Where would the Enterprise be without her devoted engineer, Montgomery “Scotty” Scott? Known throughout Starfleet as a miracle worker with engine repair and modification, his experience and touch with mechanics are unmatched. From humble beginnings to a space-faring legend, let’s trace his career and recognize his contributions to both Starfleet and his beloved Enterprise.
Scotty’s early days
Montgomery Scott was born in Scotland, possibly in Aberdeen, in 2222. It’s possible his family was already involved with space vehicle engineering, as he professed to being born for space travel in “The Lights of Zetar” (S03E18).
Once he achieved the rank of lieutenant (JG), Scott served aboard the Stardiver; however, after a Gorn attack, the ship was lost, leaving him as the only survivor. The Enterprise itself would rescue him from being marooned.
Scott’s service aboard Enterprise
Scotty’s service aboard the Enterprise is, of course, legendary. Not only was he the chief engineer, but he also served as Captain Kirk’s second officer. When Kirk and Spock went planetside on away missions, it was Scotty who took command of the ship with a gruff and non-nonsense attitude when it came to facing down foes.
Scotty’s reputation as a miracle worker began on the Enterprise, where his talent with engineering got Kirk and the crew out of what seemed like certain death situations dozens of times. Some of his more memorable acts include installing the Romulan cloaking device on the Enterprise in “The Enterprise Incident” (S03E02) and altering the ship’s weapons to neutralize Vaal in “The Apple” (S02E09).
The later years
Scotty returned to the Enterprise after its 5-year mission to train young engineers. He sadly lost his nephew Peter during the battle with Khan and then the Enterprise herself during a battle with the Klingons over the Genesis Planet (one can only imagine the grief he felt watching Enterprise burn up.)
After taking part in several missions with Captain Kirk, including traveling back in time, Scotty finds himself trapped on a Dyson Sphere in the Jenolan, a transport ship that crashed there due to warp engine failure. He locks himself and another crew member in the transporter pattern buffer, only for the crew of Enterprise-D to discover and bring him out of the transporter. After 75 years, it was likely difficult for Scotty to adjust!
Scotty’s personality
Scotty is often gruff yet friendly, and his command style is a bit more relaxed than Kirk’s. He takes suggestions and recommendations from the crew, such as in “Friday’s Child” (S02E11) instead of acting on his own. This makes him likeable and popular with the crew. In his free time, he enjoys reading technical journals.
Everyone on board Enterprise has a shortcoming, and Scotty’s is his quick temper. He’ll throw a punch with little trouble, as the Klingons found out in “The Trouble With Tribbles” (S02E15). His fights are usually the result of defending women, including his beloved lady Enterprise!