A Fond Farewell to the Rogue
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
The bridge crew executes the procedure to release Okona's damaged craft from the tractor link; Riker gives the disengage command and Wesley confirms separation, completing the technical handoff that frees Okona to depart.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Genuinely grateful with playful undertones and hint of nostalgia
Engages in playful banter with Picard, expressing genuine gratitude while maintaining his roguish charm, then extends kindness to Data through the invitation to say goodbye.
- • Express sincere appreciation to the Enterprise crew
- • Leave a positive final impression through humor and charm
- • Even formal interactions benefit from levity
- • A memorable departure is as important as a notable arrival
Neutral professionalism with latent curiosity about the unfolding events
Confirms separation procedures with technical accuracy, demonstrating his growing competence while observing the interaction with quiet fascination.
- • Perform his duties with flawless execution
- • Learn from observing senior officers' diplomatic interactions
- • Precision in technical operations is paramount
- • Senior officers model valuable Starfleet behaviors
Amused by Okona, genuinely proud of Data's breakthrough
Responds to Okona's wit with diplomatic charm, demonstrating unexpected playfulness before showing paternal pride in Data's comedic breakthrough.
- • Part on positive terms while maintaining Starfleet dignity
- • Encourage Data's social development
- • Starfleet principles can accommodate human warmth
- • Progress in interpersonal understanding deserves recognition
Initially confused, then genuinely pleased at social success
Accidentally creates a moment of genuine humor through mispronunciation, then experiences visible pleasure at understanding his successful joke, demonstrating emotional growth.
- • Participate appropriately in social conventions
- • Understand and elicit human laughter
- • Humor follows identifiable patterns
- • Positive social interactions are desirable
Professionally focused with underlying amusement at the situation
Executes disengagement procedures with professional precision, maintaining operational discipline while subtly enjoying the unfolding humor with quiet amusement.
- • Ensure safe and precise disengagement of Okona's ship
- • Maintain bridge discipline while allowing for a positive farewell
- • Operational procedures must be maintained even during light moments
- • Crew morale benefits from shared positive experiences
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Enterprise Bridge Main Viewer displays Okona's ship and his final communication, serving as the medium for the farewell both physically and symbolically as the last connection between the two crews.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge serves as the stage for the farewell scene, its professional environment contrasting with the unexpected warmth and humor of the moment, then returning to focused operation as the ship warps away.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"Data's Holodeck experiment with an audience teaches him the importance of response/timing, which contributes to his accidental comedic success on the bridge when he elicits genuine laughter."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
"The early beat of Data's confusion about jokes echoes forward into the resolution where Data, having pursued understanding, finally provokes laughter—completing his mini-arc."
Key Dialogue
"PICARD: I think it turned out to be 'my pleasure,' Mister Okona."
"OKONA: You've got a bizarre sense of humor, Captain."
"DATA: Was I funny?"