After receiving a distress signal, Starfleet Command dispatches Enterprise to assist Fortunate, a human freight vessel attacked by Nausicaan pirates wounding the captain. On arriving, they are surprised that Fortunate's acting commander and crew are resistant to Archer's efforts to help them and determined to seek revenge against their attackers, no matter the repercussion

When an unidentified enemy vessel attacks Enterprise, Archer orders the ship's return to Jupiter Station for weapon upgrades. But, Reed, Tucker, and the crew work frantically to get their new phase cannons operational to meet this new threat. Meanwhile, Archer realizes no one knows Reed well enough to give him a personalized birthday gift. So, he orders Sato to investigate Reed's favorite food.