Fabula
S1E15 · Angel One
S1E15
· Angel One

Trent Summons Away Team to Audience with Beata

Inside the guest quarters on Angel One, the away team is momentarily immersed in a cultural curiosity as Data investigates an atomizer perfume, prompting a brief exploration of human sensuality and social rituals. This quiet interlude is abruptly ended when Trent arrives to summon Commander Riker, Troi, Tasha, and Data to see Beata, the planet's Elected One. The announcement marks a pivotal narrative turning point, transitioning the away team from isolated observation to direct confrontation with Angel One's political authority. This summons sets the stage for escalating diplomatic conflict and deepens the complexity of the away team's mission, highlighting the precarious balance between cultural understanding and political intrigue.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Trent enters abruptly, announcing that the Elected One will see the away team, prompting them to prepare for their audience with Beata and exit the room.

curiosity to tense anticipation

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

5

Intellectually engaged and intrigued by unfamiliar social rituals.

Data examines the perfume atomizer with keen curiosity, engaging in scientific inquiry about its purpose, demonstrating his characteristic blend of logic and fascination with human culture.

Goals in this moment
  • Understand the cultural and biological function of perfume and aphrodisiacs.
  • Expand his database of human customs for improved social interaction.
Active beliefs
  • Knowledge of cultural artifacts enhances mission success.
  • Scientific understanding bridges gaps between species and cultures.
Character traits
curious analytical methodical
Follow Data's journey

Measured and cautious, balancing professional vigilance with an openness to cultural explanation.

Tasha paces thoughtfully around the guest quarters, explaining the cultural significance of perfume as an aphrodisiac, showing cautious awareness of the delicate context while engaging in the discussion.

Goals in this moment
  • Clarify cultural concepts for Data’s benefit to aid mission understanding.
  • Maintain team cohesion through calm, informative dialogue.
Active beliefs
  • Understanding local customs is essential for successful diplomacy.
  • Sharing knowledge fosters better group dynamics and mission efficiency.
Character traits
thoughtful cautious pragmatic
Follow Tasha Yar's journey

Calm and focused, balancing intellectual curiosity with leadership responsibility.

Riker sits and pragmatically defines 'aphrodisiac' for Data, grounding the abstract discussion in clear, functional terms while maintaining leadership composure.

Goals in this moment
  • Provide accurate definitions to satisfy Data’s inquiries.
  • Maintain control of the dialogue and prepare for upcoming challenges.
Active beliefs
  • Factual clarity strengthens team understanding.
  • Preparation and knowledge are crucial for effective leadership.
Character traits
informative pragmatic authoritative
Follow William Riker's journey

Calm and focused on bridging cultural gaps with gentle clarity.

Troi sits patiently, calmly explaining the purpose and social function of perfume to Data, embodying empathy and cultural mediation in a tense environment.

Goals in this moment
  • Educate Data about human social customs gently and clearly.
  • Support away team’s cultural empathy and preparedness for diplomatic engagements.
Active beliefs
  • Emotional intelligence aids in cross-cultural understanding.
  • Clear communication is vital in avoiding misunderstandings.
Character traits
patient empathetic explanatory
Follow Deanna Troi's journey

Professional and composed, fulfilling his role as intermediary with quiet efficiency.

Trent enters formally and announces the summons from Beata, briefly interacting with the atomizer by spraying it on himself and savoring the scent before guiding the away team towards an imminent political encounter.

Goals in this moment
  • Deliver Beata's summons promptly and respectfully.
  • Maintain order and protocol during the transition from informal to formal proceedings.
Active beliefs
  • Obedience to the Elected One is paramount.
  • Protocol must be observed to avoid diplomatic incident.
Character traits
formal dutiful subdued authority
Follow Trent's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Perfume Atomizer

The atomizer perfume bottle serves as the focal cultural artifact around which the away team’s brief educational exchange revolves. Data’s examination and accidental spray trigger a sensory exploration of human sensual customs, symbolizing the delicate intersection of scientific curiosity and social ritual. Trent’s subsequent interaction with the atomizer before departing underscores its continuing presence as a cultural emblem even amid rising political tension.

Before: Resting on a surface in the guest quarters, …
After: Momentarily handled by Data, then picked up and …
Before: Resting on a surface in the guest quarters, untouched but available for examination by the away team.
After: Momentarily handled by Data, then picked up and sprayed by Trent before being carried out of the guest quarters.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Angel One Executive Office

The guest quarters on Angel One provide a neutral, intimate setting for the away team’s cultural interaction. Its quiet, enclosed space allows for a rare moment of personal inquiry and informal dialogue before the inevitable confrontation with political power. The setting’s domestic elements contrast with the cold formality soon to encroach, emphasizing the fragility of trust and understanding.

Atmosphere Calm, contemplative, tinged with subtle undercurrents of tension and anticipation.
Function Serves as a meeting place and staging ground for the away team’s cultural orientation and …
Symbolism Represents safe but temporary refuge from political pressures; the locus of cultural curiosity before conflict.
Access Restricted to the away team and official representatives; controlled entry as evidenced by Trent’s formal …
Soft ambient lighting accentuating the intimate setting. Presence of human cultural artifacts (atomizer, knickknacks) inviting inquiry. Quiet except for the soft footsteps and dialogue. Closed door marking separation from political center of power.

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

"DATA: Interesting. An alcohol-based synthetic, artificially reproducing a floral scent."
"TROI: It is called perfume, Data."
"TASHA: Certain cultures consider perfume an aphrodisiac."
"RIKER: An aphrodisiac is something designed to stimulate or enhance sexual pleasure."
"DATA: How does stimulation of the olfactory nerve affect the enjoyment of sex?"
"TRENT: The Elected One will see you now."