Pressman Reveals Starfleet’s Secret Orders
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Pressman discloses Starfleet Security's support for resuming the "experiment" and reveals that he has orders for Riker to keep the mission's true nature secret from Picard. This revelation shocks Riker and underscores the ethically questionable nature of their endeavor.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Confident → Persuasive → Dismissive of Riker’s moral objections, with a surface charm masking his insistence on the mission’s necessity.
Pressman dominates the conversation, beginning with warm nostalgia but quickly pivoting to the mission’s classified details. He reveals the true purpose of the mission—resuming the Pegasus cloaking experiment—with a mix of confidence and persuasion, downplaying the ethical concerns. His body language is assertive, leaning in to emphasize his points, while his tone shifts from paternal to insistent. By the end, his smile is meant to reassure Riker, but it underscores the moral disconnect between them.
- • To secure Riker’s compliance with the mission’s secrecy, leveraging their shared history and Starfleet Security’s backing.
- • To downplay the ethical violations of the cloaking experiment, framing it as a necessary step for the Federation’s security.
- • That the *Pegasus* experiment was justified by the 'greater good' of the Federation, despite its tragic outcomes.
- • That institutional secrecy and authority (e.g., Raner’s orders) trump individual moral objections.
Melancholic → Uneasy → Deeply conflicted, with a surface calm masking internal turmoil as he grapples with the moral dilemma Pressman presents.
Riker begins the scene with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy, reminiscing about his past with Pressman on the Pegasus. His demeanor shifts as Pressman reveals the mission’s true purpose, and he becomes visibly uncomfortable, glancing around Ten Forward as if aware of the moral weight of the conversation. His physical tension—leaning forward, then away—mirrors his internal conflict. By the end, his troubled expression underscores his growing unease over the ethical implications of the mission.
- • To understand the true purpose of the mission and its ethical implications.
- • To reconcile his loyalty to Pressman with his growing discomfort over Starfleet’s secrecy and moral compromises.
- • That the *Pegasus* experiment was a tragedy with lasting consequences, but one justified by the 'greater good' of the Federation.
- • That concealing the mission from Picard is a betrayal of trust, even if ordered by Starfleet Security.
N/A (off-screen, but implied as confident and decisive)
Raner is referenced by Pressman as the Chief of Starfleet Security who has authorized the resumption of the cloaking experiment and provided written orders for Riker. Her involvement is implied but not directly observed, serving as the institutional force behind the mission’s secrecy. Pressman cites her support as a way to pressure Riker into compliance, framing her as the ultimate authority backing the mission.
- • To ensure the mission’s secrecy and success, even at the cost of ethical violations.
- • To leverage institutional power to override moral objections (e.g., Riker’s discomfort).
- • That the ends justify the means in matters of Federation security.
- • That Starfleet’s hierarchy must be upheld, even when it conflicts with individual conscience.
N/A (off-screen, but implied as a moral compass for Riker)
Picard is mentioned by Pressman as the individual from whom Riker must conceal the mission’s true nature, per Starfleet Security’s orders. His absence in the scene is palpable, symbolizing the secrecy and tension around the mission. The implication is that Riker’s loyalty to Picard is being tested, adding another layer to his internal conflict.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The written orders from Admiral Raner, coded into the Enterprise computer, are disclosed by Pressman as a direct command to Riker. These orders explicitly instruct Riker to conceal the true nature of the mission from Captain Picard and anyone else. The mention of these orders adds institutional weight to Pressman’s persuasion, framing the mission as an official, sanctioned endeavor despite its ethical violations. The orders are not physically present in the scene but are invoked as a tangible, authoritative force shaping Riker’s dilemma.
The untouched drinks on the table in Ten Forward serve as a symbolic prop, framing the conversation between Riker and Pressman. Their presence underscores the veneer of casual familiarity between the two men, masking the tension and moral weight of their discussion. The drinks remain largely ignored, reflecting the seriousness of the topic and the growing discomfort in the exchange. They also highlight the contrast between the public, social setting of Ten Forward and the private, classified nature of their conversation.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
Starfleet Security is the driving force behind the mission’s secrecy, with Admiral Raner personally authorizing the resumption of the cloaking experiment and providing written orders for Riker. The organization’s involvement is felt through Pressman’s disclosure of Raner’s support, which he uses to pressure Riker into compliance. Starfleet Security’s role is to ensure the mission’s success while maintaining secrecy, even at the cost of ethical violations and internal conflict.
The USS Pegasus crew is referenced indirectly through Pressman’s and Riker’s reminiscences, serving as a symbolic burden and a reminder of the past. The crew’s fate—most of them killed in the experiment—haunts the conversation, adding emotional weight to the discussion of resuming the experiment. The organization is invoked as a cautionary example of the consequences of unchecked ambition and secrecy, but Pressman downplays these consequences in favor of framing the mission as a necessary continuation of their work.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Following Picard's orders, Pressman initiates a conversation with Riker designed to allay his concerns."
"Following Picard's orders, Pressman initiates a conversation with Riker designed to allay his concerns."
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Pressman reminisces with Riker and slowly begins to bring up the lost Pegasus so begin to allay his concerns."
"Following Pressman's private discussion to manipulate Riker in Ten Forward, Picard discusses Riker with Pressman in Picard's quarters."
Key Dialogue
"PRESSMAN: How long have you had the beard? RIKER: About four years. I think I just got tired of hearing how 'young I looked.' PRESSMAN: What was it that Lieutenant Boylen used to call you? RIKER: ((grimaces)) Ensign Babyface."
"RIKER: Do you ever... wonder whether we did the right thing? PRESSMAN: Never. It was a tragedy, yes. But it wasn't your fault and it wasn't mine. What we were doing was for the good of the Federation. We can't blame ourselves because the others couldn't see that."
"PRESSMAN: The Chief of Starfleet Security has personally assured me of her complete support. ... You've been instructed not to reveal the true nature of our mission to anyone, not even Captain Picard."