Ro Laren: From TNG to Deep Space Nine and Beyond

Ro Laren is a complex and intriguing character in the Star Trek universe, evolving from her early days on the USS Enterprise-D to her participation in the Maquis insurgents and finally joining Starfleet Intelligence. Her journey is marked by a series of dramatic turns in multiple shows and relaunch novels, each shedding new light on her character.

Introduction to Ro Laren

Ro Laren, a female Bajoran, first appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). Initially serving as an Ensign on the USS Enterprise-D, she eventually sympathized with and defected to the Maquis insurgents. Her character was designed to be the first officer of Deep Space 9, but she turned down the offer and instead joined the Maquis. This decision led to her eventual loss from the main cast, as Michelle Forbes was unable to commit to the role.

Ro Laren in Deep Space Nine (DS9)

Following her defection to the Maquis, Ro's character was notably absent from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9). However, plans for her inclusion were already in place. The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine bible from April 1992 shows that Ro Laren was supposed to become a significant guest character, even serving as a first officer under Benjamin Sisko. Additionally, the bible suggests a close relationship with Jadzia Dax, Odo, and Quark, indicating the extensive role she was originally planned to play.

The Maquis and Further Adventures

Ro's subsequent life in the Maquis is multifaceted. The production notes reveal that she was meant to have a promotion to Lieutenant on the Enterprise-D before the events of DS9. Her Bajoran heritage led her to value her people's independence, which motivated her to volunteer for the space station. Sisko initially rejected her transfer, but Ro's value to the mission became apparent early on.

Novels and Comics

Rather than appearing in the TV series, Ro Laren's story continued in various novels and comics. She played crucial roles in the novel Wrath of the Prophets, where she forms an alliance with Kira Nerys to hunt down a black market dealer on Bajor. The DS9 comic Friend and Foe Alike further explored her character development.

Post-Dominion War: Reintegration into Starfleet

After surviving the Dominion's extermination of the Maquis, Ro joined a few other Maquis survivors and continued their fight against the Dominion. Following the Dominion War, Ro returned to Bajor and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Bajoran militia. She became the Chief of Security on Deep Space 9 and even started a relationship with Quark. Starfleet initially wanted to arrest her, but Captain Picard's lobbying led to a reconsideration. Ro continued as Chief of Security until joining Starfleet officially and progressing to the rank of Captain by 2382. In Star Trek Online, her backstory shows she surrendered to Starfleet in 2379, served two years in a penal colony on Earth, and later became Chief of Security on Deep Space 9 with a Bajoran commission.

Novel Series Contributions

In the post-DS9 novels, Ro's continued development is detailed, including a return to Bajor where she took on the role of Chief of Security. As the Bajoran militia became part of Starfleet, Ro received a full Starfleet commission. Her character further advanced in the novel Zero Sum Game set in 2382, where she is the commanding officer of Deep Space 9. In the Typhon Pact series, Ro takes command of the new station built following the destruction of the original one, starting in Revelation and Dust.