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

Pulaski's Defiant Return

Pulaski's shocking physical transformation upon arriving at Darwin Station heightens the crisis, visually confirming the contagion's lethality. Her wizened appearance and reliance on Data for support create a visceral reaction among the scientists. Mandel's attempt to express regret is met with Pulaski's sharp rebuke, emphasizing her agency in this dangerous mission. Data's clinical observation about the children's role underscores the ethical quandary at the story's core—their genetically engineered perfection has become their fatal flaw. The event serves as both a devastating payoff of the contagion's effects and a setup for the coming confrontation about the station's controversial experiments.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

The shuttlecraft touches down and Doctor Pulaski emerges from the lift noticeably aged, transforming a routine arrival into an alarming medical puzzle for the waiting Darwin Station personnel.

anticipation to shock ['landing pad near the Main Laboratory …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Dr. Sara Mandel
Doctor
 primary

Torn between scientific pride and dawning horror

Mandel extends a hand in remorse to Pulaski while defensively questioning the children's culpability, caught between guilt and disbelief.

Goals in this moment
  • • Express remorse for Pulaski's condition
  • • Defend the integrity of her genetic engineering work
Active beliefs
  • • The children's enhancements were purely beneficial
  • • Professional regret does not equate to scientific failure
Character traits
Regretful Defensive Conflicted
Follow Dr. Sara …'s journey
Other Scientists
Research Scientists
 primary

Horrified yet professionally restrained

The scientists observe Pulaski's shocking deterioration in silence, their collective gaze bearing witness to the unfolding crisis.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assess the physical manifestation of the contagion
  • • Maintain professional composure despite alarming developments
Active beliefs
  • • Pulaski's condition confirms their worst fears
  • • Their research environment has become dangerously compromised
Character traits
Observing Apprehensive Uncertain
Follow Other Scientists's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Neutral yet observant

Data physically supports the aged Pulaski as she exits the shuttle, then delivers a factual rebuttal to Mandel's skepticism about the children's involvement.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assist Pulaski in her weakened state
  • • Present irrefutable evidence of the children's role in the contagion
Active beliefs
  • • Logical analysis supersedes emotional reactions in crisis situations
  • • The children's genetic modifications are directly linked to the rapid aging contagion
Character traits
Analytical Supportive Objective
Follow Data's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Darwin Research Station Landing Pad

The landing pad serves as the dramatic stage for Pulaski's shocking arrival, its utilitarian surface framing the confrontation between Starfleet personnel and Darwin Station scientists. The pad's neutral functionality contrasts with the emotional intensity of the scene.

Before: Empty, awaiting shuttlecraft arrival
After: Occupied by disembarked personnel and observing scientists
Before: Empty, awaiting shuttlecraft arrival
After: Occupied by disembarked personnel and observing scientists
Starfleet Shuttlecraft

The shuttlecraft delivers Pulaski and Data to Darwin Station, its landing marking the arrival of both Starfleet personnel and the visible evidence of the contagion's effects. The vessel serves as a transition point between the Enterprise's sterile environment and the station's crisis.

Before: In flight toward Darwin Research Station
After: Parked on the landing pad with passengers disembarked
Before: In flight toward Darwin Research Station
After: Parked on the landing pad with passengers disembarked

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Darwin Genetic Research Station

Darwin Research Station's exterior setting hosts the crisis's turning point, where Pulaski's visible aging confirms contamination fears. The sterile research facility becomes the backdrop for ethical reckoning.

Atmosphere Tense with undercurrents of scientific dread
Function Site of contagion confirmation and moral confrontation
Symbolism Epicenter of genetic ambition's unintended consequences
Access Restricted to research personnel
Cold, clinical lighting accentuating Pulaski's aged features Hum of distant lab equipment underscoring tension

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

"MANDEL: I can only tell you how much I regret the burden we have imposed on you. On both of you."
"PULASKI: Commander Data is an android, Doctor. He is unaffected. As for me, this was my choice, not yours."
"PULASKI: I think it's time we talked about that."