Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Brilliant Twist Puts Starfleet & Number One On Trial - Victory Ensues

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 2 - "Ad Astra Per Aspera"

In the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, Number One (Rebecca Romijn), the USS Enterprise First Officer Una Chin-Riley, faces a trial that not only challenges her, but also questions the integrity of Starfleet. "Ad Astra Per Aspera" continues the storyline from season 1, where Number One was arrested for concealing her genetic modification as an Illyrian on her Starfleet application. This episode prompts a reevaluation of Starfleet's ban on genetic augmentation and forces the trial judges to reconsider their preconceived notions. Ultimately, Starfleet stands by its principles and reaches a just decision regarding Una, although the larger issue of the augment ban remains unresolved.

Strange New Worlds Put Starfleet On Trial Along With Number One

In line with the precedent set by numerous Star Trek courtroom episodes, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," dedicates a significant portion of its duration to the trial itself. Una passionately recounts her past as a young Illyrian, concealing her true identity from the United Federation of Planets while growing up in a Federation colony situated within the Vaultera Nebula. Neera Ketoul, Una's friend and lawyer portrayed by Yetide Badaki, pleads with Starfleet to prioritize their compassionate laws over the more punitive ones. As the trial delves into Starfleet's legislation and their prohibition on augmentations, the conclusion of Strange New Worlds' "Ad Astra Per Aspera" finds Una right where she belongs - serving as the First Officer aboard the USS Enterprise.

In her defense of Una, Neera highlights the former Captain of Number One, Admiral Robert April (Adrian Holmes), as well as her current Captain, Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). Neera passionately criticizes April, questioning several of his previous decisions that disregarded Starfleet's fundamental principle, the Prime Directive. Pike's integrity is put under scrutiny as the trial reveals that he became aware of Una's Illyrian heritage four months prior to her arrest. Ultimately, Neera's apparent accusations aim to convey an essential message: Starfleet officers sometimes need to rely on their own judgment when making decisions, even if it means deviating from strict adherence to the law.

Starfleet & Una Both Won In Number One's Trial

In spite of Neera's concerns about Starfleet as an institution, she leverages one of their most compassionate statutes to ensure Una's continued presence within Starfleet. By presenting Una's narrative as that of a persecuted asylum-seeker, Neera affords the judges an opportunity to uphold their laws while remaining faithful to Starfleet's values. Instead of transforming the trial into a battle against the prohibition on genetic enhancement, Neera seizes the occasion to expose the inherent bias of the ban. Irrespective of its intentions, this ban engendered persecution and discrimination, diametrically opposing everything that Starfleet represents. Drawing upon her expertise as a Civil Rights lawyer, Neera meticulously lays out these arguments for the Starfleet judges, providing them with a viable solution that will safeguard Una.

As Neera produces the Starfleet code book and urges Captain Batel (Melanie Scrofano) to recite Starfleet Code 8514, a collective sense of relief and even jubilation permeates the room. This legislation stipulates that any Starfleet Captain has the authority to grant asylum to individuals fleeing persecution. As the code is read aloud, comprehension dawns on those present in the courtroom, illuminating Neera's intentions. Concluding her defense, Neera makes a heartfelt plea: "Years ago, the ideals of Starfleet beckoned a young girl from the far reaches of the galaxy to serve. Rediscover those ideals within yourselves." While the Starfleet judges are obligated to uphold the ban on augmentation, they also acknowledge Una's outstanding conduct as a Starfleet officer, recognizing that she should not be penalized merely for her existence.

Una firmly believes in the ideals of Starfleet, and "Ad Astra Per Aspera" justifies her belief in them. While Starfleet may have rules and regulations that appear unfair, the majority of its members genuinely strive to make ethical choices. The most exceptional Starfleet officers recognize that there are times when empathy should outweigh strict adherence to the law. In Una's trial, compassion and humanity ultimately prevail, leaving everyone, except perhaps Vice Admiral Pasalk, satisfied with the final verdict. "Ad Astra Per Aspera" reinforces the notion that Starfleet (and Star Trek) exemplify the finest qualities of humanity. Watch the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+ every Thursday.