Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E2
· Encounter at Farpoint: Part Two

Riker and Data Breach Underground Entrance Amid Sudden Attack

In the shadow of a burning old city, Riker and Data force open a heavy locked metal door leading to the underground passages beneath Farpoint. Their tactical advance is abruptly shattered when a sudden phaser-like blast from the mysterious attacking vessel strikes a nearby building, reducing it to rubble and casting an ominous light on their faces. This violent escalation not only heightens the immediate physical danger but also intensifies the psychological urgency of their mission, underscoring the unknown enemy's lethal capacity and the precariousness of the away team's position below the surface.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Riker and Data force open the locked metal doors guarding the underground entrance, weapons ready as Riker calls the Enterprise via communicator.

tension mounting to focused alertness ['entrance to underground passageway', 'village square …

A sudden phaser-like blast from the mystery vessel slams a building nearby, showering Riker and Data’s faces with reflected light and forcing them to spin in alarm.

focused alertness to shock and urgency ['old city in background, near village …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm and calculated, focused on tactical assessment and readiness rather than emotional response.

Data supports Riker in physically forcing open the heavy metal door, entering the passage with hand phaser drawn and ready. His demeanor is calm and analytical, processing the external threat while prepared for immediate combat, embodying his dual nature as logical android and protector.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assist in breaching the locked door swiftly and safely
  • • Provide security and tactical support during entry
Active beliefs
  • • Swift access to underground passages is critical for mission success
  • • Preparedness and precision enhance survival chances
Character traits
analytical calm precise prepared
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Alert and focused, maintaining composure despite the sudden escalation, masking underlying tension about the unknown danger.

Commander William Riker actively leads the tactical breach, physically forcing open the locked metal door alongside Data while maintaining communication with the Enterprise via his communicator control. He remains alert and focused, immediately reacting to the sudden threat signaled by the phaser blast, exemplifying steady leadership under pressure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Gain access to the underground passage to continue the mission
  • • Maintain contact with the Enterprise to coordinate support
Active beliefs
  • • The underground passage offers a tactical advantage or necessary refuge
  • • The Enterprise can provide timely assistance if needed
Character traits
decisive focused assertive calm under fire
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Ferengi Ambush Away Team Equipment

The handheld phasers wielded by Riker and Data serve as their primary tactical tools, held ready as the duo forces open the locked metal door. These weapons symbolize their preparedness for imminent combat and defense against the mystery vessel’s hostile attack, providing both physical security and psychological reassurance.

Before: In possession of Riker and Data, powered and …
After: Still in possession, actively held as Riker and …
Before: In possession of Riker and Data, powered and ready for use.
After: Still in possession, actively held as Riker and Data enter the underground passage, standing ready for further threat engagement.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Farpoint Old City

The Covered Village Square functions as the tense battleground and critical access point between the Old City and Farpoint Station. It is the immediate setting where Riker and Data breach the locked door amid the ruins and fire of the Old City, serving as a crucible of siege and strategic maneuvering.

Atmosphere Charged with tension and urgency; filled with sounds of phaser activity, flickering light from explosions, …
Function Strategic gateway for Starfleet forces moving between surface and subterranean zones.
Symbolism Represents the fragile boundary between exposed danger and covert refuge.
Access Heavily contested zone, open only to Starfleet personnel and hostile forces.
Raging fire in a smashed Old City structure Locked metal door guarding the underground passage Phaser blast illuminating the area Sounds of metal clashing and phaser hum
Flooded Passageway Beneath Farpoint Station

The Locked Metal Door marks the threshold to the underground passage beneath Farpoint’s Old City, serving as the physical barrier that Riker and Data must forcibly breach to continue their mission. It symbolizes the transition from visible conflict aboveground to the unknown dangers lurking below.

Atmosphere A palpable tension surrounds the door, heightened by the imminent threat of attack and the …
Function Barrier and gateway controlling access to subterranean routes.
Symbolism Signifies the fragile line between safety and threat, surface and depth.
Access Locked and guarded, requiring forced entry by Starfleet operatives.
Heavy, hand-worked metal construction Flickering glow from phaser hum Sound of metal clashing as door is forced open

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

"RIKER: Enterprise, Riker. Come in."