| Universe : |
Prime Timeline |
| Species Name : |
Q [1] |
| Quadrant : |
Other |
The Q are undoubtedly one of the most interesting and peculiar species ever encountered. [2] Little is known of them for certain but they are known to reside in a place they refer to as 'the Q continuum', which is apparently a higher dimension of some form. [3] The Q are thought to have once been a relatively 'normal' species, but at some point they acquired incredible powers to control matter and energy, space and even time itself. [4] Some Q maintain that they are omnipotent, [5] but at least one individual has claimed that there are in fact limits to their power [4] - although what these limits might be has never been ascertained. [6] The Federation's first contact with the Q came when one of them intercepted the Enterprise-D on its maiden voyage. Appearing in a variety of costumes, Q placed the ship's senior officers on trial for the 'crimes of Humanity' - although the crew convinced Q to release them, [7] years later he claimed that this trial was a never-ending process. [8]
In subsequent visits Q demonstrated a mixture of astounding power and knowledge combined with an almost childish sense of self-importance and selfishness. [9] On his third visit to the Enterprise, Q reacted negatively to an offhand comment by Captain Jean Luc Picard; he threw the ship across thousands of light years to the system J-25, leading to first contact with the Borg and eventually to two devastating attacks by that species. [2] He constantly berates and belittles other lifeforms and takes every opportunity to assert his own perfection. [6]
During her travels in the Delta Quadrant, the USS Voyager encountered a second Q - known as Quinn - who had been imprisoned in the nucleus of a comet for political dissension against the Q. Quinn was dissatisfied with a life in which there was nothing left to explore to accomplish, and had sought to end his existence. Q appeared on Voyager and a hearing was held which resulted in Quinn having his abilities removed so as to allow him to lead life as a Human. Despite this offer, Quinn took his own life shortly afterwards with the help of Q. [4]
This act apparently triggered a civil war within the Q continuum; Q proposed to end this conflict by mating with Captain Janeway of the USS Voyager in order to produce a new breed of Q - an offer the Captain forcefully declined. Later the crew of Voyager where taken to the Q continuum where, given the abilities and weapons of the Q, they where instrumental in ending the war. [10]
Q troubled Voyager on relatively few occasions, but he did place his young son in Janeway's care for a time in an effort to teach the boy some sense of responsibility. This was actually somewhat successful, [11] though it is hard to believe that a Q could ever really reform completely.
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