Why Starfleet Did Not Attempt to Make Contact with the Prophets in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Often, viewers question why Starfleet did not more actively attempt to make contact with the Prophets in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." In this article, we explore the rationale behind Starfleet's decision to leave the Prophets alone and discuss how this aspect of the story fits into the larger narrative of the series.

The Background of the Prophets and Starfleet

Starfleet, as a governmental organization in charge of exploring and maintaining peace in numerous star systems, was a central component of the Star Trek universe. In "Deep Space Nine," the Prophets, ancient beings who reside within the Bajoran wormhole, play a crucial role in the lives of the Bajorans and the surrounding planets.

The Prophets are depicted as non-humanoid beings that watch over the galaxy, offering cryptic guidance and prophecies to those who request help or guidance. They are not part of any governmental body that Starfleet would interact with in a formal capacity. Instead, they operate on their own terms, allowing anyone to pass through the wormhole freely as long as they are not seeking to exploit their authority or knowledge.

Starfleet's Initial Skepticism

Initially, the Bajorans' religious belief in the Prophets was not something that Starfleet took seriously. Starfleet's approach to religious beliefs and spiritual entities in general is often seen as a mix of scientific rationalism and practicality. The fact that the Prophets chose Benjamin Sisko as their Emissary was a turning point that led Starfleet to take them into consideration.

Starfleet chose Captain Sisko to be their ambassador to the Prophets due to his unique relationship with them. His ability to communicate with and interpret the messages from the Prophets made him a valuable asset to both the Bajorans and Starfleet. However, this did not necessarily mean Starfleet wanted to establish a more formal relationship with the Prophets.

Free Passage Through the Bajoran Wormhole

One of the main reasons Starfleet decided not to make further attempts to contact the Prophets was the Prophets' own stance. They did not want contact with Starfleet or any external entities, except for their own Emissary and the Bajorans. The wormhole's value lay in its strategic importance for communication and travel, but there was no perceived need for Starfleet to negotiate any further services or partnerships with the Prophets.

Admiral Ross, a Starfleet flag officer, was appointed to oversee the relationship between the Prophets and Starfleet. His role was to monitor any communications Sisko might have with the Prophets and to ensure that it did not interfere with Bajoran or Federation interests. Therefore, while the Prophets did allow Starfleet ships to pass through the wormhole, they did not want Starfleet to delve deeper into their mysteries or seek their counsel for any official purposes.

Cooperation and Competition

Through Sisko, Starfleet did indeed make some form of cooperation possible. Sisko and his crew often interacted with the Prophets, and Starfleet's chief admiral was aware of these interactions. However, there was no explicit attempt by Starfleet to actively engage or exploit the Prophets for their knowledge or prophecies. This approach was mostly reactive, focusing on maintaining peace and ensuring the wormhole was used only for benevolent purposes.

It's worth noting that the Prophets' knowledge of their own existence expanded when Sisko arrived in the Alpha Quadrant. This event further solidified their relationship with Sisko and, by extension, Starfleet.

Conclusion

Starfleet's passive approach to the Prophets in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" can be understood through the lens of their own ethical and practical considerations. The Prophets, being non-governmental and actively seeking to avoid unnecessary interactions, naturally led to a situation where Starfleet took a backseat. Instead of trying to make formal contact, Starfleet allowed the relationship between the Prophets and Sisko to develop organically, ensuring that the wormhole remained a free passage for all and that both the Bajorans and Federation continued to benefit from its existence.

By leaving a larger space of mystery and acceptance, Starfleet in "Deep Space Nine" embodies a nuanced approach to interactions with supernatural entities, one that respects the boundaries and choices of other civilizations.