Star Trek: 10 Times Captain Janeway Was Right And Everyone Else Was Wrong

Things could have turned out very differently between the two crews – Maquis and Starfleet – in the Delta Quadrant. There was nothing, other than a common set of circumstances, to suggest that these diametrically opposed groups could and would integrate as they did.

In the beginning, Captain Janeway equally had little reason to trust the 'hot-headed' Torres, and the feeling was mutual. There were also a few who would have been right to expect a promotion or two over the newcomer. (Looking at you Carey and Harry!) Let us not forget that it was around this time that Tuvok created his training holoprogram depicting a Maquis insurrection aboard Voyager.

When Janeway did promote Torres to the role of chief engineer, somewhat against her own instincts and against expected protocol, she was right to do so. Chakotay, as a former Starfleet lieutenant commander, was the obvious choice for First Officer, but the nomination of an Academy dropout with a troubled past to a key post was a symbolic act. It showed that Janeway was willing to place her faith in, and work with, the diversity of backgrounds within the Maquis.

After a bit of a learning curve, Torres, in her position as chief engineer, would contribute more than most to the successful merging of the crews. Evident from the start, her expertise would continue to prove Janeway right throughout as a crucial factor in saving the ship on numerous occasions.