Riker Commands Tactical Defense Against Picard Maneuver
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker demands Data devise a defense against the Picard Maneuver despite its reputed invincibility; Data accepts the impossible challenge and quickly begins working.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Calm and determined, displaying confidence in his computational abilities despite the challenge.
Data responds with a logical explanation that no defense exists against the Picard Maneuver but quickly computes an innovative solution utilizing trace gases as targeting points for the tractor beam, demonstrating rapid analytical adaptation under pressure.
- • To devise an effective countermeasure to an otherwise undefeatable tactic.
- • To support Riker and the Enterprise crew tactically and strategically.
- • Every problem has a potential solution through logic and technology.
- • Creative use of ship resources can overcome tactical disadvantages.
Tense and resolute, masking concern over Picard’s incapacity and the existential threat posed by the maneuver.
Commander William Riker assumes urgent command, pressing Data to create a defense against the Picard Maneuver despite its reputed invincibility and managing disruptive communications from Ferengi First Officer Kazago with growing frustration.
- • To devise a viable defense to protect the Enterprise and its captain.
- • To maintain command authority and crew cohesion under stress.
- • The Enterprise must survive at all costs.
- • Data’s analysis is key to overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Curious and cautiously attentive, reflecting concern for the captain’s well-being and the tactical situation.
Dr. Beverly Crusher expresses curiosity about the enigmatic Picard Maneuver, seeking to understand the tactical implications as she stands among command staff on the bridge.
- • To comprehend the nature of the threat confronting the Enterprise.
- • To align medical understanding with tactical developments for holistic command support.
- • Knowledge of tactical history informs current crisis management.
- • The captain’s physical and mental health are intertwined with the ship’s fate.
Concerned and steady, providing an emotional barometer amid rising tension.
Counselor Deanna Troi observes and articulates the emotional turmoil aboard the bridge, sensing anger and frustration emanating from both Captain Picard and Commander Riker, thereby heightening awareness of their psychological strain.
- • To monitor and report the emotional states of key officers.
- • To help the crew anticipate psychological breakdowns and maintain morale.
- • The mental state of leadership critically impacts mission success.
- • Psychological assaults are a real and dangerous threat to the crew.
Alert and concentrated, aware of the gravity of the situation.
Geordi La Forge identifies the image on the main viewer as the historical 'Battle of Maxia,' connecting current events to Picard’s past trauma and providing crucial contextual clarity for the bridge crew.
- • To clarify the nature of the threat to the crew.
- • To support command with accurate technical and historical information.
- • Understanding past battles aids in current tactical decisions.
- • Accurate information is vital for effective command response.
Measured and composed, wielding information as both a challenge and a psychological weapon.
Kazago, speaking from the Ferengi bridge, delivers a calm yet assertive message to Riker, revealing internal Ferengi dissent by informing him that DaiMon Bok has been confined, signaling a fracturing enemy command structure.
- • To communicate Ferengi internal developments to unsettle the Enterprise command.
- • To position himself as a reliable interlocutor amid Ferengi command turmoil.
- • The conflict is shifting beyond simple confrontation into internal power struggles.
- • Information can be used strategically to influence enemy decisions.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Enterprise Bridge Main Viewer serves as the primary visual communication interface, displaying the Stargazer’s approach, the Battle of Maxia imagery, the Ferengi bridge with Kazago, and subsequently the Stargazer heading towards the Enterprise, thus contextualizing the tactical and diplomatic developments.
Trace gases in deep space are identified by Data as the subtle disturbances compressed by the Picard Maneuver, which the Enterprise’s sensors can detect and use as precise aiming points for the tractor beam, turning a natural phenomenon into a tactical asset.
The miniature tractor beam is proposed by Data as a targeting mechanism to lock the Stargazer in place using the compressed trace gases as anchor points, transforming it from a mere defensive tool into the linchpin of a desperate tactical innovation.
Narrative Connections
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Key Dialogue
"RIKER: Mister Data, what is the defense against that? DATA: There is no defense, sir."
"RIKER: Then devise one! Fast!"
"DATA: Aim our tractor beam at it, sir! Seize it! This class starship has enough power for that."
"RIKER: In our captain's words... make it so! Set sensors, tractor beam..."
"KAZAGO: But you should also know that DaiMon Bok no longer commands this vessel, Riker. His first officer has confined him for engaging in this unprofitable adventure."