Star Trek Knows Section 31 Is Terrifying, And a Brand-New Weapon Proves It

   

Section 31 is one of the most terrifying groups in the Star Trek franchise, and their latest weapon proves it. The Federation is regarded as a glorious and idealistic utopia, but it also has a dark underbelly, and Section 31 represents it. In Star Trek: Defiant #22, the organization unveils a chilling new starship design, one that cements their place as one of the most ruthless groups in the franchise.

Star Trek Knows Section 31 Is Terrifying, And a Brand-New Weapon Proves It

Star Trek: Defiant #22 is written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Angel Unzueta. Chief O’Brien convinces B’Elanna Torres, the Defiant’s new captain, to travel to the Gamma Quadrant to disable self-replicating mines that have been deployed by Section 31. As the Defiant begins taking out the mines, a massive Section 31 ship decloaks. Doctor Bashir identifies it as a Section 31 frigate, one that they do not want to mess with. The massive, four-nacelle ship, called the Marabou hails the Defiant, threatening to destroy them if they keep up disabling the mines.

Star Trek Section 31 Marabou

Section 31 and Their Role in the Star Trek Universe, Explained

Section 31 Bucks Gene Roddenberry's Utopian Ideals

Emperor Georgiou from Star Trek Section 31 and the USS Enterprise from Star Trek Beyond

Section 31, a clandestine Federation agency, usually allied with Starfleet, took Deep Space Nine’s subversion of the franchise a step further.

In the Star Trek universe, the United Federation of Planets are the “good guys.” They are (usually) depicted as having the moral high ground in many situations, and they enjoy a good reputation throughout the galaxy. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was already beautifully subverting these ideas when Section 31 debuted in the show’s sixth season. Section 31, a clandestine Federation agency, usually allied with Starfleet, took Deep Space Nine’s subversion of the franchise a step further. Section 31 did the dirty work to ensure the Federation stayed safe and secure.

Since debuting on Deep Space Nine, Section 31 has been in nearly every incarnation of the franchise since, ranging from Enterprise to the JJ Abrams' Kelvin timeline movies to Lower Decks.

Section 31, which draws its name and authority from that particular section of the Federation Charter, ensures the Federation is the shining beacon that it is–by any means necessary. The nearest equivalent in the Star Trek universe was the Romulan Tal’Shiar. Section 31 was responsible for murdering officials and other acts of sabotage–none of which gelled with Starfleet’s high ideals, but it kept the Federation safe. Section 31 operated from the shadows, and very few in the Federation or Starfleet knew of their existence.

Section 31 Is Built on Fear and Intimidation--and the Marabou Proves It

What Exactly is the Marabou Capable Of?

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Section 31 has been shown to be in possession of technology beyond what Starfleet normally uses. Section 31 ships regularly use cloaking devices, which the Federation is prohibited from using thanks to a treaty with the Romulans. The weapons on board Section 31 ships are far more destructive than standard Starfleet ships as well. The ships Section 31 uses are also larger and usually painted all-black. For Section 31, it is all about intimidation and fear, and their ships embody this philosophy.

And Section 31’s newest ship, the Marabou, might be the scariest one yet. The ship is enormous, easily dwarfing the Defiant. The four nacelles add to the intimidation factor. While fans do not get to see the capabilities of the Marabou’s weapon system, they are no doubt deadly. Doctor Bashir tells O’Brien and Torres they do not want to cross the Marabou, and with his contacts with the group, he would know better than anyone what the ship is capable of. Section 31 is Star Trek’s scariest group, and the Marabou show why.