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

Riker, Worf, and Data Breach Manheim’s Defended Laboratory

After recovering from a violent automated laser ambush, the away team—Riker, Worf, and Data—advances cautiously down the hostile corridor on Vandor. Under Captain Picard's command to maintain open communication, Data skillfully uses Manheim’s cryptic code to partially override the laboratory’s security doors. Worf’s sharp vigilance uncovers hidden apertures triggering a sudden barrage of deadly laser fire, forcing the team to dive for cover and retaliate with phasers. Surviving this unexpected defense, they share a brief, tense acknowledgment of Manheim’s omission before slipping through a narrow opening into the shadowed depths of the lab, stepping deeper into the scientist’s dangerous and unstable experiments. This event marks a crucial turning point—both escalating physical peril and signaling the team’s entry into the heart of Manheim's secretive, hazardous research.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

The away team—Riker, Worf, and Data—presses cautiously forward toward Manheim's laboratory, recovering from a violent energy blast.

dread to cautious determination ["Corridor near Manheim's laboratory on Vandor"]

Picard commands Riker to maintain an open comm frequency, confirming ongoing communication as the team advances.

tense alertness remains steady

Data removes a panel and enters Manheim's code, triggering the partial opening of the laboratory doors while Worf scans the corridor vigilantly.

cautious hope to rising tension ["Corridor adjacent to Manheim's laboratory"]

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm analytical focus, undistracted by immediate danger.

Data methodically removes a panel near the laboratory door and inputs Manheim's cryptic code, successfully partially overriding the security system. His logical focus and technical skill are central to advancing the team’s mission despite triggering a defense mechanism.

Goals in this moment
  • • Bypass the lab’s sophisticated security to enable team entry.
  • • Support the away team with precise technical expertise.
Active beliefs
  • • Manheim’s code is the key to accessing the laboratory.
  • • Security systems will likely have countermeasures.
Character traits
focused methodical intelligent calm
Follow Data's journey
Worf
Lieutenant, Chief of Security / Tactical Officer
 primary

Heightened alertness with readiness to respond to immediate threats.

Worf maintains sharp vigilance throughout the corridor advance, spotting the concealed apertures that trigger the laser barrage. His immediate warning enables the team to take cover and counterattack with phasers, embodying disciplined, warrior-like alertness.

Goals in this moment
  • • Protect the away team from lethal security defenses.
  • • Neutralize hostile laser fire to allow safe passage.
Active beliefs
  • • The laboratory’s defenses are designed to eliminate intruders.
  • • Swift, decisive action is necessary to survive.
Character traits
vigilant reactive disciplined protective
Follow Worf's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Tense vigilance tempered with confident command presence.

Commander Riker leads the away team cautiously down the corridor, maintaining communication with Captain Picard. Reacting swiftly to the laser ambush, he coordinates return fire with his phaser and demonstrates alert, tactical leadership amidst escalating danger.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure the safety of the away team while navigating hostile territory.
  • • Breach Manheim’s laboratory to investigate and secure the research site.
Active beliefs
  • • Manheim’s laboratory will be heavily defended and dangerous.
  • • Open communication with Starfleet command is vital for mission success.
Character traits
alert cautious decisive tactical
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Small Belt-Mounted Phaser

The away team deploys their handheld phasers in response to the laser ambush, using controlled bursts of energy to suppress and neutralize the source of the deadly attacks. These weapons are crucial tools for survival and combat within the hostile corridor environment.

Before: In possession of the away team, powered and …
After: Actively fired during the laser barrage, remaining in …
Before: In possession of the away team, powered and ready but idle.
After: Actively fired during the laser barrage, remaining in possession of the away team.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Planet Surface Near Manheim's Laboratory

The corridor on Vandor acts as the treacherous battleground where the away team faces lethal automated defenses embedded in hidden apertures. Its hostile spatial constraints and shadowed passages amplify tension as the team struggles to advance toward the laboratory.

Atmosphere Tense, claustrophobic, and dangerous with sudden violent attacks.
Function Hostile approach path and defensive barrier protecting the laboratory.
Symbolism Represents the perilous threshold between the known Federation and Manheim’s forbidden experimental realm.
Access Monitored by lethal automated security systems triggered by intruders.
Shadowed, narrow corridor walls Concealed apertures for laser fire Echoing sounds of laser blasts and shouted warnings
Professor Manheim's Laboratory

Professor Manheim’s laboratory, partially revealed as the doorway opens, represents the dangerous objective of the away mission. Its unstable, secretive energy and cryptic security systems embody the collision of scientific brilliance and existential threat, drawing the team deeper into peril.

Atmosphere Shadowed, foreboding, and unstable as it harbors lethal traps.
Function Mission objective and site of secretive, hazardous research.
Symbolism Embodies the boundary between human curiosity and catastrophic consequences.
Access Secured by advanced, cryptic security protocols and lethal defense systems.
Partially opened heavy laboratory doors Dim interior darkness beyond threshold Subtle ambient hum of interdimensional energy

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

"PICARD'S COM VOICE: Maintain an open frequency, Number One."
"RIKER: Frequency open, sir."
"WORF: Look out!"
"RIKER: Manheim forgot to mention that one."