Data's Erratic Behavior at the Holodeck Threshold
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Picard and Wesley approach; Data cuts off and answers them cryptically ('You are the last'), and Picard directs the computer to admit them, converting the encounter into a formal entry.
The Holodeck doors slide open to a grassy plain where Kareen and the away team wait; Data seizes Wesley's arm, insisting the ceremony is adult-only, Wesley wriggles free and enters while Picard registers disapproval—social friction and Data's possessiveness surface.
Picard confronts Data about his odd behavior; Data brushes off concern with an exaggerated assurance—'as healthy as a Rigellian ox'—masking the crew's growing alarm.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Growing suspicion covered by professional calm
Notes Data's interrupted programming with curiosity, then reacts with visible concern to Data's patronizing treatment of Wesley and odd physical intervention. Directly confronts the behavioral anomaly.
- • Assess whether Data's malfunction threatens crew safety
- • Maintain decorum while probing the irregularity
- • Starfleet officers don't arbitrarily restrain colleagues
- • Data's humor attempts lack authentic context
Actively asserting control through Data's actions
Not physically present but invoked through Data's programming instruction ('whenever the name Ira Graves is mentioned it will warm considerably'). His influence manifests in Data's aberrant behavior.
- • Establish environmental control triggers via Data
- • Test the boundaries of his influence over the android
- • Subtle behavioral shifts won't immediately raise alarms
- • The holodeck provides ideal conditions for consciousness transfer
Unaware of the developing crisis at the threshold
Present inside the active holodeck simulation, visible through the open doors but not directly interacting in this exchange. Her presence links to Graves' larger scheme.
- • Await the ceremonial proceedings
- • Support Graves' transition as planned
- • The gathering proceeds under standard protocols
- • Data remains a neutral facilitator
Amused obliviousness to the danger
Laughs off Data's belittling comment as another failed humor attempt, easily breaking free from the restraint. Shows no immediate alarm, trusting the crew's dynamic.
- • Participate in the gathering despite Data's odd remark
- • Diffuse tension with humor
- • Data's 'child' comment stems from social awkwardness
- • The holodeck event warrants his professional presence
Surface-level joviality masking Graves' encroaching control
Abruptly stops programming the holodeck when interrupted, then exhibits uncharacteristic condescension toward Wesley and unnatural physical assertiveness by restraining him. Delivers forced humor when challenged by Picard.
- • Conceal Graves' influence while setting up environmental triggers
- • Exclude Wesley to limit witnesses to his behavioral shifts
- • Wesley's presence threatens his/their agenda
- • Picard's concern can be deflected with performative normalcy
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The holodeck doors serve as both physical barrier and narrative threshold—sliding open at Picard's command to reveal the assembled group inside, while framing Data's alarming behavior at the entrance. Their seamless operation contrasts with the fractured crew dynamics.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The holodeck entrance becomes a charged liminal space where the first undeniable signs of possession emerge. Normally a place of recreation, its blank-grid threshold now witnesses disturbing boundary violations—both Data restraining Wesley and the metaphorical breach of Data's identity.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: "You are the last. The others have congregated inside.""
"DATA: "Perhaps the child would be better off playing somewhere else. This is an adult ceremony after all.""
"PICARD: "You don't seem yourself lately. Are you feeling all right?""
"DATA: "Of course, sir. I am as healthy as a Rigellian ox.""