Warning: contains potential spoilers for Star Trek: Lower Decks #4!
Sorry Starfleet, but welcoming the Federation with open arms, they are ready to go to war, and it is one Starfleet may not win.
Star Trek: Lower Decks writer Ryan North is also writing The Fantastic Four for Marvel.
IDW Publishing shared a preview for Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 with AIPT. The book will be written by Ryan North and drawn by Jack Lawrence. In order to save the Cerritos from destruction, Tindi and Rutherford create a warp bubble around the ship, which buys them some time to find a more viable solution. The ship is then invaded by two non-corporeal beings, who possess Tindi and Rutherford. They tell Captain Freeman that when the Cerritos created its warp bubble, it nearly destroyed the dimension the beings hail from–and now they are understandably upset.
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The preview ends there, leaving fans to wonder if the Cerritos crew will be able to de-escalate the situation, and talk some sense into the energy beings. Yet whatever the outcome, it will not be a good look for Starfleet. As the military and exploratory wing of the United Federation of Planets, Starfleet is responsible for keeping the peace and exploring “strange new worlds.” Starfleet is often behind many first situations, and as such, tries to put its best foot forward at all times. For the most part, Starfleet is well regarded throughout the galaxy.
The Prime Directive also deflects criticisms of colonialism and imperialism that come with major powers such as the Federation.
In order to help maintain its high ethical standards, Starfleet has implemented a number of protocols, including the Prime Directive. Also known as “General Order One,” the Prime Directive prohibits Federation personnel from interfering in the development of non-aligned species and worlds. The Prime Directive also deflects criticisms of colonialism and imperialism that come with major powers such as the Federation. It is a good rule overall, but there are times when it is not necessarily the best course of action. Despite this, Starfleet personnel still uphold it vigorously.
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Image via Paramount+
Yet, as seen in various Star Trek episodes and movies, the Federation and Starfleet are not always on the right side of an issue, and the dilemma the Cerritos’ crew finds themselves in is a perfect example. The Cerritos had no choice: they had to create the warp bubble, or else they would be destroyed. They also had no way of knowing their actions would have nearly killed an entire species, one that is now ready to go to war with Starfleet over the matter. This situation is a grim reminder of the perils of space exploration.
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While the matter may seem bleak for the crew of the Cerritos, they are still Starfleet personnel, meaning they will uphold its principles and attempt to reason with the beings possessing Tendi and Rutherford. The crew must convince the beings of their good intentions, and the preview gives a hint that maybe Starfleet is getting through to them. Yet Starfleet must their principles when dealing with these beings, or else the Star Trek universe will be in for a war unlike any other.
Source: AIPT
Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 is on sale February 12 from IDW Publishing!
