ENTERPRISE

"Insanity"

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. MENTAL INSTITUTE, SAN FRANCISCO - DAY

Two-dozen patients sit or wander around the room, some talking to themselves. There are a couple nurses and orderlies working with the patients.

Reed sits between two chairs and an end table that has been turned on its side for 'cover'. He's working a weapon that only he sees and is preparing for an enemy attack, muttering orders to his subordinates.

Archer steps into the room, stopping the orderly to speak to him. The orderly points at Reed and Archer walks up to Reed. He crouches down, watching Reed for a few minutes. Archer is older with graying hair and wrinkles.

ARCHER
Malcolm?

Reed doesn't respond. He continues fighting off the attack in his imagination. Archer stands, steps over the table and sits down beside Reed, watching him for several minutes.

ARCHER
Who are you fighting today,
Malcolm? Suliban? Klingons,
maybe?
(beat)
Humans?

Reed doesn't respond to him. He continues giving orders and fighting. Archer rests his head against the wall, looking up at the lights.

ARCHER
This isn't you, Malcolm. This is
just... crazy!

Reed grows suddenly still and silent. Archer looks at Reed.

ARCHER
Malcolm?

Reed looks up, meeting Archer's eyes.

REED
(sing-song)
Crazy? I was crazy once. They
locked me in a padded room. I
lived there. I died there. They
buried me where the flowers grew.
The flowers grew upside down.
Tickled my nose. Nearly drove me
crazy! Crazy? I was crazy once...

Reed continues with the chant. Archer sighs, standing. He steps over the table, leaving Reed to his madman chants. Reed looks up, seeing the door open and through it he can see the bridge and the entire bridge crew. He begins to tremble.

REED
(frightened)
Captain Archer...
(beat)
Help me.

Reed wakes to find himself entombed in water. He thrashes at water until he breaks the surface.

INT. WATER FILLED OUBLIETTE

There is no light in the oubliette and Reed can't find a bottom. He lays his head back so his face is out of the water and screams.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER