Object
Ready Room Chime
Human-scale flush bulkhead door set into the captain's ready room bulkhead, equipped with a recessed electronic chime panel beside the frame. The chime sounds to announce Perrin's unannounced arrival, cutting through Picard and Riker's tense discussion of Sarek's condition. The door's panels part with a hydraulic sigh to admit her into the dimly lit ready room, where Picard, Riker, Sarek, and Mendrossen are gathered. The door and its chime serve as a narrative device to mark transitions (e.g., Riker's exit after Perrin's plea) and heighten the emotional stakes of the scene, which revolves around Sarek's failing health and the Legaran crisis.
16 appearances
Purpose
To provide a low-key, respectful auditory signal indicating incoming communication within the captain’s quarters, prompting timely response without shattering the room’s solemn atmosphere.
Significance
The chime embodies the intrusion of external authority and pressure into the private sanctum of command, amplifying the growing crisis and distrust between Picard and Riker during the investigation. It underscores the fragility of Picard's leadership and the relentless reach of Starfleet's scrutiny.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used