Star Trek The Next Generation
S3E15
· Yesterday's Enterprise

The Calculus of Sacrifice

On the Enterprise-D bridge Data presents a cold, clinical analysis: the temporal rift is symmetrical, so returning the battered Enterprise‑C would deposit her at the exact moment she left — directly into a hopeless engagement with Romulan warbirds. Data confirms there is no chance of survival. Picard, visibly burdened, instantly understands the moral arithmetic: sending the ship back restores history but condemns its crew. This moment functions as the act break turning point, forcing a painful decision that will cost lives to avert a far greater catastrophe.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Data confirms the temporal rift's symmetry, implying the Enterprise-C could return to its original time.

uncertainty to grim realization ['aft science station']

Picard deduces that returning the Enterprise-C would place it back into its doomed battle with Romulans.

logic to dread

Data confirms there is no possibility of the Enterprise-C surviving the battle if sent back.

hope to despair

Picard acknowledges the moral weight of sending the Enterprise-C crew to their deaths.

acceptance to sorrow

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Burdened and resigned; outward control masks internal conflict as he recognizes the necessity and human cost of the impending decision.

Standing behind Data at an aft science station, Picard listens to the analysis, asks clarifying questions, and signs after Data’s final verdict; his physical reaction is a quiet, visible sigh that registers the moral burden of the choice presented.

Goals in this moment
  • • Understand the technical realities so he can weigh them against ethical obligations.
  • • Preserve the greater safety of the Federation even if it requires painful sacrifice.
Active beliefs
  • • Command requires protecting the many, even at ethical cost to the few.
  • • A full understanding of facts is required before making a choice that costs lives.
Character traits
deliberative responsible morally reflective authoritative
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Clinically neutral and focused; outwardly calm with an unemotional delivery that nonetheless underscores the severity of the information.

At an aft science station, Data studies the bridge graphic and reports precise probabilistic analysis aloud. He answers Picard’s questions directly and frames the temporal mechanics that make survival impossible, remaining clinically detached throughout the exchange.

Goals in this moment
  • • Provide an accurate, objective assessment of the rift’s properties and survival probabilities.
  • • Clarify technical facts to enable Picard to make an informed command decision.
Active beliefs
  • • Accurate data and probability are the correct basis for command decisions.
  • • Emotional framing is not the role of a tactical analyst; facts must be presented plainly.
Character traits
analytical dispassionate precise procedural
Follow Data's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Bridge Computer Graphic — Temporal Rift Survival Probability Visualization

The bridge computer graphic displays a schematic and probability readouts illustrating the temporal rift’s symmetry and likely trajectories. Data uses the image as the evidentiary basis for his spoken probabilities, converting visual data into the argument that returning Enterprise‑C equals near‑certain destruction.

Before: Active on the aft science station monitor, showing …
After: Remains on display as the factual basis for …
Before: Active on the aft science station monitor, showing the temporal rift schematic and updating probability bars as Data studies it.
After: Remains on display as the factual basis for the decision; the graphic's cold clarity lingers as Picard processes the moral consequence.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"DATA: The probability is high that the temporal rift is symmetrical, Captain."
"PICARD: Right in the middle of her battle with the Romulans."
"PICARD: Then sending them back would be condemning them to death."