Erika Hernandez

Captain Erika Hernandez in 2154.

Erika Hernandez was a Human female in the 22nd century, who enlisted in United Earth Starfleet, reaching the rank of captain and made commanding officer of Earth's second Warp Five-Capable Starship; the Columbia (NX-02).

Early Career

In the beginning of her career, Erika became romantically involved with her fellow officer Jonathan Archer, though were forced to break off their relationship when Archer was promoted, making it inappropriate for Erika to be with a superior officer.

The details of her previous assignments to Columbia are unknown, but, immediately prior to the posting, was assigned to the Republic as its executive officer under the command of Captain Jennings. When Erika left, Jennings allowed her to take the ship's cook with her.

Columbia

In 2153, Erika reached the rank of captain and took command of the NX class starship Columbia. In February of 2154, the Enterprise (NX-01), under Archer's command, returned to Earth from it's mission to stop the Xindi destroying the planet. Erika met Archer at the Starfleet officer's favorite bar, and immediately sought his advice on sorting out the final details of her ships' equipment and crew.

When Archer was ordered by Maxwell Forrest to take a vacation (when the stresses of the Xindi mission began taking their toll), he went rock climbing. Erika followed and readily offered her companionship and solace. With time, Erika helped Archer open up and express his feelings, especially the hurt and anger he had contained over the immense ordeals and problems he and his crew suffered near-constantly during the past year. At this time, Erika and Archer, now the same rank, rekindled their romantic relationship and made love. They did, however, decide to keep their relationship a secret.

The Columbias launch was continuously delayed due to technical problems, so Erika twice tried to convince Enterprise's chief engineer; Charles Tucker, to transfer to her ship. For personal reasons, Tucker ultimately accepted, and with his knowledge and experience, Columbia finally launched a year after it's original date.

Not long afterwards, Erika and her crew came to the aid of Enterprise when it faced destruction due to Klingon sabotage. The ships performed an impressive maneuver that merged their warp fields, allowing Tucker to reach the Enteprise, using a tether connecting the ship's together. Once safely onboard, Tucker corrected the engine's sabotaged computer systems, saving the Enterprise.

The Columbia joined forces with Enterprise during its mission to rescue Doctor Phlox, and as such protected Qu'Vat colony (where Phlox was attempting to create a cure to the Klingon augment virus, and Columbia fought off Fleet Admiral Krell, who, along with his fleet were attempting to prevent the virus' spread by sterilizing all infected planets. Erika successfully assisted in holding off the Klingons until Phlox resolved the situation, saving countless millions of lives. It was at this time Tucker decided to return to Enterprise, with Erika approving the transfer.

Captain Hernandez disappeared along with the Columbia and her crew near Tau Ceti. Dominion involvement was suspected when a crew from Deep Space 9 found and salvaged the remains of the Columbia in 2373. (Ships of the Line)

Time in the 24th Century

Erika Hernandez will be featured in the upcoming Star Trek: Destiny miniseries.

Appearances

• Star Trek: Enterprise:
  • "Home"
  • "Affliction"
  • "Divergence"

External Links

• Erika Hernandez article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.