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

Precision and Peril

Geordi finds Rina troubleshooting an exotic device with fascinated crewmembers observing. Their mutual technical shorthand—his pride in her correct diagnosis, her eager 'Yes, sir!'—creates a warm moment of professional syncopation. But when overeager assistants disrupt the transfer, Geordi performs a split-second save of the delicate equipment. His subsequent silent fury and private summons to Rina pivot the scene from collaborative triumph to tense accountability—underscoring both the fragility of trust in high-stakes engineering and Geordi's protective instincts over both his equipment and his protege.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Rina lifts the unit and two crewmembers rush to help; the device is knocked from her hands but Geordi lunges, catching it inches from the deck—risking the piece and releasing a flash of restrained anger.

confident competence to sudden alarm/embarrassment ['maintenance table / nearby work area']

GEORDI pulls Rina aside—'Come with me'—and she follows into the corridor while the embarrassed crewmembers pack up the test equipment, shifting the moment from public demonstration to a private meeting with consequences.

tension/embarrassment to private, controlled confrontation ['corridor (exit from workspace)']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Engineering Crew
Engineering Crewmen
 primary

Initial fascination shifting to embarrassed contrition after their mistake

The unnamed engineering crewmembers watch Rina's work with fascination before overeagerly attempting to assist, accidentally causing the device to be knocked from her hands, leaving them visibly embarrassed as they pack up equipment after Geordi's angry departure.

Goals in this moment
  • • Learn from observing Rina's technical work
  • • Be helpful to their superiors
Active beliefs
  • • Active participation is valued in engineering culture
  • • Mistakes have serious consequences in Starfleet operations
Character traits
Enthusiastic Overzealous Professionally embarrassed
Follow Engineering Crew's journey
Rina
Specialist Trainee
 primary

Confident success marred by sudden embarrassment and apprehension

Rina confidently diagnoses and fixes the sensor contact issue, responding eagerly to Geordi's praise before becoming embarrassed when the device is nearly dropped due to overeager assistance from crewmates.

Goals in this moment
  • • Demonstrate her engineering skills to Geordi and the crew
  • • Successfully complete the assigned technical task
Active beliefs
  • • Technical competence is her path to acceptance aboard the Enterprise
  • • Mentor approval is both desirable and anxiety-provoking
Character traits
Technically proficient Eager to please Defensive under scrutiny
Follow Rina's journey
Geordi La Forge
Chief Engineer
 primary

Proud professionalism giving way to controlled fury at the near-catastrophe

Geordi supervises Rina's work with visible pride until the delicate device is nearly dropped, prompting him to make a lightning-fast save. His subsequent silent fury manifests in a terse command for Rina to follow him into the corridor.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure the exotic device is properly handled and tested
  • • Maintain engineering discipline and standards despite the enthusiasm of junior crew
Active beliefs
  • • Precision and care are non-negotiable in engineering operations
  • • Mentorship requires balancing encouragement with accountability
Character traits
Protective of equipment Technically precise Mentorship instincts Controlled anger
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Main Engineering

Main Engineering serves as the primary stage for this event, its technical surroundings reinforcing the high-stakes precision of the work being performed. The space transitions from a collaborative workshop atmosphere to a tense accountability zone as the mood shifts following the near-accident.

Atmosphere Initially collaborative and focused, shifting to tense and embarrassed after the incident
Function Workspace for technical operations and mentorship
Symbolism Represents both the achievements and vulnerabilities of technological precision
Access Open to engineering personnel
Warp core's ambient glow reflecting off surfaces Background hum of engineering systems
Corridor Outside Sickbay

The corridor becomes the space for private reckoning as Geordi leads Rina away from the communal engineering space, transforming this transitional zone into an arena for professional accountability and mentorship.

Atmosphere Tense and focused, amplifying the emotional weight of the unspoken exchange
Function Private space for difficult mentor-protégé discussion
Symbolism Represents the transition from public professionalism to private accountability
Access Open to all crew members
Sterile lighting emphasizing the formality of the moment Echoing footsteps marking the shift in tone

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

"GEORDI: Find it?"
"RINA: All set. It was the sensor contact."
"GEORDI: -- sensor contact. Just like you said it would be."