Star Trek The Next Generation
Object

Enterprise Corridor Turbolift Voice-Control Interface

A low-profile, wall-mounted turbolift control panel set into an Enterprise corridor: a sleek, largely buttonless illuminated fascia with an integrated microphone and voice-response matrix. It registers spoken commands and issues rapid vocal confirmations, routing an adjacent turbolift car on demand. Crew and intruders alike treat it as the instant gateway across decks—Ralph fumbles at its silence, forces a spoken command, and watches the doors close as the car obeys.
4 appearances

Purpose

Accept verbal destination requests and control turbolift routing and responses within the ship's corridor network.

Significance

Functions as the immediate instrument that converts movement into plot pressure: the interface enables an unauthorized, covert approach to the Main Bridge (Ralph's seizure), exposes a clash of cultures and technology, and physically stages tense arrivals and departures that reshape command decisions in Sickbay and on the Bridge.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments
S1E26 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — The Neutral Zone
Cryo Revival: Duty Divided

The turbolift voice-control interface is the transport trigger Data uses to leave Science Station Two and go to Sickbay after permission is granted; it functions as the physical bridge between command and the medical area.

Before: Available and responsive in the corridor/bridge access area as Data moves toward it.
After: Operated to convey Data to Sickbay; remains functional and ready for further crew movement.
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S1E26 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — The Neutral Zone
Treat Them as Living — The First Awakening

The turbolift voice-control interface is used implicitly when Data departs the bridge for Sickbay, marking the physical movement of personnel between command and medical spaces and facilitating rapid response.

Before: Idle and responsive in the corridor adjacent to the bridge and Sickbay.
After: Operated to convey Data to Sickbay; remains in normal service.
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S1E26 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — The Neutral Zone
Ralph Commands Turbolift to the Main Bridge

The buttonless, wall-mounted turbolift voice-control interface is the immediate instrument of action: Ralph inspects it, struggles with the unfamiliar absence of buttons, then uses voice commands to query and then order the car to the Main Bridge. Dramatically, the interface bridges eras—its silent design confounds Ralph but also enables his covert access by obeying plain speech.

Before: Mounted and active on the corridor wall, listening for commands; the turbolift car is temporarily unattended with personnel exiting.
After: Engaged by Ralph's voice command and routing the turbolift to the Main Bridge; remains installed and functional.
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S1E26 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — The Neutral Zone
Picard Reasserts the Forward Mission

The turbolift functions as the immediate point of transition: Picard and Riker exit it to enter the bridge and enact the decision. It symbolizes movement between private counsel and public command, staging the moment Picard assumes visible authority.

Before: Turbolift car recently arrived and contained Picard and Riker; control interface idle after delivering them.
After: Turbolift car stands available for further use; interface returns to standby after passengers disembark.
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