Object

Dilithium Crystal Clamps

A set/pair of heavy alloy dilithium holding clamps installed in the U.S.S. Hathaway's antimatter/dilithium housing. The clamps combine articulated, finger‑like tines and crescent‑shaped jaws lined with heat‑resistant padding, knurled adjustment screws and tool ports; they are sized to cradle wafer‑thin dilithium shards and to mechanically secure, thermally and electrically couple crystals during reactor work. Physical evidence across scenes (scorching, crystalline dust, chips wedged in the fingers) shows the same hardware appearing both as damaged proof of engine degradation and as the mounting interface used during an improvised installation handled by Geordi and Wesley while Riker inspects the exposed chips.

3 appearances

Purpose

To secure and stabilize dilithium crystal fragments during removal, transport, or diagnostic handling, preventing shards from shifting and providing a controllable mechanical interface for technicians.

Significance

The clamps operate as incontrovertible hardware evidence of the Hathaway's ruined dilithium and lost warp capability, catalyzing a shift from engineering improvisation to a leadership test of morale and resolve among Riker, Geordi, and Wesley.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Warp Drive Dead End & Wesley's Resolve

The holding clamps are referenced as the location where only minute dilithium fragments remain; they visually and technically validate Geordi's diagnosis and act as forensic proof of the engine's failure.

Before: Mounted within warp assembly, holding the residual fractured crystals; scorched and bearing crystalline dust and microscopic damage.

After: Left dirtied and evidentiary — unchanged materially but now symbolically marking finality of the warp-bank failure.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Wesley's Choice — Recommitment Under Fire

The holding clamps are referenced as the immediate locus where dilithium fragments remain; they provide a tactile image of engine damage and serve as physical proof underpinning Geordi's diagnosis and the hopelessness Wesley initially expresses.

Before: Clamps cradle small, scorched crystalline fragments and show signs of damage from the containment breach.

After: Remain as damaged evidence in engineering; their condition reinforces the assessment that standard repair or a quick swap of crystals is not an available fix.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Wesley's Improvised Dilithium Hack Wins Riker's Blessing

The dilithium crystal clamps serve as the mechanical mounting and electrical interface that hold the minute dilithium chips in position; they become the physical anchor that allows channeling and regulation of the experimental reaction through the chips.

Before: Present in the antimatter/dilithium housing, empty or unpopulated prior to the insertion of the minute chips.

After: Occupied by the minute dilithium chips, integrated into the chamber assembly and actively part of the new improvised control system.

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