Star Trek: Voyager - Alliances

I also do find the ending frustrating, but I understand the point behind it. If the Voyager were to ally with a race in order to just survive those who serve Starfleet and the principles of the Federation could stand to compromise themselves. And not allying with another race means we are left to wonder just how the Voyager will survive going forward in the Delta Quadrant. I just like the idea that after such violence existing in the Delta Quadrant there could be some sort of existence of peace, even if its stability was frail, feeble, and vulnerable. But I do think many a viewer could tell that Mabus (Charles Lucia) of the Trabe was too good to be true. It was only a matter of time before Janeway would once again put some trust in another that would lead to the inevitable worsening of her position in the Delta Quadrant. I do think Chakotay (Robert Beltran) has a point, though, even if I find Janeway’s continued dedication to the Prime Directive admirable. Where the Voyager is—the Delta Quadrant—simply exists within its own rules, with all the posturing, provocation, backstabbing, scheming, treachery, and deceit accounted for. Each Maje of the Kazon race, following their own sect of said race, eyes being all-powerful, perhaps even uniting all forces as one. Somehow, along the way, the Voyager became an important piece in all of that master plan. But when each and every Maje (and those that follow them) eyes the same prize, accomplishing it would result in one sect defeating the others, using violence to gain advantage. So the idea of peace seems like a pipedream in the Delta Quadrant. The Voyager, though, will always face the cataclysm of being a Federation Starship in a quadrant that offers peaceful races but also dangerous ones. The Kazon almost rendered the Voyager derelict and a sitting duck at the beginning of the episode. In order to survive and persevere, Chakotay believes that Janeway will need to flex the principles of the Federation, as not having any allies could result in certain destruction. And she considers it even if the very notion of it stinks in her nostrils. Tuvok (Tim Russ) uses an orchid he has been tending to in an effort to convince her that Chakotay could be onto something. That it is a hybrid of two different species, and through time and attention the orchid has survived. These are the complexities that often exist before a Starship Captain. Janeway nearly sees her ship come apart, a valuable crewmember of the Maquis killed during a Kazon attack, and massive repairs in order. How much can the Voyager take? So Neelix tries to negotiate talks with a Kazon on a planet with a Maje’s ear but is imprisoned with members of the Trabe, a once wealthy race using the Kazon as slave labor which is why they are so disliked, scattered, and nomadic. Neelix introduces Mabus to Janeway when the imprisoned Trabe escape and make it to Kazon ships (once belonging to the Trabe), and this is the catalyst in potential peace talks. Mabus seems to be legitimate in reaching the Kazon in achieving peace so Janeway hopes their presence with the Maje leaders of each sect can do just that. But the ending comes and it is all a ruse, with Janeway just now fully emboldened to tell her officers that this whole ordeal is a lesson learned…it is the rules and principles of the Federation that are worth following and adhering to. Also included is Maje Cullah (Anthony De Longis), former Voyager officer, Seska (Martha Hackett), and current Voyager officer (and saboteur), Michael Jonas (Raphael Sbarge) all looking to exploit the Voyager for their own benefit, all with hunger towards increasing their standing, in the hopes of attaining great power. So we know that Janeway has a lot to deal with, both in terms of what she does know and doesn’t know.

Hogan, wanting Janeway to give Kazon Federation technology

Janeway understanding Hogan, formerly Maquis, is upset.

Cullah and his usual look of condescension

Janeway addresses her crew on alliances and the Federation

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Popping into my brain while exercising was a couple details I certainly didn't want to leave out. Officer Hogan was of the Maquis, integrating with Voyager crew, and after they lost an officer in Engineering was all for just giving the Kazon whatever they wanted so the attacks would stop. Hotheaded subordination can often be obvious with Maquis officers who felt rejected​by the Federation, so Janeway does debate with Chakotay on their behavior and adaptation to the Prime Directive. The first season had some of that. This continuation of joined forces at odds with the Kazon. And those others with self interests that want to exploit a Federation ship if able.

And love the name drops made showing respect to the Original Series. This time, Spock is mentioned by Tuvok in regards to the Federation peace talks with the Klingon Empire during his conversation with Janeway on alliances. What I found most rewarding about this episode was the conversations on what Janeway needs to do to keep the Voyager from repeated, isolated attacks. What can they do to insure safe travels through the Delta Quadrant?