Object

Hathaway Light‑Speed Drive

The Hathaway's faster‑than‑light propulsion system (warp/FTL drive): the ship's engines and associated control systems. In this episode the drive is damaged/disabled or only capable of a last‑ditch, limited two‑second warp, creating the central mobility vulnerability that forces high‑risk tactical choices. Serves as the narrative engine for the vessel's immobility, the Ferengi ultimatum, and the decisive two‑second warp gambit.

4 appearances

Purpose

To generate and sustain the ship's warp field for faster‑than‑light travel by channeling controlled antimatter reactions through dilithium crystals and associated warp coils.

Significance

Functions as the episode's central technical obstacle and narrative fulcrum: its failure transforms an engineering problem into a moral and improvisational test, motivating Riker's leadership challenge, Wesley's recommitment, and the improvisational gambits that drive the plot forward.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Warp Drive Dead End & Wesley's Resolve

The Hathaway's warp drive is the absent causative agent in the scene: diagnostics show no antimatter flow and no possibility of warp. Its silence converts a technical problem into a strategic and moral crisis for the crew.

Before: Installed but compromised — warp propulsion assembly damaged and unable to mediate matter–antimatter reactions.

After: Declared inoperable for the immediate situation; the ship must rely on non-warp strategies and human improvisation.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Wesley's Choice — Recommitment Under Fire

The Hathaway's warp drive is the absent-but-implied objective: its silence and lack of antimatter flow are the unstated antagonist of the scene, shaping dialogue and commanding the tactical and emotional stakes.

Before: Drive is nonfunctional — readouts silent and indicating no antimatter flow and collapsed crystal coupling.

After: Still inoperative; the assessment that warp is impossible forces the crew to consider alternative, improvised solutions rather than conventional propulsion repairs.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Two‑Second Gambit

The Hathaway's warp drive (previously assumed inoperative) becomes a narrative object when Riker asserts a limited two‑second capability, transforming it from inert wreckage into the critical tactical instrument that makes a risky rescue/deception conceivable.

Before: Believed to be renderered warp inactive and functionally dead following prior damage assessments.

After: Revealed to possess a constrained, emergency two‑second warp capability that opens a narrow tactical window.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Two-Second Gambit — Picard's Moral Pivot

The Hathaway's warp drive functions as the story's technical MacGuffin: officially reported as crippled, yet Riker asserts a limited two‑second burst exists. Its contested condition creates the dramatic pivot that undermines Kolrami's certainty and forces technical analysis.

Before: Reportedly crippled and warp inactive; sensors and prior diagnostics list the drive as damaged with minimal or no antimatter flow.

After: Recharacterized by Riker's claim as possessing a narrow, high‑risk two‑second capability pending verification and potential use.

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