Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has a touching connection to Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. In the 1990s, when Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired, Christopher Pike wasn't the fully realized character that Star Trek: Discovery season 2 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds made him out to be. Instead, DS9's references to Captain Pike were deep-cut nods to Star Trek history, because Pike had only appeared in two Star Trek: The Original Series stories before Star Trek replaced Pike with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner).
After the first pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, "The Cage", NBC executives wanted Gene Roddenberry to change the entire cast of Star Trek: The Original Series. The first Captain Pike actor, Jeffrey Hunter, abandoned playing Pike for a movie career, so Star Trek built a story around Hunter's unwillingness to return. Star Trek: The Original Series season 1, episode 11 & 12, "The Menagerie", used makeup to hide that new actor Sean Kenney replaced Hunter, and said that Delta radiation had disfigured Pike in a devastating accident, in which Pike bravely put his own life on the line to save the lives of several Starfleet cadets.
Star Trek: DS9’s Captain Sisko Was Awarded The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor
Captain Sisko's Award Draws Parallels Between Sisko And Pike
In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 6, episode 26, "The Tears of the Prophets", Captain Sisko is awarded the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor. Admiral Ross (Barry Jenner) presents Sisko with the award for Benjamin's valiant leadership during Operation Return earlier in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 6. The operation saw Sisko ally with General Martok (J.G. Hertzler), as the Klingon and Federation forces worked together to retake Deep Space Nine from the Dominion. Even when the Dominion forces seemed unbeatable, Sisko worked with the Prophets to ensure a victory for the Federation during Operation Return — but Sisko was warned there would be consequences.
As a Christopher Pike Medal of Valor recipient, Sisko's personal acts of bravery were especially noted. Like Pike, Sisko put his own safety on the line to save others. Leading Operation Return, Sisko ensured that DS9, the wormhole, and Bajor remained under the Prophets' protection instead of falling to the Dominion. Receiving the award rang hollow by episode's end, however, since Sisko failed to heed the Prophets' warning, and left Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) in command of Deep Space Nine. Sisko's absence meant that Jadzia Dax died while standing between Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) and the Orb in DS9's Bajoran temple.
Dax's death may not seem like the direct result of Sisko's victory, but receiving the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor reminds audiences about Sisko's warning earlier in DS9 season 6. Outside linear time, the Prophets easily connect the two events.
Christopher Pike Medal Of Valor Explained
Captain Christopher Pike Is Remembered As A Starfleet Hero
The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor is awarded to Starfleet officers who have exemplified remarkable leadership, meritorious conduct, and acts of personal bravery, as Captain Sisko did in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It's apt that a medal of valor would be named for Captain Christopher Pike, considering Pike had an illustrious career as one of Starfleet's most decorated officers. Before the Delta radiation accident, Christopher Pike attained the rank of Fleet Captain, and earned at least 17 awards. Pike became a notable historical figure by Sisko's time in the 24th century, with Pike's birthday celebrated as a Federation holiday, and at least one city named after Pike on Cestus III.
Captain Benjamin Sisko's Vulcan rival, Captain Solok (Gregory Wagrowski), received 2 Christopher Pike Medals of Valor, according to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 7, episode 4, "Take Me Out to the Holosuite".
In addition to their shared valor, Captain Sisko and Captain Pike both receive warnings from mystical forces about their lives. Pike's encounter with Klingon time crystals reveals details of Captain Pike's future accident, and much of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1 deals with Chris contemplating whether his future really is pre-ordained. As the Emissary of Bajor, Captain Sisko's fate is inextricably linked with the Prophets, with Sisko receiving several cryptic messages over the course of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Both Sisko and Pike are remembered as valiant Starfleet leaders, so perhaps in Star Trek's future there will also be a Benjamin Sisko Medal of Valor.
