Riker Ambushed by Selay in Mistaken Attack, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker steps out into a dim corridor and recoils as a sparkling loop snaps around his neck like a garrote before abruptly releasing him, signaling a hostile but mistaken attack.
The apologetic large Reptilian Selay explains the attack was a case of mistaken identity before retreating to confer with fellow Selays, while Riker recovers and accesses a nearby computer terminal.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Concerned about the captain’s condition and the mission’s fragility, cautiously balancing discipline with empathy.
Lieutenant Tasha Yar responds promptly to Riker’s com call, delivering security squad compliance orders with a hesitant tone, while gently reminding Riker of Captain Picard’s expectation for a medical exam, reflecting her concern and protocol adherence.
- • Deploy security forces effectively to contain the escalating threat
- • Ensure Captain Picard’s medical orders are complied with to safeguard command integrity
- • Medical exams are critical for crew health and command accountability
- • Security must maintain order while respecting chain of command
Momentarily startled and wary, masked by determination and pragmatism to prioritize mission security and crew safety.
Commander William Riker steps cautiously into a dim corridor, is suddenly ensnared by a shimmering garrote wielded by Ssestar but quickly regains composure. He issues decisive orders via com to security, exhibiting leadership under duress, and declines an immediate medical exam to focus on containment.
- • Secure hostile Selay delegates to prevent further sabotage or violence
- • Maintain order and control amid rising interspecies tensions
- • The Selay are actively conspiring with the Anticans to destabilize the mission
- • Immediate medical compliance can be deferred in favor of urgent security concerns
Instant remorse and embarrassment mixed with underlying suspicion and aggression towards perceived enemies.
Ssestar, the Selay chief delegate, mistakenly attacks Riker with a sparkling garrote, quickly recognizes the error, apologizes verbally, and retreats to rejoin his delegation, embodying a mix of hostility, regret, and defensive caution.
- • Avoid further escalation by clarifying the mistake
- • Protect the Selay delegation’s interests while maintaining a wary posture
- • Mistaking Riker for an enemy is a grave but understandable error given tensions
- • The Selay must remain vigilant and defensive against the Antican delegation
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The sparkling garrote is used as a sudden, covert weapon by Ssestar to ensnare Riker’s neck, escalating the already tense diplomatic environment. Its shimmering, ethereal quality contrasts with its lethal intent, emphasizing the fragile and dangerous game aboard the Enterprise.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The aggressive pursuit and restraint of Badar N'D'D (beat_4645365763ab9e9e) leads to Riker ordering apprehension of delegates engaged in covert activity (beat_0b4c5e23a4c57932), intensifying the security crisis aboard the ship."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"RIKER: What in hell... ?"
"SSESTAR: Sorry. Wrong species."
"RIKER: Riker to security chief."
"TASHA'S COM VOICE: Yar here."
"RIKER: (rubs throat) Security squad to the Engineering Deck. The Selays are playing hide and seek down here -- obviously with the Anticans -- and it's a lethal game. I want them returned to their quarters under guard."
"TASHA'S COM VOICE: (hesitantly) Right away, sir. And are you... aware sir, the captain expects you to take a medical exam?"
"RIKER: I'll do it later."