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

Unmasking the Genetic Perfection

Pulaski and Data confront Mandel with irrefutable evidence linking Darwin Station's genetically engineered 'children' to the lethal contagion. As Mandel clings to denial, Pulaski's pointed challenge forces the ethical reckoning to a head, exposing the fatal flaw in the pursuit of biological perfection. The moment crystallizes the episode's central conflict between scientific ambition and moral responsibility, with Pulaski's visible deterioration underscoring the human cost of unchecked experimentation.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Mandel voices disbelief that the station's engineered children caused the deaths; Data punctures that disbelief by stating the evidence is fairly conclusive, and Mandel defensively reiterates the children's protective design, turning uncertainty into scientific confrontation.

doubt to empirical confirmation

Pulaski pivots, pointedly demanding a direct conversation about the children, converting the exchange from debated theory into an imminent, focused inquiry with ethical and clinical stakes.

academic debate to urgent confrontation

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Dr. Sara Mandel
Doctor
 primary

Guilty and reluctant with a hint of denial

Expresses regret and disbelief regarding the children's involvement in the contagion, extending a hand to Pulaski.

Goals in this moment
  • • To distance herself from the unintended consequences of the genetic experiments.
  • • To maintain the theoretical safety and efficacy of the children's design.
Active beliefs
  • • The children should not be capable of causing harm.
  • • The scientific achievements at Darwin Station outweigh the risks.
Character traits
Regretful Defensive Disbelieving
Follow Dr. Sara …'s journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm and focused

Assists the aged Pulaski and presents conclusive evidence implicating the children in the contagion.

Goals in this moment
  • • To provide clear, objective evidence regarding the contagion's source.
  • • To support Pulaski in her confrontation with Mandel.
Active beliefs
  • • The facts of the matter must be presented without bias.
  • • Scientific anomalies require logical investigation.
Character traits
Logical Factual Supportive
Follow Data's journey
Children
Genetic Specimens
 primary

Unaware of their impact

Their involvement in the contagion is discussed but they are not physically present.

Character traits
Unaware Innocently dangerous
Follow Children's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Darwin Research Station Landing Pad

The landing pad is the site where the shuttle lands and the confrontation between Pulaski and Mandel begins.

Before: Prepared for the shuttle's arrival.
After: Occupied by the shuttle and the characters.
Before: Prepared for the shuttle's arrival.
After: Occupied by the shuttle and the characters.
Starfleet Shuttlecraft

The shuttlecraft serves as the transport bringing Pulaski and Data to the station, marking their arrival and the beginning of the confrontation.

Before: Landing on the pad after journey from the …
After: Stationary on the landing pad.
Before: Landing on the pad after journey from the Enterprise.
After: Stationary on the landing pad.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Darwin Genetic Research Station

The research station is the setting where the ethical and scientific confrontation plays out, its sterile environment contrasting with the moral decay revealed by the contagion.

Atmosphere Tense with underlying dread
Function Site of scientific confrontation
Symbolism Represents the dangerous intersection of human ambition and genetic experimentation.
Access Limited to authorized personnel
Sterile fluorescence Quiet corridors

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."
"DATA: The evidence is fairly conclusive."
"PULASKI: I think it's time we talked about that."