Summary
- Harry Kim’s true role as an undercover operative for Starfleet Intelligence is finally revealed in Star Trek #13, explaining why he never rose above the rank of Ensign after Voyager’s return from the Delta Quadrant
- Being a lower-ranking member of a Starfleet crew is one of the most dangerous roles, as noted in the issue when Harry Kim explains the constant danger and he faced on Voyager, and the many sacrifices he made.
- IDW’s Star Trek comic series has given Harry Kim the recognition and importance he deserves, elevating the character to a long overdue position of prominence.
Star Trek has provided the best possible explanation for why Voyager’s Harry Kim has never risen above the rank of Ensign – it is a cover for his true role as an undercover operative for Starfleet Intelligence, working under the badass codename “Kingsnake,” in one of the most apropos additions to Trek lore IDW’s ongoing comic book series has made yet.
Star Trek #13 – written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing, with art by Marcus To, color by Lee Loughridge, and lettering by Clayton Cowles – continues to build toward the next major threat to the galaxy, in the wake of the massive “God War/Day of Blood” crossover event.
The Tzenkethi, a militant alien society, are mobilizing a war fleet, and the crew of the USS Theseus are tasked with an intelligence gathering mission. This puts them in contact with a Starfleet operative behind Tzenkethi lines, Kingsnake – who they are shocked to learn is Harry Kim.
“You’re the First One They Sacrifice”: Lower Decks Is a Lie, as Harry Kim Admits Being a Star Trek Ensign Is Actually Hell
Star Trek: Lower Decks may show the fun side of being the lowest rung on the ladder, but Harry Kim has some ideas of his own.
Harry Kim Knows What It’s Like To Do Starfleet’s Dirty Work
Star Trek #13’s revelation that Harry Kim is “Kingsnake,” a secret agent – operating in highly dangerous territory for Starfleet – finally puts to rest the nagging question of why Kim was never officially promoted after Voyager’s return from the Delta Quadrant, as was the majority of the crew.
As Harry noted to Theseus crewmember Ensign Sato, the Andorian descendent of Enterprise character Hoshi Sato, many people harbor an inaccurate understanding of what it means to be a lower-ranking member of a Starfleet crew. It’s not all “cleaning the replicators and palling around,” but rather one of the organization’s most dangerous roles. Describing his time as a lower ranking member of the Voyager crew, Harry vented:
Every day I was being put in danger. Every away mission, every experiment. And if there was anyone who was going to get infected, or seduced by an assassin..that was me too. […] You’re the first one they sacrifice. You’re the one they’re expecting to leave behind.
Although his role as an undercover Intelligence agent likely puts him in even more danger, rather than less, it comes with a great deal more inherent respect.
Star Trek #13’s revelation that Harry Kim is “Kingsnake,” a secret agent – operating in highly dangerous territory for Starfleet – finally puts to rest the nagging question of why Kim was never officially promoted after Voyager’s return from the Delta Quadrant, as was the majority of the crew. Throughout Voyager’s seven seasons, Harry proved himself worthy of advancement in the ranks time and again, an honor the series has frequently been called out for not bestowing upon him. Similarly, post-Star Trek: Voyager stories have underutilized the character, with IDW’s current comic finally giving Harry his due.
“Ensign” Kim Has Given Everything To Starfleet – More Than Once
Once more, IDW’s Star Trek has brought fresh energy to the franchise, taking another beloved character in an exciting new direction.
Harry Kim understands the perils of Starfleet, especially the lower ranks, more acutely than most. In Star Trek #13, he and long-time friend Tom Paris share a moment of reflection. “We survived…hell, I survived,” Harry says – though technically, this is not true. As Trek fans will recall, the Voyager season two episode “Deadlock” featured a shocking moment in which Harry was sucked out into space through a hull breach, dying horrifically in front of Captain Janeway. Though the episode concluded with a duplicate of Harry taking his place, the original did, in fact, die in the Delta Quadrant.
Though the true extent of the existential horror of Harry Kim’s death has not yet been fully explored in Trek canon, the character’s new secret agent era may finally provide the perfect opportunity. In any case, it has elevated the character to a long overdue position of prominence, which he has long been denied. Further, it readily explains the character’s lack of promotion by Starfleet, which has seemed incongruous with his regular courageous actions for some time. Once more, IDW’s Star Trek has brought fresh energy to the franchise, taking another beloved character in an exciting new direction.
Star Trek #13 is available now from IDW Publishing.
