Fabula
S1E24 · We'll Always Have Paris
S1E24
· We'll Always Have Paris

Fencing Duel Interrupted by Sudden Energy Blast

Captain Picard and Commander Riker engage in a spirited saber fencing duel, demonstrating their skill, mutual respect, and camaraderie through sharp exchanges and clever maneuvers. Just as Picard lands a surprising, desperate strike, the Enterprise violently shudders under a powerful external energy blast. The sudden attack throws them off balance, causes lights to flicker, and immediately triggers a yellow alert. Both officers quickly transition from sport to command mode, racing to the communications panel to demand an urgent report. This jarring disruption abruptly shifts the narrative from personal respite to a looming crisis, setting in motion the unfolding interdimensional threat tied to Picard’s deeper personal journey.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

The Enterprise shudders violently under a massive external force, throwing Picard and Riker off balance and plunging the ship into chaos with flickering lights.

lighthearted competition to sudden crisis ['Enterprise gymnasium transitioning to ship-wide impact']

Picard and Riker rush to the communications panel amid yellow alert status, demanding an immediate report on the unknown external assault.

panic to command focus ['Enterprise gymnasium shifting focus to bridge …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Focused and playful during the duel, shifting rapidly to alert, concerned, and commanding upon the ship’s violent impact.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard actively engages in a competitive saber duel with Commander Riker, executing skilled and inventive moves culminating in a surprising strike. When the Enterprise is hit, he quickly recovers, displaying sharp command presence by rushing to the communications panel and demanding a report.

Goals in this moment
  • • To best Riker in their fencing match, enjoying a brief respite from command pressures.
  • • To swiftly assess and respond to the ship's emergency situation, maintaining command control.
Active beliefs
  • • Physical and mental discipline is crucial even in moments of leisure.
  • • The safety and security of the Enterprise and crew is paramount and demands immediate attention.
Character traits
competitive skilled resilient decisive authoritative
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Energetic and competitive during the duel, then surprised but quickly composed and alert during the emergency.

Commander William Riker participates vigorously in the saber duel with Picard, responding with skill and competitive spirit. Surprised by Picard’s unexpected move, he quickly transitions to alertness and joins Picard toward the communications panel to address the sudden crisis.

Goals in this moment
  • • To engage in friendly yet serious competition with Picard, strengthening camaraderie.
  • • To assist in swiftly understanding and managing the emergency threatening the Enterprise.
Active beliefs
  • • Maintaining physical readiness complements strategic leadership.
  • • Quick, coordinated response is essential in crisis situations.
Character traits
competitive alert responsive loyal tactically minded
Follow William Riker's journey
Custodian Voice
primary

Neutral and clinical, maintaining steady delivery despite crisis.

The Enterprise Computer Voice interjects with a calm, authoritative announcement of Yellow Alert immediately after the ship sustains the massive external blast, signaling the transition from routine to emergency and prompting urgent response.

Goals in this moment
  • • To promptly communicate critical ship status changes to the crew.
  • • To facilitate seamless command response through clear, concise alerts.
Active beliefs
  • • Precise and timely information is vital to effective crisis management.
  • • Maintaining calm and clarity during emergencies supports crew performance.
Character traits
impartial calm authoritative efficient
Follow Custodian Voice's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Enterprise Corridor Communication Panels

The communications panel acts as the critical interface through which Picard immediately issues a command to the bridge, transitioning the scene from physical play to urgent command. It embodies the shift from personal leisure to professional crisis management.

Before: Inactive, positioned on the gymnasium wall, awaiting use.
After: Activated by Picard and Riker as they urgently …
Before: Inactive, positioned on the gymnasium wall, awaiting use.
After: Activated by Picard and Riker as they urgently seek information and issue commands.
Picard and Riker's Fencing Sabers

The pair of fencing sabers serve as the primary instruments of competition and camaraderie between Picard and Riker. Their precise and swift use highlights the officers' skill and rapport. The duel is suddenly interrupted when the ship is struck, making the sabers symbols of fleeting normalcy before an abrupt crisis.

Before: Held firmly in the hands of Picard and …
After: Abandoned briefly as the officers are thrown off …
Before: Held firmly in the hands of Picard and Riker during active fencing in the gymnasium.
After: Abandoned briefly as the officers are thrown off balance, then set aside as they rush to address the emergency.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Deck Twelve Gymnasium

The Enterprise gymnasium serves as the initial setting for the duel, a space designed for physical training and friendly competition. Its atmosphere shifts dramatically from a controlled environment of camaraderie and sport to a chaotic, unstable place as the ship shudders violently and lights flicker, symbolizing the fragile boundary between normalcy and crisis aboard the vessel.

Atmosphere From lighthearted and competitive to tense and disorienting with sudden danger.
Function Battleground for the officers' duel and the sudden site of the ship’s violent external attack.
Symbolism Represents a temporary sanctuary for leadership respite before the harsh realities of command intrude.
Three long fencing lanes spaced six feet apart Flickering lights caused by ship’s instability Presence of fencing equipment and communication panels on the wall

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 4
Causal

"The initial energy blast on the Enterprise abruptly interrupts Picard and Riker's fencing match, setting the crisis in motion leading to the discovery of the distress call from Paul Manheim."

Picard Confronts Data as the Dimensional Rift Threat Emerges
S1E24 · We'll Always Have Paris
Causal

"The initial energy blast on the Enterprise abruptly interrupts Picard and Riker's fencing match, setting the crisis in motion leading to the discovery of the distress call from Paul Manheim."

Enterprise Detects Vandor’s Forcefield and Responds to Distress
S1E24 · We'll Always Have Paris
Causal

"The initial energy blast on the Enterprise abruptly interrupts Picard and Riker's fencing match, setting the crisis in motion leading to the discovery of the distress call from Paul Manheim."

Laura's Desperate Plea and the Forcefield Breach
S1E24 · We'll Always Have Paris
Causal

"The initial energy blast on the Enterprise abruptly interrupts Picard and Riker's fencing match, setting the crisis in motion leading to the discovery of the distress call from Paul Manheim."

Picard Faces the Unknown: Manheim’s Dimensional Window and Rising Stakes
S1E24 · We'll Always Have Paris

Key Dialogue

"PICARD: En garde."
"RIKER: Interesting move. What technique was that?"
"PICARD: The technique of a desperate man. Shall we..."
"COMPUTER VOICE: Yellow Alert."
"PICARD: Picard to bridge. Report."