Star Trek has over the years hinted at the power of the Bajoran Prophets, and now the franchise is suggesting they may be its most powerful species. Captain Sisko, who has extensive experience with the Prophets, has entered the Pleroma, the realm of the gods in Star Trek #21. There, among some of the most powerful beings in the universe, the Bajoran Prophets are feared and disliked.
Star Trek #21 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. Upon the Theseus’ arrival at the Pleroma, Sisko shows his power to Supervisor Soong, who backs down from her threat to destroy them. Later, after the council votes not to help restore the Organians, they detect a presence. The Caretaker reveals it comes from “beyond the Pleroma.”
The other gods are wary of what is coming, despite the Guardian of Forever saying they have a place.
It is finally revealed to be Sisko’s mom, representing the Prophets, who have come to take him home.
The Bajoran Prophets Were Already One of Star Trek’s Most Powerful Aliens
They Built the Wormhole, Among Other Amazing Feats
The Bajoran Prophets were vital to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The creators of the Bajoran Wormhole, which linked the Alpha and Gamma Quadrants, the Prophets, were non-linear beings who nevertheless took an interest in mortal beings, particularly after the Federation discovered the Wormhole. Sisko was their Emissary, and as Deep Space Nine progressed, he grew into the role, despite the reservations of Starfleet. It was also revealed, during Deep Space Nine’s final season, that Sisko’s mother had been a Prophet as well, giving him a unique heritage.
Just where the Prophets rank in the Star Trek hierarchy in terms of power has always been ambiguous.
Just where the Prophets rank in the Star Trek hierarchy in terms of power has always been ambiguous. The Prophets were able to not only create and maintain the only known stable wormhole, they also created powerful Orbs capable of manipulating space and time. One of the Orbs, the Orb of Destruction, has helped fuel Kahless’ genocidal campaigns against the gods. Finally, in one issue of Star Trek: The Q Conflict, the Prophets were pitted against the trickster figure, with the implication that they could seriously hurt him if they wished.
Star Trek’s Other Gods Are Wary of the Prophets–But Why?
Are the Bajoran Prophets Star Trek’s Most Powerful Aliens?
Yet the greeting Sisko’s mom receives from the other gods in the Pleroma suggests the Prophets may be the most powerful species in the Star Trek universe. The Prophets were conspicuously absent from the Pleroma, and this issue strongly implies they are not welcome there. The harsh and dismissive reactions from the other gods towards Sisko’s mom reinforce this idea. Likewise, the Prophets are as equally dismissive towards the other gods, condescendingly referring to Apollo as “little.” While this could simply be a difference in attitudes, it also implies the Prophets are even more powerful than the rest.
Star Trek #21 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!