- We start with a dedication to the victims of the space shuttle Columbia accident, which occurred a few weeks before Star Trek began shooting.
- A variation of the main theme of the series swells, and the title card explodes into outer space. We're already off to an action-packed start.
- We see a ship pass a nebula. This is the USS Saratoga. Inside, Starfleet officers—they're the good guys—discuss a probe that's approaching them. The captain tells the communications officer to send a message of peace.
- Meanwhile, the captain calls Starfleet to relay her findings. She says that the probe is heading directly toward Earth.