Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E21
· The Arsenal of Freedom

Data’s Daring Descent and Picard’s Steadfast Rally

In a pivotal moment amid the underground crisis on Minos, Data commits to a hazardous 11.75-meter descent into the cavern’s depths, relying on his android resilience to land safely. Immediately upon landing, Captain Picard’s voice echoes with concern and command, affirming their shared resolve to confront the lethal automated defenses threatening their survival. This exchange crystallizes the crew’s tenacity and Data’s essential role as both a physical and intellectual linchpin in navigating the escalating dangers below the planet’s surface.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Data plunges down the cavern shaft, absorbing the heavy impact with his android legs as he lands squarely on his feet.

tension to awe ['11.75-meter cavern shaft']

Picard’s voice cuts through the cavern’s silence, laced with concern as he calls out to Data, signaling relief and urgency.

anxiety to cautious hope

Data responds promptly and respectfully, affirming his readiness to assist Picard amidst the unfolding crisis underground.

hope to determination

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm and dutiful, with underlying readiness to face immediate threats.

Data performs a hazardous fall into the cavern, landing on his feet with his android legs absorbing the impact. He responds promptly to Picard's call, demonstrating readiness and composure, physically embodying resilience amid danger.

Goals in this moment
  • • Safely descend into the cavern
  • • Maintain readiness to support the team
  • • Respond promptly to Captain Picard
  • • Assess and confront the emerging dangers
Active beliefs
  • • His android physiology grants superior physical resilience
  • • Immediate responsiveness is critical in crisis
  • • Team survival depends on coordinated effort
  • • Captain Picard’s leadership provides guidance
Character traits
Resilient Composed Loyal Physically resilient
Follow Data's journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Concerned yet composed, resolute in maintaining command amidst danger.

Captain Picard immediately voices concern upon Data’s landing, his tone conveying leadership and protective instinct. His presence commands authority and reassures the crew, signaling readiness to confront the lethal environment.

Goals in this moment
  • • Ensure Data’s safety upon landing
  • • Assert command and control in the crisis
  • • Prepare to face automated threats
  • • Maintain crew cohesion and morale
Active beliefs
  • • The situation is dangerous and demands vigilance
  • • Leadership requires calm and immediate response
  • • Data’s abilities are crucial to mission success
  • • Crew survival supersedes all else
Character traits
Authoritative Protective Calm under pressure Decisive
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

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Key Dialogue

"PICARD: Data!"
"DATA: At your service, Captain."