These Are The Voyages... - Plot

Plot

"These Are the Voyages..." is a frame story. The 22nd century events of the Star Trek: Enterprise are shown through a holodeck re-creation during the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Pegasus". In the 24th century, Commander William Riker observes a recreation of the events surrounding the formation of the United Federation of Planets, hoping the events of the past will help him make some important decisions. Chronologically, the 22nd century events of "These Are the Voyages..." take place six years after the previous episode, "Terra Prime".

In 2161, the starship Enterprise and its crew return to Earth on the eve of the signing of the Federation charter. After ten years of service, the Enterprise is due to be decommissioned. Captain Jonathan Archer frets over the speech he will give to the assembled delegates. The Enterprise is contacted by Shran, an Andorian whom Archer had believed dead. Shran's daughter has been kidnapped by shady business partners, and Shran asks for Archer's help in rescuing her. Archer decides to assist Shran, despite T'Pol's warning that they may be late returning for the signing.

While the Enterprise crew surprises Shran's enemies and brings his daughter safely to the ship, the business associates track and board the Enterprise on the return trip. To save Archer's life, engineer Trip Tucker offers to help the intruders but instead overloads two conduits. The result is an explosion that allows the Enterprise to escape but mortally wounds Tucker. Archer is troubled that he must write a speech about how worthwhile their explorations have been, despite his friend's death, but T'Pol assures him that Tucker would have considered it worthwhile. On Earth, Archer enters a grand hall to give his speech as Riker ends the simulation, now sure of what course he should take. The final shot is a montage of the ships named Enterprise as Captains Picard, Kirk, and Archer recite the "Where no man has gone before" monologue.