Object

Holographic Starfleet Officers' Phasers

Translucent projections of Starfleet-issue phasers gripped by holographic officers during a decoy ambush in a Romulan office. Sela and her guards face the armed illusions, which raise the weapons threateningly. Sela's disruptor bolt passes harmlessly through the phasers and figures, shattering the ruse and exposing the holograms' intangibility. Data later deactivates the projections entirely.

1 appearances

Purpose

Simulate armed resistance in a holographic decoy to lure and distract Sela and guards during Picard and Spock's ambush.

Significance

Central to the fugitives' tactical deception, the phasers heighten the illusion of a Starfleet force, buying time for hidden passages to open and guards to fall. Their failure underscores Romulan paranoia and the trio's resourcefulness amid escalating reunification threats.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S5E8 · Unification Part II

Ambush reveals Sela’s invasion ultimatum

The holographic Starfleet officers’ phasers are integral to the decoy’s effectiveness. Projected alongside HOLO RIKER, they are raised menacingly, reinforcing the illusion of a real Starfleet ambush. Sela’s disruptor fire passes harmlessly through them, shattering the ruse and exposing the holograms’ intangibility. Their sudden disappearance marks the end of the decoy phase, transitioning the scene into physical confrontation. As decoy props, they serve no functional role beyond psychological manipulation, but their presence is critical to the ambush’s success.

Before: Projected as part of the holographic decoy, appearing fully functional but intangible.

After: Deactivated by Data, dissolving into nothingness as the ambush concludes.

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