Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E7
· The Last Outpost

Picard Opens Hailing Frequencies, Extends Fragile Olive Branch

Amid mounting tension and the crippling silence of the Ferengi vessel on the viewscreen, Captain Picard reasserts command on the Enterprise's main bridge, ordering the opening of hailing frequencies. His measured, solemn appeal to negotiate reveals the heavy burden of leadership and the stark reality that diplomacy is now their only viable course. Despite Data confirming communications are open, the Ferengi remain silent, underscoring the precariousness of the situation and the profound uncertainty facing both crews. This moment quietly sets the stage for the untenable choices ahead, including Picard's agonizing consideration of surrender and the looming possibility of an uneasy alliance against a common, mysterious threat.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

5

The crew braces at their stations, tension thick as Picard enters and assumes command, signaling a shift toward confrontation.

expectation to rising tension ['Main Bridge of USS Enterprise']

Picard commands to open hailing frequencies, initiating an attempt at dialogue with the Ferengi adversary.

rising tension to tentative initiative ['Main Bridge of USS Enterprise']

Data confirms the hailing frequencies are open, offering a momentary technical reassurance amid the standoff.

tentative initiative to cautious readiness ['Main Bridge of USS Enterprise']

Picard delivers a measured diplomatic message, urging the Ferengi to state their terms and signaling willingness to negotiate despite the dire situation.

cautious readiness to fragile hope ['Main Bridge of USS Enterprise']

Silence consumes the channel as Picard’s plea for terms goes unanswered, the static-filled void amplifying the weight of uncertainty and looming peril.

fragile hope to dread ['Main Bridge of USS Enterprise']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Solemn and burdened by the gravity of the situation, masking anxiety with calm resolve

Captain Jean-Luc Picard enters the main bridge with a grave demeanor, asserts command decisively by ordering the opening of the hailing frequencies, and delivers a solemn, measured diplomatic appeal to the Ferengi. His physical presence is grounded and authoritative, embodying the heavy burden of leadership amid crisis.

Goals in this moment
  • • Establish communication with the Ferengi to negotiate terms
  • • Prevent further conflict and seek a peaceful resolution
Active beliefs
  • • Diplomacy is the only viable path forward given current circumstances
  • • Maintaining command presence is crucial to crew morale and strategic advantage
Character traits
Authoritative Measured Resolute Diplomatic Grim
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Composed and focused on technical accuracy without emotional influence

Data attentively responds to Picard's command by confirming that the hailing frequencies are open, delivering his line with precise clarity and calm detachment, providing vital technical assurance in an otherwise uncertain standoff.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure communication systems are functioning properly
  • • Support Captain Picard’s diplomatic efforts with reliable information
Active beliefs
  • • Technical clarity aids command decisions
  • • Open communication channels are essential for conflict resolution
Character traits
Precise Analytical Loyal Calm
Follow Data's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Enterprise Hailing Frequencies (Bridge Hailing Channel / Open Hailing Frequency)

The Enterprise hailing frequencies are activated by Picard’s order, serving as the critical communication channel intended to bridge the hostile standoff between the Enterprise and the Ferengi starship. This intangible yet vital system symbolizes the fragile hope for dialogue amid escalating tension.

Before: Closed, silent, with no transmissions detected from the …
After: Open and active, awaiting a response from the …
Before: Closed, silent, with no transmissions detected from the Ferengi ship
After: Open and active, awaiting a response from the Ferengi starship

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Enterprise main bridge functions as the nerve center of command where Picard asserts leadership and issues the pivotal command to open communication. The bridge’s technological consoles and viewscreen frame the tense standoff, amplifying the psychological pressure on the crew and their captain.

Atmosphere Tense, expectant, and solemn with an undercurrent of anxiety and quiet resolve
Function Command center serving as the focal point for crisis management and diplomatic outreach
Symbolism Embodies institutional authority and the burden of leadership in the face of an uncertain enemy
Access Restricted to senior officers and essential bridge crew
Viewscreens dominated by the silent Ferengi starship Console lights flashing subtly amid the quiet tension Ambient hum of ship systems underpinning the gravity of the moment

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

"PICARD: Open hailing frequencies."
"DATA: Open, Captain."
"PICARD: Attention, Ferengi starship! This is Captain Picard. It is obvious we have a situation here that needs resolving... And we are willing to do whatever is reasonable and necessary. I would like... I would appreciate... your presenting your terms to us."