Fabula
S20E14 · Terminus Part 2

Nyssa spots Olvir hiding on the bridge

As the Doctor and Kari frantically search the liner's computer for clues about Terminus, Nyssa lingers to recover from the worsening effects of Lazar's disease. While leaning against the stair railing to steady herself, she notices a figure concealed behind a chair—Olvir, a man whose presence instantly raises questions. His hidden location and sudden exposure force Nyssa to confront his possible loyalties, undermining the fragile trust essential for survival in Terminus' perilous environment. This discovery introduces a new layer of uncertainty among allies, leaving Nyssa to question why Olvir would hide in such a situation.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Nyssa discovers Olvir hiding behind a chair, potentially revealing a new ally or source of information.

surprise to anticipation ['space liner bridge']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Exhausted but alert, shifting from fatigue to wary curiosity upon spotting Olvir

Nyssa uses the stair railing to steady herself against the worsening fatigue of Lazar's disease, her posture betraying weakness. Her eyes narrow as she notices Olvir's concealed form behind the chair, a mix of surprise and suspicion crossing her features. She utters his name, disrupting the fragile trust essential for survival.

Goals in this moment
  • Recover from physical strain to continue aiding companions
  • Clarify Olvir's presence and intentions
Active beliefs
  • Deception could be deadly in this environment
  • Olvir's survival depends on their uneasy alliance
Character traits
Weakened by illness Perceptive Decisive
Follow Nyssa's journey
Supporting 2

Concentrated on extracting information, momentarily oblivious to the shifting dynamics around him

The Doctor remains focused on the navigation data chips in the computer panel, his back turned to the unfolding discovery. He continues his methodical search for Terminus data while Kari and Nyssa navigate the bridge's immediate threats, unaware of Olvir's concealed presence.

Goals in this moment
  • Extract navigation data before time runs out
  • Assess the liner's connection to Terminus
Active beliefs
  • The liner's systems still contain salvageable data
  • Time is of the essence in this environment
Character traits
Methodical Focused Unsuspecting
Follow The Fifth …'s journey

Driven by urgency to leave the deteriorating ship

Kari remains close to the Doctor, urging haste while monitoring the search for navigation data. She is turned away from the stair railing and chair where Olvir hides, her attention riveted on the Doctor's quest for information about Terminus and their immediate escape.

Goals in this moment
  • Accelerate the Doctor’s search for departure information
  • Minimize time on the compromised vessel
Active beliefs
  • The Doctor’s expertise will find a way off the ship
  • Diligence in searching systems ensures survival
Character traits
Impatient Goal-oriented Distracted
Follow Kari Olvir's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

4
Automated Station Navigation Console

The navigation computer panel serves as the primary tool for data extraction, its exposed circuitry and status indicators guiding the Doctor’s search. The urgency to find data about Terminus fractures the panel’s functionality, creating a distraction from the immediate human revelations.

Before: Flawed but serviceable, with internal components accessed
After: Same condition, actively used
Before: Flawed but serviceable, with internal components accessed
After: Same condition, actively used
Bridge Stair Railing

The stair rail enables Nyssa to steady herself against the debilitating effects of Lazar's disease while watching over the bridge. Its metallic surface provides a subtle tactile anchor as her grip shifts from necessity to revelation when she spots Olvir’s form.

Before: Standard safety railing mounted along stair edges
After: Same condition, temporarily used for support
Before: Standard safety railing mounted along stair edges
After: Same condition, temporarily used for support
Space Liner's Navigation Data Chips

The Doctor has partially dismantled the computer panel’s casing to extract navigation data chips. The damaged device remains his focal point as Nyssa watches the bridge from a distance, her recourse to the stair railing drawing attention away from the fragile, exposed hardware.

Before: Partially opened with data chips exposed, console casing …
After: Remains open, components still vulnerable
Before: Partially opened with data chips exposed, console casing cracked
After: Remains open, components still vulnerable
Space Liner Bridge Crew Chair (Terminus)

The chair conceals Olvir’s presence, its compact size allowing him to wedge himself tightly enough to remain unseen. Nyssa’s observation hinges on noticing the fabric ripple where his body presses against it, revealing his furtive concealment.

Before: A standard bridge chair, unoccupied and static
After: Compromised in function as concealment, fabric disturbed by …
Before: A standard bridge chair, unoccupied and static
After: Compromised in function as concealment, fabric disturbed by pressure

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Terminus Space Liner

The bridge serves as a chaotic command space, its emergency lighting and malfunctioning systems casting long shadows that partly conceal Olvir’s presence. The Doctor and Kari’s frantic data mining competes with Nyssa’s personal struggle with disease, while the liner’s structural fatigue and unshielded star streaks heighten every moment’s tension.

Atmosphere Gloomy with flickering emergency lights and the muted hum of failing systems
Function Navigational hub under duress
Symbolism Represents the fragility of order amid decay and desperation
Dim emergency lighting creating long shadows across consoles Distant alarms muffled by systemic stress

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 2

"Kari's urgency to leave the ship during the Doctor's investigation directly leads to their hasty escape into Terminus when the sterilization process begins. Her concern for safety underscores the escalating danger and the Doctor's decision to enter the station."

Doctor and Kari escape into Terminus darkness
S20E14 · Terminus Part 2

"Nyssa's physical collapse from Lazar's disease (beat_9f35504830ef69e5) is directly caused by her exposure to the disease, leading to her capture by the robot drone. This continuity highlights the disease's progression and its impact on the companions' fates."

Nyssa collapses and Olvir betrays her
S20E14 · Terminus Part 2

Key Dialogue

"NYSSA: Olvir?"