Captain of the Missing USS Enterprise in Star Trek: Section 31 Revealed

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Section 31.

In the much-anticipated Star Trek: Section 31, fans have been pondering the whereabouts of the USS Enterprise and the identity of its commanding officer. As the inaugural film on Paramount+, Section 31 features Emperor Philippa Georgiou (played by Michelle Yeoh), who embarks on a quest to protect the United Federation of Planets alongside a fresh team of covert agents from Section 31.

The narrative of Section 31 unfolds at Stardate 1292.4, equating to 2324 in the early segments of Star Trek’s 24th-century lore, also referred to as the “lost era.”The events take place 31 years following Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and the prologue of Star Trek Generations, both set in 2293, the core timeline of Star Trek: The Original Series. Additionally, this new installment occurs 40 years prior to Encounter at Farpoint, the opening episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which kicks off in 2364. In this context, there are two primary candidate ships that might be serving as the USS Enterprise during this time.

Which Captain Might Command the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek: Section 31

The USS Enterprise-B as a Likely Contender in Section 31

Captain John Harriman in Star Trek Generations

Captain Harriman of the USS Enterprise-B

The most reasonable assumption for the USS Enterprise in Section 31 points towards the USS Enterprise-B, helmed by Captain John Harriman, portrayed by Alan Ruck. This Excelsior Class starship was first introduced at the beginning of Star Trek Generations. Its inaugural journey ended tragically with the presumed demise of Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) following a fateful encounter with a mysterious energy ribbon known as the Nexus.This disastrous debut set the stage for Captain Harriman’s tenure aboard the Enterprise.

Fast forward 31 years to the timeline of Section 31, and it’s plausible that Captain Harriman continues to lead the USS Enterprise-B after an extensive run as the Federation’s flagship. Despite the timeline’s ambiguity regarding the subsequent missions of the Enterprise-B post-Generations, the ship remains a more likely candidate than the Ambassador Class USS Enterprise-C, which is expected to have launched after the events of Section 31.

Why the USS Enterprise is Absent from Star Trek: Section 31

Introducing a Unique Flavor of Star Trek

Curiously, neither the USS Enterprise-B nor any incarnation of the starship is featured in Star Trek: Section 31. This decision aligns with the show’s mission to explore a distinct narrative within the Star Trek universe. The events are set beyond Federation boundaries and dive into an era that has yet to be fully examined.This narrative freedom allows Section 31 to craft its own unique spin on the Star Trek franchise, offering only a nod to its illustrious history.

Star Trek: Section 31 does include several links to the broader Star Trek mythology, showcasing characters with rich backgrounds such as Emperor Georgiou and familiar alien species, including the Deltan Melle (Humberly Gonzalez), the Chameloid Quasi (Sam Richardson), and pseudo-Vulcan Fuzz (Sven Ruygrok).However, the series intentionally maintains a minimalist approach to recognizable visual elements, with the iconic Starfleet delta insignia appearing only sporadically. Notably, the Starship Enterprise itself is neither depicted nor explicitly referenced in the storyline.

Future Captain of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: Section 31

Section 31 Hints at Lieutenant Rachel Garrett’s Prospects

Rachel Garrett from Yesterday's Enterprise

Rachel Garrett in Star Trek: The Next Generation

While the USS Enterprise is not directly mentioned, Section 31 subtly references Lieutenant Rachel Garrett’s (played by Kacey Rohl) ambitions of commanding a starship. Serving as a Science Officer in Section 31, she is tasked with monitoring her team’s actions to prevent any unnecessary violence. Star Trek aficionados recognize that Rachel is fated to become Captain Rachel Garrett (Tricia O’Neill) of the ill-fated USS Enterprise-C, known from the iconic episode “Yesterday’s Enterprise”in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

By the conclusion of Star Trek: Section 31, Lieutenant Garrett earns a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, drawing her one step closer to her eventual albeit tragic fate.

Speculated to be the only Captain of the Ambassador Class USS Enterprise-C, Rachel Garrett is set to meet her end in battle against the Romulans at Narendra III in 2344. This timeline indicates that Lieutenant Commander Garrett only has about 20 years remaining following the events of Section 31, with her potential Captaincy looming within that timeframe. Although Star Trek: Section 31 hints at the future Captain Garrett, it refrains from overtly implying her ascension to leadership of the Enterprise.

Source & Images