Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E24
· We'll Always Have Paris

Picard Initiates Holodeck Paris Program for Solace

Standing outside the holodeck, Captain Jean-Luc Picard hesitates momentarily before commanding the ship’s computer to initiate a deeply personal holodeck simulation—a vivid recreation of Paris as it was twenty-two years ago on a warm spring day. This deliberate invocation of a specific time and place reflects Picard’s need to ground himself emotionally amid the mounting external threats and internal turmoil he faces. The moment marks a crucial pivot from the external crisis to Picard’s private struggle, offering a brief but vital emotional refuge that sets the stage for introspection and confrontation with his haunting memories and unresolved feelings tied to a lost love. The computer’s prompt and precise response underscores the tension between technology's cold efficiency and Picard’s yearning for human connection.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Picard hesitates briefly, wrestling with his reluctance before committing to program a holodeck recreation of Paris from twenty-two years ago.

hesitation to resolve ['holodeck']

Picard formally addresses the ship’s computer to initiate the program, invoking his command with measured authority.

composure to focused intent

The computer responds promptly with polite readiness, underscoring the routine nature of Picard’s request amid the tension.

neutral to service-ready

Picard specifies the holodeck program’s details with vivid precision, invoking a particular moment in Paris to anchor himself amid rising turmoil.

detachment to nostalgic immersion ['Paris, twenty-two years ago']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Quietly conflicted with a wistful yearning for connection and grounding amidst external pressures.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stands hesitantly outside the holodeck, visibly pausing before issuing a measured but emotionally charged command to the ship's computer to initiate the Paris simulation that evokes his past. His presence is solemn and reflective, bridging his role as a commanding officer and a man seeking personal solace.

Goals in this moment
  • • To create a controlled emotional refuge by accessing a meaningful memory.
  • • To momentarily distance himself from the external crisis and center his thoughts.
  • • To prepare mentally for confronting difficult personal and professional challenges ahead.
Active beliefs
  • • Revisiting the past can provide clarity and emotional strength.
  • • Technology, though cold and efficient, can serve as a conduit for human connection.
  • • Acknowledging personal vulnerability is necessary for effective leadership.
Character traits
Hesitant Reflective Authoritative Vulnerable
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Custodian Voice
primary

Neutral and unflappable, functioning as a stable interface amid human emotional complexity.

The Enterprise Computer Voice responds promptly and efficiently to Captain Picard’s request, confirming the initiation of the Paris holodeck simulation. Its clinical and steady tone contrasts with Picard's emotional hesitation, underscoring the role of technology as both facilitator and neutral observer.

Goals in this moment
  • • To accurately process and execute Captain Picard’s command without delay.
  • • To maintain operational reliability and clarity under pressure.
Active beliefs
  • • Precise adherence to commands is paramount.
  • • Emotional context is irrelevant to task execution.
Character traits
Impartial Efficient Prompt Clinical
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Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"PICARD: Computer, this is Captain Picard."
"COMPUTER VOICE: What is your pleasure, Captain?"
"PICARD: Paris. Twenty-two years ago. A warm spring day. April ninth. Eighteen hundred hours -- three o'clock."