Riker Converts Kumeh Bait into a Talupian Counter
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
They track a tactical display of the Enterprise slipping behind a planet; Geordi tags it as the Kumeh maneuver and questions why the opponent opens with something so obvious.
Riker reads the move as bait to force their hand and kicks strategy into gear by calling on Worf for a counter.
Worf prescribes the Talupian stratagem by instrument sighting; Riker locks it in—three-quarters impulse, maximum shields—and orders Worf to prep his 'little surprise' as Worf hustles to join Nagel at the rear station.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Alert and dutiful — steady nerves, focused on carrying out explicit orders.
Ensign Nagel is assigned maximum shields and instructed to join Worf at the rear station; she immediately prepares shielding protocols and readies sensor systems for the clandestine deception, acting as a technically capable junior officer under direct command.
- • Execute shield commands quickly to meet Riker's requirement for defensive readiness.
- • Assist Worf in deploying the sensor deception effectively and accurately.
- • Following clear orders promptly is essential under combat conditions.
- • Working closely with experienced officers accelerates correct tactical execution.
Focused and ready — a controlled warrior's concentration rather than uncertainty.
Worf accepts Riker's orders immediately, articulates a Talupian counter on instrument sighting, and moves swiftly to the rear station to prepare the clandestine sensor deception alongside Ensign Nagel. He acts as the hands-on executor of the covert plan.
- • Implement the Talupian stratagem and the clandestine sensor deception effectively and without error.
- • Ensure the deception masks their intentions long enough to allow the broader maneuver to succeed.
- • Direct, disciplined execution of orders is the best way to preserve honor and protect the ship.
- • Technical and tactical cunning are valid tools in service of mission success.
Calmly decisive — confident in judgment, composed while taking controlled risk.
Riker listens to Geordi, interprets the maneuver as deliberate bait, and issues precise counterorders: Talupian stratagem, three-quarters impulse on his command, and maximum shields for Nagel — assigning Worf to execute a clandestine sensor deception. He simultaneously reframes the opponent's action and mobilizes his team.
- • Convert the enemy's predictable ploy into a controlled tactical advantage.
- • Protect the ship and crew while creating space/time for a larger deception to unfold.
- • Predictable enemy behavior can be turned against them if leveraged deliberately.
- • Delegating to competent officers under pressure is more effective than micro-managing.
Curious with measured concern — alerting others without panic, probing for strategic implications.
Geordi points out the opponent's opening play aloud, diagnosing the Kumeh maneuver as an obvious, predictable ploy and prompting Riker to reconsider the enemy's intent. He functions as the analytical sensor/bridge officer who spots the logical pattern and names it.
- • Identify whether the opponent's maneuver is genuinely tactical bait or a feint with hidden intent.
- • Prompt command-level response by naming the pattern so the bridge can adapt rather than react reflexively.
- • Recognizable tactics reveal opponent psychology and should be questioned.
- • Clear, rapid identification of patterns can prevent predictable responses and create tactical options.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Shields are invoked as a named system when Riker orders 'maximum shields' to Ensign Nagel. The shields become both protective infrastructure and a visible commitment to risk-mitigation while the ship increases impulse power and runs a deception.
The graphic simulation on the observation-lounge viewscreen depicts the Enterprise sliding behind a planet and visually frames the Kumeh maneuver for the bridge crew. It turns abstract strategy into a visible cue, prompting Geordi's diagnosis and Riker's orders.
The Kumeh Maneuver itself functions as a tactical 'object' — a plotted trajectory using planetary cover as bait. It is observed, named by Geordi, read by Riker as a feint, and becomes the psychological lever the crew chooses to exploit.
The Hathaway's impulse engines are implicitly invoked when Riker orders 'three-quarters impulse.' The command will alter engine output and vectoring, making propulsion systems an active part of the tactical response.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
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Key Dialogue
"GEORDI: The Kumeh maneuver -- why are they starting out with such a recognizable ploy?"
"RIKER: He's teasing -- wants us to reveal our tactics on his terms. Worf?"
"WORF: Counter with Talupian stratagem on instrument sighting. RIKER ((to Worf)): Agreed. Three-quarters impulse, full on my command. Ensign Nagel, maximum shields. Mister Worf, prepare your little surprise."