Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E11
· Hide and Q

A Stark Promise Before the Rescue

In the tense confines of the Captain's Ready Room, Picard confronts Riker with a mixture of anger and concern over the godlike powers Q has offered him. Their charged exchange reveals Picard's deep fear that even Riker's resolve might falter under such temptation. Riker, equally aware of the enormity of the offer, solemnly vows to resist the corrupting influence, reaffirming his loyalty and strength. The arrival of Data's report about the Enterprise reaching the rescue site abruptly shifts their focus back to the pressing mission, underscoring the persistent stakes and the heavy burden of command that they must carry despite cosmic distractions.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Data's communication voice announces arrival in orbit and readiness to deploy the rescue team to the emergency site, re-grounding the conversation in their mission.

intense discussion to practical focus ['orbit of Quadra Sigma III']

Picard and Riker snap to their feet and exit quickly, shifting from confrontation back to urgent mission action.

intensity to focused urgency

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Anger masking deep anxiety and fear for his trusted officer's soul and the broader consequences of wielding godlike power.

Picard confronts Riker with a harsh, angry tone, articulating deep concern and fear about the corrupting influence of Q's godlike powers and questioning Riker's ability to remain morally steadfast.

Goals in this moment
  • • Test Riker's resolve and commitment to resisting Q's temptations
  • • Express the gravity and dangers of accepting godlike powers
Active beliefs
  • • Q's powers are dangerously corrupting even for the strongest
  • • Moral integrity under pressure is critical to their survival and mission success
Character traits
authoritative worried commanding vulnerable
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Emotionally neutral, maintaining professional detachment and focus on operational priorities despite surrounding tension.

Data interrupts the intense exchange with a calm, precise report via com voice confirming the Enterprise's orbit over Quadra Sigma III and readiness to beam down the rescue team, redirecting focus back to the mission.

Goals in this moment
  • • Inform command of current mission status
  • • Ensure timely communication to support rescue operation
Active beliefs
  • • Operational clarity and timely information are essential
  • • Mission success depends on coordinated action
Character traits
calm analytical precise
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Stoic resolve underscored by the weight of responsibility and faint undercurrent of apprehension about the power's temptation.

Riker enters the Captain's Ready Room, faces Picard's angry and concerned rebuke, engages in a solemn and earnest dialogue, and firmly pledges to resist the temptations of the godlike powers offered by Q.

Goals in this moment
  • • Reassure Picard of his moral strength and loyalty
  • • Affirm commitment to resist using Q's godlike powers
Active beliefs
  • • Q's offer, though tempting, must be resisted to avoid corruption
  • • Loyalty to Starfleet and Picard's leadership is paramount
Character traits
determined solemn loyal resolute
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Captain Picard's Desk

Captain Picard's Desk serves as the physical and symbolic barrier and focal point for the charged confrontation. Its polished surface reflects the weight of command and responsibility as Picard leans across it while admonishing Riker, grounding the tension in a tangible locus of authority.

Before: Polished, centrally placed in the Ready Room, under …
After: Remains in place, bearing silent witness to the …
Before: Polished, centrally placed in the Ready Room, under Picard's control.
After: Remains in place, bearing silent witness to the heavy dialogue and command decisions.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Orbit of Quadra Sigma III

Orbit of Quadra Sigma III is referenced by Data's communication, marking the operational staging area for the rescue mission and grounding the cosmic-scale conflict in pragmatic Starfleet procedure and mission progress.

Atmosphere Quiet urgency, a strategic threshold between safety and danger.
Function Mission staging ground for beaming down the rescue team.
Symbolism Represents the tangible, real-world stakes behind the philosophical and moral dilemmas discussed inside the Ready …
Access Restricted to Starfleet personnel aboard the Enterprise and authorized mission teams.
Silent void of space Starship sensors and communications active Visible planet Quadra Sigma III below
Captain's Ready Room

The Ready Room acts as a crucible of leadership tension, a private and charged space where Picard confronts Riker over the moral peril of godlike power. It embodies both sanctuary and tribunal, underscoring the high stakes of command decisions amid cosmic challenges.

Atmosphere Tense, charged with urgency and unspoken fears, crackling with the weight of unyielding moral expectations.
Function Meeting place for private confrontation and moral reckoning between senior officers.
Symbolism Represents the heavy burden of command and the isolation inherent in leadership decisions.
Access Restricted to senior staff and authorized personnel; a private space for confidential discussions.
Dimly lit with focused lighting on Picard's desk Quiet except for the sharp exchange of voices Presence of Picard's polished desk anchoring the space

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Character Continuity

"Riker's questioning of Picard about godlike power leads to Picard's deep concern about the temptation and implications, shaping their dialogue about power's dangers."

Riker Confronts the Temptation and Burden of Omnipotence
S1E11 · Hide and Q
What this causes 3
Character Continuity

"The confrontation between Picard and Riker regarding the burden of godlike power continues into Troi's apprehensive observation of Riker's dangerous transformation."

Riker's Command Challenge and Picard’s Steadfast Rebuff
S1E11 · Hide and Q
Character Continuity

"The confrontation between Picard and Riker regarding the burden of godlike power continues into Troi's apprehensive observation of Riker's dangerous transformation."

Troi’s Foreboding Sense of Riker’s Dark Transformation
S1E11 · Hide and Q
Character Continuity

"Riker's questioning of Picard about godlike power leads to Picard's deep concern about the temptation and implications, shaping their dialogue about power's dangers."

Riker Confronts the Temptation and Burden of Omnipotence
S1E11 · Hide and Q

Key Dialogue

"PICARD: Will, how the hell do I advise you what to do?!"
"RIKER: No one has ever offered to turn you into "God?""
"PICARD: (snaps) Don't joke with me! What the Q has offered you has got to be close to "immortality," Will. They're not lying about controlling space and time; we've seen it in what they can do. But..."
"RIKER: You've also seen it in what I can do."
"PICARD: Of all things, that troubles me most, Will. Are you strong enough to refuse to use that power?"
"RIKER: Certainly!"
"PICARD: No matter how tempted? No matter how difficult "Q" makes it?"
"RIKER: (beat; then firmly) You have my word."
"DATA'S COM VOICE: In orbit of Quadra Sigma III, sir. Ready to beam down rescue team to underground emergency area."