Star Trek: 10 Times Worf Was Ignored (But Was Absolutely Right)

So far, there's been a distinct lack of Deep Space Nine entries on this list. That's because, by and large, the station's residents were far less inclined to ignore Worf. Perhaps his new commanding officer recognised the benefit of Worf's warrior instincts during a time of war...or maybe Sisko's own ruthless streak made him more sympathetic to Worf's point of view.

Either way, the Klingons didn't get the memo.

Worf's very first outing in Deep Space Nine sees him locked in a battle of wills with Chancellor Gowron...although much of their conflict plays out via General Martok. When the General arrives, flanked by countless Klingon ships, he claims it's to help the Federation defend itself against the Dominion. Less than convinced, Sisko sends for Worf, hoping he can wheedle the truth out of them.

It proves easier said than done. Worf's attempts to open a dialogue with his contacts in the Empire are ignored. He tries to convince Martok that their behaviour has teetered on the edge of dishonour and implores him to share the truth...but Martok dismisses his concerns and warns him against interfering.

When Worf finally uncovers their plan to invade Cardassia Prime, he does his utmost to dissuade Martok from the catastrophic course of action, warning him that the Federation won't join them in an unprovoked attack. But even with the support of The Sisko himself, his advice falls on deaf ears. And Worf's attempts to bypass Martok and sway Gowron personally fare no better.

Undeterred, the Klingons forge ahead, culminating in the brutal attack of DS9 itself. Faced with the prospect of fighting a war on two fronts, Gowron finally withdraws, but it's too late. The alliance between the Klingons and Federation has been shattered.

Although we later learn that the entire crisis had been manipulated, it's hard not to think about how many lives could have been saved if Gowron had just listened to Worf in the first place.