Object

Ten-Forward Tray of Desserts

A low metal service tray bearing ten individual glass hot-fudge sundaes: layered scoops of vanilla/cream-colored ice cream, thick ribbons of glossy hot fudge, spirals of whipped cream and single maraschino cherries. Each sundae is presented with a dessert spoon and napkin; the tray is carried by waiters into Ten-Forward and presented to patrons. In-episode use: offered to Q (who refuses) while Data and Guinan attend—the tray functions as a tangible prop that triggers Q's mortification. (Consolidated from generic 'Ten-Forward Tray of Desserts' placeholder.)

3 appearances

Purpose

To carry and present individual dessert portions to patrons in the Ten‑Forward lounge as part of standard food service.

Significance

The ten sundaes act as a concrete test and moment of humiliation: presented as comfort and temptation, they force Q to confront vulnerability when he refuses them after Guinan demonstrates his mortality. The offered desserts pivot the crew’s role from curiosity to stewardship and mark an emotional turning point in Q’s stripped state.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

The Last Hour: Toasts, Jibes, and a Commander's Send‑Off

A tray of small, civil desserts is delivered by a waiter and used by Pulaski to fill awkward empty space on the table; narratively it contrasts refined human fare with Klingon grotesqueries and serves to lighten and humanize the send‑off.

Before: Carried by a waiter approaching the Ten‑Forward table, filled with petit fours and delicate sweets.

After: Arranged on the table in the remaining space, partially interrupting the visual dominance of the Klingon dishes.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Ten Forward: Q Humiliated and Revealed

A low tray bearing ten hot fudge sundaes is produced and brought by waiters as the literal comfort offering to the humiliated Q; the desserts act as both temptation and an offered social balm that Q ultimately rejects, signaling deeper emotional disconnection.

Before: Nonexistent until the replicator synthesizes the sundaes on order; ingredients and glasses are assembled by replicator output.

After: Placed before Q at the bar but left unconsumed after Q declines them, remaining as a silent testament to his refusal and shame.

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S3E13 · Deja Q

Guinan's Fork: The Humiliation of Q

A tray bearing ten hot‑fudge sundaes is produced and carried to the bar as a literal offering and attempted comfort. The sundaes become a narrative symbol—intended as indulgent charity but experienced by Q as degrading—thereby externalizing the crew's compassion and the awkward ethics of sheltering him.

Before: Materialized via the replicator and carried on a low service tray by waitstaff en route to the bar.

After: Placed before Q at the bar; remains uneaten as Q refuses them, turning them into a visual emblem of his humiliation.

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