Warning: Mild spoilers for Star Trek #5!Star Trek is known for its iconic ships—Defiant, Voyager, and of course every Enterprise throughout history—and now IDW Publishing's latest comic run has given a very definitive answer as to which ship soars above the rest.
In Star Trek #5, by Collin Kelly and Ramon Rosanas, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Benjamin Sisko repeatedly states that the USS Theseus is the best ship in the fleet. This may seem like a bold statement, but given the design of the ship as well as its formidable crew and capabilities, it may not be an exaggeration. In fact, this latest Trek hero ship was designed by none other than the legendary miracle worker himself, Montgomery Scott, and that means a lot.
The Theseus Was Designed To Save Gods
The USS Theseus, NX-1987 is a modified Discovery-class cruiser. Originally commissioned in 2268, it was recommissioned by Scotty a century later in 2370. It's meant to be a modular ship, which is emblematic of its classical namesake, the Ship of Theseus. This means that old components can be easily switched out and replaced with the latest in Starfleet technology, allowing for an advanced ship design built on "old bones." The ship held many experimental systems including solarvoltaic power relays and anti-cloak subroutines, all of which helped in its mission to find and save the god-like entities of the galaxy under the direction of Captain Sisko.
However, part of what makes a great ship is also those who serve onboard, and the Theseus was no slouch in the crew department. During its maiden mission in 2377 not only was it commanded by the hero of the Dominion War, Sisko, but Scotty stayed aboard as chief engineer. From the Enterprise-E, Picard loaned the ship Commander Data to act as first officer and Dr. Beverly Crusher as chief medical officer. Voyager's Tom Paris also took on the position of helmsman, and they were ed by newcomers, the Vulcan Ensign T'Lir and Andorian Ensign Lily Sato to round out the capable command staff.
Starfleet's Test Ships Have Non-Standard Technology
Some fans may take issue with the naming the USS Theseus the "Best in the Fleet," especially at a time when ships like the Enterprise-E, Defiant, and USS Titan are in service, but they have to why it is one of the most capable ships in the fleet. It's a test ship, similar to the 23rd century's USS Discovery, which means that it is loaded with non-standard tech and equipment. It was also specifically designated for the mission of finding and communicating the godheads of the Star Trek franchise, like the Crystaline Entities that gave so much trouble to the Enterprise-D. More importantly, it is tasked with confronting the mysterious god-killer who has shown enough power to eradicate those very same godheads. That means by default the Theseus needs to be able to not only take a beating but pack a punch.
Whether fans prefer the Titan or the Defiant over IDW's hero ship is not the question. The fact is that in the 24th century, no Star Trek ship can match the tech, power, and crew skill of the USS Theseus.
Star Trek #5 is on sale now from IDW Publishing.
