Fabula
S1E10 · The Battle
S1E10
· The Battle

Enterprise Tows Stargazer as Data Reveals Forged Captain’s Log

Against the haunting backdrop of deep space, the USS Enterprise carefully tows the derelict Stargazer, a ghost from Captain Picard’s troubled past. Commander Riker’s voiceover reveals a staggering discovery: Data has uncovered a falsified Starfleet report implicating Picard in deception surrounding the Stargazer’s final mission. This revelation deepens the psychological torment Picard endures, intertwining external conspiracy with his fracturing sense of reality. The visual contrast of the Enterprise, the drifting Stargazer, and the ominous Ferengi vessel underscores the mounting external threat while setting up an emotional and investigative turning point for the crew. This event crystallizes the collision of past and present, truth and manipulation, and elevates the stakes for Picard’s struggle to reclaim his identity and command.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

The Enterprise tows the derelict Stargazer by tractor beam alongside the Ferengi vessel, visually grounding the presence of past and present threats in space.

neutral to ominous ['Space near Xendi Sabu star system']

Riker delivers a voiceover logging an explosive revelation: Commander Data uncovers a falsified Starfleet report implicating Captain Picard in deception over the Stargazer’s final mission.

curiosity to suspicion

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Tormented and conflicted, wrestling with the impact of the accusation and resurfacing trauma linked to the Stargazer.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard remains unseen but deeply implicated as the subject of the falsified Starfleet report, symbolizing his internal psychological struggle. Though not physically active in the scene, his presence is felt through the emotional weight of the revelation, intensifying his torment and fractured sense of reality.

Goals in this moment
  • Reclaim his honor and command integrity
  • Unravel the conspiracy against him
Active beliefs
  • His past actions were honorable
  • Truth must prevail despite personal cost
Character traits
resolute tormented vulnerable principled
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Neutral and detached, focused entirely on uncovering factual data.

Data is the source of the discovery regarding the falsified report in the Stargazer’s downloaded logs. His demeanor is emotionless and exacting, embodying the relentless pursuit of truth through his methodical scanning and analysis, enabling the crew to understand the complexity of the deception.

Goals in this moment
  • Verify integrity of the Stargazer’s logs
  • Provide accurate intelligence to the command crew
Active beliefs
  • Data integrity is paramount
  • Emotions should not cloud judgment
Character traits
logical precise objective persistent
Follow Data's journey

Concerned with underlying resolve to support Picard despite emerging doubts; maintains calm professionalism.

Commander William Riker provides a voiceover log entry that reveals Data’s startling discovery of falsified Starfleet records implicating Picard. His tone is concerned and measured, serving as the narrative bridge between the crew’s unfolding investigation and the audience’s understanding, while remaining physically present on the Enterprise overseeing the towing operation.

Goals in this moment
  • Communicate critical findings to Starfleet and crew
  • Support Picard’s command amidst crisis
Active beliefs
  • Truth is essential for command integrity
  • The crew must remain united despite internal conflicts
Character traits
responsible cautious loyal analytical
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

3
USS Stargazer Bridge Plaque

The derelict Constitution-Class starship Stargazer is the focal point of the event, embodying Picard’s buried trauma and the mystery at the heart of the falsified report. Its inert, drifting presence under tow symbolizes the collision of past and present, truth and manipulation.

Before: Adrift and powerless, restrained only by the Enterprise’s …
After: Still adrift but securely held by the Enterprise, …
Before: Adrift and powerless, restrained only by the Enterprise’s tractor beam.
After: Still adrift but securely held by the Enterprise, enabling further analysis and investigation.
Ferengi Warship

The Ferengi vessel looms ominously nearby, a menacing presence that visually and narratively underscores the external threat pressing upon the Enterprise and Picard. Though not actively engaged in this precise moment, its presence amplifies the tension and danger surrounding the towing operation and the unfolding revelation.

Before: Stationary in proximity to the Enterprise and Stargazer, …
After: Remains positioned nearby, continuing to exert psychological and …
Before: Stationary in proximity to the Enterprise and Stargazer, maintaining a strategic blockade.
After: Remains positioned nearby, continuing to exert psychological and tactical pressure.
Enterprise Tractor Beam Emitter (Bridge/Engineering Projector)

The miniature tractor beam aboard the USS Enterprise is actively engaged to tow the derelict Stargazer, maintaining a careful physical link between the two vessels. This technology creates a tangible bridge between past trauma and present reality, holding the ghost ship in place while the crew confronts the emerging psychological and tactical crises.

Before: Operative and engaged, physically linking the Enterprise to …
After: Continues to maintain the tow, securing the Stargazer …
Before: Operative and engaged, physically linking the Enterprise to the drifting Stargazer in deep space.
After: Continues to maintain the tow, securing the Stargazer for further investigation.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Deep Space Beyond Haven

Deep space beyond Haven serves as the stark, silent backdrop for the event, representing a cold, isolating expanse where past trauma and present danger converge. This vast emptiness amplifies the psychological isolation of Picard and heightens the palpable tension as the Enterprise struggles to control the Stargazer and manage the external threats.

Atmosphere Tense, cold, and foreboding with an undercurrent of silent menace.
Function Battleground and liminal space where psychological and tactical conflicts intersect.
Symbolism Represents moral isolation and the vast gulf between truth and deception.
The black void of space with distant starlight The slow, mechanical movement of ships held in gravitational tension

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 (V.O.): First officer's personal log, stardate 41724.2. An unexpected discovery made by Commander Data in the downloaded log of the Stargazer appears to indicate Captain Picard was guilty of falsifying the report he made to Starfleet concerning the Stargazer's last voyage."