A Rogue's Fond Farewell - With A Punchline
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Okona thanks the Enterprise and exchanges playful, affectionate farewells with Picard, who responds with dry wit and a rueful admission that he will miss Okona but prefers it remain a fond memory.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Genuinely grateful yet mischievous, enjoying his last chance to disrupt Starfleet protocol
Okona delivers gracious thanks to the Enterprise crew while playfully provoking Data into an unintentional joke, flashing his trademark roguish charm one final time.
- • Leave a positive lasting impression on the Enterprise crew
- • Create a memorable final interaction highlighting his unconventional approach to life
- • Humor bridges cultural divides more effectively than protocol
- • Spontaneous moments create the most meaningful connections
Focused on duties while appreciating the crew's moment of levity
Wesley efficiently reports the technical separation of Okona's ship, demonstrating his bridge readiness even during the crew's humorous exchange.
- • Execute navigation duties flawlessly
- • Balance professionalism with crew camaraderie
- • Technical precision remains paramount even during informal moments
- • Bridge operations require constant attention regardless of circumstances
Amused and slightly nostalgic, with underlying relief at resolving the diplomatic crisis
Picard exchanges dry, affectionate banter with Okona, acknowledging their unlikely bond while maintaining his captain's decorum. He warmly acknowledges Data's humorous attempt with an approving nod.
- • Maintain Starfleet decorum while acknowledging Okona's positive impact
- • Support Data's social development by validating his humor attempt
- • Even disruptive encounters can yield positive interpersonal connections
- • Mentoring junior officers includes encouraging their social growth
Proud and excited at provoking laughter, with burgeoning curiosity about human social interactions
Data unexpectedly becomes the center of attention when his literal repetition of 'Good-bye Data' sparks bridge-wide laughter. He displays childlike pleasure at this successful humor attempt.
- • Understand and replicate human humor
- • Gain social acceptance through shared laughter
- • Humor follows predictable patterns that can be mastered
- • Positive social feedback indicates successful interaction
Composed with quiet amusement at the unfolding humor, focused on ship operations
Riker oversees the technical disengagement with professional efficiency before shifting to navigation duties, maintaining the bridge's operational rhythm amidst the lighthearted moment.
- • Ensure safe departure of Okona's vessel
- • Maintain bridge operations during the crew's moment of levity
- • Crew morale benefits from spontaneous moments of connection
- • Operational duties must continue regardless of social interactions
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Main Viewer displays Okona's ship during disengagement and his final thumbs-up to Data, serving as both operational display and conduit for the farewell's emotional exchange.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge transitions from operational tension to warm levity as the crew shares laughter over Data's humor attempt, embodying Starfleet's ability to balance professionalism with human connection.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
Key Dialogue
"PICARD: I think it turned out to be 'my pleasure,' Mister Okona."
"PICARD: Stretched to the limit with you, but thankfully still present. I think I might miss your presence, but I would like it to remain a fond memory."
"OKONA: What about you Data? You can say good-bye, Data."
"DATA: Good-bye Data."