Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E18
· When the Bough Breaks

Riker's Tactical Lead Initiates Infiltration of Aldea Corridor

In a tense moment underscoring the shift from planning to action, Commander Riker leads the elite away team—Tasha and Data—materializing alone into the eerie, deserted corridor of Aldea. Their immediate, silent assessment of the environment highlights the perilous nature of the mission: to disable Aldea’s shield and rescue the abducted children. Riker’s swift scan and commanding gesture to advance mark a critical turning point, propelling the Enterprise’s efforts from defensive posturing into proactive infiltration, setting the stage for the confrontation with the dying civilization and its desperate measures.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Tasha, Riker, and Data materialize alone in the corridor, with Riker immediately scanning the surroundings before signaling the team to follow him.

isolation to alert readiness ['Aldea corridor']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Tasha Yar
Lieutenant (Chief of Security)
 primary

Cautious alertness underscored by a pragmatic acceptance of their dangerous mission.

Lieutenant Yar materializes alongside Riker, attentively following his lead with professional vigilance. Her posture and readiness reflect acute situational awareness and preparedness for potential threats in the silent corridor.

Goals in this moment
  • • To support Riker’s leadership effectively during the infiltration
  • • To remain alert for any signs of danger or ambush in the corridor
Active beliefs
  • • Maintaining security discipline is critical for mission success
  • • The corridor’s silence may mask hidden threats
Character traits
alert disciplined pragmatic loyal
Follow Tasha Yar's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Emotionally neutral, focused entirely on objective assessment and mission parameters.

Data materializes with Riker and Yar, immediately scanning the environment methodically. His analytical approach supports the team’s tactical decisions, providing a calm, unemotional presence amid the foreboding environment.

Goals in this moment
  • • To gather environmental data to aid the team’s progress
  • • To assist in identifying technical vulnerabilities of Aldea’s defenses
Active beliefs
  • • Logical analysis reduces risks in hostile environments
  • • Technical understanding is key to mission success
Character traits
analytical methodical calm precise
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Focused determination tempered by the weight of responsibility and urgency.

Commander Riker takes charge immediately upon materializing, surveying the empty corridor with focused authority and decisiveness. His commanding gesture to the team signals leadership and readiness to advance, embodying strategic foresight and calm under pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • • To lead the away team safely into Aldea’s interior without alerting enemies
  • • To initiate steps towards disabling Aldea’s shield and recovering the abducted children
Active beliefs
  • • The mission’s success depends on stealth and swift action
  • • Aldea’s desperation necessitates firm but measured intervention
Character traits
authoritative focused decisive strategic
Follow William Riker's journey

Narrative Connections

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