Unveiling the Epic Prophecy: Picard's Heroic Quest to Rescue the Romulans

Summary

In Star Trek: The Next Generation, an alternate future sees Admiral Picard helping Romulans, foreshadowing his actions in Star Trek: Picard.

The show frequently delves into the concept of former foes forming alliances, exemplified by characters like Chekov and Worf.

Although the future portrayed in TNG is ultimately revealed to be a simulation, it subtly suggests Picard's inclination to assist Romulans, which aligns with his portrayal in the new series.

In an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled "Future Imperfect" from season 4, Commander William Riker wakes up after an accident and realizes that sixteen years have passed, leaving him with no memory of befriending Romulans or his involvement in drafting a peace treaty between the United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire. However, it is not uncommon for Star Trek to depict former enemies becoming allies, as seen with characters like Russian Pavel Chekov from Star Trek: The Original Series and Lt. Worf, Starfleet's first Klingon officer. Although this alternate future turns out to be an illusion, both Riker and the viewer can still consider the possibility of a Federation-Romulan alliance, despite its unlikelihood.

TNG Predicted Picard's Future Saving The Romulans

In Riker's opinion, the most incredible aspect of the future is when Picard chooses to assist the Romulans, a notion that materializes in the events leading up to Star Trek: Picard. In the year 2387, Romulus is annihilated by a supernova, prompting Picard to believe that Starfleet has a moral responsibility to aid the Romulans. Despite the Federation's tumultuous history with them and limited resources due to synth attacks, Picard decides to resign from Starfleet in order to offer his own assistance. He is firmly convinced that this is the morally right course of action. This particular reality differs from the simulation that Riker experiences in TNG, as it does not involve a Federation-Romulan alliance. However, it still foretells Picard's willingness to help adversaries with whom the Federation has longstanding conflicts.

Even prior to the supernova, Picard makes it his mission to ensure the well-being of the endangered Romulan civilians. He collaborates closely with the Qowat Milat, a group of Romulan warrior nuns composed entirely of women, to relocate over 250,000 Romulan refugees from their doomed planet to new homes. This endeavor brings the prospect of a genuine alliance closer than ever before, although the Federation eventually withdraws their support. Additionally, Picard takes on the role of a mentor for Elnor (Evan Evagora), a young man who leaves the Qowat Milat to assist Picard in return. Picard even offers shelter at the Château Picard estate to former Tal Shiar operatives Zhaban (Jamie McShane) and Laris (Orla Brady), with the latter becoming Jean-Luc's romantic partner.

Will Picard's Forgotten Romulans Appear In Star Trek: Legacy?

Elnor and Laris, characters from Star Trek: Picard, have the potential to appear in the speculated spinoff Star Trek: Legacy. Laris aids Picard in overcoming his fear of intimacy in season 2, but her return is uncertain following Picard's reunion with Dr. Beverly Crusher in season 3. Elnor, inspired by Picard and Commander Rafaela Musiker, becomes the first full-blooded Romulan to join Starfleet. Showrunner Terry Matalas confirms that Elnor survives season 3 and his role as a protégé to both Picard and Enterprise-G First Officer Musiker would make him a fitting addition to the Legacy cast.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation, a fictitious future is created due to Riker's suspicion of Romulans using simulations to acquire sensitive information. As a result, the narrative features a Federation-Romulan alliance, with Picard's involvement lending it credibility. Conversely, Picard's actual connection to the Romulans in Star Trek: Picard stems from his genuine dedication to doing what is right and his belief in bridging divides to promote understanding. This alliance is personal rather than purely political, aligning more closely with Picard's character and thus, believable.