In the realm of Star Trek adversaries, The Borg stand as one of the most notorious. This collective species first made their appearance in “Q Who,”the sixteenth episode of Season 2 of The Next Generation, demonstrating the peril of unexplored space and the formidable foes that might lurk within. Over the years, the Borg have featured in several iconic episodes, with “The Best of Both Worlds,”a two-part story that concluded the third season and began the fourth, standing out in particular. This compelling narrative saw Captain Picard become the Borg drone known as Locutus, as the Borg aimed to utilize Picard’s acquired knowledge to undermine Starfleet and seize Earth. Fortunately, Picard’s crew managed to rescue him and sever his connection to the Borg.
“The Best of Both Worlds”is not merely an exemplary piece of television but a crucial component of Star Trek mythology. It showcased the possibility of Borg drones reclaiming their autonomy, thus setting the stage for the beloved character Seven of Nine, who was freed from the Borg by the USS Voyager. The ramifications of Picard’s assimilation echoed throughout the series, even influencing the events of the show Picard, which revealed that Picard unwittingly passed down Borg biological traits to his son, Jack. Apart from the enduring legacy of “The Best of Both Worlds,”this two-part episode also introduced the character Lt. Commander Elizabeth Shelby, portrayed by Elizabeth Dennehy. What was her role in these critical episodes, and who was she?
Shelby: A Tactical Expert on the Borg
Following the devastation of Jouret IV, Admiral Hanson and Lt. Commander Elizabeth Shelby boarded the USS Enterprise to investigate the possibility of Borg involvement in the destruction. Hanson held Shelby in high regard, appointing her to lead the exploration of the situation. Shelby diligently examined the Borg cube’s systems, ultimately directing Data to employ random phaser frequencies, which facilitated the Enterprise’s escape. She even proposed a plan to Riker, advocating for the separation of the Enterprise’s saucer section to misdirect the Borg. Shelby’s diligent nature, remarkable tactical skills, and unwavering confidence positioned her as a vital asset to the mission and made her an engaging character to follow.
Shelby Matched Riker’s Ambition
Ambition was a defining characteristic of Shelby’s persona. Impressed by her capabilities, Admiral Hanson recommended her to Captain Picard for the position of first officer, speculating that Riker, who had previously declined several captaincy offers, might eventually accept one. Shelby’s casual remark about her aspirations for Riker’s role stirred some tension between them.
Picard recognized Shelby’s ambitious spirit echoed Riker’s own drive during his earlier days. Riker, pondering whether he had grown too complacent in his current role, wistfully recalled once possessing Shelby’s vigor. Despite Shelby occasionally acting recklessly, when Picard was assimilated as Locutus and Riker ascended to captain, Riker selected Shelby as his first officer. Although their differing approaches initially caused friction, they ultimately formed an effective partnership.
When Picard was ready to take back command of the Enterprise, Shelby was tasked with the significant responsibility of reconstructing the fleet lost in the confrontation. She confidently asserted her ability to accomplish this within a year. It comes as no surprise that when she later appears in Lower Decks Season 2, Episode 5, titled “An Embarrassment of Dooplers,”she has advanced to the rank of captain.
Shelby’s Life was Cut Short by The Borg
Shelby’s ascent did not halt at the captaincy, as she returned as an admiral in her final appearance on Picard. In Season 3, Episode 9, “Võx,”she champions the adoption of fleet formation technology that allows multiple vessels to function cohesively. Picard ironically remarks on the technology’s resemblance to Borg methodology. Regrettably, during this same episode, Picard attempts to alert Shelby of an impending Borg assault. However, many younger crew members aboard the Enterprise-F are affected by activated assimilation DNA, and Shelby is tragically shot twice in the chest. Though the show leaves her fate ambiguous, it is heavily implied that she did not survive the attack.
Throughout the Star Trek franchise, Elizabeth Shelby’s narrative remains intricately linked with the Borg. While her tactical acumen and understanding of the Borg facilitated her rise within Starfleet, it ultimately led to her downfall. Beyond her appearances in canon, Shelby also inspired writers to portray her adventures in the New Frontier novels. Thanks to her significant role in one of The Next Generation’s most exceptional story arcs, Shelby, despite her limited screen time, left a lasting impression on Star Trek. An embodiment of ambition and confidence, she served as the ideal counterpart to Riker during a critical juncture. Though her in-universe journey appears truncated, there remains hope that she may resurface in earlier timelines. Only the future will reveal her fate.
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