Number One

Number One was Captain Christopher Pike's XO on the USS Enterprise. Whilst she served in this role, she held the rank of lieutenant. She was noted for her exceptional intelligence and rationality. In 2254, Captain Pike regarded Number One as the most experienced officer on the Enterprise. (TOS: "The Cage").


 * Number One was portrayed by Majel Barrett Roddenberry, credited as M. Leigh Hudec.

Background Information
Number One's real name was never revealed, although the novel "Vulcan's Glory" by TOS writer D.C. Fontana suggested this name was not simply a nickname or title -- she was an Ilyrian colonist who was named "Number One," as the best intellect among her generation. This backstory isn't canon, however, since it was never referred to onscreen. The Captains Table novel Where Sea Meets Sky, Number 1 was given the last name Lefler (an allusion to Robin Lefler).

The character of Number One was dropped from the series at the suggestion of NBC executives, and her highly-logical, steel-trap mind was given to the character of Spock instead.

There has been some debate as to how an officer with the mere rank of lieutenant can become the first officer of a starship. The reason for this is that, when Gene Roddenberry first created Star Trek, the first rank structure he employed was based on the system used in the US Army, rather than naval ranks we have come to associate with Starfleet. For this reason, it can be assumed that Starfleet's rank system during this time was temporarily changed from the system used during the 22nd century and was then changed back sometime prior to the events of "Where No Man Has Gone Before", although this has not been officially established.