Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E23
· Symbiosis

Picard Assumes Command and Orders Enterprise Departure

In the tense aftermath of a profound moral confrontation over the Prime Directive and the suffering caused by the Felicium narcotic dependency, Captain Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher step onto the Enterprise bridge. Picard takes his seat in command with quiet gravity and orders Geordi to set course, signaling the Enterprise's departure from orbit. This measured action marks a deliberate withdrawal from the fraught Delos system conflict, underscoring Picard's steadfast commitment to Starfleet principles despite the painful consequences. The moment is a silent but powerful coda to the ethical dilemma faced, emphasizing the emotional cost of leadership and the weight of restraint in the face of suffering.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Picard and Beverly enter the bridge as Picard takes his chair and commands Geordi to set course and leave orbit, initiating the Enterprise's departure.

resolved determination to purposeful action ['USS Enterprise main bridge']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Sober resolve mixed with quiet anguish over painful ethical decisions

Captain Picard steps decisively from the turbolift doors onto the main bridge, takes his captain’s chair with quiet gravity, and issues the critical command to depart orbit. His demeanor reflects the heavy weight of moral responsibility and command restraint after a difficult confrontation.

Goals in this moment
  • • To uphold Starfleet’s Prime Directive by avoiding interference
  • • To safely remove the Enterprise from a volatile situation
  • • To maintain order and morale on the bridge
  • • To embody leadership through measured restraint
Active beliefs
  • • The Prime Directive is paramount, even when costly
  • • Non-interference preserves long-term interstellar order
  • • Leadership demands difficult sacrifices
  • • Leaving the conflict is the lesser harm
Character traits
Resolute Composed Principled Reflective
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Beverly Crusher
Chief Medical Officer
 primary

Quiet concern tempered by professionalism and trust in Picard’s judgment

Dr. Beverly Crusher accompanies Picard from the turbolift onto the bridge, present but silent, embodying a calm and supportive presence amidst the tension. Though not vocal, her participation signals solidarity in the weighty decision to withdraw.

Goals in this moment
  • • To support Picard’s leadership decision
  • • To remain prepared for any medical contingencies
  • • To help maintain crew stability
  • • To witness the aftermath of the ethical confrontation
Active beliefs
  • • Medical ethics intertwine with command decisions
  • • Supporting leadership is crucial during moral crises
  • • Restraint can be as important as action
  • • Crew wellbeing depends on clear command
Character traits
Calm Supportive Professional Empathetic
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Calm and attentive with an undercurrent of respect for the gravity of the situation

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge responds promptly and professionally to Captain Picard’s command, laying in the course to remove the Enterprise from orbit around the Delos system. His precise execution reflects disciplined focus and readiness.

Goals in this moment
  • • To execute the captain’s orders without error
  • • To ensure the ship’s safe departure from a dangerous environment
  • • To maintain operational readiness
  • • To contribute to crew cohesion through reliable action
Active beliefs
  • • Obedience to command is essential
  • • Technical precision prevents catastrophe
  • • The captain’s decisions reflect strategic necessity
  • • Maintaining ship safety is paramount
Character traits
Professional Efficient Loyal Focused
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
USS Enterprise-D — Captain's Ready Room Turbolift Doors

The USS Enterprise-D Forward Turbolift Doors function as the portal through which Picard and Beverly enter the main bridge, marking the transition from private deliberation to public command. Their opening signals the commencement of decisive action and frames the leadership’s physical and symbolic presence.

Before: Closed, separating the bridge from the corridor and …
After: Opened briefly to admit Picard and Beverly, then …
Before: Closed, separating the bridge from the corridor and private areas
After: Opened briefly to admit Picard and Beverly, then closed

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise acts as the nerve center where leadership and command converge. In this event, it serves as the stage for Picard's solemn command to withdraw, embodying the intersection of authority, ethical weight, and operational control.

Atmosphere Quiet, tense, heavy with unspoken emotional gravity
Function Command center for executing strategic decisions and signaling ship departure
Symbolism Represents institutional power and the burden of command
Access Restricted to bridge crew and senior officers during crisis operations
Soft tactical console glows Expansive forward viewport framing space outside Muted ambient lighting emphasizing focus

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 3
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS

"Picard ordering departure from Delos system (beat_2a2af3daf8781762) follows the climactic decision to beam aliens down and refuse further support (beat_9c75716e80916ad3), closing the narrative arc and emphasizing consequences."

Picard’s Reluctant Enforcement of the Prime Directive Amidst Felicium’s Toxic Trade
S1E23 · Symbiosis
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS

"Picard ordering departure from Delos system (beat_2a2af3daf8781762) follows the climactic decision to beam aliens down and refuse further support (beat_9c75716e80916ad3), closing the narrative arc and emphasizing consequences."

Picard’s Reluctant Sanction
S1E23 · Symbiosis
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS

"Picard ordering departure from Delos system (beat_2a2af3daf8781762) follows the climactic decision to beam aliens down and refuse further support (beat_9c75716e80916ad3), closing the narrative arc and emphasizing consequences."

Picard Enforces Non-Interference by Withholding Critical Aid
S1E23 · Symbiosis

Part of Larger Arcs

The psychological and metaphysical tension aboard the Enterprise as crew members confront surreal illusions, mental strain, and the need for disciplined mental focus to survive the warped reality shaped by thought.

Key Dialogue

"PICARD: Mister La Forge, take us out of orbit."
"GEORDI: Aye, sir. Course laid in."
"PICARD: Engage."