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

Ambushed by Manheim’s Lethal Defense Systems

As the away team advances cautiously toward Manheim’s laboratory, Data’s use of the scientist’s code partially opens the door, but Worf quickly detects concealed apertures along the corridor walls. Suddenly, automated laser fire erupts, forcing Riker, Worf, and Data into a tense firefight where survival hinges on cover and quick reflexes. This unexpected ambush starkly reveals the deadly extent of Manheim’s forgotten security measures, underscoring the grave dangers that lie ahead. After enduring the assault, the trio exchanges grim acknowledgment before slipping through a narrow opening into the shadowed laboratory, bracing themselves for the unknown perils of Manheim’s experimental domain.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Worf spots hidden openings as laser fire erupts, forcing the away team to dive for cover and return fire, revealing deadly forgotten defenses.

surprise to fierce combat readiness ["Corridor near Manheim's laboratory"]

Surviving the attack, the team exchanges grim acknowledgment before squeezing through a narrow opening into the lab’s darkness, bracing for new unknown dangers.

relief to apprehension ["Interior of Manheim's laboratory"]

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Measured composure masking acute situational awareness and readiness to act.

Data calmly manipulates the panel next to the laboratory door, carefully entering Manheim’s code to partially disengage the lock, then immediately participates in the firefight by returning phaser fire alongside the others.

Goals in this moment
  • • Gain access to the laboratory using Manheim’s code
  • • Support defensive actions to ensure team survival
Active beliefs
  • • Logical precision will advance mission success
  • • The lab’s security is a critical obstacle to overcome
Character traits
calculated composed methodical adaptive
Follow Data's journey
Worf
Lieutenant, Chief of Security / Tactical Officer
 primary

Intensely focused and alert, driven by protective resolve for the team’s safety.

Worf remains vigilant, scanning the corridor attentively, detects concealed apertures that signal imminent danger, alerts the team, takes cover, and returns fire with precision to counter the ambush.

Goals in this moment
  • • Identify and neutralize threats to the away team
  • • Protect teammates from harm during corridor traversal
Active beliefs
  • • Manheim’s security measures are more dangerous than anticipated
  • • Preparedness and rapid response are essential for survival
Character traits
vigilant focused protective decisive
Follow Worf's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Cautiously tense, channeling focus into tactical response under sudden threat.

Commander Riker leads the away team with alert vigilance, responds promptly to Picard’s command, vocalizes awareness of the ambush, and actively returns fire with his phaser during the laser attack.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure safe progress towards Manheim’s laboratory
  • • Neutralize threat from automated laser fire
Active beliefs
  • • Manheim’s lab contains critical secrets requiring access
  • • Their survival depends on quick, coordinated action
Character traits
alert tense decisive team-oriented
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Small Belt-Mounted Phaser

The phasers wielded by Riker, Worf, and Data serve as essential defensive tools during the sudden laser ambush, enabling precise and controlled return fire that allows the away team to survive the unexpected attack and proceed.

Before: In possession of the away team members, powered …
After: Still in possession of the away team, operational …
Before: In possession of the away team members, powered and set for stun mode.
After: Still in possession of the away team, operational and ready for further use as they enter the laboratory.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Planet Surface Near Manheim's Laboratory

The Vandor corridor acts as the perilous approach to Manheim’s laboratory, its walls concealing deadly apertures that unleash automated laser fire, transforming this passageway into a battleground where the away team must survive to continue their mission.

Atmosphere Tense, shadowed, and foreboding, punctuated by sudden violent energy bursts during the ambush.
Function Hostile battleground serving as the gateway to the laboratory.
Symbolism Represents the dangerous threshold between known safety and the unknown scientific horrors within Manheim’s lab.
Access Heavily secured with automated defenses; unauthorized or unprepared personnel face lethal consequences.
Dim lighting casting long shadows Echoing sounds of laser blasts and phaser fire Narrow corridor walls concealing apertures for ambush
Professor Manheim's Laboratory

Manheim’s laboratory lies beyond the corridor, a shadowed, ominous space that the away team cautiously enters immediately after surviving the ambush, its darkness symbolizing the unknown dangers and scientific mysteries awaiting inside.

Atmosphere Dark, oppressive, filled with latent danger and uncertainty.
Function Objective location and refuge following the corridor’s deadly challenge.
Symbolism Embodies the threshold of forbidden knowledge and the nexus of scientific hubris and peril.
Access Restricted access requiring code authorization; protected by lethal security systems.
Partial darkness concealing interior details Hushed silence after firefight Narrow doorway barely accommodating the team

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."