Object

Tholian Vessel

Mentioned only as 'Tholian vessel' within Data's statistical recursion and Troi's reframing; no physical attributes are described onstage. The reference appears as an off-stage, sensor-classified contact invoked in tactical hypotheticals, cited to exemplify Riker's propensity for unconventional maneuvers and to seed Data's recursive probability modeling.

2 appearances

Purpose

To serve as a tactical example/hypothetical contact used by Data in predictive models and by other officers as an illustrative clue about Commander Riker's unconventional tactics.

Significance

Functions as a narrative prop that catalyzes the shift from cold algorithmic analysis to human judgment: invoking the Tholian vessel sharpens the tactical question, highlights Riker's unpredictability, and helps push Data toward a moral, action‑oriented choice.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Data's Recursion — Troi Reframes Riker

The Tholian vessel is cited by Data as a concrete past example demonstrating Riker's tactical cleverness (a sensory blind spot exploited during an Academy simulation). It functions as evidence supporting a probabilistic assessment of Riker's unconventional options.

Before: Referenced only as a past simulation datum in Data's memory/analysis; no physical presence onstage.

After: Remains an off-stage historical example; its evidentiary weight is considered and then subsumed by Troi's emphasis on character.

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S2E21 · Peak Performance

Troi Passes the Moral Burden to Data

The Tholian vessel is cited by Data as a concrete tactical precedent: Riker calculated a sensory blind spot and hid inside it. The vessel functions narratively as the empirical evidence underpinning Data's statistical claims about Riker's unconventional methods.

Before: Referenced as a past simulation/example; not physically present and unchanged.

After: Remains a cited historical example; no physical change or further consequence within the event.

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