Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E16
· 11001001

Picard and Riker’s Dual Beam-In Plan Amid Countdown Crisis

With the Enterprise’s turbolift nine doors locked and the auto-destruct countdown at four minutes, Picard and Riker confront a seemingly insurmountable barrier to reach the bridge. Recognizing the urgency and impossibility of a direct approach, Riker proposes a risky transporter infiltration through the turbolift shafts. Picard counters with a daring strategy: simultaneous transporter beams into two different areas of the bridge to maximize the element of surprise and their slim chance of success. This tense moment crystallizes their resolve and ingenuity as time rapidly slips away, setting the stage for the critical reclamation of the ship’s command center.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Riker proposes beaming onto the bridge, but Picard warns the delay in materialization makes it too risky.

hope to caution

Riker suggests a covert beam-in via the turbolift to surprise the Bynars, but Picard opts for a simultaneous dual beam-in at two bridge points to maximize their chance.

cautious planning to decisive strategy

Riker notes only four minutes remain on the auto-destruct timer as they head to Transporter Room Seven to execute their desperate plan.

mounting urgency to grim determination

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Determined and focused, with an undercurrent of urgency masked by composed command.

Captain Picard stands resolute beside turbolift nine, attempts to open the locked doors, processes the crisis swiftly, and counters Riker's plan with a more complex, simultaneous dual-beam transporter strategy to maximize success under extreme time pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Regain control of the Enterprise bridge before auto-destruct completes
  • • Devise a transporter infiltration plan that maximizes their chances against hostile Bynars
Active beliefs
  • • Direct approach via turbolift is impossible due to locked doors
  • • Surprise and simultaneous action provide the best tactical advantage given limited time
Character traits
decisive strategic calm under pressure innovative
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Urgent and pragmatic, balancing calculated risk with the pressing need to act swiftly.

Commander Riker pragmatically assesses the locked turbolift obstacle and proposes a risky transporter infiltration through the turbolift shaft, offering a direct and bold approach to quickly reach the bridge before the explosion.

Goals in this moment
  • • Gain quick access to the bridge by surprising the enemy
  • • Prevent the auto-destruct from destroying the ship and crew
Active beliefs
  • • Time is critically limited with only minutes remaining
  • • Bold, unconventional action is necessary to overcome locked access
Character traits
pragmatic urgent courageous collaborative
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
USS Enterprise Auto-Destruct System

The auto-destruct countdown timer displayed on the communication panels relentlessly counts down from just over four minutes, injecting palpable urgency and pressure on Picard and Riker's decision-making process as their window to act closes rapidly.

Before: Counting down steadily at four minutes and ten …
After: Continuing countdown with only minutes left, driving the …
Before: Counting down steadily at four minutes and ten seconds, visible throughout the corridor.
After: Continuing countdown with only minutes left, driving the critical need for immediate action.
Enterprise Corridor Communication Panels

The communication panel serves as the interface where Picard attempts to command the turbolift nine doors to open, only to be met with denial. It becomes a symbol of the barrier imposed by the Bynars and the failing systems during the crisis.

Before: Operational, located in the corridor near turbolift nine, …
After: Continuing to display denied access messages; remains unresponsive …
Before: Operational, located in the corridor near turbolift nine, awaiting commands from crew.
After: Continuing to display denied access messages; remains unresponsive as doors stay locked.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Enterprise Turbolift

This narrow corridor adjacent to turbolift nine serves as the tense staging ground where Picard and Riker confront their immediate obstacle. The locked turbolift doors and glowing communication panels create a claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere, embodying a bottleneck in both physical access and time.

Atmosphere Oppressively tense, punctuated by the cold glow of communication panels and the relentless countdown timer.
Function Barrier zone preventing direct access to the bridge, forcing the officers to strategize alternative infiltration.
Symbolism Represents a crucible of command where quick thinking is essential to overcome isolation and impending …
Access Turbolift doors locked and unresponsive, physically preventing passage.
Soft glow of communication panels illuminating the metallic corridor walls Audible, persistent countdown timer tone adding pressure

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 1
Causal

"Picard and Riker's coordinated transporter beam-in plan leads to their surprise confrontation with the inert Bynars on the bridge."

Picard and Riker Beam onto Hijacked Bridge, Confront Frail Bynars
S1E16 · 11001001

Key Dialogue

"COMPUTER (V.O.): Access denied."
"PICARD: They've locked it off."
"RIKER: I could beam into the turbolift, force the doors, and take them by surprise."
"PICARD: No. We'll beam in simultaneously in two different areas of the bridge."