Lanel was a nurse at the Malcorian medical facility where the injured Commander William T. Riker was treated in 2367.

After Riker's alien nature was exposed, Lanel offered to help him escape if he would first have sex with her, explaining "I've always wanted to make love with an alien." Following their tryst, when asked if she would ever see him again, Riker promised to "call the next time I pass through your star system." (TNG: "First Contact")