First Stirring: The Antedians Blink
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Pulaski evaluates the inert Antedians, stressing their unfamiliar biology while noting rising metabolic rates that suggest imminent recovery. Worf pushes for a verdict, and she stakes a cautious "good" on the numbers.
Pulaski sweeps a tricorder across an unseeing eye, then recoils as the Antedian suddenly blinks—the first hard proof they’re waking.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Professional curiosity giving way to sudden alarm; outwardly controlled but internally surprised and recalibrating priorities.
Pulaski clinically examines the Antedians laid out in beds, narrates her findings aloud, runs a tricorder along an unseeing eye, then physically recoils when the creature blinks — shifting instantly from detached observer to startled responder.
- • Accurately diagnose the Antedians' physiological state and risks.
- • Determine whether rising metabolism indicates recovery or danger.
- • Prepare immediate medical containment or treatment if necessary.
- • Communicate clear information to command and security.
- • Physiological data (e.g., metabolic rates) are the most reliable indicator of alien state.
- • Unknown alien biology requires containment and caution until understood.
- • Medical truth should guide tactical and diplomatic responses.
- • A sudden physiological change likely alters the risk profile and requires rapid action.
Calmly concerned and alert; surface reserve masks readiness to escalate to force if Pulaski indicates danger.
Worf stands sentinel beside Pulaski with a security guard present, listening to her assessment, asking pointedly whether the metabolic increase is positive, and maintaining a ready, protective posture throughout the medical check.
- • Ensure the safety of Sickbay staff and the ship.
- • Interpret medical findings quickly to adjust security posture.
- • Provide an immediate, enforceable response if the delegates become hostile.
- • Support the medical officer while maintaining command discipline.
- • Unidentified or changing alien physiology can pose a security risk.
- • Security must be ready to act on medical information.
- • Clear, brief communication between medical and security prevents escalation.
- • Duty requires him to prioritize crew safety over diplomatic niceties when threatened.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Pulaski uses the palm-sized medical tricorder to sweep along an Antedian's face and eye, translating inscrutable alien physiology into audible tones and numeric readouts. The tricorder's data reveal increasing metabolic activity and coincide with the visual, dramatic confirmation — the blink — turning instrument output into tactical evidence.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Rising metabolic rates in Sickbay culminate in the Antedians waking and demanding food."
"Rising metabolic rates in Sickbay culminate in the Antedians waking and demanding food."
Key Dialogue
"PULASKI: The blood chemistry and brain organization of these creatures is completely outside of my experience... But it seems their metabolic rates are increasing."
"WORF: Is that good or bad?"
"PULASKI: It's good, I think."