Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E21
· Peak Performance

Kolrami Demands the Games Begin

Kolrami arrives on the Enterprise and immediately displaces hospitality with strategy: Picard offers quarters and a warm welcome, but the Zakdorn politely rebuffs rest and insists the exercise begin at once. The brusque exchange—Picard’s civility against Kolrami’s cold efficiency—prompts a loaded glance between Picard and Riker, instantly aligning them in guarded skepticism. This beat functions as a compact setup: it establishes Kolrami’s arrogance, raises interpersonal stakes, and foreshadows the tactical confrontation and moral tensions to come.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Picard rises and extends a welcome; Kolrami answers with cool, formal courtesy that keeps distance.

formal courtesy to cool distance

Picard offers to show Kolrami to quarters; Kolrami rejects rest and demands the mission commence immediately, asserting urgency over hospitality.

polite hospitality to aggressive urgency ['guest quarters (proposed)']

Picard and Riker trade a wry, wary glance that tags Kolrami as pushy and quietly syncs their read on him.

bemusement to wary skepticism

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Sirna Kolrami
Zakdorn Master Strategist
 primary

Coolly detached and impatient; focused on procedure and immediate evaluation rather than social niceties.

Kolrami responds curtly, invokes Starfleet Command's greetings, declines any offer of rest, and demands the mission commence at once — prioritizing task over ceremony and unsettling his hosts with brisk efficiency.

Goals in this moment
  • • establish control of the tempo and begin the strategic exercise immediately
  • • signal authority and competence by rejecting distractions such as hospitality
Active beliefs
  • • Time spent on pleasantries is time wasted when mission objectives are at stake
  • • Association with Starfleet Command legitimizes his demands and exempts him from ordinary courtesies
Character traits
arrogant impatient analytical single-minded
Follow Sirna Kolrami's journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Polished cordiality overlaying guarded assessment; outwardly welcoming but alert to potential provocation.

Picard rises, extends his hand, greets Kolrami with formal warmth, and offers to show him to his quarters — performing the captain's duty of hospitality while quietly measuring Kolrami's response.

Goals in this moment
  • • demonstrate Starfleet hospitality and protocol to a visiting strategist
  • • gauge Kolrami's temperament and intentions through a measured welcome
Active beliefs
  • • Maintaining ceremony and courtesy preserves authority and cooperation
  • • A guest endorsed by Starfleet Command should be treated with respect but also evaluated
Character traits
courteous composed diplomatic observant
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Guarded and quietly critical; ready to support Picard and to respond if Kolrami's manner escalates.

Riker does not speak; he exchanges a loaded glance with Picard that communicates instant, shared skepticism — an economical, allied reaction that frames Kolrami as a provocateur to be watched.

Goals in this moment
  • • align quickly with Picard's assessment of the visitor
  • • protect crew cohesion by spotting potential interpersonal or tactical threats early
Active beliefs
  • • A brusque outside strategist can disrupt morale or command if left unchecked
  • • Picard's measured diplomacy is the correct first response, but needs corroboration
Character traits
skeptical loyal pragmatic attentive
Follow William Riker's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Admiralty Quarters

Admiralty Quarters are invoked verbally when Picard offers to show Kolrami to his accommodations — used as a narrative contrast to Kolrami's refusal and as a stand-in for customary hospitality and respite on the ship.

Atmosphere Implied calm, privacy, and courtesy — an offered sanctuary that is declined, making the refusal …
Function Guest accommodation offered to dignitaries; here it signals Picard's attempt to follow protocol and put …
Symbolism Embodies Starfleet civility and the expectation of reciprocal decorum; its rejection symbolizes a dismissal of …
Access Reserved for high-ranking visitors and dignitaries; not ordinarily open to crew without invitation.
Soft lighting and polished surfaces implied by the offer Discrete, private antechamber and sleeping alcove suggested by the term 'quarters'
Observation Lounge (USS Enterprise-D)

The Observation Lounge serves as the formal, semi-public setting for Kolrami's arrival: a neutral space where senior officers present and receive visitors. Its topology lets Picard perform ceremonial welcome while allowing private, evaluative exchanges such as the loaded glance with Riker.

Atmosphere Star-lit, quietly formal with an undercurrent of tension — civilized surface masking strategic scrutiny.
Function Meeting place and stage for diplomatic reception that immediately becomes a subtle power-test.
Symbolism Represents the Enterprise's institutional civility and the thin veneer between hospitality and command judgment.
Access Typically populated by senior officers and invited guests; not an open public space.
Long observation windows bathing the room in starlight Plush seating and a low mechanical hum of the ship Quiet, controlled lighting suitable for formal reception

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"PICARD: (rising, extending his hand) Mister Kolrami -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Welcome aboard."
"KOLRAMI: Captain. I bring greetings from those at Starfleet Command."
"PICARD: Would you care to be shown to your quarters?"
"KOLRAMI: I require little rest, Captain. I would prefer to commence our mission."