Most of the characters in the Star Trek universe are humans or humanoid aliens with grounded motivations and rich inner lives. The stories typically follow dedicated Starfleet representatives as they explore the galaxy, trying to solve problems. Though that's the default state for the franchise, there are unique and groundbreaking characters with higher
aspirations. Look at the Traveler, an enigmatic alien who wants to see the universe.
Star Trek has been on the air for almost 70 years. In that time, characters have come and gone, but many fan favorites return regularly. This allows storylines to span decades and occasionally skip long periods. Some characters will disappear for a decade while their portrayer takes on other projects, only to drop back in for a shocking update.
Who is The Traveler?
The Traveler is a metaphysical being who is said to represent some unknown humanoid species. He's an alien from a newly-discovered planet called Tau Alpha C. The Traveler has a traditional name, though it's said to be unpronounceable by any human mouth. The Traveler experiences time differently, though he's made no effort to explain how his experience compares to anyone else's. He claims to be a wanderer, motivated by curiosity. Rather than any form of power or wealth, The Traveler seeks knowledge. He wishes to understand the reality of the universe, which he describes as somehow different from his own. The Traveler is almost gleefully vague in his explanations. The man leaves so much unspoken that most other characters take him at his word and drop their questions. Though he obfuscates large parts of his life and backstory, he does possess inexplicable abilities that mark him as unusual.
The Traveler can act as "a lens that focuses thought." In other words, he's a psychic of such tremendous power that no other species can comprehend his capabilities. Most notably, The Traveler can shift his position in time and space at will. He can teleport impossibly vast distances or phase into another era with a thought. The Traveler sees thought as the basis of all reality. That solipsistic worldview grants The Traveler godlike control over materiality, time, space, and subspace. The Betazoids, a telepathic race of humanoids, could not detect The Traveler despite their empathetic prowess. The Traveler can change his physical form, perfectly copying other organisms and creating the matter that makes up their clothing from nothing. The Traveler possesses knowledge that no other beings seem to lay claim to. He has supposedly traveled the universe for time immemorial, learning its secrets and satisfying his endless curiosity.
The Traveler and Wesley Crusher
The Traveler has only encountered Starfleet a few times. It's a big universe, and the odds of crossing paths are limited. However, his visits have been particularly impactful upon one member of the USS Enterprise-D crew. Wesley R. Crusher was the precocious teenager aboard Picard's ship. He was an unpopular character in his early appearances. Fans felt that he was unfairly propped up as the unlikely hero, possibly representing an author insert for Gene Roddenberry. His importance to the story was vastly decreased after his first season. When the Traveler storyline began, it quickly became Wesley's new direction as a character. That path was strange, but it finally reached its apex.
The Traveler immediately recognized Wesley as a unique being. Wesley discovered The Traveler's capabilities long before any other crew member. He convinced Picard that Wesley had potential far beyond his appearance, leading the Captain to promote the young man. The Traveler next appeared when Wesley accidentally trapped his mother, Beverly, in an alternate reality. Wesley had begun to discover strange powers, mirroring the abilities of The Traveler. The Traveler was drawn to Wesley's psychic signature and his suffering. The Traveler offered assistance and saved Beverly by convincing Wesley of his potential. The Traveler next came to Wesley in disguise and guided him through a vision quest. Wesley's dead father appeared to inform him that his destiny did not lie with Starfleet. Wesley agreed to travel with The Traveler. He disappeared from the franchise for almost 30 years, barring a brief cameo at William Riker's wedding party. Wesley became a fellow Traveler. He even recruited another candidate into the fold.
The Traveler is one of the most fascinating concepts in the Star Trek universe, but he's barely ever been explored. He's essentially the franchise's version of Marvel's Watcher, but he's actively recruiting. Though most of the franchise is based around the human drama of mortals in impossible scenarios, a godlike explorer attempting to learn all he can about the unique flow of the universe is worth more than a couple of episodes. The Traveler raises so many questions about the forces that govern the Star Trek continuity, even as he obstinately refuses to answer any of them. Perhaps The Traveler will be a more significant part of future Star Trek stories. Either way, rest assured that a strange little alien is always moving and always watching.