Fabula
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Riker Commands Defense Amid Jaradan Probe Assault

As the Enterprise faces an unexpected and aggressive assault by multiple Jaradan probes locking onto the ship, Commander Riker immediately assumes command on the bridge, directing Worf and Tasha to counteract the threatening beams. Straining the ship's engines, the crew fights to maintain control under mounting pressure. Riker attempts to establish communication, opening hailing frequencies to demand a halt to hostilities, only to be violently interrupted by disruptive interference that cripples the channel. This escalation magnifies the tension and urgency aboard the Enterprise, highlighting Riker's leadership under fire and setting the stage for an increasingly perilous standoff with the Jaradans.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Riker spots multiple Jaradan probes locking onto the Enterprise, triggering urgent defensive maneuvers by Worf and Tasha as the ship's engines strain under pressure.

alertness to mounting tension ['Main bridge of the Enterprise']

Riker orders the opening of hailing frequencies to confront the hostile Jaradan probes, asserting command with a demand for action.

tension to assertiveness ['Main bridge of the Enterprise']

Interference erupts over the communications, a buzzing noise that disrupts Riker's message and escalates the urgency as the crew struggles to regain control.

assertiveness to frustration and urgency ['Main bridge of the Enterprise']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Alert and focused with a sense of urgency, composure maintained despite the sudden threat and communications disruption.

Lieutenant Natasha Yar reads sensor data on multiple hostile probes locking onto the Enterprise, promptly identifies the threat, and collaborates with Worf to activate defensive countermeasures. She executes the technical task of opening the hailing frequencies on Riker’s order, contributing both tactical acumen and operational support during the unexpected assault.

Goals in this moment
  • Detect and counter the Jaradan probe attacks swiftly
  • Support Riker’s command decisions operationally
  • Maintain ship’s defensive systems functioning optimally
  • Enable communication channels to attempt peaceful contact
Active beliefs
  • The probes represent an imminent and dangerous threat
  • Internal security and rapid response are critical
  • Clear coordination between bridge officers is necessary for success
Character traits
Alert Competent Responsive Tactical
Follow Tasha Yar's journey

Focused and alert, maintaining a stoic composure despite the increasing danger.

Lieutenant Worf verifies the source of the attacking probes as Jaradan, and actively participates in countering the threatening energy beams alongside Tasha. His presence at the sensor monitors provides tactical validation and support for Riker’s command decisions, embodying disciplined vigilance and warrior readiness.

Goals in this moment
  • Confirm origin and intent of probes
  • Assist in neutralizing the threat via coordinated countermeasures
  • Support bridge command and ship defense
  • Preserve ship safety and crew security
Active beliefs
  • The Jaradans’ probes are a targeted attack requiring immediate action
  • Clear identification and response can mitigate damage
  • The Enterprise crew must work in tight coordination to overcome threats
Character traits
Disciplined Loyal Tactically astute Calm under pressure
Follow Worf's journey

Frustrated and angry at the hostile attack, yet composed enough to maintain clear command and strategic thinking under duress.

Commander William Riker stands between Conn and Ops stations, actively monitoring sensor data displayed on Worf's monitor while reacting with mounting anger and decisiveness. He assumes command amid the sudden Jaradan probe assault, orders the opening of the hailing frequencies, attempts direct communication with the aggressors, and responds urgently to the disruptive interference compromising the ship’s communications.

Goals in this moment
  • Prevent damage to the Enterprise by directing countermeasures
  • Establish communication to de-escalate the attack
  • Maintain crew cohesion and morale under threat
  • Protect the ship’s diplomatic mission integrity
Active beliefs
  • The Jaradans’ attack threatens the Federation’s diplomatic efforts
  • Effective leadership and prompt communication are essential to survival
  • The Enterprise must defend itself but also seek a peaceful resolution
Character traits
Authoritative Decisive Focused under pressure Protective
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

3
Enterprise Hailing Frequencies (Bridge Hailing Channel / Open Hailing Frequency)

The Enterprise hailing frequencies are opened on Riker’s command to attempt communication with the Jaradans. They serve as the fragile diplomatic channel intended to de-escalate hostilities but are violently disrupted by intense interference, cutting off dialogue and amplifying the sense of isolation and conflict.

Before: Closed, idle communication channel.
After: Open briefly but violently interrupted, rendering communication ineffective.
Before: Closed, idle communication channel.
After: Open briefly but violently interrupted, rendering communication ineffective.
Science Station Monitor

Worf’s sensor monitor, observed closely by Riker, displays critical readings confirming the presence and origin of the attacking probes, enabling rapid tactical assessment and response. It functions as the informational nerve center for detecting the threat in real-time.

Before: Displaying routine sensor data prior to probe detection.
After: Focused on active threat data, assisting bridge officers …
Before: Displaying routine sensor data prior to probe detection.
After: Focused on active threat data, assisting bridge officers in managing the crisis.
Jaradan Attack Probes

The Enterprise's engines audibly strain and drone under the increased power demands as the crew initiates maneuvers and defensive measures against the Jaradan probes' energy beams. The engines' performance is critical to maintaining ship stability and survival during the assault.

Before: Operating normally at standard power output.
After: Straining under heightened energy demands, sustaining ship maneuvering …
Before: Operating normally at standard power output.
After: Straining under heightened energy demands, sustaining ship maneuvering and defenses.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise acts as the central command hub where the senior officers confront the sudden Jaradan probe assault. The bridge’s technology and layout facilitate rapid communication, tactical coordination, and decision-making under pressure, making it the battlefield for leadership and survival during this crisis.

Atmosphere Tense and urgent, charged with the sudden shock of attack and the pressing need for …
Function Command center and battleground for managing the ship’s defense and diplomatic efforts.
Symbolism Represents the nerve center of Starfleet discipline and leadership resilience under external threat.
Access Restricted to senior bridge officers and essential personnel during crisis.
Bridge lighting flickering with blue interference from probe beams Persistent drone and strain of ship’s engines audible Multiple sensor displays and consoles active and flashing alerts

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph


Key Dialogue

"RIKER: What the devil --"
"TASHA: Probes! I'm reading several of them, sir. All locked on to us."
"RIKER: This is Commander Riker, aboard the Enterprise. We demand that you --"
"RIKER (continuing; holding ears): Cut that off!"