Riker’s Fracturing Composure and Desperate Holodeck Recall

On the Enterprise’s main bridge, Commander Riker’s mounting frustration over the escalating external Jaradan threat and the internal Holodeck crisis bursts into visible anger. After confirming the ship holds a stable orbit, his concern sharpens into an urgent, terse command as he reaches out to the Holodeck. This moment crystallizes the convergence of two parallel pressures — the diplomatic stalemate outside and the deadly malfunction within — marking a critical turning point where Riker must assert control amid unraveling order and imminent danger.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Riker confirms the USS Enterprise's standard orbit, signaling routine operations underling the mounting tension.

calm to cautious alertness

Riker, gripped by concern and anger, lashes out with a punch on the intercom and urgently calls the Holodeck, signaling rising desperation.

concern to urgency

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2

Calm and dutiful, maintaining steady composure despite the underlying tension.

Lieutenant Worf responsively confirms the ship's orbit status with a precise, respectful reply, demonstrating his disciplined support and operational vigilance during a tense moment on the bridge.

Goals in this moment
  • Provide accurate status updates to command to support informed decisions.
  • Maintain operational readiness at his stations amid the unfolding crises.
Active beliefs
  • Clear communication is essential during emergency situations.
  • Supporting the chain of command is crucial to mission success.
Character traits
disciplined loyal focused respectful
Follow Worf's journey

Controlled anger masking deep concern; determination tempered by stress from multiple pressures.

Commander Riker is at the bridge consoles, initially confirming the ship's orbit status with Worf. His facial expression and mannerisms reveal escalating frustration and anger over the dual crises. He decisively interrupts with a sharp vocal command over the intercom to the Holodeck, asserting his authority and urgency.

Goals in this moment
  • Maintain command and control over the Enterprise during concurrent external and internal crises.
  • Obtain immediate information or action regarding the Holodeck malfunction.
  • Ensure the ship's orbit remains stable amid external threats.
  • Navigate the fragile diplomatic situation with the Jarada through steady leadership.
Active beliefs
  • The ship must maintain a stable orbit to avoid escalating tensions with the Jarada.
  • The Holodeck malfunction represents a dangerous internal threat that must be contained immediately.
  • His leadership is critical to preventing disaster both outside and inside the ship.
  • Failure to act decisively will worsen both diplomatic and internal crises.
Character traits
authoritative decisive frustrated commanding
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Captain's Ready Room Intercom

The Captain's Ready Room Intercom is used by Commander Riker to urgently communicate with personnel in the Holodeck. It functions as a vital lifeline during crises, enabling immediate command orders to be transmitted across ship compartments, highlighting the urgency and procedural command structure in place.

Before: Operational and located on the main bridge, ready …
After: Remains operational after transmitting Riker's command to the …
Before: Operational and located on the main bridge, ready to transmit voice commands.
After: Remains operational after transmitting Riker's command to the Holodeck.
USS Enterprise — Main Bridge Viewscreen

The Enterprise Bridge Viewer Screen serves as the focal point of Riker and Worf's assessment of spatial and tactical conditions, visually embodying the tension of the diplomatic standoff with the Jarada. Riker's gaze upon the screen reflects his concern and mounting frustration as external dangers mount.

Before: Active and displaying external spatial data and diplomatic …
After: Continues displaying real-time bridge information without change.
Before: Active and displaying external spatial data and diplomatic communications.
After: Continues displaying real-time bridge information without change.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise acts as the nerve center where Commander Riker confronts the combined pressures of an external diplomatic standoff and a dangerous internal Holodeck malfunction. This space is charged with tension, serving as the crucible for leadership decisions and crisis management under duress.

Atmosphere Tense and focused, with an undercurrent of urgency and restrained frustration.
Function Command center and strategic decision-making hub during simultaneous external and internal emergencies.
Symbolism Embodies the burden of command and the thin line between order and chaos.
Access Restricted to senior bridge crew and command personnel during crises.
Glowing control consoles with blinking lights indicating system statuses Soft hum of Federation starship machinery and ambient communications chatter

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 5
Escalation

"Riker's confirmation of orbit and subsequent urgent reaction reflect rising external pressure that parallels the internal Holodeck crisis, linking dual narrative tensions."

Redblock's Hostile Takeover and the Deadly Ultimatum
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Escalation

"Riker's confirmation of orbit and subsequent urgent reaction reflect rising external pressure that parallels the internal Holodeck crisis, linking dual narrative tensions."

Redblock's Brutal Takeover and the Grim Ultimatum
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Escalation

"Riker's confirmation of orbit and subsequent urgent reaction reflect rising external pressure that parallels the internal Holodeck crisis, linking dual narrative tensions."

Picard Unmasks Fiction, Provokes Villainous Breakdown
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Escalation

"Riker's confirmation of orbit and subsequent urgent reaction reflect rising external pressure that parallels the internal Holodeck crisis, linking dual narrative tensions."

Leech's Deadly Ultimatum and Picard's Price for Survival
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye
Escalation

"Riker's confirmation of orbit and subsequent urgent reaction reflect rising external pressure that parallels the internal Holodeck crisis, linking dual narrative tensions."

Picard’s Calculated Gamble: Trading Whalen’s Life to Save Beverly
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Key Dialogue

"RIKER: Standard orbit, Mister Worf."
"WORF: Aye sir, standard orbit."
"RIKER: Riker to Holodeck."