Star Trek The Next Generation
Object

Beverly Crusher’s Tricorder/Sampling Device (Progenitor DNA Mission)

Beverly Crusher’s dual-function medical tricorder/sampling device, used during the away team’s mission to the barren planet seabed in The Chase (S06E20). The device combines scanning (tricorder functionality) and sampling (biological extraction) capabilities, enabling it to: - Scan lichen-covered rockfaces to detect and analyze a four-billion-year-old DNA fragment embedded as a message from an extinct humanoid species (confirmed via readout, with Picard nodding as Worf and Nu’Daq stand guard). - Collect organic material from ancient lichen deposits, triggering the detection of the embedded DNA program. - Transform into a projection device, beaming a shimmering hologram of the humanoid progenitor during a tense three-faction standoff (Cardassians, Federation, and others). The device’s dual functionality—scanning, sampling, and projection—serves as the key to unlocking the progenitors’ message. It is deployed in high-stakes conditions involving Klingons, Cardassians, and Romulans, often paired with Beverly’s other medical tools (e.g., in the transporter room).
4 appearances

Purpose

Scan planetary surfaces and lichen formations to detect and analyze ancient DNA fragments embedded as a message from an extinct humanoid species.

Significance

Pinpoints the final DNA fragment on the planet, enabling activation of the holographic revelation of shared ancestry among Klingons, Cardassians, Romulans, and humans—though Nu’Daq rejects it, dooming fragile cooperation.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments
S6E20 · The Chase
Team arms for high-risk beam-down

Beverly’s palm-sized sampling instrument is a precision tool designed for extracting the DNA fragment from its planetary environment. It is small but mighty, symbolizing the delicate balance between scientific precision and the physical risks of the mission. The instrument’s compact size allows for easy transport and use, but its functionality is critical—without it, the team would lack the means to safely and accurately retrieve the fragment. Its presence on the transporter pad underscores the mission’s scientific goals and the care required to achieve them.

Before: Held securely in Beverly’s hand, fully functional and ready for deployment upon arrival on the planet.
After: Remains in Beverly’s possession as the team prepares to beam down, its role in the fragment’s retrieval imminent.
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S6E20 · The Chase
Riker’s Warning Halts Lichen Extraction

Gul Ocett’s small computer is deployed swiftly to sample the lichen from the rockface, its compact design allowing for quick and precise data collection. The device is a critical tool in her mission to secure the ancient DNA fragment for the Cardassian Union. As she edges backward toward the rockface, the computer beeps softly, confirming the sample’s potential value. Its use underscores the Cardassians’ ruthless efficiency and their willingness to act decisively in the pursuit of their goals, even in the face of direct opposition from Starfleet and the Klingons.

Before: Hanging from Ocett’s belt, unused but ready for deployment.
After: Active in Ocett’s hands, sampling the lichen and confirming its significance.
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S6E20 · The Chase
Three-Faction Standoff and Ancient Revelation

Beverly Crusher’s sampling instrument is used to extract a fossilized sample from the seabed, which, when processed with Picard’s computer, activates the DNA program and triggers the hologram. The device’s compact design allows for discreet operation amid the standoff, enabling the away team to work subtly while the factions argue. Its role in uncovering the truth is pivotal, as it provides the physical evidence needed to reveal the ancient message.

Before: Attached to Beverly’s belt, ready for use on the planet surface.
After: Used to extract the fossilized sample, which activates the hologram and reveals the message of shared ancestry.
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S6E20 · The Chase
Ancient Message Reveals Shared Ancestry

Beverly Crusher's Sampling Instrument is gripped in the transporter room, ready for the away team's beam-down to a hostile planet. It is paired with her tricorder as Picard clutches his computer device, equipping her to extract the final DNA fragment amid Cardassian threats and fractured alliances. Its compact design and precision are essential for the discreet extraction process, enabling the activation of the ancient program.

Before: Attached to Beverly's belt, ready for use during the away mission.
After: Used to scrape the fossilized seabed, extracting the sample that activates the holographic message.
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