by
Bard
Editor
Bleu Gato
Star Trek is copyright Paramount Pictures and Viacom. All original content of Star Trek: UNS Enterprise is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS – 0500 HOURS
There is a chime and then another in the darkened room. In the bed, Jenson throws the sheet off and swings his legs to plant them on the floor. The lights automatically rise in luminosity until a low, but comfortable level is achieved.
Jonson, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and glancing at the clock, yawning
JENSON
Bloody Hell.
COMPUTER VOICE
Please repeat command.
JENSEN
Enter.
The door opens and Pathel walks in, large cup in hand. Not bothered by his t-shirt and boxers attire, she approaches the bed. Seeing the unasked question in his expression, Pathel hands Jenson the coffee and makes a motion that he should drink it first before they speak. He waives her off and points at the desk before standing up.
Pathel, all business
PATHEL
I took Satuk into custody and moved her to my quarters.
Jenson plops down back on the bed and takes a large swig of the liquid.
Jenson, stunned
JENSON
Wow.
Pause.
Jenson sits there mulling this over for a while, waiting for his brain to catch up.
Jenson, each sip bringing more clarity, thoughtfully
JENSON
This is highly unprecedented and there will be talk and pushback.
PATHEL
Unusual circumstances require creative solutions.
Jenson, dreading the answer
JENSON
You know I am required to ask for the record: is this strictly professional or is there a personal dimension?
PATHEL
Satuk needs strict boundaries and proper mentorship. Captain, do you trust me to separate my emotions from my duties?
Jenson, sounding relived
JENSON
Absolutely; as we used to say in the infantry: you are welcome in my foxhole anytime. I have no objections to this development and you have taken a headache and turned it into gold. In fact, I should be thanking you profusely.
Pathel, joking without showing a hint of emotion
PATHEL
Any other stray sheep you want me to herd?
Jenson, running his hand thru his thinning hair
JENSON
Brian - God, does that man need help.
PATHEL
Sadly, my quarters are full.
Jenson, teasing
JENSON
We will give you bigger ones and name them Home for Wayward Officers – Pathel's School of Hard Knocks.
PATHEL
Captain, I think my bed is the last place Brian should visit.
Jenson, dryly
JENSON
We have that in common.
Pause.
Jenson, seriously
JENSON
Number one, outside duty shifts, Satuk is your shadow and your responsibility. Something goes wrong and you answer. I appreciate your candor and initiative but I want to make sure you understand what you are in for. This is Satuk and not even Na can control her at times. I sure can't and I am not positive anyone can either. You add romance to the mix and the disaster could reach epic proportion. Last time Satuk allegedly lost it, India's space program went up in flames. I don't want to lose the ship because you had a lover's quarrel. Are we clear?
Pathel, immediately
PATHEL
Crystal clear, captain.
Jenson, before he can stop himself, stammering out bluntly
JENSON
Why … well … uh … human?
PATHEL
Truth?
Jenson, curious
JENSON
Don't Vulcans always tell it?
PATHEL
Computer, pause surveillance.
COMPUTER VOICE
Privacy mode. All recording off.
PATHEL
Yes, but I lie.
Jenson, puzzled and little worried
JENSON
Why would you tell me that?
PATHEL
Trust, captain.
JENSON
Commendable, number one. Back to the original question.
PATHEL
There are no Vulcans on board and I have entered into relationships with other races before.
Pause.
PATHEL
Computer, resume surveillance; don't acknowledge.
Jenson, appraising her in the light of the revelation
JENSON
I see. Be honest with me, Pathel. In your professional judgment, setting aside your feelings, can you reach her?
PATHEL
I can add a stabilizing element to her life and teach her control. The rest is up to Satuk.
Jenson, carefully
JENSON
You think it would be better to separate the two aspects: work and play?
Pathel, taking her eyes off him, gazing out the windows
PATHEL
Satuk is special and not for her gifts, numerous as they are.
Pathel, showing the barest hint of her emotions, slightly in her eyes, mostly in what she says
PATHEL
I want to help her; I need to help her. Experience says I can and … I …
Pathel's drifts off and appears to be pulling herself together, not that she was showing much to begin with. However, just a glimmer of a feeling coming from her is equivalent to someone standing in the crowded room and shouting their love to the entire world.
Jenson, buying it, looking at the urn sadly, softly
JENSON
I live there and it is a familiar and comfortable place. Days pass in blurry haze and then one day there are two of you; us, we. What came before is a dream. What follows, more so yet different, more real. And nothing but the other, better half of you matters. Pathel, I would do anything for Evie; anything.
Uncomfortable silence follows his words, the sharing very personal.
Jenson, recognizing this and lightening the mood, bantering
JENSON
You going to finally reveal your hidden, mysterious past?
Pathel, firmly in control again, eyes back on him
PATHEL
No.
JENSON
Pity; didn't think so anyway. I know you are ex-military, that much is obvious. Rest will come in time.
PATHEL
You honor me with your confidence, captain.
Jenson, honestly
JENSON
Pathel, on this entire ship there is no one I rather go into combat with than you.
PATHEL
I appreciate the sentiment but that is a rather large leap of faith.
Jenson, simply
JENSON
Gut call, number one. That and you trashed the entire security section in hand-to-hand practice.
Pause.
JENSON
Does anyone know about you seducing and whisking away my science officer, or are the rumors already at warp speed?
PATHEL
It was mutual and the security and medical sections are under gag order until 0700 hours.
JENSON
Fantastic; don't make it a habit.
PATHEL
Pathel, handing him a tablet
PATHEL
Here is your prepared statement; you are scheduled to issue a briefing to the press at 0600, bridge conference room.
Jenson, grumbling but secretly glad
JENSON
I appreciate the coffee and the resolution. Next time ask before taking action. Unlike the civilians, you know better.
PATHEL
Sorry, old habits. Also, part of my nefarious plan to take over your ship and fly a Jolly Roger on the main antenna.
Jenson, laughing
JENSON
Knew it. One thing: do you outrank me?
PATHEL
On this ship, you are the captain. Outside it, different story.
JENSON
And don't you forget it. Dismissed.
Pathel nods and turning, heads for the door. Jenson glances over the speech.
Jenson, as the door opens
JENSON
Pathel?
PATHEL
Yes, captain?
Jenson, waving the tablet, praising
JENSON
Great job, number one.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. GNN NETWORK – TV STUDIO/ANCHOR DESK – 0855 HOURS
We are looking at direct TV feed, with static screen showing the GNN (Global News Network) logo and the words “Special Report” centered in bold and a smaller “Standby” in the corner.
VOICEOVER
We interrupt this program to bring you a special report.
CUT TO:
INT. GNN NETWORK – TV STUDIO/ANCHOR DESK – 0856 HOURS
We are now looking at an anchor desk, with a MAN and a WOMAN.
MAN
Yesterday, the world watched in horror as an explosion aboard UNS Enterprise claimed forty seven lives. Not everyone died immediately. What followed was a tragedy years in the making and yet more evidence that the mission to the stars, from the substandard vessel to the unstable crew, was a mistake.
WOMAN
That's right, Tom. Numerous leaks and ongoing UN investigations only begin to reveal the scope of the project's failure. Now, a new element was introduced, thought it should not have surprised anyone. Science Officer Satuk, no stranger to controversy, allegedly murdered three people in cold blood. The direct camera feed is sealed pending trial but the official briefing room footage shows the events as they occurred. Tom?
TOM
Thank you, Amy. This morning two statements were released: the first by Captain Jenson and the second by Science Officer Satuk. Due to the delay in signal transmission, we bring them to you live.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – BRIEFING ROOM – 0600 HOURS
Jenson is alone. He sits at the head to the table, ramrod straight, tablet in front of him and the text projected and scrolling down as he talks.
Jenson, looking straight ahead, calmly
JENSON
I am Jenson, captain of UNS Enterprise. I accept full responsibility for the tragedy. No words can express the sorrow and soothe the pain experienced by the families of the ones that lost their lives in the tragic accident. I am aware that anything I say will ring hollow but I speak having lost someone very dear to me not long ago. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss and rest assured that a full and complete inquiry has my top priority and will be carried out expeditiously and thoroughly. I urge restrain until the circumstances surrounding the event are known.
Jenson, proudly
JENSON
The engineering department and the Chief Engineer Na were instrumental in saving numerous lives and restoring the affected systems. Their quick action and superb efforts ensured that the injured were found promptly and evacuated to sickbay, where Doctor Jaci and his staff provided outstanding care. The whole crew and various departments, even if not mentioned by name, performed to the highest standards.
Jenson, sagging a little, sadly
JENSON
Unfortunately, the situation in the kitchens and mess hall section was beyond salvage. The initial blast and shockwave claimed numerous lives, leaving few survivors. The fire suppression system, designed to save the ship, had the unfortunate side effect of making the air toxic. The limited number of filters available ensured that only one of the four would live and even that was a stretch. It was my decision to inform the people remaining of that fact and let them decide among themselves.
Jenson, straightening up, firmly
JENSON
Science Officer Satuk was the first to act on that knowledge and took three lives. She was treated for minor inhalation trauma and released into the custody of First Officer Pathel. She is to remain under house arrest for the duration of the voyage and will face reckoning for her crimes when returned to Earth. Her duties and responsibilities do not change; she is vital to the operation of the ship, having designed most of the systems. She will undergo mandatory counseling and anger management sessions. I understand that this does not satisfy the demands of swift justice but I personally assure you that in this case it is merely delayed, not denied. To that end, I am invoking my privilege, as the captain of UNS Enterprise, to set aside the trial and place the mission first. Science Officer Satuk has to prove to me and you that she deserves this reprieve. She will only get this chance.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – BRIEFING ROOM – 0615 HOURS
Satuk occupies the chair claimed by Jenson a while ago. Pathel stands to the side, out of view of the camera.
Satuk, unrepentant, her face set
SATUK
I am not sorry for what I did; the right person lived. The harsh and inescapable reality called for one to prevail and three to die. I made an impossible choice and I stand by it. I regret nothing. In the end I survived and that is all. It is enough.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – HALLWAY – 0752 HOURS
Brian walks briskly, carrying two coffee cups. Abruptly, he staggers and drops them, spilling the liquid on the carpet. He tries to stand but it is evidently beyond his capabilities at the moment. He goes down awkwardly and lies on the floor, passed out.
Pathel emerges from around the corner, slipping some device into her pocket as she approaches. She looks around and then kneels. Her right hand goes to Brian's face and she begins the Vulcan mind meld. She holds it for a while.
Pathel breaks the contact and stands up. She checks for witnesses and then leaves.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – SICKBAY – 0830 HOURS
Brian wakes up and opens his eyes. He is on the bed, looking at the ceiling. He turns his head and catches the attention of Jaci, who is standing close, watching him.
Jaci, smiling
JACI
Hello princess, poor timing. Few more minutes and my options are down to the sleeping beauty kiss to wake you.
Brian, suspiciously
BRIAN
You wouldn't?!
Jaci, smile growing larger, flashing white teeth
JACI
What do you think?
Brian, sighing
BRIAN
You would.
Pause.
Brian, alarmed
BRIAN
You didn't?
JACI
Wanted to. What happened?
Brian, clutching his head
BRIAN
I remember walking down the hallway, got woozy, and then everything went blank. Now I have a world-class headache.
Jaci, purring
JACI
I know a cure. Interested?
BRIAN
Will stick to drugs; with you, one never knows.
Jaci, wickedly
JACI
That's why I have you sign consent forms.
BRIAN
It is strictly for treatment, Jaci.
Jaci, wryly
JACI
Funny, that is what I call it too and I have had no complaints.
BRIAN
Doesn't the Hippocratic Oath state: thou shall not hit on the patient?
Jaci, dismissively
JACI
That's the old-fashioned medicine; my modern version is all about love.
Brian, laughing
BRIAN
You win, but only after you answer my question: what are we today?
Jaci, taking out a small flashlight and checking Brian's eyes for signs of concussion
JACI
All woman; want to go out?
BRIAN
Not on your life; not on mine either.
Jaci, turning in place, enticingly
JACI
You don't know what you are missing.
Brian, sarcastically
BRIAN
Oh, after a movie, five books, two reality show, and countless interviews I have an excellent idea.
Jaci, unperturbed
JACI
So, dinner?
BRIAN
You just don't know when to stop.
JACI
I like when you play hard to get.
BRIAN
Fine, dinner.
JACI
Excellent, pick me up here at 1800 hours. And don't make me work for it.
Brian, pointedly
BRIAN
I surrendered with barely a fight.
JACI
Humor me.
Brian, pretending deep thinking
BRIAN
Hmm, what do I get out of it?
Jaci, seductively
JACI
Dessert.
Jaci leans very close to Brian's ear and just barely brushes her lips against the skin.
Jaci, whispering breathily
JACI
If you are good.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – BRIEFING ROOM – 1908 HOURS
Jenson, Pathel, Na, and Satuk are sitting around the conference table. Tablets littler the surface and various displays are activated. Na and Satuk are talking quietly, Pathel is working on something and the Jenson is glancing around with barely canceled boredom. Finally, he stands up and eyes turn to him.
Jenson, impatiently
JENSON
Where is Brian?
PATHEL
On a date with Jaci.
Na, disgusted
NA
Ewww.
Satuk, disbelieving
SATUK
With Jaci?!
PATHEL
In Jaci by now.
Jenson, sternly
JENSON
Number one, children are watching, mind the language.
Na, putting her hands over her ears
NA
I did not hear that. I definitely did not hear that.
JENSON
I don't know, I think they are perfect for each other.
Satuk, cautiously working into conversation again after a signal from Pathel
SATUK
Is Jaci male, female, both, or neither today?
PATHEL
Woman, I believe. There was a memo out. And a video. And a shipwide announcement. And a town crier earlier on the bridge. Yes, I think that covers it.
Na, who has uncovered and is listening again, to Jenson, grimly
NA
Captain, our Vulcan is defective. She keeps cracking jokes and they are actually funny. I recommend replacement before we laugh to death.
PATHEL
On account of liking hot water and not wanting to hear Satuk complain about lack of same, I hold my tongue. Reluctantly.
Jenson, sympathetically
JENSON
Welcome to my world.
Na, doing her best villain imitation, rubbing her hands and cackling evilly
NA
Soon, very soon, all this will be mine.
JENSON
You can have it now.
NA
And miss mocking you and Pathel? Not a chance.
Jenson, raising his hands and getting everyone's attention
JENSON
Now that we established that Na runs the ship and Brian is a lost cause, let's start the meeting. With your permission, chief?
Na, magnanimously
NA
Go on.
JENSON
Reports?
NA
I highly recommend that Satuk refrain from the first few away missions, lest she have a fatal appointment with a round in her back. Security department is out for blood; they are close knit, former and active military, and not very forgiving. Civilians are more understanding and the crew is divided on her guilt; majority think she did they right thing, just wish they did not see it.
PATHEL
Captain, secondary shuttle bay was converted to dining and kitchens area. I requisitioned planetside gear and erected the prefabricated huts in the open space. Misha had a fit, expect to hear from him. They went operational with a late lunch and I scheduled meal delivery here for 1930 hours.
SATUK
Na's crews cleared everything out of the kitchens and carried it to the cargo hold Delta. I have the entire department doing forensic accident reconstruction, with assistance from engineering.
Pause.
Satuk, somberly and seriously
SATUK
Captain, Na and I agree on one thing: areas with open flame and heating elements are designed not to fail. The kitchen systems have multiple redundancies and numerous safety features. They are inspected and tested in constant cycle, repeated ad nauseam; there is a shift rotation dedicated entirely to them. Catastrophic failure on this scale and of this severity is unlikely to originate without assistance. Corners were cut in other areas but not on the bridge, turbolifts, communications, kitchens, hydroponics, and engineering.
JENSON
Great, we are going to die in our quarters.
PATHEL
Actually, ninety one percent of personal space is unfinished. Jaci has a steady stream of electrical burns, shocks, and cuts coming in the door.
Na, grumbling
NA
The idiots keep covering the <BLEEP> walls with flammable shit and then run around in panic when it catches fire. Too bad you can't issue common sense.
JENSON
Any chance …?
Na, strongly
NA
Energy, air, water, and food, in that order; two-thirds of casualties were grease monkeys from night shift. I am short on people and I don't give a flying <BEEP> how many moths burn on the exposed guts they should have a brain to avoid.
Pathel, diplomatically
PATHEL
Captain, we transfer non-essential personnel to Na. Unless they are indispensible, they are turning the wrench starting tomorrow. Satuk and I will take additional half shifts in the evening, Na's discretion.
Na, smirking
NA
No time for fun and then you expire in your sleep.
Pathel, blithely
PATHEL
I prefer to set my bed on fire the traditional way.
Satuk and others look at her in shock.
Jenson, exasperated
JENSON
Pathel, have mercy. Less Vulcan truth and disclosure, more tact; Satuk, work on that dirty mouth of hers.
Laugher erupts around the table as Pathel gazes at him impassively and Jenson turns red in embarrassment when he realizes what he implied. Na starts to say something and Jenson raises a finger in her direction.
Jenson, thru clenched teeth, warning
JENSON
Not. One. Word.
Na covers her mouth with both hands and runs out of the room onto the bridge. She comes back shortly, supremely happy. Raucous laughter follows her back inside.
JENSON
Better?
NA
I strongly advise against showing up on the bridge this evening, captain.
Jenson, looking up at the ceiling
JENSON
Why me?
Na, simply
NA
I'm making up for a lifetime.
Satuk, warmly
SATUK
When I recruited her, her parents were her best and only friends and if not for Heng, she would not have any social contact at all. The man is more outgoing than her and he is a very private AI. Now Na is the soul of this ship and a dear friend.
Na comes over and hugs Satuk in reply, looking smugly at Pathel.
Pathel, after Na and Satuk hold contact far too long
PATHEL
Thousand eight … thousand nine … thousand ten … hands off, Na.
The hallway door opens and the KITCHEN PERSONNEL enter with stacked trays of food, only to stop abruptly. The KITCHEN PERSONNEL stare confusedly at the laughing captain, Na and Satuk giggling in embrace, and Pathel doing her stone statue impression.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING – 1125 HOURS
Engineering is an enormous cluster of stations and two huge bulks of impulse and warp assemblies. Panels line the walls, many open, and numerous ENGINEERING PERSONNNEL are working in the cavernous space. The activity and the din of humanity and machines form the background and contribute to the feeling of a bee hive stirred into action. Charred section of the room does not help.
The double door opens and Jenson enters. He looks around, catches sight of Heng near the burned part, and heads in that direction.
Heng, looking up from the display he is immersed in, respectfully
HENG
Captain?
JENSON
Hello Heng. Chief?
Heng points to the open access, in front of which some new parts and electronics are piled next to haphazard collection of burned equipment bits and pieces.
Jenson examines the opening and satisfied, sticks his head inside.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING/ACCESS SPACE – 1127 HOURS
Jenson looks around and he can see Na further in, scrunched in the small space and heavily involved in her work installing replacement parts.
JENSON
Na, stop tearing my ship apart.
Na, without looking
NA
Crawl in here and make me, captain.
JENSON
Not with Heng watching.
Na, taunting
NA
Not so brave in front of witnesses?
JENSON
Afraid your protective husband will brain me.
Na, triumphantly
NA
Ha, I have a knight in shining armor defending my honor.
Jenson, quoting Asimov, in jest
JENSON
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
Na, scathingly, rounding on him, eyes blazing
NA
Captain, don't ever use that word around him. I know UN law does not recognize AIs but China does. Heng is a living being, no different that you or I and we are legally married. Either you accept that completely or we are going to have a problem.
Jenson, backpedaling, conciliatorily
JENSON
I apologize, Na. I was insensitive and it will not happen again.
Pause.
Jenson, deciding
JENSON
Listen, I will go one further. I will issue a captain's directive, making Heng a member of an official race and afforded the same rights and responsibilities as any on board. AI okay?
Na, mollified
NA
AI is fine. Thanks for understanding.
JENSON
We are going to make you an ambassador, chief.
Na, smartly
NA
What are my duties?
JENSON
How long before you are done wrecking this place?
NA
The ship? Never. This craptastic piece of junk I am embedded in? Hour or so.
JENSON
When you are done demolishing that, both of you take the rest of the shift off and get busy with race relations.
Na, fondly
NA
You are the best.
JENSON
I will pull that card out the next time you are calling me names.
Na, impishly
NA
That should be right about my next shift starts. Or soon if you don't leave me alone right this minute and let me wrap this up. Hell hath no fury like a frustrated woman.
JENSON
I hear you loud and clear, chief. Have fun.
NA
You still here?
Jenson, laughing
JENSON
Leaving.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING – 1135 HOURS
Jenson extracts himself carefully and walks over to Heng, who looks up at him expectantly.
Jenson, patting his shoulder
JENSON
Heng, you are a lucky man. That is one amazing woman you married.
Heng, beaming
HENG
Thank you, captain.
JENSON
Just out of curiosity and forgive me for asking, but what do you consider yourself?
Heng, immediately and without hesitation
HENG
AI, sir.
Jenson, smiling
JENSON
Congratulations, I am about to make your race official on UNS Enterprise. Even better, you and Na get to celebrate it shortly.
HENG
That's always the best part.
Jenson, tweaking him
JENSON
Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
HENG
Can't promise that.
Jenson, melodramatically
JENSON
You AIs; seducing all the beautiful women. How are we humans to compete?
HENG
Guess a return to chivalry and proper courtship is in order, captain? None of that “friends with benefits”, NSA, and other modern nonsense.
JENSON
Oh great, now we have to work for it.
HENG
The pursuit is the best part. Until, that is, the fireworks start.
JENSON
You are something else, Heng. Glad to have you on the crew. Schedule an appointment for this evening; I need to go over the particulars of your admission: conduct an interview, fill some forms, and discuss the particulars. You know, background and case paperwork, supporting the claim. It will set the precedent and make future additions and defense easier.
Heng falls silent and looks him right in the eyes.
Heng, quietly
HENG
Why are you doing this, sir?
Jenson, sincerely, with a touch of sadness
JENSON
What you and Na have, I had with Evie. Truth is: I was trying to reconcile the Chinese law with UN statutes, long before we left orbit. You are not her property and it is time I corrected that unfortunate perception.
Heng, neutrally
HENG
People who work here are fine with it.
JENSON
Your coworkers, yes. However, we have public human companions available for general use. I don't want any misunderstandings and this makes it clear to the entire ship.
Heng, grateful
HENG
Captain, this means a lot. You made Na happy and that is what I care about the most. Making each day a joy and spending as much of it as possible together.
Jenson, catching the tone and the words, sharply
JENSON
Heng, do you want to work in engineering or are you doing this for Na? What do you want?
HENG
…
JENSON
Don't make me order you.
Heng, putting down his head, hesitantly
HENG
… I want to work in science department under Satuk, preferably away missions. It is selfish.
JENSON
Nonsense, you are free to choose; consider it done. Talk it over with your wife and trust me on this, she will understand.
Heng, still uncertain, regretting the answer already, latches onto an excuse
HENG
Work will separate us.
Jenson, not buying it, encouragingly
JENSON
Believe me, it will bring you closer. Finding your own way is part of maturing. You took the first step by stating your dream and knowing Na, she will support you, even if it hurts her at first. Just let her know your reasons and things will work out.
Heng, scared
HENG
I always did what Na wanted. It was enough.
Jenson, gently rebuking
JENSON
Heng, this is a conversation you need to have with her.
Heng, sounding defeated
HENG
Will do, captain.
JENSON
One thing: keep me out of it. I get enough grief from chief as it is; sticking my nose in her personal affairs will make Armageddon look like afternoon on a beach. Dismissed.
HENG
Yes, sir.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING/HALLWAY – 1238 HOURS
Jenson turns the corner and spots Pathel ahead, just turning into a corridor. He tucks the tablet he was carrying securely against his body with one hand and takes off. When he arrives at the junction, the hallway ahead is empty but the panel to the maintenance hatch is open. He ducks inside and into the narrow service space that services the auxiliary systems, creating a maze of sorts.
Jenson, calling out
JENSON
Pathel!
There is no answer, only a sound of movement ahead. Frustrated, Jenson follows. The further from the hallway, the messier the layout, until he is stumbling thru the cables and wiring spilling from everywhere, including the ceiling and the floor.
Jenson, swearing
JENSON
Bloody Vulcan, had to go on maintenance bender right when I need to talk to her.
He tries the wrist communicator but there is no signal. He plows ahead gamely until he clears the debris and emerges into a room with instruments and open hatch. Beyond is an open space, with darkened walls. The room is a disaster but in a sort of controlled manner. Numerous passages branch off.
He checks them briefly and then decides to check the hatch itself. He does not see Pathel strike like lightning, driving him into the floor and the pile of objects. He screams in pain as the sharp metal pierces his chest. Lying on the floor, slowly bleeding to death, he is turned over. He focuses his eyes and turns his head with effort, staring into the eyes that hold no warmth. Pathel crouches beside him and checks him with a glance, seemingly more interested in the extent of his injury than him. He still expects her to help, knowing this was a mistake. He is wrong.
Pathel rises and walks toward the panel, leaving him impaled with metal and fading.
Jason, horrible realization sinking in, shaken and disbelieving
JENSON
No … not you.
Pathel punches some commands into the nearby console and then takes a scrap of metal and wedges the hatch open. She turns and walks away, heading for the passage.
Jenson, crushed by the betrayal, pleading tearfully
JENSON
Please, anyone but you.
Pathel turns and looks at him for a few seconds. There is nothing in that expression. Then she moves out, leaving him there.
Suddenly, the lights in the room go from green to yellow, and then red.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Malfunction detected in the plasma coil. Emergency venting initiated.
More alarms start blinking and now there is a sound accompanying them, blaring out.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Error in the automatic venting system. Manual override required.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Plasma temperature and density above normal.
Jenson tries to get up and the resulting wave of pain knocks him unconscious.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING – 1304 HOURS
An ENSIGN runs to the panel and opens a video link. There is a beep and the screen shows black.
COMPUTER VOICE
Link restricted by Chief Engineer Na, audio only.
ENSIGN, shouting
ENSIGN
Chief!
Na, unhappy
NA
I am having marital relations. The ship better be exploding.
ENSIGN, stammering
ENSIGN
Um … yes.
Na, impatiently
NA
Yes, what?!
ENSIGN, babbling
ENSIGN
The ship is exploding. Well … um, not right now. Soon … uh … I think.
Na, coldly
NA
If the vessel does not blow up when I get there, you will die. Chief out.
The ENSIGN swallows nervously and awaits his doom. He looks ready to faint.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING/CONTROL ROOM – 1309 HOURS
Jenson comes to. His front is wet, and there is a puddle of red spreading under him.
Evie, looking like the day they met, kneels next to him. She bends and kisses him.
Evie, firmly yet tenderly
EVIE
You have to get up, sweetheart.
Jenson, sobbing
JENSON
Can't. Hurts too much.
Evie places some rags on his chest, stemming the bleeding. Evie, supportively
EVIE
You have me.
Evie assists him into a sitting position, offering encouragement along the way. Jenson holds onto the temporary bandages.
EVIE
Easy … good …. easy … that does it. Rest for a minute.
Jenson takes her advice and halts for a moment. She helps him scoot over to the wall and kneels in front of him again. He drops the rags and reaches out with bloody hands.
Jenson, framing her face, getting blood on her skin and hair, wonderingly
JENSON
You came back.
EVIE
I never left, my love.
She takes his left hand and guides it back to his chest, reinstating the temporary pressure bandage, with cloth to stem the flow and his hand to secure it.
EVIE
Press and hold; slows the bleeding.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Plasma temperature and density reaching critical.
JENSON
I'm dying.
EVIE
Not yet; you know what we have to do.
Jenson, understanding dawning
JENSON
Manual override.
EVIE
Come on soldier, one last thing and then joined eternity.
Jenson, his right hand caressing Evie's cheek, softly
JENSON
Promise?
Evie, leaning into the contact
EVIE
Promise. I love you.
JENSON
Love you too, Evie.
They stay connected for the moment and then Evie she helps him to his feet. Jenson wobbles but manages upright and awake. They shamble to the hatch and he removes the obstruction; Jenson steps inside. A trail of droplets follows him, hitting the floor with each unsteady step. Gritting his teeth between bouts of wheezing, he determinedly presses on. With Evie supporting him, they approach the manual release at one end.
Jenson places his right hand and tries to turn the handle but he is too weak to do it.
Jenson, seeing spots and with vision fading, pours out his frustration
JENSON
Not … strong … enough. <BEEP>.
Evie places her stained hand over his bloody one.
Evie, being there for him, adds her will to the effort
EVIE
We were always stronger together.
They turn the handle together and it clicks into place. The hatch behind them slams shut and seals.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING – 1320 HOURS
Na is working the controls on interactive holographic display, similar to the bridge one, but larger and more detailed.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning! Emergency plasma-exhaust-retention-barrier manual-ejection procedure activated. Safety disengaged. Firing mechanism armed. Thirty seconds to operation.
ENSIGN, stating the obvious
ENSIGN
Chief, someone activated the external coil purge on-site.
Na, troubled
NA
That's suicide. The times were shortened to prevent sabotage and the access hatch auto-locks.
Pause.
NA
Someone or something activated the impulse plasma coil without the corresponding engine activity. I want complete impulse lockdown and full diagnostics once venting is complete. Get security and post at critical points 24/7 until I lift the order.
ENSIGN
What about …?
Na, shaking her head, sorrowfully
NA
Whoever is in there is already dead but for the waiting.
Pause.
NA
Contact Heng and tell him to investigate adjacent control room. Prepare shuttle for barrier retrieval. And assign a team to work on recharging the coils. I will be on the bridge, briefing the captain and overseeing the operations from there.
ENSIGN
Yes, chief.
CUT TO:
INT. UNS ENTERPRISE – ENGINEERING/PLASMA VENT CHAMBER – 1320 HOURS
Jenson sits down heavily. He leans back against the wall and closes his eyes.
JENSON
Cold …
Evie crouches in front of him and cups his face. He opens his eyes and she leans in, their lips less than an inch apart.
COMPUTER VOICE
Ten.
COMPUTER VOICE
Nine.
Evie, lovingly
EVIE
Forever among the stars.
Jenson, closing his eyes so his last image will be of Evie, affectionately
JENSON
Forever together.
Evie kisses Jenson with an understated passion as the COMPUTER VOICE continues the countdown in the background. It is about connection and assurance, but still anything but chaste.
COMPUTER VOICE
Three.
COMPUTER VOICE
Two.
COMPUTER VOICE
One.
There are small explosions and the door and the air inside the chamber start to rush into space. The plasma is faster. The flames fill the entire screen and the picture cuts out.
FADE OUT:
THE END