Fabula
S1E12 · Too Short a Season

Picard Asserts Command to Energize Transporter Amid Power Struggle

In the transporter room, a tense power struggle unfolds between Admiral Jameson and Captain Picard just before the away team's critical mission phase. Jameson insists on asserting his authority as Senior Mission Commander to lead the infiltration personally, stepping onto the transporter pad to initiate beaming down. Picard firmly challenges this, emphasizing his ultimate command of the Enterprise and the responsibility he carries for the crew's safety. After a brief but charged exchange, Picard decisively orders the transporter to energize, symbolically reclaiming command and setting the next high-stakes chapter of the mission in motion. This moment crystallizes the escalating tension between duty, command hierarchy, and the personal costs of the unfolding crisis on Mordan IV.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Picard commands the transporter to energize, decisively moving the mission forward as the away team prepares to beam down.

resolution to anticipation ['Transporter Room']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

8

Conflicted and hesitant, balancing protocol with immediate orders.

The Transporter Chief is caught in a moment of uncertainty, torn between conflicting commands from Admiral Jameson and Captain Picard. His hesitation reflects the tension and ambiguous command hierarchy, as he awaits clear orders to activate the transporter.

Goals in this moment
  • Obey the rightful command to energize the transporter
  • Avoid operational errors amid the command dispute
Active beliefs
  • Clear command authority is essential for safe transporter operation
  • Confusion in command increases risk to personnel and equipment
Character traits
uncertain dutiful hesitant professional
Follow Miles O'Brien's journey

Calmly alert, masking any unease with professional focus.

Tasha Yar stands on the transporter pad fully armed and equipped, alert and prepared for the away mission. She silently absorbs the command tension, remaining focused on her tactical duties and readiness.

Goals in this moment
  • Be ready to execute orders promptly
  • Maintain tactical awareness amid command uncertainty
Active beliefs
  • Clear command structure is vital for operational success
  • Her role is to provide security regardless of leadership tensions
Character traits
alert prepared disciplined professional
Follow Tasha Yar's journey

Firm and resolute, managing rising tension with calm authority.

Captain Picard firmly challenges Jameson's attempt to assert command, emphasizing Starfleet protocol and his responsibility as captain of the Enterprise. He physically steps onto the transporter pad to reclaim control and decisively orders the transporter to energize, balancing respect with authority.

Goals in this moment
  • Maintain command over the Enterprise and crew safety
  • Ensure mission proceeds under proper Starfleet hierarchy
Active beliefs
  • As captain, he holds ultimate authority on the ship
  • The safety of his crew is paramount over personal ambitions
Character traits
authoritative resolute diplomatic commanding
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Emotionally neutral, processing events with clinical detachment.

Data stands on the transporter pad equipped with phaser and tricorder, remaining calm and analytical as the verbal power struggle unfolds. He listens attentively, ready to carry out commands with precision and logic.

Goals in this moment
  • Execute mission orders accurately
  • Provide tactical and analytical support as needed
Active beliefs
  • Logical command structure optimizes mission outcomes
  • Clear orders reduce risk and confusion
Character traits
calm analytical logical objective
Follow Data's journey

Steely and focused, suppressing any personal reaction to remain mission-ready.

Worf stands armed and focused on the transporter pad, embodying disciplined readiness. He remains stoic as the command conflict unfolds, prepared to follow orders and protect the team during the away mission.

Goals in this moment
  • Protect the away team during the mission
  • Maintain combat readiness regardless of command disputes
Active beliefs
  • Following orders is paramount to mission success
  • Maintaining discipline ensures team safety
Character traits
disciplined focused loyal stoic
Follow Worf's journey

Uncertain but supportive, balancing respect for both leaders while awaiting clear command.

Commander Riker stands by, observing the tense exchange between Picard and Jameson with cautious uncertainty. He acknowledges Picard’s reaffirmation of command and prepares to execute orders accordingly, embodying loyalty and pragmatism amid the dispute.

Goals in this moment
  • Support the chain of command as clarified by Picard
  • Ensure readiness of the away team for mission success
Active beliefs
  • Command hierarchy must be respected for operational success
  • The safety and cohesion of the team depend on clear leadership
Character traits
supportive pragmatic loyal measured
Follow William Riker's journey

Calm and prepared, suppressing distraction to focus on the mission.

Geordi La Forge stands on the transporter pad, armed and focused, ready to beam down. He remains quietly attentive to the command dispute but prioritizes mission readiness above the tension.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure technical readiness for mission deployment
  • Support the team through engineering expertise
Active beliefs
  • Maintaining readiness is critical despite command tensions
  • Technical precision enables mission success
Character traits
focused ready professional composed
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Resolutely defiant with undercurrents of desperation to maintain control and dignity.

Admiral Jameson stands firmly on the transporter pad, assertively issuing orders to energize the transporter, claiming his authority as Senior Mission Commander despite Picard's objections. His physical presence on the pad symbolizes his determination to lead the mission personally, demonstrating unyielding resolve amid his deteriorating health.

Goals in this moment
  • Assert command over the mission's execution
  • Lead the infiltration personally to demonstrate leadership
Active beliefs
  • His rank as Senior Mission Commander grants him ultimate authority on the mission
  • Physical presence on the transporter pad is necessary to exercise command effectively
Character traits
assertive determined authoritative unyielding
Follow Mark Jameson's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Small Belt-Mounted Phaser

Riker and Data's hand phasers are carried by the away team members standing on the transporter pad, signifying their readiness for imminent tactical engagement. These weapons symbolize the latent threat and the serious nature of the mission, underscoring the tension beneath the verbal command dispute.

Before: Holstered and carried by away team members on …
After: Holstered and ready to be drawn upon arrival …
Before: Holstered and carried by away team members on the transporter pad.
After: Holstered and ready to be drawn upon arrival at the mission site.
USS Enterprise Transporter Platform

The USS Enterprise Transporter Platform serves as the physical stage for the confrontation and eventual assertion of command. Jameson's step onto the platform symbolizes his attempt to seize mission leadership, while Picard's response by also stepping onto it and ordering energization marks the formal transition of control over the mission deployment.

Before: Idle and powered, awaiting transporter command input.
After: Activated as Picard orders energization, initiating the beaming …
Before: Idle and powered, awaiting transporter command input.
After: Activated as Picard orders energization, initiating the beaming down of the away team.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
USS Enterprise Transporter Room 4

Transporter Room One is the charged setting for this pivotal clash of authority. The confined, high-tech environment amplifies the personal and professional tensions as senior officers confront each other before the critical mission launch. Its humming machinery and looming transporter platform frame the struggle for command, highlighting the collision between Starfleet protocol and individual ambition.

Atmosphere Tense, claustrophobic, charged with unresolved conflict and urgency.
Function Mission staging area and arena for the command confrontation.
Symbolism Embodies the intersection of authority, technology, and personal will.
Access Restricted to senior officers and mission team members.
Hum of transporter machinery Bright platform lighting focused on the transporter pad Visible phasers and tricorders on team members Confined space heightening tension

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 6
Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

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Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

Jameson's Agonizing Reckoning and Karnas's Reluctant Mercy
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Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

Karnas Confronts the True, De-Aging Admiral Jameson
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Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

Jameson's Torment, Truth, and Final Farewell
S1E12 · Too Short a Season
Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

Jameson’s Agonizing Redemption and Karnas’ Merciful Concession
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Escalation

"Doctor Crusher's revelation of Jameson's deteriorating condition precipitates the urgent ultimatum from Karnas, escalating the hostage crisis to a critical breaking point."

Jameson's Agonizing Gambit and Karnas' Reckoning
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Key Dialogue

"JAMESON: Prepare to energize, Chief."
"PICARD: Belay that."
"JAMESON: I will remind you one more time, Picard, I am the Senior Mission Commander, and I'm leading this team."
"PICARD: Energize."