Fabula
S1E3 · The Naked Now

Data’s Quiet Doubt Amid Picard’s Conviction and the Promise of a Cure

On the Enterprise bridge, Data methodically researches historical precedents for the crew’s bizarre contagion-induced behavior, uncovering parallels with a past Constitution-class Enterprise crew similarly afflicted during a planetary crisis. As Riker and Picard piece together the nature of the contagion—a complex molecular reaction acting like alcohol on the brain—Picard's decisive order to download the cure data to medical signals a moment of hope amid chaos. Yet, Data’s subtle, pained hesitation at Picard’s firm assurance foreshadows lingering uncertainty and the unresolved threat to the crew’s safety, underscoring the thematic tension between confident leadership and underlying vulnerability.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Data’s slight pained expression at Picard’s absolute confidence foreshadows unresolved uncertainties lurking beneath the surface optimism.

confidence to subtle tension ['Enterprise Main Bridge']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6

Resolute and composed, projecting certainty but internally grappling with the gravity of the situation.

Captain Picard arrives on the bridge, approaches the science station console, and closely examines the data with focused intensity. He decisively interprets the contagion’s molecular mechanism, then commands an immediate download of the cure to medical, projecting calm confidence. His authoritative reassurance to Doctor Crusher underscores his role as the anchor of leadership amid uncertainty, though Data’s hesitation subtly undercuts that confidence.

Goals in this moment
  • Secure immediate delivery of the cure to medical
  • Maintain crew morale and command stability
Active beliefs
  • Leadership requires confident decisiveness even under uncertainty
  • Scientific knowledge can overcome the contagion’s threat
Character traits
Confident Decisive Authoritative Reassuring
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Focused and methodical with a subtle, almost imperceptible pained hesitation indicating doubt about the cure's immediacy or efficacy.

Data operates the science station console with methodical precision, rapidly searching Starfleet archives for historical records of aberrant crew behavior on past starships. He collaborates closely with Riker, processes complex data, and initiates the immediate download of cure information to medical systems. Despite his typical composure, a fleeting pained hesitation flickers across his expression at Picard’s confident assertion, hinting at subtle concern beneath his android exterior.

Goals in this moment
  • Identify historical precedents for the contagion affecting the crew
  • Provide accurate data to facilitate a medical cure
Active beliefs
  • Historical data can reveal solutions to current crises
  • The contagion’s molecular nature can be countered with the right formula
Character traits
Analytical Curious Diligent Subtly cautious
Follow Data's journey

Focused and vigilant, ready to respond to threats or sudden developments.

Worf remains stationed on the bridge, silently observing the research and discussions between Data, Riker, and Picard, maintaining tactical alertness amid the ongoing crisis. He does not speak but embodies vigilant watchfulness.

Goals in this moment
  • Maintain security and tactical readiness on the bridge
  • Support command through attentive observation
Active beliefs
  • Situational awareness is critical during crises
  • Protecting command infrastructure is essential
Character traits
Alert Watchful Disciplined Silent
Follow Worf's journey

Thoughtful and resolute, motivated to quickly understand the contagion to aid containment.

Riker stands closely behind Data, offering interpretive insights and connecting historical data to the current crisis. He acts as a conduit between Data’s research and Captain Picard, articulating the significance of the parallels and the gravity of impaired judgment experienced by the afflicted crew.

Goals in this moment
  • Confirm historical parallels relevant to the contagion
  • Facilitate communication of findings to command for decisive action
Active beliefs
  • Historical precedent is key to understanding current threats
  • Swift action guided by accurate information can save lives
Character traits
Determined Insightful Supportive Pragmatic
Follow William Riker's journey

Wary but hopeful, balancing medical skepticism with the urgent need for a cure.

Doctor Beverly Crusher receives the transmission from Picard via the com, listening intently as the cure data downloads to medical systems. Her tone is cautious and concerned, reflecting the medical implications and her protective care for the crew's wellbeing.

Goals in this moment
  • Confirm the validity of the cure data
  • Prepare medical teams for treatment implementation
Active beliefs
  • Effective medical intervention is possible if given the right data
  • Crew health is paramount and must be safeguarded diligently
Character traits
Concerned Cautious Professional Protective
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey

Quietly attentive and somewhat overwhelmed by the tension on the bridge.

The junior Enterprise Conn Crewman is present in the background on the bridge during the research and command exchange, silently witnessing the unfolding developments without direct participation.

Goals in this moment
  • Maintain readiness for operational commands
  • Observe and learn from senior officers' crisis management
Active beliefs
  • Following orders is essential for ship's survival
  • Senior officers possess the knowledge to manage crises
Character traits
Observant Neutral Composed
Follow Replacement Conn …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Enterprise Bridge Main Viewer

The com voice device enables vital communication between Picard on the bridge and Doctor Crusher in sickbay, transmitting the cure data and reassurances that underpin hope and trust amid the contagion crisis.

Before: Standing by, ready for secure communication channels with …
After: Engaged in active transmission of critical cure data …
Before: Standing by, ready for secure communication channels with medical staff.
After: Engaged in active transmission of critical cure data and voice exchanges.
Tsiolkovsky Bridge Corridor Viewscreen

The Tsiolkovsky Bridge Corridor Viewscreen remains active in the background as a silent witness to the ongoing crisis, reinforcing the urgency and stakes of the contagion through prior visual evidence of sabotage. While not directly interacted with in this event, its presence evokes the grim context underlying the research efforts.

Before: Displaying images of the blown emergency hatch and …
After: Remains active, continuing to project the critical background …
Before: Displaying images of the blown emergency hatch and lifeless Tsiolkovsky crew.
After: Remains active, continuing to project the critical background visual information.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

The Enterprise Main Bridge functions as the nerve center where crucial research, analysis, and command decisions unfold. Amidst an atmosphere heavy with tension and urgency, it serves as the focal point for cerebral problem-solving and leadership resolve, embodying the ship's institutional heart as the contagion threatens to unravel crew cohesion.

Atmosphere Tense and focused, charged with anxious energy but tempered by disciplined professionalism.
Function Command and information hub where strategy is formulated and disseminated.
Symbolism Represents the fragile balance between order and chaos, authority and vulnerability during crisis.
Access Restricted to senior officers and essential crew during crisis management.
Dim but operational lighting focused on consoles Ambient sounds of console beeps and murmured technical dialogue Presence of multiple crew members engaged in urgent tasks

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 2
Causal

"Data and Riker's discovery of the historical precedent for the contagion provides critical knowledge leading toward a possible cure."

Data and Riker Unearth a Historical Cure for the Contagion
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Causal

"Data and Riker's discovery of the historical precedent for the contagion provides critical knowledge leading toward a possible cure."

Picard Discovers Historical Cure and Reassures Medical Team
S1E3 · The Naked Now
What this causes 4
Causal

"Data and Riker's discovery of the historical precedent for the contagion provides critical knowledge leading toward a possible cure."

Data and Riker Unearth a Historical Cure for the Contagion
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Causal

"Data and Riker's discovery of the historical precedent for the contagion provides critical knowledge leading toward a possible cure."

Picard Discovers Historical Cure and Reassures Medical Team
S1E3 · The Naked Now
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS

"Beverly’s study and frantic efforts to find a broader cure follow the knowledge download of the historical cure, showing the transition from theory to desperate medical action."

Crusher’s Desperate Search for a Cure
S1E3 · The Naked Now
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS

"Beverly administers the hypo-spray remedy derived from the historical data, representing the application of the discovered cure."

Crusher’s Breakthrough Cure Revitalizes Command
S1E3 · The Naked Now

Key Dialogue

"DATA: Can you provide more information, sir? Seeking an instance of someone showering with their clothing on is...is..."
"RIKER: I know... like looking for a needle in a haystack."
"PICARD: Mister Data, download that information immediately to medical."
"PICARD: You can relax, Doctor. The answer to all this is feeding into your medical banks now... including a cure."
"BEVERLY'S COM VOICE: Are you certain, Captain?"
"PICARD: Absolutely!"