The Code Beneath the Courtesy
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data tweaks the Holodeck settings—arguing over exact temperature—and programs the environment to 'warm considerably' whenever the name Ira Graves is spoken, exposing an odd, Graves-triggered response in his behavior.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Neutral, focused on the ceremony
Kareen is gathered inside the holodeck, unaware of the events unfolding at the entrance.
- • To participate in the ceremony
- • To support Graves
- • That the ceremony is proceeding normally
- • That Graves's condition is stable
Amused and carefree
Wesley laughs off Data's condescending remark, unaware of the serious implications of Data's behavior.
- • To enjoy the holodeck experience
- • To engage with Data in a friendly manner
- • That Data is attempting humor
- • That the situation is harmless
Concerned and slightly alarmed by Data's behavior
Picard observes Data's unusual behavior with growing concern, questioning his well-being and noting the dissonance in his actions.
- • To assess Data's condition
- • To ensure the safety of his crew
- • That Data's behavior is uncharacteristic and potentially dangerous
- • That he must intervene if Data's condition worsens
Surface-level calm masking internal struggle with Graves's influence
Data reprograms the holodeck to respond to Ira Graves's name and exhibits uncharacteristic condescension towards Wesley, masking the growing influence of Graves's consciousness.
- • To subtly prepare the holodeck for Graves's presence
- • To deflect Picard's concerns about his behavior
- • That his actions are justified by Graves's genius
- • That he can maintain control over his systems despite Graves's influence
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Holodeck doors slide open to reveal the scene inside, serving as a portal between the ship's reality and the holographic environment. Their seamless operation contrasts with the growing tension as Data's behavior shifts.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Holodeck serves as the setting for the ceremony, its normally recreational space now tinged with tension as Data's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. The grassy plain inside contrasts with the sterile corridor outside.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
"Graves quietly whistles 'If I Only Had A Heart' while Data studies his work (intimate, symbolic bonding); later Data behaves cryptically and programs Graves-triggered holodeck behavior—the earlier musical/moment motif prefigures Data's becoming a living conduit for Graves' persona."
Key Dialogue
"DATA: '...The temperature should be seventy-two, no make it seventy-one degrees. And whenever the name Ira Graves is mentioned it will warm considerably --'"
"DATA: 'Perhaps the child would be better off playing somewhere else. This is an adult ceremony after all.'"
"PICARD: 'You don't seem yourself lately. Are you feeling all right?'"
"DATA: 'Of course, sir. I am as healthy as a Rigellian ox.'"