Fabula
Object
Object

Riker's Proposed Photon Torpedoes

Riker proposes these Enterprise photon torpedoes as a weapon to destroy the asteroid hiding the Pegasus, burying the ship deep to block Romulan detection. Pressman rejects the plan outright, favoring salvage of the cloaking technology. Worf stands at tactical, Geordi scans sensors, Data assesses data, and Picard weighs options from the center chair amid rising tension on the bridge.
3 appearances

Purpose

Destroy the asteroid concealing the Pegasus through explosive detonation

Significance

Highlights Riker's push to eliminate evidence of illegal Federation cloaking tech, clashing with Pressman's salvage agenda and exposing crew fractures over ethics and orders

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments
S7E12 · The Pegasus
Pegasus signature detected under Romulan threat

Riker’s proposed photon torpedoes are initially considered as a means of destroying the asteroid and preventing the Pegasus from falling into Romulan hands. However, Pressman rejects the idea, prioritizing salvage over destruction. The photon torpedoes are ultimately discarded in favor of Geordi’s plan to use ionizing radiation to mask the warp core signature. While the torpedoes are not used in this event, their consideration highlights the high stakes of the situation and the crew’s willingness to take drastic measures to protect the Federation’s secrets.

Before: Loaded and ready for use aboard the Enterprise, but not yet deployed. Riker proposes using them to destroy the asteroid, but the plan is rejected by Pressman.
After: Remain unused, as the crew opts for Geordi’s plan to mask the warp core signature using ionizing radiation. The photon torpedoes are not deployed, but their consideration underscores the urgency and desperation of the situation.
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S7E12 · The Pegasus
Riker proposes destroying the Pegasus

Ionizing radiation is the key to the deception plan, proposed by Geordi as a way to mask the Pegasus’s subspace resonance signature. Data confirms its feasibility, and Picard orders its execution. The radiation is pulsed across the asteroid, mimicking natural phenomena and preventing the Romulans from detecting the Pegasus. This object serves as the crew’s tactical advantage, allowing them to buy time and avoid direct confrontation. Its use underscores the crew’s resourcefulness and their commitment to outmaneuvering the Romulans without resorting to destruction.

Before: Present in high levels within the system, identified by Geordi as a potential tool for deception.
After: Deployed as an ionization field pulse, successfully masking the Pegasus’s signature and creating a natural cover for the deception.
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S7E12 · The Pegasus
Picard orders high-risk deception to hide Pegasus

Ionizing radiation is the key to the deception plan, proposed by Geordi and executed by Data. By saturating the asteroid with high levels of ionizing radiation—already present in the system—the crew masks the Pegasus’s ion trail, making it appear as a natural phenomenon. This object is the narrative and technical solution to the problem, allowing the Enterprise to feign disinterest and buy time. Its success hinges on the Romulans’ inability to distinguish between natural and artificial radiation patterns.

Before: Present in the system but not yet concentrated around the asteroid. The crew proposes using it to mask the Pegasus’s signature.
After: Concentrated around Asteroid Gamma 601, successfully masking the Pegasus’s subspace resonance signature. The Romulans, if deceived, will perceive the radiation as natural.
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