In an alternate universe, where the universe is ruled by the imperialistic Terran Empire, Commander Archer is the first officer of the I.S.S. Enterprise, serving under Captain Forrest. Archer wants Forrest to take the ship into Tholian space, where there may be a ship that can provide valuable technology to the Empire. But Forrest rejects his idea, thinking Archer is only trying to gain power. The determined Archer does not give up and recruits Major Reed and Sergeant Mayweather to stage a mutiny. Archer not only wants control of the ship, but also wants Forrest's lover, Hoshi, and hopes this mission in finding this ship can lead to him gaining more power in the Empire.