STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Recap: (S03E07) What Is Starfleet?

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Now, for the most thrilling possible episode format: an educational documentary. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' boasts a script by Kathryn Lyn and Alan B. McElroy with direction from Sharon Lewis.
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A screen announces the use of Starfleet security footage 'in accordance with the United Federation of Planets Freedom of Information Act.' Umberto 'Beto' Ortegas (Mynor Luken) narrates over images of celestial phenomena and Starfleet officers. He says Starfleet presents themselves as devoted to 'duty,' 'honor' and 'peacekeeping.' But then he asks, 'What separates a Federation from an Empire?'
Beto continues to elaborate on the comparison between the Federation and an Empire. After a shot of the U.S.S. Enterprise , footage of Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) ordering the arming of the photon torpedoes plays. We see La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) with a wall of weapons. More warlike footage plays as Beto says both 'colonize' and 'impose their views on others.' This includes shots of Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia). Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) stands up to an unseen adversary. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) emerges in an EV suit. Then, after a shot of weapons, she returns with a bloody cheek. Beto asks if Starfleet officers are explorers or soldiers. A shot of a row of coffins draped in Federation flags. Beto says that while Starfleet calls their vehicles 'starships,' they seem a lot like 'warships.' A shot of Enterprise appears with stats about its weapons. The title card for the documentary appears: 'What Is Starfleet?: A film by Umberto Ortegas.' Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 'What Is Starfleet?'
In a testimonial, Pike explains the Starfleet Officer's oath. First, to obey the Federation's laws and defend its security and principles. Second, to comply with orders and responsibilities. The next testimonial is in Erica's quarters. She repairs a motorcycle as she's being interviewed. She refuses to comment on what Starfleet means to her.
The next testimonial is Spock (Ethan Peck) in his quarters. Beto asks Spock about his human and Vulcan heritage. Spock shares his experiences and trauma of being discriminated against as a child on Vulcan. Erica defends Enterprise as an exploratory vessel by saying space is unpredictable, necessitating defensive preparation. Next is La'an's testimonial. In the ready room, she describes the myriad injuries she's sustained in the line of duty. This is intercut with footage of her weapons training.
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La'an describes Enterprise 's weapons as defensive and only used when necessary. But Enterprise will defend itself. Beto asks about encountering a ship they'd fought before, like the Gorn. La'an says that if you don't attack the Gorn first, then you should run away. Next up is Una's testimonial. She says her role is to support the captain and crew. She says she is to provide alternative strategies but not to disobey orders. And she continues that Starfleet has 'the interests of Federation and non-Federation worlds clearly in mind.' She states that their missions always align with these ideals. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Next is testimonial footage of Uhura preparing for a mission brief. A text screen informs us that Lutani VII was attacked by Kasar on Stardate: 2177.9. Kasar is attempting to 'lay claim to the Lutani system and its resources.' The casualties on both sides are noted: nine million from Lutani and 119 thousand from Kasar. The Ready Room
In the ready room on Stardate: 2191.4, Uhura asks if Starfleet has explained that Enterprise is to transport cargo to Lutani VII. Pike says this is classified. Erica says she's pretty sure the Lutani are helping the Klingons. She questions helping the Lutani. But 'why' is classified. Pike says it's need-to-know. La'an shares the mission details and notes that they'll have armed escorts on standby.
Because it's an active warzone, La'an orders phaser and torpedo crews for when Enterprise arrives in the Lutani system. Spock hands her a cup of coffee. He says they'll be transporting a Jikaru, which is livestock. The Lutani are using it in their rebuilding efforts. And Enterprise will have to travel at half-impulse: the Jikaru will be outside the ship.
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In the next scene, Erica walks away from Beto, who is off-camera. He asks her why Starfleet is helping the Lutani. She says because the Lutani are at war. Next, Uhura shares details about the Jikaru. She says one has shown signs of evolution and will soon be able to travel through space. Beto asks why they're moving the creature to a warzone. Uhura says that's outside her orders. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Enterprise arrives at Tychus-B. Security footage shows the bridge crew preparing. The Tychus-B observation drone shows the Jikaru rising out of the ocean and heading into orbit. As it does so, a Lutani scout ship approaches it on an intercept course. The Jikaru gives strange readings. The ship fires at the Jikaru, dealing little damage. Pike orders the crew to prepare to fire on the ship. Space Pilot 3000
But then the Jikaru starts doing something. Whatever it is causes irritation to the Enterprise crew and causes interference on the audio and visual feeds. A flash of energy explodes from the Jikaru. It disables the Lutani scout ship. Pike orders them to beam anyone aboard the ship to medical. The camera captures a private conversation between Spock and Uhura. She asks him if he's ok, as she observed his hand shaking. Spock cites the meditations taught by Surak and says they make Vulcans more psychically aware. He says he sensed the aggression of the Jikaru but has recovered. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
In medical, Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) attempts to treat the Lutani pilot (Steffi Didomenicantonio). Beto asks why the scientist would sacrifice herself to sabotage their own project. Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) attempts to keep the scientist conscious. The scientist says that using the Jikaru would be a terrible mistake. Then, she dies.
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M'Benga gives a testimonial. He says he has seen many deaths. Beto asks if he's been ordered to kill anyone by Starfleet. M'Benga says he would defend himself, but it's not a function of his current position. Beto asks about the Klingon War. M'Benga says he isn't the most qualified person to answer questions about Starfleet protocol. A data screen states that the number of M'Benga's confirmed kills during the war is redacted. Beto asks if M'Benga has ever scrubbed medical logs. M'Benga says he cannot recall.
In another testimonial, Uhura (out of uniform) shares her story about being adrift before Starfleet. Uhura says that before Enterprise , she was close to a roommate, Elaina Cho. But Cho went down with the Cayuga , which the Gorn destroyed. Uhura looks shocked. The Jikaru
Pike and Una are on a call with Starfleet Command in the ready room. Pike suggests the Jikaru could be a danger to the Enterprise . While Command's lines are redacted, it's clear that Command is unsympathetic to Pike's concerns. On the bridge, the Jikaru escapes from Enterprise 's containment field. While the Jikaru does have a neural dampener to keep it calm, this was damaged in the encounter with the ship.
The Jikaru seems to be traveling on its own path. Erica asks if they just let it go. Pike says they have to get it to Lutani IV. He compares the mission to chasing down and lassoing a bronco. In a testimonial, Beto asks if Pike has ever refused an order. Pike says that's classified. On the bridge, Enterprise attempts to lock on to the Jikaru with tractor beams, but has no luck. Una suggests they follow the Jikaru and keep it in visual range.
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Uhura will send out a message to keep other ships away. La'an says they need a plan to kill the Jikaru if they lose control. In a testimonial, La'an says she thinks her experience makes her good at her position. Beto asks what it feels like to kill someone. La'an appears speechless.
In the lab, Chapel, Spock and Uhura attempt to learn more about the Jikaru. Chapel asks after Spock's hand. He says he's been managing. Chapel ascertains that the creature isn't just outfitted with a neural dampener: 'It's a shock collar.' Spock says the creature is a weapon to the Lutani. Uhura argues they should have tried communicating with it first. Pho-ton Tor-peee-does
Spock says he believes he was sensing the Jikaru's emotions. In a testimonial, Beto asks Uhura if she believes in every mission. She says she does. In the ready room footage, Pike and Una discuss the mortality of the Jikaru as a weapon. Una says her feelings on the matter are irrelevant. On the bridge, Uhura tells Pike that she and Spock are attempting to establish communication with the Jikaru.
Pike says they are out of time and have their orders. Uhura says the neural dampener will put the Jikaru in a catatonic state and make communication impossible. They fire several photon torpedoes at the Jikaru, but they don't penetrate its skin. The Jikaru turns on them and unleashes an energy blast. It damages Enterprise . Pike orders Beto off the bridge.
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Declassified security footage picks up where Beto's footage left off. The Jikaru pursues Enterprise . Erica attempts to evade it. La'an suggests firing a full spread of torpedoes against the Jikaru. Spock says this is inadvisable; it could further power up the creature. In a testimonial, Beto asks Erica about her injured hand. She says it's fine and tells him to stop asking. She says it's impossible to prepare for the unknown, only to face it and deal with it. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
In the ready room, Uhura apologizes to Beto for pushing him off the bridge. As they talk, Beto clandestinely films the conversation. He grills her about the morality of transporting a 'weapon of war' on behalf of the Lutani. Uhura realizes he's recording. Beto asks why they're all following orders they don't agree with. He says it feels like 'the actions a colonizer takes.' The Gallows
Uhura asks if this is what he's been up to the whole time. He tries to defend himself. Uhura tells him to stop and not to return to the bridge. She leaves the ready room. Walking through the hallways, Spock, Chapel, Uhura and Pike discuss the possibility of connecting with the Jikaru. They plan on approaching it in a shuttlecraft. Spock argues the shuttlecraft is their smallest chance of loss, should the creature attack.
The shuttle Galileo approaches the Jikaru. Spock makes a psychic connection with the Jikaru. He says he senses no aggression, but the Jikaru is aware of their presence. But then a Lutani warship approaches. Trunn Voor (Shaun Majumder) contacts Enterprise. He questions the wisdom of trusting Starfleet. He powers up weapons. Pike orders the shuttle away. Spock's vitals spike. The Jikaru attacks the warship. Galileo is caught in the crossfire.
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In a testimonial, Pike concedes that people die. Meanwhile, Spock and Chapel are brought to medical as a traumatized Uhura looks on. Pike tells Beto that if he does witness someone die, he probably won't want to be questioned about it. He concedes that they don't like their orders, but they have trust in each other.
In the ready room, Pike and Una track the Jikaru. Una says that after attacking the shuttle, she started doing laps. Uhura says that Spock did connect with the Jikaru, and that she felt it too. M'Benga arrives and says Chapel is stable, while Spock has been put into a coma so his brain can heal. Further, M'Benga states that the Jikaru's brain chemistry was altered, so she can only focus on 'violence and destruction.' Comms
M'Benga says they can't reverse the brain chemistry changes. Uhura isn't willing to give up. She suggests someone less psychically sensitive than Spock might have more luck. Uhura volunteers to be neuralinked to the Jikaru. In medical, Uhura is put in the neuralink equipment. M'Benga warns Uhura that she's risking permanent brain damage.
Then, in a testimonial, Uhura shares one of the last photos she took with her family. In medical, she is obviously struggling as she's connected to the neuralink. The Jikaru wants Enterprise to attack her. The Jikaru says she can then follow Enterprise to a nearby star. Uhura confirms that the Jikaru wants to die: 'It's the only way she can find peace.'
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On the bridge, Pike takes in this information. In a testimonial, he shares a story about having to kill a bronco that fell and fatally injured herself. Pike says he didn't like what he had to do. But he did it. Una confirms that it is sometimes the job. Pike communicates with Command. While they aren't happy, they agree with what needs to be done.
Enterprise fires a mild shot at the Jikaru to gain its attention. She releases the warship and turns on Enterprise . In medical, Uhura reports that the Jikaru's children back on her homeworld are unaltered. She is concerned about them. Pike says to tell the Jikaru that they'll make sure they remain unaltered. What Starfleet Means to Me
In her quarters, Uhura looks somber. She remembers her friend Elaina. Elaina died doing what she believed in. Uhura says she believes in it, too. In medical, Uhura and Beto talk. Uhura says that if they don't do something, people will die. She cites Starfleet's resources and asks, 'If not us, then who?' Uhura continues that it's brave that Beto asks so many questions, as no one should accept anything blindly.
Beto says he was just trying to provide a counterpoint. But Uhura says he came to Enterprise angry and with a point to prove. Uhura says he blames Starfleet for taking his sister and wants to blame someone for her injury. But Uhura and Erica chose Starfleet: he can accept it or shut them out. Starfleet isn't keeping him from fixing things. She leaves him alone in medical.
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On the bridge, Una reports that the Jikaru is pursuing them, but they are out of range. The Lutani warship is damaged but still functional. Voor contacts Enterprise and asks what they're doing. Pike says they're respecting the Jikaru's final wish. He adds that Starfleet will shut down the metamorphosis program, and Tychus-B will be classified as a sanctuary for the animals. Voor protests that countless Lutani will die.
Pike says the Federation will provide assistance to the Lutani in other ways. Voor says the Lutani have other warships in the area. Pike says that to threaten one ship is to threaten everyone. Voor does not want them as enemies. Denouement Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
The Jikaru arrives at the star. On the bridge, Enterprise 's command crew watches as she flies into the star's flames. With a final burst of energy, she dies. In a testimonial, Erica says joining Starfleet was a matter of control for her. But almost dying was out of her control. She has difficulty facing this. Beto records her rehearsal. She delivers the statement to the camera. Erica says that Enterprise 's crew is her family, just as much as Beto is. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Una cites a quote saying space is 'dark and cold and full of death.' She says it's their job to bring warmth and life. Uhura says that Starfleet helped her find herself again. La'an says she'd be dead or 'consumed by her own anger' without Starfleet. Spock says Starfleet has allowed him to explore his human half. He would have been shunned or banished for this exploration on Vulcan.
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In Pike's quarters, Beto listens as Pike plays guitar. In a voiceover, Beto says he's been shown another side of Starfleet. Soon, Pike's quarters are filled with the command crew, who have gathered for dinner. In a testimonial, Uhura says the people make Starfleet what it is, not the other way around. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, 'What Is Starfleet?' Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
The Strange New Worlds theme plays as the credits roll over a shot of the star where the Jikaru died.
Star Trek : Strange New Worlds drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.
Two Takes Trek: The Vulcan Ouroboros Avery Kaplan (she/her) is the author of several books and the Features Editor at Comics Beat. With her spouse Ollie Kaplan, Avery co-authored the middle school textbook on intersectionality Double Challenge: Being LGBTQ and a Minority. She was honored to serve as a judge for the 2021 - 2024 Cartoonist Studio Prize Awards and the 2021 Prism Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her partner and a pile of cats, and her favorite place to visit is the cemetery. You can also find her writing on Comics Bookcase, the Gutter Review, Shelfdust, the Mary Sue, StarTrek.com, in the Comics Courier and in many issues of PanelxPanel, and in the margins of the books in her personal library.