Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) fromStar Trek: Deep Space Ninehas a touching connection to Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) fromStar Trek: Strange New Worlds. In the 1990s, whenStar Trek: Deep Space Nineaired, Christopher Pike wasn’t the fully realized character thatStar Trek: Discoveryseason 2 andStar Trek: Strange New Worldsmade him out to be. Instead,DS9’s references to Captain Pike were deep-cut nods toStar Trekhistory, because Pike had only appeared in twoStar Trek: The Original Seriesstories beforeStar Trekreplaced Pike with Captain James T. Kirk(William Shatner).
After the first pilot episode ofStar Trek: The Original Series, “The Cage”, NBC executives wanted Gene Roddenberry to change the entirecast ofStar Trek: The Original Series.The first Captain Pike actor, Jeffrey Hunter, abandoned playing Pike for a movie career, soStar Trekbuilt a story around Hunter’s unwillingness to return.Star Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1, episode 11 & 12, “The Menagerie”, used makeup to hide that new actor Sean Kenney replaced Hunter, and said thatDelta radiation had disfigured Pike in a devastating accident, in which Pike bravely put his own life on the line to save the lives of several Starfleet cadets.
Star Trek: DS9’s Captain Sisko Was Awarded The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor
Captain Sisko’s Award Draws Parallels Between Sisko And Pike
InStar Trek: Deep Space Nineseason 6, episode 26, “The Tears of the Prophets”, Captain Sisko is awarded the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor.Admiral Ross (Barry Jenner) presents Sisko with the award for Benjamin’s valiant leadership during Operation Returnearlier inStar Trek: Deep Space Nineseason 6. The operation saw Sisko ally with General Martok (J.G. Hertzler), as the Klingon and Federation forces worked together to retake Deep Space Nine from the Dominion. Even when the Dominion forces seemed unbeatable, Sisko worked with the Prophets to ensure a victory for the Federation during Operation Return — but Sisko was warned there would be consequences.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Cast & Character Guide
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had the biggest cast of characters of any Trek show, meaning that Captain Sisko had numerous allies in the Dominion War.
As a Christopher Pike Medal of Valor recipient, Sisko’s personal acts of bravery were especially noted. Like Pike, Sisko put his own safety on the line to save others. Leading Operation Return, Sisko ensured that DS9, the wormhole, and Bajor remained under the Prophets' protection instead of falling to the Dominion.Receiving the award rang hollow by episode’s end, however, since Sisko failed to heed the Prophets' warning, and left Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) in command of Deep Space Nine. Sisko’s absence meant thatJadzia Dax diedwhile standing between Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) and the Orb in DS9’s Bajoran temple.
Dax’s death may not seem like the direct result of Sisko’s victory, but receiving the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor reminds audiences about Sisko’s warning earlier inDS9season 6. Outside linear time, the Prophets easily connect the two events.
Christopher Pike Medal Of Valor Explained
Captain Christopher Pike Is Remembered As A Starfleet Hero
The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor is awarded to Starfleet officers who have exemplified remarkable leadership, meritorious conduct, and acts of personal bravery, as Captain Sisko did inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine. It’s apt that a medal of valor would be named for Captain Christopher Pike, consideringPike had an illustrious career as one of Starfleet’s most decorated officers.Before the Delta radiation accident,Christopher Pike attained the rank of Fleet Captain, and earned at least 17 awards. Pike became a notable historical figure by Sisko’s time in the 24th century, with Pike’s birthday celebrated as a Federation holiday, and at least one city named after Pike on Cestus III.
Captain Benjamin Sisko’s Vulcan rival, Captain Solok (Gregory Wagrowski), received 2 Christopher Pike Medals of Valor, according toStar Trek: Deep Space Nineseason 7, episode 4, “Take Me Out to the Holosuite”.
In addition to their shared valor,Captain Sisko and Captain Pike both receive warnings from mystical forces about their lives.Pike’s encounter with Klingon time crystals revealsdetails of Captain Pike’s future accident, and much ofStar Trek: Strange New Worldsseason 1 deals with Chris contemplating whether his future really is pre-ordained. As the Emissary of Bajor, Captain Sisko’s fate is inextricably linked with the Prophets, with Sisko receiving several cryptic messages over the course ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nine.Both Sisko and Pike are remembered as valiant Starfleet leaders, so perhaps inStar Trek’s future there will also be a Benjamin Sisko Medal of Valor.
