Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E13
· The Big Goodbye

Jaradan Abruptly Sever Communications, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

On the Enterprise bridge, the Jaradan alien vessels suddenly cease their probing transmissions, a clear signal of mounting distrust toward Starfleet. Commander Riker interprets this unexpected silence as a warning, underscoring the fragility of their diplomatic outreach. When Geordi reports an incoming Jaradan subspace message, Riker attempts to initiate a screen-to-screen dialogue to deescalate, only to be met with disdain and refusal by the alien’s hive-like composite voice. Their blunt rejection of Riker’s authority and insistence on the captain’s direct involvement sharply elevates tensions, forcing an urgent order to retrieve Captain Picard from his Holodeck refuge. This moment crystallizes the precarious diplomatic crisis, marking a crucial turning point where external alien hostility intrudes on the crew’s internal chaos and propels the narrative toward confrontation.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

The Jaradan cease their probing with a shudder, leaving Riker to note their evident distrust.

uncertainty to wary observation ['USS Enterprise main bridge']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Cautiously alert, masking frustration with professionalism while feeling the pressure of escalating diplomatic tension.

Commander William Riker stands on the bridge absorbing the sudden silence of the Jaradan probes, interprets this as a sign of distrust, initiates communication with the alien delegation, and upon their rejection of his authority, gives the decisive order to retrieve Captain Picard from the Holodeck, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

Goals in this moment
  • • To de-escalate rising tensions through dialogue
  • • To maintain command integrity and Starfleet protocol
  • • To ensure Captain Picard is available to engage the Jaradan directly
Active beliefs
  • • Only the captain can appropriately represent the Federation in this critical negotiation
  • • The Jaradan's silence and refusal signify a grave warning requiring immediate action
Character traits
decisive strategic concerned authoritative frustrated
Follow William Riker's journey
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Angry, distrustful, and increasingly impatient with Starfleet’s perceived protocol breaches.

The Jaradan's composite alien voice, a layered hive-like chorus of three distinct tones, delivers a brusque and hierarchical message. It refuses engagement with any but Captain Picard, expressing clear disdain for Riker’s authority, escalating from demand to offense, underscored by a faint buzzing that adds menace.

Goals in this moment
  • • To assert Jaradan diplomatic protocol strictly
  • • To compel the Federation to engage through its captain directly
Active beliefs
  • • Subordinates lack legitimacy in this negotiation
  • • Maintaining strict communication hierarchy preserves Jaradan honor and control
Character traits
authoritative hierarchical distrustful hostile
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Captain's Ready Room Data Terminal and Information Viewscreen

The Jaradan subspace message serves as the direct communication medium through which the alien delegation delivers its hostile message, signaling a sharp diplomatic escalation and rejection of lower-level interlocutors.

Before: Active transmitting probe signals monitoring the Enterprise.
After: Transmission terminated following the blunt message rejection, signaling …
Before: Active transmitting probe signals monitoring the Enterprise.
After: Transmission terminated following the blunt message rejection, signaling silence and heightened distrust.
USS Enterprise — Main Bridge Viewscreen

The Enterprise Bridge Viewer Screen displays the Jaradan subspace message with vivid clarity, becoming the focal point of tension as Riker attempts to engage the aliens in dialogue, embodying the fragile medium of interstellar diplomacy.

Before: Displaying usual starship operational data and ongoing probe …
After: Occupied by the hostile Jaradan subspace transmission and …
Before: Displaying usual starship operational data and ongoing probe activity.
After: Occupied by the hostile Jaradan subspace transmission and Riker's frustrated attempts at communication.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Main Bridge

The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise acts as the nerve center for command decisions and diplomatic engagement. In this event, it is a charged arena where tension mounts palpably as external alien hostility interrupts routine operations, with the bridge crew forced into urgent crisis response.

Atmosphere Tense and claustrophobic, charged with frustration and urgency as diplomatic trust erodes.
Function The command center where the crew receives hostile communication and initiates urgent orders to resolve …
Symbolism Represents the fragile heart of Federation diplomacy and command authority under siege.
Access Restricted to senior bridge officers during active diplomatic communications.
Bright console lights flickering with alerts The dominant glow of the communication viewscreen The sudden silence of the terminated Jaradan probe signals Ambient hum of starship operations punctuated by sharp dialogue exchanges
Holodeck Dixon Hill San Francisco Simulation

The Holodeck Dixon Hill San Francisco Simulation is referenced as the isolated refuge where Captain Picard is currently engaged. It represents both a physical and psychological sanctuary from the mounting diplomatic and internal crises, but now becomes a critical point of retrieval demanded by escalating external conflict.

Atmosphere Contrasts the tense bridge with its immersive, noir ambiance evoking escapism and temporary detachment.
Function Refuge for Captain Picard but also a bottleneck that delays his direct involvement in the …
Symbolism Embodies duality between artificial refuge and unavoidable reality.
Access Typically restricted to authorized personnel; access now urgent and imperative.
Simulated rain-slicked streets and smoky jazz club interiors Dim, atmospheric lighting contrasting with harsh bridge fluorescents

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 4
Causal

"Riker's increasing frustration with the hostile Jaradan communications leads to the order to fetch Picard from the Holodeck, accelerating the crisis response."

Jaradan Ultimatum Forces Picard's Recall from Holodeck
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Causal

"Riker's increasing frustration with the hostile Jaradan communications leads to the order to fetch Picard from the Holodeck, accelerating the crisis response."

Jaradan Reject Riker, Demand Captain’s Direct Greeting
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Thematic Parallel medium

"Jaradan refusal to negotiate with Riker as subordinate parallels their distrust and hostility, thematically underscoring the diplomatic difficulties Picard faces and the tension aboard Enterprise."

Jaradan Ultimatum Forces Picard's Recall from Holodeck
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Thematic Parallel medium

"Jaradan refusal to negotiate with Riker as subordinate parallels their distrust and hostility, thematically underscoring the diplomatic difficulties Picard faces and the tension aboard Enterprise."

Jaradan Reject Riker, Demand Captain’s Direct Greeting
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
What this causes 4
Causal

"Riker's increasing frustration with the hostile Jaradan communications leads to the order to fetch Picard from the Holodeck, accelerating the crisis response."

Jaradan Ultimatum Forces Picard's Recall from Holodeck
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Causal

"Riker's increasing frustration with the hostile Jaradan communications leads to the order to fetch Picard from the Holodeck, accelerating the crisis response."

Jaradan Reject Riker, Demand Captain’s Direct Greeting
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Thematic Parallel medium

"Jaradan refusal to negotiate with Riker as subordinate parallels their distrust and hostility, thematically underscoring the diplomatic difficulties Picard faces and the tension aboard Enterprise."

Jaradan Ultimatum Forces Picard's Recall from Holodeck
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Thematic Parallel medium

"Jaradan refusal to negotiate with Riker as subordinate parallels their distrust and hostility, thematically underscoring the diplomatic difficulties Picard faces and the tension aboard Enterprise."

Jaradan Reject Riker, Demand Captain’s Direct Greeting
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Key Dialogue

"RIKER: One could get the feeling they don't exactly trust us."
"JARADAN'S COM VOICE: En-ter-prise. The time has come to honor us. We await your greeting."
"JARADAN'S COM VOICE: -- You offend us! We will not show ourselves to a mere subordinate. We await your captain's greeting with growing unrest. End of communication!"