Captain Archer presents the Xindi Council with evidence that the Sphere Builders have been manipulating the Xindi into declaring war on Earth. But for many of the Xindi races, the Sphere Builders are revered as gods – and to regard them with suspicion is sacrelige. Archer’s evidence splinters the Council however, and the enraged Xindi-Insectoids strike a secret pact with the Sphere Builders to seize control of the Council for themselves. While Archer is presenting further evidence at a tense second meeting of the Council, a team led by T’Pol and Reed is infiltrating the sphere-weapon intended to eliminate Earth, but their mission comes at a high cost – and it could become even higher when the Xindi-Insectoid leader kills Degra for protecting Archer, and launches the weapon ahead of schedule. With some of the Xindi races now acting as his allies, Archer attempts to destroy the weapon – and fails as the weapon begins hurtling out of the Expanse and toward a fateful rendezvous with Earth.
written by Manny Coto
directed by David Livingston
music by Velton Ray BunchGuest Cast: Randy Oglesby (Degra), Tucker Smallwood (Xindi-Humanoid), Rick Worthy (Xindi-Arboreal), Scott MacDonald (Reptilian Commander), Josette DiCarlo (Sphere-Builder Woman), Sean McGowan (Hawkins), Bruce Thomas (Reptilian Soldier), Andrew Borba (Reptilian Lieutenant), Mary Mara (Sphere-Builder Presage), Ruth Williamson (Sphere-Builder Primary), Eric Lemler (Helm Crewman)
Note: This episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series in 2004, but the award went to the next episode, Countdown.
LogBook entry by Earl Green
