Star Trek's New God-Killing Weapon Could Destroy Scotty's Legacy

Summary Scotty’s god-killing weapon could tarnish his sterling legacy in the Star Trek universe.

The Kardashev Drive is a boundary-breaking warp drive that could have dire consequences if misused.

The possibility of the Kardashev Drive falling into the wrong hands poses a serious threat to existence.

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #20!

Mister Scott’s legacy in the Star Trek universe is impeccable, but his new god-killing weapon may end up tarnishing it. The former chief engineer of the Enterprise, Scotty, has earned a reputation as a “miracle worker,” one that stretches into the 24th century. Yet in Star Trek #20, Scotty’s sterling legacy may be set to take a hit, as his latest invention, capable of killing gods, is unveiled.

Star Trek #20 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. The Theseus has returned to Utopia Planitia Yards for a refit. The ship is heading to the Pleroma, or the “Realm of the Gods.” After the ship is modified according to Scotty and T’Lir’s specifications, Liam Shaw expresses his admiration for their handiwork. Shaw praises their “Kardashev” Drive unit, singling out how an earlier version sent Q running.

Ominously, Shaw tells T’Lir, who is the last of the Organians, that the Drive will kill them.

Scotty's Engineering Skills Have Earned Him a Sterling Reputation

The Kardashev Drive Should Be The Feather in Scotty's Cap

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While Shaw gives a lot of credit to T’Lir, Scotty was just as instrumental in developing Star Trek’s new and boundary-breaking (literally) warp drive. The Kardashev Drive is yet another jewel in Scotty’s crown. Scotty’s engineering prowess saved the Enterprise on multiple occasions. Perhaps Scotty’s greatest feat of engineering: saving his transporter pattern in a buffer for decades, saved his life. Returning in the 24th century, Scotty, after an adjustment period, would go back to work for Starfleet, designing new and revolutionary ships such as the Theseus. Scotty then joined Sisko in time for the franchise spanning god war.

T’Lir and Scotty’s Kardashev Drive is a one of a kind device. Using anti-tachyons, it will make the Theseus the only ship able to penetrate the Galactic Barrier and travel to the Pleroma. However, the Kardashev Drive has a dark side. In earlier issues, as the god war was heating up, an early version of it was used on Q, and it was enough to scare him. Past issues of Star Trek have revealed its god-like beings are just as fallible as mortals, and apparently as easy to kill. Kahless’ god-killer destroyed many powerful beings.

The Kardashev Drive Could (Photon) Torpedo Scotty's Legacy

The Drive Falling Into the Wrong Hands Could Be Dire

However, less scrupulous parties, such as Kahless or even Section 31, gaining access to the Kardashev Drive could have dire ramifications for all of existence

Right now, the Kardashev Drive is being used to travel to the Pleroma. Sisko and company have no intention of using it as a weapon. However, less scrupulous parties, such as Kahless or even Section 31, gaining access to the Kardashev Drive could have dire ramifications for all of existence. If the Kardashev Drive is misused and people suffer as a result, blame could be laid at Scotty’s feet. Killing gods and upending the entire Star Trek universe was not Scotty’s intention with the Kardashev Drive, but it is a very real possibility–and a very real threat to his legacy.

Star Trek #20 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!