Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E7
ยท Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unnatural Selection

Clash of Command and Conscience

The Enterprise senior staff grapples with the grim implications of the USS Lantree's rapid-aging catastrophe. Dr. Pulaski's medical report confirms the crew was healthy just weeks prior, deepening the mystery. Data's revelation about their last stop at Darwin Genetic Research Station shifts focus to potential genetic origins, prompting immediate action. Picard's instinct for quarantine clashes with Pulaski's medical authority in a tense standoff that culminates in the captain reluctantly ordering a high-speed course change to investigate the station. As Worf departs to secure the Lantree, the scene establishes the fundamental conflict between command responsibility and scientific urgency that will drive the subsequent crisis.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Data delivers a critical lead: the Lantree's last port of call was the Darwin Genetic Research Station on Gagarin Four, pointing the investigation toward genetic research as a potential source.

directionless to pointed concern

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6
Katherine Pulaski
Doctor (Chief Medical Officer)
 primary

Determined assertiveness with suppressed fear

Challenges Picard directly with defiant posture and pointed glances, insists on warning Darwin Station while dismissing Thelusian flu as irrelevant.

Goals in this moment
  • • Alert potential ground zero
  • • Assert medical jurisdiction
Active beliefs
  • • Genetic research connection vital
  • • Doctors must lead biological responses
Character traits
Defiant Clinically precise
Follow Katherine Pulaski's journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Tense concern masking brewing crisis anxiety

Clenches jaw while wrestling with command decisions, physically rises during confrontation with Pulaski to assert authority. His order for Warp Nine carries underlying urgency.

Goals in this moment
  • • Prevent further contagion spread
  • • Maintain chain of command integrity
Active beliefs
  • • Quarantine protocols save lives
  • • Medical officers shouldn't override captains
Character traits
Command-oriented Risk-averse
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Detached professional focus

Delivers crucial information about Darwin Station with characteristic precision, triggering the investigative pivot.

Goals in this moment
  • • Provide factual clarity
  • • Identify scientific connections
Active beliefs
  • • Data drives crisis response
  • • Genetic research holds answers
Character traits
Analytical Observant
Follow Data's journey
Worf
Lieutenant, Chief of Security / Tactical Officer
 primary

Solemn duty-bound resolve

Departs silently with Klingon gravitas after receiving orders, embodying military precision amid biological uncertainty.

Goals in this moment
  • • Execute security protocols
  • • Honor fallen crew
Active beliefs
  • • Containment is paramount
  • • Warrior's duty extends to biohazards
Character traits
Disciplined Ritualistic
Follow Worf's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Concerned but deferential

Questions safety protocols with furrowed brow, exchanges loaded glance with Picard when Darwin Station is mentioned.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assess Lantree security risks
  • • Support Picard without escalation
Active beliefs
  • • Unknown biohazards require caution
  • • Chain of command must hold
Character traits
Tactically cautious Non-confrontational
Follow William Riker's journey
Deanna Troi
Counselor
 primary

Concerned professional curiosity

Seeks medical clarification with Counselor's diagnostic approach, her concerned questions underscoring the anomaly's severity.

Goals in this moment
  • • Understand psychological impacts
  • • Assess risk factors
Active beliefs
  • • Medical anomalies require scrutiny
  • • Stress affects decision-making
Character traits
Empathic Detail-oriented
Follow Deanna Troi's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Lantree Crew Autopsy Findings

The autopsy findings loom as unspoken context for the confrontation, their impossible contradiction of recent perfect health fueling the urgency to understand the rapid-aging phenomenon.

Before: Recently examined
After: Catalyzing investigation
Before: Recently examined
After: Catalyzing investigation

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Observation Lounge (USS Enterprise-D)

The sterile conference lounge becomes a battleground of institutional authority, its formal setting heightening the protocol versus crisis management conflict as chairs scrape and holographic reports flicker.

Atmosphere Tension-filled with unspoken dread
Function Command decision crucible
Symbolism Representing Starfleet's institutional paralysis
Access Senior staff only
Harsh overhead lighting Upturned chairs from sudden departures

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph

Key Dialogue

"PULASKI: Captain. If Starfleet had wanted you to make the medical judgments they wouldn't have assigned you a medical officer."
"PICARD: Number One. Set course for Gagarin Four. Warp nine. We'll depart the moment our security officer returns."
"DATA: Captain, the Lantree's last port of call was three days ago. The Darwin Genetic Research Station on Gagarin Four."