Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Defiant #3!As Kahless’ god war rages across the Star Trek universe, it has become clear his soldiers are stronger than normal Klingons – and now the reason has been revealed. In Star Trek: Defiant #3, Worf and the crew of the titular ship find themselves faced with Orion pirates. When Worf is grievously injured, the solution comes in the form of the Red Path’s sacrament.
The issue is written by Christopher Cantwell, drawn by Angel Unzueta, colored by Marissa Louise and lettered by Clayton Cowles. Worf, along with Ro Laren and B’Elanna Torres, have been captured by Orion pirates. As the Orions escort them to their cell, they attempt to free themselves. They manage to overpower their captors, but Worf is hit with a phaser blast at point-blank range. Just as Ro and Torres fear the worst, a mysterious Orion woman emerges. She tells Ro and Torres that she can save Worf’s life – with the mysterious sacrament of the Red Path. Torres is reluctant, even going as far as to threaten the Orion woman. She assures Torres that the sacrament is merely Klingon adrenaline. She gives a shot to Worf, which instantly revives him. As they continue to make their way to freedom, Ro cannot believe that Worf is still alive. The Orion woman tells her “behold the mighty power of the Red Path sacrament.”
Worf Is Only Alive Because of the Klingon Cult
The Red Path is one of the biggest threats to ever face the Star Trek universe. In ancient Klingon history, Kahless allegedly slew the race’s gods and now, thousands of years later, his clone is fulfilling his namesake’s quest by slaughtering the franchise’s god-like beings. So far, Kahless’ hit list has included Gary Mitchell, the Crystalline Entities and the God City of T’Kon – and he is just getting started. Kahless’ crusade has gained converts as well, who have come together as the Red Path. Initially consisting of only Klingons, the Red Path has attracted Orion and Romulan followers. If the Red Path is allowed to continue their reign of terror, it could upend the very order of the cosmos, bringing it to an end – which makes them perhaps the biggest existential threat ever in Star Trek history.
The Red Path’s Sacrament Is to Be Taken With Caution
Now, the sacrament from which they draw their strength has been revealed as Klingon adrenaline – something recruits are regularly taking to enhance their physical abilities. The followers of the Red Path are zealots, passionate about killing the gods of the universe and as such, their mental state is already compromised; they are fanatics, and will do anything Kahless commands. The sacrament heightens this state of mind, turning Red Path members into mindless berserkers – perfect to carry out Kahless’ quest of galactic genocide.
Being a Klingon, the sacrament was tailor-made to help save Worf, but how might other species handle it? The forthcoming Day of Blood crossover is likely to answer this question, as Kahless commands an army of soldiers he clearly sees as disposable. The sacrament that is integral to Kahless’ reign of terror across the Star Trek universe has been revealed – and while it makes Klingons stronger, the longtime effects have yet to be explored.
Star Trek: Defiant #3 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!
