Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Defiant #1!The Captain’s Log is an iconic part of the Star Trek mythos, but the franchise’s Dominion War has changed it forever. In IDW Publishing’s Star Trek: Defiant #1, Worf, after breaking rank with Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Theseus, decides to wage a guerilla war against the fanatical Red Path cult, who are slaughtering the universe’s god-like beings. As Worf settles in, he tries to initiate a Captain’s Log – but cannot, due to new protocols introduced after the Dominion War.
The issue is written by Christopher Cantwell, drawn by Angel Unzueta, colored by Marissa Louise and lettered by Clayton Cowles. Worf is attempting to enter a Captain’s Log entry, but the computer does not recognize his authority, citing “Starfleet Priority 6.” Worf, who has been out of the Starfleet loop for a few years, is unaware of what this means. He continues to struggle with gaining access, and smashes the computer console in anger. Just then, Mister Spock enters. Noting the smashed console, Spock asks what the problem is. Once Worf explains, Spock speculates that the Starfleet Priority 6 was added after the Dominion War. Spock then uses his own security codes, which Starfleet never revoked, to transfer command of the ship to Worf.
The Dominion War is one of the biggest stories in Star Trek history; a grand epic that helped redefine the franchise. When the Federation discovered the Bajoran wormhole, which linked that section of the galaxy with the distant Gamma Quadrant, the Dominion waged a bloody war against them, eventually drafting the Cardassians and the Breen as allies. The combined forces of the Federation, the Klingons and the Romulans were able to turn back the Dominion. However, as seen in season three of Star Trek: Picard, the galaxy is still dealing with the War’s fallout – and the first issue of Star Trek: Defiant shows even more.
The Dominion War Changed Things Big and Small
The Dominion War changed the face of the galaxy in the Star Trek universe in many ways – including how Starfleet handles security, with measures to prevent Changeling attacks. At several points during the war, Changelings, or “the Founders” as their subjects called them, infiltrated Starfleet, causing massive amounts of damage and chaos. It stands to reason Priority 6 may have stemmed from this justifiable paranoia. While Priority 6 is depicted here as an irritant to Worf, it shows how deeply the Federation was shaken by the Dominion War, as an iconic aspect of the franchise permanently takes on a new layer of distrust. Star Trek is defined by its focus on cooperation and bridge-building, but the Dominion War left the Federation more fearful of outsiders than ever.
Worf’s failure to set up a Captain’s Log is also a metaphor for his current state of mind. He was prepared to destroy Kahless and his god-killer array, but upon learning that his estranged son Alexander was a member of Kahless’ Red Path, changed his tune. This move put him at odds with Captain Sisko, and he left the Theseus. Worf is currently plagued with doubt and confusion, and the ship’s inability to recognize his authority is representative of this. Like many, Worf’s destiny was altered by the Dominion War, and Star Trek fans are still discovering the large and small ways it changed the world they love.
Star Trek: Defiant #1 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!
