STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS
SEASON 2, EPISODE 9
SEASON 2, EPISODE 9
wej Duj
Series: Star Trek: Lower Decks - (2020 - 2024)Season: 2
Episode #: 9
Original Airdate: October 7th, 2021
Writer(s): Kathryn Lyn
Director(s): Bob Suarez
Guest Stars
Robin Atkin Downes as Commander Togg
Robin Atkin Downes as a Klingon Officer
Joy Brunson as Shara
Jon Curry as Ma'ah
Colton Dunn as Captain Dorg
Rich Fulcher as Rebner
Rich Fulcher as Other Pakleds
Marc Evan Jackson as the Captain of the Sh'vhal
Jessica Lowe as T'Gai
Jessica Lowe as a Hawaiianer
Jessica McKenna as Ensign Barnes
Nolan North as Sokel
Nolan North as T'im
Nolan North as a Starfleet Cadet
Gabrielle Ruiz as T'Lyn
Carl Tart as Ltjg. Kayshon
Kari Wahlgren as Key'lor
Kari Wahlgren as a Vulcan Officer
Sean Walton as G'reck
Fred Tatasciore as a Klingon Officer
Stardate: Unknown
Synopsis
On the Cerritos, Captain Carol Freeman explains that the California-Class vessel will be at warp for twelve hours en route to a planetary survey in the Kontaran system. As such, the Captain has approved a period of R&R for the crew. In the Cerritos cafeteria, Ensign Bradward Boimler joins Ensign Samanthan Rutherford, Ensign D’Vana Tendi, and Ensign Beckett Mariner at a table and asks how everyone will be spending their warp. Tendi is going to be spending time on the holodeck with Dr. T’Ana, while Rutherford will be making soup with Billups and throwing pottery with Shax. And Mariner has agreed to spend some time with her mother, Captain Freeman, because given the long period at warp, she simply has no excuse to use in order to put it off. Boimler is distressed that he doesn’t have a “Bridge Buddy,” and goes on to say that it can help with promotion. Tendi suggests he use his time trying to find a bridge buddy, and Boimler laments that he doesn’t live on a ship with a built-in social structure, citing (among other species) the Klingon. Mariner says that Boimler wouldn’t last on a Klingon vessel, however Boimler says he bets their lower decks are a lot nicer than she thinks…
On the Klingon Bird of Prey Che’ta’, several low-ranking Klingons are situated in the ship's lower decks. Ma’ah is sleeping in one of the aforementioned hammocks when he is awoken by one of his compatriots, who wants him to join him for food before the best gagh is consumed. Another one of the low-ranking Klingons rebukes him, saying that today is her day to clean the gagh barrels. Another one of the Klingons remarks that he has combat training, but to save him a seat at lunch (so long as he survives). That’s when Ma’ah reveals that it is a day of great honor for him. He’ll be serving on the bridge, at the helm, and he’s noticed Commander Togg has been undermining Captain Dorg. This is especially significant on a Klingon vessel, because the way to ascend in authority is to kill your direct commanding officer. But today, Ma’ah is hoping that Togg is killed, and with his presence on the bridge, that he’ll be the logical choice for the position of First Officer. But his choice of the word “logical” causes the Klingons to burst out laughing, and wonder aloud what it would be like to serve on a Vulcan vessel…
Elsewhere, in the lower decks of the Vulcan Cruiser Sh’Vhal, one of the low-ranking Vulcans asks if her compatriots would like to take part in a chess game after their duty shift. That’s when T’Lyn notes that she has detected an anomalous surge of metreon particles in System 7743.8. The system would be beyond the ship’s scanning range but T’Lyn has used personal algorithms to boost their sensors. One of her compatriots notes that she had a different task, but T’Lyn says the task was redundant. She says that she “wanted to,” before catching herself and correcting to “it is logical to” improve scanning abilities. Another compatriot notes that the readings are within acceptable parameters, but T’Lyn notes that because such a phenomenon has never been observed in the system before, it is anomalous. T’Lyn says something “feels off,” and her compatriots again bristle. One notes that she has been warned about this behavior before, but T’Lyn argues that the phenomena is of statistical significance, and therefore worth investigating. She leaves to inform the Captain.
On the Che’ta’, Ma’ah arrives on the bridge, where he walks into the middle of a battle between Captain Dorg and Commander Togg. The Captain kills Togg and declares that he had forgotten what it means to be Klingon, and demands an honorable First Officer. He concludes that the job will go to the most impressive officer of the day – and then demands Togg’s body be removed. Ma’ah eagerly jumps at the opportunity to serve… and Dorg nods his ascent before Ma’ah drags Togg’s body away.
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[ Screencap Index ]
Meanwhile, back on the Cerritos, Boimler has resolved to find his own Bridge Buddy. In the cafeteria, he approaches Lt. Junior Grade Kayshon and offers him a drink along with some rusty Tamarian: “Kimarnt, her head cloudy.” Kayshon gladly accepts the drink. Boimler explains that he took a little bit of Tamarian at the Academy and goes on to say, “Karno, in the forest with… Mira?” But the metaphor insults Kayshon’s weight, and the security officer leaves in a huff. Next, we see Boimler enter the pottery room, where Rutherford and Shax are throwing some clay. Boimler says that since Rutherford has two Bridge Buddies, maybe he can share. He attempts to start a conversation with Shax by asking whether or not he learned to make pottery on Bajor…
But that is not the right thing to say. Shax swiftly becomes enraged, declaring that “fighting fascism is a full-time job” and terrifying the other Cerritos crewmembers… Except for Rutherford, whose able to use his special connection with Shax to calm the angry Lieutenant down. As he relaxes, he notes that he’s going to be making an ashtray that looks like a puppy…
Back on the Che’ta’, a targ is chewing on a stuffed toy at the encouragement of Dorg. Ma’ah returns to the bridge and pets the targ, comparing him to Kor’s hound at the Battle of Klach D’kel Brakt. The comparison impresses Dorg, and Ma’ah is about to capitalize on the interest further when another crewmember demands he fetch more bloodwine.
Meanwhile, on the Sh’Vhal, T’Lyn is speaking with the Vulcan Captain, who questions why she insists on going outside the purview of her duties. The Captain is skeptical of her desire to readjust their course toward the anomaly she had detected. The Captain concedes to T’Lyn’s request after she states that it would be logical to investigate, but he orders her to spend the next two days in meditation. She states that she does not have time for this, but the Captain rebuffs her, saying that she needs to work on her self-control through silent meditation. “Beliefs, feelings, instincts,” the Captain says. “You are behaving like a child.”
Back on the Cerritos, Dr. T’Ana and Tendi are rock climbing, as Boimler approaches with rocket boots. But T’Ana is not impressed with Boimler’s lack of preparation. That’s when his hover boots give out, and Boimler falls to a painful landing in the trees below… Shortly afterwards, Boimler comes upon Captain Freeman. She and Mariner are battling and arguing with one another. “If I had to dance around everything that freaks out Billups, we wouldn’t get anything done!” Freeman shouts. Boimler panics and flees the room. He’s dejected as he gets in the turbolift, when Commander Jack Ransom is excitedly speaking with an Ensign and a Lt. Junior Grade about Hawaii. After eavesdropping for a moment, Boimler inserts himself into the conversation… and when he learns that they have a little group based around the fact that they’re all from Hawaii, he lies and says he’s from Hawaii, too. Soon, Boimler has arranged to meet the group on the Holodeck later on for a beach getaway…
On the Che’ta’, Ma’ah returns with the blood wine, but the Klingon who demanded he fetch it simply collapses on top of him. Dorg tells him to walk the targ until the traitor’s leg passes. Ma’ah is powerless to resist as the targ licks his face.
On the Sh’Vhal, T’Lyn is nominally in meditation, but she’s actually still working on one of her projects. When her compatriots arrive, they question her behavior, stating that her “rebelliousness” will lead only to “punitive spiritualism.” T’Lyn implies that her compatriot is limited by her slavish devotion to protocol, before suggesting they could be friends, even noting that in Klingon culture, those who stand together are designated cha’Dich. Her compatriot states that they are not Klingon, to which T’Lyn responds that they aren’t Borg drones, either: they don’t have to blindly follow orders. Her compatriot insinuates that she’s going to inform Vulcan High Command of T’Lyn’s behavior…
In the lower decks sleeping quarters of the Cerritos, Rutherford is holding a model of Deep Space Nine as he and Tendi counsel Boimler to come clean about not being from Hawaii. Boimler obviously knows this is the right choice… but he shows up in the holodeck in a Hawaiian shirt anyway.
On the Che’ta’, Dorg is listening to Klingon opera while drinking bloodwine. Ma’ah arrives in the Captain’s quarters with the targ and confirms that the leg has passed. Dorg expresses his belief that the Klingon Empire has fallen into dishonor, citing things like joining Starfleet and enrolling in Bajoran academies as proof that the Klingon’s have lost their way. Ma’ah agrees that it is trouble to see Klingon warriors lose their lurDech, again impressing Dorg, who declares him a true Klingon, saying he could one day be the captain of his own ship. That’s when a Pakled message is broadcast into the Captain’s quarters. Dorg declares that they will discuss the transaction in person, saying he will beam over with his new Second-in-Command. Dorg explains that the Pakled’s have an insatiable hunger for power, which he has manipulated by giving them Klingon weapons and thereby destabilizing the Quadrant. Ma’ah says that Klingons do not allow another to fight their battles, which the Captain says is in his favor, as none suspect his involvement.
On the Cerritos, Freeman and Mariner are playing Starfleet Risk when they get a notification that some anomalous energy has been detected. While Mariner moans about having spent time with Freeman, they both admit that had a good time today.
Meanwhile, Ma’ah and Dorg beam in to the Pakled Clumpship Pakled. They’re greeted by Rebner, who introduces himself even though Dorg has met him several times. Rebner says they need another Varuvian bomb, as they used the first one they were given on an asteroid, hence the metreon particles picked up by T’Lyn’s boosted sensors. Suddenly, a “Red Alarm” klaxon sounds as the Cerritos drops out of warp! Dorg orders that the Cerritos communication be blocked so that they can destroy the Starfleet vessel! However, Freeman assumes that the Pakleds are attacking the Klingons, who are meant to be their allies. She tries to hail them, but both vessels power up their weapons. Freeman puts the shields up as the Cerritos goes to Red Alert!
Crewmembers of the Cerritos abandon their recreation to assist in the conflict, not bothering to take the time to shed their various extracurricular outfits. The Cerritos fires back at the enemy vessels as the Hawaiian clique is trapped in a hallway. Overwhelmed with guilt, Boimler admits he’s not from Hawaii… Leading to the other three to admit they aren’t from Hawaii, either – Ransom just lied about being Hawaiian to impress a commanding officer from Honolulu during his days as an ensign. But that’s when the other three all discover they do still have a point of origin in common, anyway: they’re all from moons! As they bond, Boimler tries to say his city of origin (Modesto) is sort of the “moon” of San Francisco (which just offends them).
On the bridge of the Che’ta’, Dorg says that when the Pakleds take the final shot, they’ll start a war with the Federation, achieving the discord he craves. Ma’ah says that it’s dishonorable to let another fight their battles, but Dorg uses his age to establish authority. Ma’ah notes that other Klingons have tried to sabotage the peace but failed, and Dorg says he will not.
Meanwhile, on the Pakled lower decks, four low-ranking Pakleds are leaning against barrels of mushroot and talking about their personal needs, indifferent to both the Red Alarm and the conflict it indicates.
On the Cerritos, things are looking dire… but that’s when the Sh’Vhal drops out of orbit and puts itself between the Cerritos and the Pakled. The Sh’Vhal sets its shields to full power, but the Klingon weaponry possessed by the Pakled poses a problem. T’Lyn suggests that the Captain implement her other project: an untested regenerative shield. The Captain is skeptical but T’Lyn states that it is logical to use it, as they have no alternative. The Sh’Vhal is large, but that means the Che’ta’ can use its small size to quickly maneuver around it and score hit after hit.
On the bridge of the Che’ta’, Dorg states that destroying two enemy vessels would please him. Ma’ah asks if the Klingon High Council knows of his actions and Dorg states that they lack foresight, but they’ll fall in line after his plan has come to pass.
However, the Sh’Vhal’s shields rise to more than 100% after T’Lyn’s modifications have been implemented, and the Captain orders they disable the Pakled ship. Dorg commands that the Che’ta’ target the Federation ship, but Ma’ah interjects and says it is dishonorable – and soon, the pair are fist fighting. It looks like Dorg has incapacitated Ma’ah… but Ma’ah has earned the loyalty of the targ, who attacks Dorg at a key moment! Dorg knocks the targ aside but Ma’ah has taken advantage of the distraction: wielding a traditional Klingon blade, he impales Dorg. Ma’ah has now ascending to the role of Captain. The bridge looks to him for command, and he instructs them to head back to the homeworld, where the Council will decide what to do with Dorg.
With the Che’ta’ retreating, the Cerritos and the Sh’Vhal both turn their weapons on the Pakled. The Pakled is forced to flee, warping away after sustaining significant damage. The bridge of the Cerritos explodes in celebration. Freeman hails the Sh’Vhal but the Vulcan Captain has no time for human celebration and the communication is quickly terminated. Freeman muses that they now know where the Pakleds are getting all that weaponry from, and states that she must contact Starfleet Command.
On the Sh’Vhal, the Captain notes that they likely only survived thanks to T’Lyn’s “instinct.” However, the Captain says that her perceived victory will only fuel her impulsivity. T’Lyn says she will prepare to return to Vulcan but the Captain has another assignment in mind: he’s sending her to enlist in Starfleet, where he says her “hotheaded ways” may make her fit in better. T’Lyn is unhappy with the decision but the Captain is indifferent. As she leaves, T’Lyn delivers a sarcastic Vulcan salute.
In the Cerritos cafeteria, Boimler sees the Moon Buddies bonding and laments his lack of inclusion. Mariner cheers him up by telling him that during their next long-haul warp, the ensigns will do something with each other, comforting Boimler. He approaches the bar to get another drink and a young crewmember approaches him. While Boimler has been looking for someone to look up to, it seems Ransom saw something else in Boimler: the potential to be looked up to. The young crewmember needs help with his duty schedule, and Ransom sent him to Boimler for advice on organization.
“The bridge crew is maybe the ones you hear about,” Boimler tells the cadet. “But trust me, the real action begins on the Lower Decks.”
Elsewhere in space, on the Borg Cube 90182, four borg drones situated within the cube’s lower decks stand in their charging stations…waiting…
Trailer
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