Object

Enterprise Tricorders (2)

Two standard Starfleet tricorders stolen from the USS Enterprise lie exposed in Rasmussen's collector trays aboard his time-pod. Data spots them instantly upon entry, confirming Rasmussen's theft of 24th-century tech alongside Geordi's visor and Ten Forward barware. Rasmussen guards the haul desperately, his phaser drawn in defense as the android's discovery shatters his cover.

1 appearances

Purpose

Portable scanning and diagnostic tools for scientific, medical, and engineering analysis

Significance

These tricorders act as damning proof of Rasmussen's looting, triggering Data's confrontation and exposing the inventor's scheme to profit from future tech in the 22nd century. Their presence sharpens Picard's timeline dilemma and validates crew suspicions.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S5E9 · A Matter of Time

Data discovers Rasmussen’s stolen technology

The two stolen tricorders are part of the incriminating trove of Enterprise technology that Data immediately identifies. Their presence in the exposed trays symbolizes Rasmussen’s systematic raid on the ship’s resources, as well as his lack of discrimination—he steals both advanced and mundane items (e.g., Ten Forward barware) for profit. The tricorders, as iconic Starfleet tools, represent the violation of trust and the ethical breach of Rasmussen’s actions. Their functional and symbolic value makes them key evidence in Data’s confrontation, as they undermine Rasmussen’s historian facade.

Before: Stolen from the Enterprise and placed in Rasmussen’s collector trays, intended for resale in the 22nd century as ‘inventions.’

After: Remain in the trays but are now damning proof of Rasmussen’s theft. Their recovery by the Enterprise crew is implied, as Data prepares to expose Rasmussen.

View full event