Object

Tarod Nine Outpost

A small, low-lying planetary outpost on Tarod Nine, built from modular alloy habitats and antenna arrays, now eerily vacant. From orbit the settlement's buildings appear intact but hollowed — floors cleared, personal effects absent, concentric scouring marks like something 'scooped' away. The Enterprise senior staff studies it via sensors and viewscreen; the outpost's emptiness sharpens tension and provokes competing tactical responses.

1 appearances

Purpose

Functions as a remote planetary outpost for habitation, monitoring, or small-scale research/strategic presence on Tarod Nine.

Significance

Acts as the central clue driving the episode's mystery: the unexplained evacuation (or removal) of an entire outpost catalyzes the command conflict between caution and aggression, forcing Picard to assert procedure and shaping the ship's investigative posture.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S1E26 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — The Neutral Zone

Reason Over Red: Picard Holds the Line

The Tarod Nine Outpost's status (emptied, 'scooped') is the factual hook read by sensors and cited by Data and Worf; it serves as the narrative clue that triggers the debate between investigation and escalation.

Before: Intact physically but sensor readings show it empty of life and belongings; condition is anomalous.

After: Remains empty and under investigation; slated for follow-up visits to three other stations.

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