Graves Plants the Seed of Immortality
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Data wanders to study an equation on the wall while Graves watches with a newly thoughtful expression that Data misses; the overlooked look plants a foreshadowing seed that Graves may put his plan into motion without Data's awareness.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Desperation masked by false bravado
Works feverishly at computer terminal while delivering boastful monologues, masking his terminal illness with dark humor and intellectual bravado.
- • Test Data's receptiveness to consciousness transfer concept
- • Distract Data while assessing his android body's suitability
- • His genius entitles him to circumvent natural mortality
- • Artificial vessels like Data's body are superior to biological ones
Contemplative about mortality but uncomfortable with the concept of his own deactivation
Engages in philosophical discussion while studying equations, demonstrating analytical focus that makes him oblivious to Graves' predatory gaze.
- • Understand human perspectives on mortality
- • Evaluate Graves' claims about consciousness transfer
- • Death is an intellectual concept rather than emotional reality
- • Technological solutions can potentially overcome biological limitations
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Graves' laboratory functions as an intellectual battleground where mortality is debated, its sterile surfaces and technological equipment symbolizing both scientific progress and existential desperation while providing privacy for Graves' revelation.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Graves explicitly unveils his consciousness-transfer invention (setup); shortly after, Data reports Graves' death—the technological setup directly enables the later claim/evidence that Graves' mind could move into a machine."
"Graves explicitly unveils his consciousness-transfer invention (setup); shortly after, Data reports Graves' death—the technological setup directly enables the later claim/evidence that Graves' mind could move into a machine."
"Graves explicitly unveils his consciousness-transfer invention (setup); shortly after, Data reports Graves' death—the technological setup directly enables the later claim/evidence that Graves' mind could move into a machine."
"Graves gives Data a searching look that Data misses (a subtle, filmic seed); later Data announces that 'Ira Graves lives inside me'—the missed glance foreshadows the transfer having been initiated without Data's full awareness."
"Graves gives Data a searching look that Data misses (a subtle, filmic seed); later Data announces that 'Ira Graves lives inside me'—the missed glance foreshadows the transfer having been initiated without Data's full awareness."
"Graves gives Data a searching look that Data misses (a subtle, filmic seed); later Data announces that 'Ira Graves lives inside me'—the missed glance foreshadows the transfer having been initiated without Data's full awareness."
"Graves gives Data a searching look that Data misses (a subtle, filmic seed); later Data announces that 'Ira Graves lives inside me'—the missed glance foreshadows the transfer having been initiated without Data's full awareness."
"Graves gives Data a searching look that Data misses (a subtle, filmic seed); later Data announces that 'Ira Graves lives inside me'—the missed glance foreshadows the transfer having been initiated without Data's full awareness."
Key Dialogue
"GRAVES: I've invented a way of transferring consciousness into a computer. Before I die I plan to convey my great intelligence into this machine, thus cheating the Grim Reaper of his greatest prize."
"DATA: Well Grandpa, that is not necessarily true. I do have an 'off button' if you like. Its activation robs me of all consciousness -- therefore rendering me dead for all intents and purposes."