Star Trek: Everything We NOW Know About The 25th Century

10. The Nexus Returns To Federation Territory - 2410, 2449, 2488

Star Trek: Generations introduced the Nexus, a giant energy ribbon in space with the power to tear starships in half. It was, of course, much more than that, also serving as a conduit between one reality and another. When Guinan was 'rescued' from the SS Lakul, she described the experience as being 'ripped' or 'torn' away from the Nexus.

Inside the phenomenon, according to Guinan, it was like being 'inside joy.' Starfleet's first recorded encounter with the ribbon came in 2293. It returned in 2332 and then again in 2371. The latter encounter saw the destruction of the Enterprise-D, the death of the Duras Sisters, and the death of one James T. Kirk. 

The Nexus travels through that part of the galaxy every 39.1 years, meaning the next arrival would come in 2410. The events of Star Trek: Picard's second and third seasons take place nine years before this, with Jean-Luc (and Data) upgrading to a fancy golem body along the way. Picard, having visited the Nexus once before, would have the opportunity to revisit this mystical force. Though Dr Soran's methods were somewhat flawed, to put it mildly, there was much to learn in his research. 

Moving the path of the ribbon being impractical (for so many, many reasons), by the 25th Century, one could surmise that Starfleet shields have upgraded to the point where a ship could survive the stresses outside. We know that when one enters the Nexus, they can exit anywhere, at any time, they like. 

By the 25th Century, the Nexus could become the giant floating health spa of the galaxy. Consider this - Jean-Luc visiting his son as a baby, or chatting to his brother one more time. One really can understand Soran's obsession.