Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forStar Trek: Defiant#15!
Spock’s iconicStar Trekcatchphrase is taking on a horrifying new meaning as he slowly submits to the franchise’s most disgusting alien race.The “Conspiracy” parasites have returnedto take over the Federation in the pages ofStar Trek: Defiant. Spock attempted to communicate with them, and was taken over for his troubles. Now, in issue 15,as he slowly succumbs, he flips his iconic catchphrase in a terrifying way.
Star Trek: Defiant#15 is written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Angel Unzueta. In a previous issue, Spock attempted a mind-meld with the parasites, but they took over his mind. Spock then stumbles to the control center of the infested Starbase, where a portal to the parasite’s dimension is opened. Worf and company track Spock there, and he struggles to assert control. He says: “the many outweigh the few..the few become the many..the many become the all.”
All the while, Spock’s eyes are completely black as the evil aliens continue to control him.
Spock’s Catchphrase Says a Great Deal About His Character
The “Conspiracy” Aliens Corrupt and Pervert It
The quote Spock butchers inStar Trek: Defiant#15 is a riff on his iconic catchphrase. InStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,Spock first said: “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Introduced as a Vulcan proverb, it became one of the film’s central themes, as at the end, Spock sacrificed himself to save theEnterprise.The line was turned on its ear in the following movie,The Search for Spock, when Kirk and his crew potentially threw away their careers to save Spock. The line has since been quoted often byTrekfans.
The “Conspiracy” aliens give it a whole new, and terrifying, meaning. Introduced duringStar Trek: The Next Generation’s first season, these parasites hail from another universe, one they have completely overrun. These disgusting creatures take over a person, subjecting them to horrendous physical and psychological torture. Previous issues ofStar Trek: Defiantestablished that the parasites have a hive mind, not unlike the Borg. In his attempt to establish communications with them, Spock’s mind was invaded. While he does not have a parasite in him, he is still under their influence.
Spock Failed Picard as His First Mentor - Now Star Trek Reveals How
In Star Trek: Picard’s Academy #2, Mister Spock tries to impart an important life lesson on the cadet, but fails miserably at it.
The “Conspiracy” Parasites Almost Have Spock Under Their Control
They Turned His Catchphrase On Its Ear
And under the parasite’s sway, Spock subverts this classic Vulcan proverb. The proverb is a beautiful reminder to put a group’s well-being ahead of one’s own. The parasites seek to bring the entireStar Trekuniverse under their domination, incorporating all life into their hive mind. In this context, Spock’s catchphrase takes on a sinister new meaning. The “Conspiracy” parasites reshape this tribute to responsibility into a chilling mission statement. These aliens care nothing about the Federation’s culture and customs, and they are willing to pervert all that is good about it as part of their attempt at conquest.
