Q in the mercenary uniform.
The Fourth World mercenary uniform was a variety of Human armor with uniform insignia worn by the so-called Fourth World mercenary forces of the Optimum Movement on Earth in the 21st century.
History and specifics[]
The uniform armor consisted of weapon-resistant padding attached together over much of the body, although variations of just torso and head protection existed. (TNG episode & novelization: Encounter at Farpoint, TNG comic: "Q Factor")
Most of these armors had headgear that bore the insignia of their mercenary loyalty on the forehead. The chestplate had an attachment for a drug dispenser and gauntlets that could carry a fistgun. Because of the drug-addled nature of these mercenaries, they were often referred to as "zombies" by the populations they terrorized. (ST novel: Federation)
The uniform was largerly used during World War III. (TOS comic: "Star Trek vs. Transformers, Issue 2")
Visiting the Federation starship Enterprise-D bridge in 2364, Q wore this armor when explaining to Jean-Luc Picard the tendency of Humans to mobilize forces and send them to their deaths, mocking the drugged demeanor of the Post-Atomic Horror mercenaries. Later, in Q's courtroom, he had a number of men in these uniforms serving the bailiff. When Tasha Yar attacked one of the guards, he was executed for incompetence by his comrade. (TNG episode & novelization: Encounter at Farpoint)
Q again mockingly wore this costume in a later visit to the battle bridge of the Enterprise. (TNG comic: "Q Factor")
- On the cover of the comic, Q wore a version of the armor lacking part of the cowl, and any arm or leg coverage.