Explosion Forces Away Team's Tactical Retreat
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
A sudden long rumbling explosion and flickering light flash down the stairway, followed by a faint distant scream that fades, jolting the team with the reality of ongoing attacks.
Riker orders Troi, Tasha, and Geordi to beam up to the Enterprise immediately, asserting command as he and Data press forward to investigate the source of the explosions.
Troi warns Riker against going alone, fearing for his safety, but his stern resolve compels her to obey orders and prepare for immediate transport.
Troi, Tasha, and Geordi activate their communicators and vanish in transporter beams, evacuating the immediate danger zone as Riker and Data ascend the stairway alone.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Alarmed and vigilant, recognizing the immediate threat and ready to follow evacuation orders.
Yar reacts to the explosion with alarm and vocalizes the shock of a possible phaser blast, preparing to beam up as ordered while maintaining alertness and caution in the dangerous underground environment.
- • To safely evacuate the dangerous underground area as directed.
- • To stay alert for any ongoing threats during withdrawal.
- • The explosion represents a hostile attack requiring immediate retreat.
- • Preserving crew safety is paramount, even in the face of unknown dangers.
Neutral and focused, prioritizing data collection and mission continuation over emotional reaction.
Data calmly assesses the explosion’s nature, denying it is a phaser blast but acknowledging a similar energy discharge. He follows Riker’s lead up the stairway without hesitation, maintaining his analytical composure as the team shrinks.
- • To assist Riker in investigating the underground threat.
- • To maintain operational efficiency and situational awareness.
- • Logical assessment of threats is critical to mission success.
- • Following the chain of command and supporting leadership ensures safety and progress.
Determined and stern, masking concern but prioritizing mission success over personal safety.
Riker leads the away team to the critical junction, closely examining the transition from alien tunnel walls to stone and tile. Upon hearing the sudden explosions and distant screams, he immediately asserts command, ordering Tasha, Troi, and Geordi to beam back for their safety, then proceeds determinedly up the stone stairway with Data alone.
- • To protect his team by ordering a safe evacuation of the vulnerable members.
- • To personally investigate the emerging threat with Data, refusing to abandon the mission.
- • The danger to the team requires isolating non-essential personnel to preserve lives.
- • Only by pressing forward personally can the mystery and threat beneath Farpoint be unraveled.
Worried and anxious for Riker, yet committed to following Starfleet orders despite personal misgivings.
Troi points out the stairway leading up, voices her concern for Riker's safety, and reluctantly obeys his orders to beam up with Tasha and Geordi. She initiates the communicator call to the Enterprise, embodying both worry and professional obedience.
- • To ensure her own and others’ safety by complying with evacuation orders.
- • To express care for Riker, hoping he remains unharmed despite the risk.
- • Riker’s decision, while harsh, must be respected as command protocol.
- • The escalating danger makes retreat necessary for crew survival.
Puzzled and curious about the physical environment, tempered by pragmatic concern following the explosion.
Geordi closely examines the transition in wall materials, puzzled by the familiar stone and tile construction matching the old city above. Upon the explosion, he complies with Riker’s urgent order to beam up, reflecting curiosity mixed with pragmatic obedience.
- • To understand the structural transition between alien and familiar architecture.
- • To safely evacuate with the team as ordered.
- • The physical environment holds clues to the mystery of Farpoint and the Bandi city.
- • Immediate danger necessitates following command to withdraw.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The transporter beam functions as the critical technological means for rapid evacuation of Troi, Yar, and Geordi from the underground passageway after Riker's urgent command, providing a stark contrast between the sudden alien threat and Starfleet's advanced safety protocols.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The underground passageway beneath Farpoint Station serves as the primary setting for this perilous event, its alien, glowing tunnel walls gradually transitioning to familiar stone and tile that signal approaching the old Bandi city. The passage’s oppressive atmosphere and sudden violent explosion amplify the danger faced by the crew, making it a crucible for escalating conflict and suspense.
The stone block stairway acts as a critical passage connecting the underground alien tunnels to the old Bandi city above. It is the physical and narrative threshold Riker and Data ascend alone after the evacuation, embodying rising tension and isolation in the face of unknown danger.
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
"TROI: Those stairs are where Tasha and I entered down here, sir."
"TASHA: My God! Was that a phaser blast?"
"DATA: Negative. But something similar."
"RIKER: You, Tasha, and Geordi will beam up to the ship from here. Now!"
"TROI: Don't. If you should be hurt..."
"RIKER: You have your orders, Counselor! Carry them out!"