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Home , Apocalypse Rising, Julian Bashir, Our Man Bashir, Past Prologue, Tacking into the Wind, The Sound of Her Voice

Feature 101 Doctor by Doctor: Dr. Bashir in Deep Space 9 Victor Grech

Introduction

THIS AUTHOR'S REVIEW of doctors in has Starresulted Trek: in The papers Original that Series deal with Drs. Boyce and Piper who appeared only once each, very early onStar in Trek: The Next Generation (Grech, 2013a) and Dr. Victor Grech and HelenStar Trek:Pulaski Deep who Space appeared 9 in one season of Destination Star Trek: Europe, Birmingham (Grech, 2013b). 7–9 October 2016 is eponymously based on an eponymously named space station and “, [is] a cocky young physician who will serve as the station’s medical officer” (Erdmann and Block dig El Fadil, whose deep, dark eyes and charm 10). - may well conquer even the 300-year-old . This paper will review this unique medic and will - “He’s just left med school with flying show that he is genetically engineered to superhu colors. He chose Deep Space Nine. He special man capacities and therefore well fitted to the role of izes in alien life forms. He’s confident because chief medical officer of this space station. However, he’s quite brilliant. But in real life, he’s liable the doctor was also deliberately designed to have - to make mistakes, because real life doesn’t failings – and to overcome them. Indeed, it is almost work as well as textbooks do” (Bischoff 86). as if his gaucheness and brashness are used to coun - terbalance his mental and physical superiority, and Deep Space 9 - And indeed, Bashir declaims in the very first epi only through a maturation process does he become sode of a likeable person in his own right. “Bashir was sup posed to be this arrogant hothead, this young turk” This’ll be perfect. Real frontier medicine. […] (Erdmann and Block 5). From the very beginning, I had my choice of any job in the fleet. […] I Bashir is depicted as didn’t want some cushy job or a research fresh out of Starfleet Medical, graduated second - grant. I wanted this. The farthest reaches of in his class and a brilliant specialist in multispecies the galaxy. One of the most remote outposts medicine. He arrives on DS9 with gung-ho expecta - available. This is where the adventure is. This tions about adventures in Starfleet. He’s naive and is where heroes are made. Right here, in the charming and cocky all at the same time. He’s cho wilderness (Carson, “Emissary”) sen this remote outpost instead of the cushy job that Genetically engineered he was offered at Starfleet Medical because this is - where the action is, where heroes are made, in the “He’s a mutant […] unnatural, […]. Freak or mon ‘wilderness.’ [He] is still wet behind the ears and has ster would also be acceptable” (Williams, “Statistical a lot to learn. He is the antithesis of [...] streetwise, - Probabilities”). We learn rather late in the series that [...] wiser, cynical [...] thinks he knows it all but in fact Bashir was “genetically enhanced as a child” (Liv doesn’t. [...] when it comes to medicine he does know - ingston, “Doctor Bashir, I Presume”). “Not only does it all (Berman and Piller 15). Dr Bashir expertly apply his amazing 24th century The part was reprised by Siddig El Fadil who de biological technologies—he is the product of those scribes the character thus: - same technologies. He is the created superhuman” (Petrany 132). Bashir himself describes the events 6 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 “Doctor Julian Bashir is from Earth,” says Sid SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 7 thus: I was six. Small for my age, a bit awkward knowing it […]. You can condemn us for what physically, not very bright. In the first grade, we did. You can say it’s illegal or immoral or while the other children were learning how whatever you want to say, but you have to to read and write and use the computer, I was understand that we didn’t do it because we still trying to tell a dog from a cat, a tree from were ashamed, but because you were our son a house. I didn’t really understand what was- and we loved you (Livingston, “Doctor Bashir, happening. I knew that I wasn’t doing as well I Presume”). as my classmates. There were so many con cepts that they took for granted that I couldn’t But the law is perfectly clear on this point: “DNA begin to master and I didn’t know why. All I resequencing for any reason other than repairing knew was that I was a great disappointment serious birth defects is illegal.” Thus, biological (or to my parents. I don’t remember when they genetic) manipulation is the new misdemeanour,- made the decision, but just before my seventh- “and so, the molecular biologist has come to know birthday we left Earth for Adigeon Prime. At sin” (Westfahl 60). The motives behind this legisla first, I remember being really excited at see tion are twofold. ing all the aliens in the hospital. Then they- gave me a room and began the treatments, There are reasons why DNA resequencing is and my entire world began to change […] ‘ac illegal. There are reasons why people like us celerated critical neural pathway formation.’- are barred from serving in Starfleet. We have- Over the course of the next two months, my an advantage. Normal people can’t compete. genetic structure was manipulated to accel It’s not fair […]. If people like them are al- erate the growth of neuronal networks in lowed to compete freely, then parents would my cerebral cortex, and a whole new Julian feel pressured to have their children en- Bashir was born. My mental abilities were hanced so that they could keep up. […] That’s the top priority, of course. My IQ jumped five precisely what prompted the ban on DNA re points a day for over two weeks. Followed by sequencing in the first place. improvements in my hand-eye coordination, stamina, vision, reflexes, weight, height. In Moreover, “they are afraid that people like us are the end, everything but my name was altered going to take over. […] happened before. People like in some way. us did try and take over. […] the Eugenics Wars.” So “he passed as normal. […] manage to hide it for so- In this way he was “saved […] from a lifetime of long” since Bashir “did my best not to exploit my remedial education and underachievement.” But he- abilitiesStar Trek[…] sogesantkumswerk no one would assuspect.” Indeed, ge resents what has been done to him since, to his own netically engineered superhumans are depicted in point of view, which has made him somehow inau the thentic. “After the treatments, I never looked back. - But the truth is I’m a fraud.” But his parents defend aggressive, arrogant […] a group of these their decision to transform him: young supermen did seize power simultane ously in over forty nations.[…] They began- You don’t know. You’ve never had a child. to battle among themselves. […] Because the You don’t know what it’s like to watch your- scientists overlooked one fact. Superior abili son. To watch him fall a little further behind ty breeds superior ambition.[…] They created every day. You know he’s trying, but some- a group of Alexanders, Napoleons (Daniels, thing’s holding him back. You don’t know “”). - what it’s like to stay up every night worry ing that maybe it’s your fault. Maybe you However, such individuals who are illegally geneti- did something wrong during the pregnancy, cally enhanced are not automatically ostracised or maybe you weren’t careful enough, or maybe incarcerated. Although they are “barred from cer there’s something wrong with you. Maybe tain professions […] that doesn’t mean we can’t be 8 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 9 you passed on a genetic defect without even productive members of society.” Since this genetic -

resequencing is illegal, standards of such treatment I love medicine. [...] As far as my career is con may be inadequate in certain facilities. Bashir refers cerned, I may have been a good tennis player, to four unbalanced but brilliant individuals who also but I’m a great doctor. Maybe I could’ve been had “DNA resequencing.” - first in my class, but it wouldn’t have changed- anything in my life. I still would’ve chosen My parents managed to find a decent doc this assignment. This is where I belong (Sing tor to perform the DNA resequencing on me. er, “Distant Voices”). These four weren’t so lucky. They all suffered unintended side effects. By the time they Even his toys participated in his desire to become were five or six, their parents were forced to- a doctor: come forward and admit that they’d broken - the law so that their children could get treat Kukalaka. [...] My first patient. A teddy bear ment. […] There was nothing the doctors at [...]. [W]hen I was a boy I took him every the Institute could do for them. These cases where I went. After a few years, he became a are so rare there’s no standard treatment. […] little threadbare until eventually his leg tore It is not a laughing matter. and some of the stuffing fell out. My mother was all set to throw him out, but I wouldn’t Due to the illicitness of the procedure, “when we have it, because at the tender age of five, I returned to Earth, we even moved to a different city, performed my first surgery. I re-stuffed him I was enrolled in a new school using falsified records and sewed his leg closed. From that day on, my parents obtained somewhere. Instead of being- I did everything I could to keep Kukalaka in the slowest learner, I was the star pupil.” When his- one piece. I must have sewn and stitched and secret comes out, he is very worried as “any geneti re-patched every square inch of that bear cally enhanced human being is barred from serv (Auberjonois, “The Quickening”). ing in Starfleet or practising medicine” (Williams, “Statistical Probabilities”). However, his colleagues- He also explains - support him: “You’re not a fraud. I don’t care what- enhancements your parents may have had done. Ge When I was younger I was terrified of [doc netic recoding can’t give you ambition, or a person- tors]. They seemed to know everything. It ality, or compassion or any of the things that make was as if they held the power of life and death a person truly human” (Williams, “Statistical Prob- in their hands. I used to think that if I didn’t abilities”). behave, they’d make sure I got sick. Then as Additionally, “one of the advantages to being ge I got older, I decided that I wanted to know netically enhanced is the ability to control my own what they knew, be as smart as they were. vital signs” (Posey, “Extreme Measures”). And “we’re […] medical school […]. And you know what genetically engineered. We do everything fast” I learned there? […] Doctors are there […] to (West, “Chrysalis”). And it is perhaps also because help. So there’s really no reason to be afraid of his transformation that “he is handsome” (Vejar, Excelsof them in everything (Bole, “Equilibrium”) Inspiration“The Changing to Facebecome of Evil”). a doctor -

“We knew he was destined for greatness” (Livings- “All I really wanted to do was help people” (Bole, ton, “Doctor Bashir, I Presume”). Bashir “never fails “Equilibrium”). Bashir has illustrious ancestors- at the complex medical challenges faced by his ge- which include the “fifteenth century poet Singh el netically manipulated brain” (Petrany 132) and Bashir. [A] relation” (Williams, “Statistical Probabili deals with all medical conundrums with great deter- ties”). He initially “wanted to be a tennis player. [...] mination. “Science is the answer here. Every puzzle But you knew your parents wouldn’t approve of it. has a solution, every disease a cure. It’s just a mat regret.So you gave up and you became a doctor instead” ter of finding it” (Vejar, “”). He (Singer, “Distant Voices”), a decision that he does not only qualified second in his medical course because 8 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 9 of a trivial mistake in the final examinations (Bole, - “Explorers”). His friends universally acknowledge: callow: “are all the Starfleet Lieutenants as brash as “I know you’re talented” (Auberjonois, “Prophet mo you are?” (Friedman, “The Wire”). He admits that tive”). it “makes me feel superior. […] It’s not always easy Bashir is a multidisciplinary doctor, “an expert on- walking amongst the common people” (Williams, children [...] first in my class in paediatric medicine” “Statistical Probabilities”). He even plays a James (Burton, “To The Death”). He is also an interdiscipli Bond holosuite simulation and without a tinge of narian and took “elementary temporal mechanics irony, introducesoeuvre himself as “Bashir. Julian Bashir”- at the Academy” (West, “Trials and Tribble-ations”) (Kolbe, “”), an intertextual reference and “the engineering extension courses at Starfleet to the Bond . Bashir also suffers from prolix Medical. […] They were actually quite informative”- ity, especially in the first two seasons of the show, an (Kolbe, “”). excessive garrulousness that lead his colleagues to Indeed, it is for his “work on biomolecular replica conclude that “the man never stops talking” (Kolbe,- tion […] both audacious and groundbreaking” that “Armageddon Game”). “You’re such a, forgive me, a- his friends nominate him for the “Carrington award,” talkative man and it’s so unusual for you to have se “the Federation’s most prestigious medical award.” crets” (Kolbe, “Our Man Bashir”). He is also a wom This “is intended to be the crowning achievement for aniser who sometimes fails to detect irony, as shown a lifetime in medicine” and Bashir is “the youngest in this exchange: nominee in the history of the Carrington award.” He- - is feels “honoured to have been nominated” and his Kira: Well, I was very impressed, Doctor. colleagues naturally feel he should be “thrilled be Bashir: And well you should have been. I im- yond belief.” pressed myself on this one actually. I can’t- Although he states: “the undeniable truth is I am imagine what other doctor would even con way too young to be a serious contender for the- sider examining the scapular nodes for para Carrington […] put my name up for nomination in sitic infection. I just seem to have a talent, I seventy years, and I promise you I will get very ex- suppose. A vision that sees past the obvious, cited […] until then, I don’t plan on giving it much around the mundane, right to the target. Fate thought,” he secretly hopes to win and indeed, is dis has granted me a gift, Major. A gift to be a covered “working on [his] acceptance speech” but- healer. he does not win the prize and expresses his wish to Kira: I feel privileged to be in your presence. be renominated, “maybe, in forty or fifty years.” Al- Bashir: Glad to have you along (Lynch, “The though he seems “to be handling this very well,” he Passenger”). - very humanly admits “believe me, I’m not” (Auberjo Naïvenois, “Prophet but open motive”). minded But when it comes to medicine, he usually has in sight into any failings. On one occasion, he chastises himself for “being arrogant enough to think that I “He is a child” (Vejar, “The Changing Face of Evil”), “he could help […] though dozens of other doctors have is an overgrown child” (Brooks, “The Dogs Of War”).- failed (West, “Chrysalis”). And on another occasion, Bashir comes across as unevenly enculturated and he also laments “these people believed in me and sometimes even childlike since “he gets excited play- look where it got them. […] There is no cure. […]. ing with toys” (Vejar, “The Changing Face of Evil”). But I was so arrogant I thought I could find one in- But he does have “an open mind. The essence of in a week,” to which his companion points out “maybe tellect” (Kolbe, “”). And when asked- it was arrogant to think that. But it’s even more ar “you’re a man of science. You probably don’t believe rogant to think there isn’t a cure just because you in folk medicine,” he rebuts “actually, you’d be sur couldn’t find it” (Auberjonois, “The Quickening”). prised just how often traditional medicine turns out This “smug, superior attitude” (Auberjonois, “Hard Insufferablyto have genuine arrogant value (Livingston, “Rivals”). Time”) and equally “smug, sanctimonious face”- (Friedman, “The Wire”), while it does not endear him to his Federation colleagues and to non-Federa “He’s an arrogant Terran who’s lived a privileged tion denizens of Deep Space 9, is just part of a wider 10 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 11 life” (Livingston, “Crossover”). Bashir is young and “smug Federation sympathy” (Auberjonois, “Hard - Time”). and racquetball. And he also enjoys “human mystery However, later in the series, he declares “con- novels” (Singer, “Distant Voices”). - trary to public opinion, I am not the arrogant, self- The doctor did not have his ageing genetically absorbed, god like doctor that I appear to be on oc tampered with and, like the rest of us, is preoccu casion” (Kolbe, “”). Indeed, pied with the ageing process, which is emphasised “people either love you or hate you. [...] I hated you by birthdays. when we first met” (Bole, “Explorers”),bildungsroman but over the - course of the series he matures, with the seven years This year is a little different. […] This will be of the series effectively constituting a my thirtieth birthday […] in many human cul for Dr. Bashir such that “[t]hese conflicts, however, tures, the thirtieth birthday is considered a mask a deep, if unspoken, camaraderie” (Wagner sort of landmark. It marks the end of youth Ordinaryand Lundeen man 187). with friends and the beginning of the slow march into - middle age. […] It’s just that when you hit thirty, it becomes harder and harder to ignore “Doctors always hold their conferences at sunny re the passage of time. […] I am aware that aging sorts. [...] Ours is a grim profession. Don’t you think is part of the natural process of life. It’s just we deserve a break from all the illness and death?” that I don’t want to be reminded of it, that’s (Dorn, “Inquisition”). Bashir’s enduring friendship all […] in two days I turn thirty. If I choose to throughout the series is with the station’s engineer be grumpy about it, that’s my prerogative. O’Brien. (Singer, “Distant Voices”). - The friendship between Bashir and O’Brien Interestingly, when he is telepathically attacked by was something that occurred to Behr only an alien Lethean, the various aspects of his personal after Siddig El Fadil – who later changed ity are reified in his coma by different colleagues in his name to AlexanderThe Next Generation Siddig – was cast as a dream, while he also finds himself ageing rapidly. Bashir. Behr had always liked Colm Meaney’s This is because of “the telepathic damage that the character on and longed- real Lethean did to my mind.” His tricorder reveals to do more with him. “As soon as the role was the truth, that he is within a dream: “actually, I’m not- cast, and I saw that Sid was this proper Eng- picking up any life signs from you at all” and this is lish gentleman, and we already had Colm as reinforced by the fact that his colleagues are “all be the Irish man of the people...” Behr knew in having so strangely.” Hence the realisation: stantly that he had a classic pairing, one that - would provide great fodder for the writers I’m in a coma. I’m the only one who’s really (Erdmann and Block 5). here. Which means when I talk to you, I’m re ally only talking to myself. […] You all embody Bashir “knows how to have a good time,” often different aspects of my personality, different with his best friend (Vejar, “The Changing Face of voices inside my head. […] If I were to guess, Evil”). Bashir and Miles regularly drink at ’s- Chief, I would say that you represent my bar and on one occasion, also get drunk together and doubt and my disbelief. […] Major, you’re the carouse William Blake’s “Jerusalem” (Bole, “Explor perfect choice for my aggression. And , ers”). They also play games both inside the holosuite you represent my sense of suspicion and fear. -- such a “ridiculous secret agent programme” that Dax, to me you’ve always represented my- is loosely based on the stories wherein confidence and sense of adventure. […] The the “character is some kind of rich dilettante with station represents my mind just as you repre a fascination for women and weapons […] far more sent aspects of my personality. - disreputable. […] a spy” (Kolbe, “Our Man Bashir”) -- and “that stupid Viking programme” (Williams, The enemy within the dream taunts a rapidly age “It’s Only A Paper Moon”). These comments clearly ing Bashir show that his other friends do not think highly of 10 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 11 these activities. Outside the holosuite, he plays darts I admire your tenacity, Doctor, but it’s over. Look at yourself. Your bones are as brittle as However, Sloan has done his homework and knows twigs, you can’t catch your breath. You can’t his man very well: even stand, let alone walk. […] Take a close - look, Doctor. You’re dying. Why can’t you just You will. It’s in your nature. You are a man accept it? who loves secrets. Medical, personal, fiction al. I am a man of secrets. You want to know But Bashir cheerfully soldiers on with a stiff upper what I know, and the only way to do that is to lip, “other than that, I feel wonderful.” He retorts accept the assignment.

Because that’s what you want me to do. You At the termination of the episode, Sloan briefly may be inside my head, but you don’t know meets him: - me half as well as you think you do. Take Dax. I do have feelings for her, but the important I just wanted to say thank you. […] For be thing is she’s my friend. You know? Friend? ing a decent human being. That’s why we And I wouldn’t exchange that friendship for selected you in the first place, Doctor. We anything. needed somebody who wanted to play the In all of these ways, the doctor reveals himself as- game, but who would only go so far. When- having feelings and friends just like the rest of his the time came, you stood your ground. You colleagues who represent mundane unmodified hu did the right thing. You reached out to an en Amanity man of- ourselves ideals and (Singer, ethics “Distant Voices”). emy, you told her the truth, you tried to stop - a murder. The Federation needs men like you, Doctor. Men of conscience, men of principle, “It takes exceptional people to do what we do. Peo men who can sleep at night. You’re also the ple who can sublimate their own ambitions to the reason Section Thirty one exists. Someone best interests of the Federation. People like you” has to protect men like you from a universe- (Dorn, “Inquisition”). To his chagrin, Bashir is picked that doesn’t share your sense of right and by “Section 31,” the Federation’s black ops unit and wrong. […] It is an honour to know you, Doc in effect, the Federation’s Jungian shadow (Grech, tor. Goodnight (Livingston, “Inter Arma Enim 2014). Sloan, a member of Section 31 informs him: Silent Leges”).

I told you. You have an assignment. […] You Bashir’s leanings are deontological and eschew- passed the test. You were accepted into the utilitarianism (Grech, 2013c), echoing those of organisation. […] And now it’s time to go to the Federation’s Captain Picard, “humanity’s con work. I’m sure you’re dying to know what science” (Grech, 2013d 20). “I’m sorry, but the ends your mission is, but you won’t give me the don’t always justify the means”Star Trek: (Dorn, The “Inquisition”). Original Se- satisfaction of admitting it. So, I’ll just tell you. riesHe alsoand Star embraces Trek: The the Next Federation’s Generation precepts which […] Section Thirty one is extremely interested preceded each episode of in this conference of yours. […] Your mission : “To seek out is to gather data on the leadership. new life and new civilisations, to boldy go where no In essence, we want you to take the pulse of one has gone before,” and this is manifest when he their government. No pun intended. dreamily remarks that “those little points of light out- there are the great unknown, beckoning to us. I wish But Bashir initially refuses: - I could visit every one” (Auberjonois, “The Quicken ing”). I don’t work for you. […] I didn’t ask to be ac- His medical ethics are staunch. “I can’t go against- cepted. […] You want me to spy on an ally. […] the decision of my patient. Not without the express This war isn’t over and you’re already plan consent of his closest relative” (West, “Rapture”). In ning for the next. […] How many times do I deed, he is told: have to tell you, Sloan? I don’t work for you. 12 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 13 Doctor, you’ve been a beacon of light to me. You’re living proof that ideology is a poor your physician my duty is to you first.” When Bareil substitute for kindness and decency, and that deteriorates, Bashir is urged “give him more of the at the end of the day, it’s our actions, not our drug […] you’ll need to give him something else” but beliefs, that define who we are. What we are Bashir is very reluctant and makes it crystal clear (Posey, “Extreme Measures”). that his interests are those of his patient: - Bashir’s loyalty to the Federation is demonstrated He’s had enough. […] Listen to me. I don’t when he is captured by the “Jem'Hadar,” a manufac care about your negotiations, and I don’t tured enemy who are deliberately addicted to a drug care about your treaty. All I care about is my by their masters. patient, and at the moment he needs more medical care and less politics. Now, you can You need to understand that I’m a Starfleet- either leave here willingly or I’ll call security officer, and I won’t do any work for you that and have you thrown out. might potentially be used against the Federa - tion or any other race for that matter. Now, if When Bareil insists, Bashir futilely attempts to that’s what you want, you’ll have to kill me. - change his mind, and also attempts to persuade oth ers to help him do so. “As the patient, it is his right But the enemy know the Federation and their med to make that choice. But I’m asking you to help me ics too well: change his mind.” He fails and further treatment is administered but Bareil develops brain damage. “You As a Federation Doctor, I know you are trained were able to replace some of his internal organs with to feel sympathy and compassion for those in againartificial reluctant. implants. Could you do something similar pain. These men are suffering now, but it is with the damaged parts of his brain?” Bashir is once nothing compared to what will happen if they are not freed from the drug before our supply runs out. It’s hard to say with any certainty. There’s still a great deal about the way the brain operates Bashir once again falls back on his deontological- we don’t understand. One of my professors at beliefs. “I can’t promise anything. […] Yes, I’ll try.” He medical school used to say that the brain had fails but not after having done his very best (Auber a spark of life that can’t be replicated. If we jonois, “Hippocratic Oath”). begin to replace parts of Bareil’s brain with In a specific episode, “the doctor struggles with the artificial implants, that spark may be lost. […] meaning of pursuing this ultimate heroic measure in One man’s life is all I’m concerned with at the the face of the complete erasure of […] personhood- moment. and memories” (Hughes and Lantos 36). He treats a - severely injured negotiator called Bareil: “I’m hop- The procedure initially works, “you kept him ing he’ll make a full recovery. He should be back on alive against incredible odds. No matter what hap his feet again in a few weeks” but his colleagues ex pens, you should always be proud of that” but the press admiration: - brain damage proves more extensive than originally thought. “It’s the other half of his brain, isn’t it? But You say that so calmly, but it’s not every doc you can still help him can’t you? You can replace the tor that can lose a patient and then has him- other half of his brain with a positronic matrix.” But back on his feet in a few weeks. […] Indeed,- at this point, Bashir is adamant. you are too modest. You’ve performed noth I’m sorry, […], but this is where it ends. […] I won’t ing less than a miracle here. […]. Whoever de remove whatever last shred of humanity Bareil has serves the credit, Doctor, I am grateful. left. […] if I remove the rest of his brain and replace it with a machine, he may look like Bareil, he may even However, he protests “I and the Prophets, were talk like Bareil, but he won’t be Bareil. The spark of lucky” and his interests are those of his patient: “I life will be gone. He’ll be dead. And I’ll be the one who 12 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 13 realize how important these talks are to Bajor, but as killed him […] he’ll die like a man, not a machine. […] Compassionate,Just let him go (Badiyi, cool and “Life collected support”). He triages and treats patients with insouciance. “I know you wanted to try to save as many lives as possible. It’s probably what makes you such a good “Compassionate. Brilliant. Lonely” is one of the ways- doctor” (Williams, “Statistical Probabilities”). More that the doctor is alluded to (West, “Chrysalis”). His specifically and with panache: attitude toward the opposite sex is perfectly ordi nary: “if I find someone attractive, I just, I just tell So far, there’s nothing unusual about any of- them” (Brooks, “The Dogs Of War “). Indeed, he was their casualties. I’ve treated fifteen cases of- once deeply in love and almost married. “Her father severe radiation burns, seven thoracic perfo was the top administrator at a medical complex in ration traumas caused by shrapnel and twen Paris. He offered me a job, promised I’d be Chief of ty three decompression related injuries. All Surgery within five years […] but […] would have to- just what you’d expect following an explosion give up […] Starfleet career” which he refused to do, on a starship (Livingston, “Sons of Mogh”). hence the posting at Deep Space 9 (Kolbe, “Armaged don Game”). “Despite regularly failing at affairs of The doctor also doggedly endeavours to treat his unenhanced heart” (Petrany 132), he muses his patients to the very best of his abilities. “Well, I wouldn’t be much of a doctor if I gave up on a patient, All these years I’ve had to hide the fact that would I?” (Auberjonois, “The Quickening”). Bashir my DNA had been resequenced. I’d listen to- also realises that a crucial part of any treatment is people talk about the genetically engineered, the invocation and projection of confidence. “Trust saying they were all misfits. I used to fanta me. [...] it’s my bedside manner. Doctors and nurses sise about meeting someone who was like are supposed to project an air of caring competence” me, who could live a normal life. But it never (Auberjonois, “The Quickening”). This is one of the- happened (West, “Chrysalis”) - reasons why he is appreciated: “You’re a very dear- man, Julian” (Bole, “Equilibrium”). He is also realis Fortunately, Bashir is philosophical about this as tic: “I never argue with my patients or my command pect of his file. ing officer” (Conway, “Apocalypse Rising”). Bashir’s - courage is also dauntless. “Show no fear, that’s my- Somehow marriage just doesn’t seem fair […] motto” (Conway, ““Apocalypse Rising”“). The doctor to them. I mean, look at us. Our lives are con is also something of a philosopher, albeit a pragmat stantly in danger. There’s enough to worry ic one: about without worrying about the wife and- - kids at home worrying about us. […] A lot of Well, some people don’t like to be around the career officers feel that way (Kolbe, “Arma sick. It reminds them of their own mortal geddon Game”). - ity. [...] I prefer to confront mortality rather than hide from it. When you make someone The doctor is also cool under pressure. “I’m a doc well, it’s like you’re chasing death off, making tor. You’re my patient. That’s all I need to know” him wait for another day (Auberjonois, “The (Friedman, “The Wire”). He is also highly pragmatic Quickening”). when it comes to treating trauma as evidenced when - he reminds his staff: He is also disparaging of health care workers who do not share his ideals. “Causing people to suffer be the thing to remember is that the cause you hate them is terrible, but causing people prefer to use their knives and bat’leths in to suffer because you have forgotten how to care? close combat. So if we get boarded, you can That’s really hard to understand” (Badiyi, “Past expect severe lacerations, broken bones, and DiscussionTense part 1”). blunt force traumas. All I can say is, keep calm, remember your training and do the best that you can. Report to your posts (Conway, “The This paper has shown that Dr. Bashir “is a physician 14 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 15 Way of the Warrior”). of uncommon passion and brilliance who is a tireless Star Trek: Deep Space Nine advocate for any and all odd life-forms encountered- “Chrysalis.” Dir. Jonathan West. Star Trek: Deep at the periphery of known explored space,Star whether Trek Space. Paramount. Nine October 1998. they be friend or foe” (Petrany 132). Even more in “Crossover.” Dir. David Livingston. Star Trek: terestingly, this paper has confirmed that - Deep Space. NineParamount. May 1994. - “Distant Voices.” Dir. Alexander Singer. physicians illustrate a rapidly morphing im Star Trek: Deep Space. Paramount. Nine April 1995. age of doctors who are becoming less hu “Doctor Bashir, I Presume?” Dir. David Livingston. man and more technological and infallible.- . StarParamount. Trek: Deep February Space They evolve from the old country doc, McCoy, 1997.Nine to the extraordinarily proficient Dr Crush “Emissary.” Dir. David Carson. Star Trek: Deep Space er, through the genetically enhanced Julian Nine. Paramount. January 1993. Bashir (Petrany 133). “Equilibrium.” Dir. Cliff Bole.Star Trek: Deep Space - Nine. Paramount. October 1994. Indeed, there is “no stigma attached to success” “Explorers.” Dir. Cliff Bole. Star Trek: Deep (Williams, “Statistical Probabilities”) and as geneti- Space. Paramount. Nine May 1995. cally engineered individuals note: “We’re not gods “Extreme Measures.” Dir. Steve Posey. Star Trek: […] but we’re the next best thing” (Williams, “Statis Deep Space. NineParamount. May 1999. tical Probabilities”). Less pretentiously, “you’re not “Hippocratic Oath.” Dir. René Auberjonois.Star Trek: Deep any less human than anyone else. In fact, you’re a- Space Nine . Paramount. October 1995. little more” (Livingston, “Doctor Bashir, I Presume”). “Inquisition.” Dir. Michael Dorn. - Furthermore, this essay has reinforced the conten Star .Trek: Paramount. Deep SpaceApril 1998. Nine tion that “Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges.” Dir. David Livings ton. . Paramount.Star by using the extraordinary technologies of Trek:March Deep1999. Space Nine the day, Star Trek physicians rarely fail in “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” Dir. Anson Williams. curing the most advanced and mysterious . Paramount.Star Trek: Deep December Space ailments. In this way they reflect the often Nine1998. unrealistic expectations of today’s patients “Life Support.” Dir. Reza Badiyi. Star Trek: Deep regarding medicine’s ability to cure disease, Space. Paramount. Nine January 1995. an attitude that leads to mounting frustration “Our Man Bashir.” Dir. .Star Trek: Deep for all involved (Petrany 133). Space Nine. Paramount. November 1995. Deep Space 9 “Past Prologue.” Dir. Winrich Kolbe. Star Trek: Deep We may conclude that the writers, directors and Space Nine. Paramount. January 1993. producers of have attempted to merge “Past Tense, Part I.” Dir. Reza Badiyi. Star Trek: the viewers’ expectationsélan of brilliant doctors (albeit Deep Space. NineParamount. January 1995. genetically enhanced – but hey, who cares!) curing “.” Dir. René Auberjonois.Star Trek: Deep Space all sorts of ailments with through the utilisation Nine . Paramount. February 1995. of high-tech medical gadgetry wherever required. “Rapture.” Dir. Jonathan West. Star Trek: Deep Space Clearly, we, the viewers and prospective patients, Nine. Paramount. December 1996. wish our doctors to boldly go where no medic has “Rivals.” Dir. David Livingston. Star Trek: Deep gone before – just as long as we are cured! Space. Paramount. Nine January 1994. Works Cited “Sons of Mogh.” Dir. David Livingston. - Primary Texts . Paramount. February 1996. “Space Seed.” Dir. Marc Daniels. Star Trek: The OrigiStar Star Trek: Trek:nal Series. Deep Paramount. Space Nine February 1967. Deep Space Nine “Statistical Probabilities.” Dir. Anson Williams. “Apocalypse Rising.” Dir. James L. Conway. Star Trek: . Paramount. NovemberStar Trek: Deep Space Nine. Paramount. September 1996. Deep1997. Space Nine “Armageddon Game.” Dir. Winrich Kolbe. “Tacking Into the Wind.” Dir. Mike Vejar. 14 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 SFRA Review 318 Fall 2016 15 . Paramount. January 1994. . Paramount. May 1999. Star Trek: Deep Space and Sa- Deep Space Nine cred Time: Star Trek in the American Mythos “The Changing Face of Evil.” Dir. Mike Vejar.Star Trek: Deep Wagner, Jon G., and Jan Lundeen. Space Nine . Paramount. April 1999. No Cure for. New the “The Dogs of War.” Dir. .Star Trek: Deep Future:York: Praeger Disease Publishers, and Medicine 1998. in and Space Nine. Paramount. May 1999. Westfahl,Fantasy Gary, and George Slusser. “The Passenger.” Dir. Paul Lynch. Star Trek: Deep Space. NineParamount. February 1993. . Westport: Greenwood Press, 2002. “The Quickening.” Dir. René Auberjonois. Star Trek: Deep Space. Paramount.Nine May 1996. “The Sound of Her Voice.” Dir. Winrich Kolbe. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Paramount. June 1998. “The Way of the Warrior.” Dir. JamesStar Trek: L. Conway. Deep Space Nine . Paramount. October 1995. “The Wire.” Dir. Kim Friedman. Star Trek: Deep Space. Paramount. Nine May 1994. “To the Death.” Dir. LeVar Burton. Star Trek: Deep. Paramount.Space Nine May 1996. “Trials and Tribble-ations.” Dir. Jonathan West. . Paramount. November Secondary1996. Texts Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Bible Berman, Rick and . . New York: The ScoreStar Board, Trek: 1992.Deep Space Nine Omni Bischoff, David. “Behind the Scenes of Deep Space Nine Companion.” (1992)15.5: 34-40, 84-85. Erdmann, Terry J., and Paula M. Block. . New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000. 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