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Published Jul 3, 2013

One Trek Mind -- A Tip of the Cap to the Breen

“To seek out new life and new civilizations.” The phrase is part of the ethos of all that is Star Trek . Of course, right before it in the opening narration there's the even more famous use of three oft-repeated words: “strange new worlds.”Gene Roddenberry and the original producers of Star Trek were far too polite to cast aspersions on any of our cousins from beyond the farthest star – but what they really were implying was this: weird aliens.

There's a theory that the Breen's alliance with the Dominion is actually more Founder subterfuge. In “ In Purgatory's Shadow ,” when Garak and Worf come to Internment Camp 371, there is a rather tame Breen there alongside Martok and Dr. Bashir. One could interpret this to mean that this was a high-ranking Breen who, like the others, had a Changeling in its place, bending fate to the Dominions' whim.And that's what's so great about the Breen is that we'll never really know for sure. For those that go deep, David Mack's book from 2010, Zero Sum Game , is a big, fat wet kiss for Breen fans. In it he digs into (non-canon, of course) Breen culture, explaining that the Breen are actually made up of multiple species hailing from the same planet who appear the same to us because of their refrigeration armor. To me, the complete distance with which the Breen is kept from the audience is something of a breath of fresh air, in a way. In Star Trek , no one is all evil. Even the Jem'Hadar, who are BRED to be killing machines, are shown in a light that captures our sympathy. Their dependence on Ketracel-white, it is implied, is all that's keeping them mindless instruments of violence.

Jordan Hoffman is a writer, critic and lapsed filmmaker living in New York City. His work can also be seen on Film.com , ScreenCrush and Badass Digest . On his BLOG , Jordan has reviewed all 727 Trek episodes and films, most of the comics and some of the novels.

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Star Trek: Who Are The Breen?

It is often overlooked how this reclusive humanoid race from the planet Breen is one of the most powerful species in the Alpha Quadrant.

Originally meant to be just a one-off species of the Star Trek franchise, the Breen were first mentioned in the fourth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1990. Even though they were referenced in several other episodes from then on, they did not actually appear on-screen until the episode "Indiscretion" of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 1996.

The writers admitted that they had previously used the name "Breen" whenever they needed a random alien species for a storyline. Hence, not much was known about them up until much later on. So, who exactly are the Breen, and where do they fit into the expansive universe of Star Trek ?

RELATED: Star Trek: Exploring The Deep Space 9 Problem

What Do the Breen Look Like?

There is a lot of speculation on what these bloodless creatures actually look like, as the Breen are always seen in environmental suits that cover them from head to toe. It is suggested that this is because their home planet experiences extremely low temperatures. During the Dominion War, the Dominion and Cardassian leaders receive intelligence reports that describe the Breen planet as "a frozen wasteland." However, the Vorta field supervisor Weyoun describes it "quite comfortable" later on.

The Breen’s suits feature metal armor and a detachable and 'vented snout,' giving the impression they are a snouted species. The top of the helmet has a visor that either glows green, or has green and red lights on it. The suits are of two types: a standard suit that most of the Breen wear, and a more elaborate suit worn by Thots, the authority figures of the Breen Confederacy. (The Thots are comparable to the Legate of the Cardassian military in terms of rank, according to the Cardassian leader Damar.) With distinct gold lines running across the helmet, this decorative suit reinforces the elevated status of the Breen leaders.

They are also more resilient than other humanoids. For example, when a Breen is struck by the Klingon warrior Worf , the Breen seems to be completely unaffected by the attack and proceeds to assault him instead. The Klingons have famously coined the phrase: "No one has ever seen [a Breen] and lived to speak of it." This is partially in reference to the fact that Breen are extremely territorial; a fleet of Klingon warships had been sent to conquer their home world during the Klingon Second Empire, which never returned and was never heard from again.

The Breen also have an unusual and incomprehensible speech, further adding to their mysterious image. The scratchy, electronic warbles cannot even be deciphered by the universal translator, which is not the case with most of the other species in the franchise. Empathic species such as Betazoids are also unable to sense the Breen’s feelings and emotions, much like the Ferengi .

What Role Did the Breen Play in the Dominion War?

The Dominion, a planetary alliance in the Gamma Quadrant , came into conflict with the Alpha Quadrant powers, ultimately leading to the Dominion War seen throughout much of the Deep Space 9 series. Although the Breen have never been inclined to make political alliances, the writers felt that their involvement could heighten the stakes of the war. Thus, talks with the Female Changeling, the head of the Dominion, led to Breen leader Thot Gor agreeing to provide reinforcements in 2375. The Dominion were interested in the Breen’s military weapons , and made a deal with them: they would hand over the control of several Cardassian and Federation planets once the war was won. However, it is later implied that this was a false promise.

To honor their partnership, the Breen ‘gifted’ Worf and the Deep Space 9 counselor Ezri Dax to the Dominion. They went on to win the Second Battle of Chin'toka, after destroying most of the ships that belonged to the Federation and causing major damage to Earth. A highly advanced weapon called the energy dissipator, which can drain a starship’s power systems, enable the Breen’s victory. Only the Klingon’s ship turned out to be immune to the device, while the rest were defeated.

The growing relations between the Breen and the Dominion caused the Cardassian Union, another major ally, to become bitter. Cardassian leader Damar was not pleased with the terms of the alliance between the two parties, which gave the Breen full access to the Dominion’s database — which wasn't permitted to the Cardassians. This turned out to be one of the major reasons why Damar eventually chose to switch to the other side and lead a rebellion to free Cardassia .

This major development, combined with the fact that the Federation have created a defense against the energy-dampening weapon, led to power shifts in the war. Thot Pran, who succeeded Thot Gor as military commander, asked the Female Changeling for confirmation that the Dominion were not surrendering, but strategizing for another attack instead. This, once again, showcases how the Breen are ruthless fighters. The Romulans, much like the Klingons, have a saying regarding this race: "Never turn your back on a Breen." This is demonstrated when a captive Breen takes a disruptor from the holster of a guard when his back is turned, and uses it to kill two guards at once.

In the Battle of Cardassia, the Breen fought on the front lines, even ahead of the tough and devoted Jem'Hadar forces of the Dominion. They proved to be a tough adversary for the Federation once again. Even though they lost the war, the story arc could not have been as compelling without their formidable strength and their willingness to die for the cause till the very end.

As allies of the Dominion, the Breen are present at the signing of the Treaty of Bajor. Though their status after the war has not been discussed in any later media, the treaty has no implications regarding the Breen, seemingly leaving them in the clear.

MORE: Star Trek: What Happened To The Dominion After The War?

Screen Rant

Ds9’s breen comeback sets up star trek: discovery’s darkest future timeline.

Star Trek: Discovery's darkest timeline is dominated by the Breen, giving the former Dominion allies a chance to finish what they started in DS9.

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery, season 5, episode 4, "Face the Strange".

• The Breen's return in "Star Trek: Discovery" sets up a dark future timeline for the crew.
• Captain Burnham and Commander Rayner travel between past, present, and future to face a chilling alternate 32nd-century universe.
• The Breen's possession of Progenitors' technology spells doom for the Federation unless stopped.

The return of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 's Breen sets up a dark future timeline for the crew of Star Trek: Discovery . The Breen Imperium is one of the biggest threats to the peace and stability of the Federation in Discovery 's 32nd century, proving that their defeat during DS9 's Dominion War did nothing to suppress their hostile urges. Discovery season 5, episode 4 , "Face the Strange", written by Sean Cochran, and directed by Lee Rose , reveals that the Breen are potential buyers for the Progenitors' technology, a prize that could have devastating consequences for the future of the Star Trek universe.

In Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 4, "Face the Strange", Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Commander Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) are thrown between past, present, and future by a Krenim time bug. Over the course of their travels in time, they arrive in a dark future timeline where the Breen used the Progenitors' technology to destroy the USS Discovery and the entire Federation. As well as answering the mystery about the timeline of Star Trek: Short Treks ' "Calypso" , this dark alternate future acts as a warning to Burnham and Rayner about what will happen if they let the Progenitors' technology fall into the wrong hands.

Every DS9 Alien In Star Trek: Discovery

Who were the breen in star trek: deep space nine, the breen nearly changed the course of the dominion war..

The Breen were first mentioned in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 5, episode 11, "Hero Worship" , when they were suspected of attacking the SS Vico. However, the Breen wouldn't appear on screen until Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 4, episode 5, "Indiscretion", in which Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) and Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) infiltrate one of their labor camps. "Indiscretion" established that the Breen wore refrigeration suits, presumably to maintain their body temperatures on hot worlds like Dozaria. The Breen were also an incredibly warlike species, which made them crucial allies of the Dominion following their defeat in the First Battle of the Chin'toka System .

The Romulans have an old proverb "Never turn your back on a Breen", inspired by their untrustworthy reputation.

The Breen and the Dominion's negotiations led to an alliance that lasted until the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . The Breen had superior technology, including an energy-dampening weapon that could disable the Federation Alliance's ships, including the USS Defiant. The Breen's energy dissipater played a crucial role in the Second Battle of the Chin'toka System, severely weakening the Federation Alliance's armada and their morale . The Breen planned to roll out their energy dampening weapon across the entire Dominion fleet, but were foiled by a covert mission led by Colonel Kira Nerys, Elim Garak (Andrew Robinson) and Constable Odo (Rene Auberjonois).

In tandem with Kira's mission, the Federation Alliance used a series of countermeasures against the Breen's weapon. These measures helped the Federation Alliance to turn the tide against the Dominion, launching a final assault on Cardassia Prime and eventually winning the war. Breen representatives were present at the historic signing of the Treaty of Bajor, putting an end to their war against the Federation. However, 800 years after the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , it appears that the Breen are just as big a threat in Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

The Breen later made an incursion into the Delos System, where they attacked the USS Cerritos in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 3, episode 9, "Trusted Sources".

DS9’s Breen Create Star Trek: Discovery’s Darkest Future Timeline

"but the outcome you feared came to pass. the progenitor's technology fell into the wrong hands." - zora.

In the alternate timeline where Burnham and Rayner didn't destroy the Krenim chronophage in time, Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis) handed the Progenitors' technology to the Breen. The Breen used the incredibly powerful Progenitors' technology to launch a devastating attack against the Federation. Standing aboard a devastated USS Discovery, Burnham and Rayner look out at the ravaged remains of Federation Headquarters. After a false start during the Dominion War, the Breen will finally get to destroy the Federation once and for all unless Burnham and Rayner can stop them acquiring the Progenitors' technology .

Star Trek: Discovery Vs. DS9's Breen Is Now Inevitable

As Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) surmised earlier in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, the Progenitors' technology can both create life and destroy it. In the hands of the Breen, it will be used not to save lives, but to take them. It's unclear exactly what the destructive capabilities of the Progenitors' technology are. However, the fact that the USS Discovery is completely empty of organic life or material suggests that it could have the power to completely break down the building blocks of humanoid life in the galaxy . With such a devastating weapon in their arsenal, the Breen could rule the entire cosmos without opposition.

Star Trek: Discovery’s Future Breen Can Finish What They Started On DS9

"to launch an attack against starfleet headquarters... even my people never attempted that." - general martok.

Star Trek: Discovery 's dark future timeline isn't the first time that the Breen have attacked Federation Headquarters . The Breen's first act after allying themselves with the Dominion was to launch a devastating attack on Earth in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 7, episode 20, "The Changing Face of Evil". The Breen's attack on Earth in DS9 seriously damaged Federation Headquarters and took a huge chunk out of San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Starfleet fought off the attack, destroying the Breen interceptors, but the attack still had the desired effect of seriously damaging the morale of the Federation-Alliance .

The Breen attack on Earth took place in 2375, but the damage was apparently fully repaired by 2376, as revealed in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Pathfinder".

The Breen's attack in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine caused heavy civilian casualties and an unknown number of military losses. However, it was as much a psychological attack as it was a physical one, proving to the Federation that they couldn't even protect their homefront during the Dominion War. The Breen in the 32nd century seem not to care about getting into the heads of their enemies and are instead focused on their total destruction. They may have struck a powerful blow against the Federation 800 years ago, but in Star Trek: Discovery 's 32nd century, the Breen can finish the job with the help of the Progenitors' technology.

Star Trek: Discovery streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

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Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, also known as DS9, is the fourth series in the long-running Sci-Fi franchise, Star Trek. DS9 was created by Rick Berman and Michael Piller, and stars Avery Brooks, René Auberjonois, Terry Farrell, and Cirroc Lofton. This particular series follows a group of individuals in a space station near a planet called Bajor.

Breen Confederacy

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This article refers to the Breen faction. You may instead be looking for the species Breen or the planet Breen

The Breen Confederacy is the government of the Breen . The confederacy is a major power in the Alpha Quadrant . Their territory includes part of the Breen Sector and the Raveh Sector . In Star Trek Online the Confederacy is a major threat to the Deferi , trying to obtain knowledge and technology from an ancient race known as the Preservers .

• 3 Missions involved
• 4 Missions formerly involved
• 5 Missions mentionned
• 6.1 Starships
• 6.2 Ground forces
• 6.4 Size charts
• 9 Duty officers
• 10 See also
• 11 External links

Culture [ | ]

Shrouded in mystery, the Breen are a warrior race, but have quite a distinct codex than e.g. the Klingons in that they prefer to take prisoners for slave labor. Morality, as most sentient species know it, is mostly replaced by values like duty and survival. Therefore, they commit actions deemed atrocities by most races, but, in a Breen mind, the goal always justifies the means. Thus, on the other hand, killing without purpose is not compatible with the Breen sense of personal honor.

History [ | ]

• The Breen have been a long-standing enemy of the Klingon Empire .
• The Breen Confederacy entered the Dominion War in the 2375 supporting the Dominion .
• During the war the Breen succeeded in a surprise attack on Starfleet Command in San Francisco, Earth.
• The same year a joint Dominion/Breen fleet took back Chin'toka, destroying an allied fleet, among others the U.S.S. Defiant under Captain Sisko .
• In 2388 the Orion Syndicate starts negotiations with the confederacy. The Orions had depleted their home world's resources and were in need of assistance. In 2394 , the Orions struck a deal with the Klingon Empire and became their allies.

Missions involved [ | ]

Missions formerly involved [ | ]

Missions mentionned [ | ]

Military [ | ], starships [ | ].

Ground forces [ | ]

Bosses [ | ], size charts [ | ].

Breen ships, along with former Dominion allies.

Space [ | ]

• Breen sectors
• Breen systems
• Breen planets

Duty officers [ | ]

See also [ | ].

• Playable Breen starships

External links [ | ]

• Breen Confederacy at Memory Alpha , the Star Trek Wiki.
• Breen Confederacy at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek Wiki.
• 1 Playable starship
• 2 Infinity Prize Pack - T6 Ship

Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki

A friendly reminder regarding spoilers ! At present the expanded Trek universe is in a period of major upheaval with the continuations of Discovery and Prodigy , the advent of new eras in gaming with the Star Trek Adventures RPG , Star Trek: Infinite and Star Trek Online , as well as other post-57th Anniversary publications such as the ongoing IDW Star Trek comic and spin-off Star Trek: Defiant . Therefore, please be courteous to other users who may not be aware of current developments by using the {{ spoiler }}, {{ spoilers }} OR {{ majorspoiler }} tags when adding new information from sources less than six months old (even if it is minor info). Also, please do not include details in the summary bar when editing pages and do not anticipate making additions relating to sources not yet in release. THANK YOU

Breen starships

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Breen ship.

Breen starships .

• 14.1 Connections

Appendices [ ]

Connections [ ].

• 1 The Chase
• 2 Ferengi Rules of Acquisition
• 3 Preserver (race)

Breen warship

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A Breen warship was a type of warship utilized by the Breen Confederacy during the mid- 24th century . This class of vessel was armed with phasers . ( DS9 : " Indiscretion ")

It was noted by Tuvok , in 2373 , that Starfleet had previously encountered species that use organic-based vessels , using the Breen as one example. ( VOY : " Scorpion ")

In 2366 , two Breen warships attacked the Cardassian Ravinok -type Ravinok forcing it to crash land on the planet Dozaria . Its survivors were forced to work in a nearby Breen dilithium mine. ( DS9 : " Indiscretion ")