Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E1
· Encounter at Farpoint: Part One

Data's Respectful Challenge and the Admiral's Fatherly Counsel

In an intimate corridor exchange, Data gently questions the necessity of the admiral's shuttle travel given his advanced age, highlighting Data's logical concern and respectful candor. The admiral initially bristles, revealing a fierce pride in his longevity and resilience against the specter of mortality. Their banter—blending Data's android precision and the admiral's crotchety humanity—softens into mutual respect as the admiral acknowledges Vulcans and Data's nature with ironic warmth. Before departing, the admiral imparts a solemn, fatherly warning to honor the new USS Enterprise, personifying the starship as a protective lady who will safely guide her crew home. This poignant moment deepens the theme of legacy, duty, and the protective bond between ship and crew, subtly underscoring the weight of command and respect for history amid the unfolding cosmic trial.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Data gently presses the admiral about his age and travel options, prompting a crotchety yet defiant admission of his advanced years and a grudging respect exchanged between man and android.

controversy to reluctant respect

The admiral, softened, imparts a fatherly warning to Data to honor the new Enterprise, personifying the ship as a lady that will always bring them home safely.

feisty to tender, admonishment to wisdom

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Data
Second Officer
 primary

Calm, respectful concern mixed with subtle curiosity about human stubbornness and mortality.

Data gently questions the admiral's choice to travel by shuttle instead of transporter, showing logical concern for the admiral's advanced age. He remains respectful and patient throughout, responding thoughtfully to the admiral's crotchety remarks and ultimately assisting him physically as they depart together.

Goals in this moment
  • • To convince the admiral to use the safer and quicker transporter instead of shuttlecraft travel.
  • • To maintain respectful rapport while addressing sensitive topics like age and mortality.
Active beliefs
  • • It is more logical and safer for elderly personnel to avoid shuttle travel when possible.
  • • Respectful dialogue can bridge differences between android logic and human emotion.
Character traits
logical respectful gentle patient curious
Follow Data's journey
Unidentified Starfleet Admiral
Admiral
 primary

Defensive pride masking vulnerability about mortality, evolving into affectionate respect and solemn duty.

The admiral responds with crotchety stubbornness and fierce pride in his longevity, bristling at any implication that his age limits him. His initially defensive tone softens as he recognizes Data's respectful nature and android identity, allowing moments of ironic warmth. Before departing, he imparts a solemn, fatherly warning to honor the new USS Enterprise, personifying the ship as a protective 'lady' who will bring the crew safely home.

Goals in this moment
  • • To assert his resilience and deny that his advanced age diminishes his vitality or importance.
  • • To impress upon Data the importance of respecting the new Enterprise and its legacy.
Active beliefs
  • • Longevity is a mark of resilience and honor.
  • • The USS Enterprise embodies a protective spirit warranting respect and care from its crew.
Character traits
proud crotchety stubborn affectionate solemn
Follow Unidentified Starfleet …'s journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Corridor Outside Sickbay

The Enterprise Corridor serves as a quiet, neutral sanctuary for this intimate exchange between Data and the admiral. Its narrow, subdued space allows a private moment of reflection and personal connection away from the public eye of command, emphasizing themes of legacy, respect, and the protective nature of the starship.

Atmosphere Calm, subdued, and intimate, with a tone of quiet respect and gentle tension.
Function A private passageway facilitating candid dialogue and physical assistance between characters.
Symbolism Represents the connective artery linking generations aboard the starship and the passage of duty and …
Quiet, narrow corridor Soft lighting emphasizing a calm mood

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

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Key Dialogue

"ADMIRAL: "My age? Hold it right there, boy, what about my age?""
"DATA: "One hundred forty-seven years, Admiral. According to Starfleet records.""
"ADMIRAL: "This is a new ship, boy, but she's got the right name. Remember that.""
"ADMIRAL: "You treat her like a lady. She'll always bring you home...""