRENEK, however, does not heed this call. She exits through the holodeck arch, and the doors slide closed behind her.

RAMIREZ taps her comm badge. 

RAMIREZ
Engineering, target is incoming.

INT., ENGINEERING 

TISHA and NGUYEN exchange looks of dread.

EXT., ZEDGHAR ENCAMPMENT

The bonfire has been rekindled into a roaring blaze, and GATH’ROK stands in front of it with AGENT SMITH and CH’THANE at his side. COOPER stands with BRAXOK and KREVNAR in the crowd of assembled NAUSICAANS.

GATH’ROK
(Addressing the assembled crowd)
For too long, we have tolerated the Orion presence on Nausicaa.

The crowd murmurs in agreement.

GATH’ROK
They steal our resources.

The crowd’s agreement grows louder.

GATH’ROK
They ravage our women.

The crowd shouts in response.

GATH’ROK
They enslave us for their own ends!

The crowd shouts louder.

GATH’ROK
But no more! For now, we enter the dawn of a new era. An era of strength!

The crowd shouts wildly.

GATH’ROK
An era of justice!

The crowd is now fervant.

GATH’ROK
With our allies in the Federation, we will forge a new nation! A new Nausicaa! 
A Nausicaa for Nausicaans!

The crowd roars.

A NAUSICAAN WARRIOR begins a staccato chant.

NAUSICAAN WARRIOR
Nau-si-caa for Nau-si-caans!
Nau-si-caa for Nau-si-caans!

This chant spreads rapidly throughout the crowd, until the entire assembly chants with one voice.

CROWD
Nau-si-caa for Nau-si-caans!
Nau-si-caa for Nau-si-caans!
Nau-si-caa for Nau-si-caans!

COOPER looks over at BRAXOK and KREVNAR, who are chanting as well. He looks around at the crowd, chanting in unison, and then back at GATH’ROK, CH’THANE, and AGENT SMITH.
The chanting crowd is reflected in AGENT SMITH’s mirrored aviators, and he is smiling.

INT., ENGINEERING

NGUYEN taps his comm badge closed. TISHA continues working furiously at the open panel on the power core.

NGUYEN
(To TISHA)
She's headed this way. How close are we?

TISHA
I just need a little more time….

NGUYEN
Keep working. I’ll stall Dr. Vrenek. 

The door chimes, and DR. VRENEK enters. As she looks around at the unusually high level of traffic in Engineering, NGUYEN approaches her.

NGUYEN
Oh, hey, Dr. Vrenek - we were starting to think you forgot about us.

VRENEK
I assure you, I have not.

She starts to move toward the power core where TISHA is working, and NGUYEN steps in her way. 

NGUYEN
So hey, um, Johnson and I were wondering… uh –

VRENEK
Yes, where is Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnson?

NGUYEN
Oh, uh, I think she’s, um, still working on some stuff? 

VRENEK
You think she is?

NGUYEN
(With a glance back at TISHA, who is furiously working at the power core.)
Uh… yeah, I’m pretty sure.

VRENEK
I see…. I do not know why I am surprised. After my experience with Security, 
it is apparent that this station is utterly lacking in cohesion and communication.

NGUYEN
Well, uh, I mean, usually, um –

VRENEK
I find it most concerning. Were this station under Romulan jurisdiction, 
you would all be dealt with… severely.

NGUYEN swallows.

NGUYEN
… Any particular reason you bring that up?

At the power core, TISHA works furiously, while keeping one eye on VRENEK and NGUYEN.

VRENEK
Suffice it to say, this state of affairs will not continue for long. Now as to -

Three ENGINEERS hurriedly pass by, catching VRENEK’s attention.

VRENEK
Are those not personnel from Gamma Shift?

NGUYEN
Uh -

VRENEK looks around again, and then back at NGUYEN.

VRENEK
Lieutenant, why are there so many people in Engineering?

NGUYEN
Uh… well….

At the power core, TISHA finishes making the last adjustments and closes the panel.

TISHA
(Approaching VRENEK and NGUYEN)
Oh, um, we, uh - we called in some extra people to help finish your improvements on time.

VRENEK looks around again and then looks sharply back at NGUYEN and TISHA.

VRENEK
The improvements to the station are complete?

NGUYEN and TISHA
(Simultaneously)
Yes, Sir.

VRENEK
Well, then… perhaps not everyone on this station is a lost cause after all.

NUGYEN and TISHA breathe a sigh of relief.

VRENEK
Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnson, is there an issue with the power core?

TISHA
(Alarmed)
What?

VRENEK
You were working at the power core. Is there a problem?

NGUYEN and TISHA exchange nervous glances.

TISHA
Oh, um… no. We were just -

NGUYEN
We were just making sure that it was calibrated to handle all the new upgrades. 

NGUYEN and TISHA hold their breath as VRENEK considers this.

VRENEK
A sensible precaution. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to the Lab. 
The Commander will arrive shortly.

With that, VRENEK exits Engineering.

Once the doors slide shut behind her, and NGUYEN taps his comm badge.

NGUYEN
Security, the target’s headed to home base.

INT., THE HOLODECK

RAMIRE
Roger that, Engineering.

She looks around at the other SECURITY OFFICERS and taps her comm badge.

RAMIREZ
All units into position.

EXT., SPACE

The Section 31 runabout hurtles through space at warp speed, headed back to base.

INT., THE RUNABOUT

CH’THANE and COOPER are at the helm, HARPER is at comms, and AGENT SMITH is at the weapons station.

CH’THANE
We’re making good time.

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant Commander, contact the station and let them know we’ll be there shortly.

INT., STATION HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF DOCKING BAY THREE

NGUYEN, TISHA, and MAAL wait outside the docking bay, where they are joined by RAMIREZ and a squad of SECURITY OFFICERS in full riot gear, complete with shields.

RAMIREZ's comm badge sounds.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
Delta and Gamma squads in place.

NGUYEN and TISHA nod, and TISHA taps her comm badge.

TISHA
Okay, Greeley, on Nguyen’s signal, bring the backup generator online and overload the core. 

INT., ENGINEERING

GREELEY is standing next to a circuit breaker. They tap their comm badge.

GREELEY
Standing by.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

RAMIREZ
(To the SECURITY OFFICERS)
We’re going to have a very tight time frame from the core shutdownuntil Dr. Vrenek realizes
what’s going on, so we need to be ready to move once the Commander sets foot over the threshold.

SECURITY OFFICERS
(In unison)
Yes, Sir. 

NGUYEN
Do we have eyes on the target? 

RAMIREZ taps her badge.

RAMIREZ
Delta squad, report?

INT., STATION HALLWAY 

A phalanx of SECURITY OFFICERS with a battering ram wait around the corner from the Science Lab. The DELTA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICER taps his badge.

DELTA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICER
Target is stationary in the lab, Beta Squad.

INT., STATION HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF DOCKING BAY THREE

STATION COMPUTER
Section 31 vessel incoming.

NGUYEN, TISHA and RAMIREZ all nod at each other.

EXT., SPACE

The Section 31 runabout approaches the station.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

The door to the Science Lab slides open, and VRENEK exits and strides purposefully down the hall.

Watching from around the corner, the LEAD DELTA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICER taps his badge.

DELTA SHIFT SECURITY OFFICER
All units, target has left the lab.

INT., STATION HALLWAY OUTSIDE DOCKING BAY THREE

RAMIREZ taps her comm badge. 

RAMIREZ
Roger that, Delta Squad.

Everyone looks at each other in dismay.

INT., SECTION 31 RUNABOUT

CH’THANE touches a panel.

CH’THANE
Bringing us in for docking.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

RAMIREZ's comm badge sounds again.

VOICE OVER COMM BADGE
Gamma Squad reporting - target appears to be headed to Docking Bay Three.

NGUYEN
Guys, she’s onto us.

TISHA
What do we do? 

INT., STATION RUNABOUT

COOPER touches a panel.

COOPER
Initiating docking sequence.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

RAMIREZ taps her comm badge.

RAMIREZ
Delta and Gamma squads, hold your position, but be ready to move when you get 
the signal. Beta Squad will protect the senior officers at all costs.

MAAL
How are we going to explain – ?

RAMIREZ
If Dr. Vrenek’s coming here to stop us, we may not have to.

INT., RUNABOUT

SHIP'S COMPUTER
Docking complete.

AGENT SMITH, CH’THANE, HARPER and COOPER leave their seats and prepare to file off the ship.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

DR. VRENEK strides toward the Docking Bay. Her expression is dark.

INT., DOCKING BAY 

The docking aperture opens.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

NGUYEN stands in the open Docking Bay door, his hand hovering over his comm badge.

INT., STATION HALLWAY 

DR. VRENEK continues toward the Docking Bay.

INT., DOCKING BAY

HARPER emerges from ship, followed by COOPER.

NGUYEN
(To himself)
Not yet… 

INT., STATION HALLWAY

Rounding a corner, DR. VRENEK continues toward the Docking Bay.

INT., DOCKING BAY 

AGENT SMITH emerges from the ship.

NGUYEN
Almost…

INT., STATION HALLWAY

DR. VRENEK continues toward the Docking Bay.

INT., DOCKING BAY 

CH’THANE emerges from the ship, and NGUYEN taps his comm badge.

NGUYEN
Greeley, now!

CH'THANE turns to HARPER.

CH’THANE
You know, it’s good to see this place again.

INT., ENGINEERING

GREELEY throws the breaker switch. The power core lights up with the intensity of a thousand suns, and there is a great crackling before it goes out, plunging the entire station into darkness.

INT., DOCKING BAY

CH’THANE
(Wearily)
Of course.

INT., STATION HALLWAY

CH’THANE, AGENT SMITH, COOPER and HARPER step into the darkened hallway to find themselves met with NGUYEN, TISHA, MAAL, and the BETA SHIFT SECURITY TEAM in full riot gear.

CH’THANE
What the hell is going on?! 

At that moment, DR. VRENEK turns the corner and comes into view. Spotting her at the end of the hallway, RAMIREZ taps her comm badge.

RAMIREZ
Defensive position alpha.

The SECURITY OFFICERS immediately surround CH’THANE, AGENT SMITH, COOPER and HARPER, kneel, and raise their riot shields.

RAMIREZ nods at ENSIGN GORKK, and he breaks off from the group, running full tilt at VRENEK and screaming at the top of his lungs in a Bolian’s best imitation of a Klingon battle cry.

Seeing him coming, VRENEK’s eyes narrow.

Bearing down on her, GORKK launches himself into a flying tackle.

As he hurtles toward VRENEK, she crouches and grabs GORKK at the torso, flipping him and slamming him to the floor. She then stands and strides toward CH’THANE, AGENT SMITH, HARPER and COOPER, who are still shielded by a phalanx of SECURITY OFFICERS.

TISHA
(To CH’THANE, urgently)
Sir, you should know that Dr. Vrenek had us wire the defensive array into the Science Lab and - 

CH’THANE
Of course she did. Who do you think gave the order?

TISHA, NGUYEN, MAAL and RAMIREZ all look at each other.

NGUYEN
… What?

CH’THANE
The Science Lab is at the center of the station, making it the most shielded location on base.
We’re reconfiguring it so that it can serve as an emergency command center if necessary. 

NGUYEN
Oh.

NGUYEN, TISHA, MAAL and RAMIREZ all exchange worried glances, and the SECURITY OFFICERS shift uncomfortably as VRENEK approaches and comes to stand before the group.

VRENEK
Commander, the improvements to the station have been completed in their entirety. 
Engineering’s performance has been…

VRENEK looks over at NGUYEN and TISHA.

VENERK
… adequate.

VRENEK turns her steely gaze upon RAMIREZ, kneeling in front of the group with her riot shield up.

VRENEK
Lieutenant, do you care to explain what –

She turns to look at the hapless GORKK and then gestures at the other SECURITY OFFICERS.

VRENEK
... this is?

RAMIREZ
… A drill?

VRENEK
(Sharply)
Lieutenant Commander, I would have a word with you about the state of Security. 

HARPER steps forward and follows DR. VRENEK down the hall, with VRENEK gesturing emphatically as she speaks to HARPER in a hushed, but no-less-severe tone.

COOPER
(Fatigued)
I've got to drop my field kit off at Sickbay before I hit the sonic shower.

The SECURITY OFFICERS make way for COOPER and regroup in a huddle nearby.

CH’THANE turns to NGUYEN and TISHA. 

CH’THANE
You completed all of her upgrades to the station while we were gone?

TISHA
Yes, Sir.

CH’THANE
Huh…. Tevik always said it was too much extra work for Engineering,
and that it would lead to burn-out.

CH’THANE looks over at DR. VRENEK, who is now standing at the end of the hallway, vehemently berating HARPER.

CH’THANE
No wonder she’s in such a good mood.

He turns back to NGUYEN and TISHA.

CH’THANE
You two have just made my life a lot easier. You’ll have to tell me how you pulled it off.

NGUYEN
Well, uh -  

MAAL’s comm badge sounds.

COOPER
(Over MAAL’s comm badge)
Maal, why is there an Orion multi-key jammed in the Sickbay holo-emitter?!

MAAL taps his comm badge. 

MAAL
Uh… be right there!

MAAL hastily exits down the hall.

CH’THANE
(To NGUYEN and TISHA)
Stop by my office tomorrow for a drink. You two have earned it.

NGUYEN
Actually, Sir, there are a few more people who should be included.

INT., THE OFFICERS’ LOUNGE, THE NEXT DAY

All three shifts of ENGINEERING and SECURITY are packed in like sardines. There is a bottle of Romulan ale on every table.

NGUYEN, GREELEY, RAMIREZ, TISHA and MAAL are all seated together at a table at the front. The excitement in the room is palpable.

The talking subsides and a hush falls over the room as CH’THANE steps forward. He raises a glass of Romulan ale to the assembled crowd.

CH’THANE
Well done.

He downs his drink, sets the glass on the bar, and exits the Officer’s Lounge.

The group is silent for a moment, and then everyone bursts into cheers. Glasses are raised and clinked. SECURITY OFFICERS and ENGINEERS exchange hugs and high-fives.

NGUYEN, GREELEY, RAMIREZ, TISHA and MAAL raise and clink their glasses.

NGUYEN
We did it, you guys.

TISHA
Now let’s never do it again.

The others nod in tired agreement.

FADE TO CLOSING CREDITS

POST-CREDIT SCENE

INT., CH’THANE’S OFFICE

DR. VRENEK stands behind CH’THANE’s desk. NGUYEN, GREELEY, RAMIREZ, TISHA and MAAL stand penitently before her.

DR. VRENEK looks over each and every one of them slowly.

VRENEK
I am given to understand that while laboring under the misapprehension that 
I was an agent of the Romulan Empire, the five of you directly contravened 
my orders and engaged in a conspiracy to sabotage this station?

They all hang their heads.

TISHA
… Yes, Sir.

VRENEK is quiet for a moment, and then raises an eyebrow.

VRENEK
Impressive. 

END POST-CREDIT SCENE.

Chapter Text

STAR TREK: Star Base 80  Season 4 Episode 11 The Unexpected

INT., SICKBAY

COOPER and MAAL are working at their desks when the door chimes and a distraught HARPER enters, holding a padd. COOPER stands.

COOPER
Harper, what’s wrong?

HARPER
Nunc just sent me a bill for “my half” of the wedding, now that it’s been called off.

COOPER takes the padd from HARPER and does a double take.

COOPER
Yikes.

HARPER
I couldn’t pay this off in ten lifetimes. Coop, what am I going to do? 

HARPER wrings her hands anxiously.

HARPER
Maybe I can talk to Nunc and work out a payment plan with my discretionary allowance –

COOPER
Harper, don’t talk to Nunc, and for God’s sake, don’t pay him anything. Let me handle this.

HARPER
That’s really sweet of you, but this is my problem to deal with, and -

COOPER
And I’m your friend. You've got enough to worry about. Let me take this off your plate.

HARPER hesitates.

HARPER
… Are you sure?

COOPER
I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it. And besides, I’m pretty good at handling Nunc.

HARPER
He does like you a lot.

COOPER
So let me take care of this for you.

HARPER
Thanks, Coop. I really appreciate it.

COOPER and HARPER embrace.

HARPER
Well, I’d better get to Security.

HARPER exits Sickbay. Once the door slides shut behind her, COOPER picks up the padd and types furiously on it. Finishing his missive with a satisfying flourish, COOPER turns to MAAL.

COOPER
Maal, take this to Ops and make sure that it gets sent out as a priority communication.

MAAL takes the padd from COOPER and looks at it. His eyes grow wide, and he looks up at COOPER in shock.

MAAL
Cooper, you can’t send this.

COOPER
Why not?