Poll of the Month - A Valentine's Special

[Genkos Adea]

Happy Valentine's Day StarBase 118! Today is a day to celebrate love in all its forms and what better way to do that than by taking a look at some of the most popular fan fiction pairings in the Star Trek universe. The Star Trek franchise has given us countless characters that we love, and sometimes that love extends beyond just friendship. Whether it's the classic Kirk and Spock or the unlikely Chakotay and Seven of Nine, these pairings have captured the hearts of fans everywhere. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up with your sweetheart, and get ready to boldly go where no romance has gone before!

We want to know which of these fictional love connections is your favourite. Will it be the steady and supportive Chakotay and Janeway or the electric Picard and the Borg Queen? The decision is yours! So, without further ado, let's dive into these iconic Star Trek pairings.

Janeway and Chakotay take viewers on a compelling journey from enemies, to allies, to friends, to perhaps something more? Their relationship transcends space and time, and contains episodes rife with romantic tropes and subtext (“Resolutions,” anyone?) that can’t help but leave us questioning just how close they are, exactly.

Garak and Bashir have palpable tension, from their very first scene through their debates of Cardassian literature and holodeck hijinks. Both were given other romantic interests throughout the series, but all lacked the chemistry the pair had together (sorry, Ezri). Whether bromance or romance, Garak and Bashir is one of the most popular pairings in the fandom.

Of course, we can't leave out Kirk and Spock, possibly the oldest pairing in Star Trek. The exact nature of their relationship has been the subject of endless debates and speculation since the Original Series was on air, and prompted the creation of fandom as we know it with hand-bound fan-zines. No other pairing on this list can claim that!

While the previous pairing built on a compelling history and chemistry between characters, Chakotay and Seven of Nine almost came out of nowhere. Both were complex, interesting characters who developed more complex, interesting relationships with basically everyone else on the show than with each other, only to be paired off in the series finale. Still, despite this pairing’s limited build-up, it is interesting to watch Seven learn about romance, first through holo-Chakotay and then through a relationship with the real Chakotay.

And speaking of new love connections, we can't forget about the latest addition to the Star Trek universe - Star Trek Lower Decks! In this animated comedy, we have the pairing of Mariner and Boimler. These two lower deck officers may have started off as just friends, but their love story is one that has captivated audiences everywhere. With Mariner's mischievous streak and Boimler's by-the-book approach, these two complement each other in the most unexpected ways.

Last but certainly not least, we have Picard and the Borg Queen. Love may be the last thing on the minds of a Starfleet captain and a Borg drone, but their interactions were electric. From enemies to... well, still enemies, but with a touch of respect and a hint of attraction. Who knows, maybe love really can conquer all.

Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of all of Star Trek’s couples. Did we leave out your favourite pairing? Let us hear it in the comments!

[+ Vitor S. Silveira]

I believe there was a couple that should be considered.

Data and the Borg Queen. 

Now that was a very interesting plot in First Contact and the romantic in me is still curious in that, what if, scenario.

 

[Serala]

Jadzia Dax and Worf
Odo and Kira
T'Pol and Trip

So many choices!!! 😱

[Nolen Hobart]

Quark and Gold Pressed Latinum

[LCDR Aine O. Sherlock]

Picard and Nella Daren. For me it was a moment when Jean Luc realized just how alone. And with the new series we're still seeing that theme.

[Piweh]

Gotta go with the cliche here, Picard and Dr. Crusher.