The Protocol Breach: A Silent Alarm in the Static
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Geordi replays Data's shuttle audio transmissions for Wesley, pointing out a subtle but significant deviation from protocol in Data's final communication: he didn't report clearing the cargo bay, leading Geordi to suspect something was wrong.
Geordi expresses his disbelief over Data's death, citing the lack of any identifiable malfunction as evidence, leading Picard to gently suggest the possibility of pilot error.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Puzzled yet determined; his curiosity is piqued by the anomalies in Data's transmissions, and he is driven to uncover the truth.
Wesley Crusher assists Geordi in analyzing Data's final shuttle transmissions, his youthful enthusiasm tempered by the gravity of the situation. He notices the missing cargo bay clearance report—a detail that, while small, feels profoundly wrong given Data's meticulous nature. His puzzlement is palpable as he and Geordi piece together the anomaly, his analytical skills sharpening under the pressure of the moment. Later, he pilots the Enterprise into orbit around Beta Agni II, his hands steady on the conn as the ship prepares to launch the hytritium probe.
- • Help Geordi identify the cause of the protocol breach in Data's final transmissions.
- • Support the crew in investigating the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II and ensuring the hytritium probe is launched successfully.
- • Data would never deviate from protocol unless something was seriously wrong.
- • The anomalies in the shuttle logs and the contamination on Beta Agni II are connected, and solving one will lead to solving the other.
Determined yet frustrated; his technical precision is matched by his emotional investment in uncovering the truth behind Data's disappearance.
Geordi La Forge hunches over the console in Main Engineering, his VISOR reflecting the flickering data streams as he and Wesley replay Data's final shuttle transmissions. His frustration is palpable as he isolates the missing cargo bay clearance report—a deviation from Data's unerring protocol that feels deeply wrong. He communicates his findings to Picard, his voice tight with determination, and prepares the hytritium probe for launch, his technical command ensuring the mission proceeds despite the emotional weight of Data's loss.
- • Identify the cause of the protocol breach in Data's final transmissions and determine if it is linked to his disappearance.
- • Prepare and launch the hytritium probe to neutralize the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II.
- • Data's omission of the cargo bay clearance report is not a coincidence but a sign of something amiss.
- • The contamination on Beta Agni II and Data's disappearance are connected, and solving one will provide clues to the other.
Grieving yet resolute; his sorrow is tempered by the urgency of the mission, but the slip of calling for Data reveals the raw edge of his emotions.
Picard enters the bridge with measured authority, only to falter when he instinctively calls for 'Mister Data'—a slip that reveals the depth of his grief and the void left by the android's presumed death. He quickly corrects himself, addressing Worf instead, and shifts focus to the mission at hand: investigating the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II. His voice carries the weight of command, but his eyes betray a flicker of sorrow as he authorizes the launch of the hytritium probe, his mind clearly still grappling with the loss of a crewmember who was more than just an officer.
- • Lead the crew through the crisis of Data's disappearance while maintaining mission focus on the tricyanate contamination.
- • Ensure the hytritium probe is launched to neutralize the threat on Beta Agni II, prioritizing the safety of the Federation colony.
- • Data's disappearance is not merely an accident, given the anomalies in the shuttle logs and the unnatural contamination on Beta Agni II.
- • The crew's emotional well-being is intertwined with their ability to perform their duties, and he must balance both.
Defiant and determined; his silence and stillness are a form of resistance, and his fall—though accidental—reinforces his humanity in the face of Fajo's attempts to objectify him.
Data stands motionless in Fajo's den, his body rigid and his eyes frozen open as Fajo attempts to showcase him to Palor Toff. His passive resistance is a silent rebellion, a refusal to engage with Fajo's demands or acknowledge Toff's presence. When Fajo's proximity accidentally activates Data's defensive aura, the android collapses to the floor with a metallic clank, his body hitting the ground like a suit of armor. The fall underscores his dual nature—both machine and sentient being—and his defiance in the face of Fajo's control. Later, he resumes his stance, his resolve unbroken, as Fajo returns alone to confront him.
- • Resist Fajo's attempts to control or objectify him, using passive resistance and strategic defiance.
- • Protect his identity as a sentient being and a Starfleet officer, even in captivity.
- • His compliance would validate Fajo's claim of ownership over him, and he refuses to give Fajo that satisfaction.
- • His defiance is not just personal but a statement of his autonomy as a sentient being.
Analytically focused with underlying concern; he channels his grief into action, ensuring the mission proceeds without delay while remaining attuned to the crew's needs.
Riker oversees the Enterprise's approach to Beta Agni II with sharp analytical focus, questioning Worf about the unusual tricyanate readings and authorizing an away team to investigate the contamination. His demeanor is one of controlled urgency, ensuring that the crew's grief over Data does not impede their professional responsibilities. He orders Beverly Crusher to report to the transporter room, demonstrating his ability to multitask under pressure while maintaining a steady hand on the helm of the ship.
- • Investigate the source of the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II to determine if it is natural or sabotage-related.
- • Maintain the *Enterprise*'s operational efficiency and morale, especially in the wake of Data's disappearance.
- • The contamination on Beta Agni II is likely the result of deliberate sabotage, given its unnatural concentration and the timing of Data's disappearance.
- • The crew's ability to function effectively depends on clear leadership and a structured approach to solving the mystery.
Amused and dismissive; his skepticism toward Fajo's claims and his amusement at Data's stillness reveal his detached superiority and his role as a foil to Fajo's desperation.
Palor Toff enters Fajo's den with an air of patrician detachment, his amusement evident as he questions Data's sentience. He mocks Fajo's claim that Data is a unique android, dismissing him as a 'mannequin' and leaving with Varria, his dismissal humbling Fajo and foreshadowing the power struggle to come. His presence serves as a catalyst, exposing Fajo's desperation to control Data and highlighting the android's defiance.
- • Assess the authenticity of Fajo's collection, including Data, with a critical eye.
- • Undermine Fajo's confidence by questioning the value of his acquisitions.
- • Fajo's collection is overvalued, and his claims about Data's sentience are likely exaggerated.
- • His role as a buyer gives him the leverage to challenge Fajo's authority and expose his weaknesses.
Conflict between loyalty and admiration; she is impressed by Data's defiance but bound by her role in Fajo's scheme, creating an internal struggle.
Varria stands in Fajo's den, her conflicted emotions evident as she witnesses Data's passive resistance. She covers for Fajo when Toff questions Data's authenticity, her admiration for Data's defiance subtly undermining her loyalty to Fajo. Her internal struggle is palpable—she is torn between her role as Fajo's associate and her growing respect for Data's resilience. Later, she is taken by Toff as he leaves, her fate uncertain but her conflicted loyalty to Fajo clearly wavering.
- • Maintain her cover as Fajo's associate while secretly admiring Data's resistance.
- • Navigate the tension between her loyalty to Fajo and her growing respect for Data's autonomy.
- • Data's defiance is a form of resistance that she secretly admires, even if she cannot openly support it.
- • Her role in Fajo's scheme is becoming increasingly difficult to justify, especially as she sees the android's humanity.
Concerned yet respectful; she balances her empathy with an understanding of Worf's cultural perspective, creating a moment of emotional connection in an otherwise high-stakes environment.
Deanna Troi intercepts Worf in the corridor, her concern for his emotional state evident as she acknowledges his Klingon perspective on duty and honor. She follows him to the bridge, her empathy providing a brief moment of vulnerability in an otherwise tense atmosphere. Her intervention highlights the crew's emotional resilience and the importance of acknowledging grief, even in the midst of a crisis.
- • Support Worf in processing his grief over Data's loss while respecting his Klingon stoicism.
- • Ensure the crew's emotional well-being does not impede their ability to perform their duties.
- • Acknowledging grief is a necessary part of healing, even in the midst of a crisis.
- • Worf's emotional state is a reflection of the crew's collective grief, and addressing it is crucial for their resilience.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The designated chair in Fajo's den is a physical and symbolic tool of control, representing Fajo's attempts to position Data as a passive exhibit in his collection. Data's refusal to sit in the chair is an act of defiance, reinforcing his autonomy and resistance to Fajo's authority. The chair becomes a focal point in their power struggle, with Data's stance—both literal and metaphorical—challenging Fajo's dominance. The chair's role in the scene underscores the theme of control versus freedom, with Data's defiance serving as a counterpoint to Fajo's attempts to objectify him.
Data's defensive aura is accidentally activated when Fajo approaches too closely, causing Data to collapse to the floor with a metallic clank. The aura serves as a physical manifestation of Data's sentience and autonomy, reinforcing his humanity in the face of Fajo's attempts to objectify him. The activation of the aura is a pivotal moment, exposing Fajo's desperation and highlighting Data's defiance. It also underscores the tension between control and resistance, with the aura acting as a protective barrier that Fajo cannot overcome.
The shuttle audio transmissions from Data's final flight are replayed in Main Engineering, where Geordi and Wesley analyze them for anomalies. The recordings reveal Data's crisp, protocol-driven status reports, but the omission of the cargo bay clearance report in his final transmission stands out as a glaring inconsistency. This omission becomes the first tangible clue that Data's disappearance was not an accident, serving as a catalyst for the crew's investigation. The transmissions are a critical piece of evidence, their mechanical precision contrasting with the emotional weight of Data's presumed loss.
The clothing provided by Fajo is a symbolic tool of control, forcing Data to conform to Fajo's vision of him as a prized exhibit. Data's refusal to engage while wearing the outfit underscores his defiance, turning the clothing into a metaphor for his resistance. The outfit is a physical manifestation of Fajo's attempts to objectify Data, but it also serves as a catalyst for Data's passive rebellion, highlighting the tension between control and autonomy in their power struggle.
The hytritium probe is prepared in Main Engineering by Geordi La Forge, loaded with the compound necessary to neutralize the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II. Its launch is authorized by Picard, marking a shift from investigation to active intervention. The probe's deployment is a tangible response to the crew's discoveries, symbolizing their determination to address the crisis on the planet while also pursuing the mystery of Data's disappearance. Its successful launch represents a step toward restoring order and safety, both for the Federation colony and the *Enterprise* crew.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The *Enterprise*'s main bridge serves as the nerve center for the crew's investigation into Data's disappearance and the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II. The bridge is a hub of tension and urgency, where Picard, Riker, Worf, and Wesley work in tandem to piece together the clues and authorize actions. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of grief, determination, and analytical focus, as the crew grapples with the emotional weight of Data's loss while pursuing the mission. The bridge's role is both practical—directing the ship's operations—and symbolic, representing the crew's unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Main Engineering is a sterile, high-tech space where Geordi La Forge and Wesley Crusher analyze Data's final shuttle transmissions. The hum of the warp core and the glow of consoles create an atmosphere of focused intensity, as the two officers piece together the clues that point to Data's disappearance. The location serves as a hub for technical investigation, where precision and analytical thinking are paramount. The atmosphere is one of determination and frustration, as Geordi and Wesley grapple with the emotional weight of Data's loss while pursuing the truth. The engineering bay's role is both practical—a space for technical analysis—and symbolic, representing the crew's resilience and their commitment to uncovering the truth.
Fajo's den aboard the *Jovis* is a claustrophobic and opulent space, where Data is confined as a prized exhibit in Fajo's collection. The den is lined with rare artifacts, each representing Fajo's desire to control and possess unique items. The atmosphere is one of tension and power struggle, with Data's passive resistance serving as a counterpoint to Fajo's attempts to assert dominance. The den's role is both practical—a space for Fajo to showcase his collection—and symbolic, representing the themes of control, objectification, and resistance. The den's oppressive atmosphere underscores the conflict between Fajo's desire for control and Data's defiance.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
Starfleet is represented through the *Enterprise* crew's actions, as they investigate Data's disappearance and the tricyanate contamination on Beta Agni II. The crew's adherence to protocol, their analytical approach to solving the mystery, and their commitment to protecting the Federation colony all reflect Starfleet's values and mission. The organization's influence is exerted through the crew's training, their access to advanced technology, and their institutional support for resolving crises. Starfleet's role in this event is both practical—providing the resources and framework for the investigation—and symbolic, representing the ideals of justice, exploration, and protection that the crew upholds.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's disbelief over Data's death, due to Data's competence, motivates him to find evidence, and leads to his realization of Data's incomplete final communication, driving the plot forward."
"Geordi's disbelief over Data's death, due to Data's competence, motivates him to find evidence, and leads to his realization of Data's incomplete final communication, driving the plot forward."
"Geordi's disbelief over Data's death, due to Data's competence, motivates him to find evidence, and leads to his realization of Data's incomplete final communication, driving the plot forward."
"Data asserts that he feels no pleasure on the detaining of Kajo. Echoing Troi's concern for Worf in taking on a role left by Data, the Enterprise seems to be missing Data's presence more strongly now that he is back, creating an emotional echo."
"Data asserts that he feels no pleasure on the detaining of Kajo. Echoing Troi's concern for Worf in taking on a role left by Data, the Enterprise seems to be missing Data's presence more strongly now that he is back, creating an emotional echo."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
"Geordi's discovery of Data's incomplete transmission directly leads to Picard and Riker suspecting foul play and shifting the focus to finding Data, rather than mourning his death."
Key Dialogue
"GEORDI: *Exactly the same. That's protocol. And that's Data. Following protocol to the letter.* WESLEY: *It sounds the same as the first trip...* GEORDI: *Exactly the same. That's Data. Following protocol to the letter.*"
"FAJO: *I demand you behave normally. Dammit, I know you can hear me!* [Data remains motionless. The aura activates, and Data falls to the floor with a hard clank.]"
"PICARD: *Mister Data, scan the colony's subsurface water.* [Silence. A hush falls over the bridge.] PICARD: *My apologies, Mister Worf.*"