Object

Data's Body

A human-scaled android shell of gleaming golden-hued bioplastic and exposed alloy articulation, with precise jointed limbs and an impassive, humanlike face. Under the bridge lights the surface reflects clinical sterility; servomotors emit faint mechanical hums when limbs shift. Officers circle it with a mix of technical scrutiny and protective alarm as Maddox performs authoritative inspection and loudly declares intent to disassemble the unit, turning the shell into both evidence and endangered subject.

3 appearances

Purpose

To house and operate a sentient artificial consciousness for Starfleet service, scientific research, and direct interaction with the crew and ship systems.

Significance

Functions as the immediate flashpoint for moral and legal conflict—its threatened disassembly converts bureaucratic curiosity into existential danger, forcing Picard and the crew to defend synthetic personhood and driving the episode's ethical stakes.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E5 · Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Schizoid Man

The Fragility of Godhood

Data's stolen android body becomes the battleground for Graves' identity crisis—used first as a weapon (crushing Picard's throat) then as a source of shame (trembling under Kareen's rebuke). The physical form's synthetic strength juxtaposes with its controller's emotional fragility.

Before: Under Graves' complete control; weaponized for dominance

After: Temporarily abandoned; emotionally compromised

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S2E5 · Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Schizoid Man

When Reason Shatters

Data's body becomes the literal battleground for competing identities - Graves uses its superhuman strength to nearly kill Picard, then its emotional receptiveness makes Graves vulnerable to Kareen's rejection. The android physiology amplifies both physical violence and psychological trauma.

Before: Completely controlled by Graves' consciousness

After: Graves relinquishing control after emotional collapse

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S2E5 · Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Schizoid Man

Kareen's Devastating Intervention

Data's body serves as both weapon and battleground - Graves uses its strength to nearly kill Picard, but Kareen's words turn it into a prison Graves can no longer bear to inhabit. The body's physical dominance contrasts sharply with its emotional vulnerability.

Before: Under Graves' complete control, exhibiting enhanced strength and aggression

After: Freed from Graves' consciousness, left vacant as Graves departs via turbolift

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