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

Pulaski's Unyielding Medical Mandate

Dr. Pulaski confronts Commander Riker in Ten-Forward over his missed medical exam, initially downplaying the Rheinman tissue sample as routine before escalating to a direct order with a veiled threat of disciplinary action. The exchange highlights Pulaski's uncompromising medical authority and contrasts sharply with Riker's more casual approach to protocol. Pulaski's calculated escalation—from polite reminder to thinly veiled ultimatum—demonstrates her rigid adherence to procedure despite Riker's attempts to charm his way out. Their power struggle unfolds against the backdrop of Geordi and Rina's genuinely earnest technical conversation, creating a stark dichotomy between professional rigor and interpersonal diplomacy.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Pulaski leaves her table and confronts Riker over a missed medical test—she frames a Rheinman tissue sample as routine, then forcefully insists on compliance and threatens to relieve him of duty, asserting clinical authority and creating professional tension.

light banter to charged authority ["Ten-Forward (near Riker's table and bar)"]

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Katherine Pulaski
Doctor (Chief Medical Officer)
 primary

Professionally composed with underlying frustration at protocol disregard

Confronts Riker with escalating authority, transitioning from clinical reassurance about the Rheinman test to an implied threat of disciplinary action when met with resistance.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure compliance with mandatory medical procedures
  • • Reassert institutional authority over senior officers
Active beliefs
  • • Medical protocols exist for vital reasons beyond individual convenience
  • • Senior officers should model exemplary adherence to Starfleet standards
Character traits
Institutional authority Uncompromising professionalism Strategic escalation Clinical detachment
Follow Katherine Pulaski's journey
Rina
Specialist Trainee
 primary

Pleasantly surprised by substantive technical exchange

Maintains professional boundary with Riker earlier, now immersed in sincere technical discussion with Geordi about warp theory and star observation.

Goals in this moment
  • • Engage in meaningful engineering discourse
  • • Establish professional credibility beyond physical appearance
Active beliefs
  • • Technical competence merits more respect than social charm
  • • Starship operations demand rigorous scientific approach
Character traits
Intellectual focus Professional boundaries Scientific curiosity
Follow Rina's journey
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Genuinely engaged and nostalgic about engineering subjects

Engaged in earnest technical conversation with Rina about warp physics and Academy memories, oblivious to the medical confrontation nearby.

Goals in this moment
  • • Share professional knowledge with new specialist
  • • Create authentic technical rapport with colleague
Active beliefs
  • • Engineering principles transcend social hierarchies
  • • Shared technical passion fosters meaningful connections
Character traits
Technical enthusiasm Mentorship instincts Social obliviousness
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Navigational Shield Display

Its cosmic light show provides poetic counterpoint to the institutional confrontation, as Rina and Geordi discuss the stars' beauty while Pulaski enforces medical bureaucracy.

Before: Displaying warp-speed star patterns continuously
After: Continues displaying as visual backdrop contrasting human drama
Before: Displaying warp-speed star patterns continuously
After: Continues displaying as visual backdrop contrasting human drama
Rina's Empty Glass

Previously used as a prop in Riker's flirtation attempt, now serves as silent witness to professional confrontation, emphasizing the shift from social maneuvering to institutional accountability.

Before: Discarded on bar after Riker's failed flirtation attempt
After: Remains on bar as medical confrontation unfolds
Before: Discarded on bar after Riker's failed flirtation attempt
After: Remains on bar as medical confrontation unfolds

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Galaxy Beyond Ten-Forward Viewport

Hosts simultaneous social dynamics: Pulaski's medical confrontation at the bar counter while Geordi and Rina enjoy scientific camaraderie nearby, with warp-speed stars emphasizing the passage of regulated time.

Atmosphere Tension around bar contrasts with technical enthusiasm at tables
Function Stage for contrasting professional interactions
Symbolism Microcosm of shipboard social hierarchies in flux
Access Open to all crew members
Warp-speed star patterns illuminating viewports Low hum of conversation and replicators

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

"PULASKI: Good to see you, Commander. When you missed your test this morning we all feared the worst."
"PULASKI: If I didn't consider it important I wouldn't insist. Don't force me to relieve you of duty to make my point."
"RIKER: You can't be -- I'll work something out. But my schedule is tight for the next three or four days..."