Object
Enterprise Tractor Beam System
A ship‑integrated gravitational projector with emitter housings distributed between engineering and the bridge tactical array. When engaged it throws a faint, shimmering energy tether visible on the main viewer; consoles hum, LEDs flicker, and instrument readouts register hold strength, thermal load, and field geometry. Under desperate, full‑power use the emitters glow hot, alarms chirp, and engineers physically manipulate power routing while the beam strains to tug a ferrous rogue moon or hold an external craft.
23 appearances
Purpose
To generate controlled tractor fields that latch onto, stabilize, manipulate, and tow external objects or vessels for retrieval, restraint, or repositioning.
Significance
Functions as an active plot device and instrument of coercion: Riker threatens and prepares the beam to tow the Pakled ship as leverage to recover Geordi, turning technological capability into decisive command pressure and raising the stakes of the rescue.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used