Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (1x7) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Episode 7 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy provided a storyline for the show's queer male characters. Appropriately titled "Ko'Zeine," the episode began with the academy cadets preparing to leave learning behind for a holiday. The brash Darem (George Hawkins) crossed paths with his fellow cadet Jay-Den (Karim Diané), curious about the shirt he was carrying. Jay-Den revealed that it was beachwear for his intended holiday with Kyle. Darem wasted little time before calling out how odd it would be for a Klingon to visit Ibiza but Jay-Den explained that he was looking forward to the trip with Kyle and didn't mind sacrificing for someone he cares about. This clearly left an impression on Darem, as they were joined by Kyle (Dale Whibley), causing Darem to make a quick exit. After his departure, Kyle remarked that it was clear Darem still didn't like him. Jay-Den assured him that it didn't matter. He joked that no one likes Darem. Later, Jay-Den stumbled across Darem being whisked away through a portal after being knocked out. Jay-Den sprung into action, traveling through the portal that led to Darem's home in the Khionian realm. Jay-Den attempts to rescue him, only to learn that Darem was taken in preparation for his wedding. He explained to Jay-Den that he's part of an arranged marriage to his best friend from childhood, Kaira (Jaelynn Thora Brooks). He was not expecting it to come so soon after he joined the academy, but he has no choice but to comply, given his dedication to his people as he's set to become King consort. 

Seeing Darem was in fact safe, Jay-Den decided to leave but Darem asked him to stay, requesting that Jay-Den act as his Ko'Zeine, the equivalent of a best man. Jay-Den immediately panics, feeling uncomfortable with ceremonies, parties, and the thought of giving the required toast in Darem's honor. However, seeing the need for support in Darem's eyes, Jay-Den ultimately agrees, despite knowing it's keeping him away from Kyle. After meeting Kaira, the two got dressed for the ceremony and Jay-Den shared his discomfort with the temperature of his wardrobe until seeing that Darem was beginning to panic over his situation. Darem removed his robe to warm Jay-Den up, leading to a moment of tension. Jay-Den questioned his desire to go through with the ceremony. Darem explained that he couldn't break his people's tradition, even if he didn't want to get married and leave Starfleet Academy behind. Jay-Den encouraged him to tell the truth and come back with him, but Darem explained that he couldn't do it. An annoyed Jay-Den was unwilling to play along, knowing Darem's true desire wasn't on Khionia. He pulled out of the ceremony, and a nervous Darem attempted to cover for his absence for the toast, only for Jay-Den to show up after all. 

Jay-Den gave a heartfelt toast, revealing to Kaira and all of the attendees how different Darem is when he's at the academy, where they became friends. Kaira paid close attention when Jay-Den talked about Darem's dedication to his people, so much so that he's willing to put himself and his desires second to fulfill his obligations. Jay-Den prepared himself to say goodbye to his friend. Kaira, however, stepped in, telling Darem that he needed to abdicate the throne so that she could annul their marriage and allow him to return to Starfleet. Darem refused, not wanting to let her down or let their people down. Kaira insisted, knowing that it was where he needed to be. Darem agreed. Placing a hand on Darem's shoulder, Jay-Den suggested they go home. They returned to Starfleet Academy, finding the waiting Kyle, who shared a pleasant reunion with Jay-Den, including a kiss on the cheek, clearly making Darem uncomfortable. He teased Kyle about his sunburn, causing Jay-Den to leave with Kyle hand-in-hand. The couple joined their fellow cadets to watch a meteor shower, with Darem also watching by himself.