Star Trek The Next Generation
S3E1
· Evolution

Reverse Impulse Sequence — A Fragile Reprieve

When Geordi reports the inertial dampeners have failed and cannot be reset, Picard calmly issues an emergency order over the comm to reverse the impulse engines. Geordi executes the reverse-impulse sequence, buying the crew a narrow, temporary stabilization. The maneuver halts the ship's deadly drift and functions as a turning point: it averts immediate catastrophe while revealing that the problem is not random failure but a focused, intelligent interference. The scene tightens dramatic pressure—Picard's decisive command, Geordi's technical competence, and the fleeting relief together force the crew to recognize the crisis as organized sabotage rather than an accident.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Geordi reports the failure of the dampeners, signaling escalating ship-wide malfunctions.

alertness to frustration

Picard orders the reverse of the impulse engines, attempting to regain control amid the crisis.

calm to urgency

Geordi initiates the reverse sequence, executing Picard's command with precision.

urgency to focus

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

1
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Controlled urgency — outwardly focused and professional, with underlying anxiety about the ship's safety and the unknown cause of the failure.

Geordi reports that the inertial dampeners are not responding and physically or electronically begins the emergency reverse-impulse sequence at Picard's command, translating a critical diagnostic into immediate corrective action under time pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Execute Picard's order to initiate reverse impulse to stabilize the ship.
  • • Buy time and space for diagnostics and repairs to the dampeners and core systems.
Active beliefs
  • • Immediate mechanical countermeasures can temporarily offset the hazard.
  • • Following command structure and rapid technical action are the quickest path to crew safety.
Character traits
technically precise urgent decisive focused
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Enterprise Inertia Dampeners

The Enterprise's inertial-stabilization dampeners are reported as unresponsive; their failure is the triggering problem that forces command to resort to propulsion-based countermeasures. Narratively, the dampeners' outage reframes the emergency as a systems-level crisis rather than a localized glitch.

Before: Active as ship subsystem but failing to respond …
After: Still reported as non-responsive and unable to be …
Before: Active as ship subsystem but failing to respond to reset attempts; diagnostics indicate unresponsiveness.
After: Still reported as non-responsive and unable to be reset, remaining a primary unresolved system failure requiring further investigation.
USS Enterprise‑C Impulse Engines

The impulse engines are invoked as the practical means to counteract the ship's uncontrolled motion: Picard orders 'reverse impulse' and Geordi initiates the sequence, using propulsion to provide temporary counter-thrust and stabilization in lieu of functioning dampeners.

Before: Idle or at standard impulse state, available but …
After: Engaged in a reverse-impulse sequence, delivering temporary counter-thrust …
Before: Idle or at standard impulse state, available but not primarily relied upon for stabilization.
After: Engaged in a reverse-impulse sequence, delivering temporary counter-thrust that stabilizes the ship for the short term.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Engineering

Main Engineering is the action locus where the failure is diagnosed and corrective action is taken. It functions as the technical nerve center: consoles, readouts, and engineers provide the immediate interface between command decisions and system responses.

Atmosphere Tense and urgent, focused on diagnostic data and rapid execution of emergency procedures.
Function Operational command-and-control stage for technical crisis response; the place where orders are translated into machine …
Symbolism Represents the ship's practical heart and human-tenacity under duress, where expertise temporarily holds the line …
Access Restricted to engineering crew and senior officers during emergencies; operational protocols limit unnecessary movement.
Glowing console readouts and tactile LCARS surfaces Audible alarms or system alerts implied by emergency status Frantic but clipped technician communications

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

"GEORDI: "Dampeners not responding. Unable to reset.""
"PICARD'S COM VOICE: "Reverse impulse engines.""
"GEORDI: "Initiating reverse sequence.""