Where does Star Trek: Section 31 fit into the Star Trek timeline? Explained

Star Trek: Section 31 has been a hot topic for fans eager to explore untold stories within the Star Trek universe. But where exactly does it fit in the franchise's intricate timeline? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

The main events of Star Trek: Section 31 occur on Stardate 1292.4, which translates to April 17, 2324, on our Gregorian calendar. This places the story 40 years before the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) series, which begins in 2364.

Interestingly, Section 31 focuses on the "Lost Era," a period in Star Trek history rarely explored. This gap between Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and TNG has always intrigued fans, and now we’re finally getting a full-length adventure set in this era.

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Connection to Star Trek

By setting Section 31 in 2324, the story provides a glimpse into events that shaped the galaxy before TNG. This period showcases the early days of certain characters and organizations, offering a deeper understanding of the Star Trek timeline. It’s a chance to see the buildup to the world Picard and his crew inherit.

One of the most exciting elements of Section 31 is its flashbacks to the Mirror Universe, where we learn about Philippa Georgiou’s journey. These flashbacks take us to the early 23rd century, likely between the 2210s and 2220s. In these scenes, we see how young Georgiou rose to power as the Emperor of the Terran Empire.

The series builds on what Star Trek: Discovery established about Emperor Georgiou. In Discovery, we learn that Georgiou loses control of her empire in 2257 and transitions to the Prime Universe. Section 31 gives us a closer look at her earlier life and how she became the formidable leader we know.

The main events of Section 31 take place in just one day. Control, a central AI character played by Jamie Lee Curtis, tasks Section 31’s Alpha Team with a critical mission: recruit Emperor Georgiou and secure the Godsend weapon. This compressed timeline creates high-stakes drama and keeps viewers on edge.

The story doesn’t end there. Three weeks later, we see Georgiou receiving an offer to formally rejoin Section 31. The epilogue sets up potential future missions, giving fans hope for more thrilling adventures in this era.

An interesting detail is the inclusion of Garrett, who is still a lieutenant in 2324. Star Trek lore reveals she becomes a captain in 2332, meaning Section 31 is set during her earlier career.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou, Omari Hardwick as Alok Sahar, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Control. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny, the movie combines talented storytelling with exceptional performances.

Star Trek: Section 31 masterfully bridges gaps between major Star Trek eras, offering fans a rich narrative that connects the dots. From its focus on the Lost Era to its exploration of Georgiou’s past, the film is a significant addition to the Star Trek universe.

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