Deep Space Nine gave audiences a wide variety of characters with intriguing backgrounds. The series took a new approach to Star Trek in a number of ways, from the format of the series to the topics of each episode. The biggest change was the person in charge and their second in command. Instead of a Captain, Deep Space Nine had Benjamin Sisko start out as a Commander. His Number One wasn't even a Starfleet officer, nor did she hold a naval rank like every other Number One. Major Kira Nerys, who eventually became Colonel Kira Nerys, came from the Bajoran Republic and acted as a liaison between Starfleet and Bajor.