All Activity

Very interesting post. To be fair, Gene's Roddenberry's vision was always and will be, nothing more than a "hope" for the future. Gene's vision of humanity which consists of almost zero conflict and cooperation has no basis in the real world. Human nature, at it's most basic, is nothing to crow about. As Quark once said, and I'm paraphrasing a bit, Humans can be the most wonderful species of the universe but take away our comforts, and we are no better than the beasts. Instinctually, we as a species, are no better than anything else on the planet. Take away anything that we feel we need and we become vicious, hostile and dangerous to the point that nothing matters except us. Maybe ST needs to more like BSG, showing humans for what we are in spite of our technological advances. As much as I love ST, the idea that we can resolve anything peacefully and without conflict has no basis in any world, real or imagined. Show the underside, admit that we don't always get along but try to uphold the ideals is more interesting then what is sometime presented. Section 31 may finally present the dark underbelly of what the Federation actually is, noble and honorable but also dark, deceitful and conniving. Coming closer to actual human drama may be what ST really needs then the constant fluff and feel good conclusions we usually see (see DS9-In the Pale Moonlight to get a glimpse). I'll continue to hope that humankind will evolve into what we see, but I'm not holding my breath. Until then, ST will still be a beacon of hope and for the future and I will always enjoy whatever is give to me but I also understand, like a bedtime story, it's only happily ever after in an imagined world. What was Star Trek can never be sustained, human nature won't allow it.

Mirror Universe-Terran Empire-How?

xenexian posted a topic in Ten Forward

Even though I'm an old Trekker, I'm always still fascinated by the mirror universe. I've tried to research how the humans came to be so bad and I'm not coming up with much in regards to background. One of the more plausible explanations I've read was that the Terran empire was the result of the Romulan war. After losing the initial war (Capt. Archer's era) the Earth was occupied by the Romulans for close to one hundred earth years only to be finally overthrown by the human capacity for not tolerating captivity. As a result, humans began a program of aggression that the Alpha Quadrant had never seen before. Never again would humans be subjugated to occupation and conquest, from now on, they would be the conquerors and hold human kind above all. Were the humans simply responding to their environment or was the mirror universe humans an anomaly, considering our nurturing history, and was a result of a hostile universe and a breaking of human ideals with how we treat those that are different? Were the humans in the mirror universe a product of what they endured or was the capacity for aggression simply suppressed because of human society and then released when they became conquered? The idea of an aggressive earth fascinates me because of our capacity for both aggression and peace. What drove us to relinquish what peaceful teachings we had over millenniums of religious history? What exactly happened to Earth during the occupation? Enquiring minds want to know. If anyone has any other insight as to how the humans became the scourge of the universe it would be greatly appreciated if they would share. If not, I have a great book idea formulating.

December 9, 2024

ST seems to be in good hands.

xenexian posted a topic in Ten Forward

It's been quite awhile since I've been here. So happy to see so many ST fans. On that note, I'd like to say that since I'm an original Trekker, I've seen and experienced the many incarnations of our beloved series and even though there are still many questionable decisions made by the rights holder, I seem to feel that ST is once again headed in a good direction. I see a lot attempts by Paramount to rein in a new generation (Prodigy, Lower Decks) The shorts on internet as well as the new series coming soon (section 31 and ST Academy) and I'm beginning to sense a new energy. So many aspects of the ST universe seem to be coning to the fore and I'm grateful for the expenditures made to continue. I feel that ST will continue making headway into our culture unlike so many others. However, I would like to see a dirtier side of the Federation, something more akin to Battlestar Galactica. Something more akin to the everyday human on earth and how they perceive Starfleet. We're way too complicated to think that the ST future will be perfect but then again what purpose to dreams have if not to envision something better. ST will always point a way to that future and I'm glad it will not die what I finally do pass. The future of st is still in good hands.

December 9, 2024

Star Trek: The Lower Decks upsets me.

xenexian replied to Sasuga's topic in Star Trek: Lower Decks

my goodness, Please don't take it to heart. I'm an old trekker, an original fan since 1966, but over the years I've learned to take public perception of Star Trek fans as a compliment. Is lower Decks making fun of Star Trek fans? Maybe, but all in good fun. I'm also a Sherlockian so I get a lot of flak from that too but it also shows how incorporated we are to pop culture. I don't care if others make fun of me for being a star Trek fan. In fact, Boimler is a perfect example of what I might be like if I somehow entered the ST universe. Coming from the advertising world, the saying that bad publicity is still publicity is very real. There are some who might be attracted to ST if not for lower decks and the more the better. Being to laugh at oneself for having an odd interest is actually healthy. The jabs that LD takes at the whole ST universe is like a release and I really don't care what anyone thinks. Even in my professional career I took jabs at management and the higher ups and got away with a lot of things that were not considered standard, so to speak, so I relish Ensign Mariner and what she is able to do. But on the whole, LD does not cause any worry.

RIP James Darren

youbroughtheryouRiker posted a topic in Starfleet Command Database

An amazing singer and actor. We lost him two days ago. Personal favorite songs of his for me are "All" and "Just Think Of Tonight" RIP

September 4, 2024

Star Trek: Legacy of the Stars

Bethlehem replied to SarahThomas's topic in Star Trek Books & Fan Fiction

You did a fantastic writing that short story! Well done

Star Trek: Legacy of the Stars

SarahThomas replied to SarahThomas's topic in Star Trek Books & Fan Fiction

Chapter Two: Bridging Time As the shuttlecraft prepared for launch, Captain Nevor gathered her chosen away team in the transporter room. Lieutenant K'lara, Lieutenant Commander T'Rell, the chief engineer, and Ensign Harper, a talented young helmsman, stood ready, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation. "Remember," Nevor addressed her team, "we don't know what we'll find inside that anomaly. Stay alert and follow my lead. Our primary objective is to locate Captain Archer and his crew and bring them back safely." The team nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of their mission. They stepped onto the transporter pads, and with a nod from the captain, the familiar hum and glow of the transporter beam enveloped them. Moments later, they materialized inside the shuttlecraft, where they quickly took their positions. "Engaging engines," Harper reported as the shuttle lifted off the deck and glided out of the shuttle bay. The vortex loomed larger on the viewscreen, its swirling tendrils of energy seeming to reach out towards them. "Steady as she goes, Ensign," Nevor instructed, her eyes locked on the viewscreen. "Take us in slowly." As they approached the anomaly, the shuttle began to shudder, buffeted by the powerful forces at play. Harper's hands moved deftly over the controls, keeping the vessel on a steady course despite the turbulence. "Readings are fluctuating," K'lara announced, her eyes scanning the data on her console. "The temporal distortions are creating interference, but I'm detecting a faint energy signature that could be the source of the signal." "Lock onto it and plot a course," Nevor ordered. The shuttlecraft pushed deeper into the vortex, the swirling energies creating a surreal and disorienting spectacle outside the viewport. Inside, the crew remained focused, their training and camaraderie guiding them through the uncertainty. "Captain, I'm picking up a visual," T'Rell said, his eyes widening as an image appeared on the viewscreen. "It's another starship—an older model." Neatly silhouetted against the swirling chaos was the unmistakable outline of the NX-class starship, the original Enterprise. The sight of the legendary vessel, preserved in the grip of the anomaly, sent a ripple of awe through the crew. "There she is," Nevor murmured, her voice filled with reverence. "Jonathan Archer's Enterprise." As they drew closer, the details of the ancient starship became clearer. Its hull bore the scars of time and conflict, yet it stood resilient, a testament to the pioneers of Starfleet. "We're being hailed," K'lara announced, her fingers deftly working the communications console. "On screen," Nevor commanded. The viewscreen flickered to life, revealing the haggard but determined face of Captain Jonathan Archer. "This is Captain Archer of the Starship Enterprise. Please identify yourselves." "Captain Archer, this is Captain Alynna Nevor of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-F," Nevor replied, her voice steady. "We're here to assist you and your crew." Archer's eyes widened in astonishment, a mixture of relief and disbelief washing over his features. "Captain Nevor, you've come through the anomaly to rescue us?" "Yes, Captain," Nevor affirmed. "We're going to get you and your crew out of here. Stand by for transport." As they worked to coordinate the rescue, Nevor couldn't help but reflect on the legacy they were upholding. This mission was more than just a rescue—it was a bridge between the past and the future, a testament to Starfleet's enduring spirit. With precision and teamwork, the away team began the delicate process of beaming Archer and his crew aboard their shuttlecraft. One by one, the figures materialized on the transporter pads, their expressions a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Welcome aboard," Nevor greeted Archer as he stepped down from the pad, his eyes taking in the advanced technology around him. "Let's get you all back to the Enterprise." As they made their way back through the vortex, the combined crew of past and present worked together, overcoming the challenges of the anomaly with skill and determination. The journey was treacherous, but with each other's support, they emerged from the swirling energies and back into the clear expanse of space. The Enterprise awaited them, a beacon of hope and unity. As the shuttlecraft docked and the rescued crew stepped onto the familiar deck, a sense of accomplishment and reverence filled the air. They had not only saved their predecessors but also honored the spirit of exploration and discovery that defined Starfleet. Captain Nevor stood with Captain Archer, their gazes meeting in mutual respect. "Thank you, Captain," Archer said quietly. "For everything." Nevor nodded, her expression reflecting the shared bond of their mission. "It was our honor, Captain. Welcome to the future." As the crew of the Enterprise continued their voyage, they carried with them the echoes of the past, a reminder of the enduring legacy that spanned the stars. Together, they forged a new chapter in the storied history of the Starship Enterprise, united by their commitment to exploration, discovery, and the timeless spirit of Starfleet. As a Star Trek fan, this mission felt like a dream come true. I love playing online Star Trek games, especially on this site. Writing fanfiction and watching the movies and TV series for the hundredth time never gets old for me. The adventure of bridging time and space, just like in the stories, fuels my passion for the Star Trek universe.