10 Deadliest Accidents In Star Trek

2. Problem Polarics

'Polaric ions' are the Omega molecule on a budget. Both could be used as a power source, both as a potential weapon. Omega destroyed subspace, and a polaric ion explosion could cause a chain reaction there. When the polaric "time bomb" went off on what is commonly known as 'Makull's homeworld' in the Delta Quadrant, all organic life was wiped out in a matter of seconds. Voyager was rocked at the edge of the shockwave.

The explosion had a secondary effect. It left behind floating subspace fractures on the planet — doors through time. Captain Janeway and Lieutenant Paris were sent back to the day before the accident. As it happened, it was the crew's own efforts to mount a rescue which caused the explosion in the first place. Janeway's intervention to prevent the rescue then prevented that timeline from ever existing.

The millions, possibly billions, of inhabitants of Makull's planet got their Time and Again. The same can't be said for others. In the 23rd century, an 'incident' involving a polaric energy device almost completely destroyed a Romulan research colony on Chaltok IV. That led to the 'Polaric Test Ban Treaty,' signed in 2268.

Chaltok IV was also where Laris wound up forever waiting for Jean-Luc in Star Trek Picard's third season. Being forgotten is the deadliest thing of all.