Object
Picard's Antique Brass Ship's Barometer
A beautifully crafted antique barometer mounted in Picard's quarters, its brass casing burnished with age and use. The instrument's face bears clear nautical markings, with a needle that swings dramatically to 'STORMY' when Picard absently raps its surface. The sudden movement—despite calm space conditions—visibly unsettles the captain, transforming the object from background decor to an uncanny omen. Its mechanical reliability during voyage conditions contrasts with this inexplicable behavior, making it both a practical instrument and a subtle narrative device mirroring Picard's concerns about Dr. Pulaski's leadership under pressure.
2 appearances
Purpose
To measure atmospheric pressure changes (historically used for weather prediction aboard seafaring vessels)
Significance
Serves as a symbolic gauge of Picard's unspoken tensions—its malfunction foreshadows both the coming crisis and his doubts about Pulaski's crisis leadership. The barometer's maritime heritage subtly reinforces Picard's identity as a starship captain navigating uncertain 'storms.'
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used