The Hidden Meaning Behind Star Trek’s New Multiverse Starship

Attention: Spoiler Alert for Season 5, Episode 9 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled “Fissure Quest.”

The latest installment of Star Trek: Lower Decks gifts viewers not just with a thrilling narrative, but also introduces a new starship whose name, Anaximander, intriguingly reflects its deep-rooted mission. This episode continues the series’ exploration of a multiverse, featuring delightful cameos from alternate versions of familiar characters throughout the extensive Star Trek legacy.

“Fissure Quest”stands out by cleverly referencing numerous Star Trek series and films, all while adhering to the show’s animated comedic format and comparatively brief episode lengths. In this episode, characters from alternate realities largely mirror their Star Trek Prime Universe counterparts, with some variations that add a unique twist to their personas. While the animated chaos may divert attention from Captain William Boimler’s (voiced by Jack Quaid) ship, the narrative brilliantly weaves these characters into the broader Star Trek tapestry.

Unpacking the Significance of the Ship’s Name: Anaximander

The Inspiration Behind Captain Boimler’s Ship

The Anaximander flying through space in Star Trek: Lower Decks

The tradition of naming Star Trek vessels after historical figures is well established, with Captain Boimler’s ship continuing this legacy. The Anaximander is named after a prominent ancient philosopher, who according to Linda Hall, was born around 610 BCE. His early attempts to understand the cosmos and Earth’s place within it laid foundational concepts in philosophy and science.

Despite many of his theories being disproven over time, Anaximander’s insights were groundbreaking considering the limited knowledge available in his era. He is recognized as a critical figure in the development of Western thought, particularly for his theories concerning the nature of the Earth and its relationship with celestial bodies. Although few of his writings have survived, those that remain offer some of the earliest reflections on a variety of scientific topics.

Rationale Behind Naming Captain Boimler’s Section 31 Ship “The Anaximander”

Philosophical Foundations and Section 31’s Mission

Given Anaximander’s significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, it is no surprise that his name was selected for Captain Boimler’s ship. The philosopher posited theories surrounding the concept of “the aperion,”a notion that embodies the idea of something limitless or infinite. This philosophical approach aligns seamlessly with the expansive, infinite nature of the Star Trek multiverse.

The Anaximander has been tasked with overseeing the gateways between diverse parallel realities, enhancing the suitability of its name. By drawing on Anaximander’s philosophy, Star Trek: Lower Decks succinctly illustrates the vastness and complexity of the multiverse while also paying homage to the groundbreaking thinkers of our past.

Release Schedule for Paramount+’s Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5
Episode	Title	Release Date (2024)
1	“Two Little Hills”	October 22
2	“Shades of Green”	October 22
3	“The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel”	October 31
4	“A Farewell to Farms”	November 7
5	“Star Base 80?”	November 14
6	“Of Gods and Angels”	November 21
7	“Fully Dilated”	November 28
8	“Upper Decks”	December 5
9	“Fissure Quest”	December 12
10	“The New Next Generation”	December 19