Star Trek: The Perilous Encounter That Nearly Destroyed the USS Enterprise
A treacherous Nitrium parasite wreaks havoc on the USS Enterprise in the Cost of Living episode of Star Trek: TNG Uncover the thrilling tale of this hidden menace that almost led to the ship's demise
Article Key Points
The "Cost of Living" episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation highlighted the vulnerability of starships and their reliance on critical elements like nitrium.
Nitrium, a versatile metallic element, finds extensive use in the construction of Federation starships, specifically in life support systems, computers, and engines. The episode masterfully combined personal narratives with the unexpected menace of the nitrium parasite, effectively portraying the crew of the USS Enterprise-D grappling with unforeseen challenges.
In the fifth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, specifically in the "Cost of Living" episode, the Federation starship Enterprise-D was unexpectedly turned into a battlefield by an extremely destructive parasite that was nearly impossible to detect. While the main focus of the episode centered on personal stories and character development, the infiltration of the nitrium parasite brought about an unforeseen threat to the safety and well-being of both the Enterprise and its crew.
What initially appeared to be a secondary plotline transformed into a critical demonstration of the vulnerability of starships and their dependence on crucial components such as nitrium. Episode writer Peter Allan Fields underscored the significance of prioritizing personal narratives, even within the vast and ever-expanding universe of Star Trek.
What is Nitrium?
Nitrium, a metallic element or alloy, is a vital component in the construction of Federation starships, serving a crucial role in their functioning. It can be sourced from various places, including asteroids like those in the Pelloris Field. This versatile element is an essential part of numerous ship systems, most notably the life support systems, computers, and engines of Galaxy-class starships. Moreover, nitrium is readily available in the dilithium chambers that house the crucial dilithium crystals required for space travel.
The dilithium chambers, which consist of dilithium regulators and antiproton injection seals, are the core of the warp core. Within these chambers, the dilithium matrix generates the energy necessary for faster-than-light travel. The design of the dilithium crystal chamber for the USS Enterprise-D exemplifies the Federation's commitment to exploration and diplomacy, as it showcases the engineering marvels achieved at Outpost Seran T-1.
However, the inclusion of nitrium in these critical regions also posed a vulnerability for starships, as it served as sustenance for the nitrium parasites. This posed a significant threat to the integrity of the vessel, and unfortunately, this dangerous predicament materialized during the incidents depicted in "Cost of Living."
What Happened in 'Cost of Living'?
Title | Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Cost of Living" |
|---|---|
Episode no. | Season 5, Episode 20 |
Director | Winrich Kolbe |
Writer | Peter Allan Fields |
Original air date | April 20, 1992 |
In "Cost of Living," the primary focus was on the unlikely mentorship between Lwaxana Troi and Alexander, Worf's young son. Lwaxana urged Alexander to embrace her carefree lifestyle as they embarked on a journey to meet her blindly agreed-upon future husband. Amidst these personal dynamics, an unforeseen threat emerged, endangering the USS Enterprise-D and its crew.
The danger began when the starship obliterated an asteroid using its navigational deflector, averting a collision with Tessen III, near Starbase 117. Unbeknownst to the crew, this asteroid contained a mysterious dazzling dust, which infiltrated the ship. It was discovered that this shimmering substance was actually parasites that were attracted to the nitrium within the ship's systems.
As the episode progressed, the crew encountered a series of perplexing malfunctions, with over 200 instances of replicators malfunctioning. Concerned about the potential consequences of ordering food, Data and La Forge launched an investigation, which led them to discover an energy fluctuation in an access corridor. There, they stumbled upon an unusual electromagnetic pattern and a peculiar, sticky substance seeping from behind a panel.
The situation escalated when Picard received reports of replicator problems on the bridge. It became clear that the data net interface, responsible for directing replicator selections, had been transformed into an unidentified gelatinous material. Suddenly, the inertial damping system failed, causing the ship to tremble. Picard commanded the ship to exit warp, but additional system failures, such as primary attitude control and helm control, left the ship in chaos.
During the crisis, the crew discovered nitrium parasites, which had infested and were damaging vital ship systems. To save the dilithium crystal chamber and power transfer conduits, essential for the ship's functioning, Data, La Forge, and Picard devised a daring plan. They would locate the asteroid field, where the previous asteroid containing nitrium originated, and use Data's ability to navigate without oxygen to coax the parasites to relocate there. Their ingenuity paid off, as the ship's systems were restored just in time for Lwaxana Troi's upcoming wedding.
Writer Peter Allan Fields shared his perspective on the episode, admitting his initial concerns about the inclusion of the nitrium parasite storyline. He felt that it was a plot element introduced out of necessity rather than being fully integrated into the show. However, he found satisfaction in prioritizing the personal stories that made Star Trek so captivating.
We prefer not to approach them all in that manner. This show falls under the science-fiction genre, and while the scientific aspects are enjoyable, the personal narrative took precedence in this particular instance.
In the episode titled "Cost of Living," fans were treated to a truly distinctive installment of Star Trek that seamlessly combined personal growth and character evolution with the unforeseen threat posed by the nitrium parasite. Despite its fleeting presence, this menace served as a reminder of the unforeseeable challenges encountered by the crew of the USS Enterprise-D during their exploratory journeys. This hidden peril showcased the show's ability to strike a balance between captivating science fiction intrigue and the development of beloved characters, making it a truly unforgettable contribution to the Star Trek legacy.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the way Star Trek: The Next Generation explores the vulnerability of starships and their reliance on critical elements like nitrium. The episode "Cost of Living" effectively portrays the crew of the USS Enterprise-D grappling with unforeseen challenges, and the nitrium parasite serves as a compelling and dangerous threat.
The episode also highlights the importance of prioritizing personal narratives, even within the vast and ever-expanding universe of Star Trek. The unlikely mentorship between Lwaxana Troi and Alexander, Worf's young son, adds depth and complexity to the story, and it's interesting to see how these characters develop over the course of the episode.
