Unveiling the Groundbreaking Evolution of Major Kira in Star Trek: DS9!
Kira Nerys: The Revolutionary Number One Who Redefined Star Trek's Mold with Her Dark Past, Shattering Expectations and Inspiring Change
Summary
Kira Nerys, unlike her predecessors Riker and Spock, was not affiliated with Starfleet but still proved to be an excellent Number One to Commander Sisko.
Due to her experiences as a Bajoran Resistance fighter and her deep commitment to Bajor, Kira emerges as a key player in examining the consequences of the Cardassian Occupation. Her perspective, which is distinct and invaluable, aids Sisko in navigating this post-occupation era. Kira's troubled past, encompassing her affiliation with a terrorist group and engaging in violent actions, has ultimately molded her into a more capable officer. This transformation enables her to effectively guide Bajor towards a brighter future, leaving behind the shadows of its oppressive history.
Major Kira Nerys, played by Nana Visitor, defied convention in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine by becoming a remarkable Number One who measures up to the likes of Commander William T. Riker and Lieutenant Commander Spock. Unlike Riker and Spock, Kira was not associated with Starfleet; rather, she was a member of the Bajoran Militia serving as the Federation Liaison on DS9. Commander Benjamin Sisko specifically requested a Bajoran as his second-in-command due to the sensitive nature of his mission to prepare Bajor for Federation membership.
The inclusion of both Starfleet and Bajoran perspectives in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine greatly enhanced the storyline, making Kira the ideal choice as Sisko's Number One. In episode 2 of season 1, titled "Past Prologue," Kira faces the challenge of reconciling her new role as Federation liaison with her past as a fighter for Bajoran Resistance. The reappearance of infamous Bajoran terrorist Tahna Los provides DS9 with the opportunity to showcase how Kira distinguishes herself from her predecessors like Spock and Riker, while highlighting her exceptional abilities as a Number One.
Kira Didn’t Need Starfleet To Be A Great Number One To Sisko
Ro Laren's inclusion in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine would have undermined the central conflict between Sisko and Kira. The show relied heavily on exploring the complicated history of the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor, and Kira played a crucial role in delving into its aftermath. In the episode "Past Prologue," Kira's loyalty to Bajor and her encounters with a terrorist named Tahna Los created direct conflicts with Sisko, ultimately shaping their relationship. Kira's background in the resistance and her aspirations for a free Bajor provide a perfect counterpoint to Sisko's Starfleet duties, similar to how Spock's logic complemented Kirk's impulsiveness. Sisko, in turn, helps Kira understand the benefits of a more open and interconnected future for Bajor. This optimistic perspective is at odds with Tahna Los, whom Kira attempts to convince but ultimately fails. Kira's ongoing reconciliation with her past becomes instrumental in defeating Dominion rule over Cardassia Prime by the end of the Dominion War.
Kira’s Dark Past Makes Her A Very Different Star Trek Number One
Riker and Spock had their own share of past troubles, but nothing compared to Kira's involvement in resisting the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. In the episode "Past Prologue," Kira and Tahna Los crossed paths during their fight against the Cardassians. While never explicitly confirmed in Star Trek lore, there is a suggestion in "Battle Lines" that Kira may have had ties to the Kohn-Ma terrorist organization. Nevertheless, her actions within the Shakaar resistance cell were enough to give anyone pause. In "The Darkness and the Light" from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's fifth season, it is revealed that Kira took the lives of Gul Pirak's family in an attack on his home.
Although Riker's experiences on the USS Pegasus and the USS Hood were overshadowed by Kira's backstory in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, his involvement with the controversial cloaking device molded him into a better officer, much like how Kira's crimes during the Cardassian Occupation shaped her. Kira committed questionable acts for noble reasons, but she always remained honest about her past. Her resistance background influenced her role as Sisko's Number One, enabling her to aid in Bajor's transition away from the darkness that plagued its history.
