Synopsis: Voyager and her crew encounter an alien test pilot.
In this episode, the character of Steth, the test pilot from the Benthan System, can be seen as embodying Trickster energy. Energy associated with Hermes or Mercury, to the ancient Greeks and Romans, or as Coyote in some mythologies from the Americas.
In “Vis a Vis” Lt. Tom Paris is seen as being a bit out of sorts, that is until Voyager comes across a vessel powered by what Paris identifies as a coaxial warp drive. Paris quickly becomes enamored of this ship that can travel by bending space, and its pilot, who identifies himself as Steth. However, unbeknownst to Paris, Steth has the ability to take on the identity of others and cause them to be trapped in the body that Steth was in when he takes over theirs. Steth stuns Paris when he is on the ship and takes his place aboard Voyager. Then another individual who comes from the Benthan System comes to reclaim their body and identity. In the end, all are returned to their own bodies and Paris seems to appreciate better his own life.
That in this episode Steth embodies Trickster energy can be seen not only in that he can take on other identities, like Coyote sometimes does, but he can also travel swiftly by bending time, a feat that seems comparable to what Hermes or Mercury would be capable of. Additionally, Trickster energy is associated with change. It seemed that Paris needed an attitude adjustment, and through his encounter with Steth, he certainly got one.
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