Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E2
· Encounter at Farpoint: Part Two

Riker Enlists Ensign’s Help to Locate Data via Holodeck Interface

In the Holodeck corridor aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, Commander Riker, actively searching for Data, engages a young Ensign to assist him in navigating the ship’s advanced computer systems. The Ensign confidently activates a hidden panel, initiating an interactive computer interface that locates Data in Holodeck area 4-J. Guided by audiovisual cues from the ship’s computer, Riker follows the directed path, highlighting the seamless integration of Starfleet personnel and technology. This moment not only advances the immediate mission by pinpointing Data’s whereabouts but also subtly underscores Riker’s leadership style—resourceful, collaborative, and trusting in junior officers. The scene sets up the forthcoming personal encounter between Riker and Data, a key emotional thread that enriches the larger narrative about humanity, connection, and the mystery surrounding Farpoint Station.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Riker intercepts a Young Ensign and requests help locating Commander Data, initiating a search that reveals Data's location on the deck.

uncertainty to purposeful direction ['U.S.S. Enterprise orbiting Cygnus IV, corridor …

The Young Ensign activates a black corridor panel, summoning the computer voice that confirms Data's location and directs Riker toward the Holodeck area 4-J.

curiosity to informative clarity ['Holodeck corridor with interactive wall surfaces']

Riker receives further guidance from the computer through flashing direction signals and voice prompts, leading him to the next hatchway on the right toward the Holodeck.

mild surprise to focused resolve ['Holodeck corridor, next hatchway to right']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Absent from direct action; implicitly integral to mission progress.

Commander Data is the subject of the search; though not physically present, his whereabouts in Holodeck 4-J are revealed, setting the stage for his forthcoming active involvement.

Goals in this moment
  • • Unstated in this event but generally: to assist crew and fulfill Starfleet duties.
Character traits
duty‑focused composed technically proficient detached precise administrative duty-bound formal analytical literal-minded impersonal obedient methodical logical procedural
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Determined and focused with a calm professionalism, coupled with a slight surprise at the Computer Voice’s courteous response.

Commander Riker is actively searching for Data, displaying leadership by engaging a junior officer for assistance. He listens attentively to the Ensign’s guidance and responds respectfully to the Computer Voice, moving purposefully toward the indicated Holodeck Hatchway.

Goals in this moment
  • • Locate Commander Data promptly to advance mission objectives.
  • • Demonstrate trust and effective communication with junior crew.
Active beliefs
  • • Trust in Starfleet personnel’s competence regardless of rank.
  • • Reliance on technological interfaces to augment human efforts.
Character traits
resourceful collaborative respectful focused
Follow William Riker's journey
Young Ensign
Ensign
 primary

Calm confidence with eagerness to serve and assist a superior officer effectively.

The Young Ensign confidently and respectfully assists Riker by activating the hidden interactive panel on the corridor wall and guiding him toward Data’s location, demonstrating both technical competence and deference.

Goals in this moment
  • • Provide accurate and swift assistance to Commander Riker.
  • • Demonstrate professionalism and technical proficiency.
Active beliefs
  • • Junior officers must support senior command efficiently.
  • • Advanced ship systems are reliable tools for mission success.
Character traits
confident respectful competent helpful
Follow Young Ensign's journey
Custodian Voice
primary

Neutral and professional, with programmed courteousness that subtly humanizes the encounter.

The Enterprise Computer Voice provides precise, courteous navigation instructions and location information, animating the interactive ship interface and facilitating Riker’s mission with seamless integration of technology and crew interaction.

Goals in this moment
  • • Accurately convey location data for Crew navigation.
  • • Support Starfleet personnel through clear communication.
Active beliefs
  • • Technological assistance improves operational efficiency.
  • • Politeness enhances crew interaction with machinery.
Character traits
efficient polite informative
Follow Custodian Voice's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Holodeck Arch / Holographic Computer Arch

The black surface on the Holodeck Corridor wall functions as an interactive computer interface that the Young Ensign activates through touch and voice command, illuminating navigation data that initiates the search for Data’s location.

Before: Inactive, black and unlit, blending into corridor design.
After: Active and illuminated, displaying directional information and engaging …
Before: Inactive, black and unlit, blending into corridor design.
After: Active and illuminated, displaying directional information and engaging the Computer Voice for verbal guidance.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

3
U.S.S. Enterprise Orbiting Velara III

The U.S.S. Enterprise, orbiting Cygnus IV, forms the overarching physical and operational context for the scene, housing the crew and advanced systems facilitating the search mission.

Atmosphere Quiet outer space backdrop contrasting with the ship's internal focused activity.
Function Primary setting and operational base for all events.
Symbolism Represents human exploration and technological mastery.
Holodeck Dixon Hill San Francisco Simulation

Holodeck Area 4-J is identified as the current location of Commander Data, the destination toward which Riker is directed, serving as the transitional space from virtual technology to imminent personal encounter.

Atmosphere Unseen in this event but implied to be a controlled, versatile simulation space.
Function Target location for the character Riker seeks.
Symbolism Embodies the blending of synthetic intelligence and human engagement.
Tsiolkovsky Main Corridor

The Holodeck Corridor acts as the technological artery where human initiative and machine interface converge, providing the setting for Riker’s enlistment of junior aid and the activation of advanced ship systems to locate Data. The corridor embodies operational efficiency and quiet focus within the bustling Enterprise.

Atmosphere Quiet, purposeful, with subtle technological hums and glowing panels that evoke a sense of controlled …
Function Navigational waypoint and interaction nexus facilitating mission progress.
Symbolism Represents the intersection of human command and technological aid.
Dim lighting with softly glowing black corridor walls Audible subtle hum of shipboard systems Interactive black panel embedded in corridor wall

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

"RIKER: Ensign, can you help me find Commander Data? I was told he's somewhere on this deck."
"YOUNG ENSIGN: This way, sir."
"COMPUTER VOICE: Lieutenant Commander Data... now located in Holodeck area 4-J."
"COMPUTER VOICE: You're more than welcome, Commander Riker."