A Captivating Dive into the Origins of Pike & Number One in Star Trek: Unveiling the Enigmatic New Worlds

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," the meeting between Captain Christopher Pike and Number One is explored, providing an intriguing comparison to Captain James T. Kirk's introduction to Mr. Spock in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek film from 2009. It is worth noting that Strange New Worlds and Abrams' Star Trek occur in similar time periods. While Pike's adventures unfold in 2259 within the Prime Timeline, Abrams' Star Trek takes place in 2258 of the alternate Kelvin Timeline.

The second episode of Strange New Worlds' second season delves into the court-martial of Commander Una Chin-Riley, also known as Number One. Starfleet apprehended the USS Enterprise's First Officer after discovering that she is Illyrian and had falsified information on her application. The Illyrians are a forbidden race within the United Federation of Planets due to their involvement in genetic modifications. In a risky move, Pike jeopardizes his own safety to secure Neera Ketoul as Una's legal counsel. Unable to testify on behalf of his trusted Number One, Pike shares with his significant other, Captain Batel, the story of how he and Una came to meet - a meeting that holds significance as Batel is prosecuting Number One in the court-martial.

Pike & Number One's Strange New Worlds Origin Explained

In the second episode of Strange New Worlds season 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," Captain Pike recounted his encounter with Una Chin-Riley during their time at Starfleet Academy. He spoke to Una's class about a mission he had test piloted, and Una fearlessly approached him afterwards to point out a re-entry mistake he had made. While Pike initially found this to be annoying, he never forgot it, and it played a significant role in his decision to make Una his Number One on the Enterprise.

The original Star Trek pilot episode, "The Cage," introduced Captain Pike and Number One, but it didn't delve into the deep friendship that is explored in Strange New Worlds. Pike and Una have served together for many years, starting their careers on the USS Enterprise under Captain Robert April. In fact, Captain April commended Una by stating that he promoted her faster than any other Starfleet Officer under his command. However, the unwavering loyalty between Pike and Number One was established during their fateful meeting at Starfleet Academy.

How Kirk & Spock Met In J.J. Abrams Star Trek Compares To Pike & Number One

Cadet James T. Kirk and Commander Spock had a hostile encounter at Starfleet Academy in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek. Kirk cheated on a test programmed by Spock, leading to a confrontation in front of the entire Academy. Their initial animosity persisted when they both found themselves aboard the USS Enterprise, responding to an attack on Vulcan by Nero. However, they eventually formed a friendship after teaming up to defeat Nero.

Interestingly, the first meeting between Pike and Number One in another timeline mirrored the turbulent start of Kirk and Spock's relationship, albeit with a more intense and dramatic tone. Nevertheless, the end result remained the same, with both friendships blossoming at Starfleet Academy. It is ironic that in the Prime Star Trek Timeline, Lt. James T. Kirk and Lt. Spock did not meet at the Academy, but will finally cross paths aboard Captain Pike's Starship Enterprise in season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streams Thursdays on Paramount+