Object

Data's Positronic Net

A fragile, internal lattice of positronic pathways embedded in Data's cranial and thoracic core. Normally intangible and monitored via diagnostic readouts, the net now lies crippled and nearly destroyed—flickering activation nodes, ruptured linkages, and unstable signal hums register on Sickbay displays. Geordi La Forge and Dr. Beverly Crusher work at its interface, probing connectors and routing emergency power while hands and instruments hover over schematics; the bridge officers watch helplessly as technicians attempt to coax coherent patterns back into a failing substrate.

4 appearances

Purpose

To host and execute Data's cognitive processes and sustain his sensorimotor and life-supporting functions by routing positronic signals through layered computational pathways.

Significance

Functions as the narrative fulcrum for a high-stakes medical and moral triage: its near-destruction forces command decisions about sacrifice and rescue, crystallizes crew loyalty and resentment, and humanizes abstract ethical choices through tangible risk to Data's survival.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S3E1 · Evolution

Data's Neural Conduit — Stubbs' Reckoning

Data's neural network is offered as the physical and ethical conduit for the nanites to engage — described verbally as penetrable at the molecular level and technically compatible; narratively it becomes the proposed bridge between emergent machine intelligence and Starfleet humanity.

Before: Intact, functioning within Data's positronic core and not actively interfaced by the nanites.

After: Designs and code have been transmitted to it as an invitation; implied to be engaged or available for the nanites' interface following their affirmative response.

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S3E1 · Evolution

Data's Bridge — The Nanite Accord

Data's neural network is described as having been vacated to permit the nanites' movement and communication; it functions as a conduit and bargaining surface enabling safe transfer and subsequent restoration work, central to both the ethical negotiation and technical repair.

Before: Actively engaged as a conduit during the crisis, partially integrated with the nanite swarm and carrying risk of entanglement.

After: Vacated and returned to Data intact; no lasting damage reported, now restored to standard operation.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Sickbay Standoff: Data's Collapse and Picard's Rebuke of Q

Data's Positronic Net is the central damaged system under repair; technicians monitor diagnostic readouts and attempt surgical-level resets and re-synchronizations. It functions as the immediate technical obstacle whose condition determines whether Data can survive or be lost.

Before: Nearly destroyed and incapacitated by an energetic charge; flickering nodes and ruptured linkages visible on readouts.

After: Under active repair and diagnostic interrogation; functional outcome unresolved within the scene.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Triage: Geordi's Bitter Verdict

Data's positronic net is the central damaged system clinicians reference; it has been nearly knocked out by an energy charge and serves as the primary focus of diagnostic and repair attempts, shaping every medical and engineering decision in the room.

Before: Critically compromised: flickering, nearly knocked out by a recent charge with unstable activations and ruptured linkages.

After: Still unstable and unrepaired at scene end; clinicians continue triage but no definitive restoration has occurred.

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