Riker Commands the Bridge as Picard Prepares for Diplomatic Mission
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker assumes command on the bridge and orders a reduction to half impulse, with Wesley confirming the maneuver, establishing arrival procedures and tempo for the rendezvous.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Neutral and professional
Present at tactical and other bridge positions, supporting bridge operations during the command transition.
- • Maintain tactical readiness
- • Support bridge operations
- • Tactical vigilance is essential during command transitions
- • Bridge efficiency depends on every crewmember's focus
Focused and efficient
Operates the transporter for the away team, confirming coordinates and executing the transport process.
- • Ensure accurate transport coordinates
- • Execute the transport process flawlessly
- • Precision is critical for safe transport
- • The away team's success depends on reliable transporter operation
Attentive and professional
Confirms the reduction to half impulse and establishes standard orbit as ordered by Riker.
- • Execute navigational commands accurately
- • Support the bridge's operational efficiency
- • Following orders precisely is crucial for mission success
- • The bridge crew's coordination is vital during diplomatic missions
Satisfied and focused
Records a captain's log, engages Riker with an astronomical puzzle, leads the away team to Ramatis Three, and reassures Riker about the mission's simplicity.
- • Understand the celestial anomaly puzzling him
- • Ensure the diplomatic mission begins smoothly
- • His presence on the away team is necessary for diplomatic respect
- • Riva's reputation guarantees a successful mediation
Neutral and ready
Relieved at Ops by a female crewmember and assumes command of the bridge when Riker leaves.
- • Assume command responsibilities seamlessly
- • Ensure bridge operations continue without disruption
- • His role is to support command transitions smoothly
- • Operational continuity is essential during diplomatic missions
Alert and ready
Waits in the transporter room to join the away team, providing security and tactical support.
- • Ensure the away team's safety
- • Support Picard's diplomatic mission
- • Security is paramount during diplomatic missions
- • His presence ensures the away team's protection
Concerned yet professional
Assumes command of the bridge, orders speed reduction, expresses concern about Picard leading the away team, and oversees the transition of command to Data before joining Picard in the transporter room.
- • Ensure the Enterprise operates smoothly in Picard's absence
- • Protect Picard by discouraging him from leading the away team
- • Picard's presence on the away team could be risky given the mission's stakes
- • Mediator Riva's extended absence from mediation may affect his performance
Ready and focused
Waits in the transporter room to join the away team, demonstrating readiness for the diplomatic mission.
- • Support Picard in the diplomatic mission
- • Provide empathic insights if needed
- • Her presence adds psychological depth to the away team
- • Diplomatic missions require emotional intelligence
Neutral and ready
Replaces Data at Ops, ensuring continuity of operations during the command transition.
- • Ensure smooth operations at Ops
- • Support Data's transition to command
- • Seamless transitions are crucial for bridge efficiency
- • Her role is vital during crew shifts
Unseen but implied to be confident
Mentioned as the renowned mediator being transported to Ramatis Three, adding tension due to his prolonged absence from mediation.
- • Mediate the planetary conflict successfully
- • Prove his continued effectiveness as a mediator
- • His reputation precedes him
- • His unique method is still effective despite his absence
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The transporter console is used to beam Picard, Troi, and Worf down to Ramatis Three, executing the critical first step of the diplomatic mission with precision.
The turbolift transports Riker and Picard from the bridge to Transporter Room Five, facilitating their movement and serving as a confined space for their discussion about the mission's risks.
Picard uses the orbital mechanics holographic display to engage Riker in a brief intellectual discussion about an impossible planetary orbit, showcasing their scientific curiosity before shifting to the diplomatic mission.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The main bridge serves as the command center where Riker assumes control, orders speed reduction, and oversees the transition of command to Data, maintaining operational continuity.
The captain's ready room is where Picard and Riker briefly discuss an astronomical puzzle before shifting focus to the diplomatic mission, serving as a private meeting space for command discussions.
The turbolift transports Picard and Riker from the bridge to Transporter Room Five, serving as a confined space where they discuss the risks of the diplomatic mission.
Ramatis Three emerges as the destination for the away team's diplomatic mission, its silver and blue planet symbolizing the hope for peaceful resolution amid conflict.
Transporter Room Five is where the away team assembles and beams down to Ramatis Three, marking the critical transition from ship to planetary diplomacy.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's captain's log and the order to divert to Ramatis directly set the away-team meeting that produces the ritualized assembly where the story's central mystery (Riva and his Chorus) is introduced."
"Picard's early captain's log about a 'transportation only' diversion bookends the later captain's log that records escalating military activity—framing the mission's trajectory from routine duty to existential crisis."
"Picard's early captain's log about a 'transportation only' diversion bookends the later captain's log that records escalating military activity—framing the mission's trajectory from routine duty to existential crisis."
Key Dialogue
"RIKER: Reduce to half impulse."
"WESLEY: Reducing velocity to one-half impulse."
"RIKER: Captain, we have arrived at Ramatis Three."
"PICARD: They asked for the best and that person, from all reports, is Riva."
"RIKER: I've never heard of him."
"PICARD: I'm not surprised, he hasn't mediated for several decades."