chapter 1, The IQ Test.
Today is the day that will define the future of every high school graduate in this country.
Each student will take the IQ test, and based on the results, they will either be accepted into prestigious universities or sent to work in factory labor.
Hasan:
"Good morning, everyone. Did you sleep well?"
Omar:
"Yes, I slept well, alhamdulillah."
Maher:
"Good for you. I barely got any sleep."
Hasan:
"As expected, Maher the bookworm is nervous. But we all know you'll nail it."
Maher:
"It's not that simple.
This isn't a regular test where you study the materials and circle the right answers.
This is an IQ test. Some parts assess memory, while others measure what's called fluid intelligence-
A person's ability to use logic and reason to solve problems.
For example, test-takers might have to figure out how a shape would look if it were rotated, Fluid intelligence is what drives those "aha" moments-when everything suddenly connects and the bigger picture becomes clear."
Hasan:
"So what? I'm sure we can handle it."
Maher:
"You still don't get it, IQ tests "measure a set of skills that are important to society."
Hasan:
So?
Maher:
"IQ tests favor people who can think on the spot. That's a skill plenty of capable people lack.
We need these tests to separate the geniuses from the average. We need intelligent people to lead."
Hasan:
"But what if these so-called intelligent people are morally corrupt?
Then what?
How is their intelligence beneficial to our society if they use it for their personal advantage?"
Maher:
"You see? That's why you're an idiot.
The whole point of this test is to gather the smartest people in the country. After that, they go through additional tests before being assigned to different majors and institutions.
Of course, those in power keep a close eye on the exceptional ones,
They make sure to know everything-beliefs, habits, hobbies, ideologies-nothing is left unchecked. In the end, only those who align with the government's agenda and ideology make it to the top."
Hasan:
"Wow, you sure know a lot about this."
Maher:
"Of course, I do. I'm not a carefree brat like you."
Hasan:
"Take it easy on me! You've been scolding me for an hour-give me a break!"
Maher:
"Have you prepared well for the test, Omar?"
Omar:
"I've reviewed many past tests and taken courses.
I followed everything the upperclassmen advised me to do."
Maher:
"Same here."
Omar:
"But everyone says they never repeat the same test, and each person gets different questions."
Maher:
"True. They do that to make cheating impossible."
Hasan:
"Damn, they need to get a life. How many scholars does it take to write that many questions? Is that even possible?"
Maher:
"It's an AI system, you idiot!"
Omar:
"They have programs that generate questions based on the data scholars provide."
Hasan:
"Wow, I didn't know that!"
Leen:
Good morning.
Hasan:
Hi, Leen.
Leen:
Hi! How are you guys?
Have you prepared well for the test?
Maher:
Let's just hope things go well.
Omar:
Maher and I studied as much as we could, but Hasan is acting like it's no big deal.
Leen:
Oh, don't mind Hasan, Back in middle school, he used to tell everyone that he never studied for any test, yet he always got the highest marks in the finals.
Maher:
I know, he's such a liar.
Omar:
He probably says that just to mess with us.
Hasan:
That's not true Omar! I really am just a lucky guy, I choose answers randomly and somehow end up with high marks!
Leen:
Yeah right.
Maher:
As if I'd believe that!
Sabrina:
Guys, it's about to begin! Come on, take your seats.
Emily:
Sabrina, I'm really nervous.
Sabrina:
Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do great.
Emily:
What if we get different results? What if you get accepted into fashion school while I get sent to a factory on the outskirts or, worse, a military institution?
Sabrina:
Stop thinking like that!
Besides, I doubt they'd send a cute girl like you to the military, they assign people based on their skills, and you've never even participated in a physical activity, let alone trained for the military.
Emily:
You're right. I just hope we get into the same college.
Hasan:
Isn't it cruel how they separate best friends like that? Not letting us choose our own future, moving us around like chess pieces.
Maher:
At some point in life, best friends always go their separate ways.
We need to grow up; it'll happen sooner or later, right Omar?
Omar:
Human bonds aren't as fragile as you think, Many people stay best friends their whole lives.
A strong and faithful friendship can shine so bright for a lifetime.
Sabrina:
I agree with you, Omar.
Emily:
Me too.
Hasan:
Hey, Omar, you'll stay my friend no matter where we end up, right?
Omar: I don't know, it depends.
Hasan: why is everyone so mean to me today?
Leen: Guys, here comes our teacher.
Mr. Qasim:
Quiet, please, everyone.
I know you're all feeling nervous, worried, and anxious. I get it-I've been in your shoes before.
That's why I can assure you that there's nothing to worry about.
You're going to be just fine.
Besides, my cousin works at one of the factories, and he says it's not that bad.
Emily:
Seriously?!
Leen :
Mr. Qasim, you're savage.
Mr. Qasim:
Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood. But seriously, there's nothing wrong with working in factories. Our economy needs labor to keep running.
Maher:
Yeah, but no one wants to live on a laborer's wages.
Mr. Qasim:
True, Anyway, get ready. The test starts in 10 minutes. Check the laptops you've been given and make sure they're working properly.
Emily:
Remind me... how do we turn this thing on?
Sabrina:
Leave it to me, just stay calm.
Hasan:
Good luck, everyone.
Omar:
Good luck to you too, Hasan.
Hasan:
Thanks, man.
Maher:
We don't need luck-we need knowledge.
Hasan:
Are you sure about that?
Maher:
Stop talking to me. I need to clear my head before the test starts.
Hasan:
Alright, I'll talk to Omar instead.
Omar took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind before the test.
Whenever he gets nervous, he tends to throw up a lot, which is why he skipped breakfast this morning.
Luckily, the test was scheduled early, so he wasn't feeling too hungry yet.
Mr. Qasim:
Alright, the test will start in 2 minutes. Get ready.
---
All the students sat in silence, anxiously waiting for the test to begin.
Mr. Qasim:
"The test starts now. You may log in."
The students logged in and began answering the questions.
About 30 minutes later, one of the students stood up to leave.
Mr. Qasim:
"Finished already, Mohanad?"
Mohanad:
"No, I just got bored. This test is stupid anyway."
Mr. Qasim:
"So you're giving up?"
Mohanad:
"Don't get me wrong-unlike everyone here, my father would never let the government decide my future."
Mohanad:
"I'm going to work in his company one way or another. This test means nothing to me!"
Emily:
"Can you please be quiet? We need to focus!"
Mohanad:
"Whatever, I'm leaving."
---
These tests usually take one to two hours to complete. The fastest students can finish in 30 minutes, while others may give up and leave early.
---
Selena:
"Sir, may I leave?"
Mr. Qasim:
"If you're done, then yes, you may leave."
Hasan:
"I'm done too."
Leen:
"Me too."
---
After an hour, nearly half of the students had finished the test.
---
Emily:
"Sir, I'm finished."
Sabrina:
"What a coincidence-I just finished too!"
Emily:
"Great! We can go home together."
---
After an hour and a half, only a few students remained, including Maher and Omar.
Mr. Qasim:
"Take your time, everyone. If you need more time, we can extend the session beyond the two-hour limit."
Maher:
"I'm done."
Mr. Qasim:
"Alright, that leaves Omar and Samy."
Samy:
"I'm done too."
Mr. Qasim:
"Okay, you may leave."
Nearly two hours had passed, and Omar was the only student left.
Mr. Qasim:
"Take your time, Omar. Don't rush yourself."
Omar:
"No need... I'm done."
Mr. Qasim:
"Are you sure?"
Omar was the last student to finish. The test was nothing like what he had heard from the upperclassmen, and it barely related to the subjects he studied over the summer.
To his surprise, his friends were waiting for him by the school gate when he walked out.
Hasan:
"Hey! You're finally done!"
Maher:
"What took you so long?"
Omar:
"Thanks for waiting, guys. The test took longer than I expected."
Hasan:
"I know, right? What on earth was that?"
Hasan:
"It had nothing to do with anything we studied in school!"
Maher:
"For once, I agree with you."
Maher:
"All the courses I took were useless. Even the tips from the upperclassmen didn't help at all."
Hasan:
"Now you wish you had my luck, don't you?"
Maher:
"Shut up! As if I'd believe in something like that."
Omar:
"I actually do wish I had Hasan's luck."
Omar:
"At least then I wouldn't have to worry so much."
Hasan:
"Oh, don't worry, Omar. I have a feeling we'll end up as coworkers someday."
"We'll probably work on a system support team... or maybe a translation team!"
Maher:
"Wow, so now you're a psychic?"
Hasan:
"Yes! And I can see your future too!"
Omar:
"What do you see?"
Hasan:
"I see Maher working in a doughnut factory!"
Omar:
"A doughnut factory?"
Hasan:
"Yes! And you know what? Maher loves it-they give him a free doughnut every day!"
Maher:
"That's your dream, not mine!"
Hasan:
"Come on, don't you want to share it with me?"
Maher:
"No thanks."
Omar:
"I thought you said we'd be working together in system support or on a translation team!"
Hasan:
"Sorry, but after seeing Maher's future, I got tempted to work with him instead."
Maher:
"You can have him, Omar. I don't want any future that involves him."
Hasan:
"Why are you so mean? Hey guys, let's just forget about this test and apply for immigration!"
Maher:
"Please stop thinking out loud."
Hasan:
"No, I'm serious! Let's go somewhere where we can actually choose our own future. Aren't you tired of having everything planned out for us, always following someone else's rules?"
Omar:
"He's got a point."
Maher:
"Immigration isn't an option. Our country has made too many enemies recently."
Hasan:
"So what? That's not our fault. We were just kids when the war happened; we had no part in it."
Maher:
"The world doesn't see it that way. We'll probably face racism, and we'll have to start from scratch."
Hasan:
"Aren't we basically starting from scratch here too?"
Maher:
"No. Our parents and community have given us so many advantages already."
Maher:
"We have homes, food on our tables, and clothes on our backs. If we immigrate, even basic things like that will become struggles."
Omar:
"True."
Hasan:
"I know, but I've heard there are places where we could make it more easily.
If we head north, we could work labor jobs for a few years while studying, then land good jobs with decent pay."
Hasan:
"They have a small population and tons of job opportunities."
Maher:
"And you think they're just sitting there waiting for us to take them?"
Hasan:
"Why not?"
Omar:
"Let's wait for the test results first. Then we'll see."
Hasan:
"Alright, I'll take your word for it.
Oh, wait... now I see it!
Maher and I, working in a doughnut factory up north, while Omar stays home and cooks for us!"
Omar:
"Why am I staying home an
d cooking for you? Am I your mother?"
Hasan:
"Well... because you're good at cooking! It's better if you stay home and cook and clean. If you work with us, you won't have time to make delicious meals, and I hate fast food!"
Maher:
"So basically, you want him to come along just to be our mom?"
Hasan:
"Well, he is the mom friend after all!"
Omar:
"In that case, I'm going to practice flip flap slaps so I can smack you whenever you annoy me!"