Q & A - Keith R. A. DeCandido *Spoilers Alert*

[dbush]

As mentioned in another thread, I had wanted to discuss Q & A and its possible interpretations.

Am I correct in understanding that Q had, throughout the time on the Enterprise D, been directing Picard to arrive in the Gorsach system in order to destroy the universe and in turn, save it?

 

[DimesDan]

Am I correct in understanding that Q had, throughout the time on the Enterprise D, been directing Picard to arrive in the Gorsach system in order to destroy the universe and in turn, save it?

Tis been a while since I read it and my memory of it is a bit fuzzy, but yes he was manipulating the Enterprise D to Gorsach, not sure about destroying the universe to save it though.

 

[Christopher]

Not so much directing Picard as testing him. Q suspected that humans might be the right species for the job of passing the Gorsach test, which was the ultimate reason for all the trials he subjected Picard and humanity to over the years -- both to test Picard's worthiness and to prepare him for what lay ahead. Also, "Parallels" turned out to be something Q arranged on the, err, QT to give Worf knowledge that he'd need when the time came.

 

[captcalhoun]

OMG! The GORSACH TEST?!?!?!

fuck me, I never got that before!!!

*facepalm*

 

[Christopher]

^Hunh. I didn't even notice that. It was pure accident that I phrased it that way.

 

[captcalhoun]

well, that makes me feel better...

 

[dbush]

Not so much directing Picard as testing him. Q suspected that humans might be the right species for the job of passing the Gorsach test, which was the ultimate reason for all the trials he subjected Picard and humanity to over the years -- both to test Picard's worthiness and to prepare him for what lay ahead.

So what is the Gorsach test? In the novel on page 223-224 Q states, "In any event, I was convinced that you (the Enterprise crew) were the right ones to find this place and do what needed to be done."

What needed to be done? It seems obvious that it is the destruction of the universe (isn't this what happens?) and thereby "stop the drain backup... Only you (Picard) can do it..." pg. 223

I am confused over this scene. I am not sure about the whole purpose behind it and its driving me crazy!

 

[Smiley]

I don't remember Picard destroying the universe. The mysterious They decided what to do with the universe based on what the first person who came before Them did. Picard laughed, which surprised Them, and so They found our universe interesting enough to leave alone for a time.

 

[KRAD]

Each universe has someone eventually find the equivalent of Gorsach IX. Someone finds it and then has to prove that they understand the pecularities and realities of time and space. When that happens, They test whoever it is. If whoever it is impresses Them, then They allow the universe to live.

Picard was the first to succeed in so impressing them. Which is why this universe is allowed to live.

That make sense?

 

[dbush]

Each universe has someone eventually find the equivalent of Gorsach IX. Someone finds it and then has to prove that they understand the pecularities and realities of time and space. When that happens, They test whoever it is. If whoever it is impresses Them, then They allow the universe to live.

Picard was the first to succeed in so impressing them. Which is why this universe is allowed to live.

That make sense?

Thank you for joining in on this. It was a fantastic read. Yes, that definitely clarifies things for me.

And Q actually advocated humanity's worth through Picard and the crew. I love it. Fascinating .

Now I'm on to Before Dishonour after finishing the recent movie novelization.

 

[KRAD]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had a great deal of fun writing Q & A on several levels.

 

[DGCatAniSiri]

Personally, I'm pretty fond that it's the sense of humor that saved the universe - my family sometimes gets on me for my sense of inappropriate humor, so now I can just say 'I'm trying to save the universe, Mom!'