The Best Jobs on the USS Enterprise in Star Trek
In the vast universe of Star Trek, each role aboard the USS Enterprise is unique, offering its own set of challenges and rewards. However, for many, certain positions stand out as particularly desirable or enjoyable. Let's explore some of the best jobs on the Enterprise and why they top the list.
The Best Job - The Ship's Counselor
And so, the question arises: what is the best job aboard the Enterprise in Star Trek? Often, the answer points to the Ship's Counselor. Unlike other roles that require extensive technical training and rigorous coursework, the Counselor's role demands a unique set of skills. It's as simple as listening, nodding, and dispensing well-worn psychological advice. This job offers several benefits:
No Technical Skills Required: Unlike other crew members who must pass stringent coursework in subjects ranging from tactics to quantum mechanics, the Counselor's primary task is to engage in meaningful conversations. No Physical Demands: The job does not involve heavy lifting, hand-to-hand combat, or exposure to hazardous materials like toxic chemicals, radiation, or burns. No Harm’s Way: The Counselor is generally not put in harm's way, except in rare cases involving paranormal or anomalous phenomena, such as Barclay Syndrome. No Watchstanding: This role primarily involves sitting with people, chatting with them over coffee in Ten-Forward or in the Counselor's office/quarters.Being an extravert, the idea of engaging in social activities without the pressure of ship operations could be quite appealing. On the Enterprise, the Counselor remains outside the chain of command, allowing for independence. Additionally, the Counselor has no staff or superiors, ensuring that evaluations, opinions, and decisions are not second-guessed.
Guinan: The Coziest Job on the Enterprise
Another highly desirable role is that of Guinan. As an unranked crew member, Guinan has no official responsibilities or requirements. Her job is as simple as running the bar and entertaining customers on the holodeck during her free time. In the event of a conflict, she merely calls security to handle the situation. Interestingly, Guinan has a personal team of crew members dedicated to fulfilling her needs, including breaking and fixing tables.
Corporal Roles and the Red Shirts
In the original series of Star Trek, such as Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), the best jobs involved wandering around the corridors and engaging in casual social interactions. Crew members in these roles often got to socialize but rarely joined landing parties or engaged in combat with evil aliens. This contrasted sharply with the less desirable jobs, such as wearing a red shirt, which signaled that a crew member was likely to be killed by the end of the episode.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the best jobs aboard the USS Enterprise are those that combine social interaction with minimal physical or technical demands. The Ship's Counselor and Guinan top the list due to their comfortable, non-threatening, and independent positions. For those who value personal space and ease, these roles offer a break from the more stressful and dangerous tasks of shipboard life.