Aldea's Energy Beam Immobilizes Wesley, Probing the Enterprise
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
An energy beam locks onto Wesley on the bridge, immobilizing him as he surrenders to the force with closed eyes, triggering alarm from Picard and the crew.
Picard orders shields up and tactical alerts as Geordi reports the beam originates from Aldea, while Data reveals the shields are inoperable and the ship is being methodically probed.
Communication falters as La Forge cannot reach Riker; the energy beam suddenly ceases, and Wesley shakes off the experience, assuring Picard he felt nothing.
Worf reports multiple similar energy probes across all decks, intensifying the crew's realization of the thoroughness of the Aldeans' intrusion.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Focused concern mixed with steady resolve to protect the ship and crew
Captain Picard commands immediate defensive measures, ordering shields up and delegating tasks to La Forge and Worf. He exhibits authoritative concern and rapid decisiveness, prioritizing crew safety and containment of the alien threat.
- • To protect the Enterprise and its crew from the alien energy threat
- • To coordinate an effective tactical response to the Aldean intrusion
- • Believes in the primacy of crew safety
- • Trusts his officers’ abilities to execute orders under pressure
Composed and focused on delivering critical technical assessment without emotional interference
Data analyzes the alien energy beam and reports that the Enterprise's shields are ineffective. He reveals that the beam methodically probes every deck, highlighting the extent of the Aldeans' technological penetration. His tone remains composed and analytical throughout.
- • To understand the alien technology’s effects on the ship
- • To communicate vulnerabilities to the command team for strategic planning
- • Believes that knowledge of the threat is vital to counteracting it
- • Trusts that his data will inform effective decisions
Serious and focused, stressing the severity of the threat to command
Worf monitors ship security and reports multiple similar energy beam immobilizations occurring on other decks, signaling a shipwide threat. His seriousness and vigilance emphasize the escalating danger and urgency.
- • To secure all decks of the Enterprise against intrusion
- • To promptly report security breaches to command
- • Believes in the necessity of strict security protocols
- • Trusts Starfleet procedures to manage onboard threats
Initially startled but quickly adopting serene acceptance and courageous calm in face of alien immobilization
Wesley is immobilized by an alien energy beam which surrounds and freezes him on the bridge. Despite this, he closes his eyes and relaxes, showing remarkable composure. After the beam dissipates, he reassures Captain Picard that he feels unharmed, projecting calm bravery under duress.
- • To remain calm and not panic under an unknown threat
- • To reassure the crew, especially Captain Picard, of his wellbeing
- • Believes that panic would worsen the situation
- • Trusts the Enterprise crew to protect him and resolve the threat
Alert and slightly anxious due to communication interference and unknown energy source
Geordi reports the origin of the energy beam as Aldea, highlights the communications blockage with Commander Riker, and maintains alertness despite concern. He supports Picard’s commands with real-time tactical information.
- • To identify and track the source of the energy beam
- • To restore communication and maintain operational awareness
- • Believes that technical data is critical for survival
- • Trusts the chain of command and protocols to manage crises
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Enterprise Shields are ordered to activate in response to the energy beam attack. However, Data reports that the shields are ineffective against the Aldean technology, unable to block or mitigate the probing energy beam, demonstrating a critical vulnerability in the ship’s defense systems.
The Low Intensity Energy Beam originating from Aldea penetrates the Enterprise’s main bridge and selectively immobilizes Wesley. It acts both as a weapon and a probing device, systematically testing the ship’s decks. This beam exposes the vulnerability of the ship’s defenses, rendering the shields ineffective and heightening tension.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge serves as the nerve center where this sudden alien attack unfolds. It is the locus of command decisions, crisis management, and the physical manifestation of vulnerability as the energy beam immobilizes Wesley. The bridge’s high-tech environment contrasts with the unexpected loss of control, heightening dramatic tension.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
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This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph
Key Dialogue
"WESLEY: How do they cloak the planet?"
"DATA: The theory is simple. The shield bends light rays around the planet's contour -- similar to the Romulan cloaking device -- but the implementation is very difficult."
"PICARD: Shields up. La Forge, contact Commander Riker. Worf, check all other decks."
"DATA: Shields inoperable, sir. All decks are being probed in a methodical pattern."
"PICARD: All decks? Everything? The entire ship?"
"DATA: Aye, sir!"
"GEORDI: Captain, I can't get through to Commander Riker. We're being blocked."
"PICARD: Are you all right, Wesley?"
"WESLEY: (nodding) It was scary at first, but I really didn't feel anything."
"WORF: (surprised) Sir, similar incidents, all decks,"