S1E15
· Angel One

Wesley's Holodeck Skiing Sparks Crew Camaraderie Amid Crisis

In a rare moment of levity aboard the USS Enterprise, Wesley Crusher and a young companion eagerly prepare for a holodeck skiing session set in the Swiss Alps, their youthful enthusiasm a stark contrast to the mounting tension surrounding the Enterprise’s complex diplomatic and medical crises. Commander Riker, carrying a metallic box that hints at ongoing technical or mission-related concerns, approaches the boys along with Troi, Data, and Tasha. Engaging warmly, Riker exchanges lighthearted banter with Wesley, encouraging the boys and sharing in their excitement. This brief interaction serves as a vital emotional respite for the crew, reinforcing bonds of camaraderie and normalcy amid the weighty pressures they face on Angel One and the viral outbreak onboard. The scene underscores the human side of Starfleet personnel — their need for connection and moments of joy even in the face of profound challenges.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Wesley and a friend eagerly head toward the Holodeck entrance, sparking a moment of youthful enthusiasm as Riker, carrying a metallic box, Troi, Data, and Tasha approach from the opposite direction.

neutral to anticipation ['Holodeck entrance']

Riker initiates conversation with Wesley, probing their destination, which ignites Wesley's excited declaration of a Holodeck skiing expedition to the Swiss Alps, showcasing the advanced recreational technology.

curiosity to enthusiasm

Riker playfully urges the boys to save some fresh powder, capturing camaraderie that Wesley eagerly affirms, emphasizing the Holodeck's completeness for immersive experiences.

playful to eager anticipation

The group shares in the boys' excitement as Wesley and his friend hurry into the Holodeck, injecting lively energy and signaling a pause in the Enterprise's weightier missions.

enthusiasm sustained ['Holodeck']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6

Calmly attentive, ready to shift back to security duties while appreciating the brief reprieve.

Walking alongside Riker, Troi, and Data, Tasha remains alert and attentive, balancing her grounding security presence with a moment of shared crew camaraderie.

Goals in this moment
  • To maintain readiness for any security threats
  • To support crew cohesion by participating in social interaction
Active beliefs
  • Security vigilance must be maintained even during light moments
  • Strong interpersonal relationships strengthen operational effectiveness
Character traits
vigilant pragmatic attentive professional
Follow Tasha Yar's journey

Detached yet quietly intrigued, noting human emotional dynamics as data points.

Approaching with Riker, Troi, and Tasha, Data observes with neutral attentiveness, maintaining his analytical stance while witnessing a rare moment of crew levity.

Goals in this moment
  • To support the away team’s mission readiness
  • To observe and learn from human social interactions
Active beliefs
  • Human emotional expression is complex and worthy of study
  • Maintaining a calm demeanor aids in mission effectiveness
Character traits
analytical curious neutral attentive
Follow Data's journey

Genuinely warm and supportive, balancing command responsibilities with approachable camaraderie.

Approaching the boys while carrying a metallic box, Riker engages warmly in lighthearted banter, encouraging the boys and embodying a supportive leadership presence that softens the episode's tension.

Goals in this moment
  • To maintain morale among the crew by engaging with younger members
  • To subtly remind the crew of ongoing mission responsibilities via the metallic box he carries
Active beliefs
  • Positive interpersonal interactions can alleviate stress in high-pressure situations
  • Leadership includes encouraging moments of normalcy and human connection
Character traits
warm encouraging pragmatic approachable
Follow William Riker's journey

Genuinely excited and carefree, a brief emotional escape from the surrounding tension aboard the Enterprise.

Eagerly preparing for a holodeck skiing session with his companion, Wesley expresses youthful enthusiasm and respect toward Commander Riker, engaging in lighthearted dialogue before hurrying excitedly toward the holodeck entrance.

Goals in this moment
  • To enjoy recreational time on the holodeck skiing simulation
  • To share his excitement with Commander Riker and maintain positive rapport
Active beliefs
  • The holodeck offers an ideal escape from real-world pressures
  • Recreation and camaraderie are important for maintaining morale amid crisis
Character traits
enthusiastic respectful youthful energetic
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey

Calm and reassuring, attuned to the emotional needs of the crew and the significance of this lighthearted moment.

Accompanying Riker, Troi provides a supportive presence, observing the interaction with quiet empathy and reinforcing the crew’s emotional cohesion amid stress.

Goals in this moment
  • To support crew morale by witnessing and encouraging positive interactions
  • To maintain emotional balance within the team during a difficult mission
Active beliefs
  • Emotional well-being is critical during crises
  • Positive social interactions foster group cohesion and resilience
Character traits
supportive empathetic diplomatic observant
Follow Deanna Troi's journey
Buddy
primary

Brightly enthusiastic and eager for the recreational activity, reflecting youthful innocence.

Joining Wesley, Buddy shares in the excitement of the upcoming holodeck skiing session, moving quickly and enthusiastically toward the holodeck entrance alongside Wesley.

Goals in this moment
  • To enjoy the holodeck skiing simulation experience
  • To bond with Wesley and share in the adventure
Active beliefs
  • Engaging in recreation is a vital relief from ongoing ship tensions
  • Friendship and shared activities contribute positively to personal well-being
Character traits
excited friendly playful
Follow Buddy's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Metallic Box Containing Symbolic Gift

The metallic box, carried by Commander Riker as he approaches Wesley and Buddy, functions as a tangible symbol of ongoing mission responsibilities and technical concerns, contrasting with the boys' carefree enthusiasm. It anchors the scene’s duality of duty and recreation.

Before: Carried by Commander Riker while walking through the …
After: Still in Commander Riker’s possession as the group …
Before: Carried by Commander Riker while walking through the Enterprise corridor.
After: Still in Commander Riker’s possession as the group converses briefly before the boys enter the Holodeck.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Corridor Outside Sickbay

The Enterprise Corridor serves as the transitional artery where this informal gathering occurs, juxtaposing the ship's clinical efficiency with fleeting moments of human connection. It acts as the stage for the meeting of youthful anticipation and seasoned command.

Atmosphere Neutral and functional yet punctuated by lighthearted energy and warmth from interpersonal interaction.
Function Meeting place and passageway, a brief social nexus amid the ship’s operational flow.
Symbolism Represents the intersection of duty and personal humanity aboard the Enterprise.
Access General access for all crew; no restrictions indicated in this context.
Sterile lighting typical of Starfleet corridors Ambient hum of ship systems underscoring quiet conversations The presence of the holodeck entrance nearby, symbolizing escape and recreation

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

"RIKER: Where're you boys off to?"
"WESLEY: Skiing, sir. Our instructor has us scheduled for the Swiss Alps, sir."
"RIKER: Save us some deep powder."
"WESLEY: No problem, sir. The Holodeck has all you'll ever need."