Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #13!
Star Trek just paid Ensign Hoshi Sato a jaw-dropping sign of respect. Sato was a member of the crew of the Enterprise NX-01, the first human ship to explore deep space. In IDW’s new Star Trek comic, fans met another Ensign Sato, who keeps her distant relative’s legacy alive in the 24th century. Now, in Star Trek #13, readers learn more about Sato’s family and their legacy.
Star Trek #13 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Marcus To. Captain Sisko and the crew of the Theseus have been dispatched to the Tzenkethi home world to diffuse a critical situation. Fans learn that three members of Ensign Sato’s family were killed during first contact with the Tzenkethi, and now she must face them. Sisko seeks to comfort her, and he invokes her family name: Sato. He reminds her that Andorians choose their family names not necessarily based on biology, but by the ancestor who inspires them the most. With this reminder of her family’s legacy, Ensign Sato is ready for the mission.
Hoshi Sato Kicked Off a 200-Year Star Trek Legacy
Played by actress Linda Park, Ensign Hoshi Sato was an integral member of Captain Jonathan Archer’s crew in the 22nd century. A linguistics expert, Hoshi was the Enterprise’s Communications Officer. Hoshi was initially portrayed as unsure of herself and lacking confidence, although she grew into the role as the show progressed. In this year’s Star Trek Annual, the Andorian Ensign Sato was revealed to be a distant descendant of Hoshi, meaning her legacy extends deep into the 24th century. Ensign Sato proves the apple did not fall far from the tree: she is highly capable, but lacking in confidence.
Two Satos, Separated by Two Centuries
And that lack of confidence rears itself as the Theseus is on its way to a potential showdown with the Tzenkethi. Sato’s family suffered a huge loss at the hands of the Tzenkethi, which only compounds the matter. Hoshi was plagued with doubts when she first came aboard the Enterprise, but she eventually found her way. Hoshi would go on to help lay the foundation for xeno-linguistics, and this, coupled with her courage and fearlessness, made her into a Starfleet icon. Hoshi set an example for future generations, and her descendant aboard the Theseus is living up to it very well.
And Hoshi’s example also inspired the Andorians. Andorians have a much different family structure than humans. They marry in groups of four, and as Sisko notes, choose the family name based more on inspiration than biology. Hoshi made such an impression upon the race in the 22nd century they chose a human name over one that was Andorian when it came time to start a family. This is one of the ultimate signs of respect in the Star Trek universe, and it was just paid to Hoshi Sato.
Star Trek #13 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!
