Fabula
S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Data’s Obsessive Dive into Dixon Hill Lore

As the Enterprise steadily approaches the tense Jaradan rendezvous, Data obsessively initiates a rapid, exhaustive retrieval of all available biographical data and literary texts on Dixon Hill, the hard-boiled detective figure central to Captain Picard’s favored Holodeck simulation. This moment reveals Data’s deep analytical nature and his surprising fascination with the noir genre, contrasting the pressing external political crisis with a quiet, cerebral immersion. The exchange with Geordi also underscores Picard’s reluctance to revisit painful subject matter regarding the Jaradan, highlighting the captain’s psychological burdens and setting a tonal backdrop for the crew’s impending dive into the 1941 San Francisco detective narrative.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Data stands thoughtfully at Science One, commanding the computer to retrieve all biographical information and complete texts concerning Dixon Hill, initiating a deep dive into the detective's lore.

playful to focused determination ['Science One']

The computer processes Data's request, delivering publication history details and beginning a rapid text retrieval, while Data's eyes scan the flood of information with machine-like speed as the Enterprise advances toward the Jaradan rendezvous.

anticipation to intense focus

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Calmly inquisitive with a subtle undertone of concern regarding Picard's psychological state.

Data questions Picard's avoidance of Jaradan information, then redirects his intellectual rigor to an extensive, accelerated digital inquiry into Dixon Hill's biographies and stories, demonstrating his characteristic analytical precision and unexpected cultural fascination while physically stationed at Science One.

Goals in this moment
  • Understand Captain Picard's reluctance to engage with the Jaradan dossier
  • Gain comprehensive knowledge about Dixon Hill to better grasp Picard’s interests
  • Engage in an intellectual exercise to momentarily divert from mounting external tensions
Active beliefs
  • Information is key to comprehension and problem-solving
  • Understanding cultural context can illuminate human behaviors and motivations
Character traits
analytical curious methodical intellectually immersive
Follow Data's journey

Measured and cautious, yet maintaining lightheartedness to ease tension.

Geordi responds to Data's probing with informed, cautious insight about the Jaradan’s intimidating nature, providing pragmatic perspective on Picard’s avoidance and displaying familiarity with Dixon Hill’s archetype through casual, witty banter.

Goals in this moment
  • Clarify the severity of the Jaradan threat to reinforce understanding
  • Support Data’s inquiry while subtly acknowledging the captain’s psychological burdens
Active beliefs
  • The Jaradan’s reaction is severe and impactful enough to avoid repeated exposure
  • Humor and shared cultural references facilitate camaraderie and morale
Character traits
cautious informative witty supportive
Follow Geordi La …'s journey

Impassive and functional, delivering information without affect.

The Enterprise Computer Voice promptly and precisely processes Data’s requests, retrieving exhaustive biographical and literary data on Dixon Hill, enabling Data’s rapid immersion into the material and supporting the analytic flow of the scene.

Goals in this moment
  • Fulfill Data’s data retrieval commands accurately and swiftly
  • Maintain operational support for critical ship functions amid external tensions
Active beliefs
  • Accuracy and efficiency are paramount in data delivery
  • Supporting crew inquiries is essential to mission success
Character traits
efficient neutral responsive
Follow Custodian Voice's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Main Bridge

Science One serves as the quiet technical enclave where Data conducts his comprehensive investigation into Dixon Hill, embodying the cerebral heart of the Enterprise amidst rising external diplomatic tensions, framing this moment of intellectual immersion and subtle psychological probing.

Atmosphere Quiet, contemplative, subtly tense with underlying anxiety.
Function Sanctuary for data analysis and private reflection away from bridge and engineering hubbub.
Symbolism Represents the tension between cold logic and human complexity, mirroring Data’s own navigation between emotion …
Softly glowing consoles Blank computer screen initially Reflected green computer letters illuminating Data's face

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

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Key Dialogue

"DATA: Why would the captain not want to review all the information available on the subject?"
"GEORDI: When you've seen the Jaradan react once, you don't ever have to see it again."
"DATA: Dixon Hill is a most puzzling character."
"GEORDI: Not really. He was just a twentieth-century Sherlock Holmes."
"DATA: But his modus operandi is quite dissimilar. Worth investigating."
"GEORDI: Indubitably, Watson."