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Welcome to Trekspertise, a series where we break down the technology, history, details, and decisions that make the Star Trek universe so complex — and so fun.

There are many episodes throughout the “Star Trek” franchise wherein Starfleet officers merrily fraternize. One might immediately recall the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode “The Naked Now,” in which Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) became infected with an intoxicating virus and seduced Data (Brent Spiner). Or the episode “In Theory,” wherein Data began an experimental romance with officer Jenna D’Sora (Michele Scarabelli). 

“Star Trek” has also been full of full-blown marriages. Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) married Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) on in the “Next Generation” movies. On “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” Worf (Michael Dorn) married Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), which, incidentally, proved to be easy character development for the actors because the romance didn’t have to be forced. Furthermore, on “Star Trek: Voyager,” Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) married B’Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson). 

There are additional examples of relationships as well, but Starfleet is a military organization, and there are some regulations in place about dating fellow officers, right? It seems evident, just on the surface, that there would be a conflict of interest at play if, say, a starship captain were to begin dating an ensign under his command. There would be no way to assuage any sense of favoritism when both officers were on the clock. 

The actual regulations regarding sexual and romantic relations on “Star Trek” are rarely stated outright, although in the “Voyager” episode “The Disease,” it was noted that there is a “Starfleet Handbook on Personal Relationships,” and that it is three centimeters thick. This handbook presumably contains everything a Starfleet officer needs to know about dating fellow officers, marrying crewmates, or even having flings with aliens. 



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