The Fascinating Connection Between Star Trek DS9’s Nog and Strange New Worlds' Top Character

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

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera," Number One's (Rebecca Romijn) Starfleet Academy origin story reveals a fascinating connection to Lieutenant Nog (Aron Eisenberg) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Commander Una Chin-Riley finds herself facing a court-martial. However, thanks to her legal counsel, Neera Ketoul (Yetide Badaki), Una is granted asylum by the Federation, allowing Number One to regain her rank and duties as First Officer of the USS Enterprise.

Meanwhile, on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Nog's journey takes an interesting turn. Starting out as a young bartender at his uncle Quark's (Armin Shimerman) bar, Nog feels a strong desire to avoid following in his father's footsteps as a failed Ferengi businessman. Instead, he sets his sights on Starfleet. Through hard work and dedication, Nog becomes a highly respected officer, progressing from Starfleet Cadet to Ensign and ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant, junior grade, during DS9 seasons 4-7. Throughout the Dominion War, Nog experiences profound loss and faces challenging times, but he also shares in the Federation's eventual triumph.

How DS9's Nog Is Similar To Strange New Worlds' Number One

Commander Una Chin-Riley's former commanding officer, Admiral Robert April (played by Adrian Holmes), testified in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 2, titled "Ad Astra Per Aspera." He revealed that he had sponsored Una's application to Starfleet Academy and praised her exceptional service, promoting her faster than any other officer. The exact details of how April and Chin-Riley first met remain unclear, but April's recommendation of Una to the Academy clearly highlights his high regard for her. However, it was also revealed during the trial that April would not have sponsored Chin-Riley had he known the truth about her being Illyrian.

Admiral April's sponsorship of Una Chin-Riley's application is reminiscent of Commander Benjamin Sisko's endorsement of Nog in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 3 episode, "Heart of Stone." Initially, Sisko believed Nog's desire to join Starfleet was a joke, but the young Ferengi proved his sincerity and convinced Sisko of his genuine aspirations for a better future, separate from his father's path. Touched by Nog's plea, Sisko took a leap of faith and granted the Ferengi an opportunity. It is noteworthy that two of the most prominent Black Captains in the Star Trek franchise took chances on young individuals who shared the ideals of Starfleet, and neither Sisko nor April would come to regret their decisions.

Number One & Nog Are Both Starfleet Success Stories

Number One and Nog stand as remarkable accomplishments in Starfleet history, with their notable contributions in the 23rd-century and 24th-century respectively. In the highly anticipated series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Christopher Pike praises Una as "the fleet's most exceptional First Officer," while her record in Starfleet prior to revealing her Illyrian identity has been nothing short of exemplary. Similarly, Nog's ascent as a Starfleet Officer in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine exceeded all expectations, as he effortlessly adapted to the demands of his role. The Ferengi, once underestimated, now epitomize the discipline, dedication, and honor so vital to every Starfleet Officer.

Notably, Nog and Una Chin-Riley share another significant distinction, being the pioneering members of their respective species to serve in Starfleet. As Starfleet's first Illyrian, Number One has consistently defied expectations, while Nog's groundbreaking status as the first Ferengi in Starfleet has earned him admiration and respect. Both Una and Nog ventured across the galaxy, serving under esteemed Captains of their time. They have encountered the awe-inspiring wonders and perilous dangers that space has to offer, immersing themselves in the vastness and mysteries of the cosmos.

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