DIRECTED BY
AIRED ON
February 18, 2004
RUNTIME
42 minutes
STARRING
VIEWS
152
LAST UPDATE
2024-09-12 18:31:12
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Version 1
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SUMMARY
The fate of Enterprise is in Dr. Phlox's hands as the rest of the crew must be induced into a coma in order to survive a trans-dimensional disturbance.
STORY
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REVIEWS
$27 million reasons to leave
Written by
Pike on 2018-04-17
★
★
★
★
Written and directed by John Wells, this episode marks the final appearance of Carol Hathaway. What some of you may not know is that Julianna Margulies, the actress portraying Carol, was offered... $27 million to stay in the series. Outside of the financial and production topics, I think that having the character leaving the series was a great thing. Simply because we all know Doug Ross and even though the character is no longer in the series, we know for certain that he would never abandon her and their two little children. Therefore, it really made for a perfect ending.
This leads us to the final scene, in which Carol meets Doug. The fact that George Clooney came back for that scene made it very powerful, even though the part of Carol running at the airport on the cheesy song was definitely too much, but it felt good to have such joyful scene for once.
Coming back to Carol, I truly think that she was a great character. Not only that, but Julianna Margulies is beautiful in a very enigmatic way. She is not the typical good looking female actress. She really was something more and I liked her for that.
And I liked the way Carol chooses to leave. The fact that it was linked to a medical story was simply the perfect reason.
What is also interesting is that this does not happen in the season finale, but in the penultimate episode. And this is brilliant. Because the show continues, therefore, we don't end the season with just the reward of the character leaving on a dramatic moment, we actually get to see this moment and then move our attention back to the remaining characters and wanting to know more about them. This is clearly great writing.
JOHN CARTER
Meanwhile, the story of John Carter struggling with being back to work was very well directed and played. John Welles did a wonderful thing.
SUMMARY
An excellent episode. I give it 7 out of 10.
TRANSCRIPT
(Enterprise is travelling slowly through one of the special effects department's ubiquitous purple hazes, and the ship appears deserted - except for one canine running away from ...)
[Corridor]
PHLOX: Porthos, come back here. Porthos, stop. Return. Heel, that's it. Heel. Porthos.
(Outside Archer's quarters, the faithful companion scratches at the door and yips.)
PHLOX: All right, but just for a moment.
[Archer's quarters]
(Porthos jumps onto the still figure on the bed and licks his face.)
PHLOX: That's enough. You can come and see him again tomorrow.
(Phlox picks Porthos up and leaves. Archer never even twitched.)
[Phlox's quarters]
PHLOX: (reading) It says here that canines can be quite territorial. Is that why you keep returning to the Captain's quarters? On Earth, a dog called Scruffers travelled three thousand kilometres attempting to reunite with it's human keeper. I heard of a Pycan space moth that drifted half a light year trying to return to it's home world, but I don't believe it had a name. I could use a walk. How about you?
[Corridor]
PHLOX: (dictating) Dear Doctor Lucas. I apologise in responding to your last letter. As you can imagine, the crew and I have been quite busy.
[Galley]
PHLOX: In we go. I was deeply saddened to hear about your colleagues lost in the Xindi attack. You have my condolences. It's unfortunate you were forced to cut your time on Denobula short, but obviously you're needed on Earth. Perhaps when our mission is successfully completed I'll see you back in San Francisco. The Expanse. An extremely curious place.
(He takes something from a jar labeled Dr Phlox - do not eat.)
PHLOX: For example, we've recently encountered a phenomenon that, er. (to Porthos) Do you want one of these? I doubt you'd like it. It's a leech, you know. It will clean out your intestinal tract. Don't tell the Captain.
(Porthos catches the morsel.)
PHLOX: I apparently find myself in somewhat unsettling circumstances, Doctor Lucas. Although they have allowed me the luxury of catching up on my correspondence.
(Phlox eats a leech himself.)
[Situation room]
PHLOX [OC]: We first encountered the phenomenon responsible for this situation two days ago.
T'POL: It's directly on our route to Azati Prime.
ARCHER: Why didn't sensors pick it up before now?
T'POL: Because it wasn't there before now. It's similar to the phenomenon we encountered several weeks ago.
ARCHER: A trans-dimensional disturbance.
T'POL: This region is being rapidly reconfigured as we speak.
ARCHER: How long would it take to go around it?
T'POL: Two weeks.
REED: Another detour.
T'POL: Perhaps not. Since this region was formed only recently, it hasn't been completely reconfigured. We should still be able to cross it safely.
TUCKER: You said nothing from our universe could survive inside these things.
T'POL: Doctor.
PHLOX: That's true, unless we take the appropriate precautions. The reconfigured space disrupts the human neocortex, but I can counteract the effects by dampening the crew's neurological activity. It would be like, oh, shutting down the main computer to protect it from an ion storm.
TUCKER: How do you plan to shut down our neocortexes?
PHLOX: Quite simply, I can place each of you in a comatose state until we've passed through the affected region.
ARCHER: How quickly can we get across it?
T'POL: Less than an hour at warp four.
TUCKER: I don't want to risk going to warp in there. Who knows what kind of effect this disturbance will have on our warp field. We'll be safer sticking to impulse. You'll have to keep us in comas for at least four days.
REED: That's still less time than it would take to go around it.
ARCHER: Can you keep us under that long?
PHLOX: Shouldn't cause any problems.
[Travis's quarters]
PHLOX: Commander Tucker was none too keen on my plan. However, I was able to convince Captain Archer. Since my Denobulan physiology is immune to the effects of the disturbance, I volunteered to watch over the crew. So far, they've been no trouble at all.
[Bridge - memory]
(Phlox is getting a practical driving lesson.)
PHLOX [OC]: While the computer's controlling most of the ship's systems, I was given a quick tutorial, just in case. Despite the dire circumstances I must say I relished the challenge and soon developed a new-found respect for Ensign Mayweather.
[Engineering - memory]
TUCKER: You need to check this every two hours, minimum.
PHLOX: Every two hours.
TUCKER: If the impulse manifolds get clogged, the engines'll overload. That would be very bad.
PHLOX: I imagine it would.
TUCKER: No offence, Doc, but under normal circumstances I wouldn't even let you in here without four years of Starfleet training under your belt.
PHLOX: These are hardly normal circumstances.
TUCKER: Listen. If something happens, something you can't handle, I want you to wake me up.
PHLOX: I can't do that. Even a few minutes of exposure would cause permanent damage.
TUCKER: If it comes down to saving the ship? Look, I'm making it easy for you. Okay?
[Archer's quarters]
ARCHER: How's the rest of the crew doing?
PHLOX: Sleeping peacefully, except for you. Now, lie back.
ARCHER: Doctor.
PHLOX: Please, Captain, I've told you the procedure's completely safe.
ARCHER: I'm sure it is, but I
PHLOX: Captain, I have already had this discussion with Commander Tucker, Lieutenant Reed and virtually every other officer on the ship. I'm not comfortable being incapacitated, I really should be at my post, I'm willing to risk staying awake. Well you can't, nor do you need to. I assure you I have everything well in hand.
ARCHER: I know, Doctor. As Captain of the ship I'm the one who's responsible for everyone aboard. There aren't many people I'd willingly turn that responsibility over to. You're one of them.
PHLOX: Well, thank you, Captain.
ARCHER: I just wanted to say that before you put me under.
(Archer lies down on his bed, and Phlox does the deed.)
PHLOX [OC]: I must say, Doctor Lucas, that I appreciated the Captain's vote of confidence. I had in fact been feeling some trepidation over the responsibility I'd been handed, but after two days at the helm the ship is running perfectly.
[Engineering]
(He hears a door slamming somewhere.)
PHLOX: Hello? Hello? (finds no one) Nonetheless, I'm not ashamed to admit I'll be relieved when I can wake up the crew in two days, sixteen hours and forty three minutes.
[Sickbay]
(Phlox jogs down a corridor, singing something Denobulan, with Porthos following him. In Sickbay, strategically placed items spare our blushes as a naked Phlox comes in to feed his menagerie.)
PHLOX: I know, I know, I'm sorry I'm late.
[Mess hall]
(Movie night is The Court Jester starring Danny Kaye.)
HAWKINS: I don't want the vessel with the pestle, I want the chalice from the what?
JEAN: The chalice from the palace.
WITCH: It's a little crystal chalice with a figure of a palace.
HAWKINS: The chalice from the palace have the pellet with the poison?
WITCH: No, the pellet with the poison's in the vessel with a pestle.
HAWKINS: Oh, oh, the pestle with the vessel.
JEAN: The vessel with a pestle.
HAWKINS: What about the palace from the chalice?
WITCH: Not the palace from the chalice! The chalice from the palace!
HAWKINS: Where's the pellet with the poison?
WITCH: In the vessel with a pestle!
JEAN: Don't you see? The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle.
WITCH: The chalice from the palace has the brew that is true!
JEAN: It's so easy, I can say it!
HAWKINS: Well then you fight him!
WITCH: Listen carefully. The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with a pestle, the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true.
HAWKINS: Where the pellet with the poison's in the vessel with a pestle, the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true.
JEAN: Good man!
PHLOX: (to Porthos, his faithful companion) Did you hear that?
WITCH: Just remember that.
MAN: Sir Giacomo, into your armour, and you to your place in the pavilion.
HAWKINS: The pellet with the poison, the pellet with the poison.
PHLOX: Computer, mute sound. (I have no idea what he hears) That doesn't sound normal, does it. I suppose we should investigate, hmm. I'm not going alone. Come, Porthos, come. (picks him up) I'd be better off talking to my Pyrithian bat.
[Corridor]
PHLOX: Perhaps we are letting our imaginations run away with us. I should never have let Mister Tucker talk me into watching The Exorcist last week.
(Another strange clunk.)
[Launch bay]
PHLOX: Hello? It's Doctor Phlox. (Porthos barks) Porthos! Porthos, come back here. Porthos.
(He sees a vent of steam rattling a chain handrail.)
PHLOX: Well, now don't you feel foolish.
(A door closes, and he turns to see - and clutches at his heart.)
PHLOX: I called out. Didn't you hear me?
T'POL: I was running a diagnostic. Do you require my assistance? What are you doing here? I thought it was movie night.
PHLOX: You could hear that all the way from the mess hall.
T'POL: I'll make a note of it in the maintenance log.
PHLOX: Bangs, squeaks, rattling chains.
(He turns off the venting steam.)
PHLOX: Is this a starship or a haunted house?
T'POL: Are you all right, Doctor? You seem somewhat agitated.
PHLOX: Considering you nearly sent me into cardiac shock.
T'POL: I apologise if I startled you. You're certain that's all?
PHLOX: I have had a slight headache since we entered this region. Perhaps Vulcans and Earth canines are better able to adapt to it than Denobulans. How are you? I've barely seen you the last two days.
T'POL: I've had my duties to attend to. The rest of the time I've spent in my quarters, reading, meditating.
PHLOX: Then you're due for a night out. Why don't you join Porthos and me?
T'POL: I'd like to complete the diagnostic.
PHLOX: The movie's quite amusing.
T'POL: No, thank you.
PHLOX: T'Pol, I, er, perhaps you'll share a meal with me later.
T'POL: If you like.
[Engineering]
(Another door sound.)
PHLOX: Hello? (and again) T'Pol? Is that you?
(It seems like someone runs along the upper walkway.)
PHLOX: Stop! Phlox to T'Pol.
T'POL [OC]: Go ahead.
PHLOX: Would you mind not creeping around the ship like a Draxxan cloud viper.
T'POL [OC]: Doctor?
PHLOX: Please. I wouldn't have imagined that Vulcans engaged in childish games.
T'POL [OC]: I don't understand.
PHLOX: What were you doing in Engineering just now?
T'POL [OC]: Doctor, I'm on the Bridge.
[Galley]
PHLOX: I hope you don't mind eating here in the galley. Mess hall seems a bit, er, oh, melancholy. All the empty chairs.
T'POL: This is fine.
PHLOX: My fifth grandmother made this for each of my weddings (ladling liquid). Chef's tried to prepare it, but he never gets it quite right.
T'POL: Yes, his plomeek broth leaves something to be desired as well.
PHLOX: I always thought so, but was afraid to mention it. T'Pol, you're sure you weren't in Engineering today?
T'POL: Quite sure. What were you doing there? I'm responsible for monitoring the engines.
PHLOX: We're supposed to be assisting each other. It's a large ship for two people to maintain.
T'POL: Do you have anything to report? Doctor?
PHLOX: I could have sworn there was someone in that room with me.
T'POL: A member of the crew?
PHLOX: No, everyone except us is in deep neuro-sedation.
T'POL: Then obviously you were mistaken.
PHLOX: Obviously. You've never been to Denobula, have you.
T'POL: No.
PHLOX: The cities are quite crowded, by choice, not by necessity. The atmosphere is vibrant, communal.
T'POL: It sounds fascinating.
PHLOX: What I'm saying is that we're a sociable people. Being alone on Enterprise, just the two of us, has proven more stressful than I imagined. Two people aren't even enough for a Denobulan marriage, a proper one anyway.
T'POL: I'm sorry I haven't been better company.
PHLOX: That isn't what I meant.
T'POL: I know. It is ironic, however, that I should be your sole companion. Unlike your people, most Vulcans will go to great lengths to find solitude. At times it has been trying for me to co-exist with eighty humans. Especially the more irrational ones.
PHLOX: Such as Commander Tucker.
T'POL: I've found the last two days to be a welcome respite.
PHLOX: I understand, but I for one will never complain again when I can't get a good seat on movie night.
(T'Pol has not touched the food)
[Sickbay]
PHLOX: (dictating) Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding your homecoming, Doctor Lucas, you must be happy to return to Earth. As I've mentioned before, I've no regrets about accepting my position on Enterprise. However, it has struck me recently how much I miss the familiar pleasures of my home.
[Corridor]
PHLOX: You've experienced the nightclubs in our Kaybin district, so you know the excitement of meeting a new companion or two. The intimacy that can develop so quickly when all parties are receptive. You humans are a truly remarkable species, Doctor Lucas, but when Enterprise has accomplished its mission I look forward to being among Denobulans again. The more of them, the better.
[Archer's quarters]
PHLOX: Good afternoon, Captain. How are we feeling today? Neurochemistry looks excellent, theta waves are good, you should wake up extremely well rested.
(There's a creaking noise. He looks out of the porthole and recoils as something comes at him.)
PHLOX: Phlox to T'Pol.
[Bridge]
T'POL: Internal sensors don't show any additional biosigns.
PHLOX: I told you, it was outside of the ship, on the hull.
T'POL: There are no lifeforms anywhere in this vicinity.
PHLOX: What about alien vessels?
T'POL: You can see for yourself there's nothing there.
PHLOX: You said this reconfigured space could be affecting our systems. What if it's interfering with our sensors?
T'POL: That's possible, but we should consider another explanation. You mentioned you were having difficulty adjusting to the solitude of the past few days.
PHLOX: I didn't imagine it! I saw something.
T'POL: Outside the ship, crawling on the hull.
PHLOX: What about what I saw in Engineering?
T'POL: You ran the scans yourself. There is nothing unusual on board. You said you haven't slept much since we entered this disturbance. Perhaps you should return to your quarters, try to rest.
PHLOX: I need to finish my rounds.
[Hoshi's quarters]
(He sees an Insectoid standing over Hoshi.)
PHLOX: Get away from her!
(It comes after him, so he runs down a corridor, sees the shadow of another and hides in an airlock.)
[Corridor]
PHLOX: Phlox to T'Pol.
T'POL [OC]: Go ahead, Doctor.
PHLOX: It's the Xindi. They're on board.
[Armoury]
PHLOX: We'll need to arm ourselves. I saw two. There could be more of them.
T'POL: There's nothing on sensors.
PHLOX: Then the sensors must be wrong.
T'POL: Doctor. Phlox! I thought you were going to get some rest.
PHLOX: They were real. I saw them.
T'POL: If that's true, then how did they get on the ship? All external hatches and docking ports are sealed.
PHLOX: They could have transporter technology.
T'POL: There were no transporter signatures.
PHLOX: What difference does it make how they got on board. If we wake up Lieutenant Reed or the MACOs they will be incapacitated in minutes, dead within hours. It is up to us to deal with this situation. I plan to start on G deck and work my way up.
(She doesn't take the weapon he offers her.)
PHLOX: I'm going to stop them whether you help me or not.
[Corridor]
T'POL: We've searched four decks.
PHLOX: That leaves three to go.
T'POL: If there are Xindi aboard, why are they concealing themselves?
PHLOX: They could be trying to destroy Enterprise. What better time than while the crew is incapacitated. (his scanner beeps) A biosign.
T'POL: There are over eighty biosigns aboard, not counting your pets in Sickbay.
PHLOX: This isn't human.
T'POL: Neither are your pets.
PHLOX: I can't lock onto it.
T'POL: There must be some interference, possibly from the reconfigured space.
PHLOX: You said it wasn't affecting our sensors.
T'POL: I said it wasn't affecting main sensors. That hand scanner is far less powerful, you know that.
PHLOX: I have it. (further on) It's just ahead. (something comes round the corner, Phlox fires and thankfully misses Porthos)
T'POL: Doctor!
PHLOX: It's all right. Fortunately I'm not very proficient with hand weapons.
T'POL: How did he get out?
PHLOX: I, er, I believe I. We went for a walk earlier. I might have neglected to put him back in my quarters.
T'POL: And you simply forgot.
PHLOX: I've been distracted. I would have thought this could tell the difference between a giant insect and a beagle.
T'POL: It can, if you use it properly.
PHLOX: You're the science officer, you might have offered some assistance in that area.
T'POL: You feel I haven't been helpful? How would you characterise the two hours I wasted searching for a figment of your imagination?
PHLOX: I'm not delusional.
T'POL: Are you certain? As I recall, you once told Ensign Sato that it's considered healthy for Denobulans to hallucinate. It's how you release stress. You've been under a lot of stress lately, haven't you, Doctor.
PHLOX: It's not unheard of, but I
T'POL: You said you've been having headaches. Is there anything else you care to tell me?
PHLOX: I'm fine.
T'POL: You nearly shot the Captain's dog!
PHLOX: I'm going to recalibrate this to exclude canine biosigns and then I'm going to finish searching this ship. I'm not seeing things and I intend to prove it. (stomps off)
HOSHI [OC]: Ensign Sato to the Doctor.
PHLOX: Hoshi? Hoshi?
[Hoshi's quarters]
(The shower is running, her bed is empty.)
PHLOX: Ensign? Hoshi? What are you doing? I have to put you back under sedation immediately. You'll suffer permanent damage.
(He sees a disfigured woman.)
PHLOX: Hoshi?
HOSHI: You did this.
PHLOX: What?
HOSHI: You said we'd be safe.
PHLOX: Let me get you to Sickbay.
HOSHI: You promised us!
(Phlox backs away, falls over, then sees Hoshi lying peacefully on her bed.)
PHLOX: T'Pol, please meet me in Sickbay immediately.
[Corridor outside turbolift]
ARCHER: Where've you been? I was calling you.
PHLOX: Captain. What are you doing up?
ARCHER: T'Pol woke me. She said something was wrong.
PHLOX: I don't know what's happening.
ARCHER: She said you've been seeing things. Something about Xindi on board the ship.
PHLOX: You're not concerned about that?
(He starts backing away down the corridor.)
ARCHER: I'm more concerned about you. I obviously expected too much from you.
PHLOX: You're not real.
ARCHER: Why don't you go to your quarters. Lie down. I'll take over. You did the best you could.
PHLOX: You are not real!
T'POL: Doctor.
(Phlox turns to look at her, and when he looks back, Archer has gone.)
[Sickbay]
PHLOX: I was so busy monitoring the crew I never thought to run another neural scan on myself. The effects are subtle and difficult to detect, but there are disruptions deep within my neocortex. You were right. I was hallucinating.
T'POL: Are you in danger?
PHLOX: I don't believe there'll be any permanent damage. However, it's obviously affecting my judgment. I have no choice but to put myself under neuro-sedation and ask you to look after the crew.
T'POL: I don't have the medical expertise.
PHLOX: With your scientific background, you should have no problems.
T'POL: I have my own duties. I can't possibly monitor the entire crew.
PHLOX: It won't be for long. We'll be coming out of the disturbance in less than six hours. T'Pol, I'm asking for your help.
T'POL: I can't.
PHLOX: Why not?
T'POL: When we were searching the ship, I became irritated with you.
PHLOX: Apparently, I deserved it.
T'POL: You don't understand. I was on the verge of losing control of my emotions. This reconfigured space is effecting me as well.
PHLOX: Why didn't you tell me?
T'POL: I'd hoped to control it, but it's proven more difficult than I thought. The crew is better off in your hands.
PHLOX: I doubt that. I nearly killed Porthos, remember. What if one of these delusions causes me to open an airlock or shut down life support?
T'POL: You won't do that.
PHLOX: How do you know?
T'POL: Because your duty is to look out for the welfare of this crew. Why do you think the Captain allowed you to sedate him over Commander Tucker's objections? Because he trusts you, as do I.
PHLOX: I'm not sure I trust myself.
T'POL: Just a few more hours, Doctor.
[Bridge]
PHLOX [OC]: So, Doctor Lucas, while the past few days have proven challenging, both T'Pol and I are relieved that our adventure is nearly over.
PHLOX: (taking the helm) Once we've confirmed we're out of the disturbance I can begin waking the senior officers. My medical staff should be next. They can assist me with the rest of the
(He gazes in disbelief at a purple viewscreen.)
PHLOX: We should have been out of the disturbance half an hour ago.
T'POL: There could have been some slight navigational discrepancies.
PHLOX: I thought space travel was supposed to be precise.
T'POL: Not always. Check long range sensors.
(Phlox dashes to the back of the Situation room.)
PHLOX: What do you think I'm doing. There's more than a slight discrepancy.
T'POL: This can't be correct. We're nearly a quarter of a light year from the far edge.
PHLOX: At our current rate of speed we won't be out of this for another ten weeks! Autonavigation is still engaged, engines are online, why aren't we through?
T'POL: The reconfigured space has expanded.
PHLOX: But we knew it would. Travis said our course and speed would compensate. T'Pol?
T'POL: Obviously the rate of acceleration has accelerated. We need to increase speed.
PHLOX: We're already at full impulse.
T'POL: As you can see, that's insufficient. We need to go to warp.
PHLOX: Commander Tucker said it would be too dangerous. We don't know what might happen.
T'POL: What do you propose? Keeping the crew comatose for the next ten weeks?
[Engineering]
PHLOX: All right, what do we do first?
T'POL: I'm afraid I may not be of much assistance.
PHLOX: Do I need to keep reminding you, you are the Science Officer.
T'POL: I already told you, I'm finding it difficult to focus.
PHLOX: On your worst day you're more qualified to operate the warp engines than I am.
T'POL: Unfortunately, this is by far one of my worst days.
PHLOX: I'm a physician, not an engineer.
T'POL: You hold a dozen scientific degrees.
PHLOX: None of them are in warp theory.
T'POL: The procedures for restarting the reactor are in the database.
PHLOX: You're suggesting I read the manual? (but he does, from a screen) Output must be confined to within three hundred and three hundred twelve millicochranes to prevent fusion of the dilithium matrix.
T'POL: That seems simple enough.
PHLOX: Unless the spatial compression index is greater than five point six two percent, or the ship is within two parsecs of a class C gravimetric field distortion?
T'POL: I realise this is a complex procedure.
PHLOX: Complex? This is utterly baffling. It might as well be written ancient Klingon for all the sense I can make of it. I'm sorry.
T'POL: I understand. I just wish I could be more helpful.
PHLOX: You're doing fine. We have to close the plasma relays before we can begin the start-up sequence. Would you mind?
TUCKER: What the hell are you doing? I told you not to mess with the warp engines.
PHLOX: I don't have time for this.
TUCKER: You'd better make time, Doc. I told you, you can't start the warp reactor inside this disturbance.
PHLOX: Actually you told me it would be difficult, not impossible.
TUCKER: That machine was designed to manipulate space, to violate the laws of motion. You make the tiniest mistake, you'll collapse the warp field, you'll crush this ship.
PHLOX: Thank you for the warning.
TUCKER: You're going to screw this up, Phlox!
PHLOX: Go away.
TUCKER: You're going to kill everybody.
PHLOX: Can't you see I'm busy!
T'POL: Doctor, are you all right?
PHLOX: Fine.
T'POL: Doctor, I can't find the plasma relays.
PHLOX: I'll do it myself.
(He goes to the main reactor controls.)
PHLOX: Deuterium pressure is nominal. Anti-matter constrictor coils are online. Warp two should be sufficient.
T'POL: Shall we try?
(Bits of engine room start to light up.)
PHLOX: The intermix is stable. A warp field is forming.
(An alarm sounds.)
T'POL: What's wrong?
PHLOX: I don't know.
(The ship shakes and the nacelles stutter.)
PHLOX: I followed the procedures exactly. What did I do wrong?
T'POL: You need to
PHLOX: What? What, T'Pol? Help me. Is it the particle confinement?
T'POL: Perhaps you should increase it.
PHLOX: How do I do that?
(He dashes to his help screen.)
PHLOX: Particle confinement, particle confinement.
(Things go bang.)
T'POL: Doctor, perhaps we should wake Commander Tucker.
PHLOX: He'll die.
T'POL: If we destroy the ship, we'll all die.
PHLOX: I know.
T'POL: If we can't accomplish our mission, billions of people on Earth could die. Isn't it logical to sacrifice one life to save so many?
PHLOX: I'm not willing to make that sacrifice yet. Particle confinement. Increase power to the magnetic constriction coils.
(She can't touch the controls, and looks plaintively at him.)
PHLOX: T'Pol! Here.
(He does it himself and the shaking stops.)
T'POL: The field is stabilising.
PHLOX: It's holding.
T'POL: Then I suggest we go to warp.
PHLOX: Engaging warp engines. Warp one point one, point two.
(The engine gets unhappy again.)
PHLOX: Pressure on the hull's increasing.
T'POL: What are you doing?
PHLOX: Lieutenant Reed insisted on showing me how to transfer power to the hull plating, just in case. It seems to be working. Warp one point eight, one point nine, warp two!
[Archer's quarters]
(Safely back in normal space, Phlox removes the neural inhibitor from Archer's forehead and gives him a hypo.)
ARCHER: Doctor.
PHLOX: Lie still. Your neocortex may need a few moments to warm up.
ARCHER: Are we through the disturbance?
PHLOX: Yes. I'll begin waking the rest of the crew shortly.
ARCHER: Any problems?
PHLOX: A few minor glitches. It will all be in my log. If you're feeling up to it, you have a visitor.
ARCHER: Hey. (fondling Porthos) Thanks, Doctor.
[Corridor]
PHLOX: How are you feeling?
TUCKER: A little woozy.
PHLOX: I'm not surprised. You haven't eaten anything in four days. Get to the Mess hall.
TUCKER: Aye, aye, Doc.
(Tucker leaves.)
T'POL: I'll assist you in waking the others.
PHLOX: Oh, that won't be necessary. I appreciate the offer but you need some rest. Let me walk you to your quarters.
T'POL: Doctor's orders?
[T'Pol's quarters]
T'POL: Thank you.
PHLOX: I'll stop by and check on you in a few hours.
(He glances at the bed and sees T'Pol lying there, comatose. The T'Pol he was talking to has vanished.)
[Mess hall]
PHLOX [OC]: As you might guess, Doctor Lucas, I had considered deleting this letter and starting over, since large sections of it are now obviously fictitious. However, I decided that my delusional account would probably prove entertaining. As always, you have my best wishes. Your friend and colleague, Phlox.
PHLOX: May I join you?
T'POL: Of course. Commander Tucker was complaining that it will take him days to realign the warp coils.
PHLOX: Yes, he gave me quite a talking to.
T'POL: He also said, and I quote, Phlox did one hell of a job. You must have enjoyed having the ship to yourself.
PHLOX: It wasn't nearly as empty as I'd anticipated.
2024-09-12 18:31:12 -
Pike:
Added the transcript.
