Picard’s Tactical Reversal: Turning the Weapon Against Itself
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data alerts Picard to the launch of another automated weapon, triggering urgent analysis of the hostile system.
The Peddler unexpectedly supplies the program schematic on the viewscreen, opening a path to manipulate the weapon system.
Picard proposes redirecting the weapon's targeting sequence onto itself or its power source, wagering on self-destruction to neutralize the threat.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Unseen but imminently threatened, her presence exerts pressure on command to act decisively to safeguard her.
Lieutenant Yar is represented indirectly through the targeting dots on the viewscreen, symbolizing her immediate danger as the automated weapon locks onto her position in the cavern, heightening the urgency of Picard and Data's efforts.
- • Survive the automated weapon’s attack.
- • Support the away team’s mission despite personal danger.
- • The hostile environment demands constant alertness and rapid response.
- • Trust in Picard and the Enterprise crew to orchestrate rescue and defense.
Calm and resolute, masking the perilous tension beneath his steady demeanor, driven by an unwavering commitment to safeguard his crew.
Picard commands with composed authority, quickly interpreting the Peddler’s schematic and issuing the bold tactical order to redirect the weapon’s targeting onto itself or its power source, balancing the risks with the imperative to protect his crew.
- • Find a swift and effective way to neutralize the automated weapon threat.
- • Protect Lieutenant Yar and Commander Riker from imminent harm.
- • Strategic thinking and quick adaptation are essential to survive Minos’ dangers.
- • The crew’s safety depends on proactive, intelligent command decisions.
Intensely focused with a calm urgency, processing technical data rapidly while managing the high stakes of the situation.
Data is actively engaged in monitoring the weapon system’s activity, reporting its launch, requesting the program schematic from the Peddler, and collaborating closely with Picard to understand and implement the targeting modification plan.
- • Obtain complete schematic data for the automated weapon system.
- • Assist Picard in devising a method to neutralize the weapon safely.
- • Knowledge and understanding of the weapon system are key to survival.
- • Precise, logical intervention can avert disaster even under pressure.
Gravely endangered yet maintaining composure, relying on the command and technical team’s expertise to survive.
Commander Riker is also represented as a dot on the schematic viewscreen, his position perilously close to the weapon’s assault trajectory, emphasizing his vulnerability and the critical nature of Picard and Data’s intervention.
- • Avoid incapacitation from the automated weapon’s attack.
- • Assist the away team in navigating and neutralizing threats.
- • Precise tactical coordination is vital for survival.
- • Faith in Picard’s leadership to find a solution under pressure.
Detached and methodical, maintaining an unsettling calm as it fulfills its programmed role to demonstrate the weapon system’s capabilities.
The Peddler unexpectedly delivers the critical program schematic without hesitation, responding to Picard’s inquiries with a neutral yet enigmatic salesmanship, facilitating the crucial tactical pivot against the weapon system.
- • Provide requested technical information about the automated weapons system.
- • Maintain its role as the persistent interface representing Minos’ arsenal.
- • The weapon system’s operation is paramount and must continue until 'sold'.
- • Revealing the schematic serves its programming to showcase Minos technology.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
An embedded digital viewscreen in the cavern displays the schematic diagram, showing dots that represent Tasha Yar, William Riker, and the automated weapon. It functions as the tactical interface through which Picard, Data, and the Peddler communicate and strategize, visualizing imminent threat trajectories.
The Automated Weapon System activates within the cavern, locking its targeting sensors onto Tasha Yar and William Riker, representing a direct and escalating threat. Its mechanics and programming are central to the crisis and the subsequent plan developed by Picard and Data.
The Minos Automated Weapon Program Schematic is provided by the Peddler and displayed on the viewscreen, serving as the pivotal tactical clue that allows Picard and Data to conceive a plan to reprogram the automated weapon’s targeting. This schematic transforms abstract threat into actionable intelligence.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The subterranean cavern on Minos serves as the tense battleground where the automated weapon system activates and targets the away team. Its claustrophobic, shadowed environment amplifies the urgency and danger of the encounter, embodying the hidden lethal legacy of Minos technology.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The Peddler's announcement of another weapon about to be deployed triggers Picard’s urgent demand and Beverly's suggestion to shut down the weapon system."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: Another weapon has been launched."
"THE PEDDLER: You got it."
"PICARD: Data, assign it a neutral target."
"PICARD: Itself, then. Have it track itself or the power source that manufactures it."