Object

Captain Picard's Captain's Log Recording — Stardate 43799.1 (Orelious Nine Arrival)

A discrete, time-stamped digital captain's-log audio/data file stored on the Enterprise computer, labeled Stardate 43799.1 and documenting the ship's arrival at Orelious Nine and the discovery of an ancient Promellian battle cruiser. Recorded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (moment recorded while striding to the transporter), the clip contains metadata (stardate and location) and a concise spoken entry whose playback routes to bridge speakers; it strips corridor ambient noise and functions as an operational/audible cue that crystallizes Picard's archaeological fascination and triggers the decision to board the derelict. Involved in events and scenes in TNG episode "Booby Trap."

2 appearances

Purpose

To record and archive the captain's spoken operational observations and decisions as a time-stamped log entry; in this context, to serve as an expository device that frames and justifies Picard's choice to board the wreck.

Significance

Functions narratively as a framing device that humanizes Picard's impulse, legitimizes his invocation of the 'captain's prerogative,' and crystallizes the risky choice that exposes the Enterprise to the Promellian booby trap. It converts personal curiosity into an official operational act, raising the stakes between Picard and his officers.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E6 · Booby Trap

The Ship in a Bottle — Picard's Prerogative

Picard's captain's log recording is made (V.O.) in the corridor as he walks to the Transporter Room; it frames the discovery, formalizes the mission's historical stakes, and rhetorically justifies Picard's choice to lead the boarding.

Before: Not yet recorded; Picard prepares and begins the V.O. entry as they arrive at Orelious Nine.

After: Recorded and stored in the ship's computer as an official log entry, providing narrative framing and operational justification for the forthcoming boarding.

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S3E6 · Booby Trap

The Ship-in-a-Bottle: Picard Insists on Boarding

Picard's captain's log recording (V.O.) establishes mission context, names Orelious Nine, and frames the Promellian cruiser as a relic. The log functions as both exposition and emotional primer, converting Picard's private enthusiasm into an official, mission-justifying statement.

Before: Stored on the Enterprise computer as a discrete digital audio file (recorded by Picard) and available to shipboard officers.

After: Played aloud as V.O., it helps justify Picard's decision and shapes bridge crew perception, reinforcing the weight of the discovery.

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