Except that that explanation means Tom was made with the original Riker materials and Will was made from matter reserves on the ship using the original Riker as a template.
Both beams were pulling in genuine Will Riker. Presumably they are both a mix of the original material and additional material formed by the transporter. That or the transporter is violating the law of conservation of energy.
I imagine a decent amount of Riker is spread across the atmosphere any time he beams through a storm cloud. I assume Enterprise D has spare Riker bits stores somewhere to fill in any gaps.
Except that that explanation means Tom was made with the original Riker materials and Will was made from matter reserves on the ship using the original Riker as a template.
Ship of Theseus
No, USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D. But I can see why that would be confusing.
Both beams were pulling in genuine Will Riker. Presumably they are both a mix of the original material and additional material formed by the transporter. That or the transporter is violating the law of conservation of energy.
I imagine a decent amount of Riker is spread across the atmosphere any time he beams through a storm cloud. I assume Enterprise D has spare Riker bits stores somewhere to fill in any gaps.