Object

Holodeck Park Stepping Stones

A low cluster/series of flat, river-smoothed stones rendered by the holodeck to form a casual stepping-stone path across a shallow simulated stream in the parkland environment. Each stone sits slightly above the waterline, broad enough for a footfall, smooth and slightly moss-darkened, and unevenly spaced so that a walker must place weight deliberately. The stones serve as deliberate, human-scale landscaping and staging elements that shape pacing and proximity—most notably used by William Riker to cross toward Data and to choreograph an intimate, mobile conversation in the Holodeck park scene (ep: Shades of Gray).

2 appearances

Purpose

To provide a pedestrian crossing and scenic pathway within the holodeck park program, guiding movement and creating a tranquil, manipulable environment for interaction.

Significance

Functions as an atmospheric prop that structures the characters' approach and conversation, reinforcing the holodeck's bucolic mood and enabling a casual, humanizing moment between Riker and Data rather than driving plot action directly.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S2E22 · Shades of Gray

Holodeck Duet — Data's Duet and the Away Team Offer

The stepping rocks provide deliberate footing across the holodeck stream; Riker uses them to traverse toward the glen, their uneven spacing forcing a minor physical stumble that humanizes him and stages an intimate, unguarded arrival.

Before: Rendered by the holodeck as a stable stepping-stone path across a shallow stream.

After: Remain in place as part of the park simulation after Riker crosses; their only narrative effect is the near-miss stumble.

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S2E22 · Shades of Gray

Holodeck Duet — Pinocchio and Prejudice

The cluster of stepping stones provides the crossing Riker uses to reach the glen; their uneven spacing forces a misstep that humanizes Riker physically and rhythmically, punctuating the scene with a tactile beat that precedes the emotionally revealing conversation.

Before: Arranged as a stable path across the holodeck stream, available for foot traffic.

After: Remains in place as part of the simulated terrain; indirectly implicated in Riker's moment of vulnerability but physically unaffected.

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