Fabula
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Geordi Diagnoses Jaradan Probe as Source of Malfunctions

In the critical moments aboard the Enterprise, Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, supported by Ensign Wesley Crusher and technicians, runs a thorough diagnostic of the ship's systems. Amid mounting tension over the Jaradan's unresponsiveness, Geordi identifies a Jaradan probe as the elusive cause behind the ship's perplexing technical failures. This revelation concretely links the external alien threat to the internal crisis, validating Commander Riker's suspicion that the Jarada are testing the Enterprise's resolve. Worf advises strategic patience, underscoring the crew's collective anxiety. This scene sharply escalates the stakes by framing the technical malfunctions not as random glitches but as deliberate hostile interference, heightening the urgency for a timely resolution.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Geordi reports system diagnostics pointing to a Jaradan probe as the likely source of the ship's troubles, elevating the stakes with a technical challenge.

concern to focused urgency ['Enterprise bridge command area', 'engineering consoles']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

5

Calm and measured, masking any underlying tension to provide steady counsel.

Lieutenant Worf advises patience and strategic waiting, embodying disciplined loyalty and calm presence amid growing anxiety, tempering urgency with stoic restraint.

Goals in this moment
  • Encourage strategic patience to avoid rash decisions
  • Support command with grounded, tactical advice
Active beliefs
  • Waiting and observing are critical in tense diplomatic scenarios
  • Maintaining composure strengthens crew cohesion and decision-making
Character traits
Disciplined Loyal Calm Tactical
Follow Worf's journey

Anxious yet resolute, aware of the diplomatic and operational stakes mounting with each moment of silence.

Commander William Riker commands with anxious urgency, pressing for updates on Jarada communications and interpreting the silence as a possible test of Federation resolve, steering the crew’s strategic mindset.

Goals in this moment
  • Obtain reliable intelligence about Jarada intentions
  • Maintain crew readiness and morale amidst uncertainty
Active beliefs
  • The Jarada’s silence is deliberate and meaningful
  • The Enterprise must demonstrate steadfastness to secure diplomatic aims
Character traits
Authoritative Strategic Anxious Proactive
Follow William Riker's journey

Focused and earnest, driven by a desire to prove his worth and aid the crew during the crisis.

Ensign Wesley Crusher actively assists Geordi and the technicians in diagnosing the ship's systems, contributing his youthful intellect and focused energy to the technical investigation under pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • Support engineering efforts to diagnose malfunctions
  • Help locate the elusive cause of the technical issues
Active beliefs
  • The Jaradan probe is a likely culprit worth investigating
  • Teamwork with senior engineers is essential to overcome the crisis
Character traits
Eager Intelligent Diligent Supportive
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey

Determined and cautiously optimistic despite the complexity and gravity of the technical crisis.

Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge leads a systematic diagnostic of the Enterprise’s systems, communicating clearly with Commander Riker while integrating Ensign Wesley Crusher’s insight about the Jaradan probe. He is focused and determined to pinpoint the cause of the ship’s malfunctions amid rising external threats.

Goals in this moment
  • Identify the root cause of the ship's malfunctions
  • Communicate clear findings to command to inform strategic decisions
Active beliefs
  • The malfunctions are not random but caused by an external source
  • Pinpointing the Jaradan probe is critical to resolving the crisis
Character traits
Technically brilliant Calm under pressure Collaborative Analytical
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Concentrated and steady, professionally engaged in troubleshooting under pressure.

The Enterprise Engineering Technicians work diligently alongside Geordi and Wesley, providing critical hands-on support to conduct system diagnostics amidst the tense atmosphere of the Holodeck Entrance.

Goals in this moment
  • Execute precise diagnostics to aid in resolving system malfunctions
  • Support lead engineers in identifying and rectifying technical faults
Active beliefs
  • Accurate diagnostics are key to restoring ship systems
  • Technical teamwork ensures efficiency during crises
Character traits
Focused Competent Professional Collaborative
Follow Technician's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

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Jaradan Probe

The Jaradan probe is identified by Geordi and his team as the hidden source causing the Enterprise’s technical malfunctions, establishing a direct link between external alien interference and the ship's internal crises, significantly raising the narrative stakes.

Before: Undetected and causing unexplained system anomalies aboard the …
After: Recognized as the primary source of malfunctions, prompting …
Before: Undetected and causing unexplained system anomalies aboard the Enterprise.
After: Recognized as the primary source of malfunctions, prompting focused search and countermeasures.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

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Holodeck IV Entrance

The Holodeck Entrance serves as the operational hub where senior officers and technical staff converge, combining the tension of impending diplomatic crisis with the technical urgency of diagnosing ship failures, symbolizing the fragile boundary between immersive simulation and real danger.

Atmosphere Tension-filled with focused activity, underscored by anxious anticipation and professional urgency.
Function Command and diagnostic nexus linking ship operations to the unfolding Holodeck crisis.
Symbolism Represents the liminal space between illusion and reality, emphasizing the stakes of virtual entrapment versus …
Access Restricted to senior command and engineering personnel during this crisis.
Low ambient lighting with illuminated control panels Close proximity to the Holodeck entrance archway Sounds of quiet technical chatter and console beeps

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"RIKER: Any word from the Jarada?"
"TASHA'S COM VOICE: Not a thing, sir."
"GEORDI: Everything checks out so far. Ensign Crusher believes the trouble may have been caused by the Jaradan probe. If so, it could be very difficult to locate."