3. Picard has to account for his own symptoms
Picard’s deteriorating condition makes every delay more dangerous. After the captain reacts with intense fear to the transformed Reginald Barclay, Data identifies the response as an early symptom of Picard’s own change. The anxiety is not simply an embarrassing failure to remain composed.
The distinction changes what leadership requires. Picard can still reason, make observations, and act, but his remaining capacity cannot be treated as permanent. A strategy depending on him staying unaffected would contradict the evidence directly in front of them.
Data remains the reliable investigator because his android physiology excludes him from the biological process. Picard’s responsibility is not to compete with his officer’s usefulness. Keeping Data able to finish becomes the most valuable objective available.
The immediate threat arrives when the transformed Lt. Worf begins forcing his way into sickbay. Data doubts that a stun setting will stop him, while a stronger discharge could kill him. Troi and the other patients cannot simply be abandoned to give the treatment effort a safer workspace.
Picard notices that Worf appears to be seeking Troi rather than attacking indiscriminately. The earlier bite suggests mating behavior, giving the captain an alternative to shooting him. Extracting Troi’s pheromones could produce a scent trail that draws Worf away.
The plan comes from Picard even as his own condition worsens. Data objects, but the captain accepts the diversion so the medical work can continue. Dependence does not make Picard passive; it changes the kind of contribution he can make.
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