The Caelior Brethren Mystery in Star Trek Voyager and its Non-Canon Existence

Within the vast universe of Star Trek: Voyager, numerous enigmatic beings and racial groups have been introduced to expand the lore and depth of the Star Trek franchise. The Caelior Brethren, often simply referred to as the Caelior, are one such group mentioned in the episode titled “Borg.” However, their actual appearance and inclusion within established Star Trek canon remains a matter of much debate. This article delves into the mysterious existence of the Caelior Brethren, highlighting their brief mention in Star Trek: Voyager and their controversial presence in Star Trek expanded universe literature.

References in Star Trek: Voyager's Borg Episode

Borg, an episode in Star Trek: Voyager that originally aired in 1997, delves into the impact of the Borg on various species. While the episode focuses on the actions and implications of the Borg, it does mention the Caelior Brethren. These beings, despite their significant impact on the Star Trek narrative, do not appear on screen during the episode. Their mere mention serves to enrich the lore and highlight the far-reaching consequences of the Borg's assimilation efforts.

During the episode, it is revealed that the Caelior were victims of the Borg’s assimilation. Their society was fully integrated into the Borg Collective, reshaping their culture and transforming them into non-sentient drones. This information is crucial for the plot, as the Starfleet crew attempts to understand the motivations behind the Borg’s actions and the possible long-term consequences of their actions.

Non-Canon Existence in Star Trek: Destiny

While the Caelior Brethren may appear briefly in Star Trek: Voyager, their full lore and detailed history come to light in the Star Trek expanded universe, specifically in the novel series Star Trek: Destiny. These novels, comprised of three main books and an additional tie-in novel, explore the origins and transformation of the Caelior into the Borg drones.

The Caelior Brethren are not part of the established Star Trek canon. They were never seen in any Star Trek series, including Star Trek: Voyager. Misinformation regarding their presence in the show is widespread, leading to confusion among fans and scholars alike. The Caeliar, as they are officially known, are exclusively in the non-canonical novel series Star Trek: Destiny. While there is sometimes a reference to them being called Caeliar Brethren in fan works and discussions, this is not accurate according to the official sources.

Clarifying the Confusion

The confusion often stems from the fact that the term Caelior is used in the episode "Borg," while the official novel series corrects this to Caeliar. It’s essential to distinguish between the on-screen depiction in Star Trek: Voyager and the detailed narrative found in the expanded universe. This distinction is significant for understanding the role and significance of the Caelior in the broader Star Trek universe.

The Caeliar are only found in the four books of Star Trek: Destiny, with the additional tie-in novel “A Singular Destiny.” The Star Trek: Voyager Full Circle Novels are also part of the tie-in to the Star Trek: Destiny series, providing further context to the Caelior’s transformation and their role in the Borg Collective.

Conclusion

The Caelior Brethren, or Caeliar, are a fascinating but complex element in the Star Trek universe. While they make a brief yet impactful appearance in Star Trek: Voyager, their full lore remains shrouded in the non-canonical novels of the Star Trek: Destiny series. Fans and researchers alike must be cautious about conflating on-screen and expanded universe elements to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the rich and intricate universe of Star Trek.