The following article contains spoilers for "A Matter of Choice," appearing in Star Trek #400!
A new Picard. In the landmark Star Trek #400, Wil Wheaton pens a story, titled “A Matter of Choice,” that not only explains why Wesley appeared in the Season Two finale of Star Trek: Picard, but also provides more information on the mysterious Travelers, of which Wesley is one. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Wil Wheaton portrayed Star Trek: Picard’s season finale, in which he recruits Kore Soong to the Travelers. While fans greeted Wesley’s return with open arms, it did lead to even more questions, not only about Wesley, but the nature of reality in the Star Trek universe.
The story, from Wheaton, Joe Eisma, and DC Alonso, opens with Wesley breaking one of the Traveler’s rules: visiting people from your past. He appears to Jean-Luc Picard at Picard’s family vineyards; Wesley’s sudden appearance startles Picard, but the two quickly pick up where they left off. Wesley confides in his former captain that while Travelers live a long time, they do not live forever–and in fact, he has only 150 years left. Wesley has found a potential replacement–400 years in the past, in the 21st century. He tells Picard he is hesitant to travel back and recruit her, fearing that if he fails it could mean the end of all creation. Picard and Wesley share a heart-to-heart, and Wesley ultimately decides to make the leap. The story ends with Wesley preparing to recruit Kore Soong–just moments before his Picard appearance.
Wheaton’s story is one of the highlights of Star Trek #400, a deeply moving story drawing on his personal experiences; it also goes a long way into filling out his character’s backstory. Readers learn more about the Travelers, discovering they are not in fact immortal but have finite lives; Wesley also makes some interesting revelations on how time and space work in the Star Trek universe. Readers were also stunned to learn that Wesley’s days are numbered. He came to Picard for counsel, a move which could have cost him and the universe dearly. Picard did not disappoint, helping Wesley see the bigger picture and teaching him not to overthink matters. Picard advised Wesley to take the lessons he learned from the Enterprise crew and apply them. In the end, the crew saved the day once more, as Wesley found it in himself to approach Kore.
The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation will reunite for Picard's final season, but there has been no word on whether Wheaton will reprise the role of Wesley Crusher for another round. The possibility is there, but in the meantime, Wil Wheaton’s Star Trek comics whets fans whistles, explaining his cameo on Star Trek: Picard.
