Object

Detention Cell Bunk

A narrow, institutional bunk bolted to the brig bulkhead: metal frame, thin foam mattress covered in utilitarian gray fabric, a stamped restraint bracket at the foot, and a low rail against the wall. Scuffs and sterility marks mar its surface; a single folded blanket rests on one corner. In the processed material, Q lies on this bunk — trembling, guarded and exposed — while Picard, Data and La Forge crowd the cell. The bunk functions as Q’s immediate place of confinement and the physical stage for the exchange that shifts him from omnipotent tormentor to fragile, mortal supplicant.

2 appearances

Purpose

Provide a secure, compact resting and confinement surface for a detainee within the ship's brig.

Significance

Serves as the intimate locus of a pivotal moral decision: Q's immobilized presence on the bunk frames his newfound vulnerability, anchors Picard's pragmatic choice to release and guard him, and sets up Data's custodial role—transforming the bunk from mere furniture into a site of political and ethical consequence.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E13 · Deja Q

Bargain with a Fallen God

The detention cell bunk serves as Q's immediate platform of confinement and vulnerability: he lies on it while pleading and demonstrating weakness. It frames his physical fall from godlike posture to human frailty and anchors the visual of his exposure.

Before: Occupied — Q is lying on the bunk, trembling and guarded.

After: Partially vacated — Q rises, crosses the cleared cell threshold, leaving the bunk as evidence of his previous confinement.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Reluctant Release — Q's Fall and Data's Guard

The detention cell bunk physically marks Q's vulnerability; he lies upon it weakened, its ordinariness emphasizing his new mortality and serving as the stage for his confession and plea to Picard.

Before: Occupied by Q, showing scuffs and sterility; functions as his confined resting place.

After: Remains in place and continues to hold Q momentarily until he rises and tentatively crosses the deactivated forcefield.

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