Ultimate Showdown: Analyzing the Epic Starship Battle between Enterprise-G and Janeway's Voyager
Comparing the iconic Star Trek ships, Enterprise-G and Janeway's Voyager, reveals the contrasting legacies and unique journeys of Captain Seven of Nine Explore the potential greatness and distinctive qualities of these captivating captains
Summary
Captain Seven of Nine takes command of the USS Enterprise-G, a versatile exploratory vessel, with powerful impulse engines and a battle bridge.
The Enterprise-G, unlike the USS Voyager, is set to surpass the achievements of two previous ships and become Starfleet's leading vessel.
With her historic position and demonstrated ability to trust her intuition and handle challenging situations, Seven has the potential to become a remarkable captain, much like Janeway. However, the ultimate comparison between the two captains is still unknown.
In season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) assumes control of the USS Enterprise-G, previously known as the USS Titan-A. This new ship, under Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) on Star Trek: Voyager, differs significantly from Seven's previous vessel, the USS Voyager. Notably, the crew of the Enterprise-G consists of the children of prominent Starfleet figures, including Ensign Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), the son of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and pilot Lt. Sidney LaForge (Ashei Sharpe Chestnut), daughter of Commodore Geordi LaForge (LeVar Burton).
In episode 6 of Star Trek: Picard season 3, titled "The Bounty," when Seven sees Voyager once again, she nostalgically confides in Jack about the ship being her rebirth. This description is fitting, as the Borg had stripped Seven of her childhood through early assimilation. However, Janeway and her crew welcomed her as a member, even amidst their challenging journey back home. This mission shaped Seven into the person she is today, with her connection to humanity preserved, and Janeway supported her entrance into Starfleet. Despite enduring hardships and prejudice, Seven of Nine's character development traces her evolution from a mere Borg drone to the captain of the latest Enterprise, with Voyager playing a crucial role in her journey.
How Captain Seven Of Nine’s Enterprise-G Compares To Voyager
How does Captain Seven of Nine's USS Enterprise-G compare to Captain Janeway's USS Voyager? Voyager, commissioned in 2370, was one of the first Starfleet ships to incorporate bio-neural gel packs in its computer systems and integrate the Emergency Medical Hologram in its sickbay. Its sleek Intrepid-class design emphasizes its speed and maneuverability, boasting a class 9 warp drive, variable geometry pylons, and a top speed of warp 9.975. With a length of 344 meters and a width of approximately 117 meters at the saucer's widest point, Voyager consists of 15 decks, housing 257 rooms, 2 holodecks, and various scientific research laboratories. The vessel typically operates with a crew of 150, though it can function with as few as 100.
In contrast, the Enterprise-G serves as a versatile exploratory ship, measuring 560.5 meters long and featuring 28 decks. Its powerful impulse engines are specifically designed for operation in populated systems, while its battle bridge reflects its preparedness for combat. Both vessels are equipped with phaser arrays, torpedo launchers, and deflector shields, although Voyager's addition of metaphasic shields is now standard in new Starfleet ships. Onboard, the Enterprise-G offers recreational facilities that include a holodeck and a functioning bar. Notably, the Enterprise-G belongs to the Constitution-III, or Neo-Constitution, class, which pays homage to Captain James T. Kirk's original Constitution-class Enterprise from Star Trek: The Original Series, famously portrayed by William Shatner.
Enterprise Inherited Its Legacy But Voyager Created Its Own
The USS Enterprise-G inherits not one, but two legacies, while the reputation of the USS Voyager is entirely its own. Before being renamed Enterprise, the G served as the Titan-A, starting its mission with the reputation of its predecessor, Captain William Riker's Luna-class USS Titan. As the Enterprise-G, it ascends to become Starfleet's flagship, entrusted with representing the United Federation of Planets as it explores new life and civilizations. It carries the memories of all the ships that bore either name and the responsibility to honor and even surpass the accomplishments of its predecessors, including the first Titan and every Starship Enterprise that came before it.
Voyager, though state-of-the-art upon its initial launch, is otherwise unremarkable compared to other Starfleet vessels. It achieves its legendary status through its extraordinary mission through the Delta Quadrant and the unwavering determination of Captain Janeway. In doing so, it showcases the remarkable capabilities of Starfleet's ships to exceed expectations. Voyager stands as proof that it is not solely a ship's name that etches it into history, but rather the leadership of its captain and the dedication of its crew that guide its mission and shape its destiny. As a member of Voyager's crew, Seven is deeply influenced by Janeway's leadership and carries a significant part of Voyager's legacy to the Enterprise-G.
Can Seven Of Nine Be As Great A Captain As Janeway?
Can Seven of Nine, as Captain of the Enterprise-G, match Janeway's greatness on Voyager? Seven's role as captain is already historic, being the first ex-Borg member of Starfleet to achieve that honor. Additionally, she has an advantage over Janeway, who started her journey as captain of Voyager with more ordinary circumstances. However, Janeway's reputation as a formidable leader was forged through enduring unexpected challenges on her small science vessel. She confronted these obstacles with pride in Starfleet principles, her own scientific curiosity, and faith in her crew's resourcefulness to navigate their unplanned mission back home.
Naturally, Seven's command style is influenced by observing Janeway. By defying Captain Liam Shaw, her immediate superior, Seven demonstrates her commitment to trusting her instincts, just as Janeway did. Taking command of the Titan in a crisis situation further highlights her ability to take charge and adapt to seemingly insurmountable challenges. It is certainly possible that Seven can live up to the legacy of Janeway, with a command that honors her achievements. However, she will also face additional pressures and expectations associated with leading the Titan and the Enterprise.
Is there a valid comparison between Kathryn Janeway's Voyager and Seven of Nine's Enterprise-G? In terms of capabilities, the Enterprise-G surpasses Voyager with its superior tactical advantage and overall versatility. The Enterprise-G possesses great potential right from the beginning, thanks to its crew consisting of well-known individuals, while Voyager's crew includes Starfleet dropouts who joined the Maquis. Both crews demonstrate the ability to triumph in the face of extreme challenges, but Voyager has already etched its name in history by surpassing expectations and becoming iconic.
It is currently insufficient to assess Seven's ability as a captain compared to Janeway. The legacy of Star Trek: Voyager lives on with Star Trek: Prodigy, which will introduce the USS Voyager-A and Admiral Janeway's continuing adventures, but its second season has yet to find a new streaming platform. Star Trek: Picard season 3 sets the stage for Star Trek: Legacy, a potential new series featuring Captain Seven of Nine and the new Enterprise crew, but until it receives confirmation of its development, its existence remains speculative. Fortunately, the future of Star Trek holds the promise of exploring the adventures of the Enterprise-G, allowing for direct comparisons with its predecessors.
