May 17, 2003
TNG: Navigational Dolphins
[Trek Talk]
Many years ago I got into an argument with an ex-girlfriend over the existence of dolphins on the Enterprise D. Yes, I realize that is an odd subject to get into an argument over, but you see both my girlfriend and I were avid Star Trek watchers and details like these can make a difference.
I claimed that I had seen in a technical diagram of the NCC 1701-D a deck with a dolphin tank. My memory was that the dolphins were explained as being part of the crew. I also remembered having seen an episode where Geordi made mention of the dolphins to some visiting dignitary. She was unmoved by my assurances and would not believe the presence of sea mammals aboard a starship without tangible proof.
Years later I purchased a copy of the "Star Trek Next Generation Technical Manual". It took some looking but I eventually found the entry. According to the manual there are not only dolphins but also two whales present to aid in interstellar navigation. By now I had lost contact with my ex and could not offer the proof, but having been set on this mission of finding the original sources I was not ready to give up.
While watching the ST TNG Season 5 DVDs I finally found the original show quote. The episode is 'The Perfect Mate'. The scene is one where a Ferenghi is nosing around the cargo bay and annoying Picard. To get rid of him Geordi puts his arm around the Ferenghi and says, "Have you had a chance to see the Dolphins yet?" as he leads them away. It must be about ten years since I started the quest to find that quote, but I got there in the end.
I just saw this episode for the first time last night, and I love it!!! This is unusual for me because mostly I'm not too interested in fifth, sixth, and seventh season episodes. For some reason there just seems to be something missing.
Posted by: Diane Gibson on September 3, 2003 12:43 PMYeahhhh...knowing you, Diane, that something wouldn't be Wesley, would it?
Posted by: dyingofluv on September 4, 2003 10:48 AMOf course! He really did add something to the series, a certain feel to the episodes he was in, even if the only things he said was "Aye, sir, warp five". And when he left, that feel was gone. Just like Tasha.
Posted by: Diane Gibson on September 5, 2003 12:27 PMsomehow kamala reminds me of that girl in the dauphin that wesley liked...
Posted by: bobbi chase on September 9, 2003 11:52 AMfound this looking for info on the Blueprints
Anyway, she reminds me of Jean Grey ;)
She should remind you of Jean Gray. The actress is Famke Janssen who played Gray in the X-Men movies.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000463/
I believe Geordi also mentioned the dolphins on the episode with Scotty. Scotty said something about how marvelous the Enterprise-D was, and Geordi said in response "Wait until you see the dolphins."
I think Geordi /really/ liked them dolphins ... :)
I wonder if the dolphins are actually the aquatic Xindi now.
Posted by: Chibiabos on October 13, 2004 05:24 AM
