Star Trek: Section 31 Can Clarify the Location of Chameloids During the Dominion War in DS9
The Chameloids were not present in DS9's Dominion War, even though they were the best of friends against the Changelings. Section 31 of Star Trek can now explain why.
The Role of Section 31 and the Return of the Chameloids
The Chameloids are set to return for the first time since Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country in the upcoming spy film Star Trek: Section 31 starring Michelle Yeoh as former Terran Emperor Philippa Georgiou. The chance to address the Chameloids' disappearance following Star Trek 6 is presented by their return, which could help to explain why other shapeshifting aliens, such as the Changelings, were never encountered in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9).
The cast of Star Trek: Section 31 has officially revealed that Sam Richardson, star of Detroiters and co-creator, will portray a Chameloid. The Chameloids are shapeshifting aliens who can imitate any form. They were first introduced by supermodel and actress Iman in Star Trek Vi: The Undiscovered Country. In contrast to the Changelings of DS9, the Chameloids have never held a prominent position in the Star Trek universe. This begs the question of their loyalty, particularly in light of the Dominion War.
The Differences Between Changelings and Chameloids
The Changelings shown in DS9 are not the same as the Chameloids. Both have the ability to shapeshift, but their backgrounds and goals are different. The Changelings are a group known as the Founders, whereas the Chameloids are a rare and secretive species. During the Dominion War, the Changelings posed a serious threat to the Federation that affected Earth's civil freedoms. This begs the question of why the Chameloids, who may have been useful allies, were not present for this battle.
Section 31 Unveils the Mysteries of Chameloids' Absence
There has never been a clear explanation for the Chameloids' absence from DS9's Dominion War. They would have been a useful ally against the Changelings if they had formed an agreement with the Federation. Nevertheless, given the intensity of the conflict, their absence of participation begs concerns about their intentions and their connection to the Federation.
Section 31, Starfleet's covert intelligence division, might have the solution. They are plausible explanations for the disappearance of the Chameloids due to their clandestine operations and unethical strategies. It's possible that Section 31 captured and imprisoned Chameloids to stop them from assisting the Changelings. Alternatively, they could have shielded Chameloids that were operatives or assets of Section 31 in the past.
Section 31: Revealing the Chameloids' Secrets
Section 31 of Star Trek will delve into the connection between the intelligence agency and Sam Richardson's Chameloid persona. It is possible that information regarding the Chameloids was censored as well, given that all data pertaining to Section 31 and its agents were destroyed before the events of DS9 season 6. A Chameloid named Martia (Iman) helped the Khitomer conspirators in Star Trek Vi: The Undiscovered Country by pointing out a link between Section 31 and the Chameloids.
Admiral Cartwright was a Section 31 agent, which implied the group's involvement in the Khitomer Conspiracy, according to the Star Trek: Section 31 novel Cloak. This implies that Section 31 may have kept the Chameloids as property while keeping their presence a secret from the larger Federation. As Kirk noted in Star Trek VI, their rarity makes them perfect for covert operations.
The Chameloids' covert activities and absence from the Dominion War can ultimately be revealed in Star Trek: Section 31. They are ideal for espionage because of their special skills and enigmatic personality, and their reappearance in Section 31 may clarify their function in the Star Trek universe.
