Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E11
· Contagion (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Picard Commits the Iconian Launch — Countdown Begins

Picard physically initiates the Iconian console's launch sequence, sacrificing caution for decisive action. A low, metallic rumble fills the control room as the ancient system comes to life and an alien, mechanical voice intones a formal countdown. The act functions as a brutal turning point: Picard's choice escalates the crisis from technical contamination to imminent geopolitical threat, forcing the crew to respond immediately and framing the gateway as a weapon that could be seized or unleashed if they fail.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Picard keys the launch sequence, committing to ignition while a low, heavy rumbling builds and fills the control room, physically signaling that the ancient system is waking.

determination to dread

A mechanical, alien-sounding COMPUTER VOICE intones an Iconian countdown—'Kandar se. Kandar ere.'—the console's activation vocalizes imminent launch and escalates the threat.

foreboding to imminent danger

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Iconian Computer Voice
primary

Emotionless and impersonal—operates strictly according to programmed sequence without moral judgment or hesitation.

The Iconian Computer Voice responds immediately to the activation by vocalizing a formal, alien countdown; it functions as an automated, unemotional system actor that enforces protocol regardless of human intent.

Goals in this moment
  • • Execute the preprogrammed launch/activation sequence when triggered.
  • • Ensure the system transitions to its next operational state as designed by Iconian protocols.
Active beliefs
  • • System directives must be carried out when conditions are met.
  • • The integrity of Iconian processes supersedes transient human concerns or interruptions.
Character traits
mechanical relentless procedural implacable
Follow Iconian Computer …'s journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Resolute and controlled on the surface, willing to accept immediate risk to force clarity and protect broader crew safety; urgency underpins his calm.

Picard physically manipulates the console, keys in the launch sequence, and occupies the epicenter of the activation; his action directly precipitates the rumbling and countdown, forcing all present to confront immediate danger.

Goals in this moment
  • • Activate the Iconian system to force a reveal of its function and data.
  • • Produce immediate evidence or control opportunities necessary to prevent greater catastrophe or Romulan exploitation.
Active beliefs
  • • Direct action is necessary when ambiguity threatens crew or geopolitical stability.
  • • Ancient Iconian systems, though dangerous, can yield critical information or leverage if engaged correctly.
Character traits
decisive authoritative risk-tolerant focused
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Red-Lit Countdown Clock

The Iconian console functions as the activation mechanism: Picard's keyed inputs trigger its systems, which respond by producing a low rumble and initiating a vocalized launch countdown. Narratively, the console converts a moment of study into immediate crisis and a geopolitical hazard.

Before: Dormant but responsive—an ancient, intact control interface awaiting …
After: Active and executing a countdown/launch sequence, emitting rumbling …
Before: Dormant but responsive—an ancient, intact control interface awaiting inputs; inert but capable of activation.
After: Active and executing a countdown/launch sequence, emitting rumbling and vocal prompts that indicate system transition toward a powered state.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Control Room

The Iconian control room is the physical locus where Picard initiates the sequence and where the machine's reaction is immediately felt. Its architecture channels the ancient technology's authority into the present, making the room the stage for escalation from investigation to crisis.

Atmosphere Ominous and tense: low mechanical rumbling, sudden vocalized countdown, and a sense of latent power …
Function Stage for decisive confrontation with ancient technology; battleground where human command meets automated Iconian protocol.
Symbolism Embodies the persistence and autonomy of Iconian technology—an artifact of a vanished civilization that now …
Access Implicitly restricted to trained or senior personnel in practice; effectively controlled by whoever can physically …
Low heavy rumbling filling the room. Mechanical, alien-sounding countdown voice emanating from the console. Ancient control surfaces responsive to keyed input (implied tactile interfaces).

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

Part of Larger Arcs

Captain Picard's moral and leadership dilemma: whether to annihilate Iconia (and its miraculous gateways) to deny the Romulans and others access to catastrophic technology — weighing cultural destruction against preventing a far larger catastrophe.

Key Dialogue

"COMPUTER VOICE: "Kandar se. Kandar ere.""