FADE IN:
ESTABLISHING SHOT: OPTICAL (STOCK) C.G.I.
EXT. VULCAN (OPTICAL) "MOUNT SOLEYA - VULCAN" -- DAY
CAMERA has a stupendous Aerial View of a bleak and stark landscape covered by a hazy, Reddish Gray Sky, and riddled with steep Mountains and deep, dark Chasms and Ravines! The words "Mount Soleya - Vulcan" appear over the incredible image, that focuses on a particularly high peak with a steep and straight Staircase that ascends towards a rectangular columned Opening near the top! Through this Opening; A large, flat, and circular Arena Area can barely be SEEN, and is opened to the Sky, in the Crater at the very Top! --
EXT. MOUNT SOLEYA'S CEREMONIAL THRONE ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
This bowl-shaped, rough-hewn walled Crater's flat and circular floor is white colored sand, and a "Stonehenge" type Gong Structure dominates the center of View, and has several (in pairs) traditional Vulcan Weapons hanging from it, and a rectangular Gong and Ringer; as in T.O.S.'s "Amok Time" episode! Towards O.S./S.L.; A two steps Throne Platform lays empty; Except for the rather plain-looking Throne in it's center, and a Cell-like, large Metallic Door seals the opening to "The Cave of Sorrows", that is chiseled into the stone Crater Wall behind the Throne Chair! Towards O.S./S.R.; The unseen Opening seen earlier breaches the stone Crater Wall, and the faint SOUND of Bells and Drums beating in a sad, Dirge-like manner! This SOUND builds and draws Our (CAMERA PAN LEFT) attentions towards the Opening, and immediately; A Vulcan Ceremonial Procession REACHES the top of the unseen Staircase, outside the most sacred and "secretive" place on Vulcan! This Procession is Led by an elderly Vulcan WOMAN ("THE T'PAU", Queen/Leader of Vulcan) wearing traditional Robes, pointed Cap, and curly-toed shoes and Jewelry CARRYING a wooden Scepter walking stick; She ENTERS the Arena Area (PAN RIGHT ON: STOP PAN ON GONG STRUCTURE) leading Two Columns of Vulcan EUNUCHS that PLAY the Abacus-like Bells Instruments & slowly BEATING the Drums; Flanking and FOLLOWING The T'Pau towards the Gong Structure, and ahead towards the O.S. Throne Platform, as She slowly WALKS in Regal yet Solemn fashion! All the Eunuchs are Sober MALES and are clad in traditional Ceremonial Garb! At the end of the two Lines of Eunuchs; A very young and handsome bare-chested Vulcan MALE (KOSS) STAGGERS wearily, FOLLOWING the Others towards the Gong Structure, and He BREATHS heavily, SWEATS, and sternly STARES as if in an angry Trance; He is fully engulfed in "The Pon Farr" and is GLARING intensely as He (and CAMERA) STOPS at the Gong Structure! The Procession continues MARCHING ahead and O.S. towards the O.S. Throne Platform as Koss wearily TRUDGES towards the Gong Structure, LEANS against one of It's heavy Columns momentarily to regain His strength, TAKES down the Gong Ringer, and BREATHS laboriously as He STRIKES the Gong hard, and then THROWS It down on the ground, extremely ANGRY!
Koss SCREAMS out in an oddly "passionate" way! --
KOSS (STRANGELY ANIMALISTIC)
. . . A-A-A-a-a-a-r-r-r-gh-gh-gh-guh!
The Bells and Drums STOPPED when Koss STRUCK the Gong, and the Eunuchs STAND in a Line on Both Sides of the Throne Chair; The T'Pau STANDS in front of That, and the Metallic Door is SEEN in the Wall behind Them! The T'Pau LOOKS sternly toward O.S. Koss, & RAISES Her Scepter / Staff as She loudly says, --
THE T'PAU (ENGLISH-CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . As 'It' was, from before; So, 'It' shall be! . . .
(LOOKS at O.S. Koss)
. . . Approach me, "Koss"!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
(Insert Vulcan Subtitles here; Words in "quotes" are same in Vulcan & English) . . . .! . . .
(beat; Looks at O.S. Koss)
. . . . . . . . . . ., "Koss"!
Koss PANTS like an animal and SCOWLS menacingly before a LOOK of "desperate terror", and RUNS towards the Throne Platform and wearily DROPS to His knees in front of Her! He LOOKS up towards Her & EMOTIONALLY (one word at a time) says, --
KOSS (PANTING; HESITANT)
. . . My . . . BLOOD . . . BOILS!!!
KOSS? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .!!!
She LOOKS at Him with surprise, WALKS towards Him, down the Step or two, & slowly REACHES out Her hand to "TOUCH" His face (short Mind-Meld) as She ceremoniously says, --
THE T'PAU
He speaks?! . . . Give me your "thoughts", "Koss".
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . ?! . . . . . . .". . . .","Koss".
Koss BREATHS hard and hesitantly as He emotionally says, --
KOSS (PANTING; HESITANT)
. . . I . . . MUST . . . have . . . MY . . . Mate! . . . WHERE . . . IS . . . SHE?!
KOSS? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?!
The T'Pau quickly RETRACTS Her hand from Koss's face after only a short moment of MELDING with a horrified LOOK saying, --
THE T'PAU (AGHAST)
. . . AH-ah-ah- HAH!
(RETRACTS hand)
It IS . . . the 'Pon Farr'! . . . Take Him to . . . 'The Cave of Sorrows'!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . .?!
(beat; Retracts hand)
. . . . . . . .'Pon Farr'! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .'!
The Bells & Drum start to PLAY again as the Two Eunuchs closest to the Throne Chair RUN to both sides of the kneeling Koss, GRAB Him by both arms, YANK Him up, and DRAG Him (STRUGGLING & SCREAMING wildly) up the steps and across the Throne Platform towards the Metallic Door! They REACH the Door and STOP; While Koss SCREAMS, They UNLOCK & OPEN the Door, and roughly THROW (Push) Koss into the darkness, inside! Then, They quickly SLAM the Door closed & LOCK It; As O.S. Koss POUNDS on the inside of the Door & O.S. SCREAMS wildly! --
The T'Pau LOOKS on with disgust of the emotional display, RAISES Her Scepter again, and loudly ANNOUNCES saying, --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . Quickly; Summon "T'Pol", here!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . .; . . . . . "T'Pol", . . . .!
The Bells & Drums STOP playing; then a "Dramatic Pause & Music" with a FADE TO BLACK traditional climax!
FADE OUT:
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(Note: Episode Credits fall over opening Scenes.)
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) ENTERPRISE -- MUCH LATER
ESTABLISHING SHOT: ENTERPRISE CRUISING AT WARP-SPEED IN SPACE
INT. CAPTAIN ARCHER'S QUARTERS -- CONTINUOUS
CAPT. ARCHER SITS at His Desk / Table, PETTING Porthos. The Intercom "CHIRPS", and O.S. HOSHI's Voice "fearfully" sounds!
HOSHI (ANXIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . (BEEP-BEEP) . . . Communications to Captain Archer?! . . .
Archer PUSHES the Button to ANSWER His "fearfully formal" Comm Officer's anxiety-consumed Voice as He FROWNS, puzzled!
ARCHER
. . . This is Archer! . . .
(teasingly)
Why all the "Protocol", Hoshi?!
HOSHI (FEARFULLY) (O.S.)
. . . Captain; I have a "Command-Level", "Secured Channel" Communique from the ADMIRALTY, at Starfleet Command; designated "URGENT", for YOU, Sir!
Archer CHUCKLES as He GRIMACES with bewilderment LISTENING to His "rattled" Subordinate Officer, and FROWNS, responding!
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . Oh?! . . . Well-l-l-l; Put "It" through, immediately, Ensign Sato!
HOSHI (MILITARILY-SCARED) (O.S.)
. . . Aye-aye, Captain! I'll "pipe it through" now, Sir!
The Intercom GOES silent, & immediately; The Com-Link Station on His Desk/Table "BEEPS" loudly! Archer PRESSES the Button.
TIGHT ANGLE ON: MONITOR ON DESK
The Monitor Screen ACTIVATES! It REVEALS an irritable ADMIRAL LEONARD (Archer's Uncle - His dead Mother's Brother, the Commandant of Starfleet Academy & Senior Member of the Board of Admirals) SITTING behind His opulent Desk at Starfleet Academy; The LOGO is Superimposed (INSERT OPTICALS) over the view, on the Screen! --
ADM. LEONARD (FORMALLY MILITARY)
. . . Captain Archer? . . . This is Admiral Leonard at The Starfleet Command Complex; Commandant of "The Academy" calling!
(secretively)
. . . Are you . . . "ALONE"?!
Archer gently PLACES Porthos down with a puzzled FROWN saying, --
ARCHER (BEWILDERED)
. . . Not "exactly", Sir! . . .
(beat; To Porthos)
Go lay down, Boy?! . . .
(To Leonard)
My Dog is with me. What's"this" all ABOUT?! As you know; I run a pretty "loose ship", around here; And you JUST . . . "spooked" my Communications Officer!
ADM. LEONARD (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . I'm sorry, but it couldn't be helped! This is a matter of the utmost importance; And requires a "Secured, Command-Level" Com-Link, Jonathan!
ARCHER (RELENTINGLY)
. . . I "understand", Admiral; . . . Go ahead, Sir.
ADM. LEONARD (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . Starfleet Command received an "urgent Communique", via "Diplomatic Channels"; from the "Vulcan Home-world", a few days ago?! . . .
(angrily)
They are "deMANDing"; We take "T'Pol" back to Vulcan, "Post-HASTE"! They "DEMAND"; Mind you!
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . What's the BIG DEAL?! She's NOT "a PRISONER" on this Ship!
ADM. LEONARD (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . I don't know! . . . Those DAMNED Vulcans are so "TIGHT-Lipped" about EVERYthing . . . who KNOWS?! . . . YOU know; (ANGERS; EXPLAINS) I'VE HATED the VULCANS! (CALMS; reflectively EXPLAINS, sadly) Ever since my SISTER . . . I mean; Your Mother, Doctor Gabrielle Leonard-Archer died in that "Test-Flight"
ADM. LEONARD (ANGRILY CONFUSED) (CONT'D)
accident, when you were only FIVE years OLD; (angrily EXPLAINS) I "blamed" them; And "regretfully", your Father, for her DEATH! (SADLY) I never had a chance to "reconcile" with your Father, before he died; later, in another "accident", when you were a "Plebe Cadet" in "The Academy", here! (ANGERS again) That's when I "distanced myself" from your Father, Doctor Cochrane left the "Warp-Drive Development Project", and your Father bravely took over for him; until his death, in that "implosion accident" in his lab. That's when Starfleet concocted the "cover-story" about Henry having Clark's Syndrome, and that causing his death! . . . Anyway; It's all those damned VULCAN'S fault! . . . Who KNOWS "why" the Vulcans "DO" ANYTHING!
Archer LISTENED with concern, and sympathetic "understanding" (if "not agreeing" with him?!) to the bitterly angry Admiral, but simply NODDED His head! Archer SIGHS and ASKS Leonard. --
ARCHER (PUZZLED)
. . . So; what DID you tell the Vulcans?!
ADM. LEONARD (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . If . . . it were up to ME; "I" would've TOLD THEM to "GO to HELL"!
(CALMS slightly)
. . . The Board of Admirals "decided"; And we told them to "Kiss our Butts"!
(SMILES)
Not in "so many words", of COURSE!
(ANGERS again)
They "responded" by threatening to sever ALL "ties" with us! . . . Diplomatic, Trade, and Scientific "ties"! They're "Blackmailing" us, so to speak! They were going to "declare War", for God's SAKE!
(CALMS; relentingly)
We can't risk something like THAT; with the Klingon, Romulan, and Suliban threats, and us being "The new Kids on the block" and all! SO-oh-oh; we decided to "buckle under" to their "demands", in a diplomatic way, of course! Can you "see my meaning"?!
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . Uhm-m-m; "Not EXACTLY", Sir! Can you "spell it out" for me?
ADM. LEONARD (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . A-l-l R-I-G-H-T! . . .
and Leonard SIGHS; Reluctantly RELENTING to the facts!
ADM. LEONARD (RELENTINGLY) (CONT'D)
. . . In the "interests" of "Diplomatic Relations"; We're going to "cooperate" with those "POINTY-eared DEVILS", and TAKE T'Pol BACK to VULCAN, see?! (CALMS) That way; we can show "good faith" intentions, and maybe ... find OUT what ALL "this" is ABOUT! But; (secretively) be "discrete", Jonathan! We don't want to get caught, "with our hands in the cookie jar", understand?!
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . What do I tell the "Pointy-eared Devil" HERE, Sir?!
ADM. LEONARD (CONFUSED)
We asked them the same THING! All They said was; To tell Her, "It is the 'Time of Boiling Blood'!"; what-EVER in the HELL THAT'S SUPPOSED to MEAN?! (CALMS) Anyway; Those are your Orders, and for God's sake; be "discrete", and CAREful, Jonathan, okay?! I don't "trust" them, at ALL!
ARCHER (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Aye, Sir; (THINKS & FROWNS) Even though those Vulcans are "intensely private" and "secretive"; I'll try to "pump" T'Pol . . . "diplomatically discrete", of course; for some kind'a "information", while we take her back there, okay Sir?!
ADM. LEONARD (RELIEVED)
. . . Very good, Jonathan; you have your Orders! Carry on, "Son", and good luck to you! . . .
but Archer BRISTLES at the "all too familiar" term "Son"! --
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
Admiral?! (CALMS) "Uncle Lenny"?! Even though you've been "like a father" to me, since my Father died;
(SIGHS regretfully)
. . . With all due respect; I asked you not to call me "Son", Sir!
ADM. LEONARD (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . I- . . . I'm sorry, Jonathan. It just . . . "slipped out", see?!
Leonard suddenly BECOMES "solemnly retrospective" saying, --
ADM. LEONARD (SADLY REFLECTIVE) (CONT'D)
. . . You know how I feel about you; ever since your Father died, and I had to "make my peace" with him, through you; AND you, too! . . . You're like "a Son" to me, okay?!
ARCHER (SADLY REFLECTIVE)
. . . I know, Sir; I feel the same way about you, TOO! But-?! . . .
(ANNOYS; yet respectful)
. . . I just (THINKS) need to feel like- (SIGHS) I've gotten to where I AM; On my OWN "merits", and not ANY-
(CALMS; THINKS)
special "Preferential Treatments", or "Nepotisms", Sir! Understand?
ADM. LEONARD (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . As you WELL know by NOW; You HAVE! (REFLECTS & PRAISES) The highest "accredited" Cadet to EVER Graduate from The Academy! Not to mention; your Father's contributions to Science, and Earth's "Deep-Space" Program! His "sacrifice" is a debt we can never repay! "We" all owe a great deal of gratitude to "your" enTIRE family?! (THINKS, HUMBLES) Anyway; No "favoritism", nor "nepotism" has been extended to YOU!
(THINKS & CHUCKLES)
. . . If ANYthing, I was harder on you than with any other Cadet, EVER; Right, Jonathan?!
ARCHER (CONFIDENTLY ASSURED)
. . . Yes, Sir! . . . And that's the way I ALWAYS want it to be, okay?! That's why . . . I'm where I am, today; right, Sir?!
ADM. LEONARD (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . Quite! . . .
("back to business")
Anyway; You have your orders, "Captain Archer"! (CONCERNED) And, please?! Be "CAREful", and "discrete", Jonathan! Admiral Leonard, out!
ARCHER (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . Aye-aye, Sir! Enterprise, out!
and Archer DEACTIVATES the Com-Link, but quickly ACTIVATES the Intercom on His Desk, and with annoyed anxiety says, --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED) (CONT'D)
. . . Captain Archer to Sub-Commander T'POL?! . . .
T'POL (PUZZLED) (O.S.)
. . . Aye, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (EXASPERATEDLY)
. . . RePORT to MY Quarters, "A-SAP"?!
T'POL (CONFUSED) (O.S.)
. . . Aye, Captain. I will be there, directly. Bridge, out.
QUICK CUT TO:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Immediately; T'POL STANDS at her Science Station, and is DEACTIVATING the Intercom; With a very PUZZLED expression! --
INTERCUTTING:
TRIP: Silently SNICKERS as he LOOKS at O.S. T'Pol! --
TRAVIS: SMIRKS knowingly towards O.S. others, then O.S. T'Pol! --
REED: Silently CHUCKLES; He, as the Others all are "thinking", T'Pol is in "big trouble", from Archer's "tone of voice"! --
HOSHI: SHRUGS her shoulders & COVERS her mouth with her hands; as she "tries" to STIFLE her GIGGLING & TITTERING at T'Pol's "apparent" & eminent "Butt Chewing" from Archer! She finally CAN'T restrain herself any longer & then (O.S.) TEASES T'Pol by "knowingly" GOADING; as T'Pol LOOKS at O.S. others! --
HOSHI (FONDLY TEASING) (O.S.)
. . . Uh-uh-uh- oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...!
and T'Pol RAISES an eyebrow of PUZZLED DISGUST at O.S. Hoshi! --
Hoshi SITS at Her Station, & continues to TEASE O.S. T'Pol! --
HOSHI (FONDLY TEASING) (CONT'D)
. . . "Sounds" like "someone's" in trouble, and "they're" GOing to get "their" BUTT chewed by the CAPTAIN! Heh-heh-heh!
T'POL (PUZZLED)
. . . What logical purpose would the Captain have in "masticating my Buttocks", Ensign Sato?
INTERCUTTING:
ANGLES ON: EACH OF THE OTHER BRIDGE PRINCIPLES LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WITH SLY GRINS ON THEIR "DID YOU HEAR THAT?" FACES.
All Other Bridge Principles silently GAWK at each Other, SMILING as if to say, "Did you hear that?!", then BURST out! --
ALL (SIMULTAINEOUS LAUGHTER)
. . . HAH-HAH-hah-hah-hah-hah-. . .!
T'Pol LOOKS at the O.S. others as they LAUGH wildly at her! --
Hoshi GATHERS her composure, & TURNS toward O.S. T'Pol saying, --
HOSHI (CHUCKLING)
. . . No ho ho ho, no, T'Pol!. . . "That" MEANS, "Your in BIG trouble", and the Captain is going to yell at you! "GET it", NOW?!
T'POL (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . Why "you Humans" cannot; simply say what you intend, is unfathomable.
(THINKS)
. . . And how can the Captain "yell at me" from his Quarters, and "I get it", now?!
The "Entire" Bridge Crew LAUGHS at T'Pol's misunderstanding! --
Hoshi GIGGLES & LOOKS at O.S. Others, & TURNS to O.S. T'Pol! --
HOSHI (GIGGLING, EXPLAINING)
. . . NO ho ho ho; No-oh-oh-wuh, T'Pol! . . . "That" means, "Do you UNDERSTAND, now?!"! Heh heh heh!
T'Pol is greatly ANNOYED at their TEASING & LAUGHING "at Her", and her own "mis-interpretation" of their "language"! --
T'POL (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . I have spent nearly two-hundred
(She "catches herself"!)
. . . -whole "decades" in the "study" of Humans; and I still do not understand your species!
and she SHAKES her head in disgusted frustration with the O.S. others as they CHUCKLE at her! Then, T'Pol "remembers"! --
T'POL (PUZZLED) (CONT'D)
. . . And why did the Captain refer to himself as "one who is easily duped"; or "A Sap"?!
All the others BURST into LAUGHTER at that, & Hoshi replies! --
HOSHI (SNICKERING, EXPLAINING)
. . . NO-oh-oh- ho- ho- ho-! You STILL don't "Get IT", do you?! . . .
(She "catches herself"!)
. . . "understand", do you?! . . .
(SNICKERS)
. . . He SAID, "A-SAP!", OR "As Soon As Possible"; an "acronym"! Get it? . . . Uhm-m-m-m; . . . "understand" now, T'Pol?!
and she GIGGLES towards the O.S. others, TEASING T'Pol! --
T'Pol "decides" to "try" endearing herself to the others, and "ATTEMPTS" a play-on-words Joke, and SARCASTICALLY says, --
T'POL (DRYLY)
. . . Well; logically, I should go to the Captain, "A Sap", immediately? . . .
and the O.S. others suddenly SILENCE as T'Pol LOOKS puzzled around the Bridge, as She WALKS towards the Elevator! --
As T'Pol WALKS through SHOT past Hoshi; Hoshi WONDERS if T'Pol has just called Archer "a sap", & FROWNS saying, --
HOSHI (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . Yes-s-s-s-s? . . . You . . . probably . . . sh-sh-should-uh . . . er-r-r-r-ruh?!
T'Pol REACHES & CALLS the Elevator, then TURNS back saying, --
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURED)
. . . You have the Con; Mister Tucker?
and She TURNS back to FACE away, toward the Elevator Doors! --
Trip WALKS toward the Con Chair "silently" SNICKERING & slyly LOOKING at the O.S. others as he POINTS to his "Eyes" saying, --
TRIP (SARCASTICALLY SNICKERING)
. . . "Eye eye", S- s- Sub-uh- K- k- Commander-her-her- T- t- t- T'Pol! Heh-heh-heh- . . .!
and He SITS in the Con & "TRIES" to STIFLE His LAUGHTER! --
WITHOUT "turning back; T'Pol "Matter-of-fact-ly" says, --
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . Perhaps; You should report to Sick-Bay, Commander?
and the Elevator Doors OPEN, T'Pol WALKS in, & TURNS back! --
T'POL (DRYLY) (CONT'D)
. . . So doctor Phlox can examine your "eyes"? . . . Computer; (Computer "BEEPS") ... Deck Bee, please.
and the Elevator Doors CLOSE (T'Pol EXITS) over her; But... --
Leaves Trip & the other Bridge Principles WONDERING & PUZZLED as they are THINKING, "Maybe; she has eyes in the back of her head?!", and LOOKING "quizzically" at each other! Then, they POINT at each other teasingly & LAUGH with uneasy relief! --
Trip SHRUGS with "boyish embarrassment" & RUBS the back of his neck, then CHUCKLES & in his Southern accent says, --
TRIP (CHUCKLING)
. . . Well; At least We all KNOW! Her Peripheral Vision is GREAT!
(LAUGHS shyly)
. . . Heh-heh-heh-; . . .
Lt. Reed (in His British accent) POINTS & TEASES Trip saying, --
REED (CHUCKLING)
. . . I SAY, Commander Tucker! . . . SHE must have EYES in the BACK of Her BLEEDING-Skull, or SOMEthing?! HAH hah hah...!
HOSHI (SHYLY GIGGLING)
. . . YEAH ha ha ha!... When she comes BACK-k-k-; we-hee-hee- should "CHECK-OUT" her BUTT- t- t-, huh?!
Everyone STOPS their LAUGHS & LOOKS at Hoshi with puzzlement! --
Hoshi STOPS also, & LOOKS defensively "GUILTY" before saying, --
HOSHI (STAMMERING) (CONT'D)
. . . To "LOOK" for the "TEETH-MARKS"?! . . . WHAT did YOU think?!
INT. CAPTAIN ARCHER'S QUARTERS -- MANY MOMENTS LATER
Archer still SITS at His Desk "impatiently" WAITING for T'Pol! The Door "CHIMES", and Archer LOOKS up at It LOUDLY saying, --
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . Come?! . . .
The Door SLIDES OPEN & T'Pol ENTERS, CLOSES It & WALKS toward ARCHER & the empty Chair between Her & the Desk; Then STANDS! --
T'POL (STOICALLY)
. . . You asked to talk with me, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . At Ease, Sub-Commander? . . .
(Archer ACTIVATES INTERCOM)
Archer to Bridge; I don't want to be "disturbed" . . . for ANY reason?! OUT! (to T'Pol) . . . Please; Sit?
(She REMAINS standing)
. . . That's an ORDER?! . . .
T'Pol RELAXES a little, but remains STANDING with Her hands behind Her back as She LOOKS between the Chair & Archer! --
T'POL (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . I would prefer to remain standing . . . while you "chew on my Buttocks", Captain? . . .
Archer does a "DOUBLE-TAKE" in surprise at Her before saying, --
ARCHER (CHUCKLING)
. . . NO-oh-oh-oh- ho-ho-?! . . . Relax?! YOU're not in any TROUBLE?!
(T'Pol still STANDS)
. . . Will you P-L-E-A-S-E; SIT DOWN?!
T'POL (HESITANTLY)
. . . I . . . would . . . prefer to remain standing, if I may?! . .
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
I INSIST?! (CALMS) Please?! It's hard to talk with you; When you're hovering over me, like that?! . . . P-l-e-a-s-e-z-z-z? . . .
T'Pol reluctantly RELENTS & "starts" to SIT while saying, --
T'POL (HESITANTLY)
. . . If . . . it . . . will . . .
(SITS)
. . . "facilitate" your "talk" with me, Captain? . . .
Archer SMILES (GRIMACE?) & "seems" relieved as He says, --
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . See?! That wasn't so-oh-oh-oh- hard, now; Was "it", T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . I suppose not, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (RELIEVED)
. . . Well, now; What took you so long to sit down, T'Pol? . . .
T'POL (EMBARRASSED)
. . . I did not understand the meaning of the acronym "ASAP", Captain;. . .
ARCHER (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . Huh?! . . . Oh, well; You're here, now? (THINKS nervously) Em-m-m-muh; How's "things" going for you, here . . . now, T'Pol? . . .
T'POL (PUZZLED)
. . . Captain? Am I to understand that you summoned me away from my Duty Station; To "make small-talk"?
ARCHER (MORE ANXIOUSLY)
. . . No?! . . . I'm just in a "hard position", here; That's all?! . . .
T'POL (PUZZLED)
. . . Perhaps; You would be more comfortable "standing", Captain?
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . NO?! . . . That's not what I called you for?! . . . OH-oh-oh-wuh, damn! I'm JUST gonna come RIGHT out, and SAY it?! . . .
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . Please, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . First of all; I need to know; That I can COUNT on YOUR "loyalty"; To this Ship, Crew, and to me?!. . . Well; CAN I, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . Captain; When I agreed to join the Crew of this Ship; That is exactly what I did? . . . I "swore a solemn Oath" of loyalty, Sir? You may "rely" on that, "totally", Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (RELIEVED)
. . . Very GOOD?! . . . Well, then; . . . What's "going on"; With the Vulcans, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (CONFUSED)
. . . "Going on", Captain? . . .
ARCHER (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . Yes?! 'Cause I just received a "Top Priority" Mission from Starfleet Command; To take you back to Vulcan?! . . . Do you know what "it's" all ABOUT, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (PUZZLED)
. . . I am . . . "sorry", Captain; But I have not been in Communication with Vulcan; Per "our agreement", Captain? . . .
ARCHER (RELIEVED)
. . . GOOD?! . . . "Apparently"; The Vulcans were "very insistent"?!. . .
(LEANS closer)
. . . They made . . . "certain threats" . . . IF we didn't "comply"; With their "demands"?! . . .
T'POL (CONCERNED)
. . . There must be a "logical" explanation, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . All "They" WOULD say WAS; "It's about Time, to Burn Blood"?! (THINKS) NO! . . . "It is THE Time of Boiling Blood"?! (Boiling Blood = Pawn Far)
T'Pol suddenly STIFFENS with "horrified recognition", & quickly STANDS with embarrassed "guilt" (shame) on Her face! --
ARCHER (CONCERNED) (CONT'D)
. . . What IS it, T'Pol?! You LOOK like you've "SEEN a GHOST", or something?! . . .
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . I am "sorry", Captain? . . . But I CANnot . . . "discuss" . . . "It", with you?! . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . T'POL?! (THINKS) I need (for) you; To "come CLEAN" with me?! . . .
T'POL (EXASPERATED & CONFUSED)
. . . Captain?! How will "bathing with you" resolve the situation?!
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . HUH?! (frustrates) NO-oh-oh-oh-wuh?! (ardently imploring) I mean; I NEED your COMPLETE "honesty" on "THIS", T'Pol?! . . . P-L-E-A-S-E?!
T'POL (EMBARRASSED)
. . . I am . . . "sorry", Captain? I CANNOT discuss "THIS" . . . "matter" with YOU?! . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . What IS "This", T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (EMBARRASSED)
. . . "This" IS . . .
(THINKS; "COVERS-UP")
. . . "A Matter of Privacy", Captain?!
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . DAMN it, T'Pol?! I NEED to "KNOW" what I'M taking THIS SHIP INTO?! Can't YOU "SEE" THAT?! . . .
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . My vision is perfect, Captain?!
(Archer GROANS frustrated)
. . . I cannot tell you more, Sir?!
(Archer GRIMACES at Her)
. . . It is (THINKS; "COVERS-UP") a "personal" matter; I am not willing to discuss with anyone, Sir?! . . .
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . DAMN your Vulcan "secrecy"!
(angrily GLARES & is "interrupted")
. . . I- JUST want to "understand" your "PROBLEMS" and SOLVE them?!
but Archer is INTERRUPTED by O.S. Weapons fire that BUFFETS the Ship & JOSTLES Archer & T'Pol; They LOOK around SCARED! --
ARCHER (CONCERNED) (CONT'D)
. . . WHAT the HELL-l-l-l?! . . .
Immediately; The Intercom "CHIRPS" & O.S. Lt. Reed says, --
REED (URGENTLY) (O.S.)
. . . Bridge to Captain Archer?! Sorry to "interrupt you BOTH", Captain; BUT-,
(Ship BUFFETS again!)
. . . We're BLOODY under ATTACK, Sir?!
Archer quickly REACHES to ACTIVATE the Intercom while saying, --
ARCHER (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . WHO'S "attacking"?! The Klingons?! The Suliban?! . . .
(Ship BUFFETS again)
but O.S. Reed is "busy", & O.S. Hoshi's SCARED Voice SHOUTS! --
HOSHI (INTERRUPTING; FEARFULLY (O.S.)
. . . WE'RE BEing HAILED, SIR?! The Comm System IS DOWN, CAPTAIN?! . . .
ARCHER (URGENTLY)
. . . PUT them THROUGH; ("BOOM") To ME, HERE?! . . . IF you CAN?! . . .
HOSHI (SCARED) (O.S.)
. . . Aye, Sir?! Go ahead, Captain?!
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . This is the En- Ex- Oh One; Enterprise?! (THINKS) WHY are you ATTACKING MY Ship?! . . .
but Archer is yet again INTERRUPTED by an O.S. Male (Sarik) Voice of the "unseen" Vulcan Captain of the Lead "Magi" Ship! --
SARIK (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED) (O.S.)
. . . We KNOW who YOU are?! This is Captain Sarik, of the Vulcan "Magi" "War-Bird"; Be'Tel. (Spelled B'Tel) Why have you not set a Course for Vulcan, HUMANS?! . . .
Archer LOOKS "angrily" at T'Pol; She LOOKS "confused" back! --
FADE OUT:
END ACT ONE
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN ARCHER'S QUARTERS -- CONTINUOUS
Archer SITS behind His Desk GLARING angrily at T'Pol! The O.S. Sarik; Twin Brother of T'Pol's Betrothed on Vulcan says, --
SARIK (CONT'D; ANNOYEDLY) (O.S.)
. . . You will set a Course for Vulcan, at once?! . . .
While still angrily GLARING at the nervously STANDING T'Pol; Archer is very annoyed & sarcastically RESPONDS to O.S. Sarik! --
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . Since WHEN does an EARTH Ship "Take Orders" from the VULCANS?!
SARIK (CONFUSED) (O.S.)
. . . Am I to "understand"; That you would "disobey Orders" . . . from your "own leadership"?! . . .
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . SO-oh-oh-oh-?! How would you know about "Orders" given this Ship; Via "SECURED Channels"?! (FROWNS) Are YOU "Spying" on US?! . . .
SARIK (DRYLY SARCASTIC) (O.S.)
. . . It is a . . . "simple matter" to intercept your "Secured Transmissions"? . . . It would be an even simpler matter to . . . simply Transporter her off your "Magi" (Ship) and then, "destroy" it?! . . .
Archer GRIMACES angrily, TURNS to GLARE at T'Pol, and says, --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . T'POL-l-l-l-luh?! . . .
T'Pol is ANNOYED (embarrassed?) & LEANS toward Archer saying, --
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . Captain; May I?! . . .
Archer LOOKS relieved, & MOTIONS "Go aHEAD?!" toward T'Pol! --
T'Pol BOWS graciously "thankful" & TURNS to SPEAK loudly up into the air in Vulcan (subtitles) but WE HEAR English and Archer (occasionally) FROWNS with "puzzlement" at the "Vulcan" language He HEARS & NOT understanding except "SOME" words?! --
T'POL (ANGRILY CONFUSED) (CONT'D)
. . . This is "T'Pol"; I understand why I must return to "Vulcan"?! . . . but not WHY you have ATTACKED this "Magi"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . "T'Pol"; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Vulcan"? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Magi"?! . . .
SARIK (ANXIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . Why have you delayed "The Joining" between you and my twin-brother?! I was allowed to return you back to "Vulcan"; Before "Koss" dies; . . . From the "Pon Farr", which He is in, now?! . . .
SARIK? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Vulcan"; . . . . "Koss" . . . .; . . . . . . . . . "Pon Farr", . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . .?! . . .
but T'Pol's face FLASHES to ANXIETY riddled "embarrassment" & INTERRUPTS before He says any more; To "humiliate" Her! --
T'POL (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . Silence; You "Dingus"! ("Idiot") You must NOT speak of such distasteful things?! . . . Now; You have drawn much . . . 'unwanted attentions' to my already 'personal' situation, and it is . . . 'illogical'?! . . . Now; I must 'further explain' to the "Humans"; . . . To 'subside' their 'curiositys' and 'fears'?! . . . My 'humiliations' and difficulties are multiplied?! . . . I am 'Evoking the Right' to be accompanied by 'Companions'! . . . Who is the 'Second in Command', on your "Magi"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . .; . . . . "Dingus"! ("Idiot") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . .' . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . '?! . . . . . . .; . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .' . . . . "Humans"; . . . . . . '. . . . . .' . . . '. . . . . .' . . . '. . . .'?! . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . .' . . . . '. . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . .'! . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . .', . . . . . . . "Magi"?! . . .
in an ANNOYED yet GUILTILY regretful & CHIDING way to Sarik!
And then the STAMMERING & fearfully BEGGING for "leniency" Voice (with Vulcan subtitles) of O.S. Sarik ECHOES back as He answers the "chastisement" from T'Pol by loudly saying, --
SARIK (STAMMERING) (O.S.)
. . . Please; NO?!. . . (beat) I have already disgraced mySELF, enough?! . . . I beg you; Do not 'humiliate' me, to my Crew, any further?! . . . What is your Command, "T'Pol"?! . . .
SARIK? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . . . . .; . . .?! (beat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . '. . . . .' . ., . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., "T'Pol"?! . . .
T'Pol SMIRKS (in a Vulcan way) as Archer FROWNS with curious PUZZLEMENT at a Vulcan language He doesn't understand, then; --
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURED)
. . . Very well; Do not speak further of 'personal matters'?! You will now 'subjugate' yourselves to my Captain, and take no further actions of your own?! Is that 'understood', "Sarik"?!
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . .'?! . . . . . . . '. . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . '. . . . . . .', "Sarik"?!
SARIK (APOLOGETICALLY) (O.S.)
. . . Yes, "T'Pol"!
(beat)
. . . What are your 'instructions'?! . . .
SARIK? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . . ., "T'Pol"!
(beat)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . .'?! . . .
T'POL (CONFIDENTLY ASSURED)
. . . You will now; 'apologize' to my Captain, and follow his 'instructions'?! Then, you will subjugate yourselves and your "Magi" ("Ship-Ships") to his Command?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .; '. . . . . .' . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . .'?! . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Magi" ("Ship-Ships") . . . . . . . . . .?! . . .
SARIK (RELENTINGLY) (O.S.)
. . . Yes; Thank you, "T'Pol"?! . . . I will obey your 'instruction'?
(beat)
SARIK? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . .; . . . . . ., "T'Pol"?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . .'?
(beat)
and then; O.S. Sarik SPEAKS in "English" to a CONFUSED & CONSTERNATED Capt. Archer; Choosing His words "carefully"! --
SARIK (O.S.)
. . . Captain Archer? (thinks) I "apologize" to you; For my "illogical" behavior, earlier? I will place mine, and the other two "Magi" ("Ships") at your Command;
(annoys & "warns")
Until we reach Vulcan?! . . . This is the Vee Double-You (V.W.) "Be'Tel" (B'Tel); Out! . . .
and the Intercom GOES silent before Archer can say "Goodbye?!"! He TURNS to sternly & curiously GLARE at T'Pol with questioning CONCERN & CONSTERNATION! Then, loudly says, --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . Well?! . . . What was "all THAT" about, T'Pol?! . . .
T'Pol doesn't want to elaborate further on an embarrassing subject (for any Vulcan) & "Hems & Haws"; SKIRTING the issue! --
T'POL (EMBARRASSED)
. . . I . . . merely; . . . "Pointed out" . . . the "flaws" . . . in his "Logic", Captain? . . . He will not be a further . . . "problem" for us, and will "escort us to Vulcan", Sir?
Archer SITS at His Desk, and FROWNS at T'Pol with DISBELIEF of Her "explanation" of Their "lengthy Vulcan conversation"! --
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-wuh?! . . . I (LIES) thought "that" was what you were saying?!
(THINKS; "suspiciously")
. . . "That's" ALL?! . . .
T'Pol (either/or) misunderstands Him to be Dismissing Her, or more likely; She is AVOIDING the "embarrassing questions"! --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . Yes, Captain; I will return to my Duty Station, now? . . .
and T'Pol "hurriedly" TURNS to WALK towards the Door to leave! --
Archer FROWNS disappointedly CONSTERNATED & YELLS at T'Pol! --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . HEY?! . . . Wait a minute?!
(T'Pol STOPS)
I didn't "Dismiss you"?! . . .
T'Pol LOOKS embarrassedly CONSTERNATED that She must explain further (or lie) to Archer & reluctantly TURNS back to Him! --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . I distinctively heard you say, "That is all", Captain? . . .
ARCHER (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . Huh?! . . . NO-oh-oh-wuh; "That's" NOT what "I" MEANT?!
(beat)
I'm not "letting you off the hook" that easy, T'Pol?! . . .
(beat)
. . . "That's ALL" you were saying?!
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . Yes, Captain? . . . "That" is what we said, Sir? . . .
ARCHER (SUSPICIOUSLY SKEPTICAL)
. . . HUH-M-m-m-m?! . . . 'Cause it "seems"; Like a lot more was said than THAT?! . . . All "I" could understand was; "your name", "Vulcan", and "Humans"?! . . .
(fondly CONCERNED)
"This" isn't about "that P'JEM thing" AGAIN, is "it"?! . . .
T'Pol SHAKES Her head; REALIZING She must "explain" further! --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . No, Captain; . . . "This" does not pertain to "that", Sir; . . .
ARCHER (FRUSTRATEDLY)
Come CLEAN- with me?! . . . I mean; Be totally "honest"with me; OH- KAY-ee, T'Pol?! . . .
T'Pol STANDS & THINKS how to avoid "disclosers"; Then says, --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . I said, "This is 'T'Pol'" and "You are not behaving logically, like a 'Vulcan'?"; Basically?
(beat - THINKS)
He responded, "Are you going to return 'immediately', . . . or are you a 'prisoner'?"; Then, I interrupted him saying, "No; . . . I am free to do my 'will'?" and then, "If you damage, or destroy this 'Magi'"; . . . "That" means "Ship or Ships"? . . . ". . . I will perish, also?"; Then, I told him, "We can 'trust' the 'Humans' to cooperate with 'us'?";
(beat)
He then understood saying, "Thank you for showing me the 'flaws' in my logic," and "I am 'sorry';" Sir?
(beat)
I said, "'You are welcomed'," and "Apologize to my Captain; And then await further need of 'assistances'; If necessary?", Captain? . . .
(THINKS)
Then; He said, "I will, 'T'Pol'," and "Thank you, again;", Sir? That is when he spoke to you, Sir? . . .
Archer "reluctantly" BELIEVES T'Pol & NODS "understandingly"! --
ARCHER (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . OH-oh-oh, Kay?! . . .
T'Pol breaths a SIGH of "relief", and "starts" to TURN saying, --
T'POL (RELIEVED)
. . . Will that be all, Captain?-
but Archer PUZZLES & INTERRUPTS T'Pol's "retreat" by saying, --
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, PUZZLED)
. . . But-; Why won't you tell me why we have to take you back to Vulcan, T'Pol?! . . .
T'Pol SIGHS with anxiety & TURNS to WALK back & STANDS saying, --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . Captain?! . . .
(WALKS & STANDS near Chair)
. . . It is . . . as I said before; A "personal" matter?! . . .
Archer FROWNS stubbornly curiosity & GLARES angrily at T'Pol! --
T'Pol SIGHS again & realizes She can't avoid this; Then LIES! --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY) (CONT'D)
. . . As you know, Captain?! The Vulcans are "intensely private", and do not "pry" into the "affairs" of "others"?! . . . We expect the same-
(THINKS)
"respect"; Of our "privacy", in return, Sir?! . . .
Archer is SKEPTICAL & urgently URGES T'Pol by angrily saying, --
ARCHER (FRUSTRATEDLY)
. . . Come-m-m-m ON, T'Pol?! . . .
(CALMS)
That "sounds", "to me", MORE like-; . . . "Secrecy", rather than "privacy"?! . . . OUT with "It"?!
T'Pol is still RELUCTANT & STANDS near the Chair PONDERING! --
Archer SIGHS & MOTIONS for Her to "sit down" again, silently! --
T'Pol almost SIGHS with regretful RELENTING & SITS to say, --
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Very well, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . Come on, T'Pol? After all this time we've spent, together; Learning about each other?! . . . Well-l-l-l; Learning about us Humans, anyway?! . . . I thought we had developed a "special friendship"?!
(T'Pol RAISES eyebrow)
. . . Uhm-m-m-m; A certain amount of trust, and comradery with each other?
(T'Pol NODS "yes")
. . . Don't you realize by now; That you can share your "feelings"- with me?! . . .
(T'Pol RAISES eyebrow; Archer GRIMACES)
. . . Er-r-r-r? Share your "problems", and "difficulties" with ME?! SO-oh-oh-wuh?! . . .
(T'Pol RAISES eyebrow; Archer FRUSTRATES)
. . . Just TELL me the TRUTH, for ONCE?! . . .
T'Pol silently SITS & REALIZES She can't end this easily; Then RESOLVES to tell Him only "partially" the truth saying, --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . Very well; . . . Captain?. . .
(SIGHS & LIES)
. . . I must "return to Vulcan" to-oo-oo-wuh; . . .
(THINKS & "white-LIES")
. . . -To be "JOINED"?! . . .
(ANNOYS)
. . . There; I SAID "it"?! . . . NOW; Will you LEAVE me ALONE, Sir?! . . .
Archer FROWNS, a look of "revelation" GROWS on His SMILING face, & He CHUCKLES with relieved "misunderstanding" to say, --
ARCHER (CHUCKLING)
. . . Is- s- s- "that"- t- t-, IT- t- t- t- t-?! . . . Is THAT what ALL this SECRECY is ABOUT- t- t-?! . . .
(T'Pol NODS reluctantly)
What's the big DEAL?! SO-; You're getting . . .
(FROWNS with PUZZLEMENT)
. . . "JOINED"?! . . . What's THAT?!
T'Pol SIGHS with embarrassed regret to further explain saying, --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . I believe you Humans call "it"; . . . "Marriage", Captain? . . .
(Archer SMILES & NODS)
. . . I "must" . . . be "Joined"; To my Mate, Sir?! . . .
ARCHER (SYMPATHETICALLY)
. . . There, there-r-r; T'Pol?!. . .
(SURPRISED & AMUSED)
. . . Married, huh-H-h-h?!. . . WOW?!
(TEASING; "fondly")
. . . Is this a case of "cold feet" I'm hearing?! . . .
T'POL (CONFUSED)
. . . My "feet" are not . . . "cold", and how can you "hear them"; When they are . . . cold, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING; AMUSED & EXPLAINING)
. . . NO-oh-oh-oh-wuh; I mean?!. . .
(trying to understand; FROWNING concern)
. . . Are you having "reservations"; About the Wedding, or something like "that"?! . . .
T'Pol MISUNDERSTANDS Archer's intent & MISINFORMS in response! --
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY)
. . . Yes, Captain; This marriage was "reserved in advance" . . . by both our families; When we were but children, Sir?. . . This is our way?
ARCHER (CONSOLINGLY)
. . . I'm-m-m . . . sorry, T'Pol; But you don't have to, if you don't want to; Do you?! . . .
T'POL (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . Yes; . . . I . . . do?!
(THINKS & RELENTS)
. . . It is a "personal" Duty; And most urgent and . . . "personal"?
(frustrated to explain)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh-oh-wuh! . . . I might as well . . . simply TELL you; So-oh-oh; . . . You will leave ME "alone"?! (CALMS) Sir? . . .
ARCHER (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . I'm sorry, T'Pol; But I'm only doing this (THINKS) because I . . . "care" about you?! . . .
(T'Pol RAISES eyebrow)
. . . Like a "Father"?! . . . You DO have a Father; Don't you?! . . .
(T'Pol NODS "Yes")
. . . Good?! . . . I was beginning to think you were "hatched"?! . . .
T'POL (EXASPERATEDLY CONFUSED)
. . . Captain?! . . . If you have any questions about Vulcan . . . "Reproduction"; Perhaps, you should ask Doctor Phlox? . . .
He LOOKS frustrated & annoyed at T'Pol, & GLARES imploringly! --
She SIGHS, and realizes She must explain further; Relentingly! --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY) (CONT'D)
. . . Very WELL-?!. . . I will . . . "explain", further?! . . .
(IMPLORES)
. . . BUT?! You must . . . "swear a solemn OATH"; Of "secrecy", Sir?!
Archer THINKS for a short moment; Then PROMISES & "CROSSES His heart" while RAISING His hand as He says, --
ARCHER (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . I SWEAR a SOLEMN "OATH"; To NEVER "reveal" what you "have", or WILL tell me, now; To ANYone . . . EVER; OH- KAY-ee-ee, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (RELIEVED)
. . . Thank you, Captain?! . . .
(EXPLAINS "partially")
. . . I was "raised" by my "family"; Not my Mother, nor my Father, in particular; But my entire "Family"?! . . . This "marriage" was "arranged" by both our "Families"; And is . . . "a solemn Duty" . . . we can-NOT "disobey"?! This is "our way", Sir?!
(beat)
. . . We are "secretive", in some respects , but only because; We find it . . . "difficult"; To "reveal" ourselves to "outsiders"?! . . . "They" may use information about us; To find a "weakness", and harm us?
(Archer NODS & intently LISTENS, SMILING sympathetically)
This is why . . . we are "so private", and yes; "secretive"?! This has been "our way" for many a Millennia, now?! We cannot "change our Nature"; Who we are? . . . These things are not "discussed", with "each other"; Much less . . . "outsiders", Sir?!
ARCHER (SYMPATHETICALLY)
. . . I think . . . I understand, now?! And don't "worry"; Your . . . "secrets" are safe, with me, T'Pol?!
T'Pol SIGHS; Relieved She doesn't have to explain further & STANDS again as She "SIDE-STEPS" "more Issues" (Pon Farr)! --
T'POL (RELIEVED)
. . . Thank you, Captain Archer?!
ARCHER (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . Well-l-l-l-uh; I guess we should get you back to Vulcan, huh?! . . .
(THINKS)
. . . At Warp Two point Seven; Before you get cold-feet?! . . . UH-m-m-m; "Change your mind"?! . . .
T'Pol suddenly STIFFENS with urgent anxiety (The Pon Farr) & desperately IMPLORE (saying too much) Archer to "hasten" it! --
T'POL (URGENTLY)
. . . Captain?! I will not change my mind?! We must proceed to Vulcan; At Maximum Warp-Drive?! It is "a matter of Duty" that I have postponed for far too long, and is now; A matter of "Life and Death" for my Mate, Koss?! . . . (catches herself & covers-up her mistake!) For my immediate return, Captain? . . .
Archer FROWNS with bewilderment, but SHRUGS & "lets it pass"! --
ARCHER (PUZZLED)
. . . HUH-h-h-h?! . . . "Life and DEATH"?! . . .
(SHRUGS & "dismisses" the Issue)
. . . OH-, well-?! . . . I guess "we'll" never "fully" understand you Vulcans?! . . . Maximum Warp, Huh?
T'POL (URGENTLY)
. . . Yes, Captain; . . . May I be "Dismissed", now, Sir?! . . .
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . Yes; By all means?! . . .
(T'Pol TURNS to WALK toward Door)
. . . And; "Thanks" . . . for coming clean with me, T'Pol?! . . .
(T'Pol STOPS, TURNS back, & RAISES eyebrow)
. . . For "being truthful" with me; Understand me, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . Yes; I understand, Sir; . . .
(TURNS, OPENS Door, & TURNS back to Archer)
. . . And; "Thank you", Captain?!
(Archer FROWNS puzzled)
. . . For your "understanding", and "discretion"; In this "highly personal" and "urgently imperative", and "paramount" matter, Sir? . . .
and T'Pol STANDS in the OPENED Doorway; LOOKING at Archer as He NODS knowingly & SMILES! Then, He ACTIVATES the Intercom! --
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Captain Archer to Bridge?! Lay in a Course for Vulcan; . . . Maximum Warp?! . . .
(T'Pol NODS & EXITS)
. . . Now, please? . . . I'll be "up", in a few minutes, or so?! . . . Archer, Out?! . . .
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- MOMENTS LATER
The Bridge Principles (except Archer & T'Pol) are MANNING Stations busily, and Trip SITS in the Con Chair WATCHING! --
Suddenly; The Elevator Doors slide OPEN & T'Pol ENTERS, and slowly WALKS across the Bridge towards Her Science Station! --
INTERCUTTING:
ANGLES ON: EACH OF THE OTHER BRIDGE PRINCIPLES LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WITH SLY GRINS ON THEIR "DID YOU HEAR THAT?" FACES.
Each of the Bridge Principles STARE at T'Pol's Butt & secretively SNICKER at each other in a TEASING way! --
T'Pol PUZZLES as She NOTICES Them & LOOKS back at Them saying, --
T'POL (BEWILDERED)
. . . Why are you all looking at my "Buttocks", like that? . . .
and She STOPS at Her Station & RAISES an eyebrow at Them! --
Hoshi is first to TEASE T'Pol by shyly SNICKERING & saying, --
HOSHI (SHYLY GIGGLING)
. . . We-hee were-her-her looking t- to-hoo s- see-hee-hee . . .
(COVERS grin with hand)
. . . if "It"- t- t- had . . . "teeth-marks" -s on "It"- t- t-. . .?!. . .
and She GIGGLES while shyly & slyly LOOKING at O.S. Others! --
T'Pol is first: CONFUSED & then UNDERSTANDS the "joke" saying, --
T'POL (CONFUSED)
. . . Why would I have "teeth-marks" on my . . . (realization) OH-h-h-wuh?!
(sarcastically; annoyed)
. . . Human's . . . "Humor"; . . .
(disapprovingly)
So-oh-oh- . . . "illogical"! I will never understand "It"?! . . .
TRIP (TEASINGLY)
. . . OH-oh-oh-wuh; Come ON, T'Pol?! Loosen UP a little?! . . . WE're JUST "teasin'" yuh-awl 'cuz-z-z we "LIKE" yuh?! . . .
(slyly LEERS, asking)
. . . SO-oh-oh-wuh; Did y'AWL get in "TROUBLE", T'Pol?! . . .
but before She can answer; Travis at the Helm SNICKERS saying, --
TRAVIS (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . YEAH-hah-hah-hah; Is that why we're taking you to Vulcan?! To "kick" you OFF the SHIP?! . . .
but before She can answer; Reed LAUGHS & INTERJECTS saying, --
REED (TEASINGLY INTRIGUED)
. . . Yes; DO-oo-oo-w "TELL"?! . . .
(intently)
. . . Is THAT why; "WE" were ATTACKED by YOUR "people"?! . . .
T'Pol FROWNS with disapproval & INTERJECTS before someone else "puts their two-cents worth in" by ANNOYED saying, --
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . To answer your questions;. . .
(TURNS to O.S. Hoshi)
. . . No; . . .
(TURNS to O.S. Trip)
. . . No; . . .
(TURNS to O.S. Travis)
. . . NO; . . .
(TURNS to O.S. Reed)
. . . and NO-oh-oh-wuh! . . .
(Towards O.S. All)
Now; MAY I "return" to my WORK?!
(CALMS slightly)
. . . If any of you do not have enough "work" of your own, to do; I "can" Assign you to extra "Work Details"?! Scrubbing Intake Manifolds? . . .
INTERCUTTING:
Everyone FROWNS & SCOWLS as "chided children" & TURNS to resume Their Station's "Duties", and MUMBLE to Themselves! --
T'Pol (in a Vulcan way) SMIRKS & TURNS away softly saying, --
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY) (CONT'D)
. . . I thought as much?! . . .
but as T'Pol FACES away from the Others; She SIGHS heavily, & APPEARS "relieved"; as though She's "Dodged a Bullet"! --
INTERCUTTING:
Everyone (in turn) LOOKS annoyed, anxious, & scared by T'Pol! A few tense moments go by; Then, the Elevator Doors OPEN up! --
Archer ENTERS & WALKS toward Con Chair as O.S. T'Pol says, --
T'POL (COMMANDINGLY) (O.S.) (CONT'D)
. . . Captain on the Bridge?! . . .
INTERCUTTING:
Everyone (in turn) LOOKS imploringly with "puppy-dog eyes" at Archer as He PASSES, or APPROACHES Them! --
Archer NOTICES slowly & "hesitantly" unsure, says, --
ARCHER (HESITANTLY)
. . . As . . . you-oo-oo . . . were?!
(GRIMACES puzzled at O.S. Others)
. . . What's going On, here?! . . .
INTERCUTTING:
Everyone (in turn) "STARTS" to say something, but LOOKS at O.S. T'Pol & silently FROWNS with fear; TURNS back to Stations --
Archer GRIMACES with frustration & WALKS to Hoshi & says, --
ARCHER (PRIVATELY HUSHED) (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
. . . Hey, Hoshi; . . . What's "going on", around here?! . . .
Hoshi TURNS fearfully toward Archer & WHISPERS desperately! --
HOSHI (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . Sir?! . . .
(LOOKS at O.S. T'Pol)
T'Pol was being really "mean" to us?! . . .
ARCHER (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . What do you mean; "mean"?!
HOSHI (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . She "THREATENED" us; With extra Work Details?! . . . For no good reason at all, Sir?! . . .
Archer LOOKS disbelievingly at Hoshi & SHAKES His head; BUT?! --
Before He can "rebut"; T'Pol HEARS Them & SUMMONS Archer! --
T'POL (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . Captain?! May "I" speak with you, here?! . . .
Archer WHISPERS to Hoshi in a calmly assuring way saying, --
ARCHER (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . I'll find out what this is all about; Oh-h-h Kay-ee-ee, Hoshi?. . .
and She "sheepishly" NODS as Archer PATS Her shoulder, WINKS at Her & WALKS O.S. toward O.S. T'Pol at Her Science Station! --
Archer SMILES & NODS to the Others; APPROACHING T'Pol saying, --
ARCHER (LOUDLY "DECLARING") (CONT'D)
. . . Yes, Sub-Commander; I'll be right there?! . . .
ARCHER'S P.O.V.: Others sadly LOOK at Him as He WALKS bye! --
T'Pol BENDS OVER LOOKING into Her Scope; Archer ENTERS SHOT & T'Pol STANDS & MOTIONS towards the Sensor-Scope saying, --
T'POL (LOUDLY "DECLARING")
. . . Captain; Would you "look at this", Sir?! . . .
Archer BENDS OVER & LOOKS into Scope, FROWNS puzzled saying, --
ARCHER (PUZZLED)
. . . Yes; . . . What is it?! . . .
T'Pol BENDS OVER to WHISPER privately in Archer's ear saying, --
T'POL (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . Captain? I "heard" what Ensign Sato said; And it is . . . "inaccurate", Sir? . . .
Archer REALIZES He's LOOKING at nothing; STANDS angry saying, --
ARCHER (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . What in the hell is going ON around here?! . . .
INTERCUTTING:
FULL SHOT: ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Everyone begins YELLING & WHINING as They try to explain! --
ALL (IN UNISON, INTERJECTING)
. . . Captain Archer?! . . .
HOSHI (FEARFULLY)
She yelled at us; And we were JUST "teasing" her, Sir?! . . .
TRIP (FRUSTRATEDLY)
She was tryin' ta' "pull Rank" on ME, John?! . . .
TRAVIS (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
T'Pol was getting all "mad"; For nothing, Captain?! . . .
REED (ANXIOUSLY)
Sub-Commander T'Pol was in a bit of a SNIT, Captain Archer, Sir?! . . .
Archer LOOKS back & forth; Trying to make sense out of the clamorous complaining of the O.S. Others & INTERRUPTS saying, --
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . Q-U-I-E-T?! . . .
(Everyone QUIETS)
. . . T'Pol; You go to "get Checked-out" by Doctor Phlox; . . . "NOW"?!
(T'Pol ANNOYS & WALKS toward O.S. Elevator)
. . . In the MEAN-time; I'll "Check-out" what's WRONG with the REST of you ALL?! . . .
(T'Pol REACHES Elevator)
. . . Oh-oh-oh-oh-wuh, BOY?! . . .
FADE OUT:
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) ENTERPRISE & 3 VULCAN SHIPS -- LATER
ESTABLISHING SHOT: Enterprise is STREAKING through Space at Maximum Warp-Drive & SURROUNDED by 3 Vulcan "Magi"; 1 in front & 2 off Her Port & Starboard Stern sides; "ESCORTING" Her towards a distant & bright (Vulcan's Sun) Star, nearing! --
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Capt. Archer is making a Captain's Log Entry, and All the Other Bridge Principles (except T'Pol) are at their Stations! --
ARCHER (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
Captain's Log, Supplemental; It's "June Twentieth", and my Ship was attacked this morning; But we were undamaged, luckily?! . . . We are being "escorted" by those three Ships; To the "mysterious" Planet Vulcan, now?! . . . I'm told; The Vulcan word for "Ship" is "Maji"?! . . . The "Three Maji" and Enterprise should arrive at Vulcan, within the week?!
(beat)
. . . I had a small "problem" with the Bridge Crew, earlier; But I think I've straightened it all out, now?! That's the price I pay; To "run a loose Ship", I suppose? . . . I sent T'Pol to get a Medical Examination;
(THINKS)
Before her . . . "special mission"?!
(beat)
He doesn't know anymore about the Vulcans, and their "private ways" than I do?! . . . Computer?! End "Log ENTRY"! . . .
The Elevator Doors slide OPEN & T'Pol ENTERS & CROSSES the Bridge; WALKING toward Her Station, and all the Others (in turn) LOOKS sadly sympathetic at Her as She PASSES Them! --
T'Pol ENTERS SHOT: From O.S. & STOPS at Her Station with a very "puzzled & confused" GRIMACE of "suspicious" CONCERN! --
T'POL (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . Captain; May I "speak" with you . . . here? . . .
Archer STANDS & WALKS towards O.S. T'Pol SMILING as He says, --
ARCHER (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . Yes; (STANDS & WALKS) Doctor Phlox tells me; You "checked out" just fine?! . . .
(ARRIVES & STOPS at T'Pol's Station)
. . . We didn't know; . . . You had two Hearts, T'Pol?! . . .
T'Pol is "impatiently" suspicious of the sympathetic stares of the Others & quickly "sets up" the "cover-up", MOTIONING! --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY)
. . . Yes; . . . Captain? . . .
(MOTIONS)
If I "may"; Direct your attention to the Long-Range Sensors, Sir? . . .
Archer FROWNS & BENDS OVER to LOOK into the Sensor-Scope! --
T'POL (DECEIVINGLY) (CONT'D)
. . . You "may" find this interesting?
Archer PEERS into the Scope, but FROWNS again, PUZZLED! --
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . What am I looking at, here?
T'Pol BENDS near His ear & secretively curious; WHISPERS! --
T'POL (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . Captain; If you would? . . . "Pretend"; As if you are discussing the Sensor Readings, "quietly", Sir?
Without looking away from the Scope; He SMILES knowingly! --
ARCHER (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh?! I "get it"?
(beat)
. . . Go ahead, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (PRIVATELY HUSHED)
. . . I "need to know"; What you have "told them", Captain? . . . Have you "forgotten" your "Oath of Secrecy" made with me, Sir? . . .
Archer FROWNS defensively & "TRIES" to STAND, and LOOK away from the Scope; But T'Pol PUSHES & HOLDS His face to Scope! --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . OW-ow-ow-wuh?! . . . That HURT?!
(THINKS; WHISPERS)
. . . No; I didn't "forget"? . . . All I "told them" was; You are under a lot of "pressure", right now?! Because of "the Top Secret Mission" you are going on?! . . . Naturally; They were "curious"?!
T'POL (INTERRUPTING, SARCASTICALLY)
. . . "Naturally"! . . .
(anxiously curious)
. . . What did you tell them? . . .
While CONTINUOUSLY "pretending" to LOOK into Scope; Archer & T'Pol WHISPER "privately" to each Other & He ASSURES Her! --
ARCHER (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . I told them; "It" was on a "need to know" basis, and only you and I NEED to KNOW, OH- Kay, T'Pol?!
T'POL (SUSPICIOUSLY SKEPTICAL)
. . . Is that ALL you told them, Sir?! "Nothing else" was said?. . .
ARCHER (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . Yes; That was IT?! . . .
(beat)
. . . Of course; You know?! . . . You're going to have to "bring something back" with you; To "pull off" this "deception", don't you?!
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . I "suppose"; That is so, Sir?!
(beat; RELIEVED)
. . . And; Thank you again; For your (THINKS) "discretions" . . . in this "matter", Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . Don't mention it, T'Pol?!. . .
T'POL (EMBARRASSED & CONFUSED)
. . . "I", MOST certainly, will NOT, Captain Archer?! . . .
(Archer FROWNS at "something" on the Sensor-Scope!)
. . . And; I "suggest" you do the same, stupid Human?! . . .
but Archer SEES "something" on the Sensor-Scope & INTERRUPTS! --
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, PUZZLED)
. . . HEY?! What's THIS; On the Long-Range Sensors, T'Pol?! . . .
and He STANDS & MOTIONS toward the Scope! T'Pol GRIMACES with concerned interest & PUSHES Him away to LOOK into Scope! --
T'POL (SUSPICIOUSLY SKEPTICAL)
. . . Sir? . . .
(PUSHES Him aside to LOOK into Scope; RAISES eyebrow)
. . . I; "see-ee-ee"? . . .
but O.S. Hoshi's Voice INTERRUPTS & urgently CALLS saying, --
HOSHI (ANXIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . Captain ARCHER?! . . .
ANGLE ON: HOSHI AT HER COMMUNICATIONS STATION, LISTENING
HOSHI (FEARFULLY) (CONT'D)
. . . There's a lot of Sub-Space "Communications" going on . . .
(LISTENS)
. . . between the Lead Vulcan "Maji", and . . .
(LISTENS; TURNS scared!)
. . . IT'S the "Andorians", Sir?! They're "ARGUING" about "SOMETHING" . . . BLAH-blah-blah?! . . .
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) ENTERPRISE & 3 VULCAN SHIPS -- CONTINUOUS
Suddenly; The two FLANKING "Maji" VEER off in the same direction, and ACCELERATE O.S. while FIRING Weapons! --
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Archer is SITTING in His Con Chair & urgently BARKS Orders! --
ARCHER (URGENTLY)
. . . Hoshi; Hail the Lead Vulcan Ship . . . NOW?! "Put it up"; On the Main View-Screen?! . . .
Archer TURNS & FACES the BLANK Screen at Front of the Bridge! --
HOSHI (ANXIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . AYE-aye, SIR?! . . .
Suddenly; The BLANK Screen SNAPS to a Picture (INSERT OPTICAL) of the Lead "Maji" (from behind) & then FLIPS to Picture (INSERT OPTICAL) of the "annoyed" Capt. Sarik (Koss's Twin)! --
ARCHER (URGENTLY)
. . . This is Captain Archer?! . . .
but He is INTERRUPTED (again!) by the "impatient" Sarik! --
SARIK (INTERRUPTING, SARCASTICALLY)
. . . Yes, "Human"?! . . . What is it, now?! . . .
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . I HATE that?! . . . What "it is", IS . . . damned "annoying"; How you KEEP "interrupting me"?! . . .
(CALMS slightly)
. . . Now; Why have you started attacking the Andorians?! . . .
SARIK (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . "Human"; We "warned them" to "stay away", but they "insist" that you are "plotting against them", with us?! We are merely . . .
(THINKS)
. . . "protecting" your "inferior Maji" from their impending attack?!
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . Well; STOP your Attack, NOW?!
(CALMS slightly)
. . . We "Humans" don't "solve our problems", like that?! Let me "talk" with the Andorians; BeFORE you "ruin" any CHANCES of "Negotiations"?!. . .
Sarik LOOKS embarrassed & then confused, & LOOKS O.S. saying, --
SARIK (EMBARRASSED & CONFUSED)
. . . "T'Pol"?! . . . What should I do?!
SARIK? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . "T'Pol"?! . . . . . . . . . . . .?!
T'Pol LOOKS embarrassed & annoyed towards O.S. Sarik saying, --
T'POL (EMBARRASSED & ANNOYED)
. . . Do as my Captain tells you, "Dingus"?!
(Dingus = Idiot)
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., "Dingus"?!
(Dingus = Idiot)
Hoshi SITS & GIGGLES at what only She, and Vulcans understand! --
Sarik LOOKS "more embarrassed" by T'Pol CHIDING & RELENTS! --
SARIK (EMBARRASSED & CONFUSED)
. . . I will do as you ask, . . . "Sir"? . . . Sarik, Out! . . .
and the Screen FLASHES back to View from behind (INSERT OPTICAL) of Sarik's Ship; CRUISING ahead of Enterprise! --
Archer LOOKS "annoyed & confused" at the O.S. Screen saying, --
ARCHER (SUSPICIOUSLY SKEPTICAL)
. . . Hoshi?! . . .
HOSHI (GIGGLING, EXPLAINING)
. . . T'Pol just called Sarik an "Idiot", Sir?! . . . I don't BELIEVE she would say that?! . . .
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . That's NOT what "I" was ASKING, Hoshi?! I meant; Is He "calling of the Attack"?! . . .
HOSHI (FLUSTERED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh-wuh?! . . .
(LISTENS to Earpiece)
. . . Yes; He has, Captain!
T'Pol BENDS OVER & LOOKS into Her Scope, Monitoring; & says, --
T'POL (CONCERNED)
. . . Captain?! The Andorian Vessels are "approaching"; . . . On an "Attack Vector", Sir?! . . .
Archer TURNS from side to side; Urgently BARKS Orders O.S.! --
ARCHER (URGENTLY)
. . . LieuTENANT REED?! . . .
(TURNS to O.S. Reed)
Polarize the HULL-Plating, "ONLY"?!
(TURNS to O.S. Hoshi)
. . . Hoshi; Hail the Andorians, STAT?! . . .
HOSHI (FEARFULLY)
. . . AYE-aye, Captain Archer?!. . .
(LISTENS & OPERATES Control Panel; beat)
. . . They ARE responding, Sir?! "Audio ONLY", Captain?! . . .
Suddenly; The Voice (only) of Andorian Ship's Captain says, --
SHRAN (ANGRILY CONFUSED) (O.S.)
. . . Earth vessel; WHY have you sent your "gOOd", VULCAN "friends" to ATTACK us?! . . .
Archer GRIMACES with consternation at the situation & Sarik's actions, THINKS, STANDS & nervously PACES & THINKING to say, --
ARCHER (NERVOUSLY AFRAID)
. . . UH-h-h-h-h-m-m-m?! . . .
(STANDS & PACES, THINKING)
. . . "We" DIDn't . . . "send them" after you?! . . . THEY did "that"; AGAINST "our" wishes?! WE are ONLY interested in (THINKS) taking MY Vulcan Science Officer; BACK to Vulcan?! (STOPS PACING) You can "Check on that"; IF YOU'D LIKE?! . . .
There is a "tense moment" of SILENCE; Then Capt. Shran says, --
SHRAN (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Yes; You speak the truth!
(beat)
. . . About the Attack, and your Science Officer?! We have been "Monitoring" your Transmissions?!
ARCHER (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . Yes-s-s-s; . . . Yes?! . . . We mean "your People" . . . no harm?!
(THINKS; PLEADS)
. . . We EVEN "helped" YOUR People; To "discover" the "Vulcan Survielance" of your Home-World . . . from P'JEM; AND we "helped negotiate" the "Cease-Fire Treaty", and "set up" the ongoing Negotiations over the "Disputed Border-Planetoid"; Between your two Star-Systems, NEAR here?! . . . That PROVES; That WE are NOT "helping the Vulcans", AGAINST you?! To the CONTRARY; We ONLY want to "Explore", and meet NEW and "interesting" friends; Like YOU?! Can you "see" that, Captain-n-n-n ". . ."?! . . .
There is another "tense moment" of SILENCE before Shran says, --
SHRAN (RELENTINGLY) (O.S.)
. . . Shran! My "name" is Shran?!
(beat; more Amiably)
. . . Yes-s-s-s; I am TOLD that you DID, inDEED, "help us" CATCH the Vulcan's SPYING from P'Jem, on us; In Violation of our Treaty with them?!
(beat)
. . . WE owe YOU a GREAT "Debt of Gratitude"?! . . . You ARE "our friends"; But?! . . . You SHOULD; "Choose your Friends" MORE "wisely"?! The Vulcans are NOT to be "trusted"?!
ARCHER (CHUCKLING)
. . . YEAH-hah-hah-hah?! . . . The Vulcans, "as a whole"; (LOOKS at T'Pol, SMILING slyly) Are NOT to be "trusted", but?! We ARE "working on that", Captain Shran?! . . .
and Archer SITS with "relief" in the "Con", SMILES & LISTENS! --
SHRAN (CHUCKLING; SARCASTICALLY) (O.S.)
. . . YOU-hoo-hoo have your "work" cut-OUT for you-hoo-hoo, my FRIEND?!
(beat)
. . . We-hee-hee will LEAVE, now?!
(more seriously stern)
. . . If you "need OUR help", in the future; You can "count on" my People, Captain . . . "Archer" is it?! . . .
ARCHER (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . Yes?! . . .
(amiably reflective)
. . . "Your People" are a lot like "ours", Captain Shran?! . . . And; Thank you, again?! . . . Archer out?!
SHRAN (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING)
. . . YOU are . . . "welcomed", ANY time, Captain Archer?! . . . Captain Shran out?! . . .
and Archer PUSHES the Button on the Arm of the Con, SEVERING the Com-Link; Then, TURNS towards O.S. T'Pol with a SLY GRIN! --
T'Pol LOOKS "surprised", but quickly LOOKS "guilty", then "contemptuously" disgusted, & TURNS away; To Her Panel saying, --
T'POL (DRYLY SARCASTIC)
. . . HUH-m-m-m-ph?! . . .
With the Others (CHUCKLING) in the Background; T'Pol's face LOOKS "amused", but "under breath" She sarcastically says, --
T'POL (CHUCKLING; SARCASTICALLY) (CONT'D)
. . . "Humans"?! . . .
(SHAKES head; surprised)
. . . PerHAPS; I have . . . "misjudged" you?! . . .
and BENDS OVER & LOOKS into Sensor-Scope, & CONTINUOUSLY listens to the conversations behind Her without looking back! --
Archer SNICKERS slyly at the Others; Then TURNS toward Hoshi & in a secretively "teasing" way; CALLS Her over to the Con! --
ARCHER (SECRETIVELY; TEASING T'POL)
. . . Heh-heh-heh; Hoshi-hee-hee-hee?! . . . Can you "come here"; . . . For a "sec."?! . . .
and He "knowingly" WINKS at Her in a sly "conspiring" way! --
Hoshi shyly GIGGLES & NODS shyly "affirming" & STANDS to WALK O.S. towards O.S. Archer, SMILING slyly as She GOES! --
Archer LEANS toward ENTERING SHOT Hoshi; Whom STOPS & says, --
HOSHI (SECRETIVELY WHISPERING)
. . . Yes, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (SECRETIVELY; TEASING T'POL)
. . . What was "that word" She used for "stupid"?! . . .
and MOTIONS with His head towards O.S. T'Pol at Her Station! --
T'Pol LOOKS into Scope & disgustedly SHAKES Her head saying, --
T'POL (DISGUSTED SOTTO VOCE)
. . . PerHAPS; . . . Not?! . . .
Hoshi LEANS close to "correct" Archer by SMILING & WHISPERING! --
HOSHI (SECRETIVELY WHISPERING)
. . . No, Sir; That was "Idiot"?!
ARCHER (SECRETIVELY WHISPERING)
. . . OH-oh-oh?! . . . SO; What WAS "It", Hoshi?! . . .
and Hoshi SMILES as She "PRONOUNCES" it repeatedly for Archer; Whom attentively LISTENS & NODS as She says "it", softly! --
HOSHI (SECRETIVELY WHISPERING)
. . . "Dingus"! . . . "Dingus"!
and Archer REPEATS "It" as Hoshi SMILES & NODS, affirming! --
ARCHER (SECRETIVELY WHISPERING)
. . . "Dingus"?! . . . "Dingus"?!
(They SMILE & NOD)
. . . Got "It"; Thanks, Hoshi?!. . .
and Hoshi SMILES, NODS, TURNS & "TIP-TOES" (EXITS SHOT) O.S.; Back to Her Station! Archer SMILES & SIGHS, & LOUDLY says, --
ARCHER (LOUDLY "DECLARING") (CONT'D)
. . . Ensign Sato?! "Hail" Captain "Dingus" for me, WILL yuh?! . . .
T'Pol's face suddenly FLASHES with "surprised terror" as She STIFFENS, STANDS & quickly TURNS towards Archer "desperately"! --
T'POL (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . CAPtain; NO-oh-oh?! . . .
and the entire Bridge Crew bursts into unabashed LAUGHTER! --
T'Pol REALIZES She's "been had" by Archer's teasing "prank", & SHAKES Her head disgustedly & SIGHS disappointedly at Them! --
Archer REGAINS (somewhat) His "composure" & TEASES Her more! --
ARCHER (SNICKERING, EXPLAINING)
. . . SEE-hee-hee-hee?! . . . I KNEW about her superior "senses" of Smell and hearing, BUT; NO-?! . . . She DOESn't have "eyes in the BACK of Her head"?! HAH-hah-hah-. . .!. . .
and Everyone LAUGHS hysterically at the "consternated" T'Pol! --
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . I supPOSE; This "HUMOROUS prank" connotes, or "suggests"; That . . .
(THINKS)
. . . you all . . . "like" me?!. . .
ARCHER (CHUCKLING)
. . . YES- s- s-; That's- s- s- exACTLY-hee-hee wh- wh- WHAT- t- t- "IT"- t- t- MEANS-z-z-z, -heh-heh-?!
(CALMS slightly)
. . . We ALL "like" you, T'Pol; SEE?!
T'POL ("CORRECTIVELY" SARCASTIC)
. . . Yes; I "see"?! . . . My "Vision" is perfect?! . . . Just; NOT from "the back of my HEAD"?! . . .
and Everyone suddenly STOPS laughing & LOOK puzzled at each Other with "What did She mean?!" looks on GRIMACING faces! --
T'Pol LOOKS at O.S. Others & RAISES an eyebrow of SURPRISE! --
T'POL (CONFUSED) (CONT'D)
. . . It "seems"; my "attempt" at "Humor" has . . . "failed"?! . . .
and Everyone silently LOOKS at each Other, wondering; Then, SMILE & burst into unbridled LAUGHTER at T'Pol's "expense"! --
T'POL (PUZZLED) (CONT'D)
. . . PerHAPS; NOT?! . . .
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) ENTERPRISE & 3 VULCAN SHIPS -- LATER
Enterprise & the 3 "Maji" that SURROUND Her are APPROACHING the PLANET VULCAN, & a small FLEET of "Maji" APPROACH from the Planet's Orbital Path; And They All SLOW to a "crawl"! --
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Archer SMIRKS as He "sarcastic" & ironically STATES to All! --
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . Talk about "Where no Hu-man has gone, beFORE"?! . . .
(TURNS to O.S. Hoshi)
. . . Hoshi; Hail the Vulcans? . . .
HOSHI (FEARFULLY)
. . . Sir; THEY're Hailing US?!. . .
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Very good, Ensign; Put "Them" through? . . .
The BLANK Main View-Screen SNAPS on (INSERT OPTICAL) to Sarik! --
SARIK (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . Captain Archer; This is Captain Sarik? . . . You have entered Vulcan's "Secured Space". You are to "follow" these "instructions"; With NO . . . "Variances"?! ANY "Deviation" from Them; WILL be considered an "ACT of WAR"! Do YOU "understand"?! . . .
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . YEAH-h-h-huh; THAT'S a FINE "How do you do?!" for yuh?! . . .
Sarik "seems" OBLIVIOUS (actually ignoring It) to the sarcasm! --
SARIK (OBLIVIOUSLY; CONTINUING)
. . . One: You will establish an Orbit we determine for your "Maji"! . . . Two: You will NOT "attempt" to "Contact" ANYone on the Surface, nor "Scan" the Surface; For any reasons! . . . Three: You will NOT "attempt" to go to the Surface, nor "deviate" from the established Orbital Path we have determined for you; In any way! . . . Four: You will "wait" for T'Pol to Contact you; NOT "the CONtrary"! . . . Finally: You will NOT "attempt" to "Glean Information" about Vulcan, nor the Vulcans; From any "source", what-so-ever! . . . Any "deviations" from these "Conditions" will be "dealt with" by your "escort"! . . . "That" would be "ME"; "UnderSTOOD"?! . . .
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . YEAH, yeah-h-h-h; I "get it"?! . . ."WELcome to VULCAN", Huh?!. . .
SARIK (OBLIVIOUSLY; CONTINUING)
. . . T'Pol; Are you prepared for Transport? . . .
T'POL (STOICALLY)
. . . Yes; I am prepared, but "Hold"?
(TURNS to O.S. Others)
. . . I . . . "apologize"; For the "rudeness" of my Species; . . . It is . . . "Their Way"?! . . .
(TOWARDS Archer)
. . . I will Contact you; When I am able? It may be . . . "some time"?! Please; Wait "patiently", and do not "pry", Captain?! I may not be . . . "available"; To "intervene", on your behalf?! . . .
(GIVES "Vulcan Salute")
. . . "Live long, and prosper" . . . my (THINKS) "friends"? . . .
(LOOKS "up in air")
. . . I am now prepared for Transport, Sarik?! . . .
and T'Pol is immediately "ENGULFED" in the swirling Lights, and DISAPPEARS from the Bridge of Enterprise; "Beamed" off! --
EXT. MOUNT SOLEIL'S CEREMONIAL THRONE ARENA -- CONTINUOUS
The CAMERA focuses / CENTERS ON: The Gong Structure in Center! T'Pol immediately "Materializes" near It, and LOOKS around; To get her bearings, and O.S. Koss's SCREAMS can be HEARD coming from the O.S. "Cave of Sorrows" behind the O.S. Throne Platform! T'Pol SEES the Gong's Ringer laying on the ground where He had dropped It, PICKS It up, & STRIKES the Gong with It! Suddenly; The O.S. SCREAMS of O.S. Koss STOPS as T'Pol calmly & reluctantly HANGS It back up on the Gong Structure; Where it & the various Ancient Vulcan Weapons are HANGING! Then; T'Pol TURNS towards the O.S. Throne Platform with hesitant reluctance & loudly, "ceremoniously" SHOUTS! --
T'POL (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . I am here?!. . . I am "prepared" for the "Joining"! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . '. . . . . .' . . . . . . "Coah'Linar"! . . .
The T'pau STANDS in front of the Throne Chair on the Platform, and the Vulcan Eunuchs Stand to the Left & Right, in Rows! The T'pau FROWNS with disapproval & RAISES her Scepter saying, --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . "T'Pol"; You have 'postponed' your "Joining" for far too long; To be with the "Humans"?! . . . Your 'Mate', "Koss", is near 'Death'; From the . . . "Pon Farr"!. . . There is NO 'time' for the "Joining" Ceremony! Are you 'prepared' for the "Consummation"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . "T'Pol"; . . . . . . '. . . . . .' . . . . . . "Coah'Linar" . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . "Humans"?! . . . . . . . . '. . . .', "Koss", . . . . . . . '. . . . .'; . . . . . . "Pon Farr"! . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . .' . . . . "Coah'Linar". . . .! . . . . . '. . . . .' . . . . . ". . . . . . ."?!
T'Pol LOOKS "regretfully" at Her O.S. Mother/Queen & says, --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . I . . . am!. . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . !. . .
and BEGINS to "DISROBE" & LAY Her clothes on the ground in a Pile! As She does this; The Two Eunuchs ENTER SHOT from the O.S. Throne Platform CARRYING Her sheer, "see-through" Ceremonial Robes & Pointed Hat to Stand in front of Her, & HAND Her "Honeymoon" Garb as She STRIPS down to Underwear! She TAKES the Garb from Them & PUTS it on; Then, They "ESCORT" T'Pol by the Arms, back towards O.S. Throne Platform, and directly to The Metallic Door of "The Cave of Sorrows"! They STOP, UNLOCK, & OPEN It and (gently) PUSH T'Pol inside! --
INT. MOUNT SOLEIL'S CEREMONIAL 'CAVE OF SORROWS' -- CONTINUOUS
The OPENED Doorway CASTS a Reddish Shaft of Light inside the DARK "Cave of Sorrows", and momentarily "Back-Lights" T'Pol STANDING near It's Doorway on Stage Right; Until It SLAMS closed behind Her! For a few seconds, only BLACKNESS is SEEN; Until T'Pol is SEEN as She KNEELS on the ground & LIGHTS a single Black Candle on the sandy floor at CENTER Stage! --
T'Pol (O.S. below C/U ANGLE) STANDS to On Screen from the Floor, and has a curiously "AROUSED" expression as She LOOKS ahead into the Darkness of O.S./S.L & SNIFFS the air like an animal stalking it's prey, & (in English) "amorously" says, --
T'POL (STRANGELY ANIMALISTIC)
. . . Where ARE you, "My MATE", Koss?! . . . I can "smell" the Pheromones your BODY is releasing; Caused by the "Pon Farr", . . . AND my . . . "BLOOD BOILS"; . . . from THIS?! . . . I MUST "Mate" with you, NOW, KOSS?! . . .
From the O.S. Darkness of Stage Left in front of Her; The O.S. Voice (only) of the weak & near Death O.S. Koss says, --
KOSS (WEAKLY; LABORED) (O.S.)
. . . You . . . have been . . . with the "Humans" . . . TOO long?! . . . You talk like 'Them'; AND . . . you SMELL like 'Them', "T'Pol"?! . . .
KOSS? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Humans" . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . .'; . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . .', "T'Pol"?! . . .
T'Pol FROWNS with puzzlement, and regret; At the "insulting" words of O.S. Koss, and His "lack of aroused action" saying, --
T'POL (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . It IS . . . 'my Duty'; AND . . . 'my Work', "Koss?! . . .
(anxiously impatient)
. . . ENOUGH of THIS?!
(hastily removes Hat; throws down!)
. . . WHY do you . . . NOT . . . 'TAKE me', NOW?! . . .
("rips off" Robe; throws It down!)
MY . . . 'blood BOILS', "Koss"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . .'; . . . . . . '. . . . . .', "Koss"?! . . .
(beat; anxiously impatient)
. . . . . . . . . . . . ?!
(beat; hastily removes Hat; throws down!)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . .', . . .?! . . .
(beat; "rips off" Robe; throws It down!)
. . . . . . '. . . . . .', "Koss"?! . . .
and She BREATHES hard & PANTS as She begins SWEATING & oddly "LUSTING"; "AROUSED" & SNIFFING the air in full "Pon Farr"! The STRAINING to "move" (weak) & GROANING (pain?) O.S. Voice of O.S. Koss ANSWERS, but is "unsuccessfully attempting" to move toward Her, or "sexually" take Her (near Death) saying, --
KOSS (STRUGGLING & GROANING) (O.S.)
. . . I-. . . UGH-h-h; I can-NOT?! . . . AH- I have been . . . 'waiting' . . . HERE; For MANY days, . . . Uh-gh- . . . 'Meditating'?! . . . AH- argh-gh-gh! . . . I-ee-ee- ergh- AM-uh-h . . . DYING-uh-ugh?!
KOSS? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (O.S.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . ; . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . .' . . . . . . . ; . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . .'?! . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?!
T'Pol PANTS like a "Panther in Heat" & Her eyes NARROW as She PEERS into the Darkness looking for Koss, & oddly says, --
T'POL (STRANGELY ANIMALISTIC)
. . . Then; I-ee-ee- MUST 'take' YOU, "Koss"?! . . . My . . . BLOOD . . . BOILS?!
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . '. . .' . ., "Koss"?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?!
Suddenly; CAMERA is "behind" T'Pol, and the single Black Candle is SEEN on the sandy ground in front of Her; Between Her legs! T'Pol quickly RIPS OFF Her Bra, THROWS It down on the Pile of Her Hat & Robe on the ground, and then rapidly PULLS Her Panties down, & STEPS out of Them; KICKING Them towards the Other Garments in the Pile! T'Pol is BACK LIT by the Candle (black out "privates") & SILHOUETTED by It as She SCREAMS (lustfully; like an animal) & STEPS over the Candle, and STRUTS sexily "aroused" into the Darkness ahead! As T'Pol DISAPPEARS into the Darkness that HIDES Her & Her "dying Mate, Koss"; CAMERA begins PUSH DOLLY BACK towards the O.S. Metallic Door behind! O.S. T'Pol & Her O.S. Mate can be HEARD (only) from the Darkness MOANING & GROANING (T'Pol in lustful ecstasy; Koss in mortal pain & fear!) and CAMERA "PASSES THROUGH" the Metallic Door, and STOPS at a C/U ON: Metallic Door! O.S. T'Pol's MOANING & GROANING can be HEARD through the Metallic Door, and so can O.S. Koss's last dying SCREAMS; As She "Screws Him to Death", inside! --
FADE OUT:
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. MOUNT SOLEIL'S CEREMONIAL THRONE ARENA -- "LATER; THE SAME DAY"
BACK TO SCENE: C/U ON: METALLIC DOOR TO "CAVE OF SORROWS"
The Scene is the same as end of Act Three; Except SILENT! The screams of Koss being "Mated" to death, and T'Pol's erotic and animalistic moaning and groaning have STOPPED! Suddenly; Three RAPS on the Metallic Door are HEARD coming from the inside, & the Eunuchs STANDING O.S. on both sides of It ENTER SHOT to UNLOCK & OPEN the heavy Metallic Door! T'Pol STANDS inside the opened Doorway SQUINTING Her eyes at the sudden Sunlight, & is FULLY CLOTHED & "normal" saying, --
T'POL (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . "It" . . . is done! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . ". ." . . . . . . . . . . . .! . . .
T'Pol EXITS "The Cave of Sorrows" and LOOKS towards the O.S. Throne Chair and The T'pau as She WALKS towards Them, & O.S.! The Eunuchs LOOK inside the Doorway & LOOK puzzled as They TURN back towards the now O.S. T'Pol; Confused & CLOSE Door! --
T'Pol ENTERS SHOT, STOPS, TURNS & STANDS in front of The T'pau! T'Pol respectfully BOWS to Her & appears shamed saying, --
T'POL
. . . "It" is . . . done; My "Royal Queen- Mother", "The T'pau"?!
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . ". ." . . . . . . . . . . .; . . ". . . . . - . . . . .", ". . . T'pau"?!
The T'pau LOOKS "strangely puzzled" at T'Pol, & ASKS saying, --
THE T'PAU (CONFUSED)
. . . Where is your Mate, "Koss"?! . . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., "Koss"?! . . .
T'Pol LOOKS oddly "guilty" as She Motions back O.S. saying, --
T'POL (REGRETFULLY)
. . . He . . .
(MOTIONS back O.S.)
has . . . died;
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(MOTIONS back O.S.)
. . . . . . . . . . . .;
The T'pau RAISES Her Scepter, and loudly "PROCLAIMS" saying, --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . AS "It" was "Foretold"; SO, "It" HAS BECOME! . . .
(TURNS to T'Pol)
. . . Where is "Koss's" "Shakra" (Shock-rah)?
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . ". ." . . . . ". . . . . ."; . ., ". ." . . . . . . . . . .?!
(TURNS to T'Pol)
. . . . . . . . "Koss's" "Shakra" (Shock-rah)?
T'Pol WINCES & LOOKS "guiltily" back at O.S. Door, then The T'pau, but says nothing, & GESTURES "I DON'T know?!"; SHAKING Her head & SHRUGGING Her shoulders! (In Her Lust, She forgot!) --
The T'pau SCOWLS (puzzled & concerned) and then loudly says, --
THE T'PAU (CONCERNED)
. . . Approach me, "My Child"?! . . . Give me your "thoughts", "T'Pol"?! . . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . ., ". . . . . . ."?! . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . .", "T'Pol"?! . . .
T'Pol BOWS & reluctantly APPROACHES The T'pau, STOPS, & WAITS! --
The T'pau REACHES out with Her free hand, & TOUCHES T'Pol's Face for a short moment; Then WITHDRAWS it, & loudly says, --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . "It" . . . is not here?! . . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . ". ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . .
Then, The T'pau FROWNS & LOOKS down at T'Pol's Stomach, "wonderingly"! Then, She REACHES out & TOUCHES T'Pol's Stomach for a moment, "SENSES" something, RETRACTS Her hand quickly, TURNS, RAISES Her Scepter, & "PROCLAIMS" saying, --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . "He" is "HERE"?!
(beat)
. . . AS "It" was "ForeTOLD"; SO, "It" HAS BECOME?! . . .
(TURNS to T'Pol)
. . . "The Great Changer", or "SAREK" shall be "His Father", and "begin" by His Father's "End"," "My Daughter", "T'Pol"!
(TURNS; loudly)
. . . She IS "with Child"?! She MUST NOW, be "Sequestered"; Per OUR "Traditions"!. . .
(TURNS to Eunuchs)
. . . Take HER to "The Royal Chambers", NOW?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . ". ." . . ". . ."?!
(beat)
. . . . . . ". ." . . . . ". . . . . ."; . ., ". ." . . . . . . . . .?! . . .
(TURNS to T'Pol)
. . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .", . . "SAREK" . . . . . ". . . . . . .", . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . ". . .", ". . . . . . . . . .", "T'Pol"!
(TURNS; loudly)
. . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . ."?! . . . . . ., . . ". . . . . . ."; . . . . . . ". . . . . ."! . . .
(TURNS to Eunuchs)
. . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . .", . . .?!
and the Two Eunuchs (PAN ON:) hurriedly WALK from both sides of the Throne Chair, PAST The T'pau, DOWN the Steps to STOP & GRAB (gently) T'Pol's Arms, & then; Hurriedly TAKE Her towards the O.S. direction of the Arena's Open-Doorway as She PROTESTS --
T'POL (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . NO-, my "Royal Queen-Mother", "The T'pau"?! . . . I MUST contact my ship; My "STUDY Mission" of "Humans"?! . . .
(struggles)
. . . I beg you?! I MUST, "The T'pau"?!
T'POL?
. . . . .-, . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . .", ". . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . ". . . . . . . . . ." . . "Humans"?! . . .
(struggles)
. . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . ., ". . . T'pau"?!
but The T'pau IGNORES Her Daughter's pleas; As She must do! --
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- "TWO MONTHS LATER"
Capt. Archer SITS in the Con Chair, ARGUING with Capt. Sarik on the Main View-Screen & FADE IN ON: Strike-Out Dialogue! --
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . I know; You said, "Be Patient", BUT; We HAVE been "waiting; . . . PATIENTLY"?! For TWO MONTHS, NOW?!
(beat; CALMS slightly)
. . . When can we "expect" some "word"; On my Science Officer, T'Pol?!
SARIK (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . May I "assume"; You are "trying to 'glean information' about T'Pol", again, Captain Archer?! . . .
(beat; contemptuously)
. . . You will not be "warned" about "this", AGAIN?! When "she is prepared to"; She will contact you?! Captain Sarik, out! . . .
and Sarik suddenly TERMINATES the Com-Link before Archer can ARGUE the point, further! --
Archer GRIMACES with angry frustration, POUNDS His fist down on the arm of the Con, & SHOUTS with consternation saying, --
ARCHER
. . . DAMN! . . . I hate that Son-ova-Bitch?! . . .
REED (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . Sir?! I think we should . . . "take matters into our OWN hands", Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (PUZZLED)
. . . What do you mean, Malcolm?!
REED (SLYLY SCHEMING)
. . . Well-l-l-l; I can, "discretely", try a "Passive Scan" of the surface for her?! Then; We can "Transporter" her up to the ship, Captain?! . . .
Archer THINKS long, hard, & silently before cautioning says, --
ARCHER (CONCERNED)
. . . Alright! . . . But don't Transporter her up, AND . . . be CAREFUL; Not to "give us away", Oh- Kay-, Lieutenant Reed?! . . .
REED
. . . Aye, Captain Archer?! . . .
and Reed TURNS, PEERS into His Targeting Sensors Scope & PAUSES as He DESCRIBES what He is doing & results saying, --
REED (HESITANTLY) (CONT'D)
. . . I'm . . . "Passively Scanning" . . . the Vulcan Ships, . . . now?!
(beat)
. . . Now; I'll "carefully" Scan past Them, to Vulcan's Surface?! . . .
(beat)
. . . Nothing yet, Captain?! . . .
Suddenly; Hoshi's face FILLS with terror as She LISTENS to "something" on Her Ear-Piece, TURNS, & YELLS to O.S. Archer! --
HOSHI (TERRIFIED)
. . . Captain ARCHER?! Sarik "wants to TALK to you", NOW?! . . .
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . Put him . . . "on HOLD", Hoshi?!
(TURNS back to Reed)
. . . LieuTENANT?! . . .
REED (STAMMERING)
. . . Nothing . . . YET; But It's like . . . "Picking a Bloody-needle out of a Bleeding-haystack", Sir?!
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Alright, Lieutenant! . . . Keep trying; Until I tell you to stop?!
(TURNS back to Hoshi)
. . . Now, Hoshi?! . . .
(Hoshi fearfully NODS)
. . . Yes, Captain Sarik?! What is it?! . . .
SARIK (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . You WILL "cease your Scans", NOW, Captain Archer?! . . .
ARCHER (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . I'm . . . sorry, Captain Sarik; I don't know what you mean?! . . .
(TURNS, LOOKS & FROWNS at O.S. Reed; worried!)
. . . We were JUST . . . "Scanning" your "Maji"; To see if we aren't getting too close, THAT'S all?!. . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
but Archer is INTERRUPTED by the O.S. Weapons Fire that ROCKS & JOSTLES the Ship & the Crew all STAGGER & STUMBLE from It! --
Reed urgently YELLS out the obvious to O.S. Archer saying, --
REED (URGENTLY)
. . . Captain?! The Vulcan Ships are ATTACKING us, Sir?! . . .
("SEES" something in His Sensor-Scope!)
. . . There's MORE Ships; Coming up from the SURFACE, Captain?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
but Reed is INTERRUPTED by more Weapons Fire & the Ship ROCKS! --
ARCHER (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . Polarize the HULL-Plating?!
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
. . . Travis?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
. . . Get us OUT of here, NOW?!
TRAVIS (FEARFULLY)
. . . AYE-aye, . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
. . . Sir?! . . .
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) ENTERPRISE & VULCAN SHIPS OVER VULCAN -- CONTINUOUS
Enterprise is SEEN as It BREAKS Orbit & is being FIRED upon & PURSUED by the 3 Vulcan "Maji", SHOOTING! More Ships (a small Armada fleet) are COMING up from the Surface, behind! As Enterprise, then the Vulcan Ships "FLY BYE" CAMERA; A small PIECE of Enterprise FLOATS away from a BLAST of the Weapons Fire INCREASING, and They All MOVE at Impulse-Drive, & ACCELERATE towards CAMERA & O.S., out of View behind CAMERA! --
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
BACK TO SCENE:
The Bridge & Crew occasionally ROCK & BUFFET from the EXPLOSIONS, and Hoshi desperately frightened YELLS out saying, --
HOSHI (FEARFULLY)
. . . Sir?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
. . . They JUST "knocked out" our Sub-Space Communications Systems?!
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . G-R-E-A-T! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship Buffets)
. . . Helmsman?! Go to Warp-Drive, NOW?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
TRAVIS (SCARED)
. . . AYE, Captain?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
. . . WHERE do we GO?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS)
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . ANYwhere but HERE?! . . .
("BOOM"; Ship BUFFETS "one last time"!)
TRIP (FEARFULLY)
. . . JOHN?! . . . They JUST "disabled" our Warp-Drive! We're "Sittin' DUCKS", NOW?! . . .
and the Ship is strangely SILENT; The Weapons Fire STOPPED! --
Archer TURNS towards Reed at Tactical with a FROWN saying, --
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . Why have They stopped firing at us?! We DIDN'T "out-run" Them, did we?! . . .
but Trip INTERRUPTS to answer the question; More in His Field! --
TRIP (SARCASTICALLY, CONFUSED)
. . . We COULDN'T "out-run" Them; EVEN if we WANTED to, AND . . . still had our Warp-Drive, John?! . . .
(SHAKES head)
. . . No-; They JUST stopped shootin' at us; For SOME reason, John?! . . .
Reed INTERJECTS as He PEERS in His Targeting Scanners saying,
REED (CONFUSED)
. . . Captain?! They're STILL on our Bloody-Tail, Sir?! . . .
HOSHI (INTERRUPTING; FEARFULLY)
. . . Captain Archer?! Incoming message; On the OLD, "Mega-High Frequency", Sir?! . . .
(THINKS)
. . . They KNOW; We lost our Sub-Space, Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Put it through, Hoshi?! . . .
(beat; TURNS forwards)
. . . This is Captain Archer?! . . .
SARIK (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . "Dingus" Humans; We WARNED you?! Now; You WILL LEAVE THIS System, and do NOT return?! . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . You don't "expect" us to leave, without T'Pol, DO you?! . . .
SARIK (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . "THAT" . . . is EXACTLY what WE "expect" from YOU! Our two Systems are "at War", and YOU will NOT return here; Or You will be DESTROYED?! Sarik, OUT! . . .
and the Com-Link GOES suddenly silent! Archer FROWNS & says, --
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . Wait a minute, while we talk about it?! . . . Oh-oh-oh-wUH, DAMN! He DID it, AGAIN?! . . .
(Calms; LEANS forwards)
. . . Helmsman; Set a Course for-r-r-
(THINKS)
. . . -the Andorian System; Maximum Impulse-Drive, now?! . . .
TRAVIS (CONFUSED)
. . . Aye-aye, Captain! . . .
(THINKS & FROWNS)
. . . But; "That" will take us-s-s-s-
(THINKS)
. . . -MONTHS to "get there", Sir?!
ARCHER (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . We DON'T have a CHOICE?! . . .
and Archer LEANS back in His Con SHAKING His head & SIGHS! --
INT. "ROYAL 'SEQUESTERING' CHAMBER" ROOM ON VULCAN -- "MOMENTS LATER"
The "Sequestration Room" for the Royal Family of Vulcan is sparsely adorned, and plain; With a large Wooden Door and no windows, but white, clean, and well lit! T'Pol STANDS amid several (7?) Young Vulcan Maidens, Her younger "ROYAL PRINCESSES-SISTERS"; and They HUDDLE around Her in an Attentive manner, BLOCKING View of T'Pol's Stomach; Which is ENLARGED (between 1st & 2nd "Trimester" of Pregnancy) and They All are dressed the same! They All WEAR the Sheer Robes & Pointed Hats (Royalty) and LISTEN to T'Pol in the Center of the Group as She seems frustrated; Already SPEAKING (FADE UP ON: Strike-Out Dialogue) to Her Younger Sisters, and ONE (T'PRING; Spock's future Mate, and youngest of the Group?) in particular; T'Pol FROWNS as She is EXPLAINING saying, --
T'POL (FRUSTRATEDLY)
. . . But; You do not understand, my "Royal Princesses-Sisters"; Nor do you, my youngest one of all, "T'Pring"?!
(beat)
. . . We must speak in the "Human's" language; For me to remain . . . in the "Immersion Program" I have initiated; For my "Study Mission" of "Humans"?!
(THINKS)
And; I must contact "my Ship", and the "Humans"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . But; . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . ". . . . . . . . . .-. . . . . ."; . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., "T'Pring"?!
(beat)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Human's" . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . ." . . . . . . . . .; . . . . ". . . . . . . ." . . "Humans"?!
(THINKS)
. . .; . . . . . . . . . ". . Maji", . . . . . "Humans"?! . . .
The Youngest (T'Pring) STANDING nearest Her FROWNS saying, --
T'PRING (PUZZLED)
. . . But; You know?! You may not?! . . .
T'PRING? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . .; . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . .?! . . .
but T'Pol INTERRUPTS T'Pring with FROWNing reproach saying, --
T'POL (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED; IN ENGLISH)
. . . No-! In the "Human's" language; I have been teaching you?! . . .
T'PRING (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . I . . . am (THINKS) "sorry"?
(T'Pol NODS)
. . . You "know", must; You may not?! You are, here, . . . "sequestered"?; And, per our . . . "Traditions"; Until the . . . "Time of Birthing"?!
T'Pol NODS knowingly at T'Pring's "broken English", and says, --
T'POL (CONSOLINGLY)
. . . You . . . are in need of
(THINKS)
. . . "Practice"; Of Their language, but I understand your statement?!
(THINKS; To All)
. . . But, I must contact Them, soon?! You do not . . . "know" the "Humans" as I do; For you ALL are merely fifty years old; Too young to be . . .
(THINKS)
"Assigned" to a . . . "Study Mission"; As I have, yet?! . . .
(THINKS; concerned)
The "Humans" will make . . . "illogical assumptions" concerning me, and attempt "a rescue" of me?!
T'PRING (IN BROKEN-ENGLISH, DISBELIEVINGLY)
. . . Surely, but; They . . . will not . . . "risk?" this?! "This" actionS . . . would be illogical, my "oldest" . . . "Royal PrincessES-SisterS", T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (ADMONISHINGLY)
. . . You may, "partially", know their language;
(CORRECTS; To All)
"Yet SUREly", You cannot know their "Nature", as I do, my "Royal Princesses-Sisters"?!. . .
(THINKS; To T'Pring)
. . . They are . . . "extremely illogical", my "singular-case", "Royal Princess- Sister-", T'Pring?! . . .
Suddenly; The Large Wooden Doors SWINGS OPEN, and The Two Eunuchs (CARRYING Vulcan "Pugilist's-Stick") ENTER the Room, and STEP to both sides of the Doors to STAND "Guard"! The Royal Princesses-Sisters All SCATTER (REVEALING T'Pol's "Pregnant Belly") from being STARTLED, and then respectfully BOW to the O.S. "The T'pau"; Whom ENTERS the Room from the O.S. Corridor, & WALKS (FROWNING) & STANDS in front of T'Pol! --
T'Pol BOWS to Her "Royal Queen-Mother" The T'pau; Whom says, --
THE T'PAU (STERNLY, CONCERNED)
. . . Your "Human"
(THINKS)
. . . "Archer?"; Has "violated" the Terms and Conditions we have set for Them . . . to be here; Per your "Evocation" of the "Right" to have "Companions present"; During your "Rituals" of "The Joining", "Pon Farr", and "Birthing", my "Royal Princess-Daughter", "T'Pol"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . "Human"
(THINKS)
. . . "Archer?"; . . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . ." . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . ". . . . ." . . ". . Coah'Linar", "Pon Farr", . . . ". . . . . .", . . ". . . . . . . . . . .-. . . . . . . .", "T'Pol"?!
T'Pol LISTENS & Her face GROWS with anxiety & disappointment! --
T'POL (DISAPPOINTEDLY)
. . . NO-oh-oh-wUH-?!
(GATHERS composure)
. . . This means; My one-hundred year "Study Mission" of "Humans" YOU have "Assigned" to me is terminated, and futile, my "Royal Queen-Mother", "The T'pau"?!
(IMPLORES)
. . . Cannot YOU do
(beat)
. . . SOMEthing about this, and was Their "Maji" destroyed, "The T'pau"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . .-. .-. .-. .-?!
(GATHERS composure)
. . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . .-. . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . ." . . "Humans" . . . . ". . . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . ., . . ". . . . . -. . . . . .", ". . . T'pau"?!
(IMPLORES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
(beat)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . "Maji" . . . . . ., ". . . T'pau"?! . . .
The T'pau LISTENS & SHAKES Her head with solemn regret saying, --
THE T'PAU (REGRETFULLY)
. . . No-oh-oh; My "Royal Princess-Daughter", "T'Pol"; To both your questions?! . . . They were "driven away"; Per your "request", but; We are "at War" with the "Humans", "T'Pol"?!
(beat)
I only have authority and influence over matters concerning "Vulcan", this Planet alone, and the other two "Castes" control everything off of this Planet, my Child?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . .-. .-. .; . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . .-. . . . .", "T'Pol"; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . . ". . . . .", . . .; . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . "Humans", "T'Pol"?!
(beat)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Vulcan", . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . .?!
T'POL (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . Mother?! . . .
(STOPS self; THINKS)
. . . I mean, "The T'pau"?! . . . 'I' MUST . . . 'attempt' to avert this 'War' with the "Humans" before it is too late to try?!. . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . .?! . . .
(STOPS self; THINKS)
. . . . . . . . ., ". . . T'pau"?! . . . '.' . . . . . . . '. . . . . .' . . . . . . '. . .' . . . . . . "Humans" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?!. . .
THE T'PAU (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED)
. . . It is TOO late?! Our "Ambassadors-Scientists" have been 'Withdrawn'; From the "Terran" System?! You MUST 'wait', until "The Time of Birthing"; To do 'anything', my Daughter! It is 'Our Tradition', "T'Pol"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . .?! . . . ". . . . . . . . . .-. . . . . ." . . . . . . . '. . . . . .'; . . . . . . "Terran" . . . . .?! . . . . . . . '. . .', . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . '. . . . ., . . . . . . . .! . . . . '. . . . . . . . .', "T'Pol"?!
T'Pol LISTENS to Her Mother's "logic", & RELENTS, reluctantly! --
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Yes, my "Royal Queen-Mother", "The T'pau"; . . .
(THINKS; IMPLORES)
. . . Can you "Send Information"; To my Captain, "Archer"?! Let Him know, "I am 'alright', and will contact Him; When I am able?!", "The T'pau"?
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . ., . . ". . . . . . . .-. . . .", ". . . T'pau"; . . .
(THINKS; IMPLORES)
. . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . . . . ., "Archer"?! . . . . . . . ., ". . . . '. . . . . . .', . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . .?!", ". . . T'pau"?
The T'pau LISTENS & NODS with sympathy & She THINKS, & says, --
THE T'PAU (SYMPATHETICALLY)
. . . Yes, my "first Child", "T'Pol"; This "message" will be sent to Him; But, in four months; You WILL be "Birthing", and be able to 'avert' this terrible 'set-back' to "The Great Alliance"; That was "Foretold" of by the Ancients?!. . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . ., . . ". . . . . . . . .", "T'Pol"; . . . ". . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . ., . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . ". . . . . .", . . . . . . . . '. . . . .' . . . . . . . . '. . .-. . . .' . . ". . . . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . ". . . . . ." . . . . . . . . . .?! . . .
T'POL (ADMONISHINGLY)
. . . You do not believe in the "mystical Myths" of the "Ancients"; Do you, "The T'pau"?!. . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . ." . . . . ". . . . . ."; . . . . ., ". . . T'pau"?!. . .
THE T'PAU (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Yes; I do! And, "if" YOU will take the Throne of "Vulcan", and my "Shock-Rah" from me; As I have done, from my Mother before me; You will come to believe and understand, as I do?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . .; . . .! . . ., ". ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Vulcan", . . . . . . . "Shock-Rah" . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . .?!
& The T'pau NODS to T'Pol in "I have confidence in you" way! --
T'Pol (& All Others in background) BOW to The T'pau, & then The T'pau TURNS & Exits into the outer Corridor; Followed by the Two (Guards) Eunuchs that CLOSE the heavy Wooden Doors! --
The Vulcan Princesses-Sisters of T'Pol MUTTER as They GATHER around Her, again; And then, T'Pring WONDERS as She asks, --
T'PRING (BEWILDERED)
. . . You were correct, "T'Pol"; About everything you said?!
T'PRING? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . ., "T'Pol"; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?!
T'POL (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED; IN ENGLISH)
. . . Please; In the "Human's" language, "T'Pring"?! . . .
T'PRING (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . I am . . . "sorrowful?"
(T'Pol NODS)
. . . You were not in error, T'Pol?!
(PUZZLES)
. . . The "Humans" DID . . . "make illogical assumptions" about you, and placed themselves in a "place of Peril?", my Oldest Royal Princess-Sister, "T'Pol"?! . . .
(THINKS; WHISPERS)
. . . I heard; They "smell bad", and "eat flesh", TOO; "ALSO?"?! . . .
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . "This" . . . is true; but, I have become (THINKS) "accustomed" to "it", and (THINKS again; SIGHS) "miss" Them; In a "peculiar manner"?! . . .
(THINKS)
They are an "intriguing" Species?!
(Others RAISE eyebrows)
. . . Did you know; Their "Gestation Period" is three MONTHS longer than ours, my Royal Princesses-Sisters?!
(Others SHAKE heads, disbelievingly)
. . . Yes?! . . .
INT. CAPTAIN ARCHER'S QUARTERS -- "FOUR MONTHS LATER"
Archer SITS at his Desk MAKING a Captain's Personal Log Entry! --
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Captain's Personal Log, December Twenty-fifth; . . . "Christmas Day"?!
(EXPLAINING)
. . . Well; All the Repairs to the Ship have been made, with the help of "Andorian"! When we got to Andore; They were more than willing to help us! . . . EsPEcially, when they heard about the "troubles" between us and the Vulcan's?! . . . Starfleet Command has Authorized, even though the Vulcans won't respond to any of our attempts to "Negotiate", or answer our Communications to Them; To return to Vulcan, BUT . . . I'm not "alone"?!
(beat)
Captain Shran has been very instrumental in establishing a new Alliance between our two peoples, and is "escorting" us back; With a "few" of His Ships, but has agreed to follow my "wishes", and not "escalate" the already . . . "Bad Situation" that's happened, here?!
(Intercom "BEEPS")
. . . Computer; End Log Entry? . . .
(Computer "BEEPS" twice; He PUSHES Button FROWNING)
. . . This is Archer?! . . .
TRAVIS (O.S.)
. . . Captain; We're approaching the Vulcan System, and "Ee Tee A-ee" is twenty minutes? . . .
HOSHI (INTERRUPTING; FEARFULLY) (O.S.)
. . . Also, Captain?! Captain Shran wants to talk with you? . . .
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Very well; Put him through to me, here; and "keep an eye" out for any "trouble coming", Oh Kay?! . . .
TRAVIS (O.S.)
. . . Aye-aye, Captain; . . .
(to O.S. Bridge, Reed)
Lieutenant Reed; You heard Him?!
and Archer SITS up & WAITS with a SMILE to talk with Shran! --
EXT. MOUNT SOLEIL'S CEREMONIAL THRONE ARENA -- "MEANWHILE"
CAMERA focuses on: Gong Structure in center of the Mountain-Top Crater, Ceremonial / Throne Arena! The O.S. Bells & Drums (Same as opening Scene of Teaser Act) is HEARD & CAMERA PANS LEFT towards the Opening to STOP! The Procession REACHES the Top of the O.S. Stairs & ENTERS Arena area! The T'pau LEADS the 2 Flanking Columns of Vulcan Musical Instruments PLAYING Eunuchs, & WALKS slowly PAST the Gong Structure toward O.S. Throne Platform, but; T'Pol (Fully Pregnant & IN LABOR) is at the end of the Procession, & STOPS at the Gong Structure! T'Pol TAKES the Ringer down as the Procession EXITS SHOT O.S., onto the O.S. Throne Platform; & T'Pol (with "difficulty") STRIKES the Gong, TURNS to O.S. T'pau & says, --
T'POL (CEREMONIOUSLY; IN ENGLISH, "MISTAKENLY")
. . . It. . . Is-s-s-s. . . MY. . . "Time of BIRTHing"! . . .
but; She REALIZES She said it in English, & SHAKES Her head in embarrassed self-reproach, & loudly REPEATS Her "Mandatory Ceremonious Announcement" towards the O.S. The T'pau saying, --
T'POL (CEREMONIOUSLY) (CONT'D)
. . . I . . . am . . . sorry; I meant to say, "It IS . . . "My Time . . . of BIRTHING"! Oh-oh-oh-WUH! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (CONT'D)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . ., ". . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."! Oh-oh-oh-WUH! . . .
and T'Pol THROWS down the Ringer in regretful self-disgust! --
The T'pau RAISES Her Scepter, & loudly "QUOTES" the Prophecy! --
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY)
. . . As "It" WAS "Foretold"; SO-, "It" HAS beCOME?! . . . "'The Great Changer's' Birthing WILL be Announced; FIRST, by 'The Tongue' of 'It's Mate', and THEN, by 'It's OWN Tongue'!"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . ". ." . . . . . ". . . . ."; . .-, ". ." . . . . . .?! . . . "'. . . . . . . . . .'.' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . ., . . '. . . . .' . . . '. .' . . . . .', . . . . . ., . . '. .'. . . . . . . .'!"?!
and the Eunuchs PLAY the Bells & Drum Instruments again!
THE T'PAU (CEREMONIOUSLY) (CONT'D)
. . . AppROACH me, My Royal Princess-Daughter; "Child" of whom, I am "PROUD"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . .- . . . . . .; ". . . ." . . . . . ., . . . ". . . ."?!
T'Pol doesn't look "too happy" as She STEPS over Her Starfleet Uniform & Ringer LAYING on the ground, & WALKS (in pain?) to STOP in front of The T'pau & LOOK up with regretful sorrow! --
THE T'PAU (ASSURINGLY AFFIRMING) (CONT'D)
. . . You, AND "your child" are . . . "The Great Changers"; That were Foretold of, my Child, "T'Pol"?! . . .
(POINTS to O.S. "Cave of Sorrows")
. . . Your "Birthing" will be . . . "short"?!
(TURNS to Two Eunuchs nearest Throne)
. . . Take Her into "The Cave of Sorrows"?!
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (CONT'D)
. . . . . ., . . . ". . . . . . ." . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . ., "T'Pol"?! . . .
(POINTS to O.S. "Cave of Sorrows")
. . . . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . ". . . ."?!
(TURNS to Two Eunuchs nearest Throne)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . ."?!
The Two (Guard) Eunuchs CARRYING "Pugilist-Sticks" WALK down to Both sides of T'Pol, STOP, GRAB (Gently) Her Arms, & LEAD Her towards "The Cave of Sorrows" & the Metallic Door to It! They STOP, UNLOCK, OPEN the Door, then PUSH (gently) Her in! They CLOSE, LOCK the Door, & EXIT SHOT (C/U ANGLE ON DOOR:)! O.S. T'Pol is HEARD "giving Birth" inside as O.S. Bells & Drums PLAY; To "cover over" the sounds of "disgusting things"! --
EXT. MOUNT SOLEIL'S CEREMONIAL THRONE ARENA -- "MINUTES LATER"
BACK TO SCENE: C/U ON: METALLIC DOOR TO "CAVE OF SORROWS"
The O.S. Bells & Drums still PLAY, but O.S. T'Pol is silent! Suddenly; 3 "RAPS" on the inside of the Metallic Door are HEARD & O.S. Bells & Drums STOP! The Two (Guard) Eunuchs ENTER SHOT from Both sides of the Door, & OPEN It! T'Pol is STANDING just inside; HOLDING "a Baby" (Sarek; Spock's Father) WRAPPED up in the Sheer Robe T'Pol "was" wearing, but now; only WEARS the Panties, Bra, & Pointed Hat & SQUINTS Her eyes at the Bright Sunlight, in the Darkness! She WALKS out through the Metallic Door, TURNS, & WALKS toward O.S. Throne! --
The T'pau WATCHES as T'Pol WALKS to Throne Chair, Stops, & PLACES the Baby on the Throne Chair, but doesn't look happy?! T'Pol STANDS upright, TURNS towards The T'pau with "heavy disappointment" on Her face, & WALKS PAST & down; STOPS to TURN back toward The T'pau, & "regretful yet respectful" says, --
T'POL (REGRETFULLY)
. . . I am . . . "sorry", my Royal Queen-Mother, The "T'pau"?! My Child is . . . a Male-child, and will never "Rule Vulcan", my Mother! I- . . .
(SIGHS)
. . . have failed you, and "The Ancient's Prophecies"; By not Birthing a Princess-Daughter, that "may Rule Vulcan"?! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . .", . . . . . . .- . . . ., . . . "T'pau"?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-. . . ., . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . Vulcan", . . . . . .! .- . . .
(SIGHS)
. . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . ". . . . . . . . .'. . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-. . . . . ., . . . . ". . . . . . . Vulcan"?! . . .
The T'pau "almost" SMILES (sympathetic) to Her Daughter T'Pol! --
THE T'PAU (CONFIDENTIALLY ASSURING)
. . . What makes you "suppose"; The "Great Changer's Child" . . . would be female, my Child? . . . The "Great Changer" can also be a Male-child?! He may not be "eligible" to "Rule" over "Vulcan", nor must He; To "Change Vulcan"?! . . . You will understand, one day, "T'Pol"?! . . .
(T'Pol BOWS relentingly to The T'pau's logic; T'pau PROCLAIMS)
. . . As "It" was Foretold; SO-, "It" SHALL Become?! . . .
(To T'Pol)
. . . Have you "Chosen a Name"; For "Him", "my Child"? . . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . ."; . . . ". . . . . . . . .'. . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . .? . . . . . ". . . . . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . .-. . . . .?! . . . . . . ". . . . . . ." . . ". . ." . . . . "Vulcan", . . . . . .; . . ". . . . Vulcan"?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . ., "T'Pol"?! . . .
(T'Pol BOWS relentingly to The T'pau's logic; T'pau PROCLAIMS)
. . . . . ". ." . . . . . . . . . . .; . .-, ". ." . . . . . . . .?! . . .
(To T'Pol)
. . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . ."; . . . ". . .", ". . . . . . ."?! . . .
T'Pol FROWNS with concern & puzzlement, not knowing?! Then, She TURNS & WALKS toward the Gong Structure while THINKING! --
T'Pol ENTERS SHOT THINKING, but not knowing as She TURNS back toward O.S. The T'pau, & SHAKES head-SHRUGS shoulders! --
T'POL (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . I . . . do . . . not . . .
(REVELATION)
. . . Yes?! . . . I shall Name Him . . . "Great Changer", or "Sarek"! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(REVELATION)
. . . . . .?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . .", . . "Sarek"! . . .
and T'Pol LOOKS down, SEES O.S. Ringer near Her Clothes & Shoes, BENDS down O.S. to PICK It up, STANDS, TURNS, & STRIKES the GONG with It & HANGS It back up; Then TURNS back & WALKS O.S. towards O.S. Throne Platform & The T'pau, where She was! --
T'Pol STOPS in front of The T'pau, & loudly "PROCLAIMS" saying, --
T'POL (CEREMONIOUSLY) (CONT'D)
. . . Per "OUR Customary Ways"; I give My Child, "Sarek", over to My Family's Caste, The Royal Caste, to be "Reared" and Taught; Until He can take his place in one of the other Two Castes; "The Scientific-Diplomatic", or "The Military-High Command" Castes! . . .
(TURNS, WALKS back to Clothes)
. . . "My Duty" to my Family's Caste is finished! I must return . . . to my "Study Mission" The "T'pau" has Assigned to me, NOW?! BeFORE, it is . . . too late! . . .
T'POL? (VULCAN SUBTITLES) (CONT'D)
. . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . ."; . . . . . . . . ., "Sarek", . . . . . . . . . . . . . .'. . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; ". . . . . . . . . .-. . . . .", . . ". . . . . . .-. . . . . . . . ." . . . .! . . .
(TURNS, WALKS back to Clothes)
. . . ". . . . . ." . . . . . . . . .'. . . . . . . . . . . .! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . ." . . . "T'pau" . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . .?! . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . .! . . .
and T'Pol BENDS over to PICK up the Clothes & DRESS Herself! --
The T'pau loudly ASSURES Her O.S. "Skeptical of the Prophecies" Child who is DRESSING hurriedly while Her Mother calmly says, --
THE T'PAU (CONFIDENTIALLY ASSURING)
. . . Do not be "troubled", my Child?! We will "Rear", and teach "Sarek"; in the ways of "Vulcan", but; He will be "Taught" to take His Place . . . in "The Scientific-Diplomatic Caste"?!
(beat)
. . . He WILL, one day, "Enjoin" the "Vulcans", and the "Humans" toGETHER; In "The Great Alliance", and change ALL of US, for-EVER, my Child, "T'Pol"! . . .
THE T'PAU? (VULCAN SUBTITLES)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . .", . . . . .?! . . . . . . ". . . .", . . . . . . . . "Sarek"; . . . . . . . "Vulcan", . . .; . . . . . . ". . . . ." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . . . . .-. . . . . . . . . . . ."?!
(beat)
. . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . ., ". . . . ." . . . . "Vulcans", . . . . . . . . "Humans" . . . . . . .; . ". . . . . . . . . . . .", . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . .-. . . ., . . . . ., "T'Pol"! . . .
and T'Pol DRESSES as She LISTENED (disbelievingly, but respectfully) to Her Mother, The T'pau, "PROFESS Prophecy"! --
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS
Capt. Archer SITS in the Con Chair TALKING with Capt. Shran on Main View-Screen (FADE UP ON: Strike-Out Dialogue) saying, --
ARCHER (PUZZLED)
. . . This is Captain Archer; . . . What is it, Captain Shran, my friend?!
SHRAN (CONCERNED)
. . . Captain ARCHER?! We HAVE "detected" SEVERAL Vulcan WAR-Ships approaching; On an "INTERCEPT Course" with US! . . .
(sarcastically; worried)
. . . I DON'T think; They are "coming to say, "HELLO" to US"?! . . .
REED (INTERRUPTING; FEARFULLY)
. . . ConFIRMED, Captain?! TWENTY Ships, ALL "Armed to the Bloody-TEETH"; In "ATTACK Formation", SIR! . . .
SHRAN (INTERRUPTING; WORRIED)
. . . We SHOULD "Arm" ourSELVES, Archer?! . . .
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING; WORRIED)
. . . NO-oh-oh-wuh; ReMEMBER our "Plan", Shran?! . . .
SHRAN (SUSPICIOUSLY SKEPTICAL)
. . . WE-! . . . We-ee-ee-h?! . . . We will . . . "try it"; Your way, Archer! . . .
ARCHER (RELIEVED)
. . . Good! . . . If things don't "work out"; Just, inform Starfleet Command; That we gave the "Diplomatic approach" a shot, and don't "escalate" the "situation", here, Oh- Kay?! Archer, out! . . .
SHRAN (SYMPATHETICALLY)
. . . You are either; Very "brave", or VERY "stupid", Archer?! . . . But; We will "fall back" and "watch what happens" to you; Shran, out! . . .
and the Screen GOES Blank! Archer FROWNS & TURNS saying, --
ARCHER (WORRIED?)
. . . Trip; Polarize Hull-Plating?!
TRIP (CONFIDENTLY ASSURING)
. . . AlREADY "done", John?! . . .
(sarcastically; To "self", quietly)
. . . A LOT of good THAT'll do?!
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY)
. . . Malcolm; Maintain "Low Alert" Status, and don't Arm Weapons?!
Reed NODS with reluctance, & then SHAKES His head, concerned! --
Archer is "undaunted", & TURNS towards Hoshi to Order saying, --
ARCHER (COMMANDINGLY) (CONT'D)
. . . Hoshi; Hail the Vulcan's . . . "Maji"?! . . .
HOSHI (FEARFULLY)
. . . Aye, Sir?! . . .
(TURNS; OPERATES Control Panel)
. . . They ARE "responding"?! . . .
Immediately; The Main View-Screen FLASHES on, & Sarik says, --
SARIK (ANNOYEDLY)
. . . We WARNED you, "Humans"; To stay AWAY from here?! Now; We will DESTROY you, AND your Andorian Allies!
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . Sarik; We COME in PEACE?!. . .
SARIK (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . You will LEAVE in "PIECES"!
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . BeFORE you "destroy us"; Just LISTEN for a moment . . . to WHAT I've GOT to say?! . . .
(silence)
. . . If you'll Scan our Ships; You'll SEE?! We aren't going to "Arm our Weapons Systems"?! . . .
REED (INTERRUPTING; FEARFULLY)
. . . Sir?! We'll BE in Their Weapon's Range; In TEN seconds . . . MARK! . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING) (CONT'D)
. . . There's no "logic"; In Firing on Ships that won't Fire back?!. . .
REED (FEARFULLY)
. . . Five, Four, Three, TWO, ONE; MARK?! . . .
and Reed CRINGES with fearful anticipation of the explosions! --
Archer desperately terrified; GRABS the Arms of the Con Chair, STIFFENS & BRACES Himself, & YELLS the "Final Order?" saying, --
ARCHER (TERRIFIED)
. . . ALL Hands; BRACE for IMPACT?!
but nothing happens & all is SILENT; Until scared Hoshi says, --
HOSHI (LISTENING; AFRAID)
. . . SIR-; INcoming MESSage?! . . .
ARCHER (STERNLY, CONCERNED)
. . . Is "It" . . . Sarik?! . . .
Hoshi LISTENS & SHAKES Her head "No!" as She FROWNS back! --
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING) (CONT'D)
. . . Is "It" . . . Shran?! . . .
Again; Hoshi FROWNS & LISTENS to her Ear-Piece SHAKING head! --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED) (CONT'D)
. . . IS "It" . . . VULCAN?! . . .
Hoshi LISTENS, GRIMACING & NODDING; SMILES, & TURNS saying, --
HOSHI (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . YES, Captain! . . .
(LISTENS; SMILES wider)
. . . IT'S T'POL?! . . .
Archer "LEAPS" from the Con, & SIGHS heavily before saying,
ARCHER (EXCITEDLY)
. . . WH-wh-E-E-L-l-l; PUT Her through, Hoshi?! . . .
HOSHI (APOLOGETICALLY)
. . . It's an "Audio only" Signal, Sir?! . . .
(Archer FROWNS "Go ahead!", NODDING)
. . . YES, Captain Archer?! . . .
Hoshi quickly TURNS to OPERATE Her Control Panel, "nervously"! --
Archer SIGHS & SHAKES head; SITS back down & LOOKS forward! --
T'POL (CONCERNED) (O.S.)
. . . Captain Archer?! . . .
(Archer SMILES, elated)
. . . Are you "there", Sir?! . . .
Archer suddenly ANGERS (worried) & YELLS at O.S. T'Pol saying, --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . WHAT in the HELL happened to YOU, T'POL?! . . .
O.S. T'Pol is "shyly EVASIVE" as She HESITATES, "embarrassed"! --
T'POL (EMBARRASSED CONFUSED) (O.S.)
. . . Captain? . . . Uhm-m-m-m; May I . . . "explain" . . . that to you . . . "later", Sir?! . . .
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-WUH, SH-sh-SURE-r-r?!
(PUZZLES)
. . . What about Captain SARik?!
T'POL (EMBARRASSED ANNOYED) (O.S.)
. . . May I . . . "discuss" that with you . . . also, "later", Sir?!
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-WUH, I . . . CAN'T "WAIT for THAT", Sub-Commander?!
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . I am . . . "sorry", Sir; but you must . . . "wait for that"?! I am not "at liberty" to discuss such a . . . "matter of privacy"?! . . .
ARCHER (INTERRUPTING, SARCASTICALLY)
. . . "A matter of SECRECY"?! . . .
T'POL (EMBARRASSED ANNOYED) (O.S.)
. . . "A Matter of Privacy"; Sir?
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . You BETTER make "It" DAMNED GOOD, T'POL-l-l-luh?! . . .
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY) (O.S.)
. . . Sir-r-ruh?! Is not . . . "damned" a "bad" thing?! . . .
(O.S. Bridge Crew LAUGHS at T'Pol)
. . . Sir-?! . . .
Archer can't help but to SNICKER as He LOOKS at O.S. Others! --
ARCHER (CHUCKLING; SARCASTICALLY)
. . . I'LL-l-l-l "exPLAIN it" to you, "LATER", T- T'P- P- Pol- hall- huh?! Hah-hah-hah- heh-heh-heh- . . .!
T'POL (EMBARRASSED CONFUSED) (O.S.)
. . . Aye-ee-ee, Captain? . . .
(sarcastically "CURT")
. . . "If" . . . you "will"?! Simply, follow The Maji back to Vulcan; And "try" to follow "the Rules", THIS time, Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (EMBARRASSED)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh, YEAH-h-h-h?!
(sarcastically "ASSURING")
. . . I've . . . "learned my lesson", LAST time?! . . . Heh-heh-heh-. . .?
FADE OUT:
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN ARCHER'S QUARTERS -- LATER
Archer is nervously PACING near His Desk, across the Room from the Door! The Door "CHIMES", & Archer TURNS to GLANCE at it in surprise, then RUNS to SIT at His Desk; PRETENDING to have been WAITING "patiently" & calmly! Archer SHOUTS! --
ARCHER ("FAKING" CALMLY)
. . . Come?! . . .
Door OPENS & T'Pol ENTERS & STANDS "apprehensively" inside! --
ARCHER ("FAKING" CALMLY) (CONT'D)
. . . Oh-; T'Pol?! Please; Come IN . . . and sit?! . . .
T'Pol CLOSES Door & WALKS to STAND near empty Chair saying, --
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . I would prefer . . . to stand, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . PLEASE-z-z-z-zuh?! . . .
and He MOTIONS & NODS towards the Chair opposite His Desk! --
T'Pol LOOKS between Archer & the Chair, & finally SITS saying, --
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Very well, Captain Archer. . .
(SITS; SNIFFS air & GRIMACES)
. . . I almost forgot; . . . The "smell" of your dog, Porthos?
Archer RESTRAINS His impulse to scream the many questions He has for Her, but "impatiently" TAPS His hands on Desk saying, --
ARCHER (ANXIOUSLY)
. . . Well-l-l-l, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY)
. . . Yes; I am "well", Sir; . . . And you?! . . .
Archer GRIMACES & SHAKES His head, "scoffingly" disappointed at Her answer! He TAPS on the Desk; Then, He FROWNS & SLAMS his hands down hard, & YELLS (losing His composure!) saying, --
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . WHAT in the HELL HAPPENED, T'POL?! . . .
T'Pol is STARTLED, but then THINKS "guiltily" of how not to say anything of what "really happened", & "bold-faced" says, --
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . Captain? . . . I . . . went down to Vulcan, and . . . was . . . "Joined"? . . .
(Archer FROWNS, puzzled)
. . . To my "Mate", Koss? . . .
ARCHER (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . And THAT took you SIX MONTHS?!
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . No, Captain? . . . "That". . . only took . . . (THINKS; LIES) two months, or so, Sir? . . .
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . So-; WHAT about the OTHER. . . FOUR MONTHS . . . ?!! . . .
T'Pol THINKS & STAMMERS while "avoiding the question" saying, --
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . The other . . . four months? Were spent . . .
(REVELATION)
. . . "negotiating"; . . . With the "Vulcan Leadership"? . . . Trying to . . . "repair the damage" . . . "you" had caused, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (EMBARRASSED)
. . . Oh- . . . yeah-h-h-h; . . . I did, didn't I?! . . .
T'POL ("CORRECTIVELY" SARCASTIC)
. . . Yes; You did, Captain?! . . .
(LIES further)
. . . I have, however; Managed to "convince" Them; That it would be
(THINKS)
. . . "logical" . . . not to "alienate" Humans from the Vulcans? We can accomplish more "together"; Than either of us can, "separately", Captain Archer; Do you agree? . . .
ARCHER (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Yes; So, how's your "baby"?!
T'POL (CONFUSED)
. . . My . . . "baby"?! . . .
ARCHER (EXPLAINING)
. . . Yes; Your "negotiations"?!
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . Oh? . . . You were not destroyed, were you?! . . .
ARCHER (CONT'D; ANNOYEDLY)
. . . NO-! (THINKS) Well; Good work, T'Pol? . . . I, mySELF, have been busy "Negotiating"; With the Andorians?! . . . They are SO much like us; It's SCARY?! . . .
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . Yes, Sir; "It" is, indeed, "scary", Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (OBLIVIOUSLY; CONTINUING)
. . . Yes! . . . We . . .
(FROWNS; "Insulted")
. . . HEY-ee-ee-yuh?! That wasn't very nice, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . No; But it was . . . "accurate"?
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . If there's one thing we can count on; It's your "accuracy", huh?!
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . Yes, Sir; . . . You "may", indeed; . . .
ARCHER (RECALLS SOMETHING)
. . . SPEAKing of "accuracy"; WHY did Captain Sarik "act" the way he did, towards us; And what happened to him?! . . .
T'Pol THINKS hard about this; & decides to "white lie" saying, --
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . He . . . "behaved" in that manner, because; . . . He is the "twin brother" to my Mate, Koss? He was . . . "motivated" to bring me back to Vulcan, "A- SAP", Sir? . . .
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . Oh; . . . But?! After we got you here; Why did he "behave" SO "badly" towards us, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . He was . . . "under orders"; To "enforce the Terms and Conditions" of your "presence", in "Vulcan Space", Captain?! . . . He "may" have . . . "over-stepped" his "Duty"; In his "zealousness" to keep you from violating those . . . "Rules"? Our Cultures "secrets", as I explained to you before, are . . . "sacred" to us, Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (RECALLS SOMETHING)
. . . SPEAKing of "Secrets"; Have you "brought back" ANYthing WITH you; . . . To "substantiate" the "Top Secret Mission" cover-story; That I told the rest of the Crew?! . . .
T'POL (CONFUSED)
. . . "top secret Mission"?! . . .
(REVELATION)
. . . Oh, yes; . . .
(LIES)
. . . I have, Captain; . . .
ARCHER (IMPATIENTLY)
. . . WELL-l-l-l; What IS "It"?!
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . "It" is. . . quite simply. . .
(THINKS of a lie)
. . . New "Engineering Technology"; That will enable Mister Tucker to "link", directly from our Warp Engines; To divert more power to the Hull-Plating Polarization Units, and Deflectors; Enabling us to "extend" an Electro-Magnetic Field around the Ship; Much like . . . the Vulcan's Ships . . . "Shields", Captain?!
ARCHER (DISAPPOINTEDLY)
. . . Is that "IT"?! . . . Nothing MORE, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (RELUCTANTLY)
. . . It is . . . "difficult"; To "convince" Vulcan Leadership to "allow" any new "Technology", other than purely "Defensive", to be given to such a . . . "volatile" Species?!
ARCHER (ARDENTLY IMPLORING)
. . . You could do better than that?!
T'POL (RELENTINGLY)
. . . I . . . "suppose" so? . . .
(beat; THINKS)
. . . Would a "Deflector / Tractor Beam" be "sufficient", Sir? . . .
ARCHER (PRESSING FOR MORE)
. . . I was thinking more; Like those "Energy Pulse Weapons" your Ships have, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (AGHAST)
. . . Captain?! . . . I do not-
(THINKS; LIES "relentingly")
. . . I will "try", Captain?! . . .
ARCHER (HAPPILY)
. . . WELL-l-l-l; That's better than nothing, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (SARCASTICALLY, ANNOYED)
. . . If . . . there is "nothing" more, Sir?! I will start the Shield Modifications with Mister Tucker.
and She TURNS & "starts" WALKING toward the Door as He says, --
ARCHER (RELENTINGLY)
. . . Yeah; You go and . . .
(RECALLS something)
. . . Hey; Wait a minute?! . . .
(T'Pol STOPS & TURNS)
. . . What about your Husband?! Where is He?! . . .
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . My "Mate"?! . . . He is . . .
(THINKS; RELENTS, truthfully)
. . . dead, Captain? . . .
ARCHER (SADLY REFLECTIVE)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh?! . . . That would explain why; His brother, Sarik, was so "eager"; To destroy us?! . . .
(THINKS)
. . . I'm sorry to hear that; About your . . . "Mate", Koss? . . . Were you, and Sarik . . . in "Mourning"?
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY)
. . . No, Sir; . . . It was . . . after-noon? . . .
ARCHER (CONFUSED)
. . . What?! . . . After NOON?!
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY; CONTINUING)
. . . Yes, Captain? . . . It was not "Morning"; It was "Afternoon", Sir?
ARCHER (CONSTERNATEDLY)
. . . NO-oh-oh-WUH; THAT'S not what I . . . OH-oh-oh-WUH; Never MIND?!
(CALMS; CONCERNED)
. . . I meant; Did you "observe" a time of "grieving", for his death?!
T'POL (ADMONISHINGLY)
. . . Captain; It is an . . . "impossibility"; For Vulcans to experience "emotions", such as grief?!
ARCHER (SARCASTICALLY)
. . . OH-oh-oh-WUH?! I forgot; You Vulcans are a "heartless" species?!
T'POL (OBLIVIOUSLY)
. . . Captain; Doctor Phlox told you; We have two hearts?! . . .
ARCHER (ANGRILY CONFUSED)
. . . NO-oh-oh-WUH; That's NOT what I Meant to say?! . . . OH-oh-oh-WUH; Never MIND?! . . .
(THINKS)
. . . That would explain why Sarik was so anxious to kill us?! . . .
(beat; THINKS)
. . . What happened to Sarik; After He "stopped" attacking us, T'Pol?!
T'POL ("CORRECTIVELY" SARCASTIC)
. . . He was . . . "relieved of His Command"; For his . . . "illogical behavior", Captain? . . .
(Archer FROWNS, "questioningly")
. . . Do you remember . . . "P'Jem"?
(Archer NODS)
. . . He is . . . "recovering", and meditating; To "regain" his abilities . . . to "suppress his emotions"; At another . . . "Sanctuary", Sir?. . .
ARCHER (RECALLS SOMETHING)
. . . OH-oh-oh-wuh?! I'm sorry; About that little (THINKS) "Andorian incident" at P'Jem, T'Pol?! . . .
T'POL (SADLY REFLECTIVE)
. . . "It" . . . could not be avoided, Captain; But . . . It demonstrates why . . . you Humans should not "meddle"; In the "personal and private" matters of others, Sir?!
ARCHER (RECALLS SOMETHING)
. . . OH-oh-oh-oh?! . . . Speaking of "personal and private"; Do you mind if I ask one more question?!
(T'Pol reluctantly NODS "yes")
. . . How did your . . . "Mate" die?! Was it some kind of . . . "freak accident", or something?! . . .
T'POL (LIES DECEPTIVELY)
. . . "It" was . . . a "freak" . . . accidental death, Captain?! . . .
("changes the subject" quickly & "guiltily")
. . . If . . . there is nothing else?!
Archer simply SHAKES His head in puzzled disbelief of T'Pol's lack of concern for her Mate's death, and then DISMISSES the thought; Attributing it to Vulcan's mysterious ways, & says, --
ARCHER (DISGUSTED SOTTO VOCE)
. . . I guess . . . not?! . . .
(T'Pol RAISES an eyebrow; Archer continues, normally, "sarcastic"!)
. . . NO-oh-oh-oh-WUH; I guess NOT?! Dismissed, Sub-Commander T'Pol!. . .
T'POL (RELIEVED)
. . . Thank you, Captain Archer?!
and She TURNS & EXITS SHOT towards O.S. Door as Archer SIGHS & SHAKES His head while GRIMACING with disbelief of Her calm! --
INSTANTLY; ANGLE ON: DOOR (Corridor outside Archer's Quarters)
The Door SLIDES Open & T'Pol has a "Whoa; I JUST 'Dodged a Bullet, THERE?!" expression as She EXITS O.S. behind CAMERA, and Archer is SEEN at His Desk; SCOFFING at Her, behind Her! The Door SLIDES Closed; Which closes the door on this Episode! --
FADE OUT:
THE END