Object

Chinese Finger Puzzle

A small, dexterous toy constructed from interlocked loops designed to trap the user's finger, creating a playful yet confounding mechanical puzzle. Left behind by two teenage boys in the Enterprise's observation lounge, the puzzle becomes a motif of complexity and human foible. Data's interaction with the finger puzzle injects moments of comic relief and symbolic depth, embodying his struggle to comprehend human nature. Later, the puzzle serves as a thoughtful gift signifying contemplation and a fragile mutual respect between the Enterprise crew and the Ferengi.

8 appearances

Purpose

Functions as both a playful distraction and a symbolic prop that illustrates complexity, human fallibility, and the thematic tension between order and chaos during the crew's investigation of the Tkon mystery and their uneasy alliance with the Ferengi.

Significance

Represents Data's quest to understand humanity, the paradox of control and entrapment, and serves as a tangible emblem of contemplation and emerging cooperation. Its presence bridges moments of levity with profound narrative shifts from conflict to collaboration.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

8 moments

S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Enterprise Crew Uncovers the Tkon Mystery Amidst Protocol Breach

The Chinese finger puzzle is inadvertently left behind by the two teenage boys, later manipulated by Data during his briefing. It serves both as a physical object of comic relief and as a symbolic motif of entrapment, complexity, and the challenge of understanding human nature within the broader crisis.

Before: In possession of the two teenage boys, carried casually as a playful toy.

After: Abandoned near the observation lounge viewscreen, then briefly handled and trapped by Data before being released.

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Data Decodes Tkon Legacy and Reveals the Forcefield's Origin

The Chinese finger puzzle, left behind by the Two Teen Boys, functions as a symbolic and comedic motif. Data’s interaction with it—trapping his fingers and requiring Picard's intervention—illustrates his struggle with human foibles and adds a moment of levity amid the serious briefing.

Before: In possession of Two Teen Boys, held while inspecting starship reliefs.

After: Left near the viewscreen in the Observation Lounge, briefly handled by Data and released by Picard.

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Discovery of the Tkon Forcefield and the Fragile Alliance Proposal

The Chinese finger puzzle, left behind by the two teen boys, becomes a playful physical motif as Data interacts with it. His struggle and eventual entrapment in the puzzle metaphorically mirror the crew's own predicament—trapped by the mysterious planetary forcefield and the complexity of their situation. Picard’s intervention to free Data underscores leadership’s role in overcoming challenges.

Before: In the observation lounge near the viewscreen, abandoned by the teen boys.

After: Remains in the observation lounge, briefly handled by Data and released by Picard.

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Data’s Puzzle Unveils the Tkon Empire’s Legacy and the Planet’s Forcefield

The Chinese finger puzzle, left behind by the departing teenagers, becomes an object of fascination for Data, who struggles to free his finger from it. This playful device symbolizes Data’s ongoing attempt to understand human play, fallibility, and complexity, providing a rare moment of levity amid the serious briefing.

Before: In possession of the two teen boys as a plaything in the observation lounge

After: In Data's hands, momentarily trapping his finger before being freed by Picard

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Picard Proposes Uneasy Alliance to Explore Tkon Ruins

The Chinese finger puzzle, left behind by the two teen boys, becomes a symbolic and literal motif during the event. Data interacts with the puzzle, accidentally trapping his fingers, symbolizing both his challenge in grasping human nuances and the complexity of the current situation.

Before: Possessed by Two Teen Boys in Observation Lounge, actively played with.

After: Left on the Observation Lounge viewscreen area, briefly held and manipulated by Data before being released.

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Troi Defuses Bridge Tension with Levity as Enterprise Regains Control

Data’s Chinese finger puzzle is prominently placed at his Ops station, symbolizing his unique blend of logic and emerging humanity. Riker’s request to send boxes of these puzzles to the Ferengi represents a gesture of goodwill and reconciliation, transforming a playful object into a diplomatic token.

Before: In Data’s possession, kept at his Ops station.

After: Planned to be beamed over to Ferengi as a symbolic gift.

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

Riker Restores Power and Initiates Gesture of Goodwill

Data places his Chinese finger puzzle visibly atop his console, transforming it from a mere toy into a symbolic artifact representing the complexity of human interactions and a token intended to be gifted to the Ferengi as an emblem of thanks and newfound mutual respect.

Before: In Data’s possession, previously introduced as a simple mechanical toy, located in the Enterprise’s observation lounge

After: Remains aboard the Enterprise on Data’s console as a symbol; additional puzzles prepared for beam-over to the Ferengi

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S1E7 · The Last Outpost

A Symbolic Gesture of Peace and Gratitude

Data's Chinese finger puzzle is placed on his console as a quiet emblem of complexity and contemplation following the day's trials. It later becomes the inspiration for a diplomatic gift box sent to the Ferengi, symbolizing tentative mutual respect.

Before: In Data's possession, held as a personal token and intellectual challenge.

After: Placed visibly on Data's forward console; duplicates prepared to be sent as gifts to the Ferengi.

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