Desert Crossing

Captain Archer and Commander Tucker are invited to a desert planet by a man named Zobral only to discover that he is a "terrorist" with ulterior motives.

Later, Enterprise is hailed from the planet by Chancellor Trellit of the Torothan government, who tells Sub-Commander T'Pol that Zobral and his men are terrorists, and that Archer and Tucker will probably never be seen again.

Zobral entreats them to stay, saying that after years of abuse by the oppressive Torothan government, and steadily failing attempts of resistance against it, his people are in dire need, and have been searching for outside help.

Meanwhile, on Enterprise, Lieutenant Reed detects weapons fire on the surface, and Ensign Sato can't hail Archer as the region is being jammed.

Zobral rendezvous with Enterprise and is met by T'Pol and Reed, who inform him that the account of Archer's liberation of the Suliban prisoners was true, but wildly exaggerated.

Initially angered and disappointed, Zobral turns to leave, but is eventually persuaded to help T'Pol and Reed sneak a shuttle pod past the Torothan defenses in order to locate Archer and Tucker.

While searching for bio-signs, T'Pol observes a bombardment of the ruined encampment from a distant battery, and orders that a new course be set, believing the Torothans have located them.

Aboard Enterprise, Zobral prepares to leave, and Archer tells him that becoming involved in planetary conflicts is not the reason why Starfleet is exploring the galaxy.

[9] VFX Supervisor Ronald B. Moore of Eden FX was on location, he said the dunes were absolutely gorgeous and it was beautiful but on the second day filming had to be shut down due to a sandstorm.

Much work was needed to remove background objects and footprints from the sand, and to explain the tire tracks they even added a three-wheeled vehicle and a person in CGI.

Michelle Erica Green of TrekNation gave the episode a positive review, and said all the elements came together, "solid plot, good acting, great continuity, a break from the monotony of the ship and some of the Big Themes for which Star Trek has long been appreciated.