The film Star Trek: First Contact intriguingly illustrates how the first encounter between humans and Vulcans is interwoven with the influence of the Borg. Released in 1996 and directed by Jonathan Frakes, Star Trek: First Contact has received acclaim as the standout installment within the Star Trek: The Next Generation cinematic series. This movie delves into the remarkable events leading to the historic meeting between Vulcans and humans, a cornerstone narrative in the Star Trek franchise.
According to the Star Trek chronology, First Contact Day falls on April 5, 2063. On this significant date, Dr. Zephram Cochrane, portrayed by James Cromwell, accomplishes humanity’s inaugural warp flight aboard the Phoenix, subsequently drawing the attention of Vulcan explorers. This crucial interaction marked the beginning of humanity’s journey towards a unified planet, known as United Earth. Within a mere half-century, this progress led to the eradication of poverty and hunger, and the establishment of Starfleet, culminating in the creation of the United Federation of Planets by 2161.
The Integral Role of the Borg in First Contact
A Case of Predestination Paradox
The involvement of the Borg on First Contact Day is critical; as illustrated in the film, these cybernetic entities utilized time travel in an effort to assimilate Earth in the 21st century. Following the devastation of World War III, Earth was largely vulnerable, prompting the Borg to take action. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, pursued the Borg through time, managing to destroy the Borg Sphere and thwart their plan to assimilate Earth. However, their strategy shifted to attempting to commandeer the USS Enterprise-E instead.
To preserve the integrity of the timeline, the significant contributions of the time-traveling Borg and the USS Enterprise-E during Cochrane’s warp flight were conveniently omitted from historical accounts.
Consequently, it was the Borg’s incitement of a temporal crisis that ultimately resulted in the USS Enterprise-E’s journey back to 2063, thus ensuring the historic meeting recorded as First Contact. During this mission, while Picard contained the Borg aboard the Enterprise, Commander William Riker (also portrayed by Jonathan Frakes) spearheaded an effort to assist a reluctant Zephram Cochrane in launching the Phoenix, even joining him in the cockpit. Without the Borg’s interference, the momentous first encounter between humans and Vulcans may not have occurred as history indicates.
Celebrating First Contact Day: A Star Trek Tradition
A Holiday Honoring Humanity’s Cosmic Outreach
Within the Star Trek universe, First Contact Day serves as a celebratory event acknowledging humanity’s initial steps into the cosmos. This day is recognized as a holiday where children are granted a reprieve from school. In our world, April 5 is similarly commemorated as First Contact Day, and Star Trek enthusiasts often anticipate significant reveals concerning future series and films on this day. Additionally, it serves as a prime opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the Star Trek saga, particularly with Star Trek: First Contact.
The First Contact Day event in 2025 is set to feature the annual TrekTalks 4 fundraiser for the Hollywood Food Coalition, showcasing numerous actors and creators from the Star Trek franchise.
Furthermore, the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks indicated that the site of First Contact, Bozeman, Montana, has transformed into a theme park attraction. Guests can visit Bozeman to experience a replica of the Vulcan vessel that descended to Earth in 2063 and can even enjoy a warp ride on the Phoenix, navigated by a holographic representation of Zephram Cochrane. Yet, First Contact Day is not without its shadow; in 2385, the rogue synthetic attack on Mars, depicted in Star Trek: Picard, was also perpetrated on this day.
The Fate of the Borg Post-First Contact
The Borg’s Resurrection in Star Trek: Enterprise
Despite the destruction of many Borg in the events of Star Trek: First Contact, not all were eliminated. The second season of Star Trek: Enterprise, specifically episode 23, titled “Regeneration,”showcased the struggle against remnant Borg technology. Here, researchers at an Arctic base unwittingly revived some Borg remnants from the wreckage of the Sphere destroyed by the USS Enterprise-E on March 1, 2153, leading to tragic consequences for the unwitting scientists.
The reawakened Borg subsequently embarked into space to reunite with their collective in the Delta Quadrant. Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) commanded the NX-01 Enterprise on a mission to intercept these Borg. In the end, Archer managed to neutralize the threat, although the Borg managed to send a warning back to their home collective. Notably, Archer and his crew did not identify their adversaries as “the Borg.”This narrative consistency ensures that the formal first encounter with the Borg aligns with the timeline established in Star Trek: The Next Generation, set in the 24th century. Thus, thanks to Star Trek: First Contact, one can surmise that without the Borg’s existence, humanity’s momentous First Contact with the Vulcans might never have come to fruition.