Star Trek: 10 Greatest Captain Janeway Speeches

Captain Kathryn Janeway posits that "there are three things to remember about being a Starship Captain. Keep your shirt tucked in, go down with the ship and never abandon a member of your crew." 

Arguably, however, there is a fourth requirement for the role - the ability to deliver the wisest and most powerful speeches at the drop of a hat. This is an ability that Voyager's captain certainly exhibits throughout her command. 

Being stranded in the Delta Quadrant meant that morale and positivity were in constant need of replenishment and principles often needed reinforcement. Captain Janeway has a knack for both. Raising the spirits of her crew when they need a beacon of hope and reminding them of their codes of conduct as both Starfleet officers but also as human beings - among other Alpha Quadrant species - when they might waver. 

Played with such integrity and emotion by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Janeway's humanity and authority is never stronger than when she stands tall and delivers an almighty speech.

A lot was riding on the success of Voyager's pilot, Caretaker. The usual trepidations of a new series launching into the Star Trek universe, but also the highly anticipated introduction of the franchise's first lead female captain. As recalled by Kate Mulgrew, the "Paramount Brass were waiting in the wings for [her] to fail". 

Any concern over Captain Janeway's - or Kate Mulgrew's - command presence or strength as a leader could easily be put to rest following her powerful speech at the close of the pilot. Standing on the bridge of Voyager, addressing her newly integrated Starfleet/Maquis crew, stranded in the Delta Quadrant, Janeway delivers a call for unity and hope in a dire situation.

We're alone in an uncharted part of the galaxy. We have already made some friends here, and some enemies. We have no idea of the dangers we're going to face, but one thing is clear. Both crews are going to have to work together if we're to survive.

This speech highlights Janeway's determination to succeed and instills optimism in her crew from the very beginning, reassuring the audience that she is more than capable of achieving everything that her male counterparts would - maybe even more. Closing the episode with the phrase that becomes her entire drive and focus for the ensuing seven years:

Somewhere along this journey, we'll find a way back. Mister Paris, set a course for home.