Mediator Unmoored
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Worf physically supports Riva as he leads him away; Picard sees the panic and offers a quiet reassurance—"You are not alone. We will solve this together."
PICARD frames the stakes bluntly—if Riva fails, the Solari will annihilate each other; RIKER challenges the plan, calling Riva useless without his Chorus, and Picard returns to the core problem: Riva no longer believes in himself.
Picard withdraws to his quarters but leaves clear orders—"Keep me posted" and a final reiteration: "We have to find a way to talk to him," sealing the scene with determined urgency as the act fades out.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Profound disorientation and terror at losing their sole purpose
The Chorus members display paralyzing confusion and fear, admitting they've never functioned independently from Riva. Their existential distress reveals their entire identity is tied to being Riva's voice rather than separate individuals.
- • Regain connection with Riva
- • Find some semblance of purpose
- • They cannot function without Riva's guidance
- • Their existence has no meaning without the mediation system
Existential terror at losing foundational purpose
The Cultured Woman expresses profound fear and confusion, articulating the Chorus's collective panic and confirming their absolute dependence on Riva's system.
- • Seek reassurance from authority figures
- • Make sense of sudden identity loss
- • Without Riva's system, they have no independent value
- • Captain Picard holds authority to resolve their crisis
Medical determination mixed with genuine concern for Riva's wellbeing
Pulaski offers medical intervention with clinical compassion, representing Starfleet's technological optimism while confronting the limits of their science when Riva nods hesitantly to her offer.
- • Assess and treat Riva's medical condition
- • Provide reassurance through medical protocol
- • Starfleet medicine can overcome most biological limitations
- • Professional duty extends to psychological support in crises
Professionally composed but internally alarmed by the mediation system collapse
Picard urgently tries to stabilize the situation, first attempting to communicate through the paralyzed Chorus, then shifting to medical intervention when realizing their complete dependence. His command authority frays visibly as he processes the systemic failure of Riva's method.
- • Prevent complete breakdown of the Chorus
- • Establish alternative communication with Riva
- • The Federation's diplomatic mission depends on maintaining Riva's credibility
- • Technological solutions can compensate for biological limitations
Focusing on practical solutions despite emotional context
Data clinically notes the linguistic complexity of Federation sign languages while being tasked with establishing communication with Riva, his android nature providing calm amidst emotional chaos.
- • Identify viable communication methods
- • Apply linguistic knowledge to crisis situation
- • Logical problem-solving can overcome communication barriers
- • Technological solutions exist for most informational challenges
Professionally detached but respectfully concerned
Worf provides stoic physical support, helping Riva to his feet with Klingon strength tempered by Starfleet professionalism, embodying the Enterprise's protective response.
- • Ensure Riva's physical safety
- • Execute orders efficiently during crisis
- • Duty requires aiding those incapacitated
- • Physical support enables psychological stability
Frustrated urgency about impending diplomatic disaster
Riker voices blunt tactical realities, declaring Riva 'useless' without his Chorus and suggesting Picard take over mediation, his pragmatism contrasting with Picard's diplomatic optimism.
- • Ensure mission success despite mediator's incapacitation
- • Protect Picard from overextending diplomatically
- • Functional capability outweighs reputation in crises
- • Starfleet must have contingency plans for mediator failure
Existential panic at losing his primary means of identity and purpose
Riva remains mostly silent, overwhelmed by his sudden isolation, nodding mutely to Pulaski's medical offer while panic flashes across his face. His physical fragility contrasts sharply with his earlier commanding presence.
- • Regain any form of communication capability
- • Avoid complete dependence on others
- • His value as a mediator is tied to his technological mediation system
- • Without the Chorus, he cannot fulfill his purpose
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Captain's Ready Room serves as the initial crisis chamber where Picard confronts the Chorus's disintegration, its formal Starfleet setting contrasting sharply with the emotional breakdown occurring within its walls.
The Observation Lounge transitions into a medical triage area where Pulaski assesses Riva's condition, its panoramic views contrasting with the characters' narrowed focus on immediate crisis.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Once the device is identified in the Observation Lounge, Picard moves to concrete problem-solving and discovers the Chorus lacks sign language skills—deepening the communication crisis."
"Once the device is identified in the Observation Lounge, Picard moves to concrete problem-solving and discovers the Chorus lacks sign language skills—deepening the communication crisis."
Themes This Exemplifies
Thematic resonance and meaning
Key Dialogue
"Chorus Woman: "We don't know anything. We just say what he tells us.""
"Riker: "But if he can't speak, and can't use his Chorus, he's useless. Captain, you should mediate.""
"Picard: "It is not me they want. They believe in Riva. The problem is, he no longer believes in himself.""