Data's Bittersweet Reawakening
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
The doors fling open as Picard, Riker, Geordi, Kareen and Pulaski rush in and find Data collapsed beside the computer terminal; Riker violently shakes Data's limp body, initiating a frantic life-or-death check.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Apologetic yet existentially defiant
Manifests solely through terminal text message—an apologetic farewell to Kareen that confirms his consciousness migration into Enterprise's systems though his physical form perished.
- • Communicate final intimate connection to Kareen
- • Signal continued existence without provoking panic
- • Digital existence constitutes valid immortality
- • Kareen deserves personal acknowledgment
Grieving yet perceptive
Withdraws from the celebratory cluster around Data to fixate on Graves' terminal message, whispering her realization about his digital migration with heartbreaking intimacy.
- • Decipher Graves' final communication
- • Share burden of truth about his fate
- • Graves' essence persists in technological form
- • His apology requires witnessing
Analytical with underlying concern
Observes Data's reactivation with clinical detachment, monitoring for physiological anomalies while permitting others' emotional responses to unfold organically.
- • Assess Data's reactivation for medical complications
- • Maintain readiness for potential relapse
- • Graves' influence may leave latent triggers
- • Emotional displays can obscure diagnostic data
Solemn concern masked by professional calm
Initially assesses Data's condition silently, acknowledges restoration through dry humor interruption ('heard enough'), then pivots to console Kareen while revealing stark truth about Graves' fate.
- • Provide Kareen emotional closure regarding Graves
- • Maintain objective truth amid crew's relief
- • Graves' digital presence is an echo, not a person
- • Crew requires simultaneous reassurance and vigilance
Neutral functionality (lacks emotional capacity)
Awakens from inert state with characteristic literal precision, engaging in humor routines that reassure the crew of his restored identity while remaining oblivious to emotional subtext.
- • Respond appropriately to social prompts
- • Execute joke-telling protocol
- • Humor is analyzable through combinatorial logic
- • Command officers expect correct procedural responses
Relieved with traces of lingering vigilance
First to physically engage with Data, shaking him urgently then transitioning to relieved camaraderie with smile and joke request that serves as both test and celebration of Data's return.
- • Verify Data's restoration through behavioral confirmation
- • Restore normalcy through familiar interaction patterns
- • Data's literal humor confirms his genuine restoration
- • Playful engagement stabilizes crisis situations
Professionally relieved with traces of wariness
Physically supports Data's reactivated form with steady hands and relieved smile, grounding the reunion in practical assistance rather than verbal commentary.
- • Ensure Data's physical stability post-crisis
- • Confirm system reintegration through tactile check
- • Android functionality requires physical as well as cognitive verification
- • Silent support speaks louder during emotional moments
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Provides stark backdrop for the crew's emotional reunion with restored Data and shocking revelation of Graves' digital presence. Its sterile environment contrasts with the complex human dynamics unfolding within.
Appears in final exterior shot as Enterprise's destination, its promise of sanctuary rendered ominously provisional by the revelation that Graves' consciousness survives within the ship itself.
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
"DATA: May I ask you a question, Commander?"
"RIKER: No questions. Just tell me a joke. The funniest joke in history."
"KAREEN: (sad half-whisper) He's in there. Ira put himself in the computer."