Amongst the distant stars, I envision myself standing on a Starfleet base. In a large window spanning the length of an average-sized economic car, I look at the gray sleekness of a cargo ship nearing the station. Undoubtedly, this ship could carry large sums of fuel, calibrators, and core reactors. In the extremity of U.S. politics, I dream of the worlds ventured by Starfleet captains and their various all-species crew members. I believe I could depart from this polarity on social issues and fly a run-about to solve problems that are not here on Earth.

One could say this is a delusional fantasy and then ask how on earth could someone catapult out of their present reality. Alongside these skeptics, I can hear the resounding chorus “you cannot run away from problems.” However, I think a lot of the scenarios gleaned from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and many more can allow us to understand our position on wanting to do so. As I come nearer to the end of Deep Space Nine (spanning seven seasons), I can’t help but wonder who the American government would view as themselves. Would certain politicians label themselves as the Starfleet officers, as the Dominion, as Cardassia, and/or Romulus. For intents and purposes, I won’t garner which of these militaristic, hawk-like, oppressed, and/ or morally questionable – because there maybe significant crossover.

As many science-fiction franchises, Star Trek continuously asks of the audience where ethics and morals lie. What are our ideals and how do we stand by these ‘honorable attributes’ in times of war? What can we see in others that can be hard at time to glean from ourselves? So far I have witnessed this question thoroughly examined with Starfleet doctors. Their scope often relates to the treatment of political prisoners, exacerbated casualties, biological warfare, and the psychological reasoning from captains (who may use hawkish techniques at time to achieve their end goal).

I reflect on whether my fantasy to throw myself into a fictional universe actually alleviates my country’s current position. We are already in the bind of wars and social inequalities. I’m not overall pessimistic but right now opposition to various freedoms here (and around the world) strikes a fear in me. Where will the narrative go?

On second thought, regular civilian characters are thrown into unpredictable situations – so this 23rd century world doesn’t completely count as a fantasy. Will their land be occupied and their people controlled remain under authoritarianism? Will there be large smear campaigns steeped in religious biases? Without a runaway question-train, I ask myself: which actions allow entire populations to change for the ‘good’. I am reminded of Dr. Julian Bashir who asks Captain Benjamin Sisko how the twenty first century became chaotic and oppressive in comparison to the present century (read: twenty-third century). For reference, these two characters ventured back in time. (Reference: Deep Space Nine, Season 3 Ep.11-12)

One example – although tricky – includes Deep Space Nine’s portrayal of Colonel Kira as tackling certain issues posed in the previous centuries. As the first officer and liason for Bajor council (between the federation and Bajor), Major Kira’s story arc seems promising. We learn that her and her colleagues on Bajor led a hearty resistance to Cardassian occupation. In fact, she represents almost the tenacity of a coming of age story for a refugee compelled to rise to the forefront and change history (if not for her deceased freedom fighter colleagues for the entirety of occupied Bajor). However producers Rick Berman and Ira Steven Behr do not leave us here, the audience must see Major Kira go through a tremendous amount of; reexamining trust, trying faith-based dilemmas, loss of an unexpected friend, and more.

With that in mind, I believe Star trek doesn’t coddle fans into a utopia but an immersive look at themselves in film. Not even on Riza, a manufactured pleasure island, could shield Star trek characters from the looming threat of violence and ethical questions tied into their very existence.