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 Rank: Civilian Duty: Cook & Morale Officer Race: Talaxian |
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Rank: Civilian Duty: Cook & Morale Officer Race: Talaxian |
A happy-go-lucky jack-of-all trades, Neelix is exactly the man that the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager needed to find after they became stranded in the Delta Quadrant. A scavenger and independent trader with an extensive knowledge of the worlds and cultures of the region, Neelix offers his services to Captain Janeway as cook, guide, unofficial ambassador and self-appointed morale officer. In exchange, Neelix is able to leave his dingy, nomadic existence behind for life aboard a luxurious starship. A brave man with a generous heart and an often over-enthusiastic love of life, Neelix yearns to be well-liked and treasures his indispensability to the crew. He is absolutely devoted to Janeway, and is one of her most trusted advisors.
Neelix had a tragic, checkered past before coming on board Voyager. His entire family was killed along with 300,000 of his people on the Talaxian moon of Rinax, when a metreon cascade weapon was used by the Haakonians to force Talax's surrender during a war. Neelix was on Talax at the time, hiding from military duty, as he did not believe in the reasons behind the war. He escaped death, but carried a burden of grief and guilt for years. Later, he spent time as a contraband smuggler. But Neelix has gone through some terrible experiences on Voyager as well. He had his lungs stolen by the Vidiians, and later, was forced to confront the Haakonian scientist who created the cascade.
Neelix loves to cook, and enjoys introducing the sometimes reluctant crew to old family recipes and Talaxian delicacies, and serves hors d'oeuvres on the bridge. He even commandeered the captain's private dining room and transformed it into a kitchen. Mindful that the crew is often prey to homesickness, Neelix jumps at any opportunity to raise the crew's spirits as morale officer, sounding board or counselor. Neelix's spirits are lifted by Kes, the young Ocampan woman who accompanies him aboard Voyager. He is madly in love with Kes, and is at first very jealous of Lieutenant Tom Paris' attentions to her. Neelix also admires Tuvok, even though the Vulcan is continually dismissive of Neelix's capabilities and demeanor. Finally tiring of Tuvok's perceived hostility, Neelix summons his courage and confronts him, and Tuvok comes to a greater respect for the Talaxian.
Neelix believes his usefulness to Voyager is at an end when the ship arrives at the Nekrit Expanse, a vast, uncharted area of space that marks the limits of his knowledge of the Delta Quadrant. The Talaxian comes to realize he still has a place on the ship, and has since then been training in security and engineering in order to heighten his usefulness.
Interesting Facts
Neelix served for two years on an orbital maintenance team on Talax, and for two years as an engineer's assistant on a Trabalian freighter.
Neelix's family was killed in 2356, and he joined the Voyager crew in 2371.
Neelix's kitchen is on Deck 2.
Neelix's ship is stored in a cargo bay on Voyager.
With his favorite sister Alixia, the young Neelix explored the Caves of Touth, visited the equatorial dust shrouds and hunted arctic spiders.
Neelix recreated the Paxau Resort from Talax as a holodeck environment where the crew can relax.
Neelix has a daily talk show on the ship's comm system, A Briefing With Neelix.
In two alternate futures experienced by members of the crew, Neelix was a full-fledged security officer.
Neelix recalls the faces of his family every night before he goes to sleep, and shares something of his day with each of them.
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