Object

Mariposan Tissue Samples (includes Rheinman vial)

A small collection of sterile, cryopreserved vials and swabs containing Mariposan biological tissue fragments — including a specifically produced Rheinman vial presented by Pulaski as forensic proof. These specimens, labelled with colony identifiers and chain-of-custody metadata, are handled both as medical material and contested property; they function as evidence in the cloning/theft investigation and as potential genetic material for analysis or augmentation of the Mariposan gene pool.

3 appearances

Purpose

To provide preserved genetic material for medical analysis and, if authorized, to supply DNA to augment the Mariposan colony's gene pool; also serves as physical evidence in an investigation of stolen biological property.

Significance

These samples crystallize the episode's moral crisis: they convert abstract diagnosis into a tangible lifeline, force a clash between cultural autonomy and survival, and operate as contested evidence that escalates political and ethical conflict between Granger, the Enterprise officers, and the Mariposan clones.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E18 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — Up the Long Ladder

Consent Denied — Repairs Promised

Mariposan tissue samples are referenced conceptually as the very resource Granger seeks—though not physically present in the office, they frame the ethical dilemma (tissue for cloning) and foreshadow downstream disputes about consent and ownership of biological material.

Before: Not present in the meeting; exist within Mariposa's medical/cloning facilities as preserved specimens.

After: Still in Mariposa's possession; the Enterprise declines to provide new tissue samples, so no transfer occurs in this event.

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S2E18 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — Up the Long Ladder

Two Generations Left — Pulaski's Verdict and Picard's Compromise

Mariposan Tissue Samples are referenced as likely items stolen from the clones and as the focus of Riker's demand for inspection; they function narratively as contested biological property and potential evidence of unethical acquisition.

Before: Inferred as possessed by Mariposa or in transit; suspected to be missing or illicitly used, prompting Riker's inspection demand.

After: Remains the subject of an authorized inspection request; its contested status is now officialized as evidence to be located and secured.

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S2E18 · STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION — Up the Long Ladder

Brokering Survival: The Mariposa–Bringloidi Compromise

Mariposan tissue samples are referenced as contested biological resources: Riker worries samples may have been stolen, Picard considers whether to transfer DNA, and Pulaski argues these samples only postpone the colony's fate rather than fix it.

Before: In ambiguous possession — known to exist in Mariposan cloning operations and possibly misappropriated; referenced but not physically presented in the ready room.

After: Left contested and ethically fraught — discussed as insufficient and not sanctioned for long-term rescue via cloning.

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