Use and Abuse of Alien Superpowers

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Remembering the Deltan oath of celibacy got me wondering...if a Q joined Starfleet, would they have to sign an "oath of mortality" - a promise not to use their universe-altering/transcending powers?

I know that many episodes that are centered around alien characters with special abilities make use of that character's powers (otherwise any other character would do in their place). But I also realize that they could have used their abilities as a shortcut out of the plot's trouble.

 

[herofhyrule]

What would be the point? A Q, if they didn't just completely ignore the agreement, could just use their powers to retroactively make it so that it was never signed in the first place. It would be better not to get your hopes up.

 

[ChrisPiiike]

Remembering the Deltan oath of celibacy got me wondering...if a Q joined Starfleet, would they have to sign an "oath of mortality" - a promise not to use their universe-altering/transcending powers?

I know that many episodes that are centered around alien characters with special abilities make use of that character's powers (otherwise any other character would do in their place). But I also realize that they could have used their abilities as a shortcut out of the plot's trouble.

The concept of a Q, an omnipotent and reality-altering entity, joining Starfleet is intriguing. However, given the nature of the Q Continuum and their vast powers, it is unlikely that they would be subject to a standard "oath of mortality" or any kind of restriction on their abilities.

 

[ChrisPiiike]

If a Q were to join Starfleet, it would be an extraordinary event and would likely involve unique circumstances. It is possible that they might choose to limit their powers voluntarily to interact more closely with mortal beings and experience life on a different level. However, the Q are known for their unpredictable nature and often enjoy pushing boundaries, so it is challenging to predict their behavior with certainty.
Regarding episodes featuring characters with special abilities, it is true that those abilities are often integral to the plot and the challenges faced. If a character with extraordinary powers could simply solve every problem effortlessly, it would diminish the dramatic tension and character development. Therefore, the writers often establish limitations or circumstances that prevent the use of these powers as a plot device, allowing for more engaging storytelling and character arcs.

 

[at Quark's]

However, the Q are known for their unpredictable nature and often enjoy pushing boundaries, so it is challenging to predict their behavior with certainty.

To be fair, we only really have that evidence as far as 'our' Q goes.
(Guinan: 'Not all the Q are alike. Some are almost respectable.')

OK, Quinn also liked to push boundaries, but in a very different way. And he was agitating against the conformity of established Q doctrine, and the 'undeviation of Q life'.

 

[gweeps]

Q de Lancie said in 'Q Who' that, although he "didn't know why he would", he could "renounce my powers" if he joined Picard's crew.

 

[valkyrie013]

A Q being long lived, and probably bored, could just live as a mortal for 20 years, serving in starfleet.

There are probably a few "Higher Power" species that probably serve in starfleet, and hide it, something like Una from SNW, They don't want to be taken advantaged of, and just live a "normal Life"

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

They may wish to hide it not so that they can be allowed where they're not welcome, but so people won't constantly ask them to do stuff for them.

Species that can tell the future would have to bear the burden of knowing something won't work alone. Species that can beguile/bend the will of others would be dogged by intelligence agencies. Vulcans' code of ethics and logic wouldn't allow them to meld with everyone who has useful information.

 

[Vger23]

It is a good question about Q. I'm not sure I even have a good answer.

 

[drt]

I think Kevin Uxbridge is the most advanced/powerful life form we’ve seen give up his powers and live as a regular person.

 

[Shawnster]

I think Kevin Uxbridge is the most advanced/powerful life form we’ve seen give up his powers and live as a regular person.

Until his way of life was threatened.

Twice. Once when he killed all the Husnok, then again when the Enterprise came snooping around and wouldn't leave.

So, when threatened, he used his powers.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

I suppose they might have to ask a more powerful alien than themselves/go through some ritual to keep their powers from being accessible.

 

[Oddish]

I could see a Q living as an ordinary person for awhile. Whether it's for love (Kevin), or ennui (Quinn), or punishment (Q), or just for giggles (there could be one out there now), they have billions of years. A hundred or so is not even a day trip.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Maybe it could be a rite of passage, similar to Amish rumspringa - try out the outside world until you've committed to join the church/continuum, etc, or chosen the world of mortality.

 

[publiusr]

Well, we did see a Q renounce his powers…Quinn in Voyager. If only they had the download device that housed Dr. Grave’s intellect from TNG’s SCHIZOID MAN:

https://tng.trekcore.com/hd/albums/2x06/theschizoidman_hd_387.jpg

Quinn would have overloaded the device Nth Degree style when alive and powered…but his now all human brain…the most advanced ever…would no doubt have “highlights” and basics of Q knowledge…even (freshly) dead.

If I were a GRU type Sec 31 agent…I might pay a visit to his corpse…do a brief resurrection/mind-sifter to extract and burn out his brain….in a shielded shuttle.