Data Uncovers the Interdimensional Shadow, Triggering Red Alert
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data bursts onto the bridge, urgency etched on his face, alerting Picard that the anomaly is no mere sensor glitch but a persistent, inexplicable presence.
Picard shadows Data to the Ops station as Data and Geordi confirm the anomaly’s shadowy, interdimensional nature, deepening the mystery and raising stakes.
Data directs Picard’s attention starboard to an empty space on the viewer, a ghostly void concealing the anomaly, intensifying the enigma.
Picard demands further evidence; Data hesitates, then requests permission to open hailing frequencies to communicate with the shadowy presence.
Data broadcasts an urgent identification request; suddenly, the colossal, half-transparent vessel materializes, its deadly aura triggering Red Alert and casting an ominous shadow.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Alarmed and attentive, balancing concern for ship safety with protocol adherence.
Picard reacts with alarm to Data's urgent tone, follows Data to the operations console, orders sensors focused on the starboard bow, and supports the cautious approach of sending a hailing signal, embodying a measured yet alert command presence.
- • Understand the nature and threat level of the anomaly.
- • Protect the Enterprise and crew from unforeseen dangers.
- • The anomaly requires immediate, cautious investigation.
- • Clear communication is essential to avoid unnecessary escalation.
Calmly focused, demonstrating confidence in sensor analysis despite uncertain readings.
Geordi validates Data's sensor readings, providing technical confirmation and describing the anomaly as a 'shadow something,' supporting the analytical process with focused technical expertise during the crisis.
- • Confirm the anomaly’s characteristics with sensor data.
- • Assist in providing accurate information to command.
- • Sensor data is reliable and critical for understanding threats.
- • Collaboration among bridge officers improves decision-making.
Concerned yet composed, demonstrating intellectual curiosity tempered by caution in face of unknown phenomena.
Data enters the bridge with clear concern, promptly analyzes sensor data to identify the anomaly, fulfills his role as scientific analyst by communicating findings to Captain Picard and requests permission to initiate hailing frequencies, ultimately sending a formal message attempting contact.
- • Confirm the true nature of the sensor anomaly.
- • Establish communication to identify the source of the anomaly.
- • The anomaly is a real phenomenon, not a sensor error.
- • Attempting communication is a necessary first step to avoid conflict.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Enterprise Main Bridge Subspace Hailing Frequencies Channel is activated by Data upon Picard's permission. It serves as the critical communication tool through which Data attempts to reach the unknown entity, marking the crew's first proactive contact effort with the mysterious phenomenon.
The colossal semi-transparent vessel abruptly appears near the starboard bow in response to the hailing attempt, revealing a tangible and threatening physical presence. Its partial solidity and interdimensional nature embody an existential threat, instantly escalating the bridge’s alert status and narrative stakes.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The front starboard section of the vessel is the precise spatial locus of the anomaly Data detects and where the colossal vessel materializes. This location anchors the narrative visually and spatially, focusing the crew’s sensor scrutiny and strategic attention.
The Main Bridge functions as the nerve center where the crew gathers to confront the unknown anomaly. It is the stage where Data’s scientific discovery transitions into a command crisis, hosting urgent dialogue, sensor monitoring, and critical decisions that drive the narrative forward.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Data's initial sensor anomaly noted on the bridge foreshadows the later full revelation of the Edolord's presence and threat."
"Data's initial sensor anomaly noted on the bridge foreshadows the later full revelation of the Edolord's presence and threat."
"Data's initial sensor anomaly noted on the bridge foreshadows the later full revelation of the Edolord's presence and threat."
"Data's initial sensor anomaly noted on the bridge foreshadows the later full revelation of the Edolord's presence and threat."
"Data's initial sensor anomaly noted on the bridge foreshadows the later full revelation of the Edolord's presence and threat."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: I have traced it through all sensor channels, Captain! It is not a glitch... or any other form of error or malfunction, sir."
"GEORDI: Confirmed by my readings, sir. It's like a "shadow something"..."
"DATA: Exactly! As if it's not entirely in or out of our dimension."
"PICARD: What is, Commander?"
"DATA: Whatever is sitting out there without triggering our alarm relays, Captain."
"DATA: Permission to go to hailing frequencies, sir?"
"DATA: Hailing frequencies open. On all frequencies and language forms, send... Enterprise to Object off our starboard bow. Request that you identify yourself!"