Jameson Unveils Tunnel Network and Declares Armed Rescue
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Jameson commands Data to display outdated tunnel schematics of Mordan's city, explaining the underground network beneath the rebuilt surface, establishing a tactical basis for the rescue mission.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Thoughtful and pragmatic, open to alternative interpretations of enemy behavior.
Lieutenant Tasha Yar offers a pragmatic counterpoint, suggesting that Karnas' threats might be bargaining tactics rather than outright intentions to kill hostages, introducing strategic ambiguity.
- • Challenge assumptions about Karnas’ intentions
- • Encourage exploration of non-violent solutions
- • Hostile threats may be negotiation tools
- • Not all enemy actions are straightforwardly lethal
Concerned and cautious, balancing the need for action with the risk of escalating violence.
Captain Picard listens intently, expressing moral caution and concern about the potential consequences of an armed rescue. He challenges Jameson's assumptions and advocates for diplomatic prudence.
- • Prevent unnecessary loss of hostage lives
- • Advocate for diplomatic solutions over armed intervention
- • Karnas could be bluffing or bargaining
- • The Federation would disapprove of rash armed action
Neutral and composed, focused entirely on executing orders and providing accurate data.
Data complies promptly with Jameson's order, activating the Main Viewscreen and projecting the intricate schematic of the underground tunnels beneath Mordan IV. His actions provide vital visual context for the strategic discussion.
- • Fulfill Admiral Jameson's command swiftly and accurately
- • Provide clear tactical information to the command team
- • Displaying accurate schematics is essential for mission success
- • Fulfilling orders is paramount to operational efficiency
Skeptical yet calm, seeking to balance mission success with political realities.
Commander Riker pragmatically urges negotiation and dialogue with Karnas despite Jameson's hardline stance, emphasizing measured response over immediate force.
- • Encourage dialogue with Karnas to avoid violence
- • Support Captain Picard's diplomatic caution
- • Negotiation remains a viable path
- • Jameson's judgment could be clouded by desperation
Wary and cautious, sensing tension and potential recklessness in Jameson's stance.
Counselor Troi watches Jameson closely with a slight frown, registering concern and emotional undercurrents beneath his confident exterior, suggesting growing unease about his leadership approach.
- • Monitor emotional dynamics among command staff
- • Advise leadership based on empathic insights
- • Jameson's approach might endanger the mission
- • Underlying psychological forces influence command decisions
Curious and focused, eager to grasp tactical details.
Geordi La Forge asks clarifying questions about the tunnel schematics, seeking to understand their tactical relevance and implications for mission planning.
- • Gain clear understanding of tunnel layout
- • Ensure engineering and tactical readiness
- • Accurate spatial data is critical for mission success
- • Understanding terrain aids operational planning
Confident and forceful, masking underlying recklessness and isolation as he pushes his agenda against dissenting voices.
Admiral Mark Jameson commands the bridge decisively, ordering Data to display critical tunnel schematics while articulating his firm belief in Karnas’s lethal intent. He sits authoritatively in the command chair, projecting confidence and resolve, promoting an aggressive tactical posture despite opposition.
- • Secure immediate tactical advantage by revealing tunnel schematics
- • Justify an armed rescue operation to preempt hostage killings
- • Karnas intends to kill the hostages if delayed
- • An armed assault is the only viable option to save lives
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Sickbay Large Medical Viewscreen is not directly involved in this event, with the Main Viewscreen taking precedence for tactical display. However, its presence is part of the bridge’s technological environment supporting visual data presentation.
The Tunnel Schematic Plans beneath Mordan IV are projected onto the Enterprise's Main Viewscreen at Admiral Jameson's command, visually delineating the complex underground network that conceals hostages. This detailed blueprint anchors the tactical debate, providing critical strategic insight into the rescue operation.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise serves as the nerve center where command decisions unfold under pressure. It hosts the heated exchange between Jameson, Picard, Riker, and other senior officers, embodying institutional authority and the clash of command philosophies during the hostage crisis.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Jameson's dismissal of negotiation and insistence on armed rescue escalates the conflict, tied to his personal burden and ambition for redemption."
"Jameson's dismissal of negotiation and insistence on armed rescue escalates the conflict, tied to his personal burden and ambition for redemption."
"Jameson's dismissal of negotiation and insistence on armed rescue escalates the conflict, tied to his personal burden and ambition for redemption."
Key Dialogue
"JAMESON: "Most of Mordan's principal city was devastated in the war. What was left consisted of a network of underground tunnels -- a rat's maze. When they rebuilt the city, they simply built over the tunnels.""
"JAMESON: "This is where Karnas held his hostages before and where I believe he has them now.""
"PICARD: "An overt rescue attempt could push Karnas into killing the hostages outright.""
"JAMESON: "I don't think that's what he wants, Picard.""
"JAMESON: "Karnas means exactly what he says, Lieutenant. He will kill the hostages if we don't get them out of there.""
"PICARD: "Therefore you see an armed raid as our only option.""
"JAMESON: "Starfleet gave me command of the away team, Picard. I intend to use them as I see fit.""