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

The Dash for Life

Riker and Data, having exhausted all options in sickbay, share a moment of silent epiphany after their fruitless search for Pulaski's DNA samples. The realization that no records are available ignites a spark of determination, transforming their stunned frustration into urgent action as they bolt from sickbay with renewed purpose. This moment marks a critical pivot from despair to proactive resolve, showcasing how desperation can forge clarity and propel action even when orthodox solutions fail. Their synchronized movement underscores the crew's unspoken bond and shared commitment to saving Pulaski against impossible odds.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

They exchange a charged look, abandon paralysis, and bolt for the exit — urgency converts stunned disbelief into immediate, decisive action to find any salvageable sample.

shared shock to urgent resolve

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Heightened operational focus tinged with human-like concern

Delivering devastating factual updates with mechanical precision while mirroring Riker's urgency through heightened processing speed, then instantly interpreting Riker's nonverbal cues to synchronize their abrupt departure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Exhaust all database search protocols before concluding
  • • Align with Riker's decision to pursue alternative solutions
Active beliefs
  • • Systematic procedures must be followed before abandoning orthodox methods
  • • Human instinct may provide solutions beyond his algorithmic parameters
Character traits
Unflappably logical Hyper-efficient collaborator Nonverbally perceptive
Follow Data's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Raw desperation undercut by sudden clarity

Frantically searching medical archives before slamming his fist in rare outward frustration at bureaucratic failure, his body coiled with urgency before locking eyes with Data in silent epiphany.

Goals in this moment
  • • Find any viable genetic sample to save Pulaski
  • • Override systemic inefficiencies with personal action
Active beliefs
  • • Starfleet's bureaucracy is failing them in this crisis
  • • Direct action outside protocols may be their only recourse
Character traits
Emotionally unrestrained Physically demonstrative Quick to pivot from frustration to action
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Pulaski's Medical Records and DNA Samples

The missing medical records symbolize institutional failure as Riker and Data's exhaustive search proves futile. Their physical absence in Sickbay's systems forces the characters to confront the limitations of Starfleet's bureaucracy during emergencies.

Before: Transferred to Starfleet Headquarters per standard protocol
After: Remains irretrievable, forcing alternative solutions
Before: Transferred to Starfleet Headquarters per standard protocol
After: Remains irretrievable, forcing alternative solutions

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Enterprise Sickbay

Sickbay transforms from a place of medical certainty to one of bureaucratic failure—its sterility and high-tech interfaces mocking Riker's desperation as they prove powerless to retrieve Pulaski's records. The clinical environment heightens the emotional rawness of Riker's outburst.

Atmosphere Tension-filled with humming equipment underscoring human desperation
Function Site of futile search triggering crisis response
Symbolism Represents the gap between medical capability and systemic failure
Access Open to senior medical/command staff
Blue glow of biobed readouts reflecting off surfaces Metallic tang of active medical scanners

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

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Key Dialogue

"RIKER: A blood test or tissue specimen -- anything that would provide a sample of Pulaski's original DNA."
"DATA: Afraid not, sir. Her records were shipped by way of Starfleet headquarters. They haven't caught up with us yet."
"RIKER: ((slams his fist)) This is ridiculous. A single cell! A single --"