Unexpected Alliance: Star Trek's Ferengi on the Verge of Joining the Federation - What About DS9's Bajor?
Leeta's role in negotiating Bajor's membership in Star Trek's DS9 raises questions about whether the planet will finally join the Federation Explore the possibilities of Bajor's future in this intriguing storyline
WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks, season 4, episode 6, "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place."
Summary
Captain Freeman effectively persuades the Ferengi Grand Nagus and his Bajoran spouse to seriously consider joining the Federation. The prime reason for the Ferengi's interest in Federation membership is the peril faced by their trade routes, whereas the Bajorans' position hangs in uncertainty.
There is a possibility that Bajor will join the Federation after the Ferengi, as hinted in an Easter egg in Star Trek: Picard season 2. Star Trek: Lower Decks has confirmed that the Ferengi will become members of the Federation. However, it is still uncertain whether the Bajorans from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine will also join. In the episode "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place," Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) meets with Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik) and his Bajoran wife Leeta (Chase Masterson) to negotiate terms for Ferenginar's Federation membership. Both the Ferengi and Bajorans were introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but they gained prominence in DS9 and became integral to the larger ensemble.
Star Trek: Lower Decks Set Up The Ferengi Joining The Federation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine rectified the mistake with the Ferengi from TNG, and the fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks has taken DS9's advancements to a revolutionary level. By the conclusion of "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place," Captain Freeman effectively persuades the Grand Nagus and Leeta about the advantages of joining the Federation. This feat not only marks a significant Ferengi milestone in Star Trek canon but also raises the question of whether the Bajorans will follow suit.
The risks posed to their trade routes by Star Trek: Lower Decks' enigmatic adversary prompt the Ferengi to seek Federation membership. The serious consideration of their application by the Federation serves as a testament to the extensive progressive transformations initiated by Grand Nagus Rom and Leeta following the conclusion of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Despite Rom's forward-thinking approach, he remains a formidable negotiator and strategically keeps the Starfleet Admiral appointed to oversee the signing on their toes. Only through Freeman's appreciative mindset and comprehensive comprehension of Ferengi culture does Rom ultimately affix his signature to the necessary paperwork, finalizing their application.
Bajor Didn’t Join The Federation in Star Trek: DS9 - But Will It?
Upon concluding the episode, Captain Freeman remarks that several procedures still need to be finalized. Nevertheless, the path towards Federation membership remains clear for the Ferengi. Given their adeptness in negotiation and their established relationships with other planets, they will undeniably prove to be an immensely valuable species within the Federation. It is only fitting that Rom, the father of Nog (Aron Eisenberg), Starfleet's first Ferengi officer, should be the one to usher Ferenginar into the Federation. While Leeta has diligently overseen the negotiations for Ferengi membership, she has yet to witness the inclusion of her own planet into the esteemed ranks of Star Trek's Federation.
Despite Commander Benjamin Sisko's initial assignment to prepare Bajor for Federation membership, the planet ultimately decided against joining due to the imminent threat from Cardassia and the Dominion. With the war now concluded, it is likely that the focus will shift towards Bajor's potential membership in the Federation. Captain Sisko, both the Bajoran Emissary and a Starfleet officer, believes that Bajor will eventually join the Federation. Interestingly, a hidden reference in Star Trek: Picard season 2 hints that this might happen after the Ferengi's own admission.
During Admiral Jean-Luc Picard's graduation speech, both Bajoran and Ferengi flags were visible, indicating that some of the graduating students may be from these home worlds. However, it's also possible that these flags represent member states of the Federation in the late 24th century. If that is the case, fans can anticipate the eventual inclusion of Bajor into the Federation between the events of Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard, as predicted by Captain Sisko, The Emissary. Check out new episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 every Thursday on Paramount+.
