Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E12
· Too Short a Season

Admiral Jameson Rejects Medical Intervention, Asserting Control Over His Fate

In Sickbay, Dr. Beverly Crusher confronts Admiral Jameson with a firm recommendation for a medical examination to reassess the progression of his chronic Iverson's Disease. Jameson, however, resolutely refuses, presenting recent test results from Starbase 45 to assert that while his condition is terminal and irreversible, he chooses to defy the prognosis. His refusal is not merely obstinance but a deliberate expression of agency—a refusal to be defined or limited by his illness as he embarks on a critical hostage rescue mission. Beverly, recognizing the futility of pushing further against his iron will, concedes with professional respect, underscoring the complexity of Jameson's vulnerability masked by steely determination. This moment deepens the thematic tension between control and surrender, foreshadowing the personal and physical unraveling that his risky mission will entail.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Beverly challenges Jameson on refusing a medical examination, asserting her professional duty. Jameson rebuffs the offer, asserting he does not need further tests.

professional concern to firm dismissal

Jameson produces a data disk containing recent medical test results, asserting his chronic Iverson's Disease diagnosis and impending terminal prognosis.

denial to reluctant acceptance

Jameson rejects Beverly's implied sympathy, insisting on his own resolve to defy the prognosis and dismissing further discussion as a waste of time.

sympathy to resolute defiance

Beverly briefly considers challenging Jameson's authority but concedes with polite acceptance, acknowledging his rank and the futility of argument.

professional concern to reluctant submission

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Beverly Crusher
Chief Medical Officer
 primary

Cautiously concerned yet respectful of Jameson's autonomy, balancing medical responsibility with acknowledgment of his resolute will.

Dr. Beverly Crusher confronts Admiral Jameson with professional concern, urging a medical exam for his chronic condition. She listens briefly to his refusal, acknowledging the limits of her authority, then concedes respectfully while maintaining her medical diligence.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure Jameson undergoes a comprehensive medical reassessment to monitor disease progression.
  • • Maintain professional integrity while respecting the admiral's personal agency.
Active beliefs
  • • Medical intervention is critical to managing Iverson's Disease progression.
  • • Jameson's refusal stems from a complex interplay of pride and urgency related to the mission.
Character traits
concerned professional respectful diligent
Follow Beverly Crusher's journey
Mark Jameson
Admiral
 primary

Iron-willed and resolute, concealing underlying vulnerability and fear of losing command or dignity.

Admiral Mark Jameson decisively refuses the suggested medical checkup, producing a tiny disk with recent Starbase 45 test data to assert his informed control. His demeanor is resolute, masking vulnerability beneath unwavering determination to proceed with the hostage rescue mission despite his terminal prognosis.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assert control over his health decisions to maintain command authority.
  • • Proceed undeterred with the critical hostage rescue mission regardless of his declining condition.
Active beliefs
  • • The medical prognosis does not dictate his choices or capability.
  • • Personal agency and mission duty supersede physical limitations.
Character traits
resolute determined authoritative defiant
Follow Mark Jameson's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Sickbay (USS Enterprise)

Enterprise Sickbay serves as the sterile, tension-filled setting for this critical exchange between medical authority and command will. The clinical environment underscores the fragility of Jameson's condition while highlighting the emotional and ethical complexity of patient autonomy versus medical duty.

Atmosphere Tense and clinical, imbued with underlying urgency and unspoken struggle between control and surrender.
Function A medical sanctuary and confrontation space where health, duty, and personal will collide.
Symbolism Embodies the fraught boundary between institutional care and individual agency.
Access Restricted primarily to medical and senior command personnel; controlled environment.
Sterile fluorescent lighting illuminating the medical instruments and life-support systems. Quiet hum of diagnostic machines amplifying the gravity of the conversation.

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

"BEVERLY: Pardon me, sir, but refusing a simple medical check --"
"JAMESON: I'm sorry, Doctor, but it isn't necessary. (hands her a tiny disk) The chief medical officer on Starbase 45 ran a complete battery of tests on me two days ago. Semi-annual exam. You'll find I've been a victim of Iverson's Disease for five years. My case, as you doctors like to call it, is now chronic. In another year, it will undoubtedly progress to terminal."
"JAMESON: No need. I do not accept the prognosis, Doctor. But right now, I don't have time to waste, and there's no point in you wasting your time either."
"BEVERLY: Thank you, Admiral. I'll look them over."