Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #2!The Federation has many enemies, but issue two of IDW Publishing’s new Star Trek comic confirms the biggest of them all: the Klingons. Although the Federation and the Klingons have been at peace, with a few notable exceptions, for many years, tensions still remain, and with the Klingons’ volatile natures still very much intact, there is a possibility this alliance could unravel - something the Federation is very much aware of.
The proud, warlike Klingons are one of the best-known species in the Star Trek universe. The Klingon Empire and the Federation were mortal enemies for many years, stretching back to first contact between the Klingons and Earth in the 22nd century. Hostilities between the two culminated in a violent and bloody war in the mid-23rd century, as seen on the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. Tensions remained high until a tragedy struck the Klingon Empire, forcing them to consider peace. After many hard years of negotiations, an alliance was formed and the two became staunch allies - until the Dominion manipulated events in the Alpha Quadrant, shattering the alliance for a brief period. The two worked their differences out, coming back together to fight the Dominion, and have remained allies since. Now, with a mysterious force threatening the god-like beings of the Star Trek universe, Captain Sisko must venture deep into Klingon space - leading to confirmation that the Federation still has one eye on its allies.
IDW’s new Star Trek comic uses text pieces to enhance its story, providing fascinating insight into each issue’s events. As Sisko and the crew of the Theseus head into Klingon space, a text piece gives readers the lowdown on the Klingon Empire. Founded thousands of years prior, the Klingon Empire is described as "the largest known monoculture territory in the Beta Quadrant." The text piece goes on to say that not only are the Klingons the Federation’s "strongest nonmember ally," they are also "the largest long-term tactical threat" to the security of the Federation. The text piece also explains how Klingon society is structured, as well as giving insight into how Klingon ships function. The issue is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, drawn by Oleg Chudakov, colored by Lee Loughridge and lettered by Clayton Cowles.
The Federation Still Considers the Klingons a Threat
Despite being allies for many years, it is still interesting to think that the Federation still views the Klingons as their biggest "tactical threat" - and yet their actions in this issue prove the Federation’s fears may be founded. The Klingon Emperor Kahless tersely denies the Federation access to Sardakesh, despite pleas from both Sisko and Data. Furthermore, Kahless offers no reason for why - he just tells them "no." Apparently, the Federation/Klingon bond exists only in the strictest sense of the word.
Trouble Is Brewing in the Klingon Empire
The text piece also reveals a possible coup could be brewing in the Klingon Empire. There are 24 Great Houses in the Empire and each House has a seat on the High Council. However, 15 of these seats are pledged in opposition to Martok, the current Chancellor of the Empire. Martok is viewed as a pacifist and a Federation sympathizer, and the schism between him and the High Council is notable, forcing Kahless to take a larger role in running the Empire. If Martok is overthrown, and a less sympathetic Chancellor is installed, it could spell bad news for the Federation. Kahless himself seems less than impressed with Sisko and his crew, perhaps reflecting a dim view of the Federation overall. If both Kahless and the High Council think so little of other races, it could lead to Martok’s overthrow, which could restore the Klingons as the greatest active threat to Federation security in the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek #2 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!