Wesley’s Selfless Aid Secures Mordock’s Success in the Carlundrum Test
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Chang announces the Carlundrum I.Q. Test rules, then exits as the finalists begin the rapid pattern recognition challenge on their computer screens.
Mordock falters under the test’s speed and complexity, visibly struggling and falling behind as Wesley offers calm encouragement.
Wesley subtly guides Mordock to input the correct sequence, sacrificing his own test time and points to help his struggling friend complete the sequence successfully.
Both Mordock and Wesley finish the test, with the computer confirming test completion as Mordock reacts emotionally and Chang reenters the room.
Chang congratulates Mordock on his near-record completion time and acknowledges Wesley’s compassionate choice that affected their close scores, hinting at its larger significance.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Fluctuating between confidence and nervousness due to the test’s difficulty.
Oliana approaches the test with energetic bursts but shows signs of hesitation and anxiety at times, reflecting the high-pressure environment affecting even the most confident candidates.
- • Complete the test quickly and accurately.
- • Outperform competitors to secure Academy admission.
- • Speed and precision are critical to success.
- • Maintaining composure is challenging but essential.
Composed and unflappable under pressure.
T'Shanik proceeds methodically and calmly through the Carlundrum test, displaying steady focus and emotional control, embodying Vulcan traits of logic and detachment.
- • Complete the test without error.
- • Maintain consistent performance amidst competition.
- • Logic guides success more than emotion.
- • Steady pace outperforms frantic effort.
Neutral and unflappable, serving as a steady informational presence.
The Enterprise Computer Voice methodically announces the start and completion of the Carlundrum I.Q. Test, providing clear instructions and marking test transitions with impartial authority.
- • Provide clear, unbiased instructions and announcements.
- • Maintain orderly test procedures.
- • Efficiency and clarity are paramount in test administration.
- • Neutrality supports fair competition.
Calm yet empathetic, balancing internal confidence with concern for a fellow competitor.
Wesley Crusher demonstrates focused intellectual agility, maintaining pace with the rapid sequence patterns, while shifting his attention to assist Mordock subtly when the latter falters. Wesley’s quiet, compassionate gestures and encouragement reveal his supportive nature and maturity under pressure.
- • Complete the Carlundrum test successfully within time constraints.
- • Support Mordock discreetly to enable his success without compromising his own performance.
- • Success is not measured solely by individual performance but also by character.
- • Helping others in struggle is a mark of true leadership and growth.
Anxious and overwhelmed initially, shifting to grateful and humbled after Wesley’s assistance.
Mordock struggles visibly with the rapid pattern recognition, becoming tense and frustrated. He expresses doubt aloud, showing vulnerability. Upon Wesley’s subtle aid, he manages to recover and complete the test near record time, though emotionally upset afterward.
- • Successfully complete the Carlundrum test despite difficulty.
- • Maintain competitive standing among finalists.
- • The test’s pace is daunting and may exceed his capacity unaided.
- • Accepting help is necessary but challenges his pride.
Measured and approving, appreciating the deeper implications of the candidates’ conduct.
Chang presides over the test with calm observance. After the test completes, he returns to acknowledge Mordock’s performance and Wesley’s unexpected act of assistance, framing it as a meaningful character choice beyond raw intellect.
- • Ensure the test accurately evaluates candidate ability and character.
- • Encourage candidates to demonstrate integrity and teamwork.
- • True Starfleet officers must balance intellect with moral character.
- • Observing reactions under pressure reveals candidates’ deeper qualities.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The USS Enterprise Transporter Console is the tactile interface Wesley and Mordock manipulate to input their answers during the test. It glows and pulses with activity as candidates execute pattern predictions, becoming a physical extension of their cognitive engagement.
The Terraforming Base Computer Screens display the complex and rapidly shifting patterns of Platonic Solids that the candidates must predict and replicate. The screens serve as the primary interface for the Carlundrum I.Q. Test, imposing cognitive pressure while visibly reflecting candidates' performance and reactions.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The classroom on Relva 7 serves as the high-pressure arena for the Carlundrum I.Q. Test, encapsulating the tension and stakes of the Starfleet Academy entrance exams. Its sterile and formal environment magnifies the psychological intensity candidates experience.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Wesley’s choice to help Mordock during the Carlundrum I.Q. Test, sacrificing his own time and points, reflects his established compassionate character trait and directly impacts the final Academy selection."
"Wesley’s compassionate choice during the test causes his slightly lower score, leading to Mordock’s selection as the Academy candidate from Relva 7, deepening the bittersweet outcome."
"Wesley’s compassionate choice during the test causes his slightly lower score, leading to Mordock’s selection as the Academy candidate from Relva 7, deepening the bittersweet outcome."
"Wesley’s compassionate choice during the test causes his slightly lower score, leading to Mordock’s selection as the Academy candidate from Relva 7, deepening the bittersweet outcome."
"Wesley’s compassionate choice during the test causes his slightly lower score, leading to Mordock’s selection as the Academy candidate from Relva 7, deepening the bittersweet outcome."
"Wesley’s choice to help Mordock during the Carlundrum I.Q. Test, sacrificing his own time and points, reflects his established compassionate character trait and directly impacts the final Academy selection."
Key Dialogue
"CHANG: This test will be graded as to the number of problems you complete within the allotted time."
"MORDOCK: I... I can't get... it."
"WESLEY: Don't fight it. Relax into it and just do it automatically."
"MORDOCK: No... it's going too fast!"
"MORDOCK: Mister Chang..."
"CHANG: Congratulations, Mordock. That was the second fastest time recorded on this test. You all did well."
"MORDOCK: It should not have been that way. Mister Crusher helped me."
"CHANG: Yes. I know. An interesting choice, Mister Crusher. Especially considering how close you and Mister Mordock are in overall score."
"WESLEY: The Psych Test, sir?"
"CHANG: We prefer to think of it as a psychological evaluation based on reactions to various individual problems."