Object

Data's Tip Dollar

Data offers Jack a single dollar bill as gratuity for hauling the heavy anvil into the hotel room. Jack, winded from the effort, snatches the paper currency without focus—his gaze locks on Data's invention instead. The modest 19th-century tender facilitates their exchange, underscoring Jack's shift from service to opportunistic fascination amid Data's concealed android nature.

2 appearances

Purpose

Gratuity payment to bellboy for delivering anvil

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S5E26 · Time's Arrow

Data conceals strength while bonding with Jack

The dollar bill offered by Data as a tip for Jack’s service is initially ignored by the bellboy, who is far more interested in Data’s invention. The tip represents a transactional exchange but is overshadowed by the larger themes of ambition and partnership. Its presence highlights the economic realities of 19th-century life and the power dynamics between Data (who can afford to tip) and Jack (who is always looking for the next opportunity).

Before: Held by Data, ready to be offered as gratuity for Jack’s effort.

After: Accepted by Jack but set aside distractedly, as his attention is focused on Data’s device.

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S5E26 · Time's Arrow

Data discovers Guinan in newspaper

The dollar bill serves as a transactional object, offered by Data as a tip to Jack for hauling the anvil. However, Jack is so distracted by Data’s invention that he barely acknowledges the money, symbolizing the shift in their dynamic from a simple service interaction to a potential partnership. The dollar represents the human world’s reliance on currency and exchange, which Data is attempting to navigate while maintaining his disguise. Its presence underscores the tension between Data’s android nature and his efforts to blend into 19th-century society.

Before: Held by Data, ready to be offered as a tip to Jack for his service. It is a single 19th-century dollar bill, standard for the era.

After: Accepted by Jack but largely ignored, as his attention is focused on Data’s invention. The dollar is a minor but symbolic object, representing the human transactions Data is entangled in, even as his true nature remains hidden.

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