The Problem with the Enterprise

The Existential Dread of Living in a Simulation

2 May, 2024

Published by TeraScape on 1 June, 2024

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So... I finished Star Trek Picard a few weeks ago, and one thing stuck in my mind about the ending. For those who haven't seen it, and I won't spoil it, but it's worth it...

In Naval tradition, renaming a ship partway through its service has ALWAYS been considered bad luck.

So I asked ChatGPT. This is ChatGPT's response. (With images from MidJourney, of course).

"Historical Superstition: Sailors have long been a superstitious group, often relying on rituals and beliefs to protect them from the many dangers at sea. The renaming superstition likely originates from the idea that a ship’s name is tied to its identity and fate. Changing the name was believed to confuse the spirits or deities watching over the vessel, potentially leading to misfortune."

"Neptune’s Displeasure: In ancient maritime lore, it was believed that each ship was recorded by name in the "Ledger of the Deep" by Neptune, the god of the sea. Changing a ship's name meant removing it from this ledger, which would anger Neptune and result in bad luck for the ship and its crew."

"Christian Traditions: Christian sailors believed that renaming a ship was a way of tricking the spirits associated with the ship. This was considered deceitful and disrespectful, which could lead to divine retribution."

"Practical Reasons: In the past, renaming a ship could lead to confusion and administrative issues. Ships’ logs, insurance records, and other legal documents all tracked the ship by its original name. Changing the name could complicate these records and create practical problems."

"Ceremonial Practice: Despite the superstition, renaming a ship can be done safely through a specific ceremony designed to appease the gods or spirits. This typically involves removing all traces of the old name, performing rituals, and invoking the protection of the sea gods for the new name."

"While these superstitions are not universally believed or adhered to today, they remain a colorful part of maritime tradition."

So there it is. This is why you SHOULDN'T rename the Titan-A to the Next NEXT Generation Enterprise, unless you like a LOT of paperwork.

Also, the last picture, I really wanted to get DeForest Kelley, William Shatner, and Leonard Nimoy looking onto the original Enterprise in Drydock, but I just couldn't get MidJourney to do it. In my defense, I only woke up an hour ago, so I could try harder. I'll put it on X later when I finally achieve what I want.

I'm VERY Stubborn.

I did ask ChatGPT a follow-up question specifically about Star Trek Picard. This is it's answer.

In "Star Trek: Picard," renaming the USS Titan-A to the USS Enterprise can be seen as a significant narrative and symbolic decision. Here are a few reasons why the creators might have made this choice:

Legacy and Tradition: The name "Enterprise" carries a storied legacy within the Star Trek universe. By renaming the USS Titan-A to the USS Enterprise, the series honors and continues the tradition of the iconic starship, connecting the new series to the rich history of Star Trek.
Tribute to Captain Riker: The USS Titan was famously commanded by Captain William Riker, a beloved character in Star Trek. Renaming the Titan-A to the Enterprise serves as a tribute to Riker and acknowledges his contributions to Starfleet, as well as his association with the Enterprise during his time as first officer under Captain Picard.
Symbol of Hope and Exploration: The Enterprise has always been more than just a starship; it is a symbol of hope, exploration, and the Federation’s ideals. Renaming the Titan-A to the Enterprise reinforces these themes and signals a continuation of these values in the storyline.
Character Development and Continuity: For the characters in "Star Trek: Picard," particularly those with ties to the original Enterprise, the renaming might represent a form of continuity and personal connection to their past missions and experiences. It creates a bridge between the old and new generations of Starfleet officers.
Audience Connection: For the audience, the Enterprise is a beloved symbol with deep emotional resonance. By renaming the Titan-A to the Enterprise, the showrunners tap into the nostalgia and affection that fans have for the starship, enhancing viewer engagement and emotional investment in the series.

Overall, renaming the USS Titan-A to the USS Enterprise in "Star Trek: Picard" serves to honor the legacy of the Enterprise, pay tribute to beloved characters, and reinforce the enduring values of the Star Trek universe.

Both answers from ChatGPT (4o now, by the way), had 5 examples. Is this a thing for ol' Lumina?

It's also suggesting this was done, pretty much for fan-service. The crew of the new Enterprise G have already set off the HashTag #StarTrekLegacy, which I guess I can get behind. Although we do already have "Strange New Worlds" for the old-school TOS Star Trek fans like me.

It's close enough...

The Problem with the Enterprise

The Existential Dread of Living in a Simulation

The Existential Dread of Living in a Simulation

TeraScape

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The Existential Dread of Living in a Simulation

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