Star Trek The Next Generation
Object

Predatory Vine Thorn Specimen

A single, wickedly curved thorn torn from a subterranean rhizomatous (predatory) vine: dark green-to-brown, glossy, chitin/keratin‑like material tapering to a hair‑fine point with microscopic barbs and fresh sap at its base. Roughly fingertip length; cut free by Geordi with a phaser and placed into a sterile containment puck for transport. The sample is handled on the transporter platform (Geordi presenting it, Picard seizing it and ordering delivery to Sickbay) and referenced by Data in his analysis. Functionally serves as the concrete biological evidence linking the vine to Commander Riker's wound and reframes the incident into a crime/forensic investigation.
6 appearances

Purpose

A functional piercing appendage of the vine capable of puncturing flesh and delivering bioactive material; in the scene it serves as forensic evidence linking the plant to Riker's wound when deliberately severed for analysis.

Significance

Acts as the concrete clue that ties the emergent subterranean organism to Riker's infection and catalyzes escalation: its removal agitates the network, triggers a reactive tremor, and converts scientific curiosity into an immediate bio-threat requiring containment and rapid transport.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

6 moments
S2E22 · Shades of Gray
Rhizome Revealed — The Vine as Predator

The mean‑looking thorn is the key biological sample: attached to the vine until Geordi severs it with a pinpoint phaser. Its exposure confirms the vine's predatory anatomy and provides the specimen likely responsible for Riker's neural fusion.

Before: Affixed to the underside of the vine and concealed while the vine appeared dead.
After: Severed from the vine by Geordi's phaser and now available as a sample for transport to Sickbay.
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S2E22 · Shades of Gray
The Thorn Exposed — A Network Awakens

The mean-looking thorn is the evidentiary object: exposed under the vine when Data turns it over, it is the target of Geordi's pinpoint phaser cut and the immediate biological cause the crew links to Riker's wound and the ensuing network reaction.

Before: Affixed to the underside of the vine, glossy and sharp, with fresh sap at its base (implied by narrative texture).
After: Severed from the vine by Geordi's phaser; becomes the specimen to be beamed up and analyzed, its removal precipitating the vine network's violent reaction.
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S2E22 · Shades of Gray
Thorn Transfer and the Predation Hypothesis

The mean-looking thorn is the central physical clue: freshly severed, carried by Geordi from the planet, presented to Picard as evidence of the wound. It converts anecdote into specimen, driving an immediate medical response and reframing the planet's flora as an active biological threat.

Before: Detached from its vine on the planet; in Geordi's possession after being severed with phaser during the survey.
After: In transit — Geordi exits the transporter room carrying it to Sickbay for analysis and containment.
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S2E22 · Shades of Gray
Deliberate Infection: Data Identifies Predatory Vine

The mean-looking thorn is presented by Geordi as the central piece of physical evidence; it functions as proof of contact and likely causative agent, immediately triggering Picard's order to send it to Sickbay for forensic and medical analysis.

Before: Severed from a rhizomatous vine on the planet; in Geordi's possession following field extraction.
After: Taken by Geordi off the platform to be delivered to Sickbay, now in transit to medical custody for analysis.
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S2E22 · Shades of Gray
Stoic Mask Meets Deadly Truth

The mean-looking thorn functions as the revealed causal clue: Picard has physically seen it and names it to Riker, converting a theoretical threat into a concrete, deadly object. The thorn's existence collapses Riker's jokes into urgent reality and motivates immediate medical response.

Before: In Pulaski's possession/medical containment or on display in Pulaski's office as evidence after retrieval from the vine.
After: Identified and morally charged—known to be deadly; remains in medical custody and becomes the focal evidence driving urgency and treatment decisions.
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S2E22 · Shades of Gray
Quiet Acceptance Before the Gambit

The mean-looking thorn functions as the decisive diagnostic clue referenced in dialogue: Picard affirms he has seen it and Riker says the doctor showed it to him. The thorn encapsulates the hidden lethality behind Riker's numbness and converts speculation into concrete danger.

Before: In medical custody or displayed for inspection in Pulaski's office/sickbay after removal from the vine.
After: Retained by medical staff as evidence and focal point for ongoing diagnosis and treatment; continues to symbolize the threat.
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