Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E3
· Star Trek: The Next Generation - Elementary, Dear Data

Worf's Anomaly Detection

Worf, ever the vigilant tactical officer, notices an unexplained power surge on his console—brief but significant. His sharp reaction draws Riker's attention, marking the first tangible evidence of the holodeck's anomaly spilling into ship-wide systems. This moment serves as a critical bridge-level detection of the brewing crisis, heightening tension and signaling the Enterprise's vulnerability to Moriarty's emerging sentience. Worf's immediate reporting underscores his role as the crew's first line of defense, while the abrupt cut to the holodeck visually links the disturbance to Data and Geordi's activities.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

WORF's peripheral scan spikes as he catches a strange reading on his console, snapping his focus to the instruments.

neutral to alert

WORF asks, 'What was that?' and RIKER answers with a poised 'Lieutenant?,' shifting the bridge into immediate questioning and attention.

confusion to focused inquiry

WORF reports 'An odd surge of power, sir,' while rechecking his console, escalating the anomaly from a curiosity into a formal systems alert.

uncertainty to concern

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Worf
Lieutenant, Chief of Security / Tactical Officer
 primary

Combat-ready focus masking growing suspicion

Worf's entire body tenses as his Klingon reflexes react milliseconds before his console's alert. His fingers hover near threat response protocols even as he verbally confirms the anomaly, his gravelly voice cutting through bridge chatter with tactical precision.

Goals in this moment
  • • Validate potential threat before raising alarm
  • • Maintain protocol despite personal instincts screaming danger
Active beliefs
  • • Unexplained energy patterns always warrant investigation
  • • His role requires balancing Klingon instincts with Starfleet discipline
Character traits
Hyper-vigilant Technically precise Instinct-driven
Follow Worf's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Surface-level calm over immediate concern

Riker pivots toward tactical with seamless command economy, his beard-shadowed face reflecting console lights as he processes Worf's terse report. Every micro-expression telegraphs the shift from routine oversight to active threat assessment.

Goals in this moment
  • • Quickly assess validity of Worf's alert
  • • Prevent unnecessary crew alarm until facts are clear
Active beliefs
  • • Worf doesn't raise false alarms
  • • Bridge anomalies require measured but immediate response
Character traits
Decisive Situationally aware Professionally calm
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Tactical Operations Console (Tactical Sensor Display / Science One Console)

The Tactical Operations Console becomes a silent witness to the impossible—its sensors detecting energy fluctuations that violate known engineering principles. The glow from its displays paints Worf's ridges in emergency hues as waveform readouts stutter with artificial hesitation, like the console itself is struggling to comprehend the anomaly.

Before: Operating normally with standard power flow readings
After: Displaying irregular power surge patterns requiring diagnostic review
Before: Operating normally with standard power flow readings
After: Displaying irregular power surge patterns requiring diagnostic review

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Enterprise bridge transforms from a hub of routine operations to a nerve center facing its first brush with the inexplicable. The contrast between its gleaming Starfleet aesthetics and the creeping dread of system malfunctions creates dramatic tension—this sanctum of order shouldn't be vulnerable.

Atmosphere Professional calm pierced by creeping unease
Function First detection point for ship-wide anomaly
Symbolism Represents Starfleet's confidence in controlled environments being challenged
Access Senior staff only during alert conditions
Subdued alert lighting begins pulsing on panels Background hum of systems modulates slightly with the power fluctuation

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Causal

"Worf's peripheral scan spike on the bridge calls attention to an anomaly and the script immediately cuts to the holodeck location, linking the technical alert to the holodeck as the source of disturbance."

The Shadow of Moriarty Rises
S2E3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation …
What this causes 1
Causal

"Worf's peripheral scan spike on the bridge calls attention to an anomaly and the script immediately cuts to the holodeck location, linking the technical alert to the holodeck as the source of disturbance."

The Shadow of Moriarty Rises
S2E3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation …

Key Dialogue

"WORF: What was that?"
"RIKER: Lieutenant?"
"WORF: (rechecking console) An odd surge of power, sir."