Star Trek Just Turned Iconic Klingon Worf into a Romulan

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Defiant #17!

Star Trek just turned its most iconic Klingon, Worf, into the one thing he hates the most: a Romulan. In the pages of Star Trek: Defiant, Worf leads a rebel crew, handling Starfleet’s dirty work. In Star Trek: Defiant #17, his mission takes him deep into Romulan space. The Romulans are sworn enemies of the Federation, forcing Worf to go deep undercover–as a Romulan himself.

Star Trek: Defiant #17 is written by Christopher Cantwell and Angel Unzueta. The issue opens on the planet Dartha, where three strangely familiar Romulans carry out a retrieval mission. As the story plays out, fans learn the truth: these three Romulans are actually Worf, B’Elanna Torres and Ro Laren. The trio have been surgically altered to make themselves resemble Romulans. Fans also learn the three are working for General Revo, Sela’s Romulan father.

However, Revo quickly betrays them, leaving them for dead on a distant world.

The Klingons and the Romulans Have Bad Blood Between Them

Worf's New Undercover Mission Could Seriously Hurt Him--on Many Levels

The history of relations between the Klingons and the Romulans goes back at least to the era of Captain Kirk. At various points in the Star Trek timeline, the Federation has been enemies of the Klingons and the Romulans, and for a very brief period, the two species came together, as seen in the third season Star Trek episode “The Enterprise Incident.” The alliance did not last long, leading to an intense hatred between the two galactic powers, one that continues to last deep into the 24th century. Worf’s own family fell victim to Romulan treachery.

Now, Worf’s new mandate, to handle Starfleet’s dirtiest missions, has forced him to become a Romulan, with the potential to trigger a major existential crisis. Both Worf and the Klingons as a whole have issues with the Romulans. The Klingons see the Romulans as sneaky, and having “no honor.” General Revo has conscripted Worf to help him stage a coup, and this turn of events cannot sit well with the Klingon, who has already expressed serious doubts about his future in Starfleet. The stress could lead to Worf having a nervous breakdown, and thus compromise his mission.

Worf's Time as a Romulan Could Lead to Serious, Lasting Damage

The Romulans No Doubt Ensured the Process Was Painful

The process of transforming Worf from Klingon to Romulan was painful, not only on a spiritual level, but on a physical one as well. In the Star Trek universe, the modifications Worf and company underwent are done on a genetic level. This method was perfected by Nurse Christine Chapel, and as seen in various episodes of Strange New Worlds, it can be an unpleasant process. While the Federation may have refined the technique by the 24th century, making it less traumatic, the Romulans emphasized nothing of the such, giving Worf’s transformation an even darker layer.

Star Trek: Defiant #17 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

Star Trek: Defiant #17 (2024)

	Writer: Christopher Cantwell Artist: Angel Unzueta Colorist: Marissa Louise Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover Artist: Angel Unzueta