Object
Ten-Forward Quartet Cello (O'Brien's Cello)
A full-size acoustic cello with warm amber varnish, carved maple back and spruce top, a worn ebony fingerboard and scuffed endpin. The bow's horsehair bears visible wear from frequent playing. O'Brien cradles and carefully tunes the instrument, fingers testing the strings; low, resonant tones bloom across Ten-Forward, drawing the small circle of musicians together and framing the intimate mentorship before the transmission breaks the room's calm.
2 appearances
Purpose
To supply the cello part for the Ten-Forward quartet — producing low-register harmonic and melodic accompaniment during the group's chamber performance.
Significance
Serves as the sonic anchor for a quiet bonding moment: O'Brien's tuning and subsequent playing shape an intimate space in which Picard coaches Data and Beverly reframes Data's self-doubt. The cello's music heightens the scene's domestic warmth and makes the abrupt Sheliak hail feel more jarring by contrast.
Appearances in the Narrative
When this object appears and how it's used