Being a look back at cards from the Star Trek CCG, and what I thought of them back when they were fresh and new... in EPISODE order. The fourth and final card from Coming of Age...
PICTURE: Boring background and the awful early TNG uniform, but the expression is disgruntled enough, and the webbed hand freezes a detail that was apparent to Wesley, but not necessarily to the viewer. Still aesthetically underpar at 2.6.
LORE: All the elements are there with one line to spare. It could have been used to note Wesley's role in the same episode, or that it was an Academy test, but that might have taken away from the dilemma's danger. It's a fair 3.1.
TREK SENSE: Diplomats are too polite for the Zaldans, eh? Well, only if they don't know what species they are addressing, which doesn't make them very good Diplomats. In fact, the one thing that's missing from this card entirely, as a requirement, is Anthropology (maybe only Diplomacy without Anthropology could have been targeted, for example). The Zaldans, apparently Federation members, go out and kill the offending Diplomats, which again, is a real stretch. They may be belligerent, but murder? I don't buy it. A couple of Treachery is seen as impolite, so okay. Same with the show of non-friendly disruptors (phasers are too warm and cuddly I suppose (they can be set to a polite stun), though melee weapons should now be included, too. Wesley Crusher actually passed the dilemma, so he's here. And Exobiology is there instead of Anthropology, a mistake in my opinion. Sure, it helps you notice the webbed hand, but since the dilemma is all about behavior, shouldn't the other skill count as much, or more? And another thing: One Zaldan kills TWO personnel? You'll note that the dilemma is singular. I guess these guys are stronger than they look. I'll close up shop now, before I think of something else to sink this card. An it closes at 1.7, I'm afraid.
SEEDABILITY: Used to be a competent lead-in to Shaka When the Walls Fell, getting rid of the Diplomacy in an Away Team, then blocking them off. Unfortunately, though the effect is a strong one (2 kills, and exactly the skill you want out), the requirements are now too easy to come up with. Wesley is just there for laughs, but who doesn't carry Exobiology these days? Weeding out MEDICAL beforehand may be the way to go, but isn't a sure shot. Some affiliations are high on Treachery and will have no trouble using THAT requirement (even the Feds if using Mirror personnel). Disruptors are standard issue for almost everyone but the Feds and Bajorans, which you can weed out with Common Thief or Disruptor Overload, I guess. The lead-ins are starting to mount up. So no, there are too many ways to pass this one, and you'd blow the combo just trying to get there. Just a 2.
TOTAL: 9.4 (47%) Hopefully, the Zaldan will appreciate my low score and tone.
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