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{{realworld}}
  
{{realworld}}
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{{sidebar episode
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:''For the military term, see [[proving ground]].''
  
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|<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
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{{sidebar episode|
  
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<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
  
 
| aSelf = Proving Ground
  
| aSelf = Proving Ground
 
| sTitle = Proving Ground
  
| sTitle = Proving Ground
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| sSeries = ENT
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| sSeries = ENT
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| nSeason = 3
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| nSeason = 3
 
| nEpisode = 13
  
| nEpisode = 13
 
|sProductionSerialNumber = 065
  
|sProductionSerialNumber = 065
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| sAirdateMonth = January
  
| sAirdateMonth = January
 
| nAirdateDay = 21
  
| nAirdateDay = 21
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| sImage = Calindra System.jpg
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| sImage = Calindra System.jpg
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| wsWrittenBy = [[Chris Black]]
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| wsWrittenBy = [[Chris Black]]
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| wsTeleplayBy =
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| wsTeleplayBy =
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| wsStoryBy =
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| wsStoryBy =
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| wsDirectedBy = [[David Livingston]]
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| wsDirectedBy = [[David Livingston]]
 
| nNthProducedInSeries = 64
  
| nNthProducedInSeries = 64
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 64
  
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 64
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|aNextInUniverseTimeline = Stratagem (episode)
  
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = Stratagem (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Chosen Realm (episode)
  
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Chosen Realm (episode)
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| wsArc0Desc = [[Vulcan (planet)|Vulcan]] vs. [[Andoria]]
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| wsArc0Desc = {{dis|Vulcan|planet}} vs. [[Andoria]]
 
| aArc0PrevPart = Cease Fire (episode)
  
| aArc0PrevPart = Cease Fire (episode)
 
| aArc0NextPart = The Forge (episode)
  
| aArc0NextPart = The Forge (episode)
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| nArc0PartCount = 7
  
| nArc0PartCount = 7
 
}}
  
}}
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{{disambiguation|the military term|proving ground}}
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An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the ''Enterprise'' locate the Xindi superweapon.
 +
An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the ''Enterprise'' locate the Xindi primary weapon.
   
 
==Summary==
  
==Summary==
 
{{Pna-incomplete}}
  
{{Pna-incomplete}}
−
[[File:Shrans antennae.jpg|thumb|[[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]] contacts Archer]]
 +
[[File:Shrans antennae.jpg|thumb|Shran contacts Archer]]
 
[[File:Kumari bridge.jpg|thumb|The bridge of the Andorian warship ''Kumari'']]
  
[[File:Kumari bridge.jpg|thumb|The bridge of the Andorian warship ''Kumari'']]
−
As [[Enterprise (NX-01)|''Enterprise'']] is hot on the trail of the [[Xindi superweapon]] (thanks to [[Gralik]]'s sabotage), the ship must traverse an exceptionally intense anomaly field. When the anomalies become too erratic, the ship is nearly destroyed; at the last moment, an unidentified ship locks on with a [[tractor beam]] and pulls ''Enterprise'' to safety. When [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer|Archer]] contacts the ship to express his gratitude, he is flabbergasted and speechless to see [[Commander]] [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]] looking back at him on the [[viewscreen]].
 +
{{NX|Enterprise}} is hot on the trail of the [[Xindi primary weapon]] (thanks to [[Gralik Durr|Gralik]]'s sabotage), and the ship must traverse an exceptionally intense anomaly field. When the anomalies become too erratic, the ship is nearly destroyed; at the last moment, an unidentified ship locks on with a [[tractor beam]] and pulls ''Enterprise'' to safety. When [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer|Archer]] contacts the ship to express his gratitude, he is flabbergasted and speechless to see [[Commander]] [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]] looking back at him on the [[viewscreen]].
   
−
Shran comes aboard the ship and explains that he brought his ship, the ''[[Kumari]]'' into the [[Delphic Expanse]] to help stop the [[Xindi]] from destroying [[Earth]]. Shran phrases his speech so that it seems that the [[Andorian]]s are using the occasion to show moral superiority to the [[Vulcan]]s, who have not assisted their allies on Earth despite possessing the resources to do so. After a moment of hesitation, Archer accepts Shran's offer of assistance. Andorian [[engineer]]s and maintenance crews come aboard (despite objections from [[Malcolm Reed|Reed]] and [[T'Pol]]) and Shran himself brings Archer some [[Andorian ale]] and alludes to future cooperation between Humans and Andorians. Shran's [[tactical officer]], [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Talas]], is visibly annoyed by her assignment to help Lt. Reed repair the [[weapon]]s systems. [[Charles Tucker III|Trip]] later convinces Shran to share an advanced [[antimatter]] [[antimatter injector|injector]].
 +
Shran comes aboard the ship and explains that he brought his ship, the ''[[Kumari]]'', into the [[Delphic Expanse]] to help stop the [[Xindi]] from destroying [[Earth]]. Shran phrases his speech so that it seems that the [[Andorian]]s are using the occasion to show moral superiority to the [[Vulcan]]s, who have not assisted their allies on Earth despite possessing the resources to do so. After a moment of hesitation, Archer accepts Shran's offer of assistance. Andorian [[engineer]]s and maintenance crews come aboard (despite objections from [[Malcolm Reed|Reed]] and [[T'Pol]]). Shran himself brings Archer some [[Andorian ale]] and alludes to future cooperation between Humans and Andorians. Shran's [[tactical officer]], [[Lieutenant]] [[Talas]], is visibly annoyed by her assignment to help Lt. Reed repair the [[weapon]]s systems. [[Charles Tucker III|Trip Tucker]] later convinces Shran to share an advanced [[antimatter]] [[antimatter injector|injector]] after they discuss the [[death]] of his sister, [[Elizabeth Tucker|Elizabeth]], in the attack.
   
−
Meanwhile, [[Degra]] contacts the [[Xindi Council]] and informs them that while the superweapon is not ready, he is testing the second prototype in the [[Calindra System]] and will broadcast the test back to the Council.
 +
Meanwhile, [[Degra]] contacts the [[Xindi Council]] and informs them that while the primary weapon is not ready, he is testing the [[Xindi test weapon|second prototype]] in the [[Calindra system]] and will broadcast the test back to the Council.
   
−
''Enterprise'' and ''Kumari'' arrive just outside the Calindra System and the Andorians are able to obtain limited [[sensor]] data. During a brainstorming session, it is decided that since the Andorians are unknown to the Xindi, the ''Kumari'' will fly into the system and take scans during the test, then fly back out. Archer and T'Pol join Shran on the [[bridge]] of his ship for this venture, which leads to a humorous moment when Shran claims he is with the "[[Andorian Mining Consortium]]" and searching for a valuable mineral called "[[Archerite]]." Degra is not amused and orders the ''Kumari'' to stop scanning the weapon and leave the system or else be fired upon.
 +
''Enterprise'' and ''Kumari'' arrive just outside the Calindra system and the Andorians are able to obtain limited [[sensor]] data. During a brainstorming session, it is decided that since the Andorians are unknown to the Xindi, the ''Kumari'' will travel into the system and take scans during the test, then fly back out. Archer and T'Pol join Shran on the [[bridge]] of his ship for this venture, which leads to a humorous moment when Shran claims he is with the "[[Andorian Mining Consortium]]" and searching for a valuable [[mineral]] called "[[Archerite]]." Degra is not amused and orders the ''Kumari'' to stop scanning the weapon and leave the system or else be fired upon.
   
−
With detailed scans in hand, the ''Kumari'' returns to ''Enterprise'' and the crew focuses on repairs to the ship. T'Pol deduces that this weapon is not large enough to destroy an entire planet, and Archer concludes that this is a proving ground, not unlike [[Bikini Atoll]].
+
With detailed scans in hand, the ''Kumari'' returns to ''Enterprise'' and the crew focuses on repairs to the ship. T'Pol deduces that this test weapon is not large enough to destroy an entire planet, and Archer concludes that this is a [[proving ground]], not unlike [[Bikini Atoll]].
   
−
The crew of the ''Enterprise'' is able to watch the Xindi test via a relay from the ''Kumari''{{'}}s more advanced sensors. They are horrified to see a [[moon]] split in half by the weapon; however, it is later found that this was a failure. The Xindi council is furious with Degra for this setback, but Archer is gratified that [[Gralik]] had kept his promise to sabotage their weapon.
+
The crew of ''Enterprise'' is able to watch the Xindi test via a relay from the ''Kumari''{{'}}s more advanced sensors. The crew members are horrified to see a [[moon]] split in half by the weapon; however, it is later found that this was a failure. The Xindi Council is furious with Degra for this setback, but Archer is gratified that Gralik has kept his promise to sabotage their weapon.
   
−
Back on ''Enterprise'', Archer muses aloud that he wishes they could capture this prototype and study it, but T'Pol does not believe the weapon can be brought aboard due to the lethal radiation it is emitting. At this point, Shran offers to steal the weapon and store it in the ''Kumari''{{'}}s (better shielded) [[cargo bay]] until it is safe to transfer it to ''Enterprise''. Archer is immediately suspicious of Shran's motivations for this uncharacteristically altruistic offer, which leads to a confrontation. Archer accepts Shran's offer, but only on the condition that he be allowed to command the ''Kumari'' during the retrieval. Shran grudgingly agrees.
+
Back on ''Enterprise'', Archer muses aloud that he wishes they could capture this prototype and study it, but T'Pol does not believe the weapon can be brought aboard due to lethal [[radiation]] it is emitting. At this point, Shran offers to steal the weapon and store it in the ''Kumari''{{'}}s (better shielded) [[cargo bay]] until it is safe to transfer it to ''Enterprise''. Archer is immediately suspicious of Shran's motivations for this uncharacteristically altruistic offer, which leads to a confrontation. Archer accepts Shran's offer, but only on the condition that he be allowed to command the ''Kumari'' during the retrieval. Shran grudgingly agrees.
   
−
Talas and Reed have come to an understanding and are working together quite nicely, even getting [[phase cannon]] efficiency up to 94%. Reed mentions that Talas' talents would be appreciated in [[Starfleet]], and Talas retorts that Reed should consider joining the [[Andorian Imperial Guard|Imperial Guard]] if he ever tires of exploring.
+
Talas and Reed have come to an understanding and are working together quite nicely, even getting [[phase cannon]] efficiency up to 94%. Reed mentions that Talas' talents would be appreciated in [[Starfleet]], and Talas retorts that Reed should consider joining the [[Andorian Imperial Guard|Imperial Guard]] if he ever tires of exploring.
   
−
Shran has an ominous conversation with an Andorian [[General]], where he questions his mission and asks if it is worth making enemies of the humans. Meanwhile, Reed catches Talas working on the [[sensor array]] without reason, but pretends to believe her flimsy excuse.
+
Shran has an ominous conversation with an Andorian [[general]], during which he questions his mission and asks if it is worth making enemies of the Humans. Meanwhile, Reed catches Talas working on the [[sensor array]] without reason, but pretends to believe her flimsy excuse.
   
−
''Enterprise'' enters the system first, and Degra orders all the defending ships to attack; while those ships are distracted, ''Kumari'' enters the system from the opposite side and tractors the prototype into its cargo bay. Before Degra realizes that the Andorians are assisting the Humans, the weapon has been captured and both ships exit the system, without any damage.
+
''Enterprise'' enters the system first, and Degra orders all the defending ships to attack; while those ships are distracted, ''Kumari'' enters the system from the opposite side and tractors the prototype into its cargo bay. Before Degra realizes that the Andorians are assisting the Humans, the weapon has been captured and both ships exit the system, without any damage.
   
−
After the surprisingly successful raid, Archer orders the ''Kumari'' to rendezvous with ''Enterprise''. At this point the Andorians end their charade of cooperation and reveal that their real intention was to steal the Xindi weapon for themselves.
+
After the surprisingly successful raid, Archer orders the ''Kumari'' to rendezvous with ''Enterprise''. At this point, the Andorians end their charade of cooperation and reveal that their real intention was to steal the Xindi test weapon for themselves.
   
−
Archer is angry, but Shran tries to defend his actions. First, Shran emphasizes that his loyalty is with the Imperial Guard, and not with the "[[pinkskin]]s." Shran reveals that the Imperial Guard wants to keep the Xindi weapon for themselves, as a weapon to potentially be used against the [[Vulcan]]s. Archer states that ''Enterprise'' will fight for the weapon, but Shran counters that Talas had secretly sabotaged their sensor array and that ''Enterprise'' would not be able to find them. Furious that the Andorians would endanger Earth over a border dispute with the Vulcans, Archer punches Shran in the jaw, drawing blue blood from his lip. Shran orders Archer dropped off in an [[escape pod]] and tells ''Enterprise'' where to find him. The Andorians begin making detailed scans of the weapon. When Shran informs his superiors of the mission's success, he is visibly upset.
 +
Archer is angry, but Shran tries to defend his actions. First, Shran emphasizes that his loyalty is with the Imperial Guard, and not with the "[[pink skin]]s." Shran reveals that the Imperial Guard wants to keep the Xindi weapon for themselves, as a weapon to potentially be used against the [[Vulcan]]s. Archer states that ''Enterprise'' will fight for the weapon, but Shran counters that Talas has secretly sabotaged their sensor array and that ''Enterprise'' would not be able to find them. Furious that the Andorians would endanger Earth over a border dispute with the Vulcans, Archer punches Shran in the jaw, drawing blue blood from his lip. Shran orders Archer dropped off in an [[Andorian escape pod]] equipped with a [[navigation beacon]] so ''Enterprise'' will know where to find him. The Andorians begin making detailed scans of the weapon. When Shran informs his superiors of the mission's success, he is visibly upset.
   
−
When ''Enterprise'' arrives to pick up Archer, it is revealed that Lt. Reed had been closely watching Talas and her sabotage attempt was unsuccessful. ''Enterprise'' catches up with ''Kumari'' at an anomaly field, and Archer reveals that T'Pol had decrypted the weapon's arming protocols; Archer threatens to detonate the weapon while it is in Shran's cargo bay, but Shran believes he is bluffing. Shran asks Archer why he would do this, and Archer counters that he can not take the risk that the Andorians would use the weapon against the Vulcans. Shran questions Archer's loyalty to the Vulcans, and Archer senses that there is no compromise to be had. With no other options, Archer orders the weapon armed, and it begins to overload while still on board. Shran orders the weapon jettisoned, and it explodes in space. ''Enterprise'' is far enough away to avoid damage, but ''Kumari'' is heavily damaged. Archer offers help, but Shran graciously refuses. When the ships part ways, the Andorian vessel is limping away on auxiliary power.
 +
When ''Enterprise'' arrives to pick up Archer, it is revealed that Lt. Reed had been closely watching Talas and her sabotage attempt was unsuccessful. ''Enterprise'' catches up with the ''Kumari'' at an anomaly field, and Archer reveals that T'Pol has decrypted the weapon's arming protocols; Archer threatens to detonate the weapon while it is in Shran's cargo bay, but Shran believes he is bluffing. Shran asks Archer why he would do this, and Archer counters that he can not take the risk that the Andorians would use the weapon against the Vulcans. Shran questions Archer's loyalty to the Vulcans, and Archer senses that there is no compromise to be had. With no other options, Archer orders the weapon armed, and it begins to overload while still on board. Shran orders the weapon jettisoned, and it explodes in space. ''Enterprise'' is far enough away to avoid damage, but the ''Kumari'' is heavily damaged. Archer offers help, but Shran graciously refuses. When the ships part ways, the Andorian vessel is limping away on [[auxiliary power]].
   
−
Just before it leaves sensor range, someone aboard ''Kumari'' sends a covert transmission to ''Enterprise'', consisting of the detailed scans of the Xindi weapon. Archer orders the scans sent to Starfleet, and offers to share some Andorian ale with Trip and T'Pol.
 +
Just before it leaves sensor range, someone aboard ''Kumari'' sends a covert transmission to ''Enterprise'', consisting of the detailed scans of the Xindi weapon. Archer orders the scans sent to Starfleet, and offers to share some Andorian ale with Tucker and T'Pol.
   
−
==Memorable Quotes==
 +
==Memorable quotes==
 
"''Captain Archer. Look at the trouble you've gotten your pink skin into this time!''"
  
"''Captain Archer. Look at the trouble you've gotten your pink skin into this time!''"
 
: - '''Commander Shran''', to Archer, after rescuing ''Enterprise'' from certain doom inside of an expanding anomaly
  
: - '''Commander Shran''', to Archer, after rescuing ''Enterprise'' from certain doom inside of an expanding anomaly
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"''Well, I'll let you two get acquainted.''"
  
"''Well, I'll let you two get acquainted.''"
−
: - '''Trip''', to Reed and Talas, after witnessing their first meeting
 +
: - '''Tucker''', to Reed and Talas, after witnessing their first meeting
   
   
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"''How long until we have warp?''"<br />
  
"''How long until we have warp?''"<br />
 
"''I would say at least two days, but, uh, the blue guys really know their stuff!''"
  
"''I would say at least two days, but, uh, the blue guys really know their stuff!''"
−
: - '''T'Pol''' and '''Trip'''
 +
: - '''T'Pol''' and '''Tucker'''
   
   
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−
"''For 200 years, all that's kept them from invading Andoria is the threat of massive retaliation. With a weapon of this magnitude at our disposal, they wouldn't dare attack us.''"<br />
 +
"''For two hundred years, all that's kept them from invading Andoria is the threat of massive retaliation. With a weapon of this magnitude at our disposal, they wouldn't dare attack us.''"<br />
 
"''You're putting Earth at risk because of a border dispute with the Vulcans?!''"<br />
  
"''You're putting Earth at risk because of a border dispute with the Vulcans?!''"<br />
 
"''We disrupted the Xindi test, took their weapon. We may have helped save your world!''"<br />
  
"''We disrupted the Xindi test, took their weapon. We may have helped save your world!''"<br />
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: - '''Shran''' and '''Archer'''
  
: - '''Shran''' and '''Archer'''
   
  +
−
"''You like to talk about repaying debts. I've owed you that for a long time.''"
 +
"''You like to talk about repaying debts. I've owed you that [[The Andorian Incident (episode)|for a long time]].''"
 
: - '''Captain Archer''', after sucker punching Shran in the jaw
  
: - '''Captain Archer''', after sucker punching Shran in the jaw
   
   
 
"''Open a channel to Shran. Ask him if he requires our assistance.''"
  
"''Open a channel to Shran. Ask him if he requires our assistance.''"
−
: - '''Archer''', to Hoshi
 +
: - '''Archer''', to Hoshi Sato
   
−
== Background Information ==
 +
== Background information ==
  +
* The final draft of this episode's script was issued on {{d|28|October|2003}}. The post-production, archival version of the final draft script was submitted on {{d|20|January|2004}}.
  +
* As evidenced by the archival final draft script of this installment, the episode's [[teaser]] was composed of "added scenes" that were written into the teleplay at a relatively late date.
 
* [[John Billingsley]] ([[Doctor]] [[Phlox]]) does not appear in this episode.
  
* [[John Billingsley]] ([[Doctor]] [[Phlox]]) does not appear in this episode.
−  
 
* This episode featured not only the first good look at the interior of an Andorian ship but also provided the first glimpse of [[Andoria]], albeit briefly on a monitor.
  
* This episode featured not only the first good look at the interior of an Andorian ship but also provided the first glimpse of [[Andoria]], albeit briefly on a monitor.
  ⚫
* The [[Kumari]]'s [[command chair|captain's chair]] is a reuse of either the {{USS|Voyager}}'s captain's or XO's chair.
−  
  ⚫
* Also, Shran's desk in his ready room was previously a table in [[Chakotay]] and [[Tuvok]]'s offices in ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', specifically seen in the episodes {{e|Tattoo}} and {{e|Death Wish}}.
⚫
* The [[Kumari]]'s [[Command chair|Captain's Chair]] is a reuse of either the {{USS|Voyager}}'s Captain's or XO's chair.
  
−  
⚫
*Also, Shran's desk in his ready room was previously a table in [[Chakotay]] and [[Tuvok]]'s offices in ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', specifically seen in the episodes {{e|Tattoo}} and {{e|Death Wish}}.
  
−  
 
* A costume worn by an Andorian officer on the ''Kumari'' was auctioned off in the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]]. {{stala|2872}}
  
* A costume worn by an Andorian officer on the ''Kumari'' was auctioned off in the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]]. {{stala|2872}}
  ⚫
* The part of the [[Andorian 22nd century general 1|Andorian general]] was originally played by actor [[Ted Sutton]]. Sutton was unable to do the re-shoots and the part went to actor [[Granville Van Dusen]]. [http://www.tedsutton.com/cgi-bin/tedpic.pl?http://www.tedsutton.com/images/NEWPAGE005.jpg]
−  
⚫
* The part of the [[Unnamed Andorians (22nd century)#General|Andorian general]] was originally played by actor [[Ted Sutton]]. Sutton was unable to do the re-shoots and the part went to actor [[Granville Van Dusen]]. [http://www.tedsutton.com/cgi-bin/tedpic.pl?http://www.tedsutton.com/images/NEWPAGE005.jpg]
  
−  
 
* Despite the destruction of the prototype well before the Andorians could make any use of it, the Vulcan High Command was told that Shran had been successful and that the Imperial Guard was, in fact, studying it for their own purposes, and [[Kir'Shara (episode)|a year later]] would use their supposed possession of the weapon in order to launch a [[Battle of Andoria|"preemptive" invasion]].
  
* Despite the destruction of the prototype well before the Andorians could make any use of it, the Vulcan High Command was told that Shran had been successful and that the Imperial Guard was, in fact, studying it for their own purposes, and [[Kir'Shara (episode)|a year later]] would use their supposed possession of the weapon in order to launch a [[Battle of Andoria|"preemptive" invasion]].
−  
 
* The [[kemocite]] with the modified radiolytic signature in it from {{e|The Shipment}} is finally detected and tracked down in this episode, six months after its inception.
  
* The [[kemocite]] with the modified radiolytic signature in it from {{e|The Shipment}} is finally detected and tracked down in this episode, six months after its inception.
  ⚫
* Commander [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]] makes reference to Archer's love of [[Andorian ale]], previously seen in season two's {{e|Cease Fire}}. They shared a bottle of it again in {{e|Babel One}} after Shran loses the ''[[Kumari]]'' in battle.
−  
  ⚫
* When Shran contacts the Xindi, he pretends to be a scout from the "[[Andorian Mining Consortium]]". This could be a reference to the non-canon video game ''{{dis|Star Trek: 25th Anniversary|PC}}'', which was the first (and only) source where the Consortium was mentioned. However it is not made clear in that episode that the Consortium really existed; it could be an invention improvised by Shran.
⚫
* Commander [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]] makes reference to Archer's love of [[Andorian ale]], previously seen in season two's {{e|Cease Fire}}. They would share a bottle of it again in {{e|Babel One}} after Shran loses the ''[[Kumari]]'' in battle.
  
⚫
*When Shran contacts the Xindi, he pretends to be a scout from the "[[Andorian Mining Consortium]]". This could be a reference to the non-canon video game ''[[Star Trek: 25th Anniversary (PC)|Star Trek: 25th Anniversary]]'' which was the first (and only) source where the Consortium was mentioned. However it is not made clear in that episode that the Consortium really existed; it could be an invention improvised by Shran.
  
 
* Shran also foreshadows the creation of the [[Coalition of Planets]] when he talks about forming alliances, although here it is only between Andorians and Humans, with Vulcans pointedly absent.
  
* Shran also foreshadows the creation of the [[Coalition of Planets]] when he talks about forming alliances, although here it is only between Andorians and Humans, with Vulcans pointedly absent.
  +
* Guest composer [[John Frizzel]] composed the music for this episode. He went on to compose the music for the episode {{e|The Forge}}.
  +
* Shran justifies taking the Xindi weapon by claiming that Xindi technology would deter the Vulcans from attacking them, however it later has the opposite effect, when in {{e|Kir'Shara}}, [[V'Las]] uses the (false) information that the Andorians have acquired Xindi technology to justify an [[Battle of Andoria|invasion]] of [[Andoria]].
   
 
==Links and references==
  
==Links and references==
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*[[Connor Trinneer]] as [[Commander]] [[Charles Tucker III|Charles "Trip" Tucker III]]
  
*[[Connor Trinneer]] as [[Commander]] [[Charles Tucker III|Charles "Trip" Tucker III]]
   
−
=== Guest Stars ===
 +
=== Guest stars ===
 
*[[Molly Brink]] as [[Talas]]
  
*[[Molly Brink]] as [[Talas]]
 
*[[Randy Oglesby]] as [[Degra]]
  
*[[Randy Oglesby]] as [[Degra]]
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*[[Tucker Smallwood]] as [[Unnamed Xindi#Xindi-Primate councilor|Xindi-Primate councilor]]
  
*[[Tucker Smallwood]] as [[Unnamed Xindi#Xindi-Primate councilor|Xindi-Primate councilor]]
 
*[[Rick Worthy]] as [[Jannar]]
  
*[[Rick Worthy]] as [[Jannar]]
−
*[[Granville Van Dusen]] as [[Unnamed Andorians (22nd century)#General|Andorian General]]
 +
*[[Granville Van Dusen]] as [[Andorian 22nd century general 1|Andorian General]]
 
*[[Jeffrey Combs]] as [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]]
  
*[[Jeffrey Combs]] as [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]]
   
−
===Co-Star===
 +
===Co-star===
 
*[[Josh Drennen]] as [[Thalen|Degra's Assistant]]
  
*[[Josh Drennen]] as [[Thalen|Degra's Assistant]]
   
−
=== Uncredited Co-Stars ===
 +
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
*[[Mark Correy]] as [[Alex]]
  
*[[Mark Correy]] as [[Alex]]
 
*[[Hilde Garcia]] as [[Crewman]] [[Rossi]]
  
*[[Hilde Garcia]] as [[Crewman]] [[Rossi]]
−
*[[Doug Mirabello]] as an [[Kumari personnel#Bridge officer|Andorian officer]]
 +
*[[Doug Mirabello]] as an [[Kumari bridge officer 1|Andorian officer]]
−
*[[David Venafro]] as an [[Kumari personnel#Interrogation operator|Andorian officer]]
 +
*[[David Venafro]] as an [[Kumari interrogation operator|Andorian officer]]
   
 
=== References ===
  
=== References ===
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[[Andoria]]; [[Andorian]]s; [[Andorian ale]]; [[Andorian Imperial Guard]]; [[Andorian Mining Consortium]]; [[Andorian battle cruiser]]; [[Andorian escape pod]]; [[Andorian shuttle]]; [[antimatter injector]]; [[Archerite]]; [[bathroom]]; [[Bikini Atoll]]; [[caffeine]]; [[Calindra System]]; [[cargo bay]]; [[coffee]]; [[crumpet]]; [[cycle]]; [[Degra's ship]]; [[Delphic Expanse]]; [[drink dispenser]]; [[Earth]]; [[General]]; [[Gralik Durr|Durr, Gralik]]; [[G-type star]]; [[EPS synchronizer]]; [[First Contact]]; [[force field]]; [[infantry]]; [[isotopic signature]]; [[kemocite]]; ''[[Kumari]]''; [[Lieutenant]]; [[memory core]]; [[microspanner]]; [[neuropressure]]; [[nuclear weapon]]; [[omni-directional sensors]]; [[phase coupler]]; [[phase regulator]]; [[photonic torpedo]]; [[pinkskin]]; [[potato chip]]; [[prototype]]; [[Mary Reed|Reed, Mary]]; [[Stuart Reed|Reed, Stuart]]; [[Royal Navy]]; [[security clearance]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[tea]]; [[Unnamed Andorians (22nd century)#Thy'lek Sharn's brother|Thy'lek Shran's brother]]; [[tractor beam]]; [[Elizabeth Tucker|Tucker, Elizabeth]]; [[variable compression nozzle]]; [[Vulcan]]s; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan High Command]]; [[Xindi]]; [[Xindi-Arboreal]]; [[Xindi-Aquatic]]; [[Xindi-Insectoid]]; [[Xindi-Primate]]; [[Xindi-Reptilian]]; [[Xindi-Reptilian warship]]; [[Xindi Council]]
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[[Andoria]]; [[Andorian]]s; [[Andorian ale]]; [[Andorian Imperial Guard]]; [[Andorian Mining Consortium]]; [[Andorian battle cruiser]]; [[Andorian escape pod]]; [[Andorian shuttle]]; [[antimatter injector]]; [[archerite]]; [[auxiliary power]]; [[bathroom]]; [[Bikini Atoll]]; "[[Military parlance#"Brace for impact"|brace for impact]]"; [[caffeine]]; [[Calindra system]]; [[cargo bay]]; [[coffee]]; [[colorful metaphor]]; [[crumpet]]; [[cycle]]; [[Degra's ship]]; [[Delphic Expanse]]; [[drink dispenser]]; [[Earth]]; [[emergency power]]; [[EPS synchronizer]]; [[eyebrow]]; [[first contact]]; [[force field]]; [[general]]; [[gesture]]; [[Gralik Durr|Durr, Gralik]]; [[G-type star]]; [[infantry]]; [[isotopic signature]]; [[kemocite]]; [[kilometer]]; ''[[Kumari]]''; [[lieutenant]]; [[memory core]]; [[microspanner]]; [[navigation beacon]]; [[neuropressure]]; [[nuclear weapon]]; [[omni-directional sensors]]; [[phase coupler]]; [[phase regulator]]; [[photonic torpedo]]; [[pink skin]]; [[polarity]]; [[potato chip]]; [[prototype]]; [[Mary Reed|Reed, Mary]]; [[Stuart Reed|Reed, Stuart]]; [[Royal Navy]]; [[security clearance]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[tea]]; [[Andorian 22nd century brother|Thy'lek Shran's brother]]; [[toast]]; [[tractor beam]]; [[Elizabeth Tucker|Tucker, Elizabeth]]; [[variable compression nozzle]]; [[Vulcan]]s; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan High Command]]; [[Xindi]]; [[Xindi-Arboreal]]; [[Xindi-Aquatic]]; [[Xindi cargo vessel]]; [[Xindi-Insectoid]]; [[Xindi-Primate]]; [[Xindi-Reptilian]]; [[Xindi-Reptilian warship]]; [[Xindi Council]]
   
 
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Revision as of 19:39, 8 February 2016

Template:Realworld

For the military term, please see proving ground.

An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the Enterprise locate the Xindi primary weapon.

Summary

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Shrans antennae

Shran contacts Archer

Kumari bridge

The bridge of the Andorian warship Kumari

Enterprise is hot on the trail of the Xindi primary weapon (thanks to Gralik's sabotage), and the ship must traverse an exceptionally intense anomaly field. When the anomalies become too erratic, the ship is nearly destroyed; at the last moment, an unidentified ship locks on with a tractor beam and pulls Enterprise to safety. When Captain Archer contacts the ship to express his gratitude, he is flabbergasted and speechless to see Commander Shran looking back at him on the viewscreen.

Shran comes aboard the ship and explains that he brought his ship, the Kumari, into the Delphic Expanse to help stop the Xindi from destroying Earth. Shran phrases his speech so that it seems that the Andorians are using the occasion to show moral superiority to the Vulcans, who have not assisted their allies on Earth despite possessing the resources to do so. After a moment of hesitation, Archer accepts Shran's offer of assistance. Andorian engineers and maintenance crews come aboard (despite objections from Reed and T'Pol). Shran himself brings Archer some Andorian ale and alludes to future cooperation between Humans and Andorians. Shran's tactical officer, Lieutenant Talas, is visibly annoyed by her assignment to help Lt. Reed repair the weapons systems. Trip Tucker later convinces Shran to share an advanced antimatter injector after they discuss the death of his sister, Elizabeth, in the attack.

Meanwhile, Degra contacts the Xindi Council and informs them that while the primary weapon is not ready, he is testing the second prototype in the Calindra system and will broadcast the test back to the Council.

Enterprise and Kumari arrive just outside the Calindra system and the Andorians are able to obtain limited sensor data. During a brainstorming session, it is decided that since the Andorians are unknown to the Xindi, the Kumari will travel into the system and take scans during the test, then fly back out. Archer and T'Pol join Shran on the bridge of his ship for this venture, which leads to a humorous moment when Shran claims he is with the "Andorian Mining Consortium" and searching for a valuable mineral called "Archerite." Degra is not amused and orders the Kumari to stop scanning the weapon and leave the system or else be fired upon.

With detailed scans in hand, the Kumari returns to Enterprise and the crew focuses on repairs to the ship. T'Pol deduces that this test weapon is not large enough to destroy an entire planet, and Archer concludes that this is a proving ground, not unlike Bikini Atoll.

The crew of Enterprise is able to watch the Xindi test via a relay from the Kumari's more advanced sensors. The crew members are horrified to see a moon split in half by the weapon; however, it is later found that this was a failure. The Xindi Council is furious with Degra for this setback, but Archer is gratified that Gralik has kept his promise to sabotage their weapon.

Back on Enterprise, Archer muses aloud that he wishes they could capture this prototype and study it, but T'Pol does not believe the weapon can be brought aboard due to lethal radiation it is emitting. At this point, Shran offers to steal the weapon and store it in the Kumari's (better shielded) cargo bay until it is safe to transfer it to Enterprise. Archer is immediately suspicious of Shran's motivations for this uncharacteristically altruistic offer, which leads to a confrontation. Archer accepts Shran's offer, but only on the condition that he be allowed to command the Kumari during the retrieval. Shran grudgingly agrees.

Talas and Reed have come to an understanding and are working together quite nicely, even getting phase cannon efficiency up to 94%. Reed mentions that Talas' talents would be appreciated in Starfleet, and Talas retorts that Reed should consider joining the Imperial Guard if he ever tires of exploring.

Shran has an ominous conversation with an Andorian general, during which he questions his mission and asks if it is worth making enemies of the Humans. Meanwhile, Reed catches Talas working on the sensor array without reason, but pretends to believe her flimsy excuse.

Enterprise enters the system first, and Degra orders all the defending ships to attack; while those ships are distracted, Kumari enters the system from the opposite side and tractors the prototype into its cargo bay. Before Degra realizes that the Andorians are assisting the Humans, the weapon has been captured and both ships exit the system, without any damage.

After the surprisingly successful raid, Archer orders the Kumari to rendezvous with Enterprise. At this point, the Andorians end their charade of cooperation and reveal that their real intention was to steal the Xindi test weapon for themselves.

Archer is angry, but Shran tries to defend his actions. First, Shran emphasizes that his loyalty is with the Imperial Guard, and not with the "pink skins." Shran reveals that the Imperial Guard wants to keep the Xindi weapon for themselves, as a weapon to potentially be used against the Vulcans. Archer states that Enterprise will fight for the weapon, but Shran counters that Talas has secretly sabotaged their sensor array and that Enterprise would not be able to find them. Furious that the Andorians would endanger Earth over a border dispute with the Vulcans, Archer punches Shran in the jaw, drawing blue blood from his lip. Shran orders Archer dropped off in an Andorian escape pod equipped with a navigation beacon so Enterprise will know where to find him. The Andorians begin making detailed scans of the weapon. When Shran informs his superiors of the mission's success, he is visibly upset.

When Enterprise arrives to pick up Archer, it is revealed that Lt. Reed had been closely watching Talas and her sabotage attempt was unsuccessful. Enterprise catches up with the Kumari at an anomaly field, and Archer reveals that T'Pol has decrypted the weapon's arming protocols; Archer threatens to detonate the weapon while it is in Shran's cargo bay, but Shran believes he is bluffing. Shran asks Archer why he would do this, and Archer counters that he can not take the risk that the Andorians would use the weapon against the Vulcans. Shran questions Archer's loyalty to the Vulcans, and Archer senses that there is no compromise to be had. With no other options, Archer orders the weapon armed, and it begins to overload while still on board. Shran orders the weapon jettisoned, and it explodes in space. Enterprise is far enough away to avoid damage, but the Kumari is heavily damaged. Archer offers help, but Shran graciously refuses. When the ships part ways, the Andorian vessel is limping away on auxiliary power.

Just before it leaves sensor range, someone aboard Kumari sends a covert transmission to Enterprise, consisting of the detailed scans of the Xindi weapon. Archer orders the scans sent to Starfleet, and offers to share some Andorian ale with Tucker and T'Pol.

Memorable quotes

"Captain Archer. Look at the trouble you've gotten your pink skin into this time!"

- Commander Shran, to Archer, after rescuing Enterprise from certain doom inside of an expanding anomaly


"Your world is in jeopardy, and where are your friends, the Vulcans? Where is their mighty fleet? They couldn't even spare one officer! She was forced to abandon her career to remain on your ship – a remarkably selfless act... for a Vulcan. But we've come to your aid. We've come into the Expanse when they refused. We're here to help you."

- Shran, to Archer and T'Pol, in response to the captain's query about his intentions


"Well, I'll let you two get acquainted."

- Tucker, to Reed and Talas, after witnessing their first meeting


"So... how did you get picked for this assignment?"
"I volunteered. It made sense. I've had the greatest amount of contact with pink... with Humans, and the last time we met you helped my people avert a war. I don't like unpaid debts."
"We keep doing each other favors."
"Isn't that how alliances are born?"

- Archer and Shran


"How long until we have warp?"
"I would say at least two days, but, uh, the blue guys really know their stuff!"

- T'Pol and Tucker


"Is there anything else I can get you... some coffee, perhaps?"
"Oh, that'll be lovely!"

- Talas and Reed


"The last time I saw weapons like these was during my early tactical training."
"I'm sorry I wasted your time on our primitive systems."
"Not at all... I found it nostalgic."

- Talas and Reed


"Lieutenant Talas... I apologize if I've been rude. Why don't I get us both a cup of coffee and we can align these relays... together"

- Reed, to Talas


"The Andorian Mining Consortium runs from no one."

- Shran, sarcastically


"You don't trust me."
"No offense, but when it comes to our weapons frequencies, I wouldn't trust my own mother."
"Is your mother considered a security risk?"
"That's just an expression."
"An odd one... my mother's security clearance is higher than mine!"

- Talas and Reed


"I'd take this ship into combat myself."
"Even with our primitive weapons?"
"It's not the weapon, it's the soldier who wields it."

- Talas and Reed


"This was a failure?!"
"A spectacular one - but, yes."

- Shran and T'Pol, watching the unsuccessful test of the weapon


"Gralik...looks like he kept his word."

- Archer, knowing why the test failed


"For two hundred years, all that's kept them from invading Andoria is the threat of massive retaliation. With a weapon of this magnitude at our disposal, they wouldn't dare attack us."
"You're putting Earth at risk because of a border dispute with the Vulcans?!"
"We disrupted the Xindi test, took their weapon. We may have helped save your world!"
"I guess I'm not familiar with the Andorian concept of help!"

- Shran and Archer


"You like to talk about repaying debts. I've owed you that for a long time."

- Captain Archer, after sucker punching Shran in the jaw


"Open a channel to Shran. Ask him if he requires our assistance."

- Archer, to Hoshi Sato

Background information

  • The final draft of this episode's script was issued on 28 October 2003. The post-production, archival version of the final draft script was submitted on 20 January 2004.
  • As evidenced by the archival final draft script of this installment, the episode's teaser was composed of "added scenes" that were written into the teleplay at a relatively late date.
  • John Billingsley (Doctor Phlox) does not appear in this episode.
  • This episode featured not only the first good look at the interior of an Andorian ship but also provided the first glimpse of Andoria, albeit briefly on a monitor.
  • The Kumari's captain's chair is a reuse of either the USS Voyager's captain's or XO's chair.
  • Also, Shran's desk in his ready room was previously a table in Chakotay and Tuvok's offices in Star Trek: Voyager, specifically seen in the episodes "Tattoo" and "Death Wish".
  • A costume worn by an Andorian officer on the Kumari was auctioned off in the It's A Wrap! sale and auction. [1]
  • The part of the Andorian general was originally played by actor Ted Sutton. Sutton was unable to do the re-shoots and the part went to actor Granville Van Dusen. [2]
  • Despite the destruction of the prototype well before the Andorians could make any use of it, the Vulcan High Command was told that Shran had been successful and that the Imperial Guard was, in fact, studying it for their own purposes, and a year later would use their supposed possession of the weapon in order to launch a "preemptive" invasion.
  • The kemocite with the modified radiolytic signature in it from "The Shipment" is finally detected and tracked down in this episode, six months after its inception.
  • Commander Shran makes reference to Archer's love of Andorian ale, previously seen in season two's "Cease Fire". They shared a bottle of it again in "Babel One" after Shran loses the Kumari in battle.
  • When Shran contacts the Xindi, he pretends to be a scout from the "Andorian Mining Consortium". This could be a reference to the non-canon video game Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, which was the first (and only) source where the Consortium was mentioned. However it is not made clear in that episode that the Consortium really existed; it could be an invention improvised by Shran.
  • Shran also foreshadows the creation of the Coalition of Planets when he talks about forming alliances, although here it is only between Andorians and Humans, with Vulcans pointedly absent.
  • Guest composer John Frizzel composed the music for this episode. He went on to compose the music for the episode "The Forge".
  • Shran justifies taking the Xindi weapon by claiming that Xindi technology would deter the Vulcans from attacking them, however it later has the opposite effect, when in "Kir'Shara", V'Las uses the (false) information that the Andorians have acquired Xindi technology to justify an invasion of Andoria.

Links and references

Starring

Guest stars

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

References

Andoria; Andorians; Andorian ale; Andorian Imperial Guard; Andorian Mining Consortium; Andorian battle cruiser; Andorian escape pod; Andorian shuttle; antimatter injector; archerite; auxiliary power; bathroom; Bikini Atoll; "brace for impact"; caffeine; Calindra system; cargo bay; coffee; colorful metaphor; crumpet; cycle; Degra's ship; Delphic Expanse; drink dispenser; Earth; emergency power; EPS synchronizer; eyebrow; first contact; force field; general; gesture; Durr, Gralik; G-type star; infantry; isotopic signature; kemocite; kilometer; Kumari; lieutenant; memory core; microspanner; navigation beacon; neuropressure; nuclear weapon; omni-directional sensors; phase coupler; phase regulator; photonic torpedo; pink skin; polarity; potato chip; prototype; Reed, Mary; Reed, Stuart; Royal Navy; security clearance; Starfleet Command; tea; Thy'lek Shran's brother; toast; tractor beam; Tucker, Elizabeth; variable compression nozzle; Vulcans; Vulcan (planet); Vulcan High Command; Xindi; Xindi-Arboreal; Xindi-Aquatic; Xindi cargo vessel; Xindi-Insectoid; Xindi-Primate; Xindi-Reptilian; Xindi-Reptilian warship; Xindi Council

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"Chosen Realm" 		Star Trek: Enterprise
Season 3 		Next episode:
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