Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022) s04e04 Episode Script
A Case of Chiaroscuro
1
Previously on
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Being Vulcan
affected you differently.
You are aggressive,
paranoid, suspicious.
It is part of your core.
You may be carrying
enhanced warrior genes,
but it's not who you are.
If we let the Klingons conquer,
they won't stop.
J'gal changed me.
I'm just a doctor now. I prefer
saving lives to taking them.
You grew up
in a Federation colony?
Yes. We went to
the non-Illyrian city.
We left everyone else behind.
I regret it to this day.
I'm not ready for the promotion,
but I know someone else who is.
To Commander Una Chin-Riley.
First officer's
log. Stardate 2122.4.
A Federation probe,
the Angelo-1,
has overheated and shut down.
Which, unfortunately
for this probe,
means it has now drifted
across the demarcation line
and right into
Klingon territory.
Starfleet has ordered
Enterprise to recover it.
Only Enterprise itself poses
too great a risk of detection.
And detection could mean
restarting a very cold war.
So, Captain Pike has tasked me
with retrieving it.
It's a delicate mission
in an unusual part of space,
and also my first
as a newly promoted commander.
Opening the link to Angelo-1
and ready to commence
system reset on your orders.
I think.
I-I'm sorry.
I'm just disoriented.
I'm fine, just not used
to seeing things
in black and white.
That's due to the infrared
blackbody spectra
from the Mat'Aaran star,
but the radiation only affects
how we perceive color.
The tritanium from
the blast shields may help.
Raising shields.
Slow and steady, Nyota.
This is an adjustment
for all of us.
I haven't yet
gotten to tell you,
congratulations, Commander.
The next promotion
will be to captain.
I'm not sure
I'm ready for that yet.
All I know is that
your moral compass
has never failed you
in the past.
But if it does,
you'll just refer
to the Starfleet handbook.
I do love rules. And lists.
And rules about lists.
Reset is successful.
Angelo propelling
towards Enterprise.
We should follow his lead.
What? You don't want
to stay and say hi
to some old friends?
Warning.
Proximity alert.
We're not alone.
The D7
is blocking our return path.
An evasive maneuver
into Mat'Aar 12's atmosphere
might be our only option
for cover.
Affirmative. We have the probe.
You should wait out the D7
until we find a window of
opportunity to bring you back.
Land on Mat'Aar 12
and stay out of sight.
The Federation cannot be here.
Acknowledged.
What was that?
Electromagnetic
atmospheric barrier.
A full planetary
detection system.
This is more advanced
than they had in the war.
But how did our scanners
miss it?
Technically,
there's nothing to scan.
Atmospheric electricity
is always present.
Find us somewhere safe
to land, Ensign.
Surveillance spotlight situated
one klick north by northwest.
Recommend decreasing speed.
Nyota, scan for any
unoccupied enclave.
There aren't many.
Mat'Aar has a populated
urban environment
surrounded by outskirt villages.
Heavy Klingon presence
mixed with a native population.
It's a fully occupied planet.
There will be nowhere
to safely hide.
Captain's orders
are to stay invisible.
So far,
all's quiet on the ground.
Uhura, did they see us?
Looks like the force field only
triggered a momentary alert.
So, they know someone arrived,
but not who.
-Mm.
-They'll be looking for us.
We're sitting ducks
if we stay here.
We can hide the shuttle,
but our life signs
are still traceable.
We'll synthesize
civilian attire,
and we'll try to blend in.
What do the people
on Mat'Aar 12 even look like?
If this is a Klingon planet
where are the Klingons?
Identification is required.
Failure to provide will result
in search and seizure.
We succeed together.
Occupation is not subtle.
I suspect that
the barrier we breached
is not the only security measure
on this planet.
Local collaborators.
We must walk.
Nevette?
Where the hell
have you been, boss?
Two days without contact,
we thought you were dead.
Well
Clearly, I'm not.
Space.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages
of the starship Enterprise.
Its five-year mission:
to explore strange new worlds
to seek out new life
and new civilizations
to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
You picked
a good time to come back.
We have a situation.
Who are they?
We're new recruits.
Joseph Ruik.
Where's your armband?
We've been undercover.
I wasn't told about
an undercover mission.
It wasn't for you to know.
-Huh.
-Roman.
No trace of it out here.
Copy.
An unidentified shuttle
came through a few minutes ago.
I know.
We came out here to investigate.
Can confirm, no sign of it.
We should get back to HQ.
There's something else
you need to handle.
I'm so glad you could make it.
Cheers.
Our new friend is proud.
He's exactly the type
to collaborate with Klingons.
He has the armband to prove it.
Exactly how many
Klingon-occupied planets
have you been on?
-Zero.
-Huh.
We found this traitor
skulking around a checkpoint
with an EMF scanner.
Definitely not working alone.
Clearly a member
of the resistance.
We need the name
of her accomplice
before the commander
comes to arrest her.
You couldn't make her talk,
even after all this?
They got her well-trained.
As expected.
Leave her with me. Alone.
I'll get the information
we need.
What is she doing?
If they realize who she is,
-who we are
-Trust the commander.
This is not her first time
pretending to be
someone she's not.
But it's your first time,
isn't it?
But she's pretending to be
someone they know.
I mean, what are the odds Una
looks so much like this woman
that no one can tell
the difference?
Slim, but possible.
In a universe as vast as ours,
the real mystery
is that we don't stumble
onto our doppelgängers
more often.
And that we have found Una's
is a momentary stroke of luck.
Hmm.
Of all the gin joints
So, Joseph Ruik
how many aliases do you have?
-Do I need one?
-If you do,
pick something
close to the truth.
Your first name,
a loved one's surname.
Easier to remember.
Never forget,
they do not know
we are not supposed to be here.
Do not give them
a reason to doubt us.
I feel like I should be
writing all this down.
Take notes with your eyes.
And be aware of other eyes
who are taking note of you.
We went to great lengths
to get this probe back.
I hope the Klingons
didn't find it.
Let's make sure we didn't
bring in a Trojan horse.
It's from the Odyssey.
I am familiar with the Greeks,
but this probe
has been in Klingon space
less than 160 hours.
Which is long enough
for sabotage.
That is an unnecessary leap.
You sound like Christine.
I, um, I've been
seeing her once a week
to make sure that
my time as a Vulcan
didn't trigger
something else.
Something else?
So far, just a little
extra aggression,
occasional paranoia. I
She hasn't found
any physical correlation.
Scan complete.
No foreign substances detected.
Moving on to internal systems.
Internal systems appear sound.
No, wait. Data chip 32-B8.
It-it was dislodged.
Computer, access
data recordings.
Perhaps it shifted in transit.
It-It's been compromised.
Look, the-the data's missing.
Or it was hastily replaced
after maintenance,
resulting in a faulty chip.
Or someone removed it, wiped it,
and then put it back
after Angelo-1
was already on the Enterprise.
You think we have a Klingon spy?
Not a spy,
but I have reason to believe
that someone may have tampered
with the probe before
we were able to conduct
our security scan.
There is a faulty microchip.
Data has been wiped clean.
Doesn't this thing have
a chain of custody?
Indeed. Angelo-1's interactions
are entirely accounted for.
Except for when
it was beamed on board.
Are you suggesting someone
tampered with the probe
mid-transport?
Any object can be isolated
whilst in the buffer.
I believe it's a possibility
worth investigating.
Well
you're the security officer.
If you think something
smells funny, go sniff it out.
Those men
what do they think you've done?
I cannot say.
My men and I,
we control this town,
and clearly,
you're not one of us.
Please, don't kill me.
I don't want to hurt you.
But we know
you weren't working alone.
I have a family.
I have secured the reading.
Is that supposed to mean
something to me?
If you tell me what is going on,
I can let you go.
You know I would never.
I have passed your test.
Test? What test?
You know him?
Commander Kor.
A direct descendant
of Kahless the Unforgettable.
We never met,
but he's known for being
sharp and political.
He must run this outpost.
If they use their machine
on me, it will be over
for all of us.
It must be you now.
34.6 megahertz.
What? What does that mean?
No.
Order another drink.
None of them are looking,
and you shouldn't either.
This woman should appear
as nothing but a traitor to us.
-Okay.
-I think she used
alkaloid toxin
from the Borgia plant.
I've seen its effects before.
Unsurvivable.
Nevette. You have returned.
I gave clear orders
that she must remain alive.
And I conveyed them, sir.
I expect my lieutenants
to follow command if they wish
to keep their privilege.
I did what I had to do.
I will accept your judgment
in this situation.
Information is valuable,
but brutality more so.
This woman is a traitor
to the Empire.
Killing her
was the honorable thing to do.
-Her cowardice decided her fate.
-Hmm.
This is why
I placed you in charge.
This position is not for those
with weak constitutions.
We have other means
of finding the accomplice.
Annihilate these remains.
Traitors deserve no glory.
You heard him.
There's a job to do.
Your boss is Commander Kor,
a regarded member
of the Imperial family.
-He will not be easy to deceive.
-I know.
This is bad.
I know 600 different words
for "bad."
This is worse than all of them.
I've engaged with the Klingons.
A woman is dead because of me.
She took her own life, not you.
Risk factors have changed.
We and Starfleet are safer
if we hide near the shuttle
and wait for a signal
from Enterprise.
All citizens,
form one line and proceed to
Quickly. This is the way
back to the ship.
Checkpoint.
We might need
to find another way out.
Well, I don't
remember this checkpoint
on the way in.
-We should withdraw.
-Yeah.
This card is expired.
May Mat'Aar never waver!
You.
Do not touch him.
Identification.
I
I don't have any.
-Wait.
-Compassion is unacceptable.
We cannot help her
if we all get arrested.
Take her away.
Identification is required.
Failure to provide will result
in search and seizure.
Pursuing her
would've been a death wish.
As long as they don't know
that she is one of us,
she'll be okay.
Hello, Nevette.
Your disappearing act
gave us a fright this time.
Ja'lem.
I'm sorry we haven't
properly met.
Joseph Ruik.
You are the bartender
from the café.
Time is short. We should not
be seen here together.
Meet me at the café.
We will free your friend.
I'm relieved you're safe.
The resistance would be lost
without its leader.
Did he say "resistance"?
This Nevette seems like
a very busy woman.
Who are you?
My name is Nyota Nakuru.
I am a villager
from the outskirts.
My family died
when I was very young.
And you found a new family.
With the resistance.
I have told you,
I know nothing
about a resistance.
Please
understand my interest
in the matter.
I have great admiration
for your enterprise.
The work you do feigns nobility,
but it is misguided.
You refuse to understand
that Mat'Aar 12
belongs to the Klingon Empire.
And serving at the behest of,
that is the noblest honor.
Now, what do the resistance want
from the Neodymium
Munitions Facility?
I know nothing
about a resistance.
Or a munitions facility.
You are more resilient
than some of your comrades.
Hmm. I delight
in what comes next.
I so rarely get to utilize
our mind scanner.
Such a strange pitch.
That's a tactic called
"sonic vigilance."
We used something
similar on J'Gal.
Please. I'm so sorry.
-I'm so sorry.
-It's an invisible safeguard.
Always in a tone
the Klingons can't detect.
The Klingons may control
this city
but this resistance
is resourceful.
Yes, but a forgery has become
a greater challenge lately.
Why is there a delay
with the ID card?
My new recruit's life
is in danger.
The Klingons have enhanced
their security clearances.
That's why you're stealing
Klingon ID cards.
Yes. But your card
should still work, Nevette.
My card isn't with me.
Keeping it in your office
is no longer wise.
You'll need
to have it on you now.
Things are changing, quickly.
How do we know
the office is safe?
Trust our surveillance.
We moved the speaker
so you'd hear the music.
The wires extend
into your office now.
Apologies for
the unsatisfactory beverage.
Our allakas malt supplier
had a terribly dry season.
When you didn't return,
we assumed you were caught,
or worse.
The Neodymium plant
is not easy to breach.
But were you successful?
No.
It was too risky.
But I will.
That's why I need the girl.
She's your inside contact.
Bring me your card.
We will get her out. And you,
you'll need this if you're
going to be seen with her,
so they think
you are one of them.
Thank you for your help.
May Mat'Aar never waver.
Cadet, I, uh, need you
to listen to something for me.
I am currently assisting
Lieutenant Spock
with a priority assignment.
Uhura mentioned you have
an especially gifted ear
for transmissions.
Logically, I hoped
you could decipher
if a standard
transmission signal was altered.
Flattery is a transparent
and antiquated method
of coercion.
Fine. I'll find
someone more capable.
However,
I am momentarily available
while I await rendering data.
Most peculiar.
I detect a signal.
There is a definite
relay response.
It is not only
sending information,
it is receiving intel back.
Of what nature
I cannot be certain.
I can, however, trace the origin
if that is of benefit.
Yes. Yes, it is.
I tracked the point of origin
to your quarters.
Start talking.
It's not his fault.
I begged him to help me.
Threatened him. Said I'd feed
him to a targ if he didn't.
-Didn't what?
-Well, I don't know if you've noticed,
Lieutenant, but things
around here aren't quite normal.
What do you see?
Is that the D7 cruiser?
Where did it go?
This interference
is unpredictable.
The same conditions
that are making us see
in black-and-white
are also causing their ship
to be nearly indecipherable
on our maps.
Which makes it harder
to bring our people back.
If we can't see
where the Klingons are,
we're flying blind.
So, I, um, well, uh
I modified one of our
standard transmissions,
transfixing a relay signal
to the D7 cruiser
so that it alerts Erica
as it, uh, circles.
It'll also let us know
when it's safe
for the shuttle to return.
A makeshift navigational buoy.
Brilliant.
Well, Captain Pike thought so.
You want to tell her what
you had for lunch today, too?
A Cuban sandwich.
I love mustard.
Look, I kn I-I know
it's unorthodox,
but I'm doing this
with the utmost prudence.
You know,
I just wanted to help my friend.
And, uh, my ship.
Just trying to help
get our people back.
The sandwich was good.
I had it, too.
So, this signal has nothing
to do with the Angelo-1?
The probe? Not at all.
Uh, cross my heart, hope to get
stuck in a pattern buffer.
Oh, hang on.
What have we got here?
This is odd.
There might be a hidden signal
beneath my relay.
Could be nothing, but it's odd.
What images do you see here?
The mind scanner can tell us
what you're thinking,
so do not lie.
Tree.
When will the resistance
enact their offensive?
I am not resistance.
Tree.
Where were you born?
A small village.
What color are the trees
in your village?
Green.
I have read
of green forests
on other worlds.
I try imagining that.
The color green.
One day,
I'd like to experience them.
Your resolve is strong.
I will continue
to enjoy eroding it.
Let's keep looking.
The card is in here somewhere.
Facial recognition confirmed.
What happened here?
This is a fully
operational database.
Timelines,
collaborator profiles,
all built from Nevette's work
with the Klingons.
If the resistance is a network,
Nevette is the nucleus.
Then why would she leave?
Perhaps she fled.
People she helped
escape the occupation.
Families.
Ja'lem has a daughter.
A parent will do anything
to protect their child.
Even start a revolution.
What's on this chip?
Let's find out.
The Neodymium
Munitions Facility?
That's the plant Nevette
was supposed to break into.
Those are blueprints.
Is that Mat'Aar 12
before the Klingon occupation?
I believe so.
"Once acquired, a proximity
detonator will trigger
"an electromagnetic pulse
and overload Klingon security."
The resistance
is planning an EMP attack.
That's why they need
a proximity detonator.
It would certainly be effective.
Give the resistance
a fighting chance.
Nevette's identification card.
So, if this is here,
then where is she?
Is she?
Yes.
She's dead.
It was like
looking into my own casket.
But it wasn't you.
It was her.
The traitor said
"34.6 megahertz"
before she died.
I think that's the frequency
the detonator needs
to trigger the EMP.
There was no detonator
in the office.
Nevette probably died
before she could get it.
Hmm.
You said she was poisoned.
-Do you think
-She took her own life?
No.
She was surprised.
The cryochamber
was a bid to save herself.
So, then, who killed her?
A woman in a position like that
would have many enemies.
And now they're all my enemies.
Are there more questions?
Your identification card
has been verified.
You're free to go.
I trust you will not
forget it again.
The Klingons are
planning a full military takeover
in 24 hours.
How do you know this?
They discussed it while speaking
the T'Gal regional dialect.
It's very rare.
I'm pretty sure they thought
I couldn't understand them.
That D7 it brought tech
to upgrade
the atmospheric barrier,
make it impenetrable.
So, instead of an alarm,
any craft that breaches it
would be
Vaporized.
The Klingons have fortified
the central tower.
Soon, it'll have the only portal
allowing traffic
on and off Mat'Aar.
The citizens will be trapped.
But they already control
the planet.
"Its proximity
"to their greatest enemy
is an advantage
they can't afford to lose."
I believe he said "advantage."
It could have been
"convenience."
I couldn't
You are here with us now.
And this information
is extremely useful.
You did well.
I knew I couldn't
let them know who I am.
I know it wasn't easy.
It never is.
Did you have to choose an alias?
Nyota Nakuru.
It's not my home in Kenya.
But it's a friend's.
With Uhura's ID,
all of us can pass
the checkpoints.
We should return
to the shuttle and leave.
It's less risky than
remaining here indefinitely.
We can't leave.
Not yet.
Nevette may be dead,
but I'm not.
This is not your fight.
Do not confuse yourself
with the person
you are pretending to be.
When the Federation
first came to my colony,
some wanted to fight.
My family did not.
Innocent people suffered.
You do not need to atone
for what your family did.
You chose Starfleet.
We all know Starfleet
is not always right.
And I refuse
to let protocol tell me
I can't help innocent people
just because they had
the bad luck
to fall on the wrong side
of the demarcation line.
This isn't just
impersonating someone in a café.
I know how to pretend
to be something I'm not.
Scotty thinks this static
might mean someone encrypted
a transmission under his relay.
Here.
Likely, someone
on the Enterprise.
Perhaps the transmission
indicates the absence
of something.
The sound of space.
-You don't believe me, do you?
-I believe
that your instincts are telling
you that there is something.
I do not need a Vulcan
to humor me,
thank you very much.
I am merely responding
to your query.
You said that you have been
feeling paranoid as of late.
-Perhaps it is that.
-Tell me,
do you think this could be
an encrypted data transmission?
No.
The evidence does not
support your hypothesis.
Nevette.
Join me.
This is an eve for bloodwine.
We have much to celebrate.
To the Empire.
May she be prosperous.
And expansive.
And to your loyalty.
You are one of my finest
subordinates.
As such,
I must prepare you
for our next phase.
Oh, I already know.
Passage on and off the planet
will be fully secure.
Vaporization upon entry or exit.
My new recruit filled me in.
So, she is one of yours.
Careless of her
to wander without
an identification card.
Tell me, where did she learn
to speak T'Gal?
She speaks many languages.
That's why I hired her.
She's useful.
For our partnership
to be successful,
we need clear communication
at all times.
Yet you laid a trap for her.
And me.
I needed to test the depths
of your loyalty.
Did I pass?
Your honesty was ideal.
When the airspace closes,
acts against the Empire
will be met
with the most extreme penalties.
Native Mat'Aarans will no longer
hold positions of power.
Nor will they be free
to live where they wish.
There will be dissension
in your ranks.
I have no doubt
you will handle it swiftly.
Your willingness to use fear
as a means of control
is inspired.
Fear is the only
effective way to lead.
Mm.
Fate was cruel,
not making you a Klingon.
A disappointing twist
of fortune.
Now excuse me.
I must go brief my men.
Containment Room 6G
should be just ahead
on the right.
The proximity detonator
will be in Weapons Cage 12,
Receptacle Three.
-I have it.
-Good. Get out of there.
I still need to figure out
how to detonate it.
According to Nevette's files,
the detonator will trigger
when it crosses
any Klingon checkpoint.
Its location
will be revealed instantly.
The Klingons will
know who's responsible.
It's a suicide mission.
This does not need to be you.
You've done enough
for this planet.
You know
when I first saw you,
I thought you were a ghost.
Then I thought maybe
I just didn't finish the job.
Finally, it hit me.
You're an impostor.
You killed her.
And now I get to kill her twice.
What did you steal
from the armory?
Tell me,
and Kor will go easy on you.
He told you to follow me.
And bring you back alive.
But we both know
he prefers brutality.
Is that why you killed Nevette?
She never respected me.
Respected her "resistance,"
though.
You knew.
Must be annoying
to go through all that trouble,
not get any of the credit.
They'll turn on you next,
you know.
Well, I make myself useful.
They'll find a place for me.
The Klingons have honor.
You have none.
Do it. You're dead either way.
I'm gonna give you a chance.
Help the resistance
reclaim Mat'Aar.
Nevette would've killed me.
I was sure someone had
wiped data from the Angelo-1.
I checked everything.
Delivery logs, transporter logs,
security data,
footage,
communication transmissions
I even suggested
it could have been
tampered with mid-transport.
I feel like I can't
trust myself.
Did you check
the transporter forensics?
It was you?
Why?
The Angelo-1 had
sensitive information.
Well, yes, that is the point
of a surveillance probe.
About Starfleet.
Not just Klingons.
Do you know the USS Yang?
Well, yes,
it's a Starfleet medical ship.
The Yang crossed into Klingon
territory earlier this month,
responding to a distress call.
Unsanctioned.
And the Angelo recorded it.
If that data fell
into the wrong hands,
even Starfleet hands,
careers would be lost,
or worse.
I served with the commanding
officer of the Yang.
So she asked you for a favor.
And now you're
asking me for one.
I am asking
for you to be a friend,
not a security officer.
These are good people.
They don't deserve
to be punished just because
they broke the rules to help.
Identification is required.
Failure to provide
will result in search
and seizure.
We succeed together.
Let me through to the tower.
I have valuable information
about the resistance.
-Let me through.
-You can't stay here.
Roman will have reported
you have the detonator by now.
He's right. The
Klingons will be coming for us.
It doesn't matter.
But the detonator.
I don't have it.
Let me through to the tower.
Go.
Stop.
No.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
Hold-hold on.
Nevette set me up.
No!
The force field is down.
You triggered the surge.
But how?
I knew Roman would run straight
to the Klingons to report me.
You planted that detonator
on him.
There's a photo
in Nevette's office.
You have a daughter?
When my wife
was killed in the war,
Nevette became like
a surrogate mother to our Emma.
She made sure Emma
was in the first evacuation.
After, I dedicated myself
to the resistance.
It was easy for me.
But time is not your friend.
The Klingons don't take lightly
to insubordination.
There will be reinforcements.
And punishment will be swift.
-You must not lose momentum.
-We won't.
Nevette may be gone,
but you are our inspiration now.
This land belongs to Mat'Aar.
But I belong elsewhere.
Our people need a leader.
They have one.
You may not be Nevette,
but you will find your own way.
I know what it's like to lose.
And then to hope.
Use that.
Lieutenant.
Ortegas reported the D7
was low enough in orbit
to be affected by an EMP blast
on Mat'Aar 12.
They lost 80% of their systems.
Our team is clear
to return home.
We'll meet them
outside of Mat'Aaran space.
-This is good news.
-And you?
Did anything come
of your investigation?
Lieutenant?
Actually, yes.
Did you know, uh, Scotty
and Ortegas are friends now?
Uh, but with regards
to the probe,
there was no cause for concern.
That is also good news.
All right, file your report.
Lieutenant.
Should a further report
be necessary, uh,
or if you find anything else
troublesome,
you know where to find me.
Sir.
Ja'lem prepared
the evacuations quickly.
Thanks to you.
But how many?
-And for how long?
-Mm.
Now you understand
the healer's anguish.
No matter how many you save,
it's never enough.
Have I ever told you about
my first post with Starfleet?
No.
I was stationed on Ülget.
They had recently
overthrown a despot
and joined the Federation.
This leader let Ülget
fall into disease
desperation.
Yet there was still
an anti-Federation faction
who were loyal to him.
One day, we returned
to find our hospital
surrounded by these loyalists,
our patients trapped inside.
What were your orders?
Our first duty's
always to our patients.
My calling was medicine.
Healing people.
It is the great mystery
of my life
that some of my strongest skills
lie in opposition
to that calling.
When I was done,
not one loyalist was left alive.
Did I do the right thing?
Irony notwithstanding,
few things in life
are black and white.
When I joined Starfleet,
I always played by the book.
If you don't take chances,
you don't attract questions.
But I understood Nevette.
Living a hidden life
to protect others.
Then you have your answer.
Commander,
we're officially
leaving Klingon space.
Approaching the edge
of the Mat'Aar system shortly.
Captioned by Media Access
Previously on
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Being Vulcan
affected you differently.
You are aggressive,
paranoid, suspicious.
It is part of your core.
You may be carrying
enhanced warrior genes,
but it's not who you are.
If we let the Klingons conquer,
they won't stop.
J'gal changed me.
I'm just a doctor now. I prefer
saving lives to taking them.
You grew up
in a Federation colony?
Yes. We went to
the non-Illyrian city.
We left everyone else behind.
I regret it to this day.
I'm not ready for the promotion,
but I know someone else who is.
To Commander Una Chin-Riley.
First officer's
log. Stardate 2122.4.
A Federation probe,
the Angelo-1,
has overheated and shut down.
Which, unfortunately
for this probe,
means it has now drifted
across the demarcation line
and right into
Klingon territory.
Starfleet has ordered
Enterprise to recover it.
Only Enterprise itself poses
too great a risk of detection.
And detection could mean
restarting a very cold war.
So, Captain Pike has tasked me
with retrieving it.
It's a delicate mission
in an unusual part of space,
and also my first
as a newly promoted commander.
Opening the link to Angelo-1
and ready to commence
system reset on your orders.
I think.
I-I'm sorry.
I'm just disoriented.
I'm fine, just not used
to seeing things
in black and white.
That's due to the infrared
blackbody spectra
from the Mat'Aaran star,
but the radiation only affects
how we perceive color.
The tritanium from
the blast shields may help.
Raising shields.
Slow and steady, Nyota.
This is an adjustment
for all of us.
I haven't yet
gotten to tell you,
congratulations, Commander.
The next promotion
will be to captain.
I'm not sure
I'm ready for that yet.
All I know is that
your moral compass
has never failed you
in the past.
But if it does,
you'll just refer
to the Starfleet handbook.
I do love rules. And lists.
And rules about lists.
Reset is successful.
Angelo propelling
towards Enterprise.
We should follow his lead.
What? You don't want
to stay and say hi
to some old friends?
Warning.
Proximity alert.
We're not alone.
The D7
is blocking our return path.
An evasive maneuver
into Mat'Aar 12's atmosphere
might be our only option
for cover.
Affirmative. We have the probe.
You should wait out the D7
until we find a window of
opportunity to bring you back.
Land on Mat'Aar 12
and stay out of sight.
The Federation cannot be here.
Acknowledged.
What was that?
Electromagnetic
atmospheric barrier.
A full planetary
detection system.
This is more advanced
than they had in the war.
But how did our scanners
miss it?
Technically,
there's nothing to scan.
Atmospheric electricity
is always present.
Find us somewhere safe
to land, Ensign.
Surveillance spotlight situated
one klick north by northwest.
Recommend decreasing speed.
Nyota, scan for any
unoccupied enclave.
There aren't many.
Mat'Aar has a populated
urban environment
surrounded by outskirt villages.
Heavy Klingon presence
mixed with a native population.
It's a fully occupied planet.
There will be nowhere
to safely hide.
Captain's orders
are to stay invisible.
So far,
all's quiet on the ground.
Uhura, did they see us?
Looks like the force field only
triggered a momentary alert.
So, they know someone arrived,
but not who.
-Mm.
-They'll be looking for us.
We're sitting ducks
if we stay here.
We can hide the shuttle,
but our life signs
are still traceable.
We'll synthesize
civilian attire,
and we'll try to blend in.
What do the people
on Mat'Aar 12 even look like?
If this is a Klingon planet
where are the Klingons?
Identification is required.
Failure to provide will result
in search and seizure.
We succeed together.
Occupation is not subtle.
I suspect that
the barrier we breached
is not the only security measure
on this planet.
Local collaborators.
We must walk.
Nevette?
Where the hell
have you been, boss?
Two days without contact,
we thought you were dead.
Well
Clearly, I'm not.
Space.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages
of the starship Enterprise.
Its five-year mission:
to explore strange new worlds
to seek out new life
and new civilizations
to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
You picked
a good time to come back.
We have a situation.
Who are they?
We're new recruits.
Joseph Ruik.
Where's your armband?
We've been undercover.
I wasn't told about
an undercover mission.
It wasn't for you to know.
-Huh.
-Roman.
No trace of it out here.
Copy.
An unidentified shuttle
came through a few minutes ago.
I know.
We came out here to investigate.
Can confirm, no sign of it.
We should get back to HQ.
There's something else
you need to handle.
I'm so glad you could make it.
Cheers.
Our new friend is proud.
He's exactly the type
to collaborate with Klingons.
He has the armband to prove it.
Exactly how many
Klingon-occupied planets
have you been on?
-Zero.
-Huh.
We found this traitor
skulking around a checkpoint
with an EMF scanner.
Definitely not working alone.
Clearly a member
of the resistance.
We need the name
of her accomplice
before the commander
comes to arrest her.
You couldn't make her talk,
even after all this?
They got her well-trained.
As expected.
Leave her with me. Alone.
I'll get the information
we need.
What is she doing?
If they realize who she is,
-who we are
-Trust the commander.
This is not her first time
pretending to be
someone she's not.
But it's your first time,
isn't it?
But she's pretending to be
someone they know.
I mean, what are the odds Una
looks so much like this woman
that no one can tell
the difference?
Slim, but possible.
In a universe as vast as ours,
the real mystery
is that we don't stumble
onto our doppelgängers
more often.
And that we have found Una's
is a momentary stroke of luck.
Hmm.
Of all the gin joints
So, Joseph Ruik
how many aliases do you have?
-Do I need one?
-If you do,
pick something
close to the truth.
Your first name,
a loved one's surname.
Easier to remember.
Never forget,
they do not know
we are not supposed to be here.
Do not give them
a reason to doubt us.
I feel like I should be
writing all this down.
Take notes with your eyes.
And be aware of other eyes
who are taking note of you.
We went to great lengths
to get this probe back.
I hope the Klingons
didn't find it.
Let's make sure we didn't
bring in a Trojan horse.
It's from the Odyssey.
I am familiar with the Greeks,
but this probe
has been in Klingon space
less than 160 hours.
Which is long enough
for sabotage.
That is an unnecessary leap.
You sound like Christine.
I, um, I've been
seeing her once a week
to make sure that
my time as a Vulcan
didn't trigger
something else.
Something else?
So far, just a little
extra aggression,
occasional paranoia. I
She hasn't found
any physical correlation.
Scan complete.
No foreign substances detected.
Moving on to internal systems.
Internal systems appear sound.
No, wait. Data chip 32-B8.
It-it was dislodged.
Computer, access
data recordings.
Perhaps it shifted in transit.
It-It's been compromised.
Look, the-the data's missing.
Or it was hastily replaced
after maintenance,
resulting in a faulty chip.
Or someone removed it, wiped it,
and then put it back
after Angelo-1
was already on the Enterprise.
You think we have a Klingon spy?
Not a spy,
but I have reason to believe
that someone may have tampered
with the probe before
we were able to conduct
our security scan.
There is a faulty microchip.
Data has been wiped clean.
Doesn't this thing have
a chain of custody?
Indeed. Angelo-1's interactions
are entirely accounted for.
Except for when
it was beamed on board.
Are you suggesting someone
tampered with the probe
mid-transport?
Any object can be isolated
whilst in the buffer.
I believe it's a possibility
worth investigating.
Well
you're the security officer.
If you think something
smells funny, go sniff it out.
Those men
what do they think you've done?
I cannot say.
My men and I,
we control this town,
and clearly,
you're not one of us.
Please, don't kill me.
I don't want to hurt you.
But we know
you weren't working alone.
I have a family.
I have secured the reading.
Is that supposed to mean
something to me?
If you tell me what is going on,
I can let you go.
You know I would never.
I have passed your test.
Test? What test?
You know him?
Commander Kor.
A direct descendant
of Kahless the Unforgettable.
We never met,
but he's known for being
sharp and political.
He must run this outpost.
If they use their machine
on me, it will be over
for all of us.
It must be you now.
34.6 megahertz.
What? What does that mean?
No.
Order another drink.
None of them are looking,
and you shouldn't either.
This woman should appear
as nothing but a traitor to us.
-Okay.
-I think she used
alkaloid toxin
from the Borgia plant.
I've seen its effects before.
Unsurvivable.
Nevette. You have returned.
I gave clear orders
that she must remain alive.
And I conveyed them, sir.
I expect my lieutenants
to follow command if they wish
to keep their privilege.
I did what I had to do.
I will accept your judgment
in this situation.
Information is valuable,
but brutality more so.
This woman is a traitor
to the Empire.
Killing her
was the honorable thing to do.
-Her cowardice decided her fate.
-Hmm.
This is why
I placed you in charge.
This position is not for those
with weak constitutions.
We have other means
of finding the accomplice.
Annihilate these remains.
Traitors deserve no glory.
You heard him.
There's a job to do.
Your boss is Commander Kor,
a regarded member
of the Imperial family.
-He will not be easy to deceive.
-I know.
This is bad.
I know 600 different words
for "bad."
This is worse than all of them.
I've engaged with the Klingons.
A woman is dead because of me.
She took her own life, not you.
Risk factors have changed.
We and Starfleet are safer
if we hide near the shuttle
and wait for a signal
from Enterprise.
All citizens,
form one line and proceed to
Quickly. This is the way
back to the ship.
Checkpoint.
We might need
to find another way out.
Well, I don't
remember this checkpoint
on the way in.
-We should withdraw.
-Yeah.
This card is expired.
May Mat'Aar never waver!
You.
Do not touch him.
Identification.
I
I don't have any.
-Wait.
-Compassion is unacceptable.
We cannot help her
if we all get arrested.
Take her away.
Identification is required.
Failure to provide will result
in search and seizure.
Pursuing her
would've been a death wish.
As long as they don't know
that she is one of us,
she'll be okay.
Hello, Nevette.
Your disappearing act
gave us a fright this time.
Ja'lem.
I'm sorry we haven't
properly met.
Joseph Ruik.
You are the bartender
from the café.
Time is short. We should not
be seen here together.
Meet me at the café.
We will free your friend.
I'm relieved you're safe.
The resistance would be lost
without its leader.
Did he say "resistance"?
This Nevette seems like
a very busy woman.
Who are you?
My name is Nyota Nakuru.
I am a villager
from the outskirts.
My family died
when I was very young.
And you found a new family.
With the resistance.
I have told you,
I know nothing
about a resistance.
Please
understand my interest
in the matter.
I have great admiration
for your enterprise.
The work you do feigns nobility,
but it is misguided.
You refuse to understand
that Mat'Aar 12
belongs to the Klingon Empire.
And serving at the behest of,
that is the noblest honor.
Now, what do the resistance want
from the Neodymium
Munitions Facility?
I know nothing
about a resistance.
Or a munitions facility.
You are more resilient
than some of your comrades.
Hmm. I delight
in what comes next.
I so rarely get to utilize
our mind scanner.
Such a strange pitch.
That's a tactic called
"sonic vigilance."
We used something
similar on J'Gal.
Please. I'm so sorry.
-I'm so sorry.
-It's an invisible safeguard.
Always in a tone
the Klingons can't detect.
The Klingons may control
this city
but this resistance
is resourceful.
Yes, but a forgery has become
a greater challenge lately.
Why is there a delay
with the ID card?
My new recruit's life
is in danger.
The Klingons have enhanced
their security clearances.
That's why you're stealing
Klingon ID cards.
Yes. But your card
should still work, Nevette.
My card isn't with me.
Keeping it in your office
is no longer wise.
You'll need
to have it on you now.
Things are changing, quickly.
How do we know
the office is safe?
Trust our surveillance.
We moved the speaker
so you'd hear the music.
The wires extend
into your office now.
Apologies for
the unsatisfactory beverage.
Our allakas malt supplier
had a terribly dry season.
When you didn't return,
we assumed you were caught,
or worse.
The Neodymium plant
is not easy to breach.
But were you successful?
No.
It was too risky.
But I will.
That's why I need the girl.
She's your inside contact.
Bring me your card.
We will get her out. And you,
you'll need this if you're
going to be seen with her,
so they think
you are one of them.
Thank you for your help.
May Mat'Aar never waver.
Cadet, I, uh, need you
to listen to something for me.
I am currently assisting
Lieutenant Spock
with a priority assignment.
Uhura mentioned you have
an especially gifted ear
for transmissions.
Logically, I hoped
you could decipher
if a standard
transmission signal was altered.
Flattery is a transparent
and antiquated method
of coercion.
Fine. I'll find
someone more capable.
However,
I am momentarily available
while I await rendering data.
Most peculiar.
I detect a signal.
There is a definite
relay response.
It is not only
sending information,
it is receiving intel back.
Of what nature
I cannot be certain.
I can, however, trace the origin
if that is of benefit.
Yes. Yes, it is.
I tracked the point of origin
to your quarters.
Start talking.
It's not his fault.
I begged him to help me.
Threatened him. Said I'd feed
him to a targ if he didn't.
-Didn't what?
-Well, I don't know if you've noticed,
Lieutenant, but things
around here aren't quite normal.
What do you see?
Is that the D7 cruiser?
Where did it go?
This interference
is unpredictable.
The same conditions
that are making us see
in black-and-white
are also causing their ship
to be nearly indecipherable
on our maps.
Which makes it harder
to bring our people back.
If we can't see
where the Klingons are,
we're flying blind.
So, I, um, well, uh
I modified one of our
standard transmissions,
transfixing a relay signal
to the D7 cruiser
so that it alerts Erica
as it, uh, circles.
It'll also let us know
when it's safe
for the shuttle to return.
A makeshift navigational buoy.
Brilliant.
Well, Captain Pike thought so.
You want to tell her what
you had for lunch today, too?
A Cuban sandwich.
I love mustard.
Look, I kn I-I know
it's unorthodox,
but I'm doing this
with the utmost prudence.
You know,
I just wanted to help my friend.
And, uh, my ship.
Just trying to help
get our people back.
The sandwich was good.
I had it, too.
So, this signal has nothing
to do with the Angelo-1?
The probe? Not at all.
Uh, cross my heart, hope to get
stuck in a pattern buffer.
Oh, hang on.
What have we got here?
This is odd.
There might be a hidden signal
beneath my relay.
Could be nothing, but it's odd.
What images do you see here?
The mind scanner can tell us
what you're thinking,
so do not lie.
Tree.
When will the resistance
enact their offensive?
I am not resistance.
Tree.
Where were you born?
A small village.
What color are the trees
in your village?
Green.
I have read
of green forests
on other worlds.
I try imagining that.
The color green.
One day,
I'd like to experience them.
Your resolve is strong.
I will continue
to enjoy eroding it.
Let's keep looking.
The card is in here somewhere.
Facial recognition confirmed.
What happened here?
This is a fully
operational database.
Timelines,
collaborator profiles,
all built from Nevette's work
with the Klingons.
If the resistance is a network,
Nevette is the nucleus.
Then why would she leave?
Perhaps she fled.
People she helped
escape the occupation.
Families.
Ja'lem has a daughter.
A parent will do anything
to protect their child.
Even start a revolution.
What's on this chip?
Let's find out.
The Neodymium
Munitions Facility?
That's the plant Nevette
was supposed to break into.
Those are blueprints.
Is that Mat'Aar 12
before the Klingon occupation?
I believe so.
"Once acquired, a proximity
detonator will trigger
"an electromagnetic pulse
and overload Klingon security."
The resistance
is planning an EMP attack.
That's why they need
a proximity detonator.
It would certainly be effective.
Give the resistance
a fighting chance.
Nevette's identification card.
So, if this is here,
then where is she?
Is she?
Yes.
She's dead.
It was like
looking into my own casket.
But it wasn't you.
It was her.
The traitor said
"34.6 megahertz"
before she died.
I think that's the frequency
the detonator needs
to trigger the EMP.
There was no detonator
in the office.
Nevette probably died
before she could get it.
Hmm.
You said she was poisoned.
-Do you think
-She took her own life?
No.
She was surprised.
The cryochamber
was a bid to save herself.
So, then, who killed her?
A woman in a position like that
would have many enemies.
And now they're all my enemies.
Are there more questions?
Your identification card
has been verified.
You're free to go.
I trust you will not
forget it again.
The Klingons are
planning a full military takeover
in 24 hours.
How do you know this?
They discussed it while speaking
the T'Gal regional dialect.
It's very rare.
I'm pretty sure they thought
I couldn't understand them.
That D7 it brought tech
to upgrade
the atmospheric barrier,
make it impenetrable.
So, instead of an alarm,
any craft that breaches it
would be
Vaporized.
The Klingons have fortified
the central tower.
Soon, it'll have the only portal
allowing traffic
on and off Mat'Aar.
The citizens will be trapped.
But they already control
the planet.
"Its proximity
"to their greatest enemy
is an advantage
they can't afford to lose."
I believe he said "advantage."
It could have been
"convenience."
I couldn't
You are here with us now.
And this information
is extremely useful.
You did well.
I knew I couldn't
let them know who I am.
I know it wasn't easy.
It never is.
Did you have to choose an alias?
Nyota Nakuru.
It's not my home in Kenya.
But it's a friend's.
With Uhura's ID,
all of us can pass
the checkpoints.
We should return
to the shuttle and leave.
It's less risky than
remaining here indefinitely.
We can't leave.
Not yet.
Nevette may be dead,
but I'm not.
This is not your fight.
Do not confuse yourself
with the person
you are pretending to be.
When the Federation
first came to my colony,
some wanted to fight.
My family did not.
Innocent people suffered.
You do not need to atone
for what your family did.
You chose Starfleet.
We all know Starfleet
is not always right.
And I refuse
to let protocol tell me
I can't help innocent people
just because they had
the bad luck
to fall on the wrong side
of the demarcation line.
This isn't just
impersonating someone in a café.
I know how to pretend
to be something I'm not.
Scotty thinks this static
might mean someone encrypted
a transmission under his relay.
Here.
Likely, someone
on the Enterprise.
Perhaps the transmission
indicates the absence
of something.
The sound of space.
-You don't believe me, do you?
-I believe
that your instincts are telling
you that there is something.
I do not need a Vulcan
to humor me,
thank you very much.
I am merely responding
to your query.
You said that you have been
feeling paranoid as of late.
-Perhaps it is that.
-Tell me,
do you think this could be
an encrypted data transmission?
No.
The evidence does not
support your hypothesis.
Nevette.
Join me.
This is an eve for bloodwine.
We have much to celebrate.
To the Empire.
May she be prosperous.
And expansive.
And to your loyalty.
You are one of my finest
subordinates.
As such,
I must prepare you
for our next phase.
Oh, I already know.
Passage on and off the planet
will be fully secure.
Vaporization upon entry or exit.
My new recruit filled me in.
So, she is one of yours.
Careless of her
to wander without
an identification card.
Tell me, where did she learn
to speak T'Gal?
She speaks many languages.
That's why I hired her.
She's useful.
For our partnership
to be successful,
we need clear communication
at all times.
Yet you laid a trap for her.
And me.
I needed to test the depths
of your loyalty.
Did I pass?
Your honesty was ideal.
When the airspace closes,
acts against the Empire
will be met
with the most extreme penalties.
Native Mat'Aarans will no longer
hold positions of power.
Nor will they be free
to live where they wish.
There will be dissension
in your ranks.
I have no doubt
you will handle it swiftly.
Your willingness to use fear
as a means of control
is inspired.
Fear is the only
effective way to lead.
Mm.
Fate was cruel,
not making you a Klingon.
A disappointing twist
of fortune.
Now excuse me.
I must go brief my men.
Containment Room 6G
should be just ahead
on the right.
The proximity detonator
will be in Weapons Cage 12,
Receptacle Three.
-I have it.
-Good. Get out of there.
I still need to figure out
how to detonate it.
According to Nevette's files,
the detonator will trigger
when it crosses
any Klingon checkpoint.
Its location
will be revealed instantly.
The Klingons will
know who's responsible.
It's a suicide mission.
This does not need to be you.
You've done enough
for this planet.
You know
when I first saw you,
I thought you were a ghost.
Then I thought maybe
I just didn't finish the job.
Finally, it hit me.
You're an impostor.
You killed her.
And now I get to kill her twice.
What did you steal
from the armory?
Tell me,
and Kor will go easy on you.
He told you to follow me.
And bring you back alive.
But we both know
he prefers brutality.
Is that why you killed Nevette?
She never respected me.
Respected her "resistance,"
though.
You knew.
Must be annoying
to go through all that trouble,
not get any of the credit.
They'll turn on you next,
you know.
Well, I make myself useful.
They'll find a place for me.
The Klingons have honor.
You have none.
Do it. You're dead either way.
I'm gonna give you a chance.
Help the resistance
reclaim Mat'Aar.
Nevette would've killed me.
I was sure someone had
wiped data from the Angelo-1.
I checked everything.
Delivery logs, transporter logs,
security data,
footage,
communication transmissions
I even suggested
it could have been
tampered with mid-transport.
I feel like I can't
trust myself.
Did you check
the transporter forensics?
It was you?
Why?
The Angelo-1 had
sensitive information.
Well, yes, that is the point
of a surveillance probe.
About Starfleet.
Not just Klingons.
Do you know the USS Yang?
Well, yes,
it's a Starfleet medical ship.
The Yang crossed into Klingon
territory earlier this month,
responding to a distress call.
Unsanctioned.
And the Angelo recorded it.
If that data fell
into the wrong hands,
even Starfleet hands,
careers would be lost,
or worse.
I served with the commanding
officer of the Yang.
So she asked you for a favor.
And now you're
asking me for one.
I am asking
for you to be a friend,
not a security officer.
These are good people.
They don't deserve
to be punished just because
they broke the rules to help.
Identification is required.
Failure to provide
will result in search
and seizure.
We succeed together.
Let me through to the tower.
I have valuable information
about the resistance.
-Let me through.
-You can't stay here.
Roman will have reported
you have the detonator by now.
He's right. The
Klingons will be coming for us.
It doesn't matter.
But the detonator.
I don't have it.
Let me through to the tower.
Go.
Stop.
No.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
Hold-hold on.
Nevette set me up.
No!
The force field is down.
You triggered the surge.
But how?
I knew Roman would run straight
to the Klingons to report me.
You planted that detonator
on him.
There's a photo
in Nevette's office.
You have a daughter?
When my wife
was killed in the war,
Nevette became like
a surrogate mother to our Emma.
She made sure Emma
was in the first evacuation.
After, I dedicated myself
to the resistance.
It was easy for me.
But time is not your friend.
The Klingons don't take lightly
to insubordination.
There will be reinforcements.
And punishment will be swift.
-You must not lose momentum.
-We won't.
Nevette may be gone,
but you are our inspiration now.
This land belongs to Mat'Aar.
But I belong elsewhere.
Our people need a leader.
They have one.
You may not be Nevette,
but you will find your own way.
I know what it's like to lose.
And then to hope.
Use that.
Lieutenant.
Ortegas reported the D7
was low enough in orbit
to be affected by an EMP blast
on Mat'Aar 12.
They lost 80% of their systems.
Our team is clear
to return home.
We'll meet them
outside of Mat'Aaran space.
-This is good news.
-And you?
Did anything come
of your investigation?
Lieutenant?
Actually, yes.
Did you know, uh, Scotty
and Ortegas are friends now?
Uh, but with regards
to the probe,
there was no cause for concern.
That is also good news.
All right, file your report.
Lieutenant.
Should a further report
be necessary, uh,
or if you find anything else
troublesome,
you know where to find me.
Sir.
Ja'lem prepared
the evacuations quickly.
Thanks to you.
But how many?
-And for how long?
-Mm.
Now you understand
the healer's anguish.
No matter how many you save,
it's never enough.
Have I ever told you about
my first post with Starfleet?
No.
I was stationed on Ülget.
They had recently
overthrown a despot
and joined the Federation.
This leader let Ülget
fall into disease
desperation.
Yet there was still
an anti-Federation faction
who were loyal to him.
One day, we returned
to find our hospital
surrounded by these loyalists,
our patients trapped inside.
What were your orders?
Our first duty's
always to our patients.
My calling was medicine.
Healing people.
It is the great mystery
of my life
that some of my strongest skills
lie in opposition
to that calling.
When I was done,
not one loyalist was left alive.
Did I do the right thing?
Irony notwithstanding,
few things in life
are black and white.
When I joined Starfleet,
I always played by the book.
If you don't take chances,
you don't attract questions.
But I understood Nevette.
Living a hidden life
to protect others.
Then you have your answer.
Commander,
we're officially
leaving Klingon space.
Approaching the edge
of the Mat'Aar system shortly.
Captioned by Media Access