Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E16
· 11001001

Picard Commands Cancellation of Enterprise Auto-Destruct

With the USS Enterprise moments away from self-destruction, Captain Picard exercises his unwavering command and decisively orders the cancellation of the auto-destruct sequence. Commander Riker's prompt concurrence confirms their unity of purpose amid crisis. The ship’s piercing red alarms and flashing lights abruptly cease, signaling a crucial turning point that averts immediate catastrophe. This act not only preserves the Enterprise but also sets the stage for resolving the Bynars’ desperate plight, highlighting Picard’s measured leadership and the crew’s resolve under pressure.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Picard commands the cancellation of the auto-destruct sequence as the Enterprise orbits near Bynaus, with Riker’s immediate confirmation securing the ship’s safety.

urgency to cautious relief ["Near the Bynar's home planet - …

The computer voice confirms the auto-destruct cancellation, silencing the red alarm lights and signaling a temporary reprieve from imminent destruction.

tension to relief ['Bridge of the Enterprise near Bynaus']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Steely resolve masking the gravity of imminent disaster, focused on preserving the ship and crew.

Captain Picard stands at the communication panel with unwavering authority, issuing the critical and resolute command to cancel the Enterprise's auto-destruct sequence, embodying calm decisiveness under extreme pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Prevent destruction of USS Enterprise
  • • Maintain command authority and control during crisis
Active beliefs
  • • The Enterprise and its crew can be saved with decisive leadership
  • • Unity of command is essential to overcome the current threat
Character traits
decisive authoritative calm under pressure resolute
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Calm confidence blended with a readiness to back Picard’s decisions to ensure the ship’s survival.

Commander Riker stands alongside Picard and promptly confirms his agreement to cancel the auto-destruct sequence, providing crucial support and reinforcing the captain’s command during a critical, tense moment.

Goals in this moment
  • • Support Captain Picard’s command decisions
  • • Help avert immediate catastrophe aboard Enterprise
Active beliefs
  • • Following Picard’s lead is vital for crew safety
  • • Canceling auto-destruct is the correct course to save the ship
Character traits
supportive responsible loyal decisive
Follow William Riker's journey
Custodian Voice
primary

N/A (artificial entity) functioning with programmed calm and procedural exactness.

The Enterprise Computer Voice receives Picard’s cancellation order, seeks Riker’s confirmation as per protocol, and upon affirmative response, executes the cancellation of the auto-destruct sequence, ceasing alarms and lights instantly.

Goals in this moment
  • • Execute commands accurately and promptly
  • • Ensure procedural confirmation before critical system changes
Active beliefs
  • • Obedience to command protocol is paramount
  • • Maintaining system integrity is critical during emergencies
Character traits
precise unwavering protocol-driven efficient
Follow Custodian Voice's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

3
Red Alarm Lights

The Red Alarm Lights, acting as a vivid and urgent visual alert signaling the auto-destruct sequence and shipboard emergency, abruptly cease flashing upon cancellation, marking a palpable shift from crisis to tentative stability.

Before: Pulsing red, casting emergency light throughout the area, …
After: All flashing halted, lights returned to normal or …
Before: Pulsing red, casting emergency light throughout the area, heightening tension.
After: All flashing halted, lights returned to normal or off state.
USS Enterprise Auto-Destruct System

The USS Enterprise Auto-Destruct Sequence, representing an existential threat to the ship, is halted midway through its countdown upon receiving Picard's command and confirmation from Riker, symbolizing the crew's refusal to surrender and the retention of control.

Before: Active and counting down, threatening imminent destruction of …
After: Fully cancelled and deactivated, removing threat and restoring …
Before: Active and counting down, threatening imminent destruction of the Enterprise.
After: Fully cancelled and deactivated, removing threat and restoring system stability.
Enterprise Corridor Communication Panels

The Enterprise Corridor Communication Panel serves as the interface through which Picard issues his cancellation command and monitors the system status, integral to executing critical shipboard commands during crisis moments.

Before: Displaying auto-destruct countdown with two minutes and one …
After: No longer displaying countdown; status updated to indicate …
Before: Displaying auto-destruct countdown with two minutes and one second remaining, illuminated and active.
After: No longer displaying countdown; status updated to indicate cancellation.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Transporter Room Seven

Transporter Room Seven functions as the focal command space where Picard and Riker confront the critical moment of the auto-destruct threat, its clinical, high-tech environment underscoring the tension and immediacy of their decision-making under pressure.

Atmosphere Tense, clinical, charged with urgency and resolute focus.
Function Command center for issuing and confirming critical ship commands during emergency.
Symbolism Represents a gateway between destruction and salvation, reflecting the thin line the crew treads.
Access Restricted to senior officers and essential personnel during crisis.
Bright console lights illuminating Picard and Riker Audible steady hum of transporter machinery Red alarm lights visible elsewhere, but room itself under focused lighting

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

"PICARD: Cancel auto-destruct."
"COMPUTER VOICE: Does the first officer agree?"
"RIKER: Affirmative."
"COMPUTER VOICE: Auto-destruct cancelled."