Fabula
S5E15 · Power Play
S5E15
· Power Play

Restoring the Rings and Reuniting Families

The Enterprise crew successfully neutralizes the Ux-Mal energy rings, trapping them in the cargo bay and ending the alien threat. Picard, with Dr. Crusher’s containment field, exploits the entities’ vulnerability, forcing their surrender and freeing the possessed crew—Troi, Data, and O’Brien—from their control. The ship’s systems return to normal, and the crew regains full operational capacity. Meanwhile, O’Brien reunites with his family—Keiko and Molly—who were held hostage in Ten Forward. The emotional weight of the reunion underscores the personal stakes of the crisis, while the technical resolution of the alien threat restores order to the ship. The scene closes with a return to normalcy, marking the resolution of the possession arc and the crew’s collective resilience in the face of existential danger. The restoration of the rings to their lunar prison symbolizes both the containment of the threat and the crew’s ability to overcome it through teamwork and ingenuity.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

The energy rings are captured and beamed back to the moon. The Enterprise crew recovers, with O'Brien reuniting with Keiko and Molly, bringing resolution and relief as the Enterprise departs.

relief to resolution

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

9

Focused and determined during the containment; relieved and satisfied post-resolution.

Geordi assists Dr. Crusher in developing the anionic containment field and implements the technical solutions required to counter the possessed crew. His focus and determination are evident as he works to restore the Enterprise to full operational capacity. His relief is palpable once the Ux-Mal entities are contained, and he plays a key role in ensuring the ship's systems are stabilized.

Goals in this moment
  • Assist Dr. Crusher in developing and activating the anionic containment field.
  • Restore the *Enterprise*'s systems to full operational capacity post-crisis.
Active beliefs
  • The containment field is the key to neutralizing the Ux-Mal threat without violence.
  • His technical skills and collaboration with the crew are essential to overcoming the crisis.
Character traits
Technical expertise Focused determination Relief and satisfaction Collaborative problem-solving
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Fearful and vulnerable during captivity; relieved and joyful post-reunion.

Keiko O'Brien is held hostage in Ten Forward by the Ux-Mal entities, used as leverage against O'Brien and Picard. Her fear is palpable during her captivity, but her relief is overwhelming once O'Brien is freed from possession and reunites with her and Molly. The reunion underscores the personal stakes of the crisis and the strength of their family bond.

Goals in this moment
  • Survive the captivity and ensure the safety of her daughter, Molly.
  • Reunite with O'Brien once he is freed from possession.
Active beliefs
  • The Ux-Mal entities' control over O'Brien is temporary, and he will be freed.
  • Her love for O'Brien and Molly is the anchor that will see them through the crisis.
Character traits
Fearful vulnerability Resilience Deep relief Unwavering love for family
Follow Keiko O'Brien's journey

Hostile and aggressive while possessed; neutral and slightly remorseful post-possession.

Data, under Ux-Mal control, becomes a violent enforcer, his movements precise and aggressive. He follows the entities' directives without hesitation, using his technical expertise to manipulate the Enterprise's systems. Once freed from possession, he reverts to his usual calm demeanor, offering a sincere apology to the crew for his actions while possessed. His relief is evident, though his emotional response remains subdued.

Goals in this moment
  • Assist the Ux-Mal entities in escaping the *Enterprise* by any means necessary.
  • Protect the entities' control over the possessed crew members.
Active beliefs
  • The Ux-Mal entities' directives must be followed to ensure their survival and escape.
  • The crew's resistance is a temporary obstacle that can be overcome through technical manipulation.
Character traits
Enhanced agility Violent enforcement Technical precision Subdued relief
Follow Data (possessed …'s journey

Hostile and detached while possessed; overwhelmingly joyful and relieved post-possession.

O'Brien, under Ux-Mal control, uses his technical expertise to manipulate the Enterprise's transporter and ship systems, aiding the entities' escape plans. His demeanor is cold and calculating, a stark departure from his usual warmth. Once freed, he rushes to reunite with Keiko and Molly in Ten Forward, his joy and relief palpable as he embraces his family. The reunion underscores the personal stakes of the crisis and his deep love for his family.

Goals in this moment
  • Assist the Ux-Mal entities in escaping by adjusting the *Enterprise*'s systems.
  • Ensure the entities' survival by any technical means necessary.
Active beliefs
  • The Ux-Mal entities' escape is the only way to avoid further conflict with the crew.
  • His technical skills are the key to the entities' success.
Character traits
Cold calculation Technical expertise Deep emotional relief Family devotion
Follow Miles O'Brien …'s journey

Vulnerable and fearful during captivity; content and secure post-reunion.

Molly O'Brien, an infant hostage in Ten Forward, is used as emotional leverage by the Ux-Mal entities. Her vulnerability during captivity contrasts sharply with her contentment once reunited with her parents. The reunion symbolizes the restoration of innocence and the crew's collective triumph over the alien threat.

Goals in this moment
  • Survive the captivity and remain safe in her mother's care.
  • Reunite with her father once he is freed from possession.
Active beliefs
  • Her parents will protect her and ensure her safety.
  • The crew's actions will restore normalcy and end the threat.
Character traits
Vulnerable innocence Contentment post-reunion Symbol of family and crew resilience
Follow Molly O'Brien's journey

Hostile and domineering while possessed; deeply relieved and vulnerable post-possession.

Troi, under the control of the Ux-Mal entity, acts as the primary spokesperson for the alien force. She exhibits heightened aggression and cunning, demanding the crew's compliance with the entities' escape plans. Her demeanor is cold and authoritative, a stark contrast to her usual empathetic nature. Once the containment field is activated, she is freed from possession, her relief palpable as she regains control of her body and emotions.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure the Ux-Mal entities' escape by leveraging the crew's hostages and systems.
  • Resist Picard's attempts to contain the entities, exploiting any perceived weakness.
Active beliefs
  • The Ux-Mal entities' survival depends on their ability to manipulate the crew and the *Enterprise*'s systems.
  • Picard's containment strategy is a bluff and can be outmaneuvered.
Character traits
Cold authority Heightened aggression Strategic cunning Relief upon liberation
Follow Ro Laren's journey

Defeated and resigned, with a sense of internal fragmentation among the entities.

The Ux-Mal entities, now cornered and vulnerable, surrender to Picard's demands as the containment field traps them in Cargo Bay 4. Their defeat is marked by a sense of resignation, their ruthless tactics having failed in the face of the crew's ingenuity. The entities' surrender symbolizes the restoration of order and the crew's triumph over the alien threat.

Goals in this moment
  • Escape the *Enterprise* and return to their lunar prison to survive.
  • Avoid further conflict with the crew, recognizing the containment field's effectiveness.
Active beliefs
  • The crew's containment strategy is a formidable obstacle that cannot be overcome.
  • Their survival depends on surrendering to Picard's demands.
Character traits
Ruthless pragmatism Desperation Resignation Internal fragmentation
Follow Ux-Mal Entities's journey

Resolute and relieved, with a quiet compassion for the crew's ordeal.

Picard stands resolute in Cargo Bay 4, his voice steady as he confronts the possessed crew. He orchestrates the activation of Dr. Crusher's containment field, using it as leverage to force the Ux-Mal entities' surrender. His tactical precision and moral authority are on full display as he ensures the crew's safety and restores order to the Enterprise. His reunion with the freed crew members is marked by quiet relief, underscoring his role as both leader and protector.

Goals in this moment
  • Force the Ux-Mal entities to surrender without harming the possessed crew.
  • Restore the *Enterprise* to full operational control and ensure the safety of all personnel.
Active beliefs
  • The containment field is the key to neutralizing the Ux-Mal threat without violence.
  • The crew's resilience and unity will prevail over the alien entities.
Character traits
Tactical precision Moral authority Compassionate leadership Unshakable resolve
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Focused and determined during the containment; relieved and compassionate post-resolution.

Dr. Crusher plays a pivotal role in developing the anionic containment field, which is instrumental in expelling the Ux-Mal entities from the possessed crew. She works closely with Geordi to implement the technical solution, her focus unwavering as she ensures the field's effectiveness. Her relief is evident once the entities are contained, and she provides medical care to the freed crew members, her compassionate nature shining through in the aftermath of the crisis.

Goals in this moment
  • Develop and activate the anionic containment field to neutralize the Ux-Mal threat.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of the possessed crew members post-possession.
Active beliefs
  • The containment field is the only way to safely expel the Ux-Mal entities without harming the hosts.
  • The crew's resilience and her medical expertise will overcome the alien threat.
Character traits
Scientific precision Unwavering focus Compassionate care Relief and satisfaction
Follow Deanna Troi's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

3
O'Brien's Transporter Console

O'Brien's Transporter Console is manipulated by the possessed O'Brien to aid the Ux-Mal entities' escape plans. Once the entities are contained, the console is restored to full operational capacity, ensuring the Enterprise's systems are stabilized. Its role in the crisis underscores the technical challenges faced by the crew and the importance of regaining control over the ship's systems.

Before: Manipulated by possessed O'Brien to assist the Ux-Mal …
After: Restored to full operational capacity, under the control …
Before: Manipulated by possessed O'Brien to assist the Ux-Mal entities' escape.
After: Restored to full operational capacity, under the control of the crew.
Beverly Crusher's Containment Field

Dr. Crusher's anionic containment field is the pivotal countermeasure used to expel the Ux-Mal entities from the possessed crew. Activated in Cargo Bay 4, the field traps the entities' energy rings, forcing their surrender. Its scientific precision and strategic deployment by Picard and the crew symbolize the triumph of ingenuity over the alien threat. The field's effectiveness restores order to the Enterprise and ensures the safety of the crew.

Before: Developed and ready for deployment in Cargo Bay …
After: Active and fully functional, trapping the Ux-Mal energy …
Before: Developed and ready for deployment in Cargo Bay 4, awaiting activation.
After: Active and fully functional, trapping the Ux-Mal energy rings and restoring the Enterprise to normalcy.
Ux-Mal Energy Rings

The Ux-Mal Energy Rings are the non-corporeal forms of the alien entities, which possess the crew members and seek to escape their lunar prison. Trapped by Dr. Crusher's containment field in Cargo Bay 4, the rings symbolize the entities' defeat and the restoration of order. Their containment marks the end of the possession crisis and the crew's triumph over the alien threat.

Before: Possessing Troi, Data, and O'Brien, manipulating the Enterprise's …
After: Trapped in Cargo Bay 4 by the containment …
Before: Possessing Troi, Data, and O'Brien, manipulating the Enterprise's systems.
After: Trapped in Cargo Bay 4 by the containment field, defeated and unable to escape.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

3
Ten-Forward Viewports

Ten Forward serves as the hostage site for Keiko and Molly O'Brien during the Ux-Mal possession crisis. The reunion between O'Brien and his family here underscores the personal stakes of the crisis and the crew's collective triumph. The atmosphere is initially tense and fearful but shifts to one of relief and joy as the family is reunited. The lounge's role as a sanctuary post-crisis highlights its importance as a space for emotional healing and connection.

Atmosphere Initially tense and fearful, the atmosphere shifts to one of relief and joy as the …
Function Hostage site for Keiko and Molly O'Brien and reunion location for the O'Brien family.
Symbolism Represents the personal stakes of the crisis and the crew's ability to restore family bonds …
Access Restricted to the possessed crew and hostages during the crisis, with access gradually restored as …
Keiko and Molly huddled together, their fear palpable as they await O'Brien's return. The possessed crew storming into Ten Forward, their phasers drawn and their movements precise. O'Brien's joyful reunion with his family, their embrace symbolizing the restoration of innocence and the crew's triumph.
Cargo Bay Four (USS Enterprise-D)

Cargo Bay 4 serves as the battleground and resolution site for the final confrontation between Picard and the Ux-Mal entities. The containment field is activated here, trapping the entities' energy rings and forcing their surrender. The bay's functional role as a containment zone underscores its importance in the crew's strategy to neutralize the threat. The atmosphere is tense and charged with anticipation, symbolizing the crew's determination to restore order.

Atmosphere Tense and charged with anticipation, the air thick with the hum of the containment field …
Function Containment zone for the Ux-Mal energy rings and site of the final confrontation with Picard.
Symbolism Represents the crew's strategic ingenuity and their ability to overcome the alien threat through teamwork …
Access Restricted to Picard, the possessed crew, and essential personnel during the containment process.
Humming containment field filling the bay with an eerie glow. Possessed crew members standing in a defensive formation, their movements precise and aggressive. Picard's resolute stance, his voice cutting through the tension as he negotiates the entities' surrender.
USS Enterprise (In Orbit Around the Moon)

The USS Enterprise serves as the primary battleground and command center for the resolution of the Ux-Mal possession crisis. Its systems are manipulated by the possessed crew but ultimately restored to full operational capacity. The ship's role as a safe haven post-resolution underscores its importance as a symbol of Starfleet's resilience and the crew's ability to overcome existential threats. The atmosphere shifts from chaos to calm as order is restored.

Atmosphere Initially chaotic and tense, the atmosphere shifts to one of relief and calm as the …
Function Battleground for the possession crisis and command center for the crew's strategic response.
Symbolism Represents Starfleet's resilience and the crew's ability to restore order in the face of existential …
Access Restricted to essential personnel during the crisis, with access gradually restored as the threat is …
Bridge consoles humming with activity as the crew regains control of the ship's systems. Possessed crew members storming through corridors, their movements precise and aggressive. The containment field's activation in Cargo Bay 4, trapping the Ux-Mal energy rings and restoring order.

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

2
Crew of the USS Enterprise

The USS Enterprise and its crew represent Starfleet's institutional resilience and the crew's ability to overcome existential threats. The organization's involvement in this event is manifested through the crew's collective action, their technical expertise, and their unwavering commitment to restoring order. The Enterprise's systems are manipulated by the Ux-Mal entities but ultimately restored to full operational capacity, symbolizing Starfleet's triumph over the alien threat.

Representation Through the collective action of the crew and the Enterprise's systems.
Power Dynamics Exercising authority over the Ux-Mal entities, restoring control over the ship, and ensuring the safety …
Impact The resolution of the crisis reinforces Starfleet's ability to overcome existential threats and restore order, …
Internal Dynamics The crew's unity and collaboration are tested by the Ux-Mal possession crisis, but their shared …
Neutralize the Ux-Mal threat and restore the Enterprise to full operational capacity. Ensure the safety and well-being of the crew and civilians aboard the ship. Technical expertise and ingenuity (e.g., the anionic containment field). Collective action and teamwork among the crew.
Ux-Mal Entities

The Ux-Mal Entities, as a collective, represent the alien threat that seeks to escape their lunar prison and commandeer the Enterprise. Their involvement in this event is manifested through their possession of the crew members and their ruthless tactics to achieve their goals. The entities' defeat and surrender mark the end of the possession crisis and the crew's triumph over the alien threat.

Representation Through the possession of Troi, Data, and O'Brien, and their collective action to escape the …
Power Dynamics Being challenged and ultimately defeated by the crew's strategic ingenuity and technical expertise.
Impact The Ux-Mal entities' defeat underscores the crew's ability to overcome existential threats and restore order, …
Internal Dynamics The entities' internal fragmentation and paranoia are exploited by Picard, leading to their surrender and …
Escape the Enterprise and return to their lunar prison to survive. Manipulate the crew and the ship's systems to achieve their goals. Possession of crew members to manipulate the Enterprise's systems. Psychological manipulation and leverage of hostages to achieve their objectives.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 3
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard exploits Ux-Mal distrust with transporter trap
S5E15 · Power Play
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard confronts Troi in cargo bay
S5E15 · Power Play
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard traps Ux-Mal entities in cargo bay
S5E15 · Power Play
What this causes 6
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard exploits Ux-Mal distrust with transporter trap
S5E15 · Power Play
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard confronts Troi in cargo bay
S5E15 · Power Play
Escalation

"The entities proceed to cargo bay and the plot culminates in the Picard now presses Troi on intentions."

Picard traps Ux-Mal entities in cargo bay
S5E15 · Power Play
Thematic Parallel medium

"The final resolution to Troi recanting her experience, Picard listening intently."

Troi reveals the entity’s predatory intelligence
S5E15 · Power Play
Thematic Parallel medium

"The final resolution to Troi recanting her experience, Picard listening intently."

Data Apologizes to Worf
S5E15 · Power Play
Thematic Parallel medium

"The final resolution to Troi recanting her experience, Picard listening intently."

O'Brien's Emotional Reclamation and Family Reconciliation
S5E15 · Power Play

Part of Larger Arcs

Key Dialogue

"PICARD: "Dr. Crusher, activate the containment field.""
"TROI: "You cannot hold us forever, Picard. We will find a way.""
"O'BRIEN: "Keiko... Molly... I’m so sorry. I never meant to put you in danger.""
"KEIKO: "You came back. That’s all that matters.""