Seven of Nine, portrayed by Jeri Ryan, was integrated into the crew of Star Trek: Voyager primarily to boost the show’s declining ratings. However, her role onboard the USS Voyager evolved beyond just a ratings strategy. Initially, Seven didn’t have a traditional role because she wasn’t a part of Starfleet and held no rank within the ship’s hierarchy. Overcoming her turbulent past as a Borg drone was essential for her to feel purposeful as a member of the crew, and she needed to find her own way to contribute effectively.
Unlike many other crew members, Seven of Nine often operated independently instead of directly following the orders of Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). This autonomous approach sparked friction with some crew members, particularly with Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson). Nevertheless, Seven gradually adapted and learned the importance of collaboration. Her extensive knowledge and acquired skills from her time in the Borg Collective made her an asset to the USS Voyager, enabling her to still contribute meaningfully even after being disconnected from the Borg.
Seven Of Nine’s Duties On USS Voyager Explained
Seven Of Nine Was Essentially Voyager’s Science Officer
Essentially, Seven of Nine became the de facto Science Officer for Captain Janeway. After her separation from the Collective, she joined forces with Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) to enhance the USS Voyager with a new Astrometrics lab. Much of her time was spent in this lab, where she meticulously observed and analyzed data gathered by the ship’s sensors. This role positioned her as one of the first to notice solutions to pressing issues, including the discovery of an abandoned Hirogen communications relay that ultimately linked Voyager back to the Alpha Quadrant in season 4.
In Voyager season 5, episode 24, “Relativity”, and season 7, episode 17, “Human Error”, Seven of Nine sported a Starfleet uniform, which was science blue.
With a background rooted in Borg efficiency, Seven often initiated science projects aimed at improving the USS Voyager’s functionality, sometimes without waiting for approval from Captain Janeway or other department heads. Her early attempts to optimize Voyager to function like a Borg cube led to tension with Chief Engineer B’Elanna Torres, regardless of whether her engineering endeavors were successful. Meanwhile, Ops Officer Harry Kim and the Doctor (Robert Picardo) were more receptive to her innovative ideas, which resulted in advancements like the Astrometrics lab and the medical application of Borg nanoprobes.
Seven Of Nine’s Borg Knowledge Helped The USS Voyager Crew
Seven Replaced Neelix As Voyager’s Delta Quadrant Guide
Whenever the USS Voyager crew encountered an issue related to the Borg, Seven of Nine was the go-to person for assistance. Her understanding of both the philosophical and technological aspects of the Borg made her pivotal in navigating through Borg territory. She even equipped Voyager with Borg technology, such as the transwarp coil that enabled the USS Voyager to access Borg transwarp corridors in the two-part season 5 episode “Dark Frontier.” Additionally, Seven contributed her knowledge to the construction of Voyager’s Delta Flyer.
Seven’s Delta Quadrant data was clinically filtered through a Borg lens of theoretically objective fact.
Having once been part of the Borg Collective gave Seven unique insights into the Delta Quadrant that Starfleet lacked. Her information concerning potential resources and uncharted species like Species 8472 proved invaluable. As Neelix’s (Ethan Phillips) information became mundane in unfamiliar areas, Seven of Nine transitioned into the crew’s unofficial guide through the Delta Quadrant. While Neelix relied on colorful stories and experiences, Seven’s input was data-driven and objective.
How Star Trek: Voyager Prepared Seven Of Nine To Become A Starfleet Captain
Seven Of Nine Learned Leadership And Independence On The USS Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager set the stage for Seven of Nine to become a Starfleet Captain two decades later in Star Trek: Picard season 3. Her leadership style mirrored Captain Janeway’s and developed significantly while she mentored the younger crew members. Her unexpected friendship with Naomi Wildman (Scarlett Pomers) paved the way for her to take charge of Voyager’s group of young ex-Borg children in season 6. Teaching and guiding the youngsters offered Seven her first taste of real leadership, helping her understand the individual needs of others and adapt her approach accordingly.
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Seven of Nine wasn’t hesitant to voice her opinions and sometimes challenge Captain Janeway, stepping into a quasi-First Officer role. While Chakotay often expressed the crew’s interests as the formal First Officer, Seven brought practical, efficient solutions to the table, even if her ideas sometimes clashed with Janeway’s Starfleet principles. This courage in confronting authority laid the groundwork for her to become First Officer under Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) aboard the USS Titan-A in Star Trek: Picard and eventually Captain of the USS Enterprise-G. Though Seven of Nine never officially joined Starfleet during Star Trek: Voyager, her rich experiences on Janeway’s starship formed a solid foundation for her future career in Starfleet.