Fabula
Object
Object

Commander William Riker's First Officer Log (Spiral Search Failure)

A sleek, digital recording device embedded in the USS Enterprise's bridge console, this log serves as the formal repository of command records. During a heated interrogation in Captain Picard's ready room, it stands as the contested source of truth, with Remmick aggressively questioning discrepancies in entries relating to Picard's orders. Commander Riker holds this log with guarded resolve, symbolizing command responsibility and the fragile trust within the chain of command amid rising suspicion. Its interface glows steadily, capturing the tension and stakes of unfolding events.
9 appearances

Purpose

To serve as the official record of ship operations, command decisions, and logs, maintaining accountability and continuity of command aboard the USS Enterprise.

Significance

The log acts as a critical piece of evidence in the interrogation, representing institutional trust and authority while becoming a flashpoint for conflict and suspicion that threatens the stability of the Enterprise's leadership during a crisis.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

9 moments
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Enterprise Immobilized in Star Debris Path

The USS Enterprise Ship's Log serves as the medium through which Commander Riker records the ship's dire status and the external cosmic threat. It functions as an official document capturing the gravity of the crisis and Riker’s leadership burden in a moment of impending disaster.

Before: Operational, ready to receive official command entries.
After: Contains Riker’s urgent log entries describing the star's disintegration and the desperate hope placed on Data.
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S1E4 · Code of Honor
Riker Reports Lieutenant Yar’s Abduction, Enterprise Prepares for Crisis

The USS Enterprise Ship's Log serves as the crucial communication medium through which Riker formally reports the abduction incident. It functions as an authoritative record, anchoring the emerging crisis within Starfleet’s procedural framework and signaling to the crew and command the escalation's severity.

Before: Operational and ready for formal entries aboard the Enterprise bridge's main consoles.
After: Updated with Riker’s report, now containing the official record of Lieutenant Yar’s abduction and the resulting diplomatic challenge.
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S1E4 · Code of Honor
Riker Confirms Tactical Vigilance and Covert Surveillance

The USS Enterprise Ship's Log is the medium through which Commander Riker transmits a formal report of the current emergency situation. It captures the state of combat readiness and the covert sensor operations against Lutan’s compound, serving as an official record and communication channel to Starfleet command.

Before: Operational, ready to record ongoing mission data
After: Updated with current log entry detailing tactical readiness and sensor probes
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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Riker Assumes Command Amid Holodeck Crisis

Commander Riker uses the personal and ship's log device to formally record a supplemental entry, documenting the Holodeck breakdown and the captain's disappearance. This recording serves as an official account and a narrative framing device emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Before: Operational and in Riker's possession on the bridge, ready for use.
After: Used to record the formal log entry during the crisis; remains in Riker's possession.
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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Riker Delegates Command and Mobilizes Holodeck Rescue

Commander Riker initiates the event with a formal supplemental ship's log report, using his personal and ship's log recording device to document the unknown Holodeck breakdown and the captain’s disappearance. This recording anchors the narrative in official Starfleet protocol and the gravity of the situation.

Before: In Riker's possession on the Main Bridge, ready for use in command reporting.
After: Continues in Riker's possession, capturing the ongoing crisis log.
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S1E15 · Angel One
Picard Transfers Command Amid Viral Crisis

The ship's log is referenced by Picard during the formal command transfer as a crucial vessel for recording this pivotal leadership change officially and transparently.

Before: Available and ready for entries on the bridge's main console.
After: Actively recording the formal entry of command transfer to Geordi La Forge.
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S1E15 · Angel One
La Forge Assumes Command as Worf Detects Odin's Platinum Trace

The ship's log is referenced explicitly by Picard as the formal record where Geordi must enter the command transfer. It functions as the official documentation of leadership continuity and operational decisions during the crisis.

Before: Active and ready on the bridge, awaiting new entries.
After: Updated to reflect Geordi La Forge's assumption of command as ordered by Captain Picard.
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S2E12 · The Royale
Orbit Over Theta Eight — The Hard Data

Riker activates and records into his personal and the ship's log as an authoritative framing device; the datapad captures the mission stardate and intent, converting a routine bridge moment into an official mission record and dramatic narrative hook.

Before: Datapad-sized recorder idle in Riker's possession or on the bridge, encrypted and ready for input.
After: Contains the newly recorded mission entry (stardate 42625.4) with Riker's voice-over, secured in shipboard log archive.
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S2E12 · The Royale
Theta Eight — Lethal Atmosphere and Night-Side Enigma

Riker's datapad/log is activated for a formal mission entry, functioning as exposition and procedural record. The voice log frames the mission's stakes, timestamps their arrival, and hardens the ethical and operational tone of the scene.

Before: In Riker's possession or accessible on the bridge; powered and ready for entry.
After: Active and containing the recorded mission log entry (Riker's voice), stored for ship records and command review.
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