Fabula
S5E24 · The Next Phase

Geordi and Ro uncover Romulan sabotage

Geordi and Ro, now invisible and intangible after the transporter accident, analyze sensor data in main engineering and realize the Romulans have hidden a muon feedback wave within the Enterprise’s sensor returns—a sabotage that will trigger a warp core breach when the ship reaches warp speed. Meanwhile, Data detects unexplained chroniton fields forming in locations Geordi and Ro have recently occupied, leading Geordi to deduce they are leaving ‘footprints’ as they move. This revelation confirms the Romulans’ phased state and the crew’s own precarious condition, heightening urgency to communicate the threat before the ship’s impending warp transition. Ro is sent to the bridge to monitor sensor readings, while Geordi stays behind to assist Data in preparing an anyon emitter to neutralize the fields. The scene escalates tension by tying the crew’s personal crisis to the ship’s survival, as Parem, a phased Romulan, continues searching for them in the corridors, adding immediate physical danger to the stakes.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Geordi and Ro discover the muon feedback wave is undetectable by standard engine displays, leading Geordi to suspect the Romulans are concealing it within the sensor return signal, requiring a level three diagnostic to uncover.

worried to frustrated

Data reports the appearance of new chroniton fields aboard the Enterprise, puzzling him as no transporter beam activity explains their formation. Geordi realizes these chroniton fields are "footprints" left by their phased presence.

puzzled to realization

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6

Frustrated yet driven by urgency, with a deep sense of responsibility to protect the ship and crew.

Geordi, frustrated and urgent, analyzes sensor data in Geordi’s office with Ro, realizing the Romulans have hidden a muon feedback wave in the Enterprise’s sensor returns. He deduces that he and Ro are leaving 'chroniton footprints' as they move, confirming their phased state. He coordinates with Data and Ro to investigate and neutralize the threat, sending Ro to the bridge with Brossmer to monitor sensor readings while he stays to assist Data with the anyon emitter.

Goals in this moment
  • Identify and communicate the Romulan sabotage before the ship reaches warp speed.
  • Find a way to neutralize the chroniton fields and restore his and Ro’s physical state.
Active beliefs
  • The Romulans’ sabotage must be exposed before it triggers a catastrophic warp core breach.
  • Science and teamwork will provide a solution to their phased condition.
Character traits
Frustrated Determined Analytical Proactive Empathetic
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Worried yet resolute, balancing her Bajoran faith with Starfleet duty in the face of the unknown.

Ro, initially worried and analytical, assists Geordi in analyzing sensor data and realizes the muon feedback wave is hidden in the sensor returns. She is sent by Geordi to the bridge with Brossmer to monitor lateral sensor readings for chroniton fields. Her Bajoran faith and Starfleet discipline drive her to act despite the uncertainty of their phased state.

Goals in this moment
  • Help uncover the Romulan sabotage and communicate the threat to the crew.
  • Find a way to restore her and Geordi’s physical state through scientific and spiritual means.
Active beliefs
  • The Romulans’ sabotage must be stopped to protect the Enterprise and its crew.
  • Her Bajoran faith and Starfleet training will guide her through this crisis.
Character traits
Worried Determined Analytical Faithful Disciplined
Follow Ro Laren's journey

Puzzled yet determined, with a calm focus on solving the technical mystery.

Data stands at the pool table in Main Engineering, analyzing sensor readings on a monitor screen. He is puzzled by the appearance of new chroniton fields aboard the Enterprise, which he cannot explain through standard transporter activity. He directs Brossmer to run an internal sensor sweep and later instructs her to use the lateral sensor array on the bridge for more precise readings. His analytical demeanor is marked by curiosity and methodical precision, as he works to understand the anomaly and prepare an anyon emitter to neutralize the fields.

Goals in this moment
  • Understand the origin and purpose of the unexplained chroniton fields.
  • Develop a solution to neutralize the fields using an anyon emitter.
Active beliefs
  • The chroniton fields are not random but linked to Geordi and Ro’s phased state.
  • Technical precision and systematic analysis will lead to a solution.
Character traits
Analytical Methodical Curious Precise Supportive
Follow Data's journey
Supporting 3

Focused and reliable, with a sense of urgency to assist in the critical investigation.

Brossmer, the transporter chief, assists Data in analyzing chroniton fields and performs an internal sensor sweep to identify contaminated areas. She is directed by Data to use the lateral sensor array on the bridge for more precise readings. Her steady professionalism and technical expertise are crucial in supporting the investigation.

Goals in this moment
  • Support Data and Geordi in identifying and neutralizing the chroniton fields.
  • Ensure the lateral sensor array provides accurate readings to locate the fields.
Active beliefs
  • Precise sensor readings are essential to solving the chroniton field mystery.
  • Her technical skills and reliability are vital to the crew’s success.
Character traits
Professional Steady Technically Skilled Supportive Reliable
Follow Brossmer's journey
Parem
secondary

Focused and resolute, driven by his mission to find and neutralize the threat posed by Geordi and Ro.

Parem, the phased Romulan, steps out of Shuttlebay Two into the corridor, pauses to look around, and heads off in search of Ro and Geordi. He later exits a turbolift into another corridor, continuing his stealthy pursuit. His determined and silent demeanor reflects his mission to locate and eliminate the phased intruders.

Goals in this moment
  • Locate Geordi and Ro to prevent them from exposing the Romulan sabotage.
  • Eliminate the phased intruders to protect the Romulan mission.
Active beliefs
  • Geordi and Ro are a direct threat to the Romulan plan and must be stopped.
  • His stealth and observation skills will allow him to complete his mission undetected.
Character traits
Stealthy Determined Silent Observant
Follow Parem's journey

Unchanged; they are going about their duties, oblivious to the danger around them.

Three nondescript crewmembers walk out of Shuttlebay Two into the corridor, unaware of the phased Romulan Parem following them. Their presence serves as a distraction and potential cover for Parem’s search for Geordi and Ro. Later, two crewmembers exit a turbolift into a corridor, again unknowingly aiding Parem’s stealthy pursuit.

Goals in this moment
  • Complete their assigned tasks in the corridor and shuttlebay.
  • Unknowingly provide cover for Parem’s search.
Active beliefs
  • Their routine duties are their primary focus.
  • They are unaware of the phased Romulan or the danger he poses.
Character traits
Unaware Routine-Oriented Distracted
Follow Unnamed Enlisted …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

7
USS Enterprise-D — Corridor Turbolift Doors (Deck Nine)

The Corridor Turbolift Doors slide open, releasing Parem and two nondescript crewmembers into the space where Geordi, Ro, Data, and Brossmer coordinate against the Romulan sabotage. The doors serve as a transit point, framing Parem’s exit and adding to the tension of his stealthy pursuit. Their opening and closing mark the movement of characters and the progression of the scene’s urgency.

Before: Closed, with Parem and crewmembers inside the turbolift.
After: Open, with Parem and crewmembers exiting into the …
Before: Closed, with Parem and crewmembers inside the turbolift.
After: Open, with Parem and crewmembers exiting into the corridor.
Anyon Emitter (Handheld)

Data prepares to modify an anyon emitter to neutralize the chroniton fields left by Geordi and Ro. This handheld device, when sprayed at the fields, disrupts their molecular cohesion, offering a potential solution to their phased condition. Its successful use could restore their physical state and allow them to communicate the Romulan threat directly.

Before: Unmodified, lying idle in Main Engineering, awaiting Data’s …
After: Being prepared for use by Data to target …
Before: Unmodified, lying idle in Main Engineering, awaiting Data’s adjustments.
After: Being prepared for use by Data to target and neutralize the chroniton fields.
Enterprise Sensor Return Signal

The Enterprise sensor return signal is scrutinized by Geordi and Ro, who discover the muon feedback wave hidden within it. This sabotage, undetectable without level-three diagnostics, is the key to the Romulan plot and must be exposed before the ship reaches warp speed. The signal’s analysis is critical to understanding the threat and coordinating a response.

Before: Containing the hidden muon feedback wave, appearing normal …
After: Partially analyzed by Geordi and Ro, revealing the …
Before: Containing the hidden muon feedback wave, appearing normal on standard sensor displays.
After: Partially analyzed by Geordi and Ro, revealing the hidden sabotage but still requiring further investigation.
Geordi and Ro's Chroniton Footprints

Geordi and Ro’s chroniton footprints, residual fields left in locations they have recently occupied, are detected by Data and Brossmer. These fields confirm their phased state and provide a trail for Data to track their movements. The footprints are both a clue to their condition and a potential hazard, as they leave evidence of their intangible presence aboard the ship.

Before: Forming in Sickbay, Transporter Room Three, Main Bridge, …
After: Detected and mapped by Data and Brossmer, with …
Before: Forming in Sickbay, Transporter Room Three, Main Bridge, Captain’s Ready Room, Shuttlebay Two, and Main Engineering as Geordi and Ro move through these areas.
After: Detected and mapped by Data and Brossmer, with plans to neutralize them using an anyon emitter.
Geordi's Office Monitors

Geordi’s office monitors display the sensor data that Geordi and Ro analyze, revealing the hidden muon feedback wave and the chroniton footprints. These monitors are essential tools in uncovering the Romulan sabotage and understanding the crew’s phased state. Their glowing screens provide the visual clues that drive the investigation forward.

Before: Displaying normal sensor data, with the hidden muon …
After: Revealing the hidden sabotage and chroniton footprints, prompting …
Before: Displaying normal sensor data, with the hidden muon feedback wave undetected.
After: Revealing the hidden sabotage and chroniton footprints, prompting further action.
Muon Feedback Wave

The muon feedback wave, hidden within the Enterprise’s sensor returns, is the Romulan sabotage device that will trigger a warp core breach when the ship reaches warp speed. Geordi and Ro’s analysis of the sensor data reveals its presence, confirming the Romulan plot and heightening the urgency to communicate the threat before it is too late.

Before: Concealed within the Enterprise’s sensor returns, undetected by …
After: Partially uncovered by Geordi and Ro, but still …
Before: Concealed within the Enterprise’s sensor returns, undetected by standard diagnostics.
After: Partially uncovered by Geordi and Ro, but still active and hidden from the rest of the crew.
Romulan Engine Consoles

The Romulan engine consoles, though not directly visible in this scene, are implied as the source of the muon feedback wave hidden within the Enterprise’s sensor returns. Geordi and Ro’s analysis of the sensor data reveals the sabotage, which is tied to these consoles and the Romulan warp core sabotage. The consoles’ malfunctioning state is a critical clue to the broader Romulan plot.

Before: Scorched and sparking, with dead bodies and a …
After: Unchanged in this scene, but their sabotage is …
Before: Scorched and sparking, with dead bodies and a failing warp core, emitting smoke and failing to respond.
After: Unchanged in this scene, but their sabotage is now partially uncovered by Geordi and Ro.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

5
Corridor (USS Enterprise-D)

The Corridor Near Shuttlebay Two is a transit area where Parem emerges from Shuttlebay Two, pauses to look around, and heads off in search of Ro and Geordi. This location serves as a critical junction for movement and stealth, linking shuttle operations to the broader ship corridors. Its narrow confines and humming bulkheads create a tense atmosphere, heightening the urgency of Parem’s pursuit.

Atmosphere Tense and narrow, with humming bulkheads and steady lighting that heightens the urgency of Parem’s …
Function Transit area and search zone for Parem’s pursuit of Geordi and Ro.
Symbolism Represents the hidden dangers lurking within the ship’s routine operations.
Access Open to crewmembers and phased intruders, but Parem’s presence is undetected.
Narrow corridor with glowing conduits and deck plates. Hissing Shuttlebay Two doors marking the exit point. Humming bulkheads and steady lighting creating a tense atmosphere.
Corridor to Observation Lounge (USS Enterprise-D)

The Corridor Near Turbolift is where Parem exits the turbolift and continues his search for Geordi and Ro. This location serves as another transit hub, linking different parts of the ship and providing cover for Parem’s stealthy movements. The hissing turbolift doors and crewmembers’ footsteps add to the scene’s dynamic tension, underscoring the urgency of the pursuit.

Atmosphere Dynamic and tense, with hissing turbolift doors and crewmembers’ footsteps echoing on deck plates.
Function Transit hub and search zone for Parem’s pursuit of Geordi and Ro.
Symbolism Represents the interconnectedness of the ship’s corridors and the hidden threats within.
Access Open to crewmembers and phased intruders, with Parem moving undetected.
Hissing turbolift doors sliding open. Crewmembers’ footsteps ringing on deck plates. Humming bulkheads and steady lighting.
Geordi's Office (within Main Engineering)

Geordi’s office within Main Engineering is where Geordi and Ro initially analyze the sensor data, revealing the hidden muon feedback wave and the chroniton footprints. This smaller, more intimate space provides a focused environment for their investigation, with glowing monitors displaying critical clues. The office’s relative quiet contrasts with the bustling activity of Main Engineering, allowing for deeper analysis and coordination.

Atmosphere Focused and intimate, with glowing monitors displaying critical sensor data.
Function Investigation space for analyzing sensor data and coordinating the response to the Romulan sabotage.
Symbolism Represents the personal and technical effort to uncover the truth behind the sabotage.
Access Restricted to Geordi and authorized personnel, with Ro joining him for the analysis.
Glowing monitors displaying sensor data and chroniton field readings. Quiet and focused environment within the bustling Main Engineering. Consoles humming steadily as Geordi and Ro work.
Main Engineering (Deck 36, USS Enterprise-D)

Main Engineering is the command center where Geordi, Ro, Data, and Brossmer coordinate their investigation into the Romulan sabotage and the chroniton fields. This location is bustling with activity, with crewmembers moving between stations and the low hum of active systems underscoring the urgency of their work. The pool table and consoles serve as focal points for analysis and planning, making Main Engineering the heart of the crew’s efforts to avert disaster.

Atmosphere Bustling and urgent, with the low hum of active systems and crewmembers moving between stations.
Function Command center and investigation hub for uncovering the Romulan sabotage and neutralizing the chroniton fields.
Symbolism Represents the crew’s collective effort to protect the ship and solve the crisis through science …
Access Restricted to authorized personnel, with Geordi, Ro, Data, and Brossmer leading the investigation.
Pool table with green felt surface used for sensor data analysis. Consoles and monitors displaying sensor readings and chroniton field data. Low hum of active systems and crewmembers moving between stations.
Shuttlebay Two (USS Enterprise-D)

Shuttlebay Two is a busy operational hub where Parem and crewmembers exit into the corridor. This location links shuttle operations to the broader ship and serves as a point of transit for both crew and phased intruders. Its vast interior and clanging tools create a bustling atmosphere, contrasting with the stealthy pursuit unfolding in the corridors.

Atmosphere Bustling and operational, with clanging tools and shuttle engines echoing in the vast bay.
Function Connection point and transit hub for shuttle operations and crew movements.
Symbolism Represents the routine operations of the ship, juxtaposed with the hidden dangers of the phased …
Access Open to crewmembers and phased intruders, with Parem moving undetected.
Docked shuttles and repair equipment. Clanging tools and shuttle engines filling the bay. Vast interior with glowing energy beams linking to the Romulan ship.

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

1
Romulan Star Empire Forces

The Romulan Star Empire is represented through the sabotage of the Enterprise’s warp core and the phased state of Parem, who searches for Geordi and Ro. The organization’s ruthless plot to destroy the Enterprise is revealed through the hidden muon feedback wave and the chroniton fields left by the phased intruders. The Romulans’ phased cloaking technology and sabotage efforts are central to the crisis, driving the urgency of the crew’s investigation.

Representation Via the phased Romulan Parem’s actions and the hidden sabotage within the Enterprise’s systems.
Power Dynamics Exercising covert authority through sabotage and stealth, posing a direct threat to the Enterprise and …
Impact The Romulans’ actions reflect their broader strategy of exploiting alliances for technological and strategic advantage, …
Internal Dynamics Parem operates independently but is driven by the Romulan Star Empire’s overarching goals of sabotage …
Sabotage the Enterprise’s warp core to destroy the ship when it reaches warp speed. Eliminate Geordi and Ro to prevent them from exposing the Romulan plot. Phased cloaking technology to conceal Parem’s presence aboard the Enterprise. Hidden muon feedback wave within the Enterprise’s sensor returns to trigger the warp core breach.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 4
Causal

"Geordi and Ro overhearing the Romulans' plot to sabotage the Enterprise directly leads them to search for evidence, even in their intangible state. This escalates the tension and creates a crucial obstacle to overcome."

Data confirms Romulan sabotage threat
S5E24 · The Next Phase
Causal

"Geordi and Ro overhearing the Romulans' plot to sabotage the Enterprise directly leads them to search for evidence, even in their intangible state. This escalates the tension and creates a crucial obstacle to overcome."

Geordi and Ro uncover Romulan phased cloaking plot
S5E24 · The Next Phase
Causal

"Geordi and Ro overhearing the Romulans' plot to sabotage the Enterprise directly leads them to search for evidence, even in their intangible state. This escalates the tension and creates a crucial obstacle to overcome."

Romulans plot sabotage while Geordi and Ro overhear
S5E24 · The Next Phase
Causal

"Data detecting new chroniton fields leads Geordi to realize they are 'footprints', causing him to send Ro to the bridge with Brossmer and stay behind with Data to use the emitter to their advantage. The realization is a turning point in their plan."

Geordi deduces chroniton footprints
S5E24 · The Next Phase
What this causes 1
Causal

"Data detecting new chroniton fields leads Geordi to realize they are 'footprints', causing him to send Ro to the bridge with Brossmer and stay behind with Data to use the emitter to their advantage. The realization is a turning point in their plan."

Geordi deduces chroniton footprints
S5E24 · The Next Phase

Key Dialogue

"GEORDI: The muon feedback wave's not showing up on any of the engine displays."
"RO: The Romulans must be hiding it in the sensor return signal. Unless someone runs a level three diagnostic, they'll never see it."
"GEORDI: There's no reason why the interphase device would be producing new fields aboard this ship."
"GEORDI: We were in every one of those locations. Somehow we're leaving... chroniton footprints behind us."
"DATA: I do not understand how these new fields have formed. No transporter beam has been active in any of those areas."