Riker’s Double Betrayal and the Shattering of Alliances
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker shocks the conspirators by pulling a phaser and shooting the guard; chaos erupts as Picard seizes the weapon, and a violent firefight breaks out with Tryla and Savar attacking fiercely.
After Savar is killed, Riker rips out the counterfeit splinter from his neck, revealing his true allegiance; Picard’s quick call of Aaron’s name signals recognition of the core enemy.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Shellshocked and horrified by the betrayal, transitioning into focused determination and righteous anger during the violent confrontation.
Seated initially in stunned horror and revulsion at the grotesque living worms served as a meal, Picard is forcibly restrained by Riker. As Riker’s betrayal unfolds and the firefight erupts, Picard decisively seizes a phaser from the incapacitated guard and kills the Vulcan Savar, embodying resolute defiance and leadership in crisis.
- • Survive the ambush and betrayal
- • Protect the Enterprise and crew
- • Expose the parasitic conspiracy
- • Neutralize immediate threats
- • Starfleet’s integrity must be preserved at all costs
- • The parasitic infestation is a profound moral and physical threat
Cold and calculated, masking true loyalties beneath a facade of betrayal; resolute in defending Picard and exposing the conspiracy.
Initially seated and complicit in the conspiracy, Riker coldly reveals the parasite splinter on his neck, signaling apparent betrayal of Picard. However, he subverts expectations by shooting the guard, killing Tryla Scott during her attack on Picard, and removing the counterfeit parasite from his neck, revealing his true loyalty.
- • Protect Picard and the Enterprise
- • Expose and eliminate parasitic infiltrators
- • Maintain covert control to dismantle the conspiracy
- • Deception is necessary to combat infiltration
- • True loyalty requires sacrifice and stealth
Confident and taunting, fully embracing her parasitic allegiance until violently stopped.
Entering and taking her seat with a malevolent smile, Tryla reveals her infection by consuming live worms. She aggressively attacks Picard with a phaser but is swiftly cut down by Riker, exposing the parasitic creature fleeing her mouth.
- • Ensure Picard’s elimination
- • Support the parasitic conspiracy
- • Maintain cover until attack
- • The parasitic agenda is unstoppable
- • Violence is necessary to secure dominance
Stoic and malevolent, unyielding in defense of the conspiracy until death.
Seated calmly while consuming living worms, Savar embodies menace and cold calculation. Engages Riker in physical combat but is ultimately killed by Picard’s phaser fire, representing the violent collapse of the parasitic influence at this juncture.
- • Protect the parasitic conspiracy’s secrecy and dominance
- • Eliminate Picard and dissenters
- • Maintain control over the Enterprise
- • The parasitic infiltration must be preserved at all costs
- • Force and intimidation will secure success
Confident and mocking, yet increasingly frantic and exposed as the situation deteriorates.
Seated and openly taunting Picard, Aaron gleefully reveals the parasite splinter on Riker’s neck, asserting control over the Enterprise. He attempts to flee when shooting begins but is identified as the principal enemy by Picard, highlighting his desperation and villainy.
- • Ensure the parasite conspiracy’s success
- • Convert or neutralize Picard
- • Escape when the firefight erupts
- • The parasitic infiltration is inevitable and unstoppable
- • Control over the Enterprise guarantees dominance
Unwavering in duty, but physically subdued and neutralized.
Standing guard, the Angel One Guard obediently consumes the living worms but is immediately shot and incapacitated by Riker, marking the collapse of the conspiracy’s security detail and allowing Picard to take control of the phaser weapon.
- • Protect the conspirators
- • Maintain order and control
- • Suppress resistance
- • Loyalty to orders supersedes personal judgment
- • The conspiracy’s success is paramount
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Phasers function as critical weapons in the firefight: Riker uses his phaser to shoot the guard and cut down Tryla Scott; Picard seizes the guard’s phaser to kill Savar, shifting the power balance decisively.
The counterfeit parasite splinter embedded in Riker’s neck serves as a pivotal plot device, initially signifying his infection and betrayal. Its removal by Riker after the firefight reveals his true loyalty and helps dismantle the conspiracy’s illusion.
The silver bowl-like coverings appear repeatedly as symbols of concealed threat, their unveiling precipitating the psychological and physical breakdown of trust at the table.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Dining Room serves as the claustrophobic battleground for this pivotal confrontation, its polished black table contrasting with the grotesque living worms and violent betrayal unfolding. It functions as a stage where loyalties fracture and the parasitic conspiracy is violently exposed.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The suspicious attitude and cryptic behavior of Admirals Savar and Aaron lead directly to their hostile confrontation and reveal as infected conspirators during the dinner scene."
"The polite, cryptic reception by Admirals Savar and Aaron parallels their later revealed monstrous nature, illustrating the theme of betrayal cloaked in civility within Starfleet's leadership."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"RIKER: "You'll be one of us soon.""
"TRYLA: "It's a perfect match. We're the brains and you're the brawn.""
"RIKER: "You'll understand soon, Picard.""
"AARON: "Well said, brother. Picard and Riker control the Enterprise. Which means we control the Enterprise.""
"RIKER (just before firing): *[silent but decisive action]*"
"PICARD: "Aaron!""