Hostilities have escalated on theplanetoid Weytahn (orPaan Mokar, asVulcans call it).Commander Shran is managing the fighting when his subordinate,Tarah, informs him that the enemy, the Vulcans, have new deployments and may have found a weakness in their defenses. Shran, meanwhile, received a request for acease fire. Neither of them trust the Vulcans, but Shran suggests they may have an option –Captain Jonathan Archer.

Act One[]

Captain Jonathan Archer is ordered byAdmiral Maxwell Forrest to go the planet as anegotiator to address the conflict resulting from an unsatisfying and oppressing hundred-year-oldTerritorial Compromise treaty. Archer is skeptical, and not sure how they expect him to help in a conflict they have not been able to resolve in one hundred years, but Admiral Forrest emphasizes the importance of this mission, stating that this is the first time the Vulcans asked them for their help and that Archer is the closest thingStarfleet has to anambassador out there. Despite initial hesitation, Archer agrees to get there as fast as he can.

During dinner, Captain Archer asksT'Pol about Paan Mokar, claiming that he doesn't really know much about it except that it is aclass D planet, not much bigger thanEarth's moon, and that it was claimed by the Vulcans in2097.Trip Tucker notes that a class D planet is uninhabitable and wonders why they are fighting over it. T'Pol explains that when theAndorians first arrived a century ago, they beganterraforming the planet; once anatmosphere was developed, they established a settlement. Archer asks why there is a problem if it was unclaimed at the time. T'Pol explains that the planet's sole value is its strategic location near Vulcan space and that Vulcans believed that the onlylogical conclusion was that the Andorians were setting up a military base there – even though, technically, they did not have any evidence of a military settlement built on Paan Mokar. She states that the Andorians refused to let theVulcan High Command inspect the colony, upon which Paan Mokar was finally annexed to Vulcan territory. The Andorian colonists were removed by force and after this forced removal, asurveillance satellite was put inorbit to monitor the agreement. The planet had been deserted for nearly a century – until now.

"Captain'sstarlog, Supplemental. In the three days it has taken is to reach Paan Mokar, the situation has grown considerably more tense."

When they finally arrive in orbit, Archer first meets with AmbassadorSoval andSub-commander Muroc. Soval makes it clear he is not very happy about the situation and the fact that Archer specifically has been asked to negotiate this. Archer learns an officer of theAndorian Imperial Guard personally asked for Archer's involvement in such a matter, and Soval directly asks Archer why that might be. Archer doesn't have an answer, and Soval makes it clear that given the nature of these negotiations, he does not really considerEnterprise's presence there an asset. Archer regrets that he feels that way and offers to leave if they so desire, but Soval does not seem to like this alternative either. He explains that six days ago, Commander Shran landed a force on Weytahn, occupying the settlement. While the Vulcans attempted to enforce the treaty of 2097, and successfully re-took half thecolony, several were wounded in these efforts and three taken hostage. Shran has agreed to discuss terms for the safe return of thehostages, however, but only if Archer acts as mediator. Archer's presence during these negotiations therefore, seems indispensable and they need his help whether they like it or not. Archer agrees, however, Soval wants to send Muroc down with Archer to represent the Vulcans' interest. Archer refuses, saying that, if Shran trusts Archer, that would make matters worse. He says that the only Vulcan he will bring down with him on the planet will be hisfirst officer – T'Pol.

Before they leave,Doctor Phlox tells Archer there's amutagenic pathogen on the planet and needs to prepare him withanaleptic radiation. During, they talk a bit about the situation. Archer ponders aloud to Phlox that his mission is about demonstrating the readiness of theHuman race to join a much larger community. Phlox notes to him to be careful, as the battlefield can be unpredictable even when there's a truce.

Archer and T'Pol then proceed to the surface to meet with Shran, with their sensors gradually succumbing to the Andorians'jamming signal. On the way, T'Pol asks what preparation Archer has made for the negotiations. Archer says he "glanced" at all the materials given to him, but T'Pol seems concerned. T'Pol assures him she wants him to prove Soval's belief that he'll fail wrong, but Archer doesn't believe quoting Vulcan agreements will be effective. Instead, he explains to T'Pol that his first goal is to convince Shran that he can trust him. Then, he will "play it by ear." Again, not what T'Pol wanted to hear.

On the surface, T'Pol and Archer slowly explore the area to which they were directed. A group of armed Andorian guards led by Tarah meet with them. She notes the Vulcan present, but Archer insists he wasn't told to come alone and thatshe helped expose P'Jem. She then takes them to Shran with bags over their heads. At their headquarters, the bags are taken off, revealing Shran to Archer.

Act Two[]

Shran states that he believes in Archer's ability to handle the situation without prejudice. Archer is shown the Vulcanprisoners – not hostages, they insist. T'Pol states the Vulcan point of view and is immediately rebuffed by Tarah. Shran then states his demand: the immediate withdrawal of all Vulcan military forces, the rescinding of the so-called compromise, and the conceding of full sovereignty of Weythan toAndoria. Archer recognizes this as more of the same behavior, stating that if all Shran needs is someone to deliver his list of demands, then he should find someone else. But Shran says that he needs Archer's help because he wants to speak with Soval personally, someone who actually can make binding decisions without having to ask his superiors and drag on the issue forever. Archer agrees to see what he can do. Shran wants the negotiations to take place on the planet. In return, and as a sign of good faith, he agrees to releaseone of the Vulcan hostages.

Back onEnterprise NX-01, Soval finds the proposed conditions unacceptable. He says that if he agrees to a meeting, then it simply legitimizes the Andorian position, but Archer says that if he does not, then these negotiations end before they have even begun. Further, Muroc notes thatAndorian battle cruisers are fivehours away. Soval is reluctant, which in turn irritates Archer who is trying to reach a compromise between the two by opening up the channels of communication. Soval says that he did not ask for Archer's help and that he also does not feel obliged to accept it. Archer points out that at least the Andorians are willing to talk, which is more than can be said of the Vulcans; the next move has to come from the Vulcans, Archer tells him. Despite his reservations, Soval finally agrees to go down to the planet with Archer to speak with Shran.

On the planet, Shran prepares for the meeting. In private, Tarah asks him whether talking is really the way to go; after all, they have been talking for nearly a hundred years with the Vulcans without getting anywhere, except for the Vulcans constantly stalling the situation and lying to them. She believes that backing down now would be a bad idea. Shran knows her viewpoint, but says that he is willing to give Archer a chance, given P'Jem. Tarah believes that Shran is putting too much faith into the "pink skins", believing them to be nothing but the pawns of the Vulcans, working for their best interests accordingly. If they attack now, Tarah tells him, the Andorian forces will have the Vulcan warships on the defensive before any reinforcements can arrive. Shran simply notes her recommendation, but this makes Tarah more insistent. She continues to argue the point, so Shran dismisses her.

Meanwhile, T'Pol, Archer, and Soval make their way down to the planet viashuttlepod. However, upon entering the planet's atmosphere, they are fired upon by Andorianweapons and are forced to make an emergency landing.

Act Three[]

They don't take much damage. Archer and T'Pol exit to secure the area, and Soval states he recognizes their location. He is already backing up, suggesting to fall back on Vulcan positions, but Archer insists on trusting Shran and giving this a fair chance. He points out that they really do not know what happened, while Soval is adamant about blaming the Andorians for the attacks that crash-landed them here. He thinks that Archer is naive not realizing that Shran is just using him, but Archer believes that it is Soval who is mistaken.

Meanwhile, Muroc communicates with Tucker, stating they have been ordered to find and recover the group. Their sensors have some idea of their location. Tucker wants to be involved in anyrescue mission, but Muroc dismisses it, saying they have "more experience." Tucker openly questions that, mentioning thelast rescue mission the Vulcans performed, but Muroc ends the call.Hoshi Sato will keep trying, despite the small chance of progress on her end.Travis Mayweather updates that the Andorian back-up is three hours away.

Shran is frustrated as he had ordered the shuttle to be allowed to land. Tarah confirms it wasn't their side, but Shran can't believe the Vulcans fired on their own ambassador. Tarah doesn't think that's unlikely, stating they only have their logic, not a conscience. Shran returns her questioning, now in front of other officers, with a challenge and she backs down. He then orders her to find and bring them to him, alive.

Archer and his group reach the rough border between Andorian and Vulcan control. Before they can reach Shran's base, Archer must leave briefly to investigate the area and find the best way forward. During, Soval talks to T'Pol, openly questioning her choices of the past year to stay onEnterprise, includingher defense of the mission, when she could have gotten a better position onEarth. Further, he sees her as developing Humanemotions and anaccent. T'Pol dodges his accusations by stating clearly that Archer has earned her trust, and that doesn't mean she's developed emotions. Archer gets back and they move on. Meanwhile, Tarah has found the shuttle and guesses that Archer would rather keep his end of the bargain and head for the Andorian camp.

On theEnterprise, Sato does make some progress (but not enough), and Mayweather informs Tucker that the Andorian ships have arrived. Tucker puts the ship ontactical alert.

On the planet, the three come under fire and Soval is hit. They rush for cover.

Act Four[]

Archer announces loudly their intentions, but the Andorian weapon fire continues. He sees their locations and intends to sneak behind them. With T'Pol and Soval providing cover, he manages to get around and neutralize one of them. Archer sneaks behind the other Andorian – it's Tarah. He gets her to drop her weapon and confronts her on her undermining Shran. She believes they need to fight for what's theirs instead of negotiating it all away. Archer tries to lead her away, but the floor gives and they fight. He eventually bests her and gets the weapon, just as Shran arrives. Tarah tries to accuse Archer of betraying them, but Archer tells Shran he'll find Andorian weapon signatures on Soval's injury and on their shuttle. Shran confronts Tarah and demands the truth. Tarah finally admits she was unwilling to follow "orders to do nothing, while you betray us." She once again urges him to take a stand against the Vulcans, but instead he places her under arrest.

Meanwhile, the Andorian ships head straight for the Vulcan ships, obviously to start a firefight. Tucker, resolute, realizes his course of action: to put theEnterprise right between them.Malcolm Reed, very surprised at this, asks what his plan is, but Tucker doesn't answer. Tucker receives hails from both sides, Muroc and Andorian captainTelev. They are both prepared to start firing, but not onEnterprise. Tucker states as long as his captain is in the middle of their war, this is a Starfleet matter and he will fire on either side that starts to shoot, giving time to those on the ground to do their jobs. Soon, Tucker's action is justified as Archer calls from the surface, saying that everyone is fine.

From there, negotiations can finally proceed, and while both sides are not fully happy with the terms of the cease-fire, they are at least equally dissatisfied, which is at least something they have in common at this point. Shran proposes a toast to their mutual dissatisfaction, which Soval accepts, though Vulcans usually do not drink, given the exceptional circumstances, a drink was merited. The negotiations will be continued on Andoria and Soval grudgingly acknowledges Archer's help in the matter.

Deleted scene[]

Scene 19[]

In a deleted scene, right after Archer established negotiations with Shran, saying that Ambassador Soval in person should go to the surface, he is coming back toEnterprise in a shuttlepod with T'Pol and one of the hostages, aVulcan commando, who had been released by the Andorians. Meanwhile Archer asks T'Pol why she is so quiet, if she is unhappy about how he handled the negotiations. She replies that as Shran said, this is a very tense situation, but she thinks he is doing well. However, T'Pol alerts Archer that her opinions often differs from those of the Vulcan High Command.

Log entries[]

"Captain's Starlog, supplemental. In the three days it's taken us to reach Paan Mokar, the situation has grown considerably more tense."

"Captain's Starlog, supplemental. Ambassador Soval has begun talks with the Andorians. They have been difficult, but productive."

Memorable quotes[]

"Have you ever known a Vulcan who wouldn't lie to get what he wanted?"

-Tarah, to Shran

"There is another option. Someone I've dealt with. A pink skin. He's proven to be quite even-handed in dealing with Vulcans. His name is Archer."

-Shran, on who he wants to negotiate a cease fire between the Andorians and Vulcans

"Jonathan, this is the first time the Vulcans have asked for our help. You're the closest thing we have to an ambassador out there. You know how important this could be."

-Forrest, when Soval requests Archer's assistance on Paan Mokar

"I don't like pushing the engines this hard. The injectors are running at 110 percent."
"They're rated for 120."
"And my underwear is flame retardant. That doesn't mean that I'm going to light myself on fire to prove it!"

-Tucker andT'Pol

"Its sole value is its strategic location near Vulcan space."
"They were setting up a military base?"
"It was the only logical conclusion."
"Did you have any evidence?'"
"How much evidence wouldyou need if theKlingons decided to set up a "colony" onPluto?"

-T'Pol,Archer, andTucker discuss Paan Mokar

"Ironic...they weren't overly enthusiastic about you taking command ofEnterprise in the first place, and now, your presence is... crucial to their interests."
"It's crucial toours too... Maybe we're not out here to just scan comets and meet new species, maybe we're out here to prove that Humanity is ready to join a much larger community... I intend to do that – whether the Vulcans like it or not."

-Phlox andArcher

"I imagined my first diplomatic mission would involve sitting around a big table, toasting with champagne, signing things with lots of pens..."
"The pink skin sense of humor."

-Archer andShran

"The ball's in your court now."
"It's a Human expression – it means the next move is yours."

-Archer, thenT'Pol, to Ambassador Soval

"Fifty meters. We need to reduce our speed."
"The ground is gonna do that for us!"

-T'Pol andArcher

"My ears are less likely to draw fire than yours!"

-Archer, to T'Pol and Soval

"Whatis their fixation with our ears?"
"I believe they're envious."

-Soval andT'Pol

"Just because Captain Archer has earned my respect, doesn't mean I've been contaminated by their emotions."

-T'Pol, to Soval

"I believe someone once defined a compromise as a solution that neither side is happy with."
"In that case, these talks have been extremely successful."

-Archer andShran

"Join me in a drink to celebrate our mutual dissatisfaction."
"Vulcans don't drink... but this occasion merits an exception."

-Shran andSoval

"Captain, your presence here has not been... overly meddlesome."

-Soval, toArcher, before his departure

"I think he likes you, pink skin."
"I wouldn't gothat far."

-Shran andArcher, about Soval

Background information[]

Story and script[]

The first draft script of this episode was issued on12 November 2002. The post-production version of the final draft was submitted to archive on4 February 2003.

Cast and characters[]

Jeffrey Combs andChristopher Shea both playedVorta inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine. Combs played perhaps his most famous role ofWeyoun and Shea playedKeevan in theseason six episodes "Rocks and Shoals" and "The Magnificent Ferengi". Combs and Shea also appeared together in the latter episode, though Combs was playing the role of theFerengi Brunt.
Suzie Plakson (Tarah) previously played Dr.Selar, (TNG: "The Schizoid Man")K'Ehleyr, (TNG: "The Emissary", "Reunion") and afemale Q (VOY: "The Q and the Grey").

Continuity[]

This is the first episode ofEnterprise to have all the monitors on the bridge changed to display alert status duringtactical alert.
This episode continues the Andorians versus Vulcansarc that started in "The Andorian Incident" and "Shadows of P'Jem".
It is also another instance of Humans mediating between species who will later become founding members of theUnited Federation of Planets about9 years after this episode. Archer even voices his newfound opinion,Enterprise is not only out here to study comets, but also prove Humanity is ready to join a "much larger community".
This episode introduces Archer's love ofAndorian ale. Further references occur in "Proving Ground" and "Babel One".

Links and references[]

Starring[]

Guest stars[]

Co-stars[]

Uncredited co-stars[]

Stunt double[]

Katie Rowe asstunt double forSuzie Plakson

References[]

2097;2112;act of war;AM;analeptic radiation;Andoria;Andorians;Andorian ale;Andorian Empire;Andorian Imperial Council;Andorian Imperial Guard;Andorian rifle;Andorian warship (unnamed);annexation;assistant counsel;base of operations;biosignature;blindfold;Border Incursions of 2112;champagne;Class D;commando unit;D'kyr-type (Vulcan cruiser,Muroc's starship);Denobulan Infantry;dozen;ear;Earth;envoy;expression;fixation;flag of truce;gesture;heart;jamming range;kidnapper;kilometer;listening post;logic;Luna;meter;military base (akamilitary outpost);mutagenic pathogen;navigational sensor;negotiating skills;negotiating tactics;negotiation;Paan Mokar;Paraaga II;P'Jem;pink skin; "play it by ear";Pluto;prejudice;puppet;rebel;rescue mission (akarescue operation);Revised Intersystem Agreement;Sector Two report;sense of humor;Shuttlepod 1;Shuttlepod 2;southeast;Starfleet uniforms;stun;sub-commander;surveillance satellite;tactical alert;terraforming;Territorial Compromise;toast;treatise;Treaty of 2097;underwear;unit;V'Lar;Vulcans;Vulcan (planet);Vulcan database;Vulcan High Command;Vulcan military forces;Vulcan space;west;Weytahn;Weytahn settlement

External links[]

"Cease Fire" atMemory Beta, the wiki for licensedStar Trek works
"Cease Fire" atWikipedia
"Cease Fire" at theInternet Movie Database

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Star Trek: Enterprise

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Cease Fire (episode)

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Contents

Summary[]

Teaser[]