Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E15
· Angel One

Riker Commands Enterprise Toward the Neutral Zone

In a decisive moment on the Enterprise bridge, Commander Riker and Lieutenant Tasha Yar swiftly assume their posts, signaling readiness to confront mounting external threats. Riker orders Data to chart a course to the Neutral Zone, asserting Starfleet's proactive stance against the Romulan menace. This action marks a pivotal transition from resolving internal crises on Angel One to engaging a broader geopolitical challenge, underscoring the crew's unity and Riker's readiness to uphold Captain Picard’s command ethos despite Picard's recent illness.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Riker and Tasha hurry onto the bridge, swiftly taking their stations, signaling the crew's readiness to depart toward the Neutral Zone and confront the Romulan threat.

anticipation to determination ['Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise']

Riker orders Data to set course for the Neutral Zone, framing the mission as a direct confrontation with the Romulans and asserting command resolve.

resolved to assertive

Data confirms the course coordinates are set and stands ready to execute the departure on Riker's command, embodying precise and reliable Starfleet protocol.

preparedness to anticipation

Riker invokes Captain Picard's iconic command to launch the Enterprise toward the Neutral Zone, signifying a decisive step into the looming conflict.

anticipation to momentum

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Tasha Yar
Lieutenant (Chief of Security)
 primary

Heightened alertness with pragmatic focus on forthcoming operational challenges, displaying professional composure under pressure.

Lieutenant Natasha Yar hurries promptly to her station on the bridge, embodying alertness and readiness to support command as external tensions escalate.

Goals in this moment
  • • Prepare to execute security protocols for imminent external threat
  • • Support Commander Riker’s command decisions with tactical readiness
Active beliefs
  • • Security threats require immediate and decisive response
  • • Clear chain of command is essential for operational effectiveness
Character traits
alert dutiful pragmatic vigilant
Follow Tasha Yar's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm and analytical, fully focused on fulfilling command directives without hesitation or distraction.

Data remains composed at his station, promptly executing Riker’s orders by setting precise coordinates for the Neutral Zone, reflecting his role as the logical and efficient officer.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure accurate navigation coordinates are set promptly
  • • Support command’s strategic maneuvering through precise technical execution
Active beliefs
  • • Obedience to command hierarchy ensures mission success
  • • Precision and logical processing are vital in navigation tasks
Character traits
logical efficient obedient focused
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Focused determination tempered with respect for Picard’s command legacy, projecting confidence while managing the weight of command transition.

Commander William Riker decisively takes the center seat on the Enterprise bridge, issues clear commands to Data to set course for the Neutral Zone, and invokes Captain Picard’s leadership mantra, projecting confident command presence.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assert command authority in Picard’s absence
  • • Initiate strategic navigation toward the Neutral Zone to address Romulan threat
Active beliefs
  • • Starfleet’s mission demands proactive engagement with external threats
  • • Honoring Captain Picard’s leadership style sustains crew morale and unity
Character traits
decisive authoritative strategic loyal
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
USS Enterprise-D — Captain's Ready Room Turbolift Doors

The USS Enterprise-D Forward Turbolift Doors serve as the physical entry point for Riker and Tasha, symbolizing the transition from off-bridge activity to immediate command readiness. Their opening cues the shift in focus and the crew's mobilization to address external threats.

Before: Closed, separating turbolift shaft from main bridge floor.
After: Open momentarily to allow passage of Riker and …
Before: Closed, separating turbolift shaft from main bridge floor.
After: Open momentarily to allow passage of Riker and Tasha onto the bridge, then presumably closed after their entry.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise functions as the nerve center where command decisions are made and executed. In this event, it is the stage for Riker’s assumption of active command, directing navigation to the Neutral Zone and symbolizing the crew’s readiness to confront the Romulan threat.

Atmosphere Focused, tense, and charged with purposeful energy as the crew pivots from internal issues to …
Function Command hub for tactical and strategic operations.
Symbolism Embodies institutional power and command continuity amid leadership transition.
Access Restricted to senior command and bridge crew during active operations.
Soft glow of bridge consoles illuminating faces Mechanical hum of open turbolift doors Quiet urgency in crew member movements

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph

Part of Larger Arcs

The technological and tactical struggle aboard the USS Enterprise and the derelict Stargazer to identify, counter, and neutralize the Ferengi's Thought Maker device, which manipulates Captain Picard’s mind, and to reclaim control of the Stargazer and m...

Key Dialogue

"RIKER: Set coordinates for the Neutral Zone, Mister Data. We have a call to pay on the Romulans."
"DATA: Coordinates set, Commander. On your mark --"
"RIKER: As Captain Picard would say -- make it so, Mister Data."