Data Investigates Perfume and Aphrodisiacs
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data inspects an atomizer and sprays himself, triggering a brief exchange where Troi and Riker explain the concept and purpose of perfume and aphrodisiacs to Data.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Reflective and focused, with a pragmatic approach to cultural explanation.
Tasha paces thoughtfully while contributing factual information about perfume’s cultural role as an aphrodisiac, balancing skepticism with informative clarity to assist Data’s understanding within the cultural framework.
- • To provide Data with concrete cultural knowledge about perfume and its effects.
- • To maintain the team's focus and preparedness for their impending diplomatic meeting.
- • Cultural artifacts often carry functional biological and social meanings.
- • Clear understanding of local customs is vital for successful interactions.
Genuine curiosity mingled with clinical detachment, unperturbed by the intimate implications of his questions.
Data is physically engaged with the atomizer, squeezing it and experiencing its mist while analytically commenting on its chemical makeup and social function. His curiosity drives the conversation as he seeks to understand the abstract concept of aphrodisiacs, asking probing questions that momentarily unsettle the human crew.
- • To scientifically comprehend the function and purpose of perfume within human culture.
- • To grasp the biological and social role of aphrodisiacs, expanding his understanding of human sensuality.
- • Human social rituals can be deconstructed and understood through logical analysis.
- • Understanding sensory stimuli like scent is key to decoding complex human behaviors.
Measured and instructive, maintaining composure while engaging with Data’s unusual line of questioning.
Riker sits alongside Troi, offering a concise definition of aphrodisiac to Data, blending his authoritative leadership with an informative tone that underscores the personal and biological significance of attraction within human experience.
- • To clarify the meaning of aphrodisiac for Data’s benefit.
- • To support the team's cohesion through patient explanation during a moment of levity.
- • Understanding human biology informs broader cultural comprehension.
- • Clear communication strengthens team dynamics and mission effectiveness.
Calm and supportive, gently guiding Data through unfamiliar emotional and cultural territory.
Counselor Troi sits calmly, patiently providing Data with the basic nomenclature and social context of 'perfume,' acting as a cultural translator bridging Data’s logical mind with human emotional complexity.
- • To facilitate Data’s understanding of human emotional expression.
- • To maintain harmony within the group while addressing a potentially sensitive topic.
- • Communication and explanation are essential to bridging cultural and emotional divides.
- • Human sensuality is a nuanced and meaningful aspect of interpersonal connection.
Neutral professionalism tinged with mild personal enjoyment of the perfume’s scent.
Trent enters the room to announce the Elected One’s readiness, briefly interacts with the atomizer by spraying himself and savoring the scent with a subtle amusement before promptly directing the away team onward.
- • To deliver the Elected One’s message promptly and efficiently.
- • To preserve the authority and smooth flow of the diplomatic protocol.
- • Maintaining order in the political hierarchy is paramount.
- • Cultural artifacts like perfume can serve as brief moments of personal respite.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The atomizer perfume bottle serves as the focal object that triggers Data’s curiosity, acting as a cultural artifact embodying human sensuality and social ritual. It is physically manipulated by Data to produce a mist used for olfactory stimulus and later briefly employed by Trent, linking this object to differing cultural perceptions and personal responses.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The guest quarters on Angel One provide a private, neutral setting where the away team gathers briefly before the tense diplomatic meeting. This space allows for a rare moment of informal interaction amid the otherwise formal and fraught atmosphere, symbolizing a liminal zone between political confrontation and personal reflection.
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
"DATA: Interesting. An alcohol-based synthetic, artificially reproducing a floral scent."
"TROI: It is called perfume, Data."
"DATA: The purpose of which is... ?"
"TASHA: Certain cultures consider perfume an aphrodisiac."
"DATA: I am unfamiliar with that term."
"RIKER: An aphrodisiac is something designed to stimulate or enhance sexual pleasure."
"DATA: How does stimulation of the olfactory nerve affect the enjoyment of sex?"