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

Genomic Doomsday

In the Darwin Laboratory, Data's extraordinary computational abilities reveal the horrifying truth: the antibodies' hyper-efficiency has twisted human genetics into a doomsday mechanism. As Data demonstrates the protein transposition with machine precision, Mandel's mounting dread crystallizes into the terrible realization that every human cell now carries its own destruction code. Pulaski's earlier scientific arrogance gives way to stunned silence, while the visual horror on Mandel's face underscores how theoretical concerns have become existential horror—this isn't just a disease, but a wholesale reprogramming of human biology toward annihilation.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Mandel warns the antibodies have been 'too effective'; Pulaski demands clarification, Data explains the human genome's self-replicating behavior, and Mandel, staring at the readout, delivers the blow: every cell is now programmed for extinction—analysis curdles into horror.

clinical analysis to dread

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Dr. Sara Mandel
Doctor
 primary

Mounting dread crystallizing into terror

Transitions from skeptical about analysis speed to physically recoiling from Data's readout as she comprehends the full horror of the genome's reprogramming against its host.

Goals in this moment
  • • Understand the contagion's mechanism
  • • Process implications for all infected
Active beliefs
  • • Genetic research carries unforeseen consequences
  • • This outbreak represents catastrophic failure
Character traits
Scientifically perceptive Emotionally transparent
Follow Dr. Sara …'s journey
Katherine Pulaski
Doctor (Chief Medical Officer)
 primary

Confidence giving way to dawning horror

Initially showcases professional pride in Data's abilities with a smile, then shifts to grave concern as she interprets the horrifying medical implications of his findings for Mandel.

Goals in this moment
  • • Leverage Data's capabilities to solve the medical crisis
  • • Prepare Mandel for catastrophic revelation
Active beliefs
  • • Extraordinary problems require extraordinary solutions
  • • Facing harsh medical truths is necessary for survival
Character traits
Medically authoritative Intellectually honest
Follow Katherine Pulaski's journey
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Detached analytical focus

Operates the computer console with machine precision, identifying and demonstrating the deadly protein transposition through lightning-fast analysis visible on scrolling displays.

Goals in this moment
  • • Identify genetic anomaly causing rapid aging
  • • Communicate complex biological data clearly
Active beliefs
  • • Scientific accuracy is paramount in crisis situations
  • • His computational abilities surpass organic limitations
Character traits
Computationally brilliant Clinically precise
Follow Data's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Genetic Samples of Protein Transposition Mechanism

The genetic samples provide the horrifying evidence that triggers the revelation—Data analyzes their protein structures to demonstrate how the antibodies have perverted human cellular replication into a suicide mechanism.

Before: Loaded into computer analysis system
After: Confirmed as containing apocalyptic genetic reprogramming
Before: Loaded into computer analysis system
After: Confirmed as containing apocalyptic genetic reprogramming
Starfleet Shuttlecraft

Visible through the lab windows as an ever-present reminder of Starfleet's connection to this disaster, emphasizing the isolation of the researchers battling an existential biological threat.

Before: Docked at Darwin Station landing pad
After: Remains on standby for potential emergency evacuation
Before: Docked at Darwin Station landing pad
After: Remains on standby for potential emergency evacuation

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Darwin Laboratory

The secondary lab's clinical sterility forms a chilling contrast to the apocalyptic revelation occurring within it, its advanced equipment enabling Data's discovery while the stark lighting exposes every horrified reaction.

Atmosphere Tension-filled with the hum of machinery underscoring silent dread
Function Site of catastrophic scientific discovery
Symbolism Containment failing against conceptual contamination
Access Limited to essential scientific personnel
Harsh white lighting emphasizing facial reactions Constant low hum of bioscanners processing data

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

Part of Larger Arcs

Pulaski's scientific curiosity versus her Hippocratic duty as she exposes herself to the contagion

Key Dialogue

"DATA: Comparing genetic samples indicates a transposition of these two proteins."
"MANDEL: It appears that the antibodies have been too effective."
"MANDEL: He's quite right. Every cell in our bodies is now programmed for extinction."