In "Star Trek: Generations", Guinan is on the refugee ship, but in the "Time's Arrow" two-part episode, she is on Earth in the 19th century. The question is, how is it possible that Guinan was on that refugee ship, when she has already arrived on Earth? Didn't that refugee ship come directly from the Delta Quadrant after the Borg destroyed their world?
-
12Who is to say that she didn't travel more after her stay on Earth? She hung out with Mark Twain before the turn of the century, hopped a shuttle to Galdorndon Core, married 20 or so times, decided she was over it, and was on her way back to Federation space when suddenly...– StickCommented Aug 15, 2014 at 17:54
-
1@Stick - This was precisely my thinking. There's no indication of whether and when she first came to Earth.– ValorumCommented Aug 15, 2014 at 17:55
-
2Such 2D thinking. She's on Earth in the 19th century, so she can't be in space in the 23rd? Please...– Lightness Races in OrbitCommented Aug 15, 2014 at 23:59
-
I thought my answer to this was pretty comprehensive. Let me know if there's anything additional you'd want me to cover before hitting the "accept" button.– ValorumCommented Feb 22, 2015 at 22:10
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
When we see Guinan in TNG: Time's Arrow, she's on a grand tour of the galaxy, listening to interesting species across the Delta and Alpha quadrants. It's clear from the original script that this is something her father isn't entirely keen on:
Guinan pulls Data past the partygoers and around a door.
GUINAN : Let me guess. My father sent you. Well, you tell him I've still got a lot more listening to do --
DATA -- I was not sent by your father.
After a few seconds of conversation, Data notes that she's not from his future but is, in fact in her correct timeline. He deduces that since her species is extremely long-lived and space-faring that running into her is merely a coincidence:
A beat; Data realizes that she doesn't know who he is, but decides he has no choice.
DATA : Circumstances demand that I take you into my confidence. I require your assistance. I am from the future.
Guinan reacts with surprise.
GUINAN : Is this some kind of a joke? No, you don't look like the joking type.
DATA: That is correct. I am from the twenty-fourth century, where you and I serve together on the same starship.
It seems likely that after having visited Earth, she subsequently returned to her homeworld. At some point in the next 470 years it was attacked by the Borg and her people made their way (by ship) to safety.
It's mere supposition, but Guinan may have played some part in the El-Aurian's decision-making process on where to go (e.g. "does anyone know somewhere that's friendly yet powerful and will give us unconditional asylum?").
-
2This was the best episode of anything ever Commented Aug 16, 2014 at 0:06