Star Trek's Starfleet Academy Connection: Unveiling Mariner's Ties to Wesley Crusher

Article Overview

Mariner is linked to Wesley Crusher through their shared friends at Starfleet Academy, namely Sito Jaxa and Nicholas Locarno.

The profound sorrow Mariner experiences upon Sito Jaxa's demise highlights the authenticity of their friendship, proving that it was more than a casual acquaintance.

The absence of Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: Lower Decks provides the opportunity for him to potentially appear and assist Mariner. Wesley is a significant and revered part of the Star Trek universe. In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 5, episode 19 "The First Duty," Wesley is a part of Nova Squadron, an esteemed flight group at Starfleet Academy. The squadron, including Cadets Sito Jaxa, Jean Hajar, and their leader Nicholas Locarno, faces an investigation after the death of a team member during the Kolvoord Starburst maneuver, which Locarno coerced them into performing.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 9 "The Inner Fight", confirms that Mariner is acquainted with Nick Locarno as Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) deliberately excludes Mariner from the Cerritos' mission to find Locarno due to Mariner's troubled behavior triggered by her shared history with him. Meanwhile, Mariner discloses to Klingon captain Ma'ah (Jon Curry) the true reason behind her resistance to her recent promotion to lieutenant: the loss of her friend Ensign Sito Jaxa, who was killed in the line of duty during Star Trek: The Next Generation season 7, episode 15, "Lower Decks." Mariner reveals that she looked up to Sito as a role model, admiring how she overcame adversity and earned the esteemed privilege of serving on the USS Enterprise.

How Lower Decks' Mariner & Wesley Crusher Know Each Other From Star Trek: TNG

Mariner Has A Starfleet Academy Nova Squadron Connection

If Beckett Mariner attended the Academy during the events of "The First Duty" in Star Trek: The Next Generation and was acquainted with Nick Locarno and Sito Jaxa, it would logically follow that she would also be familiar with Wesley Crusher. Nova Squadron, being an elite team, would undoubtedly have a well-established reputation throughout the Academy. However, Mariner's relationship with Sito seems to go beyond a mere acquaintance, suggesting a genuine friendship. This is evident from the profound impact Sito's death has had on Mariner, who has yet to fully process her grief. Given their close bond, it is plausible that Sito introduced Mariner to her fellow teammates. With Mariner's assertive nature and inherent charm, it is conceivable that she integrated herself into the group of cadets by association, consequently befriending all of them, including Wesley Crusher.

Wesley Crusher Isn't Mentioned But Could Appear In Star Trek: Lower Decks

Beckett Mariner and Wesley Crusher not only share mutual friends, but they also could have been friends themselves while attending the Academy. Wesley's parents consist of Doctor Beverly Crusher (portrayed by Gates McFadden) and the late Lt. Commander Jack R. Crusher (played by Jack Wert). On the other hand, Beckett's parents are Captain Carol Freeman and Admiral Alonzo Freeman (portrayed by Phil LaMarr). Being part of Starfleet royalty, both Beckett and Wesley grew up in the constant presence of their parents' service, constantly aware of the expectations and legacies they are supposed to uphold. They were ambitious cadets who possessed immense potential and were determined to prove themselves in their own unique ways. While Mariner chooses to abandon her parents' surname, Wesley opts for an entirely different path.

Wil Wheaton has reprised Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: Picard season 2.

Wesley Crusher, though not mentioned in Star Trek: Lower Decks, has the potential to make an appearance given his life choices. In his last appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7, Episode 20 - "Journey's End", Wesley embraces his calling to join the Traveler instead of pursuing Starfleet. In Season 2, Episode 10 of Star Trek: Picard - "Farewell", it is revealed that Wesley becomes a Traveler himself, granting him the ability to exist outside of linear time. Wesley's absence in the TNG reunion on Picard Season 3 was due to the storyline giving more emphasis to his half-brother Jack, but there is no obstacle preventing his appearance on Lower Decks to assist his friend Beckett.

Moreover, Wesley Crusher embodies the very essence of what Star Trek: Lower Decks proudly celebrates and remains a significant character for many. Even prior to Lower Decks and the TNG episode "Lower Decks" featuring Mariner and Wesley's mutual friend Sito Jaxa, Wesley represents a perspective below that of the senior staff, effectively making him the original "lower decker" of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It would be incredibly fitting for Star Trek: Lower Decks to acknowledge Wesley Crusher's connection with Beckett Mariner.

Star Trek: Lower Decks streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm excited about the potential connection between Mariner and Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: Lower Decks. Mariner's friendship with Sito Jaxa and Nicholas Locarno suggests that she may have also known Wesley during their time at Starfleet Academy. This would be a great opportunity to explore Wesley's character further and see how he has changed since his time on the Enterprise.

I'm also intrigued by the idea of Wesley becoming a Traveler. This could give him a unique perspective on the universe and allow him to help Mariner in ways that no one else can. I'm hoping that we'll get to see more of Wesley in future episodes of Lower Decks and learn more about his journey.