Troi and Data Advocate Picard Leading the Away Mission
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker activates his panel com to summon the Transporter Chief, but Troi interrupts, urging delay to discuss the away party, joined by Data who insists on involving Captain Picard.
Troi formally requests the captain lead the away party, supported by Data’s explanation of Ligonian customs, initiating debate about leadership and safety.
Riker voices strong opposition to Picard leading the party, citing Lutan’s deceit and dangerous nature, while Troi and Data counter with cultural imperatives that demand respect and honor.
Picard silently absorbs the cultural and strategic arguments before Riker finally concedes, though warning the captain of consequences if harmed, punctuating the moment with shared smiles.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Calmly contemplative, balancing command responsibility with diplomatic sensitivity
Captain Picard observes the discussion quietly but attentively, questioning whether he is included in the away party and absorbing the arguments with measured contemplation. He also acknowledges Wesley’s departure with a gracious thanks, signaling his leadership and awareness of crew morale amid tension.
- • Understand the implications of the cultural advice
- • Maintain crew morale while preparing for dangerous mission
- • His leadership is critical to mission success
- • Respect for cultural customs is vital to survival
Calm, assertive, focused on cultural correctness
Data endorses Troi’s insistence with precise logical explanation about the Ligonian custom that the visiting leader must be honored as guest and lead the away party. He clarifies that neither he nor Riker should assume command, emphasizing the lethal consequences if protocols are ignored.
- • Communicate critical cultural protocol
- • Support decision-making that ensures crew survival
- • Adherence to alien customs prevents violent outcomes
- • Leadership by the highest authority is necessary in this context
Protective with underlying frustration, evolving to resigned acceptance mixed with dry humor
Commander Riker activates his panel com to call the Transporter Chief but is interrupted by Troi. He vocally opposes Captain Picard leading the away party, warning seriously about the lethal dangers posed by Lutan and emphasizing his protective duty. Though initially resistant, he ultimately acknowledges the validity of Troi and Data's cultural advice, albeit with a pointed warning and good-natured humor.
- • Prevent Captain Picard from unnecessary danger
- • Ensure the success and safety of the away party mission
- • Lutan is devious and potentially lethal
- • Starfleet must balance caution with respect for alien customs
Disappointed at being dismissed, yet buoyed by recognition
Wesley Crusher is positioned distractedly at the Ops console, quietly sidelined as the serious debate unfolds. He is gently summoned by Beverly Crusher to leave the bridge, departing with feelings of disappointment but buoyed by Picard’s thankfulness, marking a passing of responsibility to senior officers.
- • Support the crew’s efforts
- • Earn acknowledgment from senior officers
- • He wants to contribute meaningfully
- • Senior officers must lead critical operations
Serious and insistent, conveying urgency and deep cultural awareness
Counselor Troi asserts firmly and with formal tone that Captain Picard should lead the away party, grounding her argument in the vital cultural protocols of the Ligonians. She interrupts Riker’s initial communication attempt, demonstrating urgency and seriousness, highlighting the ritualistic consequences that hinge on leadership and honor.
- • Ensure the away party follows Ligonian customs for survival
- • Advocate for Picard’s leadership to safeguard the mission
- • Ligonian customs dictate leadership roles for safety
- • Respecting alien culture is critical to mission success
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The USS Enterprise-D Forward Turbolift is used by Beverly Crusher to escort Wesley Crusher off the bridge, marking a transition in operational roles as the away party leadership discussion unfolds. It functions as a physical and symbolic conduit between the bridge’s tense command atmosphere and the ship’s broader activity.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge serves as the nerve center for command decisions where this crucial debate about away party leadership occurs. Its confined yet technologically advanced space frames the tension between Starfleet hierarchy and the cultural imperatives from Ligon II, underscoring the delicate balance of power and diplomacy.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Picard's demand for Yar's status escalates the tension with Lutan, exposing cultural friction and increasing stakes of the conflict."
"Picard's demand for Yar's status escalates the tension with Lutan, exposing cultural friction and increasing stakes of the conflict."
"Picard's demand for Yar's status escalates the tension with Lutan, exposing cultural friction and increasing stakes of the conflict."
"Picard's demand for Yar's status escalates the tension with Lutan, exposing cultural friction and increasing stakes of the conflict."
Key Dialogue
"TROI: So is this request, sir. We believe it would be preferable if the captain led this away party."
"DATA: Except that Ligonian custom makes it clear that a visiting leader becomes an honored guest. Not us, not second in command... him."
"RIKER: I warn you, Captain... if you get hurt, I'll put you on report!"