Loud as a Whisper (TNG episode)

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Star Trek: TNG episode
"Loud as a Whisper"
Riva and his chorus in "Loud as a Whisper".
Episode no.	31
Prod. code	132
Airdate	January 9, 1989
Writer(s)	Jacqueline Zambrano
Director	Larry Shaw
Guest star(s)	Howie Seago
Year	2365
Stardate	42477.2
Episode chronology
Previous	"The Outrageous Okona"
Next	"The Schizoid Man"

Loud as a Whisper is the fifth episode of the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It is episode #31 production #205. It first aired January 9, 1989 and was written by Jackie Zambrano and directed by Larry Shaw.

Overview: The Enterprise hosts a deaf empathic ambassador who leads difficult peace talks.

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

On stardate 42411.2, the Enterprise arrives at Ramatis III to pick up a Federation mediator named Riva who has been asked to resolve a dispute between warring tribes on the planet Solais V. Commander Riker escorts Captain Picard to the transporter room where Counselor Troi and Lieutenant Worf await him. Riker says he has never heard of the negotiator Riva. Picard isn't surprised stating that Rivas hasn't negotiated in decades. Riker hopes he isn't "rusty". Picard tells him there will be a simple ceremonial greeting, then they shall be back aboard. Picard, Troi and Worf soon beam out. The three materialize in a large geometric-looking room with eclectic decor. Although no one has arrived to greet them, Picard calls Riker to inform him of their safe arrival.

Soon, three people in white outfits silently enter from separate portals along the walls and take positions in the front of the room. One man appears a scholarly-type, another is a warrior, and the third is a cultured-looking woman. From behind the awayteam, a man, dressed in gray robes, appearing in his mid-thirties with red hair and a beard, quietly enters. He pauses as he passes the awayteam, seemingly studying them for a moment and then moves behind the other three individuals. Troi indicates he is Riva telling Picard she only senses a wonderful feeling of well being from them which sets the Captain at ease. Riva gestures and the woman asks; "Before I start, would you like refreshments?" The awayteam declines but thanks her for the offer. The scholar then tells them to proceed.

Picard begins by introducing the awayteam. The woman says; "I have been expecting you", seemingly answering for Riva who remains completely silent. The warrior asks Troi if she is an empath. She nods and the warrior states "I am looking forward to this journey, more than ever because it gives me a chance to spend time in your company." Picard is confused and wonders what kind of communication is going on here. The woman explains, "It is a process that has developed over the centuries, one that I find most harmonious." Picard then wonders if Riva is deaf. The warrior confirms with conviction; "Born and hopes to die". Picard asks; "Then you all speak for Riva?" Together, all three answer yes. The scholar states; "We convey not only his words, but his emotional intent as well." Troi explains Riva's "Chorus" serve as translators, each represents an archetype of the man's personality. The Scholar represents Riva's intellect, philosophy and logic, the Warrior his libido and passion, and the Woman his wisdom and harmony.

Picard is astounded wondering how this is possible. The woman responds stating the gene for hearing is not present in the planet's ruling line. The scholar indicates that it is similar to the English Tudor monarchs of Earth who had hemophilia, or the leaders of Fendaus V who are born without limbs. Picard notes that the Chorus however, do not see Riva's gestures as he stands behind them. The scholar states that the Chorus is so attuned that they can "hear" his hand movements. It is a relationship developed over the centuries; their ancestors served Riva's ancestors.

After the meeting, Riva and his Chorus beam up to the Enterprise which sets course for Solais V at Warp eight. Riker welcomes Riva, admitting that he wasn't prepared for four guests, expecting only one. Picard explains the three others "speak" for Riva who is deaf. Riker is surprised, the most respected Federation negotiator is deaf? Riva is introduced to Lt. Commander Data, Doctor Pulaski and Lt. LaForge. The woman asks LaForge about his VISOR, which he explains it allows him to see. The woman is impressed, mentioning the VISOR serves LaForge as the Chorus serves Riva.

As the Enterprise nears Solais V, Picard calls a meeting in the observation lounge to discuss the Solari's conflict. There, Data begins with recent reports, stating that the Solari factions have been fighting for fifteen centuries, so long in fact that they have nearly driven themselves to extinction. Though the Warrior, Riva interrupts Data stating that the alien's current situation bares no relevance to the negotiation. The Scholar states that the reports will state the conflict is over land, wealth or some other tangible asset, but that really isn't the true reason. Riker thinks that fighting this long, the war has become personal. Through the Scholar, Riva contemplates that the Solari have been fighting for so long and now suddenly they want peace, believing something about the situation has changed. But what? Riker guesses that they are running out of people to kill, however, since they are motivated to find peace it should make Riva's job easier. Through the Warrior, Riva exclaims that nevertheless, he is certain his mission will be successful. To date, he has never failed. The meeting adjourns and Riva and his Chorus leave. Riker comments; "Our mediator is very self assured." Picard says; "Cocky is the word I would have used."

The Enterprise soon arrives in orbit of Solais V. Scans indicate that the Solari cease-fire has been broken as Worf detects sporadic energy weapon fire on the surface. Upon arrival Picard contacts the Solari demanding they cease combat and prepare for Riva to beam down. The Solari angrilly tell Picard he has no authority to give demands and they will speak only to Riva. Riva comes to the bridge, as usual, his Warrior speak for him; "Brothers! Your bravery as fighters is known, now you must demonstrate your courage in a new way! Cease hostilities! Allow us to meet." With that, Worf indicates the firing has stopped. Riva asks for a topographical display of the battlefield. One is displayed on the monitor where Riva gestures to an isolated hilltop. The Scholar says they will beam there and set up the meeting place.

Soon Riva and his Chorus, along with Worf and Riker as security, beam to the hill. Riva indicates that he will need torches, chairs and a meeting table. Riker calls to LaForge and has him replicate the items and beam them down. Riker asks Riva how long until emissaries to arrive. The Scholar indicates that it shouldn't be long. Soon the table, chairs and torches are beamed down. After set up, Worf scans a group of beings approaching. The Scholar explains that the first few moments will be very tense and suggests Riker and Worf heed from any hostile action unless absolutely necessary. Riker and Worf stand back, but keep their phasers at the ready.

Moments later, two groups of Solari soldiers arrive, both cautious and eyeing each other suspiciously. Riva sits at the table while his Chorus stands at his side. Riva indicates to the chairs. The woman commends the warriors, stating their coming here shows not only their courage but also their wisdom in giving this conference a chance. Suddenly, without warning, one of the soldiers withdraws a weapon and shoots the rival emissary, vaporizing him. Quickly, a firefight breaks out. Worf and Riker protect Riva who tries to get the aliens to stop fighting, but to his horror, the three members of his Chorus are cut down by weapon fire. Riker calls the Enterprise for an emergency beam out.

Back aboard the Enterprise, Riva is safe, but in complete turmoil. Without his Chorus he cannot communicate and believes he has failed his mission. Picard tries to help him and looks into all the options. Riva can read lips, so he understands what is being said to him, and he knows a form of sign language, but his style is unique to his people and no one aboard can translate for him. Data mentions there are 84 different forms of sign language known in the Federation. Picard tells him to do research as quickly as he can and find one that works. In the meantime, he tells Dr. Pulaski to look into creating a hearing device to aid Riva. Riker suggests that the Captain head the mediation instead, but Picard knows the Solari won't listen to anyone else. They only have faith in Riva, unfortunately, Riva seems to have lost faith in himself.

Elsewhere, Data is at a terminal reviewing all the known sign languages in the computer database. He tells Riker he has narrowed it down to five that Riva may know and he will learn them. At lightning speed, Data goes through the nearly countless number of gestures, instantly memorizing them. Worf comments that sign language is an interesting technique, both silent and covert. It could prove useful. Data informs that sign language pre-dates the development of spoken words in most cultures, the major exception is the Leyrons of Malkus IX, who developed a written language first.

In sickbay, Pulaski examines Riva's ears while Troi stays at his side offering empathic support. She tells Pulaski that he has great fear. All his life he has been in control, but now he feels helpless. Pulaski reviews her medical scans and says the results don't look good. Since Riva has been deaf all his life, his brain is unable to accept auditory information. She sees no possible medical solution. Riva looks at them in despair. Troi arrives in Picard's ready room where he asks how Riva is doing. Troi says he seems to be losing his confidence. Data arrives and reports that he has learned five distinct signing languages. He begins to demonstrate what he has learned but Picard, not wanting to hear him forever, cuts in and tells him to talk to Riva.

Picard and Data see Riva. Picard tells him that the summit can continue, as Data will translate for him, but Riva becomes angry gesturing that he needs his "words". Data's translations are too literal. He lacks the nuance, the subtlety that only his Chorus can give. They speak with emotion while Data's words lack feeling. Picard understands but really sees no difference in working out the mediation. Data will have to do, but Riva states it is unacceptable. Picard tries to convince him it will work, telling him to take advantage of what he's got, but Riva says he has nothing. He cannot do it! Picard's eyes narrow and tells Riva that he can't because he's all show. "You hide behind your Chorus! You're a fake!" Riva is furious, but he can see Picard is just trying to provoke him saying it won't work. Picard frowns saying that is too bad; "A lot of people are going to die."

Picard begins to head out telling Riva he'll be returned to Ramatis. But first, he himself, will try to settle the dispute, stating they have come too far to leave without trying. Riva urges him to reconsider saying it is too dangerous. Picard urges; "Then help me." Picard asks him what his secret is to leading a successful negotiation, to which Riva says there are no "tricks". He simply helps one group express themselves to the other. The only trick is to get them to listen and understand. Turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Picard then asks Riva why he can't do the same? Turn his own disadvantage into an advantage. Riva takes a step back to ponder the idea. He soon smiles and shakes Picard's hand. Data translates; "Thank you".

Next, Picard, Data and Riva beam down to the hill top. Riva has them relight the torches to let the aliens know he has returned. Picard paces stating it may be awhile before the emissaries have enough confidence to return. Riva tells them they can leave whenever they wish. He will transmit a message when he is finished. Data is confused, wondering how Riva believes he can mediate without a translator. The confident look on Riva's face explains it all to Picard. He will teach them sign language. Riva nods and gestures for Data to translate. "It is turning a disadvantage into an advantage. Learning how to sign will actually become part of the process of them learning how to live together in peace." As they learn how to communicate with Riva, they will be learning to communicate with each other. Data mentions that although it took him a few hours to learn sign language it could take the aliens months, but Picard believes it will be time well spent. Picard and Data return to the Enterprise leaving a determined looking Riva alone.

Spoilers end here.

[edit] Trivia

The actor who played Riva, Howie Seago, is deaf in real life.
In this episode, Pulaski gives Geordi hope in growing new eyes to rid him of his VISOR, but he turns the offer down. In Star Trek: Insurrection Geordi eventually gets his wish, and achieves temporary natural eyesight from the rejuvenation power of the Ba'ku homeworld.