Fabula
Object
Object

Daled Four Yellow Troposphere

A dense, mustard‑yellow tropospheric layer over Daled Four composed of concentric, slow‑whorling cloud bands. The clouds appear thick and viscous with luminescent edges, large enough to obscure surface detail and to refract and absorb bridge sensor returns and other electromagnetic transmissions. From the USS Enterprise main bridge the formation roils with visible currents and blotches of deeper gold, producing a claustrophobic, mirror‑like image that provokes crew unease and repetitive visual déjà vu.
2 appearances

Purpose

Acts as a naturally occurring atmospheric layer that, in the episode, functions to absorb and block communications and sensor signals and to create a dense visual barrier over the planet.

Significance

Serves as a technical hazard and thematic fulcrum: the troposphere prevents straightforward contact, forces tactical caution, and thematically mirrors another world—triggering déjà vu and foreshadowing connections to Salia’s species, isolation, and the impossible choices the crew will face.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments
S2E10 · The Dauphin
Approach to Daled Four — Yellow Clouds and Déjà Vu

The yellow troposphere itself functions as a narrative 'object': it visually dominates the main viewer, absorbs the Enterprise's transmissions, and provides the scientific and symbolic explanation for habitat choice and diplomatic difficulty.

Before: Encasing Daled Four, already present as a dense, signal-absorbing layer.
After: Remains intact and continues to absorb signals; its presence prompts command reconsideration and informs subsequent mission constraints.
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S2E10 · The Dauphin
Yellow Clouds — Mirrored Atmospheres

Daled Four's yellow troposphere dominates the viewer when magnified, both absorbing transmissions and visually mirroring Klavdia Three; it operates as a technical hazard that simultaneously functions as thematic evidence about Salia's origins and survival needs.

Before: Visible on the main viewer as a planet obscured by thick, jaundiced cloud bands; sensor data flagged but not yet magnified.
After: Magnified on the viewscreen and registered as a signal‑absorbing, ecologically significant layer that constrains communication and reframes the diplomatic approach.
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