Picard Sends Riker to Guard Against a Starfleet Doppelgänger and Ventures Alone
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Picard prepares to beam down alone and unarmed, handing Riker his phaser and instructing him to join in force if necessary.
Picard nods to Riker and initiates transport, disappearing with a final wish of good luck, leaving Riker to face uncertain dangers ahead.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Unwavering confidence masking underlying tension; resolute determination mixed with guarded concern for his crew's safety.
Captain Picard decisively identifies the admiral as an impostor with adamant certainty, commands Riker to maintain close surveillance and authorize force or medical intervention, entrusts his phaser to Riker, and proceeds to beam down alone and unarmed, embodying calm resolve and strategic bravery.
- • Ensure continuous surveillance of the impostor admiral to uncover the nature of the threat
- • Demonstrate leadership by taking personal risk to investigate the source of the conspiracy
- • Empower Riker with authority and responsibility in his absence
- • Maintain control over the escalating crisis within Starfleet
- • The admiral is not who he appears to be and represents a serious threat
- • Riker is capable and trustworthy to handle high-stakes responsibility
- • Force and medical examination are justified to reveal hidden threats
- • His own direct involvement is necessary despite the dangers
Uneasy apprehension mixed with steadfast loyalty; a pragmatic sense of responsibility tempered by worry for Picard’s safety.
Commander Riker exhibits cautious concern while questioning Picard’s certainty and the wisdom of beaming down unarmed. He receives Picard’s orders to surveil the impostor admiral, accepts the phaser handed to him, operates the transporter controls, and watches with anxious vigilance as Picard disappears from the transporter pad.
- • Carry out Picard’s surveillance orders effectively and discreetly
- • Ensure the impostor admiral is contained or exposed as necessary
- • Protect the captain by questioning risky decisions
- • Maintain control of the transporter operation during the crisis
- • Picard’s judgment is usually sound but merits questioning given the risk
- • The impostor admiral is dangerous and must be closely monitored
- • Using force is a last resort but may become necessary
- • Picard’s solo, unarmed mission is dangerously bold
Professional concern and readiness to assist in uncovering the truth behind the impersonation.
Although not physically present in the scene, Dr. Beverly Crusher is invoked as the medical officer who will fabricate a plausible reason for a comprehensive medical examination of the impostor admiral, highlighting her pivotal role in the investigative strategy against the parasitic threat.
- • Provide medical expertise to support investigation
- • Help uncover the parasitic infestation through examination
- • Maintain ethical standards while supporting covert operations
- • Medical examination can reveal hidden parasitic infections
- • A credible pretext is necessary to examine a high-ranking officer without arousing suspicion
- • Her skills are critical in combating this internal threat
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The phaser is symbolically and practically transferred from Picard to Riker, representing a transfer of authority and trust. It stands as the captain’s defense relinquished voluntarily, highlighting Picard’s bold decision to beam down unarmed into danger. The weapon also underlines the gravity of the threat and the permissiveness of force if needed to handle the impostor admiral.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Enterprise transporter room acts as the strategic nexus where critical decisions are made and immediate actions are executed. It is the charged threshold between relative safety and unpredictable danger, underscoring the high stakes as Picard prepares to confront the mystery alone. The sterile, bright environment contrasts with the ominous uncertainty looming over the crew.
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
Key Dialogue
"PICARD: That's not Gregory Quinn. He may look like him and sound like him... but it isn't him."
"RIKER: Can you be absolutely certain, sir?"
"PICARD: I am certain, Number One. I want you to go back to that cabin and keep your eye on his every move. Have Beverly concoct a reason for a complete medical examination."
"RIKER: He's a senior admiral."
"PICARD: (grasping Riker's shoulders) It's not him, Will. I know that now. What we need to find out is how he's been duplicated. And who or what's behind it."
"RIKER: Captain... if you're right --"
"PICARD: -- I am right."
"RIKER: -- Should you be beaming down alone? Unarmed?"
"PICARD: I'll take care. Find out what you can, and then join me -- in force if you believe it's warranted."
"RIKER: Good luck, sir."