Mirror Universe Thoughts

[Multiverse]

I find that I tend to enjoy the mirror universe Star Trek stories more than the ones from the regular Star Trek Universe. By mirror universe I mean any alternate universe depicted in a Star Trek episode, book, or comic where the people in that universe are depicted as more evil or more militaristic than the main Star Trek universe. Obviously, I am free to enjoy whichever Star Trek stories I want, but I also tend to think that the mirror universe stories undercut aspects of Star Trek’s peaceful exploration/peaceful coexistence theme. Below are a couple of things I like about the mirror universe stories and my explanation of how they relate to major Star Trek themes. Comments encouraged.

More Aliens-The ships from mirror universe stories seem to have more aliens than the ships from the regular universe. First, the ISS Enterprise from the Original Series featured at least two Vulcan crew in addition to Spock. Second, Deep Space Nine, in effect, had a main character as a starbase commander with Intendant Kira. Third, the Captain Janeway of the holographic Voyager from Living Witness seems to have forged alliances with both the Kazon and the Borg. Fourth, the Imperial Starfleet from Enterprise has at least eight nonhumans as starship personnel. In at least one published story, this version of the Mirror Universe even features alien admirals in the 22nd century. Budgetary concerns obviously limit the number of aliens that can be in a Star Trek series. Additionally, many of the aliens in the Imperial Starfleet are probably conscripts or slaves. Nonetheless, the number of aliens in mirror universe stories suggests to me that the Imperial Starfleet is better at incorporating aliens into its operations than the regular Starfleet.

Sexuality-First, I kind of like the idea that Captain Kirk, with Marlena Moreau, and Captain Forrest/Archer, in Hoshi Sato, would have someone they can confide in. There are obvious drawbacks in the mirror universe but something similar, without the drawbacks, could probably work in the regular universe. Second, a couple of my favorite uniforms in all of Star Trek are Kirk’s vest uniform from Mirror, Mirror and the bare midriff uniforms. The uniforms certainly have practical limitations but as a heterosexual male it seems like it would be visually appealing to work with the women of the Imperial Starfleet. Third, I am not the only person to be critical of the lack of gay characters in Star Trek but it is interesting that the only definitely gay or bisexual characters in filmed Star Trek come from the mirror universe. In summary, the characters in the mirror universe seem more sexually successful than many of their regular universe counterparts.

[FaxModem1]

Have you ever read the Mirror Universe books that came out around 2007 and 2008? The anthologies Glass Empires and Obsidian Alliances are rather good and show the Mirror Universe in more detail. Also, there is still showing of the sexuality in the Mirror Universe.

Also, the conclusion novel, Rise Like Lions, comes out at the end of this year.

[JME2]

Also, the conclusion novel, Rise Like Lions, comes out at the end of this year.

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this.

[Eternal_Freedom]

I read Glass Empires but not Obsidian Alliances. I also got Shards and Shadows.

Is Obsidian worth getting? And what does Rise like Lions conclude?

[FaxModem1]

Well, in Obsidian Alliances, we're introduced to the Mirror Universe version of both the Voyager crew and the New Frontier crew. Also, we see what has happened to the Terran Rebellion crew after they captured Regent Worf, and the Terran Rebellion having itself divided on their tactics, eventually leading to them losing quite a few people.

We also see in Shards and Shadows, that Spock's plan to have a popular uprising is coming to fruition soon, and Tuvok is an active participant in it.