Benjamin Sisko
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Lafayette Sisko, played by Avery Brooks
, is the main character of the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
.
, Benjamin is the son of Joseph Sisko, the chef
and owner of the restaurant
"Sisko's Creole Kitchen," "Sisko's" for short. His birth mother was a human woman named Sarah. However, Sarah was actually possessed by one of the Bajoran Prophets (the life-forms that exist inside the Bajoran wormhole), who manipulated her into marrying Joseph and conceiving Benjamin. Sarah and Joseph were happily married until Sarah disappeared two days after Ben's first birthday, when the life-form left her body. She died in an accident several years later. Joseph eventually met and married another woman who went on to raise Benjamin as her own son. Benjamin remained unaware of these events until well into his adulthood and long after he had otherwise made contact with the Bajoran Prophets. Ben has a sister named Judith, and at least two brothers.
Sisko entered Starfleet Academy
in 2350. During his sophomore
year, he was in a field-study assignment on Starbase 137. He met a woman named Jennifer
in Babylon
, New York on Gilgo Beach
, shortly after graduating from the Academy. The two eventually wed and had a son named Jake
.
As a Starfleet
officer coming up through the ranks, Sisko was mentored by Curzon Dax, a joined Trill
serving as Federation
ambassador
to the Klingon Empire, when the two were stationed aboard the USS Livingston early in Sisko's career. The symbiotic nature of the joined Trill becomes a significant aspect to Sisko's later relationships with his DS9 science officer Jadzia Dax
, who inherited the Dax symbiont from Curzon; and DS9 counselor Ezri Dax
, who inherits the Dax symbiont upon Jadzia's death.
Sisko served aboard the USS Okinawa under Captain Leyton, who saw command potential in the young officer; Leyton promoted Sisko to Lieutenant Commander and made him his executive officer
. It was during this assignment that Sisko and Leyton fought in the war between the Federation and the Tzenkethi.
Sisko eventually transferred to the USS Saratoga as its first officer. In early 2367, the Saratoga was one of the 40 Starfleet vessels involved in the Battle of Wolf 359
against the Borg
. In an attempt to gain knowledge about Starfleet defenses, the Borg assimilate Captain Jean-Luc Picard
of the U.S.S. Enterprise, registry NCC-1701-D, creating a Borg drone known as Locutus. In the ensuing battle, 39 of the starships at Wolf 359 are destroyed and an estimated 11,000 people are lost; including Sisko's wife, Jennifer
.
Afterward, Sisko took a position at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars
, overseeing the development of new ships, including the USS Defiant
, which was created specifically to contend with the Borg threat.
Sisko is promoted to Captain on Stardate 48959 (DS9
, Season 3 Episode The Adversary).
and to help Bajor's recovery from the recently-concluded Cardassian occupation, shepherding them toward possible membership in the United Federation of Planets
. Sisko and his son Jake
reluctantly take up residence on the station. Recognizing that the then-decrepit station is not an "ideal environment" in which to raise a son, Sisko contemplates resigning his commission. Adding to Sisko's discomfort is the presence of Jean-Luc Picard
, who briefs him on his mission. Sisko continues to harbor deep resentment toward Picard for his role, however unwilling, in the death of his wife.
Upon Sisko's first visit to Bajor, the Bajoran Kai, Opaka Sulan, labels him "the Emissary of the Prophets" and gives him one of the Tears of the Prophets, a mysterious glowing Orb that supposedly comes from Bajor's Prophets
. By studying the orb and nearby stellar phenomenon, Jadzia Dax
finds a location of unusual activity in the nearby Denorios Belt. Traveling there, Dax and Sisko discover the first known stable wormhole; the other end of which connects to the Gamma Quadrant. During their return trip through the wormhole, Sisko and Dax encounter the mysterious aliens living within it. The devoutly spiritual Bajorans believe them to be their "Celestial Temple" and Prophets, respectively. These aliens exist outside linear time. Sisko's first contact with the aliens is awkward and difficult for both parties; but the encounter helps Sisko recognize that he has never allowed himself to move beyond the bitterness and grief of losing his wife, as well as his anger towards Picard. After leaving the wormhole
, Sisko embraces the opportunity to move forward and command DS9 and adopts a less hostile attitude towards Picard before his departure.
After DS9 is moved to the mouth of the wormhole in order to firmly claim it for Bajor, it becomes a new hub of scientific, commercial and political activity.
The wormhole's discovery cements in Opaka's and other Bajorans' minds the notion that Sisko is the Emissary of the Prophets, a title and set of responsibilities with which Sisko is initially ill at ease. However, Sisko warms up to and eventually embraces his fated role in the Bajoran faith.
When Sisko leads the Defiant into the wormhole to intercept a Dominion
fleet
, the Prophets intervene. Sisko, at this point, has not fulfilled his destiny
; to ensure that he survives, the Prophets erase the Dominion forces from existence.
Sisko plays a critical role in the intrigue of the Alpha Quadrant. His actions prove key in stopping an attempted coup d'état on Earth
from his former captain, Admiral Leyton. During the Klingon
invasion of Cardassia, he is crucial to exposing the Founder impersonating Klingon general Martok
. Sisko's exploits continue during the Dominion's invasion of the Alpha Quadrant, eventually working alongside Vice Admiral William Ross to help plan massive actions against the Dominion and their Cardassian and Breen
allies. Sisko's contributions to the war effort are sometimes more surreptitious, such as his clandestine work with Elim Garak
to bring the Romulan
s into, and thus turn the tide of, the war.
Sisko fulfills the Prophets' destiny for him in the series finale
, "What You Leave Behind
", by confronting the Kosst Amojan-possessed Gul Dukat
. They fight, and Dukat seems to be the winner, but in a last effort, Sisko throws himself and Dukat into the fiery abyss of the Bajoran Fire Caves, and Sisko is pulled into the Prophets' plane of existence to live with and learn from them. Sisko imparts a farewell to his new—and pregnant—wife, Kasidy Yates, informing her that though he does not know when he will be able to return to her, he will eventually return.
, with whom he had a son, Jake
.
As seen in the pilot episode "Emissary
", Sisko harbors a deep anger and dislike towards Jean-Luc Picard
due to the fact that it was Picard, as Locutus of Borg, who led the Borg
attack against the Federation
at the Battle of Wolf 359
. Sisko lost his wife, Jennifer
, during the Borg attack and this forced Sisko to raise their young son, Jake, as a single parent. In order to take care of Jake, Sisko placed his Starfleet
career on hold by taking up a backwater position at the Federation Utopia Planitia
shipyard orbiting Mars
.
Sisko remained a widower and single parent for many years. Eventually Sisko reluctantly accepted a posting as commander of Deep Space Nine
orbiting the planet Bajor, where he eventually married a space freighter captain, Kasidy Yates.
Sisko loves baseball
, a sport that has largely disappeared by the 24th century but is kept alive by a small group of aficionados. He keeps a baseball on the desk in his office (given to him by an alien impersonating Buck Bokai, Sisko's favorite historical baseball player) halfway through the first season), and often picks it up and tosses it around when deep in thought. When the Dominion
captures DS9, Sisko leaves the ball in his office as a message that he intends to return (this can also be seen in the second season three-parter, consisting of "Homecoming," "The Circle
" and "The Siege
" and also the Season 5 finale, "Call To Arms"). After Jadzia Dax
's death in "Tears of the Prophets", he takes the baseball with him to Earth
, causing Kira Nerys
to worry that he will not return.
Like his father, a chef
, Sisko also enjoys cooking. His father owns a restaurant in New Orleans
, and specialized in Creole cuisine.
It is also widely known that Sisko wants to become an Admiral
; he states this intent to Admiral Ross during his temporary assignment at a starbase under Ross' command.
universe
:
", Sisko considers resigning his commission after losing an old friend during the Dominion War
and the Prophets intervene, making Sisko briefly live the life of Benny Russell, a science fiction short story writer in 1950s America. (The other people in Russell's life are usually played by Brooks' DS9
co-stars, in most cases allowing them to appear without the heavy prosthetic makeup of their alien characters and show viewers their true appearance.)
Every day, Russell faces the prejudices of his world; his publisher does not even allow his photograph to be printed. He writes a story called "Deep Space Nine" that takes place in a universe without prejudice
and bigotry
. However, his publisher refuses to release the story because he makes the commander of the space station
a black man. This injustice eventually drives Benny insane
; soon after, Sisko finds himself back in the 24th century, understanding his place is aboard the station but questioning the nature of reality.
Later, in "Shadows and Symbols", Sisko experiences more flashbacks to his "life" as Benny Russell, now in a mental institution, obsessively writing the episode, synchronously, on the wall. Although it seems to be left ambiguous as to whether Benny is real or the Prophets' creation, at the end of this episode, the wormhole alien he was hunting says, "The Kosst Amojan tried to stop you with a false vision," implying that the Pah-wraiths was implanting the Russell fantasy into Sisko's mind to throw him off his mission.
In a June 2006 interview, former DS9 producer Ira Steven Behr
said that he contemplated making the entire Deep Space Nine series a writing of the character Benny Russell.
incident depicted in "Past Tense
", Sisko is transported to early 21st Century Earth where his presence unintentionally causes the death of Gabriel Bell, an important figure in early 21st century America. Sisko takes Bell's place in order to preserve the timeline. Sisko (as "Bell") instigates the Bell Riots, which helped change the course of human history.
Although Sisko is successful in fulfilling Bell's destiny and preserving the timeline, historical images of Bell after this point show Sisko's image.
and Kathryn Janeway
, Sisko shows a tendency to compromise those values in extreme situations. The most striking example is in the episode "In the Pale Moonlight", in which Sisko lies, obstructs justice
, and is an unwitting accomplice in murder in order to turn the tide in the Dominion War
. Afterward, Sisko records a personal log regarding his feelings about the entire affair, lamenting the fact that he appears to feel no remorse for his actions (which, by bringing the Romulan
s into the war, significantly increase the Federation
's chances of survival) before having the computer delete the entire log entry.
Another example of this Machiavellian approach can be found in the episode "For the Uniform
", in which Sisko poisons the atmosphere of a Maquis
colony in order to catch the traitorous Michael Eddington.
Sisko also demonstrates a bold and no nonsense persona to the point of exasperation, even to the extent of his best friend (the latter host of the Dax symbiont shown in the series, Ezri) stating that his personality intimidates Worf
. Relative to other Star Trek captains, Sisko shows strength in strategic/operational military planning, as evidenced by his chief role in the Federation's Dominion War
effort. Whilst not as schooled in philosophy as Jean-Luc Picard
, or scientifically geared as Kathryn Janeway
, Sisko also highlights strength in engineering capacities (as seen in "Explorers", "The Visitor" and "Civil Defense") having served before being posted on Deep Space Nine as the commander of the Federation Shipyards at Utopia Planitia on Mars.
Avery Brooks
Avery Franklin Brooks is an American actor, television director, jazz musician, opera singer and college professor. Brooks is perhaps best known for his television roles as Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and as Hawk on Spenser: For Hire and its spinoff A Man Called Hawk, and in the...
, is the main character of the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
.
Early life and career
Born in 2332 in New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, Benjamin is the son of Joseph Sisko, the chef
Chef
A chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
and owner of the restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
"Sisko's Creole Kitchen," "Sisko's" for short. His birth mother was a human woman named Sarah. However, Sarah was actually possessed by one of the Bajoran Prophets (the life-forms that exist inside the Bajoran wormhole), who manipulated her into marrying Joseph and conceiving Benjamin. Sarah and Joseph were happily married until Sarah disappeared two days after Ben's first birthday, when the life-form left her body. She died in an accident several years later. Joseph eventually met and married another woman who went on to raise Benjamin as her own son. Benjamin remained unaware of these events until well into his adulthood and long after he had otherwise made contact with the Bajoran Prophets. Ben has a sister named Judith, and at least two brothers.
Sisko entered Starfleet Academy
Starfleet Academy
In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Starfleet Academy is where the future's recruits to Starfleet will be trained. It was created in the year 2161, when the United Federation of Planets was founded...
in 2350. During his sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore is a term used in the United States to describe a student in the second year of study at high school or university.The word is also used as a synonym for "second", for the second album or EP released by a musician or group, the second movie of a director, or the second season of a...
year, he was in a field-study assignment on Starbase 137. He met a woman named Jennifer
Felecia M. Bell
Felecia M. Bell is an actress best known for her roles in Days of our Lives and General Hospital, as well as her portrayal of Jennifer Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She also starred as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, in the Sci-Fi television series Nightman.-External links:...
in Babylon
Babylon (town), New York
The Town of Babylon is one of ten towns in Suffolk County, New York . Located on Long Island, the town population was 211,792 as of the 2000 census. There is also a Village of Babylon located within the town. It borders Nassau County to the West, and the Atlantic Ocean to the South...
, New York on Gilgo Beach
Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, New York
Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree is a former census-designated place in Suffolk County, New York and the Town of Babylon. The population was 333 at the 2000 census. It contains several small beach communities on the barrier island along the southern edge of Long Island...
, shortly after graduating from the Academy. The two eventually wed and had a son named Jake
Jake Sisko
Jacob "Jake" Sisko, played by Cirroc Lofton, is a character on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is the son of Deep Space Nine's commanding officer, Benjamin Sisko.-Overview:...
.
As a Starfleet
Starfleet
In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Starfleet or the Federation Starfleet is the deep-space exploratory, peacekeeping and military service maintained by the United Federation of Planets . It is the principal means by which the Federation conducts its exploration, defense, diplomacy and research...
officer coming up through the ranks, Sisko was mentored by Curzon Dax, a joined Trill
Trill (Star Trek)
The Trill are a fictional species of symbiotic life forms, depicted in the Star Trek media franchise. First introduced in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the species became a major part of the spin-off series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which featured a Trill named Dax as one of its...
serving as Federation
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
ambassador
Ambassador
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
to the Klingon Empire, when the two were stationed aboard the USS Livingston early in Sisko's career. The symbiotic nature of the joined Trill becomes a significant aspect to Sisko's later relationships with his DS9 science officer Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax , played by Terry Farrell, was a main character during the first six seasons of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine....
, who inherited the Dax symbiont from Curzon; and DS9 counselor Ezri Dax
Ezri Dax
Ezri Dax , played by Nicole de Boer, is a counselor aboard Deep Space Nine in the seventh season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Casting:The role of Ezri Dax was created when Terry Farrell decided to leave the show and her character was subsequently killed by Dukat.When Nicole de Boer read for the...
, who inherits the Dax symbiont upon Jadzia's death.
Sisko served aboard the USS Okinawa under Captain Leyton, who saw command potential in the young officer; Leyton promoted Sisko to Lieutenant Commander and made him his executive officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
. It was during this assignment that Sisko and Leyton fought in the war between the Federation and the Tzenkethi.
Sisko eventually transferred to the USS Saratoga as its first officer. In early 2367, the Saratoga was one of the 40 Starfleet vessels involved in the Battle of Wolf 359
Battle of Wolf 359
The Battle of Wolf 359 is a fictional space battle in the Star Trek universe between the United Federation of Planets and the Borg Collective in the year 2367...
against the Borg
Borg (Star Trek)
The Borg are a fictional pseudo-race of cybernetic organisms depicted in the Star Trek universe associated with Star Trek.Whereas cybernetics are used by other races in the science fiction world to repair bodily damage and birth defects, the Borg use enforced cybernetic enhancement as a means of...
. In an attempt to gain knowledge about Starfleet defenses, the Borg assimilate Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a Star Trek character portrayed by Patrick Stewart. He appears in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the feature films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek Nemesis...
of the U.S.S. Enterprise, registry NCC-1701-D, creating a Borg drone known as Locutus. In the ensuing battle, 39 of the starships at Wolf 359 are destroyed and an estimated 11,000 people are lost; including Sisko's wife, Jennifer
Felecia M. Bell
Felecia M. Bell is an actress best known for her roles in Days of our Lives and General Hospital, as well as her portrayal of Jennifer Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She also starred as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, in the Sci-Fi television series Nightman.-External links:...
.
Afterward, Sisko took a position at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
, overseeing the development of new ships, including the USS Defiant
USS Defiant
The USS Defiant is a fictional starship in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and the feature film Star Trek: First Contact...
, which was created specifically to contend with the Borg threat.
Sisko is promoted to Captain on Stardate 48959 (DS9
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
, Season 3 Episode The Adversary).
Deep Space Nine
In 2369, Sisko is assigned to the Bajoran sector to command Deep Space NineDeep Space Nine (space station)
Deep Space Nine is a fictitious space station, and is the eponymous primary setting of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It serves as a base for the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant via the Bajoran wormhole, and is a hub of trade and travel for the sector's denizens...
and to help Bajor's recovery from the recently-concluded Cardassian occupation, shepherding them toward possible membership in the United Federation of Planets
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
. Sisko and his son Jake
Jake Sisko
Jacob "Jake" Sisko, played by Cirroc Lofton, is a character on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is the son of Deep Space Nine's commanding officer, Benjamin Sisko.-Overview:...
reluctantly take up residence on the station. Recognizing that the then-decrepit station is not an "ideal environment" in which to raise a son, Sisko contemplates resigning his commission. Adding to Sisko's discomfort is the presence of Jean-Luc Picard
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a Star Trek character portrayed by Patrick Stewart. He appears in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the feature films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek Nemesis...
, who briefs him on his mission. Sisko continues to harbor deep resentment toward Picard for his role, however unwilling, in the death of his wife.
Upon Sisko's first visit to Bajor, the Bajoran Kai, Opaka Sulan, labels him "the Emissary of the Prophets" and gives him one of the Tears of the Prophets, a mysterious glowing Orb that supposedly comes from Bajor's Prophets
Prophet (Star Trek)
In the fictional Star Trek universe, the Prophets, also known as Wormhole Aliens, are non-corporeal beings who inhabit the artificially constructed Bajoran wormhole which connects a distant point in the Gamma Quadrant to the Alpha Quadrant, near the planet of Bajor and the space station Deep Space...
. By studying the orb and nearby stellar phenomenon, Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax , played by Terry Farrell, was a main character during the first six seasons of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine....
finds a location of unusual activity in the nearby Denorios Belt. Traveling there, Dax and Sisko discover the first known stable wormhole; the other end of which connects to the Gamma Quadrant. During their return trip through the wormhole, Sisko and Dax encounter the mysterious aliens living within it. The devoutly spiritual Bajorans believe them to be their "Celestial Temple" and Prophets, respectively. These aliens exist outside linear time. Sisko's first contact with the aliens is awkward and difficult for both parties; but the encounter helps Sisko recognize that he has never allowed himself to move beyond the bitterness and grief of losing his wife, as well as his anger towards Picard. After leaving the wormhole
Wormhole
In physics, a wormhole is a hypothetical topological feature of spacetime that would be, fundamentally, a "shortcut" through spacetime. For a simple visual explanation of a wormhole, consider spacetime visualized as a two-dimensional surface. If this surface is folded along a third dimension, it...
, Sisko embraces the opportunity to move forward and command DS9 and adopts a less hostile attitude towards Picard before his departure.
After DS9 is moved to the mouth of the wormhole in order to firmly claim it for Bajor, it becomes a new hub of scientific, commercial and political activity.
The wormhole's discovery cements in Opaka's and other Bajorans' minds the notion that Sisko is the Emissary of the Prophets, a title and set of responsibilities with which Sisko is initially ill at ease. However, Sisko warms up to and eventually embraces his fated role in the Bajoran faith.
When Sisko leads the Defiant into the wormhole to intercept a Dominion
Dominion (Star Trek)
In the Star Trek universe, the Dominion is a ruthless and militaristic Gamma Quadrant state consisting of many different races. The Dominion wages war on the United Federation of Planets and its allies in the late 24th century, acting as an antagonist in the TV show Star Trek: Deep Space...
fleet
Dominion War
The Dominion War is an extended plot concept developed in a number of story arcs of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, an American science-fiction television series produced by Paramount Pictures...
, the Prophets intervene. Sisko, at this point, has not fulfilled his destiny
Destiny
Destiny or fate refers to a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual...
; to ensure that he survives, the Prophets erase the Dominion forces from existence.
Sisko plays a critical role in the intrigue of the Alpha Quadrant. His actions prove key in stopping an attempted coup d'état on Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
from his former captain, Admiral Leyton. During the Klingon
Klingon
Klingons are a fictional warrior race in the Star Trek universe.Klingons are recurring villains in the 1960s television show Star Trek: The Original Series, and have appeared in all five spin-off series and eight feature films...
invasion of Cardassia, he is crucial to exposing the Founder impersonating Klingon general Martok
Martok
Martok is a recurring character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, played by actor J. G. Hertzler.-Overview:Little backstory is given regarding the early life of Martok, except for a brief history sketched by himself in the Deep Space Nine episode "Once More Unto the Breach"...
. Sisko's exploits continue during the Dominion's invasion of the Alpha Quadrant, eventually working alongside Vice Admiral William Ross to help plan massive actions against the Dominion and their Cardassian and Breen
Breen
The Breen are an extraterrestrial species in the Star Trek science fiction franchise. They were first mentioned in "The Loss", a fourth season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that first aired in 1990...
allies. Sisko's contributions to the war effort are sometimes more surreptitious, such as his clandestine work with Elim Garak
Elim Garak
Elim Garak is a fictional character from the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, in which he is portrayed by Andrew J. Robinson. In the series, Garak is an exiled spy from the Cardassian empire and a former member of a prestigious Cardassian intelligence group called the Obsidian Order...
to bring the Romulan
Romulan
The Romulans are a fictional alien race in the Star Trek universe. First appearing in the original Star Trek series in the 1966 episode "Balance of Terror", they have since made appearances in all the main later Star Trek series: The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager...
s into, and thus turn the tide of, the war.
Sisko fulfills the Prophets' destiny for him in the series finale
Series finale
A series finale refers to the last installment of a series with a narrative presented through mediums such as television, film and literature. In many Commonwealth countries, the term final episode is commonly used in regards to a television series...
, "What You Leave Behind
What You Leave Behind (DS9 Episode)
"What You Leave Behind" is the series finale of the television show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and is the twenty-fifth episode of the seventh season. Much of the episode is set on Cardassia Prime, the home world of the Cardassians and the headquarters of the Dominion in the Alpha Quadrant...
", by confronting the Kosst Amojan-possessed Gul Dukat
Dukat (Star Trek)
Gul Dukat is the main antagonist of the fictional television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is a member of the fictional Cardassian species, and leader in the Cardassian Union. At times he is an enemy, whilst at others an ally of the series' protagonist Benjamin Sisko. He was played by actor...
. They fight, and Dukat seems to be the winner, but in a last effort, Sisko throws himself and Dukat into the fiery abyss of the Bajoran Fire Caves, and Sisko is pulled into the Prophets' plane of existence to live with and learn from them. Sisko imparts a farewell to his new—and pregnant—wife, Kasidy Yates, informing her that though he does not know when he will be able to return to her, he will eventually return.
Personal life
Sisko was first married to JenniferFelecia M. Bell
Felecia M. Bell is an actress best known for her roles in Days of our Lives and General Hospital, as well as her portrayal of Jennifer Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She also starred as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, in the Sci-Fi television series Nightman.-External links:...
, with whom he had a son, Jake
Jake Sisko
Jacob "Jake" Sisko, played by Cirroc Lofton, is a character on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is the son of Deep Space Nine's commanding officer, Benjamin Sisko.-Overview:...
.
As seen in the pilot episode "Emissary
Emissary (DS9 episode)
"Emissary" is the 1st and 2nd episodes, comprising the pilot, of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Overview:...
", Sisko harbors a deep anger and dislike towards Jean-Luc Picard
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a Star Trek character portrayed by Patrick Stewart. He appears in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the feature films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek Nemesis...
due to the fact that it was Picard, as Locutus of Borg, who led the Borg
Borg (Star Trek)
The Borg are a fictional pseudo-race of cybernetic organisms depicted in the Star Trek universe associated with Star Trek.Whereas cybernetics are used by other races in the science fiction world to repair bodily damage and birth defects, the Borg use enforced cybernetic enhancement as a means of...
attack against the Federation
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
at the Battle of Wolf 359
Battle of Wolf 359
The Battle of Wolf 359 is a fictional space battle in the Star Trek universe between the United Federation of Planets and the Borg Collective in the year 2367...
. Sisko lost his wife, Jennifer
Felecia M. Bell
Felecia M. Bell is an actress best known for her roles in Days of our Lives and General Hospital, as well as her portrayal of Jennifer Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She also starred as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, in the Sci-Fi television series Nightman.-External links:...
, during the Borg attack and this forced Sisko to raise their young son, Jake, as a single parent. In order to take care of Jake, Sisko placed his Starfleet
Starfleet
In the fictional universe of Star Trek, Starfleet or the Federation Starfleet is the deep-space exploratory, peacekeeping and military service maintained by the United Federation of Planets . It is the principal means by which the Federation conducts its exploration, defense, diplomacy and research...
career on hold by taking up a backwater position at the Federation Utopia Planitia
Utopia Planitia
Utopia Planitia is the largest recognized impact basin on Mars with an estimated diameter of 3300 km, and is the Martian region where the Viking 2 lander touched down and began exploring on September 3, 1976. It is located at the antipode of Argyre Planitia, centered at...
shipyard orbiting Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
.
Sisko remained a widower and single parent for many years. Eventually Sisko reluctantly accepted a posting as commander of Deep Space Nine
Deep Space Nine (space station)
Deep Space Nine is a fictitious space station, and is the eponymous primary setting of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It serves as a base for the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant via the Bajoran wormhole, and is a hub of trade and travel for the sector's denizens...
orbiting the planet Bajor, where he eventually married a space freighter captain, Kasidy Yates.
Sisko loves baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, a sport that has largely disappeared by the 24th century but is kept alive by a small group of aficionados. He keeps a baseball on the desk in his office (given to him by an alien impersonating Buck Bokai, Sisko's favorite historical baseball player) halfway through the first season), and often picks it up and tosses it around when deep in thought. When the Dominion
Dominion (Star Trek)
In the Star Trek universe, the Dominion is a ruthless and militaristic Gamma Quadrant state consisting of many different races. The Dominion wages war on the United Federation of Planets and its allies in the late 24th century, acting as an antagonist in the TV show Star Trek: Deep Space...
captures DS9, Sisko leaves the ball in his office as a message that he intends to return (this can also be seen in the second season three-parter, consisting of "Homecoming," "The Circle
The Circle (DS9 episode)
"The Circle" is the 22nd episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It is also the second episode in a three-part story arc.-Plot:...
" and "The Siege
The Siege (DS9 episode)
"The Siege" is the 23rd episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It is also the third episode in a three-part story arc.-Overview:...
" and also the Season 5 finale, "Call To Arms"). After Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax , played by Terry Farrell, was a main character during the first six seasons of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine....
's death in "Tears of the Prophets", he takes the baseball with him to Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
, causing Kira Nerys
Kira Nerys
Kira Nerys , played by Nana Visitor, is a main character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Backstory:Per Bajoran custom, her family name, Kira, precedes her given name, Nerys. She has two brothers , and her parents' names are Kira Taban and Kira Meru...
to worry that he will not return.
Like his father, a chef
Chef
A chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
, Sisko also enjoys cooking. His father owns a restaurant in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, and specialized in Creole cuisine.
It is also widely known that Sisko wants to become an Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
; he states this intent to Admiral Ross during his temporary assignment at a starbase under Ross' command.
Alter egos
Sisko can also be identified as two other characters in the Star TrekStar Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
:
Benny Russell
In the episode "Far Beyond the StarsFar Beyond the Stars (DS9 episode)
"Far Beyond the Stars" is a season six episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The teleplay was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler, based on a story by Marc Scott Zicree. Avery Brooks directed...
", Sisko considers resigning his commission after losing an old friend during the Dominion War
Dominion War
The Dominion War is an extended plot concept developed in a number of story arcs of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, an American science-fiction television series produced by Paramount Pictures...
and the Prophets intervene, making Sisko briefly live the life of Benny Russell, a science fiction short story writer in 1950s America. (The other people in Russell's life are usually played by Brooks' DS9
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
co-stars, in most cases allowing them to appear without the heavy prosthetic makeup of their alien characters and show viewers their true appearance.)
Every day, Russell faces the prejudices of his world; his publisher does not even allow his photograph to be printed. He writes a story called "Deep Space Nine" that takes place in a universe without prejudice
Prejudice
Prejudice is making a judgment or assumption about someone or something before having enough knowledge to be able to do so with guaranteed accuracy, or "judging a book by its cover"...
and bigotry
Bigotry
A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs...
. However, his publisher refuses to release the story because he makes the commander of the space station
Space station
A space station is a spacecraft capable of supporting a crew which is designed to remain in space for an extended period of time, and to which other spacecraft can dock. A space station is distinguished from other spacecraft used for human spaceflight by its lack of major propulsion or landing...
a black man. This injustice eventually drives Benny insane
Insanity
Insanity, craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. Insanity may manifest as violations of societal norms, including becoming a danger to themselves and others, though not all such acts are considered insanity...
; soon after, Sisko finds himself back in the 24th century, understanding his place is aboard the station but questioning the nature of reality.
Later, in "Shadows and Symbols", Sisko experiences more flashbacks to his "life" as Benny Russell, now in a mental institution, obsessively writing the episode, synchronously, on the wall. Although it seems to be left ambiguous as to whether Benny is real or the Prophets' creation, at the end of this episode, the wormhole alien he was hunting says, "The Kosst Amojan tried to stop you with a false vision," implying that the Pah-wraiths was implanting the Russell fantasy into Sisko's mind to throw him off his mission.
In a June 2006 interview, former DS9 producer Ira Steven Behr
Ira Steven Behr
Ira Steven Behr born 23 October 1953, in New York City, New York, USA is an American television producer and screenwriter, most known for his work on Star Trek, especially Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, on which he served as showrunner and executive producer...
said that he contemplated making the entire Deep Space Nine series a writing of the character Benny Russell.
Gabriel Bell
Due to a time travelTime travel
Time travel is the concept of moving between different points in time in a manner analogous to moving between different points in space. Time travel could hypothetically involve moving backward in time to a moment earlier than the starting point, or forward to the future of that point without the...
incident depicted in "Past Tense
Past Tense (DS9 episode)
"Past Tense" is a two-part episode from the third season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The crew of the Defiant is thrown back in time to 2024 on Earth. The United States of America has attempted to solve the problem of homelessness by erecting "Sanctuary Districts" where unemployed and/or...
", Sisko is transported to early 21st Century Earth where his presence unintentionally causes the death of Gabriel Bell, an important figure in early 21st century America. Sisko takes Bell's place in order to preserve the timeline. Sisko (as "Bell") instigates the Bell Riots, which helped change the course of human history.
Although Sisko is successful in fulfilling Bell's destiny and preserving the timeline, historical images of Bell after this point show Sisko's image.
Characterization
While sharing the same core values of Captains Jean-Luc PicardJean-Luc Picard
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a Star Trek character portrayed by Patrick Stewart. He appears in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the feature films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek Nemesis...
and Kathryn Janeway
Kathryn Janeway
Kathryn Janeway, played by Kate Mulgrew, is a fictional character in the Star Trek franchise. As the captain of the Starfleet starship USS Voyager, she was the lead character on the television series Star Trek: Voyager, and later, a Starfleet admiral, as seen in the 2002 feature film Star Trek...
, Sisko shows a tendency to compromise those values in extreme situations. The most striking example is in the episode "In the Pale Moonlight", in which Sisko lies, obstructs justice
Obstruction of justice
The crime of obstruction of justice, in United States jurisdictions, refers to the crime of interfering with the work of police, investigators, regulatory agencies, prosecutors, or other officials...
, and is an unwitting accomplice in murder in order to turn the tide in the Dominion War
Dominion War
The Dominion War is an extended plot concept developed in a number of story arcs of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, an American science-fiction television series produced by Paramount Pictures...
. Afterward, Sisko records a personal log regarding his feelings about the entire affair, lamenting the fact that he appears to feel no remorse for his actions (which, by bringing the Romulan
Romulan
The Romulans are a fictional alien race in the Star Trek universe. First appearing in the original Star Trek series in the 1966 episode "Balance of Terror", they have since made appearances in all the main later Star Trek series: The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager...
s into the war, significantly increase the Federation
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
's chances of survival) before having the computer delete the entire log entry.
Another example of this Machiavellian approach can be found in the episode "For the Uniform
For the Uniform (DS9 episode)
For the Uniform is an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the thirteenth episode of the fifth season. It has an average fan rating of 4.3/5 on the official Star Trek website as of September, 2009.-Plot:...
", in which Sisko poisons the atmosphere of a Maquis
Maquis (Star Trek)
In the American Star Trek science-fiction franchise, the Maquis are a 24th Century paramilitary organization or terrorist group first introduced in the 1994 episode "The Maquis" of the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, who subsequently also appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation and...
colony in order to catch the traitorous Michael Eddington.
Sisko also demonstrates a bold and no nonsense persona to the point of exasperation, even to the extent of his best friend (the latter host of the Dax symbiont shown in the series, Ezri) stating that his personality intimidates Worf
Worf
Worf, played by Michael Dorn, is a main character in Star Trek: The Next Generation and in seasons four to seven of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also appears in the films based on The Next Generation. Worf is the first Klingon main character to appear in Star Trek, and has appeared in more Star...
. Relative to other Star Trek captains, Sisko shows strength in strategic/operational military planning, as evidenced by his chief role in the Federation's Dominion War
Dominion War
The Dominion War is an extended plot concept developed in a number of story arcs of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, an American science-fiction television series produced by Paramount Pictures...
effort. Whilst not as schooled in philosophy as Jean-Luc Picard
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is a Star Trek character portrayed by Patrick Stewart. He appears in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the feature films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek Nemesis...
, or scientifically geared as Kathryn Janeway
Kathryn Janeway
Kathryn Janeway, played by Kate Mulgrew, is a fictional character in the Star Trek franchise. As the captain of the Starfleet starship USS Voyager, she was the lead character on the television series Star Trek: Voyager, and later, a Starfleet admiral, as seen in the 2002 feature film Star Trek...
, Sisko also highlights strength in engineering capacities (as seen in "Explorers", "The Visitor" and "Civil Defense") having served before being posted on Deep Space Nine as the commander of the Federation Shipyards at Utopia Planitia on Mars.
Cultural references
- In Sunshine by Robin McKinleyRobin McKinleyRobin McKinley is a distinguished author of fantasy and children's books who has written sixteen books to date. Her latest book Pegasus was published in 2010...
, the title character mentions a tour company called "Earth Trek" operated by a man named Benjamin Sisko.
External links
- Emissary of the Prophets article at Memory Alpha
- StarTrek.com: Benjamin Sisko