12 Genius Decisions By Star Trek Captains
4. Janeway Decides To Trust A Crew Of Terrorists
Before being flung into the Delta Quadrant by the Caretaker, the USS Voyager’s mission was to capture a Maquis vessel. Both Voyager and the Maquis were stranded in the Delta Quadrant together. The Maquis crew’s ship was destroyed and Janeway took them on board Voyager.
At this point, Janeway had a choice to make. Since the Maquis were considered terrorists by the Federation, she could throw the entire crew in the brig. Leave them there for the entire 75 years it will take to get home. She instead integrates the Maquis into key positions on the ship including first officer and chief engineer.
This could’ve been a disastrous decision, but Janeway’s judgment is proved right. The Maquis crew are invaluable assets during Voyager’s journey home.