Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni’Var?

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Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

Highlights

  • Romulans lost their homeworld due to a supernova, leading to their reunion with Vulcans on planet Vulcan turned Ni’Var.
  • Ni’Var signifies the duality of Vulcan and Romulan heritage, with both logic and warrior cultures coming together.
  • After a tumultuous journey, Ni’Var has officially rejoined the Federation, paving the way for Romulan officers to join Starfleet.

As a long-time Star Trek fan with a particular affection for the Vulcan and Romulan races, I couldn’t help but be thrilled by the events unfolding between Ni’Var and the Federation in Discovery. Having grown up watching the complex dynamics between these two alien civilizations, it was both surreal and exhilarating to witness their official alliance.

A catastrophic incident annihilated the Romulan homeworld, compelling them to reconcile with an ancient adversary from “Star Trek” lore and transform planet Vulcan into Ni’Var. Such drastic circumstances were necessary to mend this long-standing rift between these Star Trek relatives. For those versed in “The Original Series,” the depths of their animosity were evident as far back as season 1, episode 8 – “Balance of Terror” – even during a simple video conference call.

At one point, the Vulcans and Romulans weren’t adversaries. They cohabited on a common planet and were linked by ancestral ties, in addition to a mutual propensity for aggression. However, the Vulcans underwent a transformation that led them to embrace the tranquil philosophies of Surak. In contrast, the Romulans remained uninterested in change. Consequently, they continued their belligerent practices and founded Romulus as their center. After many centuries, their sun exploded, leaving them without alternatives but to revert to their ancestral home.

Re-Integrating Vulcan & Romulan Society

Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

In the Star Trek universe, during the year 2387, Romulus was destroyed, leaving its inhabitants homeless. Despite Ambassador Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy) valiant attempts, stopping the collision with red matter proved impossible, resulting in a devastating impact. Consequently, the Enterprise crew of the 2009 reboot movie faced numerous challenges due to this catastrophic event. The newer Star Trek series like Picard offer fresh insights into the Romulan supernova incident.

In the first episode of season 1, titled “Remembrance,” Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) criticized Starfleet for leaving the Romulans stranded during a crisis. Some Romulan survivors pledged loyalty to their new government, the Romulan Free State. Others chose to live on Vulcan as their ancestors had done in the past. The series “Discovery” presented a more optimistic perspective, implying that with time, reconciliation between the two peoples was achieved. In episode 7 of season 3, set in the year 3188, “Unification III,” explored the reunion of previously separated races and the emergence of a new civilization named Ni’Var.

The Naming of Ni’Var

Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

Prior to their famous disagreement in “Star Trek,” Vulcans and Romulans both enjoyed a strong military tradition. After their separation, however, Romulans continued to foster a martial society on Romulus. In contrast, Vulcans turned towards the teachings of Surak, focusing on spiritual growth and tranquility on Vulcan. The name Ni’Var for their common planet is meaningful in “Star Trek” lore. This term emerged in fan publications during the late 60s and early 70s. Later, “Enterprise” officially acknowledged it in season 1, episode 15, titled “Shadows of P’Jem.”

Ni’Var means “two form,” and was initially used to describe the duality of Spock’s half-Vulcan/half-Human heritage. It was also established as the Vulcan art form of examining the contrasting and compatible duality of a subject. Basically, the name “Ni’Var” acknowledges the ways something can have two sides that both contradict and compliment each other. Like logic-forward people coming together with warrior people to establish the Vulcan-Romulan homeworld of Ni’Var.

Ni’Var After The Discovery Time Jump

Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

In the final moments of season 2, Star Trek: Discovery traveled into the 32nd century and encountered the aftermath of the calamitous event referred to as “The Burn.” This disaster had decimated the galaxy’s dilithium reserves about a hundred years prior. The scientists from Ni’Var, suspecting Starfleet’s Project SB-19 was responsible, seceded from the Federation. Nevertheless, they covertly maintained an alliance with Starfleet which proved beneficial later on. Ni’Var’s President T’Rina (Tara Rosling) granted the Federation access to their research at the Ni’Var Science Institute to investigate the origins of The Burn. She acknowledged the risk of internal strife due to this collaboration but strongly felt they required every possible ally in their time of need.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to share that during Michael Burnham’s (Sonequa Martin-Green) heartfelt reunion with her old crew, we uncovered the real cause of The Burn: an innocent Kelpien child named Su’Kal (David Benjamin Tomlinson). Unlike the menacing Charlie from “The Original Series,” Su’Kal inadvertently inflicted psychic harm after witnessing his mother’s demise. Michael played a pivotal role in forging the alliance between Ni’Var and the Federation, and ever since then, they’ve been the best of friends.

Ni’Var Rejoins the Federation

Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

Michael, the main character of “Star Trek: Discovery,” was brought up by the Vulcan family of Spock. As a result, she developed exceptional diplomatic abilities and was chosen to oversee the negotiations for an formal alliance. However, it wasn’t until Admiral Vance (Oded Fehr) fell ill with a stomach ailment that Michael had the opportunity to showcase her skills. In the conclusion of season 4, episode 4, titled “All is Possible,” Ni’Var President T’Rina and Federation President Rillak (Chelah Horsdal) celebrated their newfound partnership by folding the Federation flag.

In “The Next Generation” of Star Trek, the alliance between the Klingons and the Federation came about after long periods of hostile interactions and violent clashes. Obtaining an alliance with Ni’Var, however, proved equally challenging. Thus, this significant achievement ranks among the most noteworthy moments in Star Trek history. T’Rina passionately advocated for her people’s interests and was prepared to collaborate with the Federation once their concerns were addressed or acknowledged.

Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

Despite being often overlooked, the Romulans played a significant role during Ni’Var’s inception. The Qowat Milat, Romulan warrior nuns, were instrumental in building rapport between their people and the Vulcans at this pivotal time. Many Romulans, including these warrior nuns, had attempted to prevent Ni’Var from leaving the Federation initially. However, they saw success only when the Discovery team joined the diplomatic efforts. Michael’s surprise encounter with her mother Gabrielle (Sonja Sohn) added a heartwarming touch to this political milestone.

Starfleet had frequently welcomed Vulcan officers into its ranks. However, Romulans began joining the Federation after Ni’Var returned to the alliance. In Discovery’s fifth season, episode 7 titled “Erigah,” it was shown that Commander Nhan (Rachael Ancheril) had a Romulan officer serving on her security team. This development added Romulans to the list of Starfleet officers including Elnor (Evan Evagora) and Lt. Saavik (Kirstie Alley/Robin Curtis), who faithfully represented their Federation duties.

After the conclusion of “Discovery,” Ni’Var has experienced a period of tranquility. Let’s hope they can savor this peace for some time before another thrilling “Star Trek” series emerges.

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2024-07-24 19:05