03x23 - Countdown

[bunniefuu]

Previously on enterprise.

How do you plan
to get inside it?

We're pretty sure
we found a way in.

I'm sending
a crew in a shuttlepod.

The spheres are controlled
by a network
of artificial intelligence.

This section houses
a redundant memory core.

It should contain
a significant amount
of information.

We're hoping that'll include
data on the sphere-builders.

Hawkins!

I'll be at your side
no matter what happens.

We've taken control
of the w*apon.

We're going to launch it.

Wait!

We have an image
of your ship f*ring.

They left me no choice.

And you've left me no choice.

The crew on that ship

Are the last xindi
you'll ever betray.

The w*apon cannot be launched
without 3 of the codes.

Do you really believe
we haven't considered that?

Hoshi!

Why am I here?

What do you want?

We were impressed
with your
linguistic abilities.

Aquatic is
difficult to master.

I've heard it spoken
my entire life,

But still
it doesn't come easily to me.

Maybe you should have
applied yourself more.

We have some encoded data
we need translated.

I'm not a cryptologist.

I have confidence
in your abilities.

That's very flattering,
but you'll have to manage
on your own.

If you refuse,

We'll have no further use
for you.

Get her ready
for the procedure.

She's surprisingly
strong-willed for a primate.

We'll see how defiant she is
after our surgeons
have finished with her.

We'll have the launch codes
soon enough.

♪ 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 faith ♪

♪ Faith of the heart ♪

We need to access
the data from this.

Meet me in the command center
in half an hour.

I'll assist you.

What have we missed?

The reptilians
took the w*apon.

Have they launched it?

We don't know.

The captain's on his way
to the surface,

He wants to figure out
our next move.

And they took hoshi.
She's gone.

Who?

Reptilians, insectoids...
We don't know.

They transported her
off the bridge.

Where's corporal hawkins?

The sphere had an automated
defense mechanism.

He was k*lled.
I'm sorry, major.

I'm sure you did everything
you could.

I'd appreciate a full report.

Where are they?

We're trying to determine
their location.

It's difficult to track them
inside a vortex.

For all you know,
they could be heading
to earth.

They can't deploy the w*apon.
Not yet.

Each of the 5 species
has a set of commands

To initiate
the arming sequence.

3 Of them are needed
to activate the w*apon.

They only have 2.

We obviously don't intend
to give them ours.

What about the aquatics?

Their actions
aren't easy to predict.

But so far,
they seem determined
not to take sides.

It's more likely
the reptilians and insectoids

Will attempt to bypass
the command codes themselves.

And that will take time.

They've abducted
my communications officer.

Up until now
I didn't know why.

You believe they'll use her
to decrypt
the arming sequence?

She'll never cooperate.

She may not have a choice.

This could be
a command subroutine.

And it could be
a letter to santa claus.

I wouldn't mind
having hoshi here right now.

We'll have to make do
without her.

I just hope she's ok.

We're here
to analyze this data,

Not speculate
on ensign sato's fate.

You ok?

I'm fond of hoshi as well,

But we can't
allow her situation
to become a distraction.

Any luck?

There's a great deal
of data to analyze,
but we've made some progress.

We know
the spheres are connected
by a subspace energy grid,

But 4 of them appear to be
integral to that connection.

The closest one's here.
We've designated it
sphere 41.

Integral how?

I believe they act
as control spheres,

Allowing the network
to operate in concert.

If we can damage one of them,
would it disrupt
the entire grid?

Maybe.

It also might have no effect.

We just don't have
enough information yet.

Keep at it.

Aye, sir.

Cooperate
and this won't be necessary.

Wait.

After the injection,
the parasites
will inv*de your neocortex.

Once they begin reconfiguring
your synaptic pathways,

You'll be much more compliant.

Before your primate brain

Is too badly damaged
to understand,

I want to thank you
for helping us
destroy your world.

If they'd stayed
in the vortex,

We wouldn't have found them.

They're less than
4 light-years from here.

Why have they stopped?
They could've been
halfway to earth by now.

They're attempting
to arm the w*apon.

The propulsion system
has to be off-line to do it.

How quickly can we get there?

That wouldn't be wise.

They've been joined
by at least a dozen vessels.

You have nearly as many ships.

You may have noticed
that reptilians and insectoids

Are more belligerent
than we are.

Their ships
are armed accordingly.

We're no match for them.

We've been
outgunned before, sir.

We did not come all this way
to give up without a fight.

Would the aquatics
be a match for them?

Their ships
are extremely powerful,

But they've seen
your evidence.
They're not convinced.

That was before
the reptilians m*rder*d degra
and stole the w*apon.

We're looking at civil w*r.

Can they afford to sit back
and do nothing?

Let me talk to them.

Now isn't the time
to dissolve the council.

So we should leave
our fate

In the hands
of the reptilians
and insectoids?

I disagree.

The evidence
the humans provided
can't be ignored.

I didn't quite catch
that last part.

They've agreed
to meet with us.

But don't expect much,
captain.

How long do they plan
to keep us waiting?

You have to deal
with the aquatics
on their terms.

They're extremely deliberate
in everything they do.

You all right?

My species
doesn't like the water.

They're here.

Thank you for seeing me.

I'm afraid
my communications officer

Was abducted
by the reptilians.

That is regrettable,

But her presence
is no longer necessary.

We've had time to
study your language.

Then I'll get to the point.

We need your help.

We've made
our position clear.

Your evidence is intriguing,
but far from conclusive.

We require more time
to evaluate it.

And if my world
gets torn to rubble
in the meantime?

The reptilians
and the insectoids

Cannot deploy the w*apon
on their own.

That may not be true.

I believe they took my officer
to help them decipher

A third launch code.

After your deliberations,

You may find
a decision's been made
without you.

This changes nothing.

Just because the reptilians
choose to act rashly

Does not mean
we will do the same.

So you'd rather sit back
and do nothing...

Captain.

While they condemn
all 5 of your species
to extinction.

You may return to your ship.

You will be informed
of our decision.

One last question.

Have these guardians

Told you
where you'll establish
your new homeworld?

The one humans
are destined to destroy?

Is it here, in the expanse?

In case you haven't noticed,

The spheres are turning it
into a trans-dimensional
wasteland.

None of you
will be able to survive.

You say
the guardians have helped you.

Have they ever tried
to disable the spheres?

Because we've found a way.

Help me save my people

And I can help you save yours.

Report.

She's penetrated
the first layer of encryption.

Nothing further.

Do you understand
what we want you to do?

I'm to bypass
the aquatic encryption
protocols.

And you realize
we need this done quickly.

I'm not familiar
with these ciphers.

I'm trying.

Are you?

She's more resistant
than I imagined.

Prepare her
for another procedure.

You would sacrifice yourself
to stop us.

Don't worry.

You won't have to live
with your guilt for long.

Commander! I can't access
the arming matrix.

She's added
a layer of encryption!

You were ordered to watch her!

A deflector pulse might
disrupt the subspace links.

It wouldn't generate
enough power.

We could tie
the impulse reactors
directly into the array.

Sure, if you want to
rupture every e.p.s. Conduit
on the ship.

The captain told the aquatics
we could disable
these spheres.

And I'm trying
not to make a liar
out of him.

Really?

What do you mean by that?

You've dismissed
all of my proposals.

When you come up
with one that doesn't involve
blowing ourselves up,

I'll be a little more
enthusiastic.

Or you might surprise me
with an idea of your own.

Maybe you haven't had time
to meditate, I don't know,

But whatever's going on
with you lately,
I've had about enough.

I'll work on this
in engineering.

Call me if you have
any more brilliant ideas.

Commander. Trip!

Everything
that's happened recently,

Has caused me to become

Slightly emotional.

I've noticed.

I apologize.

Forget about it.

I wish I could.

It may take some time
before I regain my control.

It will be difficult to do,
especially

On my own.

This hasn't been easy
for any of us.

You know how much I appreciate
what you did for me.

When this is all over,
if you want to talk,
I'm all ears.

Why don't we take
another cr*ck at this?

The council has disbanded.

The w*apon
is under our control.

Excellent.
Deploy it immediately.

As soon as we decrypt
the 3rd launch code.

We've encountered
some difficulties.

The longer you delay,

The more likely
the timelines will shift
against you.

Then perhaps
you could provide more of
your valuable assistance.

Help us get the code.

That's not possible.

It should be a simple matter
to peer into the past,

Extract the necessary data.

We only detect
large fluctuations
in the timescape.

The fine details are obscured.

Really?

You've seen more
than enough detail

To learn how to meddle
in our affairs

To turn the xindi species
against each other.

Everything we've done
has been to
protect the xindi.

Then finish
what you've started.

If it's within your power.

The timelines
are in constant flux.

Many of them
favor the primates
and the arboreals.

Some even favor the humans.

Unless that's the outcome
you desire,

I suggest you find a way
to launch the w*apon.

This appears to be
some kind of
interspatial manifold

On the surface of sphere 41.

What they use
to connect the spheres.

That's what we're thinking.

T'pol figured out a way
to target it
with a deflector pulse.

Well done.

We haven't exactly
got all the details
worked out yet.

Then you'd better keep at it.

If the aquatics
decide to help us,

They might want to hear
those details.

Captain. I hope
you didn't make them
any promises.

We'll keep working.

Please do.

Any word?

It's only been 3 hours.

The council
once needed to resolve
a simple logistical matter.

It took the aquatics 6 days
to agree
to attend the meeting.

I'm surprised
you were ever able
to get anything done.

On the contrary,

Their prudence
was usually the only thing

That kept the council
from dissolving into chaos.

That's why degra had them
build the w*apon.

He didn't want
the reptilians and insectoids
to have too much control.

That's actually something
I wanted to discuss with you.

If we're successful,

And we destroy the w*apon...

What's to prevent us
from building another one?

I knew degra for many years.

He could be difficult,
uncompromising.

We argued often.

For instance, when he insisted
that we meet with you.

But when degra spoke,
only a fool would ignore him.

He believed there was a future
between your people and ours.

When this is over,

I intend to see
if he was right.

Captain archer,
please report to the bridge.

Report.

6 Vessels approaching, sir.
All aquatic.

That was remarkably fast.

Open a channel
to the lead ship.

We've considered
your proposal.

And?

We will help you
intercept the w*apon.

Thank you.

We expect you
to honor our agreement.

You will attempt
to disable the spheres.

How do these developments
affect the timeline?

It's difficult to say.

They continue to fluctuate.

However, most now indicate
the humans will prevail.

Then the time has come
for us to intervene.

Is there another problem?

Quite the opposite.

The 3rd launch code.

We have complete access.

It appears the primate
was useful after all.

Take her back to her cell.

Initiate
the pre-arming protocols.

Inform me when the w*apon
is ready for launch.

Captain's starlog,
february 13th, 2154.

We're preparing
to enter a xindi vortex,

Thanks to some help
from the aquatics.

If everything goes as planned,

We'll intercept the w*apon
in less than 2 hours.

Enterprise may be coming apart
at the seams,

But I can't say the same
for the crew.

After nearly 8 months
in the expanse,

They're ready to do
what they came to do,

No matter what it takes,
no matter what the cost.

Have you assembled
your boarding party?

Ready to deploy
on your command.

I wish
I was leading it myself.

Your place is on the bridge,
sir.

No offense, major.

It's just that
ensign sato is a friend.

That's my report
on corporal hawkins.

Thank you.

Would you like to go over
my rescue plan?

First, I'd like to know
if we have a problem.

Sir?

If you blame me
for the corporal's death.

Permission to speak freely?

I've never liked
putting my people
under someone else's command.

You're
senior tactical officer,
but they're my team.

I can't help but think that

If I'd been there
things might have turned out
differently.

I did everything I could.
Things happened very fast.

I understand.

I'm not finished.

Hawkins may well have been
a maco,

But he was my responsibility
out there.

When we first came
aboard enterprise,

We definitely felt
like outsiders.

If I contributed to that,
I apologize...

My point is

None of us feel that way
anymore.

We're all
part of the same crew,

No matter which uniform
we wear.

Don't worry about ensign sato.

We'll bring her home.

Mmm.

I'd almost forgotten
what chef can do with a steak.

I hope the crew forgives me
for not patching up
the galley sooner.

I've heard no complaints,

Except from chef, of course.

You know, when this is
all over,

I plan on
having a little chat with
the starfleet quartermaster

About what they put
in those ration packs.

When this is all over,
I won't be complaining
about the food.

I'll just be happy
to get back
to our original mission.

Hope you're planning
on swinging by earth first.

I told the engineering team

I'd buy 'em a few rounds
at the 602 club.

You're both invited,
of course.

I wouldn't miss it.

What about you?

You may buy me a drink,
if you wish.

I meant, what are your plans
for the future?

It's been a long time
since you've been to vulcan.

The high command
would be lucky
to get you back.

There are some colleagues
I'd enjoy seeing again.

But I've considered
formalizing my service
with starfleet.

I may be able
to pull some strings,

Get you out of
basic training.

Can you imagine
the look on soval's face

When he sees her
in a starfleet uniform?

Please let me be there.

I said I was considering it.

Bridge to the captain.

Go ahead.

We're approaching
the coordinates.

Tactical alert.
I'm on my way.

Activate the reactor.

Yes, lieutenant.

Commander dolim,

The final arming sequence
has begun.

Excellent.
Inform me when you are ready.

I'll be
in my thermal chamber.

What is it?

A vortex is opening.

Where?

Bearing 2-7-9,
range 4,000 kilometers.

Were you expecting
reinforcements?

No.

Arboreals.

Send a patrol
to intercept them.

More vortexes are opening.

14.

18 Ships.

Aquatics. 6 Ships
approaching the w*apon.

Target them!

Have commander kolo's squadron
maintain position.

They're moving to intercept,

But they're keeping
a substantial force
around the w*apon.

Feel like taking them on?

Give me the word, sir.

This is captain archer.
Cut us loose.

Sir, the humans.

Steady, travis.

They're breaking off.

Have all ships
concentrate their fire
on the w*apon.

We're in range.

Fire.

They're targeting
the primary generators.

Continue the arming sequence.

Minor damage
to the starboard nacelle.

We're still in the fight.

Bring us around
for another pass.

Target the earth vessel!

We can't, sir. The aquatics
are protecting them.

Captain,
I've located ensign sato.

She's on board one of
the reptilian vessels.

Can you get
a transporter lock?

She's somewhere
on the first 3 decks.

I can't pinpoint
her exact location.

Send major hayes and his team.

Aye, sir.

We've lost 8 vessels.

We've only disabled
2 of theirs.

We're no match
for the aquatics.

Lieutenant!

We must deploy
the w*apon now.

We need another 5 minutes.

In another 5 minutes

It will be destroyed,

And you along with it!

Ensign.

Ensign.

Hayes to enterprise.

Enterprise, respond.

We should get back
to the beam-in point.

The reptilians
are under att*ck.

If we don't act,
the w*apon will be destroyed.

The timelines now indicate
that is the likely outcome.

Proceed.

Captain,
there's a massive anomaly
forming near the w*apon.

2 More.

Keep us clear of them, travis.

We'll have to pull back.

Do what you can,
but keep us in f*ring range.

Aye, sir.

Captain archer!

Go ahead.

The anomalies
are creating a barrier
between us and the w*apon.

We can't get through.

Hayes to enterprise!

Go ahead.

We've got sato!

Archer to tucker.
Lock on to major hayes.

I wish I could, sir.

That last anomaly
knocked the transporter
off-line.

Tell them to stand by!

Archer to hayes.
We've got a malfunction.

Can you hold your position?

Affirmative.

The intruders are trapped
on level 7.

And the anomalies?

They've disabled
3 of the aquatic ships.

The guardians
will not let us fail.

Tucker to hayes.

Go ahead.

I'm ready to get you out,
but I can only transport
2 at a time.

Then I have to reset
the buffer.

Take her.
Lock on kelly and sato!

Ready for 2 more.

You 2 are next.

I could use
a change of scenery!

Stand by, major.

Commander dolim.

What's your status?

We've completed
the arming sequence.

Captain.

The power readings
from the w*apon
are increasing.

They're preparing to launch.

Get us close, travis.

What about the anomalies?

I said, take us in.

Aye, sir.

Ready to launch
on your order, commander.

Open a vortex.

Set a course for earth.

They're gone.

Doctor...

I told him
I was ready for duty.

I'm afraid
he's a bit of a mother hen.

How's ensign sato?

Her bio-signs are stable.

Thank you
for bringing her home.

All in a day's work.

Use mackenzie.

What?

She knows the team.

Rely on her.

No more of that talk.
That's an order.

Cardiostimulator.

Step away, please.

Increase by 0.2 joules.

How long
before it reaches earth?

10 Hours.

Could an aquatic ship
reach it in time?

Doubtful.
They have powerful weapons,
but their speed is limited.

Degra's ship
is considerably faster.

What are we waiting for?

The ship isn't well-armed.
It would be useless
against the w*apon.

We might be able
to get a team on board.

Disable it from the inside.

The reptilians
will have soldiers
stationed aboard the w*apon.

We'll deal with them
when we get there.

Captain,

The aquatics joined us
only because you promised
to neutralize the spheres.

They expect you
to fulfill that promise.

The future of our people
is at stake as well.

Are you ready?

I believe so.

We have a plan
to disable sphere 41.

If we're right,
it should disrupt
the entire network.

Then as soon as we undock,
set a course for sphere 41.

At ease.

I've just come from sickbay

Where the doctor assures
me that sergeant kemper

And ensign sato
will make full recoveries.

Unfortunately,
major hayes' injuries
were more severe.

He didn't survive.

I'm sorry.

We've got less than 10 hours
before this w*apon
reaches earth.

Captain wants to take
a team aboard to destroy it.

I don't imagine
the reptilians will make this
easy for us.

But that's why you're here.

That's why major hayes
picked each one of you
for this mission:

Because he knew
you'd get the job done.

I need 3 volunteers.

Woods,

Ramira, forbes.

Assemble your gear.

Meet me
at the starboard airlock
in 10 minutes.

How is she?

Stable.

The xindi
parasites were no match
for my osmotic eel.

I need to talk to her.

She's undergone
a severe neural trauma.

She's been inside the w*apon.
I have to know what she saw.

It should be safe
to revive her in 2 hours.
No less.

All right.

Have her taken aboard
degra's ship right away.

She's in no condition
to be moved!

I don't have any choice,
doctor.

You could k*ll her.

I want her on that ship
in 20 minutes.

She'll need
another cortical treatment. At
least, let me come with you.

There's a medical bay
on degra's ship. Show
lieutenant reed how to do it.

He's not a doctor!

Phlox!

You're needed here.

The insectoids.

We were fortunate.

He also started a civil w*r
between our species.

Degra was a traitor.

Then it's a good thing
we already have
your launch codes.

Lock weapons on their ship.

Sir?

I won't risk
any more interference.

Fire.

Malcolm. Hang on.

Bring me back
a piece of that w*apon.

A souvenir.

With pleasure.

All set, sir.

When we're finished,

We'll meet you at
the rendezvous coordinates.

We'll be there. Captain.

Good luck.

I expect you
to keep him in line.

I'll do my best.