Unveiling Section 31's Infamous Acts in the Dominion War of Star Trek DS9
Section 31's heinous acts during the Dominion War expose the dark underbelly of Starfleet, from kidnapping and manipulation to framing, experimentation, and attempted genocide
Summary
Section 31's crimes include attempted genocide, creating a dangerous A.I., and interfering in non-Federation species' politics, going against Starfleet's ideals.
Dr. Julian Bashir fell victim to Section 31's manipulation and framing, revealing their merciless methods and lack of concern for innocent individuals. Their audacious plot to eradicate the Dominion Founders, in direct contradiction to Starfleet's principles, resulted in their renegade status on the outskirts of Federation territory.
Decades after the Dominion War ended in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the horrifying war crimes committed by Section 31 continue to surface. This secretive organization, believed to have existed since the inception of Starfleet, is fiercely devoted to safeguarding Federation interests at any cost. The popularity of Section 31 within Starfleet Command appears to fluctuate, as evidenced by their well-known existence in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, while remaining a complete mystery to Dr. Julian Bashir and Captain Benjamin Sisko in DS9, a century later.
The actions of Section 31 in Star Trek represent their most appalling crimes, defiantly contradicting the core principles of Starfleet. Throughout the ages, they have engaged in acts of attempted genocide, overseen the creation of a highly intelligent artificial intelligence that nearly obliterated the universe, and meddled in the internal affairs of alien species outside the Federation. Essentially, they operate above the law and faced repercussions from Starfleet Command only when Doctor Julian Bashir exposed their crimes committed during the Dominion War.
5. Kidnapped And Manipulated Doctor Julian Bashir
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 6, Episode 18, "Inquisition"
Section 31's presence in the 24th century of Star Trek was initially unveiled during an attempt to recruit Dr. Bashir. In the episode "Inquisition" of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Luther Sloan (William Sadler) captures Bashir and subjects him to an intricate holodeck simulation to evaluate his loyalty. Throughout the simulation, Julian faces isolation from his colleagues who suspect him of being a Dominion spy. He is even transported onto a Cardassian ship where Weyoun (Jeffrey Combs) warmly welcomes him. Bashir, however, sees through this manipulation and demands to uncover the truth behind the unfolding situation.
Sloan disclosed that the vetting process had been an arduous evaluation aimed at determining Bashir's aptitude for Section 31. On paper, Doctor Bashir seemed well-suited for the clandestine organization, given his affinity for spy thrillers showcased in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. However, Bashir's unwavering moral compass and steadfast belief in Starfleet's original mission prompted him to turn down Sloan's offer, convinced that the means could never justify the ends. Nevertheless, this wasn't the end of Bashir and Section 31's intertwined tale, as Sloan cunningly exploited Julian's strong moral code to interfere in the convoluted politics of Romulus.
