Trepidation S

by Rhea's Teleplays

After winning a race, someone targets Malcolm and the shuttle pod crew and forces them to make an emergency landing on an ocean. As they slowly sink, Malcolm's worst nightmare becomes a reality. Will the crew find them before it ends horrifically?

1. Teaser

ENTERPRISE

"Trepidation"

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. CZAR'L'S THRONE ROOM - DAY

Double doors open and let in blinding sunlight. T'Pol and REED follow two Preqitar sentinels through narrow halls into a large circular throne room. Five thrones are arranged in a crescent at the center of the room.

Czar'L sits in the center throne, surrounded by Preqitar viziers, discusses matters of state with them. The Preqitar have cats-eyes and faint feline features. Their teeth sharply indicate a feline heritage. 7

Their fashions, largely influenced by outside cultures, are varied even in Czar'L's court. Czar'L holds his hand up as the four enter. The other Preqitar turn. The sentinels stop and remain on either side of the door.

T'Pol and Reed stop before the throne and bow at the neck to Czar'L. Czar'L fakes a yawn.

CZAR'L
You're from the ship Enterprise,
aren't you?

T'POL
Yes.

CZAR'L
And I suppose you still have
nothing to trade for the parts
you've requested?

T'POL
Only what we have already
offered, Your Holiness.

Czar'L swishes his hand in the air and makes a buzzing sound between his teeth.

The viziers scatter to tables along the edge of the room and their work. They pay no attention to the conversation.

CZAR'L
(eyes narrow)
Is Captain Archer with you?

T'POL
After you threatened to have him
arrested if he entered Preqitar
space; he thought it best to remain
aboard our ship.

CZAR'L
(mounting emotion)
I should have him arrested for
being a nuisance to the Preqitar government!

Neither T'Pol nor Reed responds to Czar'L's empty threat. Czar'L purses his lips.

CZAR'L
(deflated)
You're not leaving without parts, are you?

T'POL
We are in dire need, Your Holiness.

A sly smile creeps across Czar'L's lips as he turns to the viziers.

CZAR'L
Viziers, what are the winnings of the next race?

T'Pol and Reed exchange a concerned look.

A VIZIER runs to a computer terminal and pulls up the requested information. He turns to face Czar'L at perfect attention.

VIZIER
It is up to four thousand bars, Your Holiness.

CZAR'L
(thoughtful)
Four thousand bars...
(to T'Pol)
Are either of you any good at
flying a small craft? Have either
of you ever raced before?

T'POL
Our helmsman is quite--

CZAR'L
(rants)
Did I ask about your helmsman? I
asked about you and this...

He swooshes his hand in Reed's general direction.

CZAR'L
This...

T'POL
Human.

CZAR'L
Human. Can either of you?

T'POL
What kind of race and what kind
of craft?

CZAR'L
Give her the information.

The vizier picks up a device that looks like a PADD, holds it to a node on the wall and delivers it to T'Pol. She scans the information on the PADD and then hands it off to Reed.

T'POL
I am unable to maneuver such a craft.

Reed skims the information. He looks up at Czar'L.

REED
The race is through an asteroid
ring around a class nine
gas planet?

CZAR'L
(grins)
Yes. At warp two or three!

REED
Isn't that dangerous?

CZAR'L
Extremely! But if you win, you'll
have enough funds to buy all the
supplies you've requested. Add to
that the rider stipend and you
could buy something pretty for
the lady here.

Reed doesn't share his enthusiasm.

REED
And whom would I be riding for?

CZAR'L
Then you'll do it?

REED
I haven't decided yet.

Excited, Czar'L jumps up. He puts his arm around Reed's shoulder and guides him toward double doors as he talks.

CZAR'L
These races are pivotal to our
society. We have them several
times a month! Since my last
rider's most unfortunate demise,
I've been trying to find the
perfect rider for weeks and I
think you will be him!

Reed looks doubtful. Czar'L stops and grips Reed's shoulders.

CZAR'L
How about, instead of the usual
rider stipend, I give you half of
your request?

Czar'L holds his hand over Reed's shoulder. The Vizier retrieves another PADD and stylus and puts them in Czar'L's hand. Czar'L holds the PADD before Reed.

CZAR'L
(enticing)
All you must do is sign the rider agreement.

With a heavy sigh, Reed signs his name. He hardly finishes before Czar'L rips the PADD from his hand and hands it back to the Vizier.

CZAR'L
EXCELLENT! Let me show you to
your quarters.

Czar'L again guides him toward the doors.

T'POL
Perhaps we should see the race
craft first.

CZAR'L
Of course! You have much training
to do to get up to speed with the
seasoned riders. But don't worry!
I'm sure you'll catch on before
the race in three days.

As the three walk through the double doors:

REED
THREE DAYS?

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER