The USS Voyager endured a seven-year struggle to find its way back to Earth, a journey that culminated in the finale of Star Trek: Voyager. In a fascinating twist, the latest season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, specifically episode 9 titled “Fissure Quest,”presents an intriguing alternate reality where the fleet’s return to Earth never materialized. This narrative device opens up exciting possibilities for exploring the implications of the crew’s prolonged absence from Starfleet.
The premise of being lost in the Delta Quadrant was groundbreaking for Star Trek, marking a departure from previous series by focusing on isolation and survival in the vast unknown of space. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and her crew faced myriad challenges without the safety net of Starfleet guidance, heightening the stakes of their adventures. Ultimately, when the Voyager successfully navigated through dangerous territories like the Borg’s transwarp corridors, its return signified the end of its remarkable odyssey and the series itself.
A Star Trek Universe Where USS Voyager Stayed In The Delta Quadrant
It Makes Sense Based on What We Know from the Prime Universe
Imagining a universe where the USS Voyager remains in the Delta Quadrant opens the door to a plethora of new narrative paths. In the recent episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks, fans were introduced to a version of Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) who, in this alternate reality, never returned home. This storyline suggests a profound shift in the crew’s dynamic and relationships had they established a permanent presence in this distant quadrant.
Throughout its journey, Voyager uncovered remnants of human presence in the Delta Quadrant from centuries past and encountered a range of species, some of which were only featured briefly. If Voyager had chosen to settle, these fleeting encounters could have evolved into significant alliances or adversarial relationships. Encounters that previously posed minimal threats might transform into formidable entanglements if the crew were to establish a long-term settlement.
What Could Have Happened If USS Voyager Stayed In The Delta Quadrant
A New Set of Allies and Enemies
Image via Paramount+
In the episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Ensign Harry Kim donned a unique uniform, highlighting the potential for significant changes to spear and supply logistics aboard USS Voyager. Long-term maintenance issues would surely complicate their situation. If Voyager settled, it could have allied with species like the Sikarians, who previously showcased hospitality, or formed bonds with the Varro from season 5, hinting at the creation of a new diverse community.
However, a long-term stay would not bode well for Ensign Kim’s future, as he represents only one of many multiversal iterations of the character. Conversely, the decision to remain in the Delta Quadrant would create a plethora of adversaries. Previous threats that Voyager managed to evade could escalate into enduring conflicts, particularly with the Borg, who posed an ever-looming menace. Capable of nightmarish persistence, these enemies would have provided an endless source of tension for a reimagined Star Trek: Voyager.
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