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I have never seen the relevant episode but from the references to it, made in other Star Trek parts, I've got the clear meaning that Locutus of Borg was actually a typical Borg drone, crafted by assimilation of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

If that is true, how then can Captain Janeway picture him, in the beginning of Scorpion. Part II episode using words similar to: "Pick a representative. Like you did to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, when you turned him into Locutus".

So, what exactly was Locutus? Was he a full-picture Borg drone or just the Borg representative?

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    “I have never seen the relevant episode” — I think I’ve spotted the core problem, right here.
    – Paul D. Waite
    Commented Dec 20, 2016 at 15:25
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    @PaulD.Waite No, you haven't. This question was asked 2,5+ year ago. Since that I have already watched mentioned episode and haven't changed my mind. The question remains. Janeway's description of Picard being Locutus is incorrect in my opinion.
    – trejder
    Commented Dec 20, 2016 at 19:26
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    Okay. From the transcript: “BORG: [To Picard] Your archaic cultures are authority driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice.” Did you miss that bit?
    – Paul D. Waite
    Commented Dec 20, 2016 at 20:23
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    OK, you have convinced me. Then post this as an answer, so I can upvote it and maybe even accept, if I find it better than current answer.
    – trejder
    Commented Dec 22, 2016 at 8:09

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Locutus literally means "he who speaks." The Best of Both Worlds had Locutus as a drone specifically created with communication in mind; bear in mind that the Borg usually simply attacked, and that it was unusual for them to face an enemy they bothered to negotiate with, even if the Borg's idea of negotiating was "surrender or die."

From the transcript:

BORG: [To Picard] Your archaic cultures are authority driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice.

Star Trek: First Contact further establishes that the Borg Queen wanted an equal, an individual among the Borg to be her mate, and that Picard was to be that equal. He was certainly still a Borg drone, but he was far from the average drone.

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  • First Contact retconned rather than established.
    – lucasbachmann
    Commented Apr 15, 2022 at 21:00
  • @lucasbachmann hasn't every ST retconned that which came before it?
    – Peter M
    Commented Apr 15, 2022 at 22:12
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    @PeterM So that is what is meant by going where noone has gone before, thanks ;)
    – BMWurm
    Commented Apr 16, 2022 at 6:11

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