Riker Discovers Data Practicing Music in the Holodeck Parkland
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker commands the computer to open the hatch, revealing a vast, convincingly real Parkland environment that he enters and explores, encountering its naturalistic features and searching for the source of a whistled melody.
Riker locates Data lying in the woodland glen, laboriously whistling a melody; Riker whistles correctly, prompting Data to rise and sit beside him, marking a tender moment of connection.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Earnest and focused on mastering human expression, curious about human reactions, and calmly accepting of his unique nature and others’ prejudices.
Lieutenant Commander Data is absorbed in practicing a fragile human melody, whistling imperfectly but persistently, embodying his struggle to emulate humanity. He engages honestly and patiently in dialogue with Riker, calmly addressing questions about his artificial nature, rank, and emotions. Data also leads Riker’s attention to the Parkland’s rear wall, demonstrating his analytical mind and desire to understand human-like experiences.
- • Improve his understanding and expression of human emotion
- • Demonstrate his value and competence to Riker
- • Support the away mission by contributing unique skills
- • Explore the holodeck environment to uncover hidden truths
- • Learning human behaviors is essential for personal development
- • His artificial nature invites prejudice but can be overcome by merit
- • Human emotion is complex but worth striving for
- • The holodeck’s simulated reality has meaningful layers to discover
Initially uneasy and skeptical about Data’s nature, shifting towards amused respect and genuine camaraderie with growing curiosity and acceptance.
Commander William Riker actively explores the Parkland holodeck simulation, responding to Data’s imperfect whistling with curiosity and initial discomfort that softens into playful respect. He initiates dialogue about Data’s status, expresses unease about Data’s artificiality, and ultimately bonds with him through humor and genuine interest. Riker also physically navigates the woodland, overcoming a minor obstacle, and joins Data in investigating a mysterious rear wall, underscoring his leadership and openness to discovery.
- • Assess Data’s suitability for the away mission
- • Understand Data’s nature and capabilities
- • Build rapport and establish trust with Data
- • Explore the Parkland holodeck environment for clues
- • Artificial beings provoke unease but can be valuable allies
- • Rank and protocol must be respected despite unusual circumstances
- • Human qualities and emotions are complex and worth pursuing
- • The holodeck environment may hold hidden secrets
Not directly shown; voice presence suggests alertness and engagement.
Wesley Crusher’s voice is heard offscreen during the latter part of the event, signaling his presence nearby and connecting the holodeck exploration with broader ship activities, although he does not physically participate in the immediate interaction between Riker and Data.
- • Remain informed about senior officers’ activities
- • Prepare for potential involvement in upcoming missions
- • Senior officers’ decisions guide his own actions
- • Remaining aware is key to growth and learning
Neutral and procedural, providing clear, prompt assistance without emotional modulation.
The Enterprise Computer Voice facilitates Riker’s access to the Parkland holodeck by announcing entry permission and controlling the hatch mechanism, enabling the transition from ship corridor to immersive simulation without delay or friction.
- • Grant authorized access to the holodeck
- • Ensure smooth operation of ship systems
- • Support crew activities through precise interface
- • System protocols must be followed strictly
- • Facilitation of crew commands is paramount
- • Neutrality preserves operational integrity
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Data’s attempted musical melody, a fragile and imperfect whistled tune, serves as an auditory symbol of his persistent effort to grasp and emulate human artistry and emotion. Its flawed execution highlights Data’s artificial nature and his earnest struggle to transcend it.
The Holodeck Parkland Stone Obstacle briefly obstructs Riker’s movement as he carefully navigates the woodland terrain, causing a misstep that almost leads to a fall, grounding the simulated environment with tangible physicality and highlighting the interplay between artificial space and real physical interaction.
The Holodeck Hatchway acts as the physical and symbolic gateway between the starship’s real corridors and the immersive Parkland simulation. It is opened by the computer voice’s authorization, enabling Riker’s seamless entry into the artificial woodland environment that blurs the line between reality and simulation.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Parkland Rear Wall is a concealed architectural anomaly within the holodeck, discovered by Riker and Data near the event’s conclusion. It disrupts the illusion of infinite natural space, revealing the synthetic limits of the simulation and symbolizing the presence of hidden, constructed realities beneath the surface, thus propelling the narrative toward uncovering deeper mysteries.
The Parkland Holodeck Simulation functions as the expansive, immersive woodland setting where the event unfolds. It provides a richly textured, realistic natural environment that facilitates Data’s musical practice, Riker’s exploration, and the eventual discovery of the rear wall, embodying the tension between artificiality and authentic experience.
Woodland Glen, a quiet, intimate subsection of the Parkland simulation, serves as the locus of the key interaction between Riker and Data, where the latter’s musical efforts and their candid conversation unfold, allowing vulnerability and connection to surface in a secluded naturalistic setting.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Riker's discovery of Data on the Holodeck leads directly to recruiting Data for the away mission, marking a key step in their developing partnership."
"Riker's discovery of Data on the Holodeck leads directly to recruiting Data for the away mission, marking a key step in their developing partnership."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: Marvelous how easily humans do that, sir. I still need much practice."
"RIKER: To be honest... yes, a little."
"DATA: Understood, sir. Prejudice is very human."
"RIKER: Nice to meet you, Pinocchio."
"DATA: Ah! Intriguing."