Turning Disadvantage into Strength
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Picard announces he will attempt to settle the Solais conflict and directly appeals for Riva's help; Riva signs, Data interprets, and the crew acknowledges the danger while framing the mission as necessary.
Picard and Data articulate the mediator's method—helping parties express themselves and turning disadvantages into advantages—provoking Riva to consider applying that logic to his own disability.
Riva rises, shakes Picard's hand and offers thanks through Data's translation; Picard commits to opening the talks immediately, and Riva accepts the mission with renewed resolve.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Determined compassion masking concern for mission success
Initiates physical contact with a shoulder touch, demonstrating empathy while strategically steering conversation. Speaks with measured cadences that allow Data's translations to land. His rhetorical question 'Then why can't you turn your disadvantage into an advantage?' delivers the catalytic challenge.
- • Reawaken Riva's belief in his mediation abilities
- • Establish framework for Solais negotiations without Riva's chorus technology
- • True mediation comes from character, not technology
- • Riva's deafness contains the key to breakthrough diplomacy
Professionally detached yet intellectually engaged by the exchange
Serves as linguistic bridge between Picard and Riva, his literal translation of signs accidentally reveals profound insight - 'To turn a disadvantage to an advantage'. Perplexed when unable to interpret the meaning behind Riva's smile.
- • Accurately convey signed meaning
- • Understand abstract human communication nuances
- • Language follows logical structures
- • All meanings should be explicitly definable
Transformative realization breaking through initial despair
Progresses from resigned nods to active engagement—his final handshake with Picard physically manifests his psychological shift. Communication through Data becomes increasingly animated as he rediscovers agency.
- • Reconcile identity crisis caused by losing his Chorus
- • Prove his worth extends beyond technological assistance
- • Physical limitations don't define communication capacity
- • Human connection transcends translation methods
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The confined Brekkian Guest Quarters intensify the interpersonal dynamics, forcing direct engagement absent technological buffers. Its neutral decor and soft lighting create a safe space for Riva's vulnerability and subsequent transformation.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Picard and Data's articulation of the mediator's method—turning disadvantages into advantages—directly informs Riva's decision to reclaim his role and accept the mission, converting insight into action."
"The intimate scene of Riva teaching Troi signs foreshadows Riva's eventual strategic pivot to make sign language the tool of diplomacy—an idea he ultimately embraces when renewing his mission."
"The intimate scene of Riva teaching Troi signs foreshadows Riva's eventual strategic pivot to make sign language the tool of diplomacy—an idea he ultimately embraces when renewing his mission."
"The intimate scene of Riva teaching Troi signs foreshadows Riva's eventual strategic pivot to make sign language the tool of diplomacy—an idea he ultimately embraces when renewing his mission."
"Riva's flight from the Observation Lounge leads Picard to find and reach him in his quarters, setting up the intimate confrontation that reignites Riva's agency."
"Riva's flight from the Observation Lounge leads Picard to find and reach him in his quarters, setting up the intimate confrontation that reignites Riva's agency."
"Riva's flight from the Observation Lounge leads Picard to find and reach him in his quarters, setting up the intimate confrontation that reignites Riva's agency."
"Picard and Data's articulation of the mediator's method—turning disadvantages into advantages—directly informs Riva's decision to reclaim his role and accept the mission, converting insight into action."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"PICARD: Then why can't you turn your disadvantage into an advantage?"
"DATA: The real trick is getting them to listen. To understand. To turn a disadvantage to an advantage."
"DATA: ((translating)) Thank you."