T'POL:
Science officer's log,
August 14, 2152.
Enterprise remains on course
for the trinary system.
I've transmitted
a distress call
but the nearest Vulcan ship
is more than nine days away.
By the time they arrive, they
may only find debris... if that.
Even if Enterprise makes it
past the black hole
without being destroyed...
it seems likely
the crew won't survive.
/ It's been a long road /
/ Getting from there to here /
/ It's been a long time /
/ But my time is finally near /
/ And I will see my dream
come alive at last /
/ I will touch the sky /
/ And they're not gonna
hold me down no more /
/ No, they're not gonna
change my mind /
/ 'Cause I've got faith
of the heart /
/ I'm going where my heart
will take me /
/ I've got faith to believe /
/ I can do anything /
/ I've got strength
of the soul /
/ No one's gonna bend
or break me /
/ I can reach any star /
/ I've got faith /
/ I've got, I've got /
/ I've got faith /
/ Faith of the heart. /
Captioning sponsored by
PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
and UPN
I'm continuing my analysis
of the condition
that's stricken the crew.
But without Dr. Phlox's
assistance
I'm not hopeful
about reversing its effects.
I'm documenting my findings
that Starfleet
will at least have a record
of what happened.
The symptoms began not long
after we set a course
for the trinary system.
That was nearly two days ago.
You're sure
it's a black hole?
A class four.
According to the
Vulcan starcharts
your people have surveyed more
than 2,000
That's correct.
But none of them were part
of a trinary star system.
How close can we get?
The gravitational shear
between the stars is extreme.
We'd have to drop to impulse
but we should be able
to approach
to within
five million kilometers.
Close enough to get
some nice pictures.
How long would it take to
reach the system at impulse?
Two days.
Set a course.
Trip.
If you've got
some free time
I'd love it if you take
a look at my chair.
Sir?
The Captain's chair.
Wh-What about it?
You may have noticed
that I don't sit
in it very much.
Is there a problem?
It's uncomfortable.
When I lean back
I feel like I'm about
to slide out of it.
I have to sort of...
perch on the edge.
I always assumed it was
the best seat in the house.
Take a look
at it for me
I was going to purge
the impulse manifolds.
The chair first,
if you don't mind.
Aye, aye, sir.
Mm.
( door chimes )
Come in.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Am I interrupting?
No, no. Thinking
about something.
Today's duty roster.
Thanks.
Lieutenant Reed has
a new security protocol
he'd like
to discuss with you.
I'll drop by the Armory.
Anything else?
Chef didn't report for duty
this morning; he's ill.
Is it serious?
Dr. Phlox said
it's a simple virus.
He should be fine
after a few days' rest.
Ensign Sato has offered
to take charge of the Mess Hall.
Apparently, she spends some
of her free time in the galley
and is eager for an opportunity
to cook for the crew.
If it's all right with Chef.
Let me ask you
a question.
I received a manuscript
from Earth...
a biography of my father.
I've been asked
to write the preface.
Would you mind reading it
when I'm done?
I'd be happy to.
If I can ever get it finished.
I've been putting it off
for weeks.
The next two days should provide
you with ample opportunity.
It's not that I haven't
had the time.
They only asked for a page.
How am I supposed to sum up
my father's life in a page?
It would've been easier
if they'd asked me
to write the book.
Perhaps by focusing
on one incident
a single event that exemplifies
your relationship
with your father
you'll be able
to condense your thoughts.
Logical approach.
Maybe... you'd like
to write it for me?
I'm hardly qualified.
Chef was planning to make
fried chicken tonight
with scalloped potatoes
and some of the Minaran spinach
we picked up on Risa.
The orange spinach?
He's convinced there's
a way to make it edible.
Why don't we let him tackle that
when he gets back?
I have something else in mind.
's one of my grandmother's
specialties.
The recipe's been passed
down for generations.
I'll need a translation
before I can program
the protein resequencer.
Oh, no. You can resequence
all the chicken
and potatoes you want
but I am making this
from scratch.
Ensign.
Is there something
I can do for you?
I've got a little headache,
nothing serious.
Why don't you let
me have a look?
I was hoping you could
just give me something.
I'm right in the
middle of upgrading
the navigation sensors.
It would be irresponsible
to dispense medication
without examining
you first.
Hmm? Please.
Any other symptoms?
Dizziness...
blurred vision?
No.
How long have you had it?
A couple of days,
on and off.
Well, I've been meaning
to have you drop by
Sick Bay in any case.
Hmm? To see if you've
had any problems
since I removed the neural
implants you received
at the repair station.
You think it could have
something to do with that?
Oh, I never rule out anything.
Then again, it could be as
innocuous as muscular tension.
On the other hand
Terrellian plague
starts out
with a simple headache...
and then all manner of
nasty things begin to happen.
( power tool whirring loudly )
Commander.
( loud whirring continues )
T'POL ( louder ):
Commander!
Push it forward.
( whirring )
That's good. Hold it there.
Commander!
( racket stops )
Perhaps you could
finish that later.
This may not be as glamorous
as a black hole
but the Captain
gave me an order.
He also requested detailed
sensor readings
of this trinary system.
I thought Vulcans had all this
mental focus and discipline.
We also have sensitive hearing.
Huh.
( loud whirring resumes )
I'll be in my quarters.
We'll let you know
when we're done.
Keep those target discriminators
aligned.
We don't want a torpedo
mistaking one of our own
nacelles for an enemy vessel.
You asked to
see me, Malcolm?
I would have come to you,
Captain.
It's no problem.
What's on your mind?
I've been reviewing our
encounters with hostile species.
The crew's response
has been admirable
but I feel
we can do better, sir.
And you have a proposal?
I've been thinking about
a shipwide emergency alert.
Something a bit more
comprehensive than
"battle stations."
We're taking far too long
to react to potential threats.
With a single order from you
or an impact to the hull
the plating could be polarized,
weapons brought on-line
critical systems
secured.
I appreciate your
concern, Malcolm
but this isn't a warship.
Well, that's obvious, sir.
During our last run-in
with the Suliban
we were... unprepared
for their boarding parties.
When the Mazarites attacked
they disabled our aft sensors
with their first shot.
The list goes on.
I can see that.
Run this by the
senior officers.
Get some feedback,
and we'll talk again.
Yes, sir.
And, Malcolm?
( door opens )
Don't call it "battle stations."
Think of something
less aggressive.
How is it?
Good.
Condition Red?
Huh?
What about "Condition Red"
for the new security protocol?
Why don't you just call it
"Security Protocol"?
Well, that's not very dynamic.
Do you think a cup holder's
too much?
I beg your pardon?
For the Captain's chair.
He just wanted the seat adjusted
but I figured...
as long as I'm working on it.
Just what the captain needs
in a crisis--
( chuckling ):
a place to rest his beverage.
I'm also upgrading
the status displays.
He'll be able to access
tactical data from the armrest.
If you really want
to improve tactical readiness
why don't you help me
with this protocol?
I'm a little busy right now,
Malcolm.
It's a chair!
It's the Captain's chair.
It's just as important
as your... Reed Alert.
"Reed Alert"?
That's not bad.
Enjoying your lunch?
( clears throat )
Yeah.
Thanks.
It was, uh, terrific.
It's called "oden."
Every Japanese family
has their own way
of preparing it.
Well... it seems
to be a big hit.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Lieutenant, you
barely touched yours.
Uh, it was lovely.
I'll get you
a fresh bowl.
That's not necessary.
It's no problem.
Please.
Not hungry.
Are you sure there's
nothing wrong with it?
Well... it was a bit salty.
Salty?
Oh, it tastes fine.
Well, it just must be me, then.
Everybody else seems
to be enjoying it.
How much longer is
this going to take?
That depends.
On what?
Hold still, Ensign.
I have to get
back to the bridge.
Well, I'm afraid you won't be
returning to duty today.
The Captain needs
those upgrades, Doctor.
When it comes
to medical matters
my authority overrides
the Captain's.
I'm keeping you overnight
for observation.
But your scans
didn't show anything!
That's what concerns me.
Whatever's afflicting you
may be laying dormant.
I'm going to run
a full biomolecular scan
to see if we can find
where it's hiding.
Now, lie...
back... and don't move.
( sighs )
( whirring )
ARCHER:
When I was about eight years old
my father took me on a tour
of the Warp Five facility
outside of Bozeman, Montana.
He introduced me
to the people he worked with
scientists with names like...
Tasaki and... Cochrane.
At the time, I didn't realize
the significance of those names
or the... the significance of...
my father's work.
( barks )
Computer, pause.
I'll feed you in a minute.
Computer, resume recording.
In a way
creating a stable... warp field
mirrored the...
the f-flux of emotions
my... father felt when he...
embarked on...
Computer, pause.
Delete the last paragraph.
Hell, delete the whole thing.
( barking )
Quiet.
( door chimes )
Come in.
Here's your
sensor interface.
What's the emergency?
This trinary system
is emitting some
unusual radiation.
I'm trying to identify it.
You dragged me up here
so you could identify radiation?
Correct.
You said it was urgent.
I said it was important.
I get it.
You're paying me back
making me jump
through hoops
because I was making
too much noise.
Well, you'll be happy
to know
I moved the Captain's chair
down to engineering.
So, it's nice and quiet
on the bridge now.
I prefer to work here.
I'll need your assistance
with this.
Weren't you listening
to me?
I don't have time
to cater to your whims.
You want to get
your name immortalized
in the Vulcan database
get someone else
to help you do it.
Are you feeling all right,
Commander?
I know you don't think
this chair is important
but you're wrong.
What's the most critical
component on this ship?
The main computer?
The warp reactor?
Uh-uh, it's the crew
and the most important member
of the crew is the Captain.
He makes life-and-death
decisions every day
and the last thing he needs
to be thinking
in a critical situation is
"Gee, I wishchair wasn't
such a pain in the ass."
Doctor?
Shh!
When are you
going to...?
Wait!
I have just enough time
to shower and get changed.
I haven't discharged
you, Ensign.
Well, I haven't slept
all night
and I'm supposed to go
on duty in 15 minutes.
I need to perform a
cerebral micro-section.
A what?
Lie down.
No more tests.
I have to get to the bridge.
I'm giving you an order.
If I don't finish
those upgrades
I could get a reprimand.
It'll be
in my permanent record.
You have far more
to worry about than a
blemish on your record.
Do you see there?
Hmm?!
Your cortical scan shows
elevated levels of serotonin
and several other
neurotransmitters.
What does that mean?
I'll let you know
once I've completed
the micro-section.
Can't it wait
until after my shift?
Absolutely not.
If the Captain doesn't think
I can handle my duties
I'll be scrubbing
plasma conduits on D-Deck
for the next five years.
I could be court-martialed.
And what if you're carrying
a protocystian spore-- hmm?--
and you infect the
rest of the crew?
How will that
reflect on you, hmm?
Or what if you
suddenly suffer a
seizure at the helm
because you've contracted
Andronesian encephalitis?
Now, there is something
wrong with you, Ensign
and I intend to
find out what it is.
Not today!
Not during my shift!
Unless you're ready
to tie me to a bio-bed
I'm going back
to my helm.
At least let me give
you an analgesic...
for the headache, hmm?
Well, that's all I wanted
in the first place.
( sighs )
If it gets any worse
or you suffer any
other symptoms...
return here immediately.
What did you...?
I've been working
on the new security protocol.
Obviously, the reactor
must be secured immediately
during a Tactical Alert.
"Tactical Alert"?
I considered your suggestion--
"Reed Alert"--
but, uh, you know,
it seemed a bit narcissistic.
Hand me that
hyperspanner,
would you?
I've also been working
on a new alert signal.
Tell me what you think.
( alarm wailing )
Or this one?!
( signal wailing )
( signal stops )
Well, which do you prefer?
For what?
A Tactical Alert.r
They both sound like
a bag full of cats.
They were designed
to get your attention.
I'll look this over
and get back to you.
I also need your help
on an emergency
shutdown procedure
for the EPS grid.
I said... I'll get back to you.
Fine. Let's hope we don't suffer
a catastrophic reactor breach
in the meantime.
Malcolm...
one of your boys borrowed
my laser micrometer.
If you're heading
to the Armory
could you get
it back for me?
Ensign... if we don't
serve something soon
we're going to have
a riot on our hands.
Is this too salty?
Something's not right.
Hand me
the Kreetassan spice.
I'll add it
to the stock.
Oh, I'm out of carrots.
There are 25 people...
Carrots!
With all due respect
you've been cooking
the same meal
over and over again.
I believe I'm in charge
of the galley.
I understand that...
You're relieved.
Ma'am...
Get out!
Lieutenant...
I need your assis...
Clearance code?
I beg your pardon?
What is
your clearance code?
The Armory is a restricted area.
Even to the First Officer?
How do I know
you are the First Officer?
We've encountered
species
that can alter their appearance.
They could masquerade
as any one of us.
I've issued codes
to all senior officers to reveal
if the ship's
been infiltrated by impostors.
Part of your new
security protocol?
It was sent
to your console
as a voice-encrypted
command packet.
I haven't been to the
bridge for several hours.
As I was saying,
I need assistance
establishing a sensor
interface in my quarters.
I've asked Commander
Tucker, but he became...
agitated.
It was uncharacteristic,
even for him.
Have you noticed anything
abnormal about his behavior?
Why do you want to access
the sensor array...
from your quarters?
I was asked to run
detailed scans
of the trinary star system.
I wasn't informed.
It isn't a tactical issue.
Lieutenant...
why are you armed?
From now on, security personnel
are to wear side arms
in all restricted areas.
Have you cleared this
with the captain?
It's in my proposal.
Has he approved your proposal?
I've been trying to get
him to pay closer attention
to security since
we left space dock
but he's more interested in
fraternizing with the crew.
Inviting them to
breakfast, and to
watch water polo.
I intend to implement
some long-overdue changes
and if the captain
won't approve them
then I'll go directly
to Starfleet Command.
Was there anything else?
No.
It wasn't long
before I realized
the odd behavior wasn't
limited to Commander Tucker.
In fact, everyone I encountered
was acting strangely
growing consumed with matters
that seemed trivial, at best.
I also discovered
that although I appeared
to be immune
the captain was not.
What happened
to my chair?
Did you know that
this chair is the
exact same model
used on Neptune-Class
survey ships?
Is that why
you called me down here?
Enterprise is the first warp
five vessel in human history--
the pride of the fleet--
and you're sitting in a chair
they've been using
on warp two ships
for over a decade.
You deserve better,
so I'm starting from scratch.
I'm going to build you a throne.
Stand right there.
I need to get a few
parametric scans
to get your exact
dimensions.
This baby is going
to fit like a glove.
Isn't that used
for aligning phase coils?
You won't feel a thing.
Long as I'm down here,
maybe I can get your opinion.
Don't move.
"How does one measure
a man's legacy?
"Is it defined
"by the works he's created,
the technological advances
that will forever alter
the course of human history?"
Turn around.
( sighs )
"If so, then no man
since Zephram Cochrane, himself
"has made
a more lasting contribution
"to the future
of humankind
than my father,
Dr. Henry Archer."
All done.
What do you think?
Sounds good.
Let me read you the rest.
I really need
to get to work on this.
It's just a few
more pages.
How many more?
Nineteen.
Nineteen?!
Are you writing the preface
or the book?
I've got a lot to say.
No kidding.
What's that
supposed to mean?
Well, if I may, sir...
it's a little longwinded.
You're lucky you're
a decent engineer
because you obviously don't
know anything about writing.
I'm not the only one.
I have 83 people to feed,
not just senior officers.
All I requested was
a bowl of Plomeek broth.
I don't have time
for special orders.
Anyway, you'll
like this better.
Where's lunch?
It'll be ready
in one minute, sir.
I don't have a minute.
If you're so hungry,
fix yourself a sandwich.
Captain?
May I speak with you?
That is a very
complex recipe.
I will not serve it
till it's just right.
My family's reputation
is at stake!
( alarm blares )
REED ( over com ):
This is a Tactical Alert.
All hands report
to your stations.
( covers pot )
I repeat,
this is a Tactical Alert.
( alarm blaring )
Report!
The crew's response
was unacceptable.
38% of them failed
to report to their stations.
Critical systems
haven't been secured.
I haven't even heard
from engineering.
Shut off that damn noise.
Shut it off.
I don't recall authorizing
a tactical drill.
Well, it wouldn't
be much of a drill
if everybody knew
about it, sir.
One minute
and 15 seconds.
What?
It took you one minute
and 15 seconds
to reach your post.
I'd expect more
of our Commanding Officer
given that the crew just
might follow his example.
Captain?
One minute
and 49 seconds.
You might want
to see this, sir.
Interactive status displays,
secondary helm control.
It's even got inertial
micro-dampers.
The ship could be
shaking apart
and you'd hardly
feel a thing.
You ignored a tactical
alert for this?
I want to run some colors
by you for the headrest.
This is all a
big joke to you.
Give it a rest.
This isn't a bloody
pleasure cruise.
Without proper discipline
on this ship,
this mission
is doomed.
Why don't you go play
soldier somewhere else?
If this were a
military situation
you'd be taken out and shot.
Oh...
Hey, hey, hey, hey...
I don't care what color
the headrest is
or whether it can
serve me iced tea.
I just want a place to sit
when I'm on duty.
And if I hear that alarm
one more time
I may have you
taken out and shot.
Unless there's
a real emergency--
like a reactor breach--
I don't want to be disturbed.
( door chimes )
Go away.
Do I have to start locking
my door?
You said to interrupt you
if there was an emergency.
I believe there is.
Is that right?
The crew's behavior
has become erratic.
Even by human standards.
They've grown distracted.
Everyone I've encountered
appears to be preoccupied
with trivial matters.
Ensign Sato's recipe,
for example.
Your preface.
We should declare
a medical emergency
and have Dr. Phlox examine
the crew.
I suggest he begin
with you.
I'm busy.
Captain...?
Dismissed.
Your crew is in danger.
I gave you an order.
Captain...?
I suggest you follow it...
or I'll have you
confined to your
quarters, until...
until a Vulcan ship
can come and get you.
Oh, you're just in
time, Sub-Commander.
There's a surgical gown
in the compartment
by the microscope.
This is a rare opportunity
to explore the human brain.
Was he injured?
Oh, headache.
At first, I thought it was
a simple vascular dilation
but then I
discovered...
a chemical imbalance
in his prefrontal cortex.
I'm going to begin
by extracting
the first 12 millimeters
of his parietal lobe.
A subcellular analysis
of the tissue should shed
some light on
the mystery.
Doctor, you may want
to delay the procedure.
We have a larger problem.
The entire crew is ill.
They'll have to wait.
You've been affected,
as well.
Please remove your hand.
I won't ask you again.
I'll let you know
when I've completed the surgery.
( moans gently )
The crew's bio-signs
were growing erratic.
I began to doubt
any of them would survive
more than a few hours.
Ironically, Dr. Phlox's
obsession
with Ensign Mayweather's
headache
has provided some useful data.
His cerebral scans have helped
me determine that the radiation
coming from the trinary system
is causing...
( beep )
Computer, pause.
Computer, resume log.
My radiometric analysis
is complete.
As I suspected, reversing course
won't take us out of danger
quickly enough.
The radiation appears
to extend outward
at least half a light-year
in every direction except one.
If I can chart a course
between the stars
we could escape the radiation
before the crew succumbs.
But I won't be able to pilot
the ship alone.
Captain?
Captain Archer!
You're needed on the bridge.
I told you not to disturb me.
We have very little time.
What are you doing?
Your crew may be dying.
What?
Do you remember
that trinary star system?
The one with the black hole?
It's emitting a dangerous form
of radiation.
It's affecting
your prefrontal cortex.
I believe that's why
you and the crew
have been exhibiting
obsessive behavior.
Some of the crew's bio-signs
are already unstable.
If you're exposed
to the radiation much longer
you won't survive.
( Archer groans )
Do you understand
what I'm telling you?
Turn it off.
Do you understand?
Yes... Radiation.
Tell...
Phlox, if the...
the crew's sick...
tell Phlox...
He's been affected as well.
But not you?
Vulcan physiology
seems to be immune.
Bring us about.
( grunts )
Turn the ship around.
( breathing heavily )
It's not that simple.
If we go back
the way we came
we'll spend two more days
in the radiation field.
( groans )
I've charted a course
that'll have us clear
of the radiation
in less than 17 minutes.
Lousy coffee.
But we'll have to pass
within two million kilometers
of the black hole.
There's considerable debris
and gravitational shear.
Someone needs to pilot
Enterprise
while I determine
the course corrections.
( moans )
Travis?
He's been sedated.
I'm in no condition...
to... fly... a starship.
We have no other choice.
More gravitational shear.
We're too far to port.
But you said bearing
two-point-four.
Twelve-point-four.
My mistake.
Twelve... point-four.
How much longer
is this going to take?
Six minutes.
I'm good for that.
Another shear front.
You need to rotate our
longitudinal axis
by 12 degrees and bring
our flight vector
to zero-one-four mark two-seven.
Hold on, hold on.
Zero-what?
Zero-one-four mark...
Mark two-seven.
Just minor debris.
The hull plating is holding.
Our lateral vector
is drifting.
Captain!
Hang on a second.
I feel like I'm in...
flight school again.
You're doing well.
New heading.
Zero-zero-six mark four.
Six...
Captai
I see it.
We need phase-cannons.
They take too
long to charge.
All weapons are on-line.
It must be part
of the new security protocol.
Fire!
( grunting )
( alarm blaring )
Could you shut that off?
How much longer?
Less than ten seconds.
Five more seconds.
Any more surprises?
Nothing on sensors.
( groans )
Did we get some nice pictures
of the black hole?
How are you feeling?
I'm a little tired
but the headache's gone.
What'd you do?
Very little...
fortunately.
You're, uh... free to go.
Captain.
How's the crew?
Oh, I'm continuing
to monitor vital signs.
But I've detected no lingering
effects from the radiation.
Mostly just rattled nerves
a few bruises and sprains
from when some of them
lost consciousness.
I appreciate
your intervening
uh, before I got
any further
with Mr. Mayweather's
procedure.
I wasn't certain it would
work on a Denobulan.
It worked quite effectively,
I can assure you.
What procedure
on Mr. Mayweather?
The radiation affected my
nervous system rather severely.
( clears throat )
I'll be with you in a moment.
I'll provide you
with a full report
when I've finished
treating the crew.
You wanted to see me, Captain?
I did.
When T'Pol and I
were navigating
the debris field
your Tactical Alert
went off.
I heard, sir.
I've already deactivated
the new protocols.
You shouldn't have.
They brought the weapons on-line
right when we needed them.
If you have no objection
I'd like to make it
standard procedure.
No objection, sir.
You still need to
work on that alarm.
I'll get right on it.
Doesn't look any
different to me.
Give it a try.
( sighs )
Hmm...
It feels better.
What did you do?
Cross your legs.
What did you do?
Seems totally different.
I lowered it...
by one centimeter.
( chuckles )
That's all?
Didn't have time to install
the new status displays
or the inertial
micro-dampers
but, uh... if you give me
a couple of days...
I think this will be fine,
Commander. Thanks.
How about I just attach
the cup-holder?
This'll be fine.
All right.
How does this sound?
Captioning sponsored by
PARAMOUNT TELEVISION
and UPN
Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH
access.wgbh.org