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In the debut episode of the final season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” titled “Dos Cerritos,” Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) is ecstatic to receive the latest Fleet Magazine edition on his PADD. The excitement stems from the annual 30-Under-30 issue, which features the career achievements of Starfleet’s younger officers. Boimler, who briefly commanded the U.S.S. Cerritos in the prior episode, expected to see his name in the prestigious publication. But his hopes are dashed when he fails to find his feature in the magazine. Instead, he finds a write-up on 10-year-old Naomi Wildman, which leaves him feeling overlooked and undervalued.
Naomi Wildman is a familiar name to “Star Trek: Voyager” enthusiasts. Naomi was born on the U.S.S. Voyager during the show’s second season. Her mother, Ensign Samantha Wildman (Nancy Hower), was pregnant with her when the ship was transported to the Delta Quadrant, far from Earth. Naomi’s birth was complicated by her Ktarian father’s genetic traits, but The Doctor (Robert Picardo) ingeniously used the transporters to safely deliver her.
As the series progressed, Naomi, played by actress Scarlett Pomers, became a regular character.
Naomi Wildman
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The U.S.S. Voyager’s long journey home posed the possibility of a new generation being born on the ship. Naomi’s character symbolized the relentless passage of time, reminding the crew of their extended absence from Earth. When Naomi was born, Kes (Jennifer Lien), a member of a species with a lifespan of nine years, was still on the crew. The producers hoped to portray Kes’s aging process throughout the series, with Naomi serving as a counterpoint to Kes’s life cycle.
However, Kes was written out before she could interact with Naomi. Naomi reappeared in the series’ fourth season, looking older than her age due to her Ktarian genes. She featured in 16 more episodes, often under the care of the cheerful Talaxian Neelix (Ethan Phillips) or the Borg officer Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan). Naomi’s interactions with Seven helped humanize the Borg officer, and they shared a close bond.
Naomi Wildman’s fate
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“Naomi Wildman” is a name deeply etched in the minds of “Voyager” fans, as Seven of Nine often referred to her by her full name. The episode “Dos Cerritos” marks the first canonical mention of Naomi since “Voyager” ended in 2001. Naomi, still a child in “Lower Decks,” has made enough accomplishments to earn a mention in Fleet Magazine.
Naomi’s story is not unique in the “Star Trek” universe, as many children are born on starships. For example, Molly O’Brien (Hana Hatae) was born on the Enterprise-D in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Upon reaching Earth, Naomi would meet her father for the first time and explore her mother’s roots. Her upbringing by the machine-like Seven of Nine likely fostered her interest in the sciences. Whether she pursued a career with Starfleet or as an independent scholar, her achievements were noteworthy enough to be featured in Fleet Magazine.
FAQs
Q: Who is Naomi Wildman?
A: Naomi Wildman is a character from “Star Trek: Voyager,” born on the U.S.S. Voyager. She is the daughter of Ensign Samantha Wildman and a Ktarian father.
Q: Why is Naomi Wildman significant?
A: Naomi’s character symbolizes the passage of time on the U.S.S. Voyager. Her growth and development remind the crew of their long journey and the possibility of a new generation being born and raised on the ship.
Q: What happens to Naomi Wildman?
A: Naomi grows up on the U.S.S. Voyager and later makes a name for herself, earning a mention in Fleet Magazine. In non-canonical “Star Trek” novels and games, she becomes a Starfleet officer, serving on the U.S.S. Hathaway and eventually commanding Space Station K-7.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
