Object

Counterfeit Parasite Splinter

A small, deceptive biological implant designed to mimic the appearance and function of a parasitic organism. Embedded covertly in William Riker's neck, its artificial nature allows it to simulate infection and allegiance to alien infiltrators. The splinter is compact, likely bioengineered, and crafted to fool both medical scans and visual inspection. It acts as a physical plot device, triggering suspicion and revealing layers of conspiracy as Riker reveals and removes it during a violent confrontation, exposing his true loyalty and breaking the alien alliance's façade.

3 appearances

Purpose

To serve as a deceptive implant simulating parasitic infection, used to fake allegiance with alien infiltrators and manipulate trust within Starfleet ranks.

Significance

Functions as a pivotal plot device revealing Riker's double role and betrayal, catalyzing the shattering of alliances and exposing the parasitic conspiracy at the highest levels of Starfleet command. It symbolizes deception, hidden corruption, and the dangerous infiltration threatening the Federation.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S1E25 · Conspiracy

Picard Uncovers the Parasitic Conspiracy and Riker’s Betrayal

The counterfeit parasite splinter is revealed on Riker’s neck by Admiral Aaron, serving as a crucial plot device to falsely implicate Riker as an infected conspirator. Its removal by Riker at the event’s climax signifies the unmasking of his true loyalty and dismantles the conspirators’ façade.

Before: Concealed under Riker’s collar, simulating parasitic infection and allegiance.

After: Removed by Riker from his neck, exposing the deception and ending its narrative function.

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S1E25 · Conspiracy

Admirals’ Treachery and Riker’s Deceptive Coup

The counterfeit parasite splinter, covertly embedded on Riker's neck, is revealed by Admiral Aaron during the event as evidence of Riker’s infection and betrayal. Later, Riker removes the splinter from his own neck, symbolizing his shedding of the alien facade and complicating the allegiance dynamics in the confrontation.

Before: Concealed on the back of Riker’s neck, undetected and simulating parasitic infection.

After: Physically removed by Riker during the fight, exposing his true, complicated loyalties.

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S1E25 · Conspiracy

Riker’s Double Betrayal and the Shattering of Alliances

The counterfeit parasite splinter embedded in Riker’s neck serves as a pivotal plot device, initially signifying his infection and betrayal. Its removal by Riker after the firefight reveals his true loyalty and helps dismantle the conspiracy’s illusion.

Before: Embedded covertly in Riker’s neck, simulating infection.

After: Removed by Riker, exposing the counterfeit's artificial nature and invalidating the perceived betrayal.

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