Orb of Time Theories

[Dingo]

I remember a key plot point in Trials and Tribbleations was the fact that the Cardassians were returning the Orb of Time to the Bajorans. One thing struck me, though. I wonder why they didn't use it to try to alter time in their favor? Here are some theories I have on that:

• Ignorance: I recall in the DS9 series there seemed to be a bit of ignorance among the Cardassians about Bajoran culture and the like. For instance in Tears of the Prophets, when Dukat mentions the Pah-Wraiths: "We had an ally we never even knew we had." On that theory, I think the Cardassians didn't care enough to learn about the Bajoran faith and thus had no idea of the power they had with this particular orb.
• Divine Protection: Perhaps the Prophets prevented the Cardassians from being able to utilize the orb in that fashion, because if they did alter the timeline in their favor, that would mean possibly their destruction (advertent or not) at the hands of the Cardassians. And the Orbs themselves seemed to have an intelligence all their own, permitting travellers access at their own whims.

Any other ideas or thoughts?

 

[Thor Damar]

The prophets didn't let the Cardassians get a look into the Orb. I think they could stop the wrong sort of people from using it.
(I'm now just remembering the Arne Darvin used the Orb, which kinda blows that theory out of the water)
Maybe column A coupled with Cardassian arrogance perhaps?

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

At least in the novels, the Orbs did seem rather selective about who they allowed to use them.

(Though how on Earth Arne Darvin managed it, I can't explain either.)

 

[Dingo]

Perhaps Darvin had some external aid if my second theory is true. I figured my first theory was more accurate, the Cardassians had no clue what they had and gave the Orb up because it meant some concession or other from the Federation/Bajorans.

 

[Michael]

Trials And Tribble-ations was a comedy episode (and a perfect one at that). It was played for laughs. The Orb of Time was merely the device which sent our heroes straight to the fun. I wouldn't worry too much about the internal logic of the episode or that particular device.

 

[StarryEyed]

Trials And Tribble-ations was a comedy episode (and a perfect one at that). It was played for laughs. The Orb of Time was merely the device which sent our heroes straight to the fun. I wouldn't worry too much about the internal logic of the episode or that particular device.

True enough but it's easy enough to assume the Cardassians didn't know what they had.

 

[Dingo]

Trials And Tribble-ations was a comedy episode (and a perfect one at that). It was played for laughs. The Orb of Time was merely the device which sent our heroes straight to the fun. I wouldn't worry too much about the internal logic of the episode or that particular device.

Nor was it my intention to knitpick, I was just curious about that particular factor and decided to start a thread for exploration therof.

 

[Damask]

Well we did see an Orb not respond to Winn. This could have been the Pah-Wraiths but maybe not.

I'm guessing the Prophets could view what would have happened if some one used an orb? Perhaps that's why they allowed Darvin as it had no real effect?