Revealing the Picard Maneuver’s Threat and Tactical Countermeasure
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Troi senses mounting anger and frustration in Picard and Riker, triggered by the reliving of the Battle of Maxia, setting the emotional stakes on edge.
The crew identifies the psychological trigger as the infamous 'Picard Maneuver' from the Battle of Maxia, and Beverly asks for details, which Riker presses Data to explain, underscoring the tactical threat they face.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Determined and composed, confident in his analytical solution despite the challenge.
Data, calm yet determined, analyzes the impossibility of defending against the Picard Maneuver and then innovatively proposes using the tractor beam aimed at trace gases disturbed by the maneuver to seize the Stargazer, demonstrating his logical prowess under pressure.
- • To devise a novel solution countering the Picard Maneuver
- • To support the crew tactically and safeguard the Enterprise
- • All problems have a logical solution if properly analyzed
- • Innovative use of technology can overcome seemingly impossible threats
Urgent and slightly exasperated, pressured by the immediacy of the threat and tactical uncertainty.
Commander Riker exhibits urgency and frustration, commanding Data to find a defense against the Picard Maneuver while attempting to manage the escalating tactical threat and responding brusquely to Kazago's untimely communication.
- • To find a practical defense against the Picard Maneuver
- • To maintain command presence and control over the unfolding crisis
- • Innovative tactical solutions are required to counter unusual threats
- • Distractions must be minimized to focus on critical decisions
Inquisitive and slightly anxious, driven by a desire to understand and mitigate the crisis.
Dr. Beverly Crusher, curious and concerned, questions the nature of the Picard Maneuver, seeking clarity about the legendary tactic that now threatens them, reflecting her scientific rigor and emotional investment.
- • To comprehend the tactical threat posed by the Picard Maneuver
- • To support the crew's strategic planning with medical and contextual insight
- • Understanding is key to effective response
- • Medical knowledge can inform tactical decisions
Concerned yet composed, emotionally attuned to the captain and first officer's distress.
Counselor Troi perceptively senses the emotional turmoil gripping Captain Picard and Commander Riker, vocalizing her empathic detection of their anger and frustration as the psychological weight of past trauma resurfaces.
- • To alert the crew to the psychological strain affecting leadership
- • To provide emotional insight that aids in managing the captain's mental state
- • Emotional states can be sensed and understood despite being hidden
- • Awareness of psychological trauma is crucial to crew cohesion and mission success
Steadily focused, engaged with the tactical and emotional stakes.
Geordi La Forge identifies the traumatic Battle of Maxia as the source of Picard and Riker's distress, providing critical context to the mental strain experienced during the crisis.
- • To clarify the origin of the captain and first officer's psychological turmoil
- • To support the bridge crew with accurate situational awareness
- • Understanding past trauma is necessary to address current challenges
- • Clear communication enhances operational effectiveness under pressure
Calm and professional, maintaining composure while delivering critical intelligence.
Kazago, via video link on the Main Viewer, delivers a businesslike and detached report to Riker, informing him of DaiMon Bok's confinement and the internal power shift aboard the Ferengi vessel, signaling a fracture in their command.
- • To communicate the Ferengi internal command change to the Enterprise
- • To distance himself and his faction from the escalating Federation conflict
- • The current conflict is unprofitable and undesirable
- • Clear communication of internal dynamics affects diplomatic and tactical postures
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Main Viewer serves as the communication and observation interface on the Enterprise bridge, displaying the Stargazer approaching, then switching to show Kazago on the Ferengi bridge, facilitating tension-filled diplomatic exchange and situational awareness.
The Picard Maneuver is referenced repeatedly as the legendary, nearly undefendable starship tactic that the crew must confront and counter. It embodies the tactical threat posed by the approaching Stargazer and triggers both psychological trauma and urgent strategic responses.
The miniature tractor beam is proposed by Data as the key tactical tool, newly tasked to lock onto trace gases compressed by the Picard Maneuver, enabling the Enterprise to seize the moving Stargazer instead of attacking directly, representing a shift in defensive strategy.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
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Key Dialogue
"TROI: I can now feel anger from our captain, first officer. Frustration over whatever he is re-living..."
"RIKER: The Picard Maneuver! Mister Data, what is the defense against that?"
"DATA: There is no defense, sir."
"RIKER: Then devise one! Fast!"
"DATA: Aim our tractor beam at it, sir! Seize it! This class starship has enough power for that."
"RIKER: In our captain's words... make it so! Set sensors, tractor beam..."