Scotty: A Star Trek Legend
Scotty has been a vital part of the Star Trek franchise since its earliest days. Scotty's legacy extends into the 24th century, where he is currently serving alongside Captain Sisko aboard the USS Theseus. Scotty was instrumental during the Day of Blood event, but now, Star Trek #21 hints he may truly be entering the twilight of his life.
Star Trek #21 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. After breaching the barrier and entering the Pleroma, Sisko and his crew address the council of gods assembled there. Apollo, who encountered Scotty a century prior, quips that the engineer “got old.” Scotty retorts back at Apollo, calling him a “gas bag.”
Is Scotty's Time In Star Trek Coming to An End?
Trelane, another being on the council, asks Apollo why he is bothering with the “expiring one” and should instead focus on Sisko. What Trelane meant by the “expiring one” comment is left open to debate. Seconds before, Apollo made a crack about Scotty’s age, and Trelane could have just been playing off that. However, IDW’s new line of Star Trek titles has explored the concept of legacy at great length. Scotty’s reputation as one of Starfleet’s finest engineers is continually mentioned in the book, and is evident all around. The Theseus was largely his design, and helped T’Lir build the revolutionary Kardashev Drive. Scotty’s best days may seem to still be ahead of him.
Yet Trelane’s comment about Scotty “expiring” almost seemed to have an ominous tone. Scotty was instrumental in helping stop Kahless from leading a galaxy-wide insurrection. However, the threat Kahless poses is far from over. Furthermore, Lore is still at large, on his quest for godhood. Both of these villains pose a serious threat to the galaxy, and Scotty. If the Star Trek franchise is genuinely going to kill Scotty off, it raises questions about how it will happen. If Scotty is indeed on his way out, he deserves to go out like the Starfleet hero he is.
Scotty: A Legacy of Engineering
The original Enterprise, NCC-1701, had several engineers during its time in service, but none more prominent than Scotty. Played by James Doohan in the original Star Trek series, Scotty earned the nickname “the Miracle Worker” thanks to some brilliant jury-rigs he would spontaneously create. Scotty saved the ship many times. Perhaps his greatest engineering feat was the one that saved his life: after crash landing on a Dyson Sphere, Scotty stored himself in the ship’s transporter buffer, where he was rescued by the Enterprise NCC-1701-D. After a rough initial period of adjustment, Scotty returned to work.
Scotty's dedication to Starfleet and his engineering skills are legendary. His reputation as a brilliant and dedicated engineer continues to be a source of inspiration for Starfleet personnel across multiple generations.
Star Trek: A Time for Reflection
Star Trek #21 is on sale now from IDW Publishing! The ending to this issue may be a significant one for Star Trek and its loyal fans. The fate of Scotty remains to be seen, but if he does indeed meet his end, it will be a somber moment for all who admire his dedication, talent, and humor.
While the franchise is known for its adventurous stories and exploration of the unknown, it also tackles themes of legacy and change. Is this the time for Scotty to hang up his tools? This issue of Star Trek #21 promises to be one that stays with readers for a long time.
