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S2E7 · Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unnatural Selection
S2E7
· Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unnatural Selection

Chemistry Check: Flirtation Versus Genuine Connection

Commander Riker escalates his flirtation with Specialist Trainee Rina by physically taking her empty glass and offering another drink, employing charming dominance. Rina counters with sharp wit about First Officer etiquette, asserting her intellectual autonomy. Meanwhile, Geordi engages Rina in genuine technical enthusiasm about warp theory and Academy memories, creating an organic connection that contrasts starkly with Riker's approach. The scene establishes Rina's resistance to objectification and preference for substantive interaction—a dynamic underscored when Pulaski intercepts Riker at the bar, calling out his avoidance of medical tests with surgical precision. Through this interplay, the event reveals early tensions between performative charm (Riker) and authentic professional connection (Geordi/Rina), while Pulaski's cameo reinforces accountability themes.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Riker physically takes Rina's empty glass and offers another, escalating the flirtation until Rina punctures it with a pointed, witty challenge about First Officer etiquette—she refuses to be merely admired.

flirtation to controlled deflection ['Ten-Forward (table)']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Katherine Pulaski
Doctor (Chief Medical Officer)
 primary

Firm and skeptical

Pulaski confronts Riker about his missed medical test at the bar, displaying clinical authority and skepticism toward his excuses.

Goals in this moment
  • • Enforce Starfleet medical protocols
  • • Establish professional boundaries with Riker
Active beliefs
  • • Professional duties should take priority over personal distractions
  • • Medical procedures must be followed without exception
Character traits
Authoritative Direct Skeptical
Follow Katherine Pulaski's journey
Rina
Specialist Trainee
 primary

Assertive yet appreciative of Geordi's technical approach

Rina maintains composed professionalism while deflects Riker's advances with pointed questions about protocol, then engages enthusiastically with Geordi about technical matters.

Goals in this moment
  • • Maintain professional boundaries against inappropriate advances
  • • Engage in substantive technical discussion
Active beliefs
  • • Professional interactions should maintain proper decorum
  • • Technical competence earns more respect than superficial charm
Character traits
Assertive Intellectually curious Professionally guarded
Follow Rina's journey
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Enthusiastic and warm

Geordi engages Rina in energized technical conversation about warp theory and Academy professors, displaying genuine passion for engineering.

Goals in this moment
  • • Share technical excitement with a promising trainee
  • • Create genuine professional connection
Active beliefs
  • • Technical merits should be valued over superficial attributes
  • • Shared enthusiasm builds stronger professional relationships
Character traits
Technically enthusiastic Sincere Supportive
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Navigational Shield Display

The navigational shield's cosmic display through the ports becomes a source of shared wonder between Geordi and Rina, transitioning from physical prop to symbolic representation of their intellectual connection.

Before: Displaying warp-speed star streaks
After: Continuing warp-speed display
Before: Displaying warp-speed star streaks
After: Continuing warp-speed display
Rina's Empty Glass

Rina's empty glass serves as the central prop in Riker's flirtatious gambit - he physically takes it from her hand when offering another drink, making the glass an instrument of his social dominance play.

Before: Empty glass in Rina's hand at the table
After: Taken by Riker to the bar
Before: Empty glass in Rina's hand at the table
After: Taken by Riker to the bar

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Galaxy Beyond Ten-Forward Viewport

Ten-Forward serves as the social nexus where competing relationship dynamics play out - Riker's flirtation, Rina's resistance, Geordi's technical bond, and Pulaski's confrontation unfold against its relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Atmosphere Socially charged with competing tensions beneath casual setting
Function Stage for social power dynamics
Symbolism Represents the collision between professional and personal interactions
Access Open to crew members
Bow ports showing warp-speed star streaks Bartop where Riker deposits glasses

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

"RINA: "Tell me Commander. Is it the custom on the Enterprise for the First Officer to wait on trainees?""
"RIKER: "If they were all like you, I'm certain it would be.""
"GEORDI: "The most beautiful thing I know.""