Object

Data's Motor Pathways (Positronic Net Subsystem)

A delicate internal lattice of positronic conduction: braided microfilaments, isolinear traces and actuator interfaces woven through Data's cranial chassis. Sections appear scorched and frayed, with exposed connector pads, intermittent photonic blinks, and evidence of deliberate disruption. Geordi and Dr. Beverly access and probe these strands with diagnostic micro‑instruments while Data lies inert, hands of engineers moving with urgent, clinical precision.

2 appearances

Purpose

Transmit and translate positronic motor-control signals from central processing hubs to limb servomotors and actuators, enabling Data's coordinated movement and physical interaction.

Significance

Compromise of these pathways silences Data's mobility and agency, turning a technical lesion into an ethical fulcrum: the crew's decision to attempt repair or abandon him crystallizes around their prognosis for these circuits. The damaged pathways serve as both the immediate medical target and the narrative hinge for sacrifice, command conflict, and emotional stakes.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E13 · Deja Q

Sickbay Standoff: Data's Collapse and Picard's Rebuke of Q

Data's Motor Pathways are explicitly named by Geordi as targets for discharge and reset; they represent deliverable engineering steps (reset motor pathways and recouple autonomic nodes) to restore basic actuation and movement functions.

Before: Discharged or destabilized by the recent charge and in need of reset and recoupling.

After: Marked for attempted discharge/reset; intervention pending as engineers continue work.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Triage: Geordi's Bitter Verdict

Data's motor pathways are explicitly named as targets for discharge and reset — technical tasks Geordi proposes as possible repairs to restore basic function and movement after the positronic insult.

Before: Discharged and destabilized by the charge; coupling degraded and requiring reset and recalibration.

After: Unreset and awaiting intensive procedures; potential repairs deferred by tactical urgency and resource triage.

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