Star Trek confirms that species 8472 is still an extinction-level threat

Warning: contains spoilers Star Trek #25!

Although Star Trek fans believe the galaxy is at peace with species 8472, the franchise has just confirmed that they are still a massive extinction-level threat. Introduced in Star Trek: Voyager season three, Species 8472 has the distinction of being the only race that even the Borg fear – and for good reason. Traveler found Species 8472, and Janeway apparently brokered a deal, but as revealed in Star Trek #25, she had doubts.

Star Trek #25 was written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Liana Kangas. Trapped in the Fluidic Space, the Theseus comes into conflict with Species 8472. Some of the aliens are transported aboard the Theseusattacking the crew. They manage to fend off the invaders and Tom Paris tries to keep his spirits high. He mentions protecting the crew’s loved ones. As Species 8472 leaves the ship, one of them menacingly says, “Love? We never heard of it.” Also in the issue is a briefing from Janeway, in which she divines “peace” with Species 8472.

Species 8472 ended the Borg race as Star Trek The most powerful (and scariest) alien race

After they were done with the Borg, species 8472 would certainly have attacked the Federation

Since its debut in 1989 The Borg were rightly considered one of the Star Trek the most terrifying enemies in the franchise – but Species 8472 makes them look weak. Native to the mysterious realm known as “Fluidic Space,” Species 8472 cannot be assimilated by the Borg. Assimilation is how the Borg learn and adapt, but since they can’t do that with 8472, they are at an extreme disadvantage. The Borg seek Janeway’s help in returning Species 8472. Reasoning that the Federation would be 8472’s next target, Janeway enters into an agreement with her former enemy.

Janeway noted all of this in the text, where she tries to rationalize the peace agreement she negotiated with Species 8472. After the incident with the Borg, Species 8472 realized Janeway’s worst fears as preparations began for an invasion of the galaxy. She managed to convince them otherwise, but the text reveals that, even years later, she still has doubts about Species 8472, and whether they can be trusted or not. Janeway admits that if Species 8472 ever attacked the Federation, they would be easy prey for them.

Species 8472 is still the biggest threat to the Star Trek Universe?

Captain Janeway still doesn’t trust species 8472

The shares of species 8472 in Star Trek #25 seems to confirm Janeway’s suspicions. They openly attack the Theseus and his crew, apparently ignoring the armistice they signed with Janeway. However, it is important to note that Species 8472 themselves were in panic mode, as the consequences of Lore’s destruction of the Prime universe were being felt, even in Fluidic Space. The Fluidic Space was “cooking” and 8,472 attacked anyone who got in his way. With this in mind, Species 8472 may still care about the peace agreement, or at least under better circumstances.

Still, the events of Star Trek #25 serves as a shocking reminder of how powerful Species 8472 is and how great a threat it poses to the galaxy. They could very well have surpassed the Theseusand if they weren’t in survival mode themselves, they killed the crew. Furthermore, Species 8472 has no conception of love or empathy, which makes them terrifying opponents who cannot be reasoned with in the standard way. This makes it unusual for them to reach a peace agreement in the first place, considering they could easily cause an extinction-level event.

Star Trek #25 is on sale now from IDW Publishing.