Data's Discovery of Custodian's Voice Lock and Riker's Shield Strike Plan

Inside Aldea's Custodian Room, Data reveals a critical security constraint: the Custodian computer accepts only authorized voice commands, a stringent safeguard preventing a simple override. Recognizing this, Data proposes a sophisticated workaround — intermixing voice inputs to bypass detection. Seizing this insight, Riker quickly formulates a bold tactical objective: locate and disable the shield's power source. This event crystallizes the away team's imminent mission, elevating the stakes by turning technological revelation into a strategic plan that could unlock Aldea's defenses and shift the rescue operation’s momentum.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Data confirms the Custodian computer accepts only authorized voice commands, revealing a critical security barrier.

curiosity to cautious urgency ['Custodian Room']

Data offers a tactical workaround by intermixing voice input to block unauthorized commands, sparking a plan.

frustration to tactical resolve ['Custodian Room']

Riker directs the team to locate the shield’s power supply, defining their immediate objective to disable Aldea's defenses.

determination to focused action ['Custodian Room']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2

Focused and quietly confident, balancing synthetic logic with an understanding of the tactical pressures involved.

Data stands focused and methodical, using his tricorder to scan the Custodian Room and analyze the shield system's security protocols. He explains the technical limitation of voice-command authorization and proposes a nuanced, synthetic workaround to bypass detection, demonstrating calm analytical precision.

Goals in this moment
  • Understand the technical constraints of the Aldean shield system.
  • Devise a practical method to circumvent the shield's voice-command lock.
Active beliefs
  • The shield's security system cannot be overridden by direct commands.
  • A sophisticated workaround using intermixing voice inputs can circumvent detection.
Character traits
Analytical Methodical Innovative Calm under pressure
Follow Data's journey

Determined and focused, embodying leadership responsibility under mounting pressure.

Riker listens attentively to Data's technical briefing, quickly grasping the implications of the voice-command restriction. He responds with determined decisiveness, immediately redirecting the team's objective toward locating and disabling the shield's power supply, signaling a shift from passive to proactive tactics.

Goals in this moment
  • Confirm the limits of direct system override.
  • Formulate a clear tactical plan to neutralize the shield's power source.
Active beliefs
  • Direct override of the shield system is impossible due to voice-command authorization.
  • Disabling the shield's power supply is the most viable path to infiltration.
Character traits
Decisive Strategic Resolute Pragmatic
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

3
Medical Tricorder

The Starfleet tricorder is used by Data as a precise analytical tool to scan the Custodian Room and evaluate the Custodian computer's security features. It emits low-energy pulses that detect the shield system's reliance on authorized voice commands, enabling Data to formulate a bypass strategy.

Before: In Data's possession, active and in scanning mode.
After: Remains in Data's possession, continuing to support diagnostic …
Before: In Data's possession, active and in scanning mode.
After: Remains in Data's possession, continuing to support diagnostic efforts.
USS Enterprise Deflectors

The Enterprise Shields and Deflectors serve as the defensive barrier preventing unauthorized access to Aldea. Their power source becomes the critical target of Riker's new tactical plan, symbolizing the technological obstacle that must be overcome to rescue the abducted children.

Before: Active and fully operational, powered by the shield …
After: Status unknown as the team prepares to locate …
Before: Active and fully operational, powered by the shield system.
After: Status unknown as the team prepares to locate and disable its power supply.
Central Computer System 'Custodian' of Aldea

The Custodian computer stands as the central nexus of Aldea's shield control system, programmed to accept solely authorized voice commands, creating a formidable security barrier. Its presence defines the technical challenge faced, dictating the need for non-conventional input methods and inspiring the tactical pivot.

Before: Operational and active within the Custodian Room, monitoring …
After: Remains operational with voice-command restrictions intact.
Before: Operational and active within the Custodian Room, monitoring access.
After: Remains operational with voice-command restrictions intact.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 3
Causal

"Riker’s team disabling the shield’s power source (implied in beat_92959b7b2cdd3d49) enables Picard to confront Radue and demand children’s return (beat_b0946e73b74b36de), marking a turning point in negotiations."

Radue's Defiance and Rashella’s Crisis: Aldea’s Deadly Truth Revealed
S1E18 · When the Bough Breaks
Causal

"Riker’s team disabling the shield’s power source (implied in beat_92959b7b2cdd3d49) enables Picard to confront Radue and demand children’s return (beat_b0946e73b74b36de), marking a turning point in negotiations."

Enterprise Disables Aldea’s Shield and Rescues the Children
S1E18 · When the Bough Breaks
Causal

"Riker’s team disabling the shield’s power source (implied in beat_92959b7b2cdd3d49) enables Picard to confront Radue and demand children’s return (beat_b0946e73b74b36de), marking a turning point in negotiations."

Children Rescued as Aldea’s Illusions Shatter
S1E18 · When the Bough Breaks

Key Dialogue

"DATA: It is programmed to accept only authorized voice commands."
"RIKER: So we can't override."
"DATA: No. But I can intermix the input so nobody else can."
"RIKER: We must find the power supply for the shield."