Captain Danby Connor was a male Terran Imperial Starfleet officer in the mid-23rd century, known for his mastery of poisons and strategic brilliance. His tactical prowess earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his reputation as a formidable figure within the ruthless Terran Empire.
During the 2250s, Connor served aboard the ISS Shenzhou under Captain Michael Burnham. When Burnham mysteriously vanished during a mission and was presumed lost, a fierce contest for command ensued. Connor, through determination and calculated moves, emerged victorious, securing his place as the new captain of the Shenzhou. However, despite his official rank, he found it challenging to command the same respect and unwavering loyalty that Burnham had effortlessly commanded. The crew remained wary, their allegiance never truly shifting in his favor, leaving him constantly struggling to reinforce his authority.
His tenure as captain took an unexpected turn when Burnham, now disguised as her mirror-universe counterpart, resurfaced. The mere sight of her reignited tensions, prompting Connor to make a bold move and confront Burnham in a turbolift. He sought to eliminate any threat she posed to his command, but the encounter did not go as he had planned. In the high-stakes confrontation, Burnham outmaneuvered him, sealing his fate in a way that would forever alter the course of the ISS Shenzhou’s command structure.
Behind the scenes, Connor was portrayed by Sam Vartholomeos, who originally played him as an ensign in the prime timeline. Unbeknownst to him, the role would evolve into something far more significant in the mirror universe. Recalling his surprise, Vartholomeos shared how he arrived on set in Toronto, only to discover that he was not just reprising his character but stepping into the boots of a captain. The shift from ensign to a hardened leader in the ruthless Terran Empire required a drastic transformation, which he embraced fully. “I took Ensign Connor’s ambition and twisted it into something darker,” he explained, molding his performance into one that reflected the cutthroat nature of the Terran way. Seeing his name on a trailer marked “Captain Connor” was a moment of realization—he was no longer just a young officer; he was now a commanding force in one of Starfleet’s most dangerous realities.