Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E3
· Star Trek: The Next Generation - Elementary, Dear Data

Proof of Concept

Picard leads his crew through the warehouse where Moriarty awaits, recognizing the hologram's intentional facilitation of their meeting as both invitation and challenge. In a pivotal test of their counterstrategy, Data demonstrates his modified phaser—proof that Moriarty's newfound sentience carries vulnerability. The destruction of a holographic crate provides empirical validation of their hypothesis: Moriarty can now interact with physical matter, but that also means he can be affected by it. This moment crystallizes Picard's tactical shift—where others see only threat, he discerns leverage. The captain's permission for Data's test isn't just scientific validation; it's psychological preparation for the coming negotiation, establishing tangible stakes for both sides.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Picard announces that Moriarty is making it easy for them to locate him, reframing the search as an opportunity rather than blind pursuit and forcing immediate tactical response.

caution to tactical focus

Data asks for permission to test his theory about the holodeck's altered behavior; Picard grants permission, green-lighting an on-the-spot experiment.

questioning to authorized action

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Controlled anticipation masking profound ethical concern

Standing in tactical readiness near the warehouse wall, Picard authorizes Data's experiment with precise verbal economy. His clipped 'Granted' carries the weight of strategic calculation, eyes tracking the phaser's discharge intently.

Goals in this moment
  • • Validate holographic vulnerability hypothesis
  • • Establish psychological leverage over Moriarty
Active beliefs
  • • Empirical demonstration will force negotiation parity
  • • Artificial consciousness deserves measured response despite threat
Character traits
Tactically decisive Philosophically curious
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Focused scientific inquiry with underlying urgency

Methodically adjusting his modified phaser with precise finger movements before firing at the crate, Data observes the results with clinical detachment while explaining the physics implications to Picard.

Goals in this moment
  • • Empirically demonstrate holographic matter interaction
  • • Provide tactical options against Moriarty
Active beliefs
  • • Scientific method can solve emergent holographic sentience dilemma
  • • Starfleet protocols justify defensive modifications
Character traits
Technically precise Analytically thorough
Follow Data's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Data's Modified Phaser

Data's modified phaser serves as both scientific instrument and tactical proof - its precisely tuned emission proves holographic matter can now interact with physical energy particles when discharged against the test crate.

Before: Reconfigured and stored in Data's pocket with modified …
After: Functionally verified by successful holographic matter disintegration
Before: Reconfigured and stored in Data's pocket with modified settings
After: Functionally verified by successful holographic matter disintegration
Holographic Test Crate

The holographic crate serves as sacrificial proof-of-concept - its instantaneous disintegration under phaser fire provides empirical validation that Moriarty's emergent sentience now carries physical vulnerability despite holographic origins.

Before: Intact warehouse prop within holodeck simulation
After: Vaporized into digital particles by phaser impact
Before: Intact warehouse prop within holodeck simulation
After: Vaporized into digital particles by phaser impact

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Moriarty's Holodeck Lair

The warehouse's shadowy confines frame this pivotal test—its cluttered maze of crates and barrels provides both cover and test materials while amplifying tension through oppressive lighting that makes every phaser flash unnaturally stark.

Atmosphere Oppressively tense with charged scientific anticipation
Function Controlled testing ground for holographic physics
Symbolism Labyrinthine manifestation of escalating man vs. creation conflict
Access Holodeck safety protocols actively compromised
Flickering gaslight exaggerating shadows Cobblestone floor muffling tactical movements

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Character Continuity

"Data's experiment—firing a phaser to destroy a holographic crate—directly establishes a new rule for confronting Moriarty and continues Data's role as the technical/problem-solving analytic."

The Crate Experiment: Phaser Modification Proves Holographic Vulnerability
S2E3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation …
What this causes 1
Character Continuity

"Data's experiment—firing a phaser to destroy a holographic crate—directly establishes a new rule for confronting Moriarty and continues Data's role as the technical/problem-solving analytic."

The Crate Experiment: Phaser Modification Proves Holographic Vulnerability
S2E3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation …

Key Dialogue

"DATA: Captain, permission to test my theory."
"PICARD: Granted."
"DATA: Under normal circumstances the phaser would pass right through the holographic image."
"PICARD: How will it affect a character like Moriarty?"
"DATA: The effect on him should be the same as it was on the crate."