Fabula
S1E25 · Conspiracy
S1E25
· Conspiracy

Data Reveals Remmick’s Beacon from Earth

In the quiet of Sickbay, as Admiral Quinn weakly recovers under Dr. Crusher's care, Captain Picard reflects somberly on the parasitic infiltration that nearly destroyed Starfleet from within. Data reveals his analysis: Commander Remmick had transmitted a homing beacon from Earth targeting an unexplored galactic quadrant, signaling the alien threat’s reach extends far beyond immediate containment. This revelation sharpens the stakes, transforming what seemed like a contained crisis into a looming, unresolved danger—foreshadowing a wider invasion that threatens the Federation’s future.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Data reports his analysis tracing Remmick's outgoing message as a homing beacon targeted at an unexplored galactic quadrant, intensifying the ominous implications of the alien network's reach.

curiosity to foreboding ['Sickbay']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6

Somber and pensive, wrestling with the implications of an expanded threat.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard narrates via voice-over, reflecting somberly on the near-catastrophic parasitic infiltration within Starfleet. He listens intently to reports from his crew, absorbing Data’s revelation with quiet gravity, his tone laden with foreboding.

Goals in this moment
  • Protect the Federation and crew from ongoing and future threats.
  • Uncover the full extent of the parasitic conspiracy.
Active beliefs
  • The parasite infestation is only a part of a larger danger.
  • Starfleet’s integrity and the Federation’s stability are under existential threat.
Character traits
reflective resolute concerned
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Focused and methodical, balancing objectivity with the gravity of his revelation.

Data reports analytic findings regarding Commander Remmick’s secret message, revealing it as a homing beacon sent from Earth targeting an unexplored galactic quadrant. His tone is measured, analytical, and deliberately cautious, underscoring the significance of the discovery.

Goals in this moment
  • Provide accurate data analysis about the alien threat.
  • Alert command to the broader implications of Remmick’s message.
Active beliefs
  • The homing beacon indicates an ongoing and far-reaching danger.
  • Starfleet must prepare for threats beyond immediate knowledge.
Character traits
analytical precise reserved
Follow Data's journey

Focused and steady, offering confident yet cautious support.

Commander William T. Riker discusses with Picard the successful simulation of the blue splinter parasite, providing pragmatic reassurance amid the lingering tension. He participates actively in the knowledge exchange, demonstrating collaborative leadership.

Goals in this moment
  • Validate the effectiveness of the medical simulation.
  • Support Picard’s command decisions with clear information.
Active beliefs
  • Scientific simulations are crucial for understanding alien threats.
  • Effective teamwork strengthens the Enterprise’s response capacity.
Character traits
pragmatic supportive collaborative
Follow William Riker's journey

Calm and attentive, with underlying concern for Quinn’s fragile condition.

Dr. Beverly Crusher administers liquid nourishment to Admiral Quinn with steady professionalism and a caring demeanor, balancing clinical detachment with genuine concern. She anchors the scene’s emotional reality and medical urgency.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure Admiral Quinn's physical survival and gradual recovery.
  • Provide accurate medical insight to support the crew’s understanding of the parasitic infiltration.
Active beliefs
  • Medical intervention is essential but limited against this alien threat.
  • The parasite’s eradication does not guarantee Starfleet’s safety.
Character traits
professional compassionate focused
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey

Inquisitive yet cautious, concerned by the implications of new intelligence.

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge queries Data about the nature of the intercepted message with a blend of curiosity and concern, seeking clarity amid uncertainty. He provides an operational perspective and helps frame the discovery emotionally.

Goals in this moment
  • Clarify the content and intent of Remmick’s message.
  • Support the bridge’s situational awareness and readiness.
Active beliefs
  • Understanding threats requires precise information gathering.
  • The Federation’s safety depends on early detection of unknown dangers.
Character traits
curious concerned engaged
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Physically weakened but cautiously optimistic, embodying quiet endurance.

Admiral Quinn sits weakly in Sickbay bed, physically fragile but showing hopeful signs of recovery, receiving careful, nurturing medical support from Dr. Crusher. He silently endures his ordeal, embodying the human cost of the parasitic infiltration.

Goals in this moment
  • Recover physical health sufficiently to contribute to Starfleet.
  • Support efforts to understand and combat the parasitic threat.
Active beliefs
  • The parasite’s presence is a grave threat to Starfleet's integrity.
  • His own survival may hold critical intelligence or symbolic importance.
Character traits
vulnerable resilient hopeful
Follow Gregory Quinn's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Remmick's Homing Beacon

Remmick's homing beacon is the pivotal piece of evidence Data analyzes and discloses during this event, revealing the alien threat’s communication and intent to extend beyond immediate containment. Its existence transforms the narrative urgency, representing a beacon of hidden menace sent covertly from Earth.

Before: Covertly activated on Earth, transmitting signals toward an …
After: Its presence confirmed by Data's analysis aboard the …
Before: Covertly activated on Earth, transmitting signals toward an unexplored galactic quadrant; undetected by Starfleet.
After: Its presence confirmed by Data's analysis aboard the Enterprise; now known to command as a critical threat indicator.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

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Sickbay (USS Enterprise)

Enterprise Sickbay serves as the solemn and clinical setting where the fragile human cost of the parasitic infiltration is made manifest. It is the crucible for medical care and critical intelligence sharing, providing a quiet refuge from external chaos but also underscoring vulnerability amid broader threats.

Atmosphere Tense yet intimate, suffused with clinical sterility and cautious hope.
Function Sanctuary for recovery and revelation; a focal point for strategic medical and intelligence updates.
Symbolism Represents the intersection of human fragility and scientific vigilance against unseen alien threats.
Access Restricted to medical personnel and senior command staff.
Cold, sterile lighting emphasizing clinical precision. Sounds of medical machinery and quiet, careful conversation.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 2
Foreshadowing

"Remmick’s explosive demise and Data’s detection of the transmitted homing beacon foreshadow ongoing, unresolved dangers and potential future threats beyond the immediate resolution."

Remmick’s Shocking Revelation and Parasite’s Core Exposed
S1E25 · Conspiracy
Foreshadowing

"Remmick’s explosive demise and Data’s detection of the transmitted homing beacon foreshadow ongoing, unresolved dangers and potential future threats beyond the immediate resolution."

Remmick’s Parasitic Core Exposed and Destroyed
S1E25 · Conspiracy

Part of Larger Arcs

Key Dialogue

"RIKER: It was Doctor Crusher's idea to simulate the blue splinter. We had to make sure it would fool everyone, including you."
"PICARD: That it did, Number One. Rest assured."
"DATA: I have attempted to trace the message Remmick was sending. I believe it was aimed at an unexplored quadrant of our galaxy."
"GEORDI: Any idea what the message was, Data?"
"DATA: Well... I believe it was a beacon."
"PICARD: (half-whisper) A beacon?"
"DATA: Yes, Captain. A homing beacon... sent from Earth."