Should Sisko Have Begun His Star Trek Journey as a Commodore?

When analyzing Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) narratively, a question often arises: should Commander Benjamin Sisko have started his Starfleet career as a Commodore, especially in the wake of the disastrous battle of Wolf 359? This article delves into the rationale behind the writers' decisions, the historical context of the rank of Commodore in Star Trek canon, and the impact of such a change on the series' narrative and character development.

Commodore: An Overview

A Commodore, though not a commonly used rank in modern Star Trek, was historically significant in the Starfleet hierarchy. It was designed to be a temporary war-time rank, akin to a Fleet Captain, that held a higher rank than Captains but lower than Admiral. Its primary function was to handle complex, high-stakes situations where a rapid decision was required, often in chaotic or crisis-filled environments.

The Battle of Wolf 359 and Sisko's Despair

The Battle of Wolf 359 was a significant event that left a deep emotional scar on Commander Sisko. He lost his wife and the USS Defiant, a ship he deeply cared about. This tragedy left Sisko feelingolute and demoralized. Given this, promoting him after such a devastating loss would have been both patronizing and unrealistic. The writers may have aimed to highlight how Sisko's low ranking allowed him to rebuild his career, yet choosing to promote him to a Commodore would have felt forced and out of character for his stated emotional state.

Spanning the Gap: From Commander to Fleet Admiral

Starfleet, like real-world militaries, operates with a strict and often rigid rank structure. In the Star Trek universe, the rank of Fleet Commander (or Admiral) is a recognition of extensive experience and leadership in command roles. Promoting Sisko to this position immediately after the Wolf 359 defeat would have seemed premature and disconnected from the narrative arc that the writers had planned.

After the battle, Picard expressed concerns about Sisko's suitability for command, indicating his own reservations about Sisko's readiness. Their skepticism underscored the fact that Sisko needed time to recover and prove himself before being considered for higher command roles. The narrative progression of Sisko from a disheartened commander to a respected fleet captain is a crucial part of his character arc.

Administrative Role at Deep Space 9

The task of administrative command at Deep Space 9 required a different set of skills than those required on the front lines. Bajor was not a glamorous post, but a backwater station that had faced significant difficulties. Letting Sisko take on this role was a strategic decision that allowed the writers to present him in a different light and build his authority without the immediate expectation of high-ranking command.

Understanding that the original plan was to model Sisko's journey on that of the character John Sheridan from Babylon 5 (another low-ranking captain given a crucial leadership role), provides a clearer picture of the narrative intentions. The writers aimed to create an underdog character whose eventual rise to power would be all the more impactful and inspiring.

Conclusion

While the rank of Commodore could have been a fitting title for Sisko in different circumstances, the writers' choice to have him start his Starfleet career as a Commander aligns with the series' internal logic and Sisko's character arc. Rather than rushing him to high command, their decision allowed for a more nuanced and compelling portrayal of his transformation from a deeply troubled officer to a respected and powerful figure.

Ultimately, the narrative sees Sisko negotiating with major powers and leading squadrons and fleets not as a jumping-off point, but as the natural progression of a character who has earned his place after facing immense personal and professional challenges. This makes Sisko's eventual authority and leadership even more significant and resonant.