AboutDeran McKean Expertise I am a 38 year fan of all the incarnations of Star Trek from the original show to the newer incarnations, to the books, comics and toys. I can answer most questions regarding the storylines and characters including their non-screen histories.
Experience Thirty-Eight years of collecting Star Trek merchandise, pouring over the books, comics and attending a number of conventions
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and an MBA
Question After watching the episode recently I realize that Kivas would have no chance against the Entity (as you said). The portable forcefield he wore only repelled positrons--therefore it was an effective defense against Data. It wouldn't provide any defense whatsoever against the Entity.
You stated that that the Edo god made the strange laws on the Edo planet. I was always under the impression that the Edos themselves made the laws. Could you elaborate?
You stated that if the Romulan Warbird did appear suddenly in Earth's orbit, that the Enterprise would not fire. Would Captain Picard be close to firing? In "The Enemy," Tomalak wants to cross past the neutral zone into Federation space in order to retrieve a lost comrade. Picard implies that if he does so, there will be trouble. I realize that if Picard fired on a Romulan vessel that had its shields down, it would likely explode, and thus a war would probably be started. However, I do wonder, based on the threat he made to Tomalak in "The Enemy."
Yeah, you're right about Odo and the Varon-T. When Kivas showed Data the weapon, Data said it was unlikely that Kivas would destroy him, since he was so highly prized. So if it can destroy Data, I think it'd definitely destroy Odo.
Near the end of the episode, Kivas kills his woman assistant with the Varon-T. He then sees Data, and walks away, allowing Data to pick up and point another Varon-T at him.
I'm not sure why he did this. If he felt threatened, why not destroy Data right there? Why walk away?
Answer Hi John -
Good catch, I'd forgotten that it only worked against positrons.
I had thought the God itself created the laws and forced the Edo to obey them, I'll check Memory Alpha and see if anything in the episode dialogue makes that clear.
I'm sure Picard would be concerned, but, in the 24th Century Earth has orbital defenses, bases on the Moon, starships docked at Utopia Planitia that could reach Earth from Mars orbit in a very short time, so, I doubt he'd start firing right away.
Look at all the ships that were there to greet Voyager when it returned home.
With all that I doubt he'd be inclined to shoot first and ask questions later. Plus, as you indicated, shooting a defenseless Warbird that may or may not be in need of assistance would no doubt escalate tensions between the Federation and the Empire.
I think Picard would be hesitant to fire also because the Warbird approached without its cloak and with its shields and weapons down. Though one always has to be suspicious of Romulans, those factors would indicate that a less violent initial approach might be in order.
Good point about Odo/Data. If the weapon is really that dangerous (as Data seemed to indicate it was) I doubt Odo's cells would have the means to fight off its effects.
Yep, I think the woman's name was Varia (or something like that) and it looked like the weapon sure took its time 'eating her up.'
I think Kivas was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Data would not, or could not, kill him.
From what little we know of Kivas he was willing to take considerable risks (attacking a Federation shuttle, lying to the crew of the Enterprise) in order to get and keep the items in his collection. I think he was a bit of a gambler, willing to engage in risky activities so long as he felt the pay off was worth the risk.
I don't think he's willing to take insane chances however (like Han Solo or Tom Paris) but I think Kivas enjoys a little gambling now and then.
So, I believe he was utterly convinced that Data would not fire the weapon at him and, that by staging his little gamble he would 'de-moralize' Data (so to speak) and convince the android that he didn't have the guts/skill/etc. that would be necessary to escape.
I think Kivas wanted to show Data the lengths he was willing to go to (i.e. killing Varia) to keep him a prisoner, and he was arrogant enough to believe that the Starfleet officer wouldn't stoop to killing him in order to be free.
