Star Trek: State of Flux

Episode: "State of Flux"

Series: Star Trek: Voyager

Season 1, Episode 11

Original Air Date: April 10, 1995

via Memory Alpha

There's a spy aboard Voyager.  

Our heroes respond to a Kazon distress call.  When they arrive at the vessel, all aboard are dead, victims of an explosion.  Investigations reveal that Federation equipment - material that most certainly came from Voyager - is the cause of the trouble.  Who on the crew would do such a thing?  The two primary suspects are both in engineering: Seska, a Maquis alum, and Lieutenant Carey, a Starfleet officer.  The plot thickens when Seska's blood scan reveals she's not actually Bajoran as we've been lead to believe...

For the most part, the series has steered clear of Maquis-Starfleet tensions to this point - rather surprising as it was a promising story line in the beginning.  Even Torres, Hothead #1 in the pilot, has settled into rock solid dependability.  Seska is the only one who has remained a bit of a wild card and her story kicks into higher gear with "State of Flux."  Actress Martha Hackett (Seska) was not made aware of her character's true identity until three or four episodes into the first season.  Fortunately, she'll be back in future seasons.

Interestingly, Carey will not, except in flashback scenes.

"State of Flux" is a good Chakotay episode.  We get a glimpse of his past romantic relationship with Seska.  More importantly, we learn a lot about his sense of loyalty.

Food Notes

The story begins with a foraging expedition led by Neelix for a disgusting but evidently nutritious leola root.  Shortly after, Seska makes mushroom soup for Chakotay.  As she stole the ingredients from the food stores, it is an early indication that perhaps her loyalties are still clouded.

Acting Notes

via Dexter Wiki

Martha Hackett was born in Boston, February 21, 1961.  She graduated from Harvard, cum laude.  

Hackett auditioned for the principal role of Jadzia Dax in Deep Space Nine before it was given to Terry Farrell but the producers liked what they saw.  Prior to landing Seska, she'd had guest roles on both TNG and DS9.  In total, she appeared in 13 Voyager episodes.  

Beyond Star Trek, she has made multiple appearances on Hill Street Blues, I Heart Vampires and Days of our Lives.  Films include Never Been Kissed, The Lone Ranger and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.