Object

Geordi La Forge's Handheld Diagnostic Scanner (Tricorder)

A compact, flashlight-like handheld diagnostic scanner (also referred to as a tricorder) used by Geordi La Forge aboard the *Enterprise-D*. The device emits adjustable light beams capable of detecting and visualizing chemical residues (e.g., Invidium) through fluorescence. It is used in two primary contexts: 1. **Molecular Analysis**: Sweeping the sensor across objects (e.g., a drinking glass on the Main Engineering console) to analyze nucleo-synthesis and altered molecular structures. 2. **Residue Detection**: Inspecting canisters and surfaces (e.g., Barclay's glove) to reveal chemical contamination, such as Invidium, through fluorescence. Its failure to detect Invidium in one instance underscores the elusiveness of the contamination, driving narrative tension. The scanner's dual-purpose design (inspection + residue detection) makes it essential for rapid hazard assessment in high-stakes scenarios, including pinpointing holodeck-induced reality fractures and crew-carrier sabotage theories.

3 appearances

Purpose

Detects and visualizes Invidium residue through adjustable projected light for diagnostic confirmation.

Significance

Pinpoints Invidium contamination on Barclay's glove, validating the crisis and fueling his nitrogen flood proposal that could save or doom the Enterprise.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S3E21 · Hollow Pursuits

The Glass That Shouldn’t Be: A Fracture in Reality’s Fabric

Geordi La Forge’s tricorder is used to scan the anomalous glass, providing critical data about its altered molecular structure. The device chirps with readouts as Geordi and Data analyze it, ruling out replicator issues and suggesting the glass came into contact with an unshielded power source. The tricorder serves as a bridge between observation and action, transforming the glass from a curiosity into a diagnostic tool. Its readings are the foundation upon which the investigation into the ship’s malfunctions is built, and its limitations (e.g., inability to detect Invidium residue) highlight the elusiveness of the threat.

Before: A standard-issue Starfleet tricorder, fully functional and calibrated for diagnostic scans. It is in Geordi’s possession and has been used routinely for engineering assessments.

After: The tricorder remains functional but has provided inconclusive results regarding the glass’s alteration. Its readings have confirmed the nucleo-synthesis but have not identified the root cause, leaving the mystery unresolved for now. It is still in Geordi’s possession, ready for further use in the investigation.

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S3E21 · Hollow Pursuits

Barclay’s Revelation: The Invidium Gambit

Geordi La Forge’s tricorder is used to initially scan the nitrogen canister for traces of Invidium, but it fails to detect the elusive substance. This forces Geordi to switch to a more specialized flashlight-like detection device, which ultimately reveals the glowing residue on Barclay’s glove. The tricorder’s limitation underscores the insidious nature of the Invidium contamination, setting the stage for Barclay’s desperate proposal.

Before: Functional but ineffective against Invidium; Geordi sets it aside after it yields no results.

After: Remaining unused as the crew shifts focus to Barclay’s proposed solution.

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S3E21 · Hollow Pursuits

Picard’s Gamble: Trusting the Unproven to Save the Enterprise

Geordi La Forge’s tricorder is the first tool used to scan the nitrogen canister, but it fails to detect the Invidium residue, setting up the need for a secondary device. This failure highlights the elusiveness of the contaminant and the necessity of alternative diagnostic methods. The tricorder’s limitations force Geordi and Barclay to improvise, using the flashlight-like device to reveal the residue—a moment that underscores the unpredictability of the crisis and the crew’s adaptability.

Before: Functional but ineffective in detecting Invidium; held by Geordi in Cargo Bay 38.

After: Remains in Geordi’s possession, now confirmed as insufficient for this specific contamination, prompting reliance on the flashlight-like device.

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