Nikolai Rozhenko

Nikolai Sergeyevich Rozhenko was a Human cultural observer in the 24th century . Nikolai was the only biological child of Sergey and Helena Rozhenko. In 2347, he became the foster brother of a Klingon child named Worf. The two went on to consider themselves brothers well into their adulthood despite their conflicting personalities. 
Together the Rozhenko family was raised on the farm world of Gault, before eventually returning to Earth. Nikolai would accompany his father and brother on camping trips into the Ural Mountains. He was afraid of the howling of the wolves. ()
Known for being somewhat of a loose cannon, Nikolai and his brother had many disagreements as they were growing up, even if they acknowledged and respected each other's strengths; Worf in particular noted that Nikolai was a strong-willed man and a natural leader. Nikolai attended Starfleet Academy but dropped out after one year because the rules were too stringent. ()
Rozhenko and Worf visited in 2366.
Years later, Doctor Rozhenko was assigned to the observation post on the planet Boraal II and was the only observer present by 2370. He broke the Prime Directive by becoming much more involved with the Boraalans than necessary, although he was able to conceal his true origins from them. He conceived a child with a Boraalan female, Dobara, and became very protective of the Boraalans in her village. 
It was at that time that Boraal II fell victim to a rapid atmospheric dissipation. Major storms hit the planet for several days, and, before the atmosphere was finally destroyed, led Dobara and the villagers into a cave to seek refuge after transmitting a distress call. Knowing the was in the sector, he created a holodeck program of the caves, planning to beam them off the planet directly into the program. Pleading with Captain Picard to save the small group of Boraalans, he felt it would be irrational to let the culture die when they could help; not known at the time was the fact that Dobara was pregnant with his child, which served as a further motivation. Picard disagreed and did not permit the Boraalans to be brought aboard. 
Shortly thereafter, the Enterprise-D witnessed the complete destruction of all life on Boraal II. However, Rozhenko used the systems interference from the atmospheric dissipation to transport the Boraalans anyway. Picard was infuriated at Rozhenko's gross violation of the Prime Directive, and Worf confronted him for yet again not thinking through the consequences of his action. However, with the action forced on them, Picard decided to find a new home for the Boraalans. He assigned Dr. Beverly Crusher and Lieutenant Commander Data to the task of finding a new planet for the group. 
They chose the isolated world of Vacca VI. While Rozhenko and Lieutenant Worf guided the Boraalans out of the simulated caves and to a simulated surface, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge was able to gradually adjust the scenery to more resemble Vacca VI. Once the transformation was complete and the Enterprise-D reached Vacca VI, the Boraalans were transported to the surface, where they began to establish a new village. Rozhenko stayed behind with the Boraalans. All but one of the Boraalans were unaware of the move. ()
== Appendices ==
=== Background information ===
Nikolai Rozhenko was played by actor Paul Sorvino.
Although the existence of Worf's adoptive brother was first established in "Heart of Glory," his name was never given until "Homeward." Prior to this, author Peter David used the name "Simon" for the character in the Starfleet Academy book Worf's First Adventure.
Nikolai's full name is in accordance with Russian naming conventions, since Russian tradition usually has a person bearing his/her father's first name as a .
Sorvino's costume from this episode was later sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay. 
=== External link ===
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Category:Humans
Category:Scientists
Category:Starfleet Academy personnel
Category:Starfleet personnel (24th century)