A Handshake Beyond Circuits
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Pulaski and Mandel step forward to say farewell as Data offers a rueful apology; Pulaski refuses self-blame, praises Data and clasps his hand, a brief, tender bridge between machine and human. The handshake breaks the silence, turning regret into a small, warm affirmation of connection.
Data falters in parting, Pulaski sends a final message for the captain, and Data turns to the shuttle's controls; the craft lifts, maneuvers to a cautious stand-off, and Data runs a string of console commands before addressing the Enterprise. The practical motions sharpen the moment, shifting quiet farewell into tense preparation.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Weighed down by shared mortality yet maintaining professional composure
Observes the farewell exchange silently, bearing silent witness to Pulaski's unexpected warmth toward Data.
- • Support Pulaski's emotional transition
- • Preserve final moments of normalcy
- • That rituals matter even in extremity
- • That Data's role merits formal recognition
Solemn admiration underscored by quiet despair
Extends her hand to Data with a rare compliment, demonstrating a momentary softening of her typically clinical demeanor toward artificial life.
- • Acknowledge Data's efforts warmly before parting
- • Convey final respects to Captain Picard through Data
- • That Data deserves recognition beyond his programming
- • That survival is unlikely but dignity must be maintained
Solemn recognition of finality with inherent logical detachment
Accepts the handshake and compliment with characteristic sincerity, then executes departure preparations with mechanical precision.
- • Express appropriate regret for limited assistance
- • Ensure safe transport of critical information
- • That farewell rituals serve human emotional needs
- • That mission continuity takes precedence over sentiment
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Pulaski's withered hand becomes an instrument of profound connection when extended to Data—its visible fragility making her gesture of respect all the more emotionally resonant.
The shuttlecraft functions as both transport and explosive punctuation mark—first bearing Data away from certain death, then detonating spectacularly to underscore the contagion's lethal persistence.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Darwin Isolation Lab serves as the austere stage for this farewell—its sterile surfaces and containment protocols heightening the emotional authenticity of Pulaski's unexpected warmth toward 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
Key Dialogue
"DATA: I am sorry I could not be more helpful, Doctor Pulaski."
"PULASKI: You did everything you could, Commander. As androids go, you're in a class by yourself."