Post by magicmuggle01 on Dec 5, 2018 11:16:47 GMT
In hopes of receiving some help before making a difficult personal decision, Commander William T. Riker of the Enterprise-D observes a holodeck simulation of the final mission of the original starship Enterprise, as commanded by Jonathan Archer, in the days immediately preceding the birth of the United Federation of Planets over two centuries earlier. (Series finale)
Summary
Riker at the engineering station
of the NX-class Enterprise.
In 2161, the bridge officers of the NX-class spacecraft Enterprise have a casual discussion on the bridge of their ship, Captain Archer exiting from his ready room midway through the conversation. The officers mention both an upcoming ceremony – the signing of a charter between the members of an interstellar alliance, for which Archer is busy writing a speech – and the similarly imminent decommissioning of Enterprise, which Archer intends to postpone until after the charter has been signed.
Following a vocal command that signals all senior officers to report to the bridge, a bearded William T. Riker – having been quietly sitting at Enterprise's engineering station, dressed as a 22nd century Starfleet ensign of the command division – states a directive for a computer to "freeze program"; the environment of Enterprise's bridge and the other officers therein are actually holograms, and Riker's instruction was to the computer of the real ship he is aboard. After Riker saves and ends the simulation, the resultant change in his surroundings and uniform reveal he is, in fact, serving as a Commander and is in the holodeck of the USS Enterprise-D, which he promptly exits.
Act One
"First officer's personal log, stardate 47457.1. With the unexpected arrival of Admiral Pressman, my old CO, I find myself in an awkward position. Counselor Troi has suggested I might get a few insights by calling up an historic holoprogram."
On board the Enterprise-D, Riker is seated with Counselor Deanna Troi in the Ten Forward lounge. He is reluctant to speak about his personal dilemma, as it is highly classified. When Troi asks about the holoprogram she recommended, Riker admits he is unsure how the simulation will help him but the counselor sarcastically replies that that is why he runs a starship and why she is a counselor, to which Riker smiles.
While later walking through a corridor, they continue to discuss the holoprogram, Troi advises Riker to skip ahead to when an Andorian contacts Enterprise and suggesting that he assume the sociable role of the vessel's chef, the only crewmember who came close to being a counselor on the ship back then. Riker agrees to remember Troi's advice. Arranging to have supper together, the pair depart, Riker stepping into a holodeck while Troi proceeds to a turbolift.
For the first time in three years,
Shran contacts Captain Archer.
On the simulated Enterprise bridge, Archer is shocked when Shran signals the ship, as the Andorian was believed to have died three years earlier. He says certain people, including Archer, had to think he was dead and appeals for Archer to repay a favor. As Riker watches from the engineering station, Archer wordily refuses to aid Shran, due to the closeness of the ceremony date, until the Andorian reveals that former associates of his have abducted his daughter. After Archer agrees to rendezvous with Shran, Riker freezes the program, advances it by an hour and switches it to objective mode. Passing through a door, he heads into the captain's ready room. There, Shran complains to the captain about his predicament, implying that the reason he faked his own death was due to the disreputableness of his former allies, who mistakenly believe he has stolen something of theirs and who have taken his daughter to Rigel X, a trading outpost with which Archer is familiar. Shran appeals for help with his daughter's recovery.
In the captain's quarters, Riker witnesses Commander T'Pol object to the possibility of aiding Shran. Archer retorts to her objections, reminding T'Pol that Shran helped him gain access to the Xindi weapon and that she has never trusted Andorians. Ultimately, T'Pol relents. Archer asks her to visit the galley as the ship's chef is about to prepare the crew's final meal. After T'Pol exits, Archer assures Porthos that the chef has promised at least six varieties of cheese.
As the chef of the NX-class Enterprise,
Riker talks with T'Pol
"Thanks."
Posing as Enterprise's chef, Riker has a lengthy conversation with T'Pol in the galley, who is unenthusiastic about both selecting a dish – although Riker has already begun to make plomeek broth for her – and the ship's detour. Riker defends Archer's decision to help Shran, assuring T'Pol that the vessel likely won't miss the ceremony. In response to Riker inquiring if she misses "Trip" Tucker, T'Pol is at first unforthcoming, saying that their intimate relationship has been over for six years, but eventually remarks that – as a Vulcan – she does not miss people. She and Riker discuss Trip's loyal relationship with Archer. T'Pol admits that, during her service aboard Enterprise, she has come to embrace the Human crew's illogical favorance for instincts over automatic compliance with orders, an insight for which Riker is grateful; freezing the program, he kisses T'Pol on the cheek and thanks her.
Act Two
In the Enterprise-D's observation lounge, Riker is reviewing the crew complement of the USS Pegasus when Troi enters. She soon senses that he is upset about an incident wherein most the vessel's crew died, but he is standoffish until they change the subject, he telling her of his progress on the holodeck. Troi is unfamiliar with the NX-class Enterprise, so Riker invites her to the simulation.
Riker and Troi tour Enterprise's bridge.
The couple survey Archer's ready room and the bridge, with both areas empty, the duo commenting on the differences between the vessel and their own ship. As they pace through a corridor, Riker – much to Troi's approval – adds crew members to the simulation.
In Engineering, Lieutenant Reed worries, to Trip, about the mission on Rigel X. Although Trip is still conducting maintenance tasks, Reed questions the necessity of doing so since NX-01 is about to be mothballed, but Trip says he wants to, noting that he practically built the engine. He and Reed nostalgically remark on the end of their assignment. Watching them exit, Troi tells Riker she is saddened by Trip's unawareness that he wouldn't return from the mission.
The search effort is then plotted in the ship's situation room. Shran indicates where his daughter, Talla, is reportedly being held and talks with T'Pol, who has created a fabrication of the Tenebian amethyst Shran is accused of stealing. Troi freezes the program, opines that Archer is "cute" and leaves for an appointment with Reginald Barclay. Riker forwards the simulation to when Enterprise reaches Rigel X and has the simulation stay in objective mode. As Archer is about to lead an away mission there, Tucker tries to convince him to stay aboard, worrying for his safety. Archer insists otherwise, however, noting that Rigel X both was the first and will be the last place visited by Enterprise.
On a shuttlepod en route to the planet's surface, Riker listens – dressed as a MACO – as T'Pol recounts to Trip that the chef spoke about them. She hesitantly broaches the topic of their former relationship, admitting that she hasn't considered it in a long time. She also worries that they may never see each other again but Trip is adamant that they won't lose contact. With the shuttlepod encountering slight turbulence, T'Pol says that, no matter what, she will miss him. Once Archer – in another shuttlepod – reports that Shran has made contact with his daughter's abductors, the shuttlepods begin their final descent to the planet.
The alien leader.
Shran and T'Pol later meet with the kidnappers and speak to the group's alien leader, who is highly suspicious of the newcomers. Disdainful of Shran, the alien leader oversees that Talla is brought out, Shran finding that she is unharmed and merely hungry. He presents the amethyst and the leader surrenders Talla, who is excited to be reunited with Shran but – on his instruction – accompanies T'Pol away. The away team, having been hiding on catwalks high above, use the fabricated amethyst to dazzle the aliens with brilliant flashes, allowing Shran to flee. A battle ensues, despite Reed warning the aliens to stand still. The leader causes the catwalk below Trip to give way but, while Reed stuns the alien, Trip is pulled to safety by Archer, the pair exchanging friendly sentiments pertaining to Trip's recovery.
Act Three
The team arrives in Enterprise's launch bay, Archer having agreed to escort Shran and Talla away from the alien pirates. Shran mentions that the aliens' ship can barely maintain warp factor two and Talla thanks the captain, referring to him as "pink skin." Alone together, Trip and Archer humorously allude to Trip's near-fall, both officers thankful that the captain went on the mission.
In Troi's quarters, Riker finally
tells the counselor about the
Pegasus.
As the Enterprise-D enters an asteroid field, Data contacts Troi's quarters, eager to continue a discussion. He misinterprets her use of the phrase "rain check" but she explains they will talk later. Troi is visited by Riker, who is worried that the ship will soon find the Pegasus but that he is still undecided about his dilemma. Confidentially, he confesses that the Pegasus was equipped with a prototype cloaking device (outlawed by the Treaty of Algeron), that the ship's disaster was due to a test of the cloak and that Pressman, the craft's former captain, intends to continue the experiment. Riker criticizes the project but, sworn to secrecy, he is insecure about alerting Captain Picard to it. Troi is confident Riker will make the right choice but he is less sure of himself.
Again acting as Enterprise's chef, Riker consecutively consults Reed, Ensigns Sato and Mayweather, as well as Dr. Phlox, asking them about Trip while they help knead dough. At one point, Riker accidentally refers to Archer as "Picard" but then corrects himself.
Archer and Tucker are in the captain's mess. They consider the planetary alliance, including its uneasy beginnings, and the upcoming ceremony. With an historically significant bottle of whiskey, given to Archer's father Henry by Zefram Cochrane, the holograms toast to "the next generation." After the vessel shudders, Archer – watched by Riker – learns from T'Pol on the bridge that a small, unidentified craft is attacking Enterprise.
Hearing an intruder alert, Archer and Trip rush to confront the invaders: they are the same aliens who captured Talla but have now come for both her and Shran. Archer and Trip are puzzled, due to Shran having said the aliens' ship was extremely slow. The captain claims that Shran has already left but the alien leader isn't fooled by the attempt at deception. Following an order from the leader for Archer to be killed, Trip steps forward, insisting that he can take the alien horde to Shran but asks that the captain – who struggles to stop Trip interfering – is quietened, so one of the aliens knocks Archer unconscious with a rifle butt.
"You can all go straight to hell!"
Trip arranges with the impatient and anxious alien leader that he will bring Shran to them. The engineer then leads the aliens into a small room that he identifies as a comm station. Bluntly announcing that they can go straight to Hell, he connects two plasma relays, sparking an explosion that downs the intruders. Archer regains consciousness and works his way through the debris in search of Trip while Riker watches.
He continues to observe in sickbay, as a badly injured Trip converses with Archer, apologizing for having had him knocked out cold and expressing enthusiasm for the fact that Enterprise will make it to the ceremony on time. Thanks to a hurrying Phlox, Trip, giving Archer a reassuring smile, is moved into the imaging chamber. Phlox looks grimly at the captain.
Act Four
A somber T'Pol is packing away personal effects from Trip's quarters when Archer arrives, although she politely refuses help from him. Archer lets her know that Trip's parents will be coming to the ceremony and hands T'Pol a figurine of Frankenstein's monster to pack. T'Pol expresses an eagerness to meet Trip's parents, who Archer describes as eccentric. The holographic duplicate of Archer nears a mirror in which Riker is reflected but the hologram does not see him. T'Pol and Archer agree that T'Pol's mother was also eccentric. Archer tries to explain to T'Pol the often contradictory nature of emotions. He also recounts how, when he took command of Enterprise a decade earlier, he had the mindset of an explorer, whereas now – faced with Trip's death – he has to make a speech about how worthwhile the voyage has been. T'Pol interjects that Trip would be most eager to agree it has been worthwhile.
Riker later visits an event that chronologically took place while the ship was heading to pick up Shran, about an hour before T'Pol's visit to the galley; Trip now arrives there to talk with Riker, who has resumed the role of chef. The pair make small talk about the crew's final meal. Trip details the extremely trusting relationship he has with Archer. Leaving to do some packing, Trip wonders what the chef will do, following the ship's return to Earth. Riker is unsure but Trip is confident that the chef will make the right choice.
Mayweather, Sato and Reed
attend the ceremony.
A large crowd is gathered in an auditorium wherein Reed, Sato and Mayweather have been assigned seats that Reed complains about. The trio discuss the career plans of Mayweather and Archer, after which Reed says he – like Mayweather – is planning to stay with Archer.
About to give his speech, Archer
says a fond farewell to T'Pol.
In a waiting area backstage, Archer prepares to present his speech, while both T'Pol and Phlox try to bolster his confidence. Phlox notes that there are visiting dignitaries from eighteen different worlds and is certain it won't be long before the alliance expands. He then gives the captain a wide grin before heading to meet with his three wives, who are in the audience. T'Pol, on the other hand, prefers to remain backstage, influencing Archer to remark that she has never liked crowds. Just before he heads out to greet the masses, T'Pol comments that he looks very heroic and Archer turns back to embrace her in a hug.
As he strides to the central platform, the spectators applaud and Riker walks up to Troi, watching from a balcony above the crowd. They agree that, although Archer is understandably nervous, he will be fine. Troi considers the historical importance of the event, mentioning that the alliance would lead to the Federation, and Riker finally decides that he is ready to speak with Captain Picard, so the pair subsequently leave the holodeck.
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)
Enterprise (NX-01)
Captains Picard, Kirk and Archer can be heard taking turns paraphrasing Zefram Cochrane as all three Enterprises each captain first commanded continue their journeys.
"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange, new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Log entries
"First Officer's personal log, Stardate 47457.1: With the unexpected arrival of Admiral Pressman, my old CO, I find myself in an awkward position. Counselor Troi has suggested I might get a few insights by calling up an historic holo-program."
Memorable quotes
"Here's to the next generation."
- Archer, during a toast with Tucker
"You have to help me... it's my little girl."
- Shran, pleading with Archer to help him rescue Talla
"All good things..."
- Malcolm Reed, referring to the approaching end of the NX-01's voyages after ten years in space (also a nod to TNG's last episode)
"Our brig is bigger than this!"
- Riker, about Captain Archer's ready room
"No fish tank."
"How could Archer survive without a fish tank?"
- Riker and Troi, on the decor of Captain Archer's ready room
"Thanks, pink skin."
- Talla
"Signing documents are easy. Training a new engineer... that can be a real pain in the ass."
- Archer, to Tucker
"This is a special bottle of whiskey. Zefram Cochrane gave it to my father the day they broke ground at the Warp Five Complex."
"And here we are... toasting to warp seven."
- Archer, explaining the significance of the drink he shares with Tucker
"It's sad. Commander Tucker had no idea he wouldn't make it back."
- Deanna Troi
"Thanks, boss!"
"Any time."
- Tucker and Archer
"It's the biggest day of our lives."
"I hate to contradict you, captain. You're the man they're waiting to see."
- Archer talking to Tucker about the speech he is preparing to give at the signing of the Federation Charter
"Data to Counselor Troi."
"Yes, Data?"
"I was wondering if now may be the appropriate time to discuss the long-term effects of space travel on my positronic net."
"Can I give you a rain check?"
"You may... check me for rain if you wish counselor, but I assure you I have no water in my..."
"Data, I'll get back to you."
- Data discusses his issues with Troi over the com
"You can all go straight to Hell!"
- Tucker to the alien criminals before he blows them up
"Did Trip ever take a swing at Picard?"
"At who?"
"Archer... Captain Archer?"
- Riker and holographic Mayweather, while cooking in Enterprise's galley
"Just beyond the next planet, just beyond the next star..."
- Archer to T'Pol (a nod to Kirk's final words borrowed from "Peter Pan" in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
"I'm sure you'll make the right choice."
- Tucker, to Riker
"I think I'm ready to talk to Captain Picard. I should've done it a long time ago."
"So I guess we're through here."
"I guess we are. Computer, end program."
- William Riker and Deanna Troi
"Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission..."
"...to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life, and new civilizations..."
"...to boldly go where no man has gone before."
- Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Captain James T. Kirk, and Captain Jonathan Archer
Summary
Riker at the engineering station
of the NX-class Enterprise.
In 2161, the bridge officers of the NX-class spacecraft Enterprise have a casual discussion on the bridge of their ship, Captain Archer exiting from his ready room midway through the conversation. The officers mention both an upcoming ceremony – the signing of a charter between the members of an interstellar alliance, for which Archer is busy writing a speech – and the similarly imminent decommissioning of Enterprise, which Archer intends to postpone until after the charter has been signed.
Following a vocal command that signals all senior officers to report to the bridge, a bearded William T. Riker – having been quietly sitting at Enterprise's engineering station, dressed as a 22nd century Starfleet ensign of the command division – states a directive for a computer to "freeze program"; the environment of Enterprise's bridge and the other officers therein are actually holograms, and Riker's instruction was to the computer of the real ship he is aboard. After Riker saves and ends the simulation, the resultant change in his surroundings and uniform reveal he is, in fact, serving as a Commander and is in the holodeck of the USS Enterprise-D, which he promptly exits.
Act One
"First officer's personal log, stardate 47457.1. With the unexpected arrival of Admiral Pressman, my old CO, I find myself in an awkward position. Counselor Troi has suggested I might get a few insights by calling up an historic holoprogram."
On board the Enterprise-D, Riker is seated with Counselor Deanna Troi in the Ten Forward lounge. He is reluctant to speak about his personal dilemma, as it is highly classified. When Troi asks about the holoprogram she recommended, Riker admits he is unsure how the simulation will help him but the counselor sarcastically replies that that is why he runs a starship and why she is a counselor, to which Riker smiles.
While later walking through a corridor, they continue to discuss the holoprogram, Troi advises Riker to skip ahead to when an Andorian contacts Enterprise and suggesting that he assume the sociable role of the vessel's chef, the only crewmember who came close to being a counselor on the ship back then. Riker agrees to remember Troi's advice. Arranging to have supper together, the pair depart, Riker stepping into a holodeck while Troi proceeds to a turbolift.
For the first time in three years,
Shran contacts Captain Archer.
On the simulated Enterprise bridge, Archer is shocked when Shran signals the ship, as the Andorian was believed to have died three years earlier. He says certain people, including Archer, had to think he was dead and appeals for Archer to repay a favor. As Riker watches from the engineering station, Archer wordily refuses to aid Shran, due to the closeness of the ceremony date, until the Andorian reveals that former associates of his have abducted his daughter. After Archer agrees to rendezvous with Shran, Riker freezes the program, advances it by an hour and switches it to objective mode. Passing through a door, he heads into the captain's ready room. There, Shran complains to the captain about his predicament, implying that the reason he faked his own death was due to the disreputableness of his former allies, who mistakenly believe he has stolen something of theirs and who have taken his daughter to Rigel X, a trading outpost with which Archer is familiar. Shran appeals for help with his daughter's recovery.
In the captain's quarters, Riker witnesses Commander T'Pol object to the possibility of aiding Shran. Archer retorts to her objections, reminding T'Pol that Shran helped him gain access to the Xindi weapon and that she has never trusted Andorians. Ultimately, T'Pol relents. Archer asks her to visit the galley as the ship's chef is about to prepare the crew's final meal. After T'Pol exits, Archer assures Porthos that the chef has promised at least six varieties of cheese.
As the chef of the NX-class Enterprise,
Riker talks with T'Pol
"Thanks."
Posing as Enterprise's chef, Riker has a lengthy conversation with T'Pol in the galley, who is unenthusiastic about both selecting a dish – although Riker has already begun to make plomeek broth for her – and the ship's detour. Riker defends Archer's decision to help Shran, assuring T'Pol that the vessel likely won't miss the ceremony. In response to Riker inquiring if she misses "Trip" Tucker, T'Pol is at first unforthcoming, saying that their intimate relationship has been over for six years, but eventually remarks that – as a Vulcan – she does not miss people. She and Riker discuss Trip's loyal relationship with Archer. T'Pol admits that, during her service aboard Enterprise, she has come to embrace the Human crew's illogical favorance for instincts over automatic compliance with orders, an insight for which Riker is grateful; freezing the program, he kisses T'Pol on the cheek and thanks her.
Act Two
In the Enterprise-D's observation lounge, Riker is reviewing the crew complement of the USS Pegasus when Troi enters. She soon senses that he is upset about an incident wherein most the vessel's crew died, but he is standoffish until they change the subject, he telling her of his progress on the holodeck. Troi is unfamiliar with the NX-class Enterprise, so Riker invites her to the simulation.
Riker and Troi tour Enterprise's bridge.
The couple survey Archer's ready room and the bridge, with both areas empty, the duo commenting on the differences between the vessel and their own ship. As they pace through a corridor, Riker – much to Troi's approval – adds crew members to the simulation.
In Engineering, Lieutenant Reed worries, to Trip, about the mission on Rigel X. Although Trip is still conducting maintenance tasks, Reed questions the necessity of doing so since NX-01 is about to be mothballed, but Trip says he wants to, noting that he practically built the engine. He and Reed nostalgically remark on the end of their assignment. Watching them exit, Troi tells Riker she is saddened by Trip's unawareness that he wouldn't return from the mission.
The search effort is then plotted in the ship's situation room. Shran indicates where his daughter, Talla, is reportedly being held and talks with T'Pol, who has created a fabrication of the Tenebian amethyst Shran is accused of stealing. Troi freezes the program, opines that Archer is "cute" and leaves for an appointment with Reginald Barclay. Riker forwards the simulation to when Enterprise reaches Rigel X and has the simulation stay in objective mode. As Archer is about to lead an away mission there, Tucker tries to convince him to stay aboard, worrying for his safety. Archer insists otherwise, however, noting that Rigel X both was the first and will be the last place visited by Enterprise.
On a shuttlepod en route to the planet's surface, Riker listens – dressed as a MACO – as T'Pol recounts to Trip that the chef spoke about them. She hesitantly broaches the topic of their former relationship, admitting that she hasn't considered it in a long time. She also worries that they may never see each other again but Trip is adamant that they won't lose contact. With the shuttlepod encountering slight turbulence, T'Pol says that, no matter what, she will miss him. Once Archer – in another shuttlepod – reports that Shran has made contact with his daughter's abductors, the shuttlepods begin their final descent to the planet.
The alien leader.
Shran and T'Pol later meet with the kidnappers and speak to the group's alien leader, who is highly suspicious of the newcomers. Disdainful of Shran, the alien leader oversees that Talla is brought out, Shran finding that she is unharmed and merely hungry. He presents the amethyst and the leader surrenders Talla, who is excited to be reunited with Shran but – on his instruction – accompanies T'Pol away. The away team, having been hiding on catwalks high above, use the fabricated amethyst to dazzle the aliens with brilliant flashes, allowing Shran to flee. A battle ensues, despite Reed warning the aliens to stand still. The leader causes the catwalk below Trip to give way but, while Reed stuns the alien, Trip is pulled to safety by Archer, the pair exchanging friendly sentiments pertaining to Trip's recovery.
Act Three
The team arrives in Enterprise's launch bay, Archer having agreed to escort Shran and Talla away from the alien pirates. Shran mentions that the aliens' ship can barely maintain warp factor two and Talla thanks the captain, referring to him as "pink skin." Alone together, Trip and Archer humorously allude to Trip's near-fall, both officers thankful that the captain went on the mission.
In Troi's quarters, Riker finally
tells the counselor about the
Pegasus.
As the Enterprise-D enters an asteroid field, Data contacts Troi's quarters, eager to continue a discussion. He misinterprets her use of the phrase "rain check" but she explains they will talk later. Troi is visited by Riker, who is worried that the ship will soon find the Pegasus but that he is still undecided about his dilemma. Confidentially, he confesses that the Pegasus was equipped with a prototype cloaking device (outlawed by the Treaty of Algeron), that the ship's disaster was due to a test of the cloak and that Pressman, the craft's former captain, intends to continue the experiment. Riker criticizes the project but, sworn to secrecy, he is insecure about alerting Captain Picard to it. Troi is confident Riker will make the right choice but he is less sure of himself.
Again acting as Enterprise's chef, Riker consecutively consults Reed, Ensigns Sato and Mayweather, as well as Dr. Phlox, asking them about Trip while they help knead dough. At one point, Riker accidentally refers to Archer as "Picard" but then corrects himself.
Archer and Tucker are in the captain's mess. They consider the planetary alliance, including its uneasy beginnings, and the upcoming ceremony. With an historically significant bottle of whiskey, given to Archer's father Henry by Zefram Cochrane, the holograms toast to "the next generation." After the vessel shudders, Archer – watched by Riker – learns from T'Pol on the bridge that a small, unidentified craft is attacking Enterprise.
Hearing an intruder alert, Archer and Trip rush to confront the invaders: they are the same aliens who captured Talla but have now come for both her and Shran. Archer and Trip are puzzled, due to Shran having said the aliens' ship was extremely slow. The captain claims that Shran has already left but the alien leader isn't fooled by the attempt at deception. Following an order from the leader for Archer to be killed, Trip steps forward, insisting that he can take the alien horde to Shran but asks that the captain – who struggles to stop Trip interfering – is quietened, so one of the aliens knocks Archer unconscious with a rifle butt.
"You can all go straight to hell!"
Trip arranges with the impatient and anxious alien leader that he will bring Shran to them. The engineer then leads the aliens into a small room that he identifies as a comm station. Bluntly announcing that they can go straight to Hell, he connects two plasma relays, sparking an explosion that downs the intruders. Archer regains consciousness and works his way through the debris in search of Trip while Riker watches.
He continues to observe in sickbay, as a badly injured Trip converses with Archer, apologizing for having had him knocked out cold and expressing enthusiasm for the fact that Enterprise will make it to the ceremony on time. Thanks to a hurrying Phlox, Trip, giving Archer a reassuring smile, is moved into the imaging chamber. Phlox looks grimly at the captain.
Act Four
A somber T'Pol is packing away personal effects from Trip's quarters when Archer arrives, although she politely refuses help from him. Archer lets her know that Trip's parents will be coming to the ceremony and hands T'Pol a figurine of Frankenstein's monster to pack. T'Pol expresses an eagerness to meet Trip's parents, who Archer describes as eccentric. The holographic duplicate of Archer nears a mirror in which Riker is reflected but the hologram does not see him. T'Pol and Archer agree that T'Pol's mother was also eccentric. Archer tries to explain to T'Pol the often contradictory nature of emotions. He also recounts how, when he took command of Enterprise a decade earlier, he had the mindset of an explorer, whereas now – faced with Trip's death – he has to make a speech about how worthwhile the voyage has been. T'Pol interjects that Trip would be most eager to agree it has been worthwhile.
Riker later visits an event that chronologically took place while the ship was heading to pick up Shran, about an hour before T'Pol's visit to the galley; Trip now arrives there to talk with Riker, who has resumed the role of chef. The pair make small talk about the crew's final meal. Trip details the extremely trusting relationship he has with Archer. Leaving to do some packing, Trip wonders what the chef will do, following the ship's return to Earth. Riker is unsure but Trip is confident that the chef will make the right choice.
Mayweather, Sato and Reed
attend the ceremony.
A large crowd is gathered in an auditorium wherein Reed, Sato and Mayweather have been assigned seats that Reed complains about. The trio discuss the career plans of Mayweather and Archer, after which Reed says he – like Mayweather – is planning to stay with Archer.
About to give his speech, Archer
says a fond farewell to T'Pol.
In a waiting area backstage, Archer prepares to present his speech, while both T'Pol and Phlox try to bolster his confidence. Phlox notes that there are visiting dignitaries from eighteen different worlds and is certain it won't be long before the alliance expands. He then gives the captain a wide grin before heading to meet with his three wives, who are in the audience. T'Pol, on the other hand, prefers to remain backstage, influencing Archer to remark that she has never liked crowds. Just before he heads out to greet the masses, T'Pol comments that he looks very heroic and Archer turns back to embrace her in a hug.
As he strides to the central platform, the spectators applaud and Riker walks up to Troi, watching from a balcony above the crowd. They agree that, although Archer is understandably nervous, he will be fine. Troi considers the historical importance of the event, mentioning that the alliance would lead to the Federation, and Riker finally decides that he is ready to speak with Captain Picard, so the pair subsequently leave the holodeck.
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)
Enterprise (NX-01)
Captains Picard, Kirk and Archer can be heard taking turns paraphrasing Zefram Cochrane as all three Enterprises each captain first commanded continue their journeys.
"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange, new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Log entries
"First Officer's personal log, Stardate 47457.1: With the unexpected arrival of Admiral Pressman, my old CO, I find myself in an awkward position. Counselor Troi has suggested I might get a few insights by calling up an historic holo-program."
Memorable quotes
"Here's to the next generation."
- Archer, during a toast with Tucker
"You have to help me... it's my little girl."
- Shran, pleading with Archer to help him rescue Talla
"All good things..."
- Malcolm Reed, referring to the approaching end of the NX-01's voyages after ten years in space (also a nod to TNG's last episode)
"Our brig is bigger than this!"
- Riker, about Captain Archer's ready room
"No fish tank."
"How could Archer survive without a fish tank?"
- Riker and Troi, on the decor of Captain Archer's ready room
"Thanks, pink skin."
- Talla
"Signing documents are easy. Training a new engineer... that can be a real pain in the ass."
- Archer, to Tucker
"This is a special bottle of whiskey. Zefram Cochrane gave it to my father the day they broke ground at the Warp Five Complex."
"And here we are... toasting to warp seven."
- Archer, explaining the significance of the drink he shares with Tucker
"It's sad. Commander Tucker had no idea he wouldn't make it back."
- Deanna Troi
"Thanks, boss!"
"Any time."
- Tucker and Archer
"It's the biggest day of our lives."
"I hate to contradict you, captain. You're the man they're waiting to see."
- Archer talking to Tucker about the speech he is preparing to give at the signing of the Federation Charter
"Data to Counselor Troi."
"Yes, Data?"
"I was wondering if now may be the appropriate time to discuss the long-term effects of space travel on my positronic net."
"Can I give you a rain check?"
"You may... check me for rain if you wish counselor, but I assure you I have no water in my..."
"Data, I'll get back to you."
- Data discusses his issues with Troi over the com
"You can all go straight to Hell!"
- Tucker to the alien criminals before he blows them up
"Did Trip ever take a swing at Picard?"
"At who?"
"Archer... Captain Archer?"
- Riker and holographic Mayweather, while cooking in Enterprise's galley
"Just beyond the next planet, just beyond the next star..."
- Archer to T'Pol (a nod to Kirk's final words borrowed from "Peter Pan" in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
"I'm sure you'll make the right choice."
- Tucker, to Riker
"I think I'm ready to talk to Captain Picard. I should've done it a long time ago."
"So I guess we're through here."
"I guess we are. Computer, end program."
- William Riker and Deanna Troi
"Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission..."
"...to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life, and new civilizations..."
"...to boldly go where no man has gone before."
- Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Captain James T. Kirk, and Captain Jonathan Archer
