Fabula
S1E3 · The Naked Now

Worf Secures Tractor Beam on Tsiolkovsky as Data Reveals Intoxicated Awareness

Amid the escalating chaos aboard the Enterprise, Worf urgently reports that the tractor beam has successfully locked onto the drifting, disabled science vessel Tsiolkovsky, halting its threat and buying precious time. Captain Picard immediately attempts to contact Wesley Crusher to leverage his control over ship systems, but is interrupted by Data's arrival on the bridge. Though visibly affected by the contagion—his movements unsteady and his focus oddly diverted—Data engages Picard in a profound, unsettling reflection on his emerging humanity, blurring the lines between machine and man. This moment deepens the story's exploration of identity and infection, while signaling a pivotal shift where the contagion’s effects challenge the command structure and hint at fragile hope through Data’s unique perspective. The event culminates with Beverly Crusher's urgent request to speak privately, underscoring the mounting medical crisis pressing on the captain's dwindling attention.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Worf urgently announces the tractor beam locking onto the Tsiolkovsky, signaling a critical tactical development amid the ship's chaos.

tension to alert urgency ['Ops', 'Bridge']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4

Frustrated urgency coupled with steadfast determination to maintain control amid escalating crisis

Captain Picard commands the bridge with resolute authority, simultaneously coordinating tactical efforts by calling Wesley Crusher and reacting with frustration and concern to Data's visibly impaired state and to Beverly Crusher's urgent summons.

Goals in this moment
  • Reestablish effective command by contacting Wesley Crusher
  • Manage contagion effects on crew members, including Data
  • Attend to medical urgencies signaled by Beverly Crusher
Active beliefs
  • Maintaining command order is critical to survival
  • Crew health and safety are paramount
  • Data’s condition is unusual and concerning but potentially manageable
Character traits
authoritative frustrated determined responsible
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Oddly distracted yet contemplative, grappling with emerging human-like vulnerabilities

Data enters the bridge with visibly unsteady movements and distracted focus, engaging Picard in a philosophical dialogue about the similarity between machine and human, reflecting the contagion's psychological and identity-blurring effects.

Goals in this moment
  • Express newfound reflections on humanity
  • Engage Picard intellectually despite contagion effects
Active beliefs
  • Machine and human share fundamental similarities
  • His altered state reveals deeper truths about identity
Character traits
contemplative philosophical disoriented curious
Follow Data's journey

Determined urgency mixed with professional calm under pressure

Worf is positioned at Operations, urgently reporting the successful tractor beam lock on the disabled science vessel Tsiolkovsky, his tone charged with focused precision and alertness that signals a critical tactical victory amid chaos.

Goals in this moment
  • Communicate tactical progress to the captain
  • Ensure the external threat is contained via tractor beam lock
Active beliefs
  • Securing the Tsiolkovsky is crucial to the Enterprise's safety
  • Clear, prompt communication is essential to managing the crisis
Character traits
alert focused urgent duty-bound
Follow Worf's journey

Urgency tempered by professional concern and underlying anxiety about the contagion

Beverly Crusher enters the bridge with grave urgency, requesting a private audience with Picard to discuss serious medical matters, underscoring the escalating health crisis aboard the Enterprise.

Goals in this moment
  • Convey critical medical information to the captain privately
  • Ensure swift action on medical issues threatening the crew
Active beliefs
  • The contagion poses a serious threat requiring command-level attention
  • Private consultation is necessary due to sensitive nature of medical developments
Character traits
urgent serious professional maternal
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Wesley's Tractor Beam School Project

The tractor beam is reported by Worf as successfully locking onto the disabled science vessel Tsiolkovsky, effectively preventing it from drifting dangerously and providing the Enterprise crew crucial time to manage the broader crisis. Its functional role as a ship security and containment device is emphasized.

Before: Idle, ready for activation; ship and crew aware …
After: Engaged and locking the Tsiolkovsky in place, stabilizing …
Before: Idle, ready for activation; ship and crew aware of Tsiolkovsky's unmoored threat
After: Engaged and locking the Tsiolkovsky in place, stabilizing the external hazard temporarily

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Main Bridge

The Enterprise Main Bridge serves as the nerve center where the pivotal developments unfold: Worf’s tactical report, Picard’s command attempts, Data’s unsettling philosophical dialogue, and Beverly Crusher’s urgent medical intervention request. The tense, claustrophobic bridge atmosphere heightens the sense of unraveling control and escalating crisis.

Atmosphere Tense and charged with urgent activity, layered with creeping unease from contagion effects
Function Central command hub facilitating crisis management and pivotal character interactions
Symbolism Embodies the fragile hold of order and reason amid spreading chaos and infection
Access Restricted to senior officers and key personnel during crisis
Hissing turbolift doors signaling arrivals Dim, functional lighting accentuating somber mood
Captain's Ready Room

The Captain's Ready Room is introduced as a private refuge where Beverly Crusher insists on discussing urgent medical matters with Picard away from the bridge chaos, emphasizing the weight and confidentiality of the escalating health crisis.

Atmosphere Quiet, somber sanctuary contrasting with bridge turmoil, charged with impending gravity
Function Private meeting space for confidential, strategic conversations
Symbolism Represents the burden of command and isolation in crisis decision-making
Access Restricted access, typically reserved for the captain and trusted officers
Closed door separating it from bridge noise Soft lighting providing subdued ambiance

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 5
Foreshadowing medium

"Wesley's tractor beam reversal experiment preludes the eventual accidental repulsion of the Tsiolkovsky, foreshadowing the unexpected solution to the tractor beam crisis."

Data’s Urgent Assembly Amid Encroaching Star Debris
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Foreshadowing medium

"Wesley's tractor beam reversal experiment preludes the eventual accidental repulsion of the Tsiolkovsky, foreshadowing the unexpected solution to the tractor beam crisis."

Wesley’s Ingenious Reversal of the Tractor Beam
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Foreshadowing medium

"Wesley's tractor beam reversal experiment preludes the eventual accidental repulsion of the Tsiolkovsky, foreshadowing the unexpected solution to the tractor beam crisis."

Wesley Envisions Tractor Beam Amplification Amid Star Debris Threat
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Thematic Parallel medium

"Data's intoxicated philosophical musings mirror the broader theme of blurred lines between human and machine, underscoring contagion's psychological impact across species."

Picard Confronts Data's Human Frailty Amid Escalating Crisis
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Thematic Parallel medium

"Data's intoxicated philosophical musings mirror the broader theme of blurred lines between human and machine, underscoring contagion's psychological impact across species."

Crusher’s Private Urgent Appeal Amidst Command Breakdown
S1E3 · The Naked Now
What this causes 2
Thematic Parallel medium

"Data's intoxicated philosophical musings mirror the broader theme of blurred lines between human and machine, underscoring contagion's psychological impact across species."

Picard Confronts Data's Human Frailty Amid Escalating Crisis
S1E3 · The Naked Now
Thematic Parallel medium

"Data's intoxicated philosophical musings mirror the broader theme of blurred lines between human and machine, underscoring contagion's psychological impact across species."

Crusher’s Private Urgent Appeal Amidst Command Breakdown
S1E3 · The Naked Now

Key Dialogue

"WORF: Captain -- tractor beam! We just locked onto the Tsiolkovsky!"
"PICARD: Data! At least you're functioning.. !"
"DATA: Fully, Captain, fully."
"PICARD: Data, intoxication is a human condition. Your mind is different, it's not the same..."
"DATA: We are more alike than unlike, my dear captain."
"DATA: I have pores. Humans have pores."
"DATA: I have fingerprints. Humans have fingerprints. My chemical nutrients are like your blood."
"DATA: If you prick me, do I not leak?"
"BEVERLY: May I see you in your Ready Room? It's a private matter... well, actually an urgent one..."