Object

Minute Dilithium Chips (Wesley's Salvage)

A cluster of tiny, irregular fragments of dilithium — each no larger than a fingernail sliver — with faceted crystalline faces that catch a faint, inner blue light when energized. Several chips sit wedged into the clamp fingers of an improvised antimatter clamp; they appear salvaged and roughly handled, edges scuffed and held with tools rather than bare hands. Wesley handles them with focused urgency, Geordi inspects them with technical skepticism, and Riker reacts with reluctant admiration as the chips become the physical pivot for the risky modification.

2 appearances

Purpose

To act as a reactive control element: channel and modulate the dilithium-mediated reaction within the improvised antimatter clamp, providing just enough crystal mass to regulate the experimental power flow.

Significance

Functions as the narrative linchpin for the crew's improvised gambit: the chips enable Wesley's unauthorized fix, mark a turning point in trust and command, and embody youthful ingenuity and the moral/technical risk that drives the episode's high-stakes resolution.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Wesley's Improvised Dilithium Hack Wins Riker's Blessing

Minute dilithium chips are revealed wedged into the fingers of the clamps and are designated as the fragile reactive control element through which the planned reaction will be channeled; they are the scarce resource enabling the experiment's modulation.

Before: Salvaged and held by Wesley/crew, scuffed and fragile; physically in Wesley's hands or station prior to insertion.

After: Wedged into the dilithium crystal clamps within the antimatter chamber and committed as the control medium for the experimental reaction.

View full event

S2E21 · Peak Performance

Wesley's Unauthorized Antimatter Run

The salvaged minute dilithium chips are cited by Wesley as the potential core of a makeshift power solution; they function as the narrative pivot that motivates Wesley's plan to fetch antimatter, illustrating both resourcefulness and the current technical deficit.

Before: In Wesley's possession or immediately at hand after salvage; physically intact but insufficient without antimatter.

After: Left on board the Hathaway as Wesley departs; unchanged physically but newly time-sensitive and dependent on an off-ship antimatter delivery.

View full event