As far asStar Trekantagonists go, few are more infamous than The Borg. The hive mind species made their debut inThe Next GenerationSeason 2, Episode 16, “Q Who” as a way to illustrate the dangers of uncharted space and the strength of previously unseen enemies. Since then, theBorg have appeared in a number of great episodes, but the most memorable is the two-parter “The Best of Both Worlds,” which closedTNG’s third season and opened the fourth. Those episodes saw Picard transformed into the Borg drone Locutus. The Borg planned to use Picard’s assimilated knowledge to thwart Starfleet and conquer Earth. Thankfully, Picard’s crew rescues him and severs his link to the Borg.
“The Best of Both Worlds” is not just great television, but an integral part ofStar Treklore. It illustrated that it was possible for Borg drones to be unassimiliated and regain their independence. This paved the way forfan-favorite character Seven of Nine, who wasliberated from the Borg by the USS Voyager. Picard’s assimilation also had lasting effects. The impact of his time as a Borg lasted all the way toPicard,which revealed that Picard accidentally passed on Borg biological components to his son Jack. In addition to the lasting lore in “The Best Of Both Worlds,” this two-parter also introduced Lt. Commander Elizabeth Shelby (played by Elizabeth Denehy. Who was she, and what was her role in such a pivotal couple of episodes?
Shelby Was a Tactical Borg Expert
After the destruction of Jouret IV, Admiral Hanson and Lt. Commander Elizabeth Shelby boarded the Enterprise to discuss whether it was the Borg who caused the destruction. Hanson had a lot of faith in Shelby and put her in charge of the investigation. Shelby went to work, discussing theBorg cube’s systems. She later instructed Data to target the cube with random phaser frequencies, which allowed the Enterprise to escape. She also went over Riker’s head to propose a plan to separate the Enterprise’s saucer section to divert the Borg. Shelby proved herself to be a hard worker, a great tactical officer, and someone with steadfast belief in her ability to succeed. Her expertise and confidence made her an asset to the mission as well as an entertaining character to watch.
Shelby Was As Ambitious As Riker
Shelby’s main trait was her ambition. Hanson was impressed with her skills and recommended her to Picard as a candidate for first officer, thinking that Riker, who had previously turned down captain positions, would eventually accept one. Shelby let it slip that she had designs on Riker’s job, leading to friction between them.
Picard noted that Shelby’s ambitious nature was similar to Riker’s when he was younger. Riker questioned if he had become too comfortable in his current position and laments once having Shelby’s drive. Although Shelby could be reckless, after Picard became Locutus and Riker was promoted to captain, Riker chose her to act as his first officer. Althoughtheir styles initially clashed,they ended up making a great team.
Once Picard was ready to command the Enterprise once more, Shelby was promoted to rebuilding the fleet that was lost in the attack. She responded that she would have it up in less than a year. Unsurprisingly, when she appears inLower DecksSeason 2, Episode 5 “An Embarrassment of Dooplers,” she has risen tothe rank of captain.
Shelby Lost Her Life To The Borg
Shelby’s rise did not stop with the rank of captain, as she appears as an admiral in her final appearance inPicard. In Season 3, Episode 9 “Võx,” Shelby advocates fleet formation technology, which allows multiple vessels to operate as one. Picard notes how ironically Borg-like that new technology seems to be. Unfortunately, in that same episode, Picard tries to warn Shelby of an imminent Borg attack. However, like many other ships on Frontier Day, many younger crew members on the Enterprise-F areaffected by activated assimilation DNA, and Shelby is shot twice in the chest. Although the show never confirms her death, it’s more than likely that she perished from the assault.
Like many characters throughout theStar Trekfranchise, Elizabth Shelby was always interconnected with the Borg. Although her tactical skills and knowledge of the Borg allowed her to fulfill her ambitions torise through the ranks of Starfleet, they ultimately killed her. Along with her memorable canon appearances, Shelby also ignited the imagination of writers who detailed her imagined adventures in theNew Frontiernovels. Thanks to her starring role in one ofThe Next Generation’s most remarkable two-parters, Shelby, despite not appearing many other times, made an indelible mark onStar Trek. Ambitious and confident, she was the perfect foil to Riker during a time of crisis. Although her time in canon appears to have been cut short, perhaps she will make an appearance earlier in the timeline. Only time will tell.
