Star Trek Reveals a Captain Accidentally Created One of Its Divine Alien Beings

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #28!

The Shocking Revelation in Star Trek #28

In a groundbreaking twist, the latest comic issue of Star Trek unveils the possibility that Captain Sisko may have inadvertently spawned one of the most formidable and malevolent species in the franchise’s lore. After experiencing the demise of the universe, Sisko finds himself thrust back in time to the ancient past of Bajor. In Star Trek #28, he plays a pivotal role in the development of Bajoran culture, but this intervention may inadvertently lead to the emergence of the Pah-Wraiths, a race notorious for their evil intentions.

This fascinating narrative is crafted by writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, who previously helmed the Year Five series for IDW Publishing. The issue chronicles Sisko’s initial two centuries on a prehistoric Bajor, where he encounters a society still rooted in agriculture and devoid of its iconic religious practices. Sisko endeavors to guide the Bajorans toward a more enlightened cultural path.

Setting the Stage: Sisko and the Early Bajorans

Unfortunately, Sisko’s mission faces significant challenges due to a faction of Bajorans who prioritize their selfish desires. These individuals, known as the Pah-Wraiths, pose an almost existential threat to Sisko and his followers, yet he temporarily manages to align them with his vision.

An Introduction to the Pah-Wraiths

Understanding the Pah-Wraiths: Evil Incarnate

The Bajoran Prophets, a non-corporeal species revered by the Bajorans, are often portrayed in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as distant yet benevolent beings. Their existence, characterized by non-linear time, positions them as a higher power compared to many species within the Trek universe. Conversely, the Pah-Wraiths symbolize destruction and chaos; they inhabit the Fire Caves of Bajor and aim to obliterate Bajor and all of creation.

Despite being largely regarded as myth, the reality of the Pah-Wraiths soon becomes apparent to Sisko and the crew of Deep Space Nine. In the iconic episode “The Assignment, ” the Pah-Wraiths possess Keiko O’Brien, manipulating her into acts of malice. Their insidious influence extends further when they inhabit Gul Dukat, who, already traumatized by personal loss, becomes a vessel for their destructive ambitions.

Unveiling the Mystery: Pah-Wraiths’ Origin Remains Elusive

The Pah-Wraiths: A Legacy of Death

Throughout the series, the Pah-Wraiths’ backstory remains somewhat enigmatic. They are said to have originated within the Celestial Temple alongside the Prophets but were cast out for their nefarious actions, echoing themes from various religious narratives on Earth, including the tale of the expulsion of Satan from Heaven. As such, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine stands out for its in-depth exploration of religious themes and parallels.

Despite the Pah-Wraiths’ limited backstory, their malevolence is extensively portrayed. Their direct involvement in the death of Jadzia Dax, along with their attempts to eliminate Ben Sisko, highlights their destructive capabilities. Their machinations culminate in the series finale, “What We Leave Behind, ” where they seek to bring ruin to Bajor, exploiting and ultimately leading Kai Winn to her demise by exploiting her inherent flaws.

The Broader Impact of the Pah-Wraith Origins

Are the Prophets Also Once Mortal?

The revelations in Star Trek #28 raise significant questions: If these revelations about the Pah-Wraiths’ origins hold truth, then they were once ordinary Bajorans, shaped by Sisko’s teachings but ultimately swayed toward dark paths involving acts of violence and terror. Their allegiance to their concept of “pagh” (a spiritual principle in Bajoran culture) illustrates a possible distortion of Sisko’s influence.

If the Pah-Wraiths harken back to a time as mortals, this could imply that the Prophets themselves were once mortal beings as well. Such a theory radically alters the understanding of both groups within the Star Trek lore. The evolution of the Pah-Wraiths and Prophets from mortals to their current non-corporeal forms poses intriguing possibilities that will likely unfold in future narrative arcs.

A Guide to Every Appearance of the Pah-Wraiths on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Title	Season
“The Assignment”	5
“The Reckoning”	6
“Tears of the Prophets”	6
“Shadows and Symbols”	7
“Til Death Do Us Part”	7
“Strange Bedfellows”	7
“What You Leave Behind”(Series Finale)	7

Furthermore, the dynamics between Sisko and the Pah-Wraiths present an intriguing conflict, as shown when he demonstrates mercy to one of them during a confrontation in his temple. This pivotal moment suggests a potential misunderstanding of their malevolence, a blunder that could reverberate through time.

Star Trek #28 is now available from IDW Publishing—explore this compelling story and its implications for the future of Bajor and beyond!

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