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Star Trek: New Frontier

View history

1 Series history
2 Characters
3.1 Published order
3.2 Chronological order
3.3 Omnibuses
3.4 Related works
4.1 Connections
4.2 References
4.3 External links

Series history [ ]

New Frontier was created in 1997 by Pocket Books Editor John Ordover and writer Peter David. It was considered to be an experiment, to see how readers would react to novels which did not center on major characters or the settings featured in the television series.

Ordover conceived of New Frontier as an analogue to the post-Soviet USSR , where numerous forces once kept in check by the central government began to battle to fill the power vacuum, and old conflicts begin to resurface. ( Voyages of Imagination )

David created three original characters for New Frontier novels: Mackenzie Calhoun , formerly known as M'k'n'zy of Calhoun, leader of the Xenexian rebellion against the alien Danteri ; Si Cwan , a former Thallonian nobleman now out of power; and Burgoyne 172 , the Hermat Chief Engineer of the USS Excalibur . Three more characters -- Soleta , Zak Kebron , and Mark McHenry -- were created by David for his trilogy of Starfleet Academy novels featuring Worf , and brought back to the new series as adult officers. Elizabeth Shelby , Robin Lefler , and Dr. Selar were also included due to their status as "one-shot favorites" of Star Trek: The Next Generation fans.

The first four titles were released as shorter (and cheaper) "chapbooks", in much the same manner as Stephen King's The Green Mile was originally published the year prior. These four books were later re-released in a single hardbound omnibus .

The New Frontier series has been quite successful, and includes some of the best selling of the recent Star Trek novels. Its success is directly responsible for other similar lit-only Trek series, such as Star Trek: Starfleet Corps of Engineers and Star Trek: IKS Gorkon .

New Frontier stories regularly appear in crossover miniseries and short story anthologies. The series has also expanded into the realm of comics; In 2000 WildStorm Comics published the first New Frontier comic and approached David about creating a second but lost the license before that came to fruition. In 2008 the new comics licenser, IDW Publishing , approached David about a new New Frontier comics project, resulting in the publication of a five-part miniseries. [1]

21st century New Frontier logotype.

Beginning in July of 2015 , New Frontier returned in a series of eBooks published by Pocket. [2]

Characters [ ]

Mackenzie Calhoun
Elizabeth Shelby
Burgoyne 172
Mark McHenry
Robin Lefler
Morgan Primus
Katerina Mueller
Xyon of Calhoun
Kalinda Cwan
Tania Tobias
Romeo Takahashi

Published order [ ]

Chronological order [ ].

No Limits : " A Lady of Xenex "
No Limits : " Lefler's Logs " (Logs run through to 2364)
No Limits : " Turning Point "
No Limits : " Waiting For G'Doh "
No Limits : " Revelations "
No Limits : " Out of the Frying Pan "
No Limits : " Alice, on the Edge of Night "
No Limits : " All That Glisters... "
No Limits : " Performance Appraisal "
No Limits : " Oil and Water "
No Limits : " Singularity "
No Limits : " 'Q'uandary "
No Limits : " Loose Ends "
No Limits : " Through the Looking Glass "
No Limits : " Making a Difference "
House of Cards
Into the Void
The Two-Front War
Fire on High
The Captain's Table #5: Once Burned
Double Time (Story begins after Once Burned and concludes at the beginning of Double or Nothing )
Tales of the Dominion War : " Stone Cold Truths "
Double Helix #5: Double or Nothing
The Quiet Place
Dark Allies
Renaissance
Restoration
No Limits : " The Road to Edos "
No Limits : " A Little Getaway "
Gateways #6: Cold Wars
Gateways #7: What Lay Beyond : " Death After Life "
Being Human
Stone and Anvil
No Limits : " Redemption "
Tales from the Captain's Table : " Pain Management "
After the Fall
Missing in Action
Blind Man's Bluff
The Returned, Part 1
The Returned, Part 2
The Returned, Part 3

Omnibuses [ ]

New Frontier - Collector's Edition Hardcover of Books 1-4.
Prometheans - Exclusive book club hardcover omnibus of Martyr and Fire on High .

Related works [ ]

Starfleet Academy - Trilogy featuring Kebron, Soleta, and McHenry as classmates of Worf at Starfleet Academy.
Worf's First Adventure
Line of Fire
Vendetta - Features Korsmo and Shelby, referenced in House of Cards .
Imzadi II - Cameo by Shelby and Excalibur.
Gateways : Doors Into Chaos and Demons of Air and Darkness - Cameo by Calhoun and Shelby via holoconference (concurrent with Cold Wars ).
Q & A - Cameo by Shelby on Space Station Bravo .
Before Dishonor - Cameo by Calhoun and the Excalibur .

Appendices [ ]

Connections [ ], references [ ].

↑ NF novels : The Returned, Part 1 , The Returned, Part 2 , The Returned, Part 3

External links [ ]

Star Trek: New Frontier article at Memory Alpha , the wiki for canon Star Trek .
Star Trek: New Frontier article at Wikipedia , the free encyclopedia.
1 Ferengi Rules of Acquisition
2 The Chase
3 Preserver (race)

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A Retrospective Look At Peter David’s Hidden Gem, The Star Trek: New Frontier Series

March 21, 2024 by Daniella Acera 3 Comments

Star Trek New Frontier Being Human by Peter David

Peter David’s “New Frontier” Star Trek book series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the beloved sci-fi franchise. Born out of David’s deep love for Star Trek and his desire to explore uncharted territory within its vast universe, the New Frontier series has captivated fans with its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and imaginative world-building.

The genesis of the Star Trek: New Frontier series can be traced back to 1997 when Pocket Books approached Peter David with the idea of creating a new Star Trek novel series that would break away from the established continuity of the television shows and films. Peter David saw this as an opportunity to craft a narrative that would push the boundaries of what was possible within the Star Trek universe, allowing him to introduce new characters and storylines while still remaining true to the core themes and values of the franchise.

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The first installment of the Star Trek: New Frontier series, “House of Cards,” was published in 1997 and introduced readers to Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the USS Excalibur, a starship tasked with exploring the uncharted regions of the galaxy known as the “New Frontier.” With its diverse cast of characters, intricate plots, and Peter David’s signature wit and humor, “House of Cards” quickly became a fan favorite and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved Star Trek book series of all time.

Over the years, the Star Trek: New Frontier series has expanded to include over 20 novels, several short stories, and even a comic book miniseries. Through its sprawling narrative, Peter David has explored themes of identity, morality, and the nature of exploration, while also delving into the personal lives of the crew members of the Excalibur. From the enigmatic Captain Calhoun to the brilliant and resourceful Doctor Selar, each character brings their own unique perspective and struggles to the story, creating a dynamic and engaging ensemble cast.

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One of the most notable aspects of the New Frontier series is its ability to seamlessly integrate elements from across the Star Trek canon, incorporating characters and concepts from both the television shows and films into its own mythology. From encounters with familiar faces like Captain Picard and Commander Riker to explorations of iconic locations such as the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Neutral Zone, Peter David has crafted a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar to fans of the franchise.

Throughout its run, the Star Trek: New Frontier series has garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Readers have praised David’s ability to craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and explore new corners of the Star Trek universe with wit and imagination. The series has been lauded for its innovative storytelling, its diverse representation of characters, and its willingness to tackle complex themes and issues.

As the Star Trek: New Frontier series continues to expand and evolve, its legacy within the Star Trek universe remains secure. With its rich cast of characters, bold exploration of new frontiers, and unwavering commitment to the spirit of adventure and discovery, Peter David’s New Frontier stands as a shining example of Star Trek’s enduring power to inspire and captivate audiences across the galaxy.

What do you think of Peter David’s Star Trek: New Frontier? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Reader Interactions

March 21, 2024 at 6:22 am

I didn’t know he wrote all these books. They’re probably very good. I have Q-Squared and love it. I think I even got it signed.

March 21, 2024 at 10:24 am

These books are lousy. Snarky fan wank small universe stuff with a Gary Stu main character. Some of his earlier trek works were very good, but New Frontier is just bad. They are leaps and bounds better than modern Star Trek, but so is explosive diarrhea.

March 22, 2024 at 7:55 pm

Also, Peter David is a virulent leftist scumbag. It warms my heart to see that he is currently going through some major health problems.

New Frontier characters

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Characters from Star Trek: New Frontier ( Pocket Books , by Peter David )

1.1 Mackenzie Calhoun
1.2 Elizabeth Shelby
1.3 Burgoyne 172
1.5 Robin Lefler
1.6 Mark McHenry
1.7 Zak Kebron
1.9 Morgan Primus
1.10 Xyon of Calhoun
1.13 Si Cwan
1.14 Kalinda Cwan
1.15 Edward Jellico
1.17 Katerina Mueller
1.19 M'Ress
1.20 Romeo Takahashi
2 Recurring characters

Regular characters [ ]

Mackenzie calhoun [ ].

Calhoun (pictured on No Limits cover)

Captain Mackenzie Calhoun ( β ) is the central character of the New Frontier series, the commanding officer of the starship USS Excalibur .

He was born named M'k'n'zy, in the town of Calhoun on the planet Xenex. The Xenexians were slaves of the Danteri race, and young Calhoun saw his father brutally murdered by them in public. After negotiations chaired by intervening Federation mediator Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Stargazer failed, M'k'n'zy, still only in his teens, led his people in a fierce uprising, completely defeating the overlords from Danter. Picard likened him to Alexander the Great , conquering his whole world before the age of 20. After this victory, M'k'n'zy accepted a sponsorship to Starfleet Academy from Picard, adapting his name to the more pronounceable "Mackenzie" and taking the name of his home settlement, Calhoun, as his family name. He is currently commanding officer of the Galaxy -class starship USS Excalibur NCC-26517-A.

At the beginning of his Starfleet career, he developed a close personal relationship with fellow officer Elizabeth Shelby , who eventually became his first officer for several years aboard his first command, the Ambassador -class starship USS Excalibur NCC-26517. Calhoun's career is not flawless, however: he has a reputation as a hot-blooded maverick, and resigned from Starfleet in anger following a fiasco aboard the USS Grissom , where he was posted as first officer. The Grissom 's captain died while engaging in a clear and severe violation of the Prime Directive on Calhoun's watch. Even though he was cleared of any wrongdoing, Calhoun was angered by Starfleet's treatment of the situation, as well as his own, and actually assaulted Admiral Edward Jellico , beginning a long-running antagonism between the two. He spent several years working for Starfleet Intelligence on an as-needed basis as an undercover operative under Admiral Alynna Nechayev before recommendations from Ambassador Spock and Captain Picard placed him back in active duty, in the center chair of the Ambassador -class USS Excalibur charged with the mission of patrolling the politically unstable area of space formerly controlled by the Thallonian Empire, which fell in 2373 .

In 2375 , during this assignment, Calhoun discovered his son, Xyon, fathered in 2354 on Xenex.

In 2376 the Excalibur was destroyed by a computer virus. Calhoun was believed dead, but survived on the planet Yakaba, where he adopted 11-year old Moke as his son. He escaped the planet and returned to Starfleet to take command of the new Galaxy -class USS Excalibur -A. He married Elizabeth Paula Shelby at that time.

Elizabeth Shelby [ ]

Elizabeth Shelby

Elizabeth Shelby ( β ) was part of an elite unit assigned to assess weaknesses in the Borg during the Federation 's early confrontations with that species. She served briefly as first officer of the USS Enterprise -D , under the command of Acting Captain William T. Riker , following the abduction of Captain Jean-Luc Picard by the Borg . After helping rescue Picard, Shelby graciously relinquished her post as Enterprise first officer to Riker, who, though he often found Shelby to be frustrating, commended her as a highly skilled officer.

Shelby was a tough-as-nails officer who made no secret of her ambitions. She served under the Excalibur 's previous captain, who was killed fighting the Borg, and was the top candidate to be its next commanding officer, until the post was given to her ex-fiancé , Captain Mackenzie Calhoun. She was less than thrilled when she found out about his new assignment. Shelby was assigned as Calhoun's first officer in hopes that she could keep him in line, but she soon established a modus vivendi with Calhoun, and served as his first officer with great distinction.

After the destruction of the Ambassador -class USS Excalibur in 2376 , Shelby was promoted to captain of the USS Exeter . She later transferred off the Exeter , citing personality differences with her senior staff. She was offered, and accepted, command of the new, Galaxy -class Excalibur , and reassembled the crew from the prior Excalibur .

At the christening and launch ceremony for the new starship, Mackenzie Calhoun dramatically interrupted the proceedings to let it be known that reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated, and to propose marriage to Shelby. She accepted, and was married to Captain Mackenzie Calhoun on the bridge of the newly-christened Starship Excalibur . Captain Jean-Luc Picard performed the ceremony.

Shelby was given command of the USS Trident , which was assigned to Sector 221-G with the new USS Excalibur , captained by her husband. She was later promoted to the rank of admiral and given command of Space Station Bravo.

Burgoyne 172 [ ]

Burgoyne ( β ), a Hermat, was something of an anomaly among the Hermat people: extremely outgoing, playful, and prideful whenever s/he managed to solve some sort of problem or difficulty.

Burgoyne served as the chief engineer of the USS Excalibur under Captain Calhoun until the ship's destruction in 2376 .

Burgoyne also enjoyed a brief romantic dalliance with Mark McHenry and described their association as a "friendship with fringe benefits." Burgoyne sired one offspring with Dr. Selar . They named the child Xyon, in honor of the son of Mackenzie Calhoun, who appeared to have been killed defending Tulaan IV from the Black Mass.

When Dr. Selar insisted on raising Xyon as a Vulcan citizen, Burgoyne sought legal remedy from the Hermat Directorate, but was refused. S/he was forced to plead the case for parental rights before the Vulcan Judgment Council, in opposition to Selar. The two parents eventually reached a mutually agreeable settlement.

Burgoyne was promoted to the rank of commander and assigned to the new USS Excalibur -A in 2376 as first officer under Captain Calhoun.

Selar ( β ) was the chief medical officer on USS Excalibur under Calhoun. An accomplished physician who trained under Dr. Beverly Crusher of the USS Enterprise -D , Selar was accused of lacking a good bedside manner.

One of the most important moments in Selar's life was the death of her mate, Voltak, during the early moments of their pon farr joining. This premature disruption of the Vulcan mating ritual resulted in a delayed-reaction mating urge, which forced Selar to resume pon farr less than three years after the death of Voltak.

Although Selar initially selected Captain Calhoun to act as her mate during her unexpected pon farr , she ultimately mated with Burgoyne 172. She subsequently became pregnant, and named the child Xyon, in honor of Xyon of Calhoun, the ostensibly late son of Captain Mackenzie Calhoun. In After The Fall , which is set several years into the future from the previous novel, Stone and Anvil , it was discovered that she had become estranged with Burgoyne over their son. Selar was desperately trying to find a cure for Xyon's incredible aging rate which left him only a few years to live.

Robin Lefler [ ]

The operations manager on USS Excalibur under Calhoun, Robin Lefler ( β ), had previously served as a member of the engineering staff of the Enterprise -D. She was renowned for her off-the-cuff recitation of " Lefler's Laws ," pithy observations and comments that mysteriously seem to suit whatever occasion was presented.

Lieutenant Commander Lefler served as Starfleet 's representative to the New Thallonian Protectorate. She was married to Prime Minister Si Cwan of the Protectorate until his death at the hands of Fhermus, but continued to serve the New Thallonian Protectorate, helping Kallinda lead her people toward the rebuilding of Thallonia.

Mark McHenry [ ]

The conn officer on USS Excalibur under Calhoun, Mark McHenry ( β ), was a brilliant navigator, capable of performing calculations faster than the ship's computer while calculating pi to the fiftieth decimal place. He could also detect the slightest changes in direction of a ship at warp. He had short-cropped red hair, blue eyes, and freckles.

He, Zak Kebron, Soleta, Worf , and Tania Tobias all joined Starfleet Academy in 2357 and remained friends for all four years at the Academy.

During a confrontation witnessed by Zak Kebron, Q suggested that McHenry was not what he appeared to be, and might be considerably more than just a gifted Human . It turned out that he was, in fact, a direct descendant of Apollo (who had impregnated Carolyn Palamas ). In 2376 , he left the USS Excalibur in non-corporeal form to guard against his evil, divine relatives.

Zak Kebron [ ]

The USS Excalibur Chief of Security, Zak Kebron ( β ), was a member of the high-density race called the Brikar , and had to wear a small gravity compensator on his belt at all times. If he did not, his more-than-earth-normal mass made it impossible for him to move.

The Brikar were an inorganic race of sentient beings that were silicon-based, appearing to be made of living rock, humanoid in shape but substantially larger in stature than Humans. They were considerably stronger than Humans and were fairly impervious to physical attack due to their rocky composition. As such, Kebron was capable of enduring phaser blasts that would kill a normal humanoid, and he was a skilled player of three-dimensional chess . He underwent dramatic biological changes in 2376 and thereafter combined his duties as security chief with those of ship's counselor aboard the USS Excalibur . His roommate at Starfleet Academy was Worf. This was despite the fact that there was little love lost between the Brikarians and Klingons due to an unsuccessful attempt by the Klingons to enslave them.

Soleta ( β ) was the science officer on USS Excalibur . Her previous experience in Thallonian space made her uniquely qualified for service on the Excalibur when it was assigned to Thallonian space.

Early in her Starfleet career, during a visit to Plexus IV, she was detained for roughly 94 hours for failing, upon her arrival, to stand and listen to the local clergy extol the virtues of the Plexian deities. During her first mission in Thallonian space, she was captured on the planet Thallon while conducting geological research. She was rescued from a Thallonian prison by Spock , who was disguised as a Thallonian. On their way to safety they were intercepted by Thallonian prince Si Cwan – later known as Federation ambassador Si Cwan – who chose to facilitate their escape rather than sound the alarm. Si Cwan later asked Soleta to repay this favor by smuggling him aboard the Excalibur .

Because her natural father was a Romulan , Soleta had occasional difficulty controlling her emotions. Soleta was raised by her mother, T'Pas, and adoptive father, Volak.

Soleta first confronted Rajari, the Romulan criminal who raped her mother, while she was serving aboard the starship Aldrin . Years later, she tracked the terminally ill Rajari to the Titan Colony, following his release from a Federation prison. He duped her into traveling to Romulus on his behalf and triggering an explosion that killed several Romulan leaders and leveled a prominent landmark in the capital city.

She retired her commission after her Romulan heritage was discovered by Starfleet and returned to Romulus to start over as a member of the Romulan Empire . She was given the rank of commander and a Warbird tailored toward intelligence and espionage, acting directly under the orders of the Praetor.

Soleta's loyalty to the Romulan Empire ended following the events of Star Trek Nemesis , after a coup replaced the former government. Using the Warbird that was given to her, she, along with her tribune, Lucius, offered their ship and their services to the New Thallonian Protectorate that Lefler and Kallinda were working to build.

Morgan Primus [ ]

Morgan Primus

Morgan Primus ( β ) was the mother of Starfleet officer Robin Lefler, who was conceived on Morgan 's first date with Robin's father. A near-immortal being, Morgan faked her own death in a shuttle accident off the coast of New Jersey during her daughter Robin's teenage years. Morgan turned up alive ten years later as a prisoner of the Momidiums in the Gamma Hydrinae system, traveling under the nom du voyage Morgan Primus. She'd come to Thallonian space with her companion, Tarella Lee, in search of the Prometheans.

In 2376 , Morgan "died" but her consciousness remained in the USS Excalibur computer.

Xyon of Calhoun [ ]

Xyon ( β ) was the son of M'k'n'zy and Catrine of Calhoun, born during the Xenexian uprising against the Danteri. He captained the Lyla and possessed low-level, instinctual psionic abilities that proved sufficient to fool the Redeemer Overlord into believing Xyon was dead. He later faked his own death during the Excalibur 's rescue of Tulaan IV from the Black Mass, by slipping away during a crisis using his ship's cloaking device.

Xyon returned to Thallonian Space in 2379 to tell Kallinda he was still alive and stop her from marrying Tiraud. When she told him to leave, Xyon kidnapped her, but she was taken from him by the Wanderers of Priatia. He returned to New Thallon, where he was tortured until Robin Lefler rescued him. He was then turned over to his father on the USS Excalibur .

The son of Rheela, Moke ( β ) was an impetuous young boy who idolized Tapinza, to his mother's great concern. He encountered the marooned Captain Calhoun in the Yakaban desert, and led him back to Rheela. He was later revealed to be the true source of Rheela's weather-affecting talents; members of their family acted as catalysts for one another, and were powerless when alone.

After his mother's murder, he was adopted by Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, who returned with the boy to Federation space.

Moke's real father turned out to be Woden, father of the Gods.

The half-Vulcan, half-Hermat offspring of Burgoyne 172 and Dr. Selar, Xyon ( β ) was named in honor of Xyon of Calhoun.

Although predominantly Vulcan in appearance, Xyon displayed such Hermat traits as early maturation of physical skills and a mode of locomotion that involved traveling on all fours rather than fully upright.

Xyon developed very rapidly, reaching a biological age in his twenties after just four years. He graduated Starfleet Academy and became a science officer aboard the USS Excalibur .

Si Cwan [ ]

Si Cwan ( β ) was formerly a popular prince of a royal family in the Thallonian empire whose family was overthrown. Si Cwan actually was liked by the people; nonetheless, those around him were hated and reviled, which was one of the reasons that the Thallonian empire crumbled. He vowed that he would make the empire a better place for all its citizens, and not just the royal family once he ascended to the throne – unfortunately, he never got a chance to do so before Thallon was destroyed. Si Cwan and the survivors of the coup sought refuge in the Federation . Cwan, however, returned to the Thallonian empire to prove that the family is willing to work with the Federation and "by extension" the people of the Thallonian sector, in order to achieve peace. He stowed away aboard the Excalibur with the help of Soleta and was made the ship's unofficial ambassador by Calhoun upon his discovery.

After a lengthy search, Si Cwan located his missing sister, Kalinda, who had been abducted by Zoran Si Verdin. Later, Si Cwan undertook a new quest to avenge the murder of his mentor, Jereme, who was killed by Nikolas Viola, son of Si Cwan's longtime rival, Sientor Olivan. He then became Prime Minister of the New Thallonian Protectorate and married Robin Lefler.

However, civil war erupted in Thallonian space, pitting Si Cwan against his former political ally, Fhermus, after Kallinda (or rather a "Wanderer" impersonating her) killed Fhermus's son on their wedding night, reigniting past grudges and old blood feuds. After confronting his sister and discovering that she was an impostor, Si Cwan attempted to surrender and presented proof to Fermus that other forces were at work trying to play them against each other. Despite this, though, Fermus called his evidence a complete hoax and used Si Cwan's moment of vulnerability to kill him.

Kalinda Cwan [ ]

Kalinda ( β ) was a former princess of Thallonia and sister of deposed Thallonian prince Si Cwan, who called her by her nickname, "Kally."

She was abducted by Zoran to the planet Montos where she was surgically altered to appear as a Montosian, and brainwashed into believing her name was Riella and that a Montosian woman named Malia was her mother. Zoran did this so that he could take advantage of Kalinda's Summons to locate The Quiet Place.

Kalinda escaped Montos with the aid of Xyon of Calhoun, with whom she had a short-lived romantic relationship aboard the USS Excalibur . Subsequent to her return from The Quiet Place, Kalinda's psychic connection with the recently deceased become much stronger.

Kalinda lived shortly on New Thallon with her brother. She was kidnapped from her home, first by Xyon and then by the Wanderers, and replaced with a fake by the latter.

Xyon and the crew of the Trident sped directly to her rescue after the destruction of the Warden ship and recovered her safely and without harm. After her brother's death, though, she had thoughts of suicide, but after communicating with her brother's dead spirit, realized that she still had work to do in the living world. She was the last living blood member of the proud Thallonian royal house and served in her brother's former role as the head of state with help from Lefler.

Edward Jellico [ ]

Edward Jellico ( β ) was the admiral serving over Sector 221-G. He had a rather hostile relationship with Calhoun, although this relationship softened over the years. It was he who suggested that M'k'n'zy change the pronunciation of his name to the more manageable Mackenzie, and to adopt the name of the town he grew up in – Calhoun – as his last name.

Janos ( β ) was originally mentioned as being a sentient Mugato , but his species was later described (in New Frontier: Stone and Anvil ) as a mutation of several animal and humanoid species, including Caitian and Mugato . Although he served for a time as a security officer on the Excalibur , Janos was last known to reside on the world of Neural , and was no longer an active member of Starfleet .

Katerina Mueller [ ]

Commander Kat Mueller ( β ) originally served as the XO of the Excalibur (the equivalent of the first officer for the night watch), but later became the first officer and eventually captain of the Trident . She was of German ancestry and attended Heidelberg University on Earth. She had a fencing scar on her left cheek and was an inch taller than Captain Calhoun.

Arex Na Eth ( β ), an Edosian , originally served on the USS Enterprise under Captain Kirk as a security officer (voiced by James Doohan in Star Trek: The Animated Series ). The three-armed, three-legged officer was stuck in time until he was later recovered by Starfleet. He last served as the chief of security on the USS Trident .

Shiboline M'Ress ( β ) served with Arex on the USS Enterprise as a communications officer (voiced by Majel Barrett in Star Trek: The Animated Series ). Like Arex, she was transported through time almost a century and eventually joined the crew of the Trident as a science officer. She had some difficulty adapting to the new time period, which was not helped when she was mind-raped by another member of the crew. However, she adapted well, and served as chief science officer on the Trident . M'Ress was a Caitian and had many cat-like features, including pointed ears, a mane, and a tail. She disliked wearing footwear, finding them confining.

Romeo Takahashi [ ]

Romeo "Hash" Takahashi ( β ) served as the conn officer aboard the USS Trident He got his nickname from his famous corned beef hash recipe. He spoke with a distinctive southern drawl that belied his Asian ancestry. According to Captain's Table : Once Burned , Calhoun met Takahashi for the first time on the USS Grissom during the disastrous mission that resulted in Calhoun resigning from Starfleet.

Recurring characters [ ]

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Interview: Writer Peter David Talks Trek for 'New Frontier' Miniseries

In 1997, “StarTrek” fans got something new.

That was the year that Pocket Books launched its “Star Trek: New Frontier”novel line, the first series of books not directly tied to an existingTrek franchise , or likewise, beholden to any specific Trek continuity. Theseries introduced a largely unknown cast, though there were cameos by knowncharacters as well as the presence of Lt. Commander (now Admiral) ElizabethShelby who first appeared in “Star Trek: The Next Generation’s” ‘The Best ofBoth Worlds’ episodes.

The originalidea for the series is credited to then-PocketBooks editor John Ordover, and writer Peter David has written every novelin the series, which at this point stands at just under 20. The books, andlater comics, revolve around a new starship - the USS Excalibur - and itscaptain Mackenzie Calhoun as they watch over a space sector in turmoil afterthe collapse of an alien empire.

This month, New Frontier comes to comics once again, as part of IDWPublishing’s “Star Trek: ‘Second Stage’” initiative for the property, withDavid at the helm. Joined by artist Stephen Thompson, David will officiallycontinue the stories of the USS Excalibur and Calhoun in a five-issue limitedseries entitled “Turnaround.”

“The advantage of playing in the Star Trek universe is that you have access tothat vast reservoir of possibilities, not to mention an existing audience base,”David told Newsarama [ Full Interview ]. “Thedisadvantage is that you really can't change any of the characters...exceptthat's not an issue in New Frontier. Characters can come and go, get married,get divorced, give birth, die. So it's really--no joke intended--the best ofboth worlds.”

“Turnaround”is the first New Frontier comic since “Double Time,” also penned by David,seven years ago and features a storyline drawn up especially for the newminiseries. It picks up where the last New Frontier novel, “Missing in Action,”left off, David said.

“When wefirst introduced New Frontier, we had a core cast of characters and they wereall on the Excalibur,” David said. “As time as progressed, a number of themhave moved on to different venues, as happens in life.”

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Readerswill not only learn more about the evolution of New Frontier’s characters, butalso be treated to a mix of themes familiar to the series’ die-hard fans.

“Itfeatures the full range of seriousness and humor that is integral to NewFrontier, ranging from Calhoun witnessing the gut-wrenching and brutal death ofa key New Frontier cast member, to the mountainous Zak Kebron endeavoring toextract information from an unwilling individual by making him sit through aslide show of every vacation Kebron's family ever went on,” said David, addingthat the series will answer some of the series’ long-standing questions. “It'sa can't-miss for longtime New Frontier fans.”

Full “NewFrontier: Turnaround” Interview with Peter David
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The Returned, Part I (Star Trek: New Frontier Book 1)

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The Returned, Part I (Star Trek: New Frontier Book 1) Kindle Edition

Book 1 of 3 Star Trek: New Frontier: The Returned
Print length 181 pages
Language English
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Publication date July 6, 2015
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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00URY5CYI
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocket Books/Star Trek (July 6, 2015)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 6, 2015
Language ‏ : ‎ English
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Peter david.

Peter David is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous Star Trek novels, including the incredibly popular New Frontier series. In addition, he has also written dozens of other books, including his acclaimed original novel, Sir Apropos of Nothing, and its sequel, The Woad to Wuin. David is also well known for his comic book work, particularly his award-winning run on The Incredible Hulk. He recently authored the novelizations of both the Spider-Man and Hulk motion pictures.He lives in New York.

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Literature / Star Trek: New Frontier

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Star Trek: New Frontier is a series of novels from the Star Trek Expanded Universe written by Peter David . Set contemporaneously with Star Trek: The Next Generation , it follows the most badass captain in Starfleet history, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun, and his rather unorthodox crew in their journeys of Sector 221-G, Thallonian Space. The Thallonian Empire has fallen, and Calhoun and crew have been sent in to show the flag, and hopefully get the region back on its feet.

The series uses a combination of original characters and guest stars from the TV series. Other than borrowing some one-shot characters, there is little connection betweeen this series and Star Trek Canon . This fact allowed a freedom to let characters grow, change and even die years before the mainstream Trek lit settled into a more inventive phase (which was not allowed to fully let loose until after Star Trek: Nemesis ). Basically, New Frontier was ahead of its time by Trek standards. There is also a very strong continuity to the stories that is nigh impossible with a series written by many authors, as David has written every novel and most of the short stories in the series. Many of the earlier books have a very strong Soap Opera feel to them as well, something that is pretty much unique in the Star Trek universe.

The Excalibur crew consisted of:

Captain Mackenzie Calhoun: The Captain and The Ace who was a warlord of a planet of Human Aliens that overthrew The Empire .
Elizabeth Shelby: An immigrant from TNG's "The Best of Both Worlds" who was Mac's Number One and ex-lover.
Burgoyne 172: A hermaphroditic alien who is the chief engineer and in love with Selar.
Soleta: A Expy of Saavik (half-Romulan, half-Vulcan) who serves as science officer.
Zak Kebron: An alien literally made of stone that makes a remarkable personality change through the series.
Mark McHenry: The brilliant but lazy helmsman who can fly the ship in his sleep (and literally does at times). He is actually the descendant of Apollo and Odin.
Robin Lefler: An immigrant from TNG and Wesley Crusher's ex. She turns out to have a complicated family history complicated more by her love for Si Cwan.
Selar: An immigrant from TNG's "Unnatural Selection." A Vulcan who struggles with her attraction to Burgoyne 172 then motherhood.
Si Cwan: Hereditary prince of the now-fallen Thallonian Empire. He is a Gender Flipped version of a Green-Skinned Space Babe as well as a master martial artist.
Janos: An uplifted Mugato from TOS's "A Private Little War" who fears losing his genius.
Morgan Primus: A combination of every Star Trek character ever played by Majel Barrett .
Kalinda: Si Cwan's younger sister who has the gift/curse of I See Dead People .
Katerina Mueller: Another of Mac's exes who works for him.
Xyon: A Expy of Han Solo that has a relationship to one of the crew. He is Mac's son.

open/close all folders

House of Cards
Into the Void
The Two-Front War
The first four books have been compiled into an omnibus entitled Star Trek: New Frontier
Fire On High
The Quiet Place
Dark Allies
Excalibur: Requiem
Excalibur: Renaissance
Excalibur: Restoration
Being Human
Stone And Anvil
After The Fall
Missing in Action
Blind Man's Bluff
The Returned (3-part eNovel)
Once Burned (Captain's Table, book 5)
Double or Nothing (Double Helix, book 5)
Double Time (comic)
Cold Wars (Gateways, book 6)
Death After Life (part of Gateways, book 7 What Lay Beyond )
No Limits (short story anthology)
Stone Cold Truths (part of Tales of the Dominion War )
Pain Management (part of Tales from the Captain's Table )
Cutting Ties (part of Star Trek: Mirror Universe , book 2 Obsidian Alliances )
Turnaround (comic)
Homecoming (part of Star Trek: Mirror Universe , book 3 Shards and Shadows )

This series contains examples of:

Abusive Parents : Emperor Tae Cwan. He severely beat the young Si Cwan following the Rolisan incident (in which the young noble flushed the body of his dead uncle Sedi out an airlock). Apparently, Si Cwan couldn't sit comfortably for a week afterwards. Of course, the royal family were pretty much abusive in general; Si Cwan himself was the only royal who was genuinely beloved by the people.
Achievements in Ignorance : In Requiem , McHenry is able to walk from a center platform to an outer ledge over a chasm just by letting his mind drift away from what he was doing, just like in the cartoons. Admittedly, this was a test by Q...who then promptly dropped an anvil on him, making him fall anyway.
Affably Evil : The Overlord of the Redeemers. He insists he isn't evil though; indeed, he often wishes he were, because everything would be so much simpler if he were a monster and could do whatever he wanted. This is all self-delusion; he's pretty much definitely evil. And despite what he claims, he has an entirely self-serving moral code that allows him to justify anything he wishes. It's all "the Will of Xant", to which he, humble as he is, is a mere servant. Affably Evil definitely applies, as true to his self-image he's pleasant, soft spoken and comes across as entirely reasonable in his conversations with others. He's quite friendly, really, for a genocidal warlord.
A.I. Is a Crapshoot : Ship!Morgan. It all comes to a head in Blind Man's Bluff . To say more would require spoilers.
An Offer You Can't Refuse : The Overlord of the Redeemers does this to Calhoun twice to try and stave off the Black Mass. First, he puts a High Priest on an unsuspecting world (see Dead Man's Switch below), but Calhoun is able to send Janos to sniff him out. Then he kidnaps Selar and Burgoyne and strands them on an ice planet, and won't give them back until the job is done.
Animated Adaptation : In reverse; parts of Star Trek: The Animated Series have been taken for this series, including the characters of M'Ress and Arex.
Anyone Can Die : Particularly in the later half of the series. The most notable death is probably Si Cwan in Missing In Action , but there's also Selar, Dr. Villers, and Mick Gold in Treason , plus Gleau and Janos (more or less) in Stone and Anvil and Morgan Primus and Admiral Nechayev in Blind Man's Bluff. Dead-chayev turned out to be a Evil Knockoff , however.
Thallon is physically annihilated by the Great Bird.
Alpha Carinae is the first depiction of a victim of the Redeemer virus, which causes total planetary extinction.
Ahmista's sentient population (and most of its "mammalian" population) suffers extinction at the hands of Tarella Lee and her "lover".
Rolisa and its star get annihilated by the Black Mass.
Sinqay suffers total extinction due to the Aeron and Markanian holy war. The races are spared only because the Thallonians separated them and relocated them.
Xenex is pretty much wiped clean of Xenexians at the hands of the Brethren .
The Visionary D'myurj is convinced that life itself will eventually cause the total annihilation of the multiverse.
Calhoun goes a little nuts (in response to Xenex as noted above), and helps the Dayan exterminate the D'myurj to nearly the last man (last two, to be precise).
Comes in handy, too, since Mac runs into about as much weird stuff as Kirk himself did (including a few repeats, such as the Beings).
Played straight with Admiral Jellico , who gets remarkably skeptical at every unusual (but accurate) mission report from the Excalibur . You'd think he'd learn—and eventually, he does.
And even though both Xyon and Calhoun know about Kalinda's previous "congress with the pulse-impaired", they're still both skeptical that she's been possessed by the ghost of Si Cwan ...until Kalinda fights them both. She even has Calhoun yelling "Dammit, Cwan" by the end of their bout.
Ascend to a Higher Plane of Existence : McHenry.
Ascended Extra : Shelby, Selar, Lefler and Jellico were all guest (or in Lefler's case, minor) characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation .
Attack Hello : How Xyon introduces himself to his father, Captain Calhoun.
Attack Its Weak Point : The Brethren have very small slits in the sides of their helmets that aid them in temperature regulation. Put something in the slit, and watch 'em suffocate.
Attending Your Own Funeral : Calhoun in Excalibur: Restoration shows up at the launch of the new Excalibur which includes a very touching speech/eulogy about him. Both hilarious and heartwarming.
Balkanize Me : The struggle to hold the worlds of Thallonian space together in the aftermath of the Thallonian Empire's collapse drives much of the series. Without the iron fist of the Thallonians imposing peace, the many worlds of the region revert into old hostilities, and countless little wars flare up. Eventually, later in the series, Si Cwan and his allies succeed in establishing a New Thallonian Protectorate, uniting most of these worlds into one nation. Then the Protectorate ends up having a civil war...
Battle Couple : Calhoun and Mueller in the backstory. Mid-way through the series, Calhoun and Shelby become a Happily Married Battle Couple .
Better to Die than Be Killed : The eldest daughter of the Aeron royal family, in Cold Wars .
Bioaugmentation : Dr. Bethom's illegal experiments on typically non-sapient animals, including Janos .
Birth-Death Juxtaposition : Subverted; the crew believes this to be the case when Xyon makes an apparent Heroic Sacrifice to finish off the Black Mass, so Burgoyne and Selar name their brand new baby after him. Later, when they find out Xyon is alive, they call Burgy and Selar's son Xy.
Bizarro World : Tulaan IV (home of the Redeemer sect) is an interesting example; the Redeemers' god, Xant, is actually said to be rather pleasant, but they have adopted the Insane Troll Logic that he is so good that they can never measure up to him, and so they should strive to be his exact opposite, resulting in a Religion of Evil .
Book Ends : Blind Man's Bluff begins, "M'k'n'zy of Calhoun was alone..." and ends, "Mackenzie Calhoun was alone."
The Captain : Calhoun for most of the series, Shelby and Mueller later. Shelby gets her own ship, and when she's promoted again to Admiral, Mueller takes over as its commanding officer.
Call a Rabbit a "Smeerp" : A particular animal on a backwater planet called a furn is described as lovingly chewing its cud and sighing contentedly on an alien farm. Local students at a private space academy love to beam down unawares (this is a pre-warp civilization) and engage in some furn-tipping.
Canon Immigrant : The Brikar race created by Peter David makes its appearance in Star Trek: Prodigy .
Cat Folk : M'Ress from Star Trek: The Animated Series becomes a crew member.
Child by Rape : Soleta, who was conceived when her Vulcan mother was raped by a Romulan criminal.
Chronic Backstabbing Disorder : The Boragi, who are infamous for their lack of concern for anything but their own needs. Always neutral, they have a habit of stirring up trouble, setting other races against each other (all the time remaining suspiciously uninvolved) and then coming in to pick up the pieces once their neighbours have blown each other to smithereens. Any alliance with a Boragi is nothing of the kind - they honour only their own needs and will always, always, turn away when it bests suits them.
Clap Your Hands If You Believe : The All-Father, also known as Zeus, Woden...and Santa Claus. He's the most powerful of the Beings because he not only derives power from people believing in him, but from people believing in themselves.
Mick and Leanne Gold. Mick is introduced as the Grissom 's conn officer, and later becomes the Trident's before he was killed by the Brethren ; his sister Leanne attended the Academy with Calhoun and Shelby and she eventually went missing at the hands of the Borg .
Admiral Jellico cites Starfleet Article 14, Section 31 to gain control of a situation in which a Starfleet ship was seconds away from destroying the Excalibur . That's the same part of the Charter that gives Luther Sloan his job. The actual commander of the ship (that was giving the order to destroy Excalibur ) lampshades this by saying that Jellico's interpretation of the regulation is very broad. You don't know the half of it, Commodore.
Cool and Unusual Punishment : Kebron's vacation pictures.
Cross Through : The Captain's Table , Double Helix and Gateways
Cut Herself Shaving : Mueller gives this excuse to Shelby to cover for her breaking her fist punching a mirror in frustration. Shelby doesn't believe a word of it.
A Day in the Limelight : No Limits and the Excalibur books are almost entirely these.
Dead Man's Switch : The Redeemer virus. The death of a High Priest by anything less than natural means releases the deadly virus into a planet's biosphere, destroying all life. The Redeemers station a High Priest on every conquered (converted) world; the high blasphemy of an attack on the Priest is therefore punished immediately with genocide. In one unfortunate case in the No Limits anthology, a planet is accidentally wiped out when the High Priest breaks his neck after slipping in a pool of water while climbing out of the bath...
Deadpan Snarker : Kebron. Slon.
Despair Event Horizon : Calhoun only thinks he hits this after the Grissom incident. He really hits it at the end of Blind Man's Bluff , when he returns home to Xenex to find pretty much every Xenexian except himself and his son dead or dying, thanks to the Brethren and the Visionary. And then his son blames him for it and swears vengeance.
Disproportionate Retribution : After the Brethren attack Xenex for Calhoun, he leads his people in a successful attempt to drive them off the planet, killing all of the Brethren of one ship and allowing Calhoun to leave the planet in one of their ships. The Brethren's response? Carpet bomb Xenex.
Does This Remind You of Anything? : Pretty much any story with warring factions seems to an allusion to the Arab–Israeli Conflict . In "Cold Wars", the final result of this is shown, brutally and effectively: The planet they were warring on is now uninhabitable.
Doomsday Device : The Redeemer virus, as mentioned above under Dead Man's Switch .
Driven to Suicide : Si Cwan's uncle, Sedi Cwan, over his failure to stop the Black Mass. Si Cwan, angry that his uncle deprived him of his knowledge, ordered him blown out a torpedo tube.
Dueling Scar : Mueller has one. Bonus points for actually being shown swordfighting recreationally in the holodeck. Further points for mentioning she got it at Heidelberg, implying that it was the result of a (probably even more illegal then than it is now) mensur fencing duel - one where the students don't wear protective masks.
Early-Bird Cameo : Peter David wrote the first three Star Trek the Next Generation: Starfleet Academy books in 1993, and they contain several of the New Frontier characters as cadets (alongside the Next Generation crew at the academy). This was years before the New Frontier books were written. Also, his 1991 novel Vendetta features Shelby with her background details from the New Frontier series (including her first name, Elizabeth, which she was never called by in "Best of Both Worlds")- and her superior, the Excalibur `s original captain, albeit here commanding the Chekov . This character was killed offscreen just prior to the New Frontier series and was mentioned in the first book.
Similarly, Janos is introduced as an intelligent Mugato, but is retconned into a genetically created being who only looks like a Mugato.
In Xyon's first appearance, The Quiet Place , he's able to glean information about one of the Dogs of War's targets by reading the mind of one of the Dogs. Though it might be plausible that Xyon has a more concentrated version of his father's sixth sense for danger, it's not been mentioned since (thus, never mentioned after we finally learn that Calhoun's his father.)
Earth-Shattering Kaboom : Thallon, thanks to the Great Bird of the Galaxy. After having gestated inside the planet for millennia (being responsible for its strangely fertile climate in the process), it eventually "hatches", and bursts free of Thallon's core.
Elsewhere Fic : Most of the series.
Empty Chair Memorial : The crew leaves one for the (presumed) dead Captain Calhoun in the opening scene of Requiem .
Expecting Someone Taller : The Redeemers are never put in context with other races until The Quiet Place , when Xyon utters the line...as he finds that the Overlord, tallest of the Redeemers, is barely 4 feet tall.
Expy : Captain Calhoun has been stated, by Word Of God, to be based on the historical William Wallace, who was a teenager when he did many of his great deeds. invoked
The Extremist Was Right : The Thallonians brought peace to the warring races of their sector by conquering them all, forcing squabbling factions to settle on different planets, and generally ruling with an iron fist. They were a harsh and often brutal empire...but they did keep the peace. With the empire gone, Si Cwan rightly fears all the old conflicts will start up again.
Failsafe Failure : Evacuating a self-destructing Excalibur is made difficult thanks to an astoundingly bad piece of Starfleet tech design regarding lifepods. Which is why Starfleet didn't use the system in other ships.
Fastest Gun in the West : In Once Burned , people believe Calhoun to be one after he killed an enemy before they could kill the captain. He's not; he was actually already raising his phaser to kill the enemy because he felt he had to kill him so the captain didn't have to. Only the fact that the enemy had taken the captain's phaser and was about to kill him with it changed the perception. Meanwhile, in Restoration , the Orion hunter who is tracking Calhoun down turns out to be one, so Calhoun has to use...other means to defeat him.
Feuding Families : The Unglza and Eenza in Martyr ; Aeron and Markania in Cold Wars .
Gladiator Games : Planet Barspens enjoys these; criminals are forced to participate for the crowd's entertainment.
Glamour Failure : Gleau's Selelvian charms, which usually allow him to influence other people's actions and perceptions, do not work on Janos . Nor do they work on artificial life forms, allowing Calhoun and Picard to use Ship!Morgan and Data to foil their plans with a No Matter How Much I Beg tactic.
Gods Need Prayer Badly : The Beings.
Good Scars, Evil Scars : Calhoun and Mueller have good scars, in Calhoun's case, because of sealing his wound with a laser welder .
The Great Offscreen War : The Dominion War is only given a passing mention in Calhoun's Captain's Table story and an obviously false story from Kebron in Tales of the Dominion War . And other than Shelby's Captain's Table story, the Selelvian-Tholian War that brewed after Gods Above was also completely offscreen.
Handsome Lech : Burgoyne 172.
Harmful to Minors : 9-year old Tsana of Aeron sees her entire family slaughtered by Markanian soldiers. This includes two thirteen-year old brothers, whose blood she practically ends up sitting in. Also, 11-year old Moke sees his mother shot dead by an outlaw.
Heal It With Fire : Young M'k'n'zy of Calhoun has had his face slashed open by an opponent. After he dispatches him, he closes up the wound with a laser welder. Even though Starfleet medicine could have fixed the resulting scar, he keeps it to remind him of how he freed his people.
Heavyworlder : The Brikar, the race to which Deadpan Snarker security chief Zak Kebron belongs.
Heel–Faith Turn : Rajari, but turns out to be a subversion when his final act was to use his illegitimate daughter as a pawn to commit a terrorist attack on the Romulan Empire.
In Double or Nothing , Sela intentionally invokes a Villainous RROD to keep Riker and the Excalibur from finding out the master plan. Soleta was involved in this one, as well, though her mind-meld this time was more akin to Spock's mind-meld with Valeris.
Hermaphrodite : The Hermats, as the name alludes to. Chief engineer (later first officer) Burgoyne 172 is a Hermat.
Holodeck Malfunction : Shelby's first week on the job as a captain doesn't get off to a flying start when a deputy security officer deliberately turns off the safeties in a program... and gets her head caved in.
Horde of Alien Locusts : The Black Mass, a swarming space-dwelling creature composed of billions of constituent parts. It periodically migrates from its home in the Hunger Zone in order to feed on planets.
Human Aliens : Xenexians are almost indistinguishable from humans, aside from having additional eye colours such as Calhoun's purple.
Impossibly Delicious Food : The Beings' ambrosia is so good, whoever eats it immediately starts to worship their new gods. This happened to both the Danteri and Soleta.
Indulgent Fantasy Segue : Xyon has one when he sees his beloved Kalinda kissing Tania Tobias. Whether he would've done anything is unknown, however, thanks to his father's quick thinking.
Inhumanly Beautiful Race : Selelvians.
Interrupted Intimacy : Shelby and Calhoun get interrupted by Selar and Burgoyne's search for Xyon.
Interspecies Romance : A great many. Prominant examples include: Xenexian captain Calhoun/multiple partners (and he eventually marries a human), Xyon/Kalinda (Xenexian/Thallonian), Burgoyne 172/Selar (Hermat/Vulcan), Burgoyne 172/McHenry(Hermat/Human), Lefler/Si Cwan (Human/Thallonian). Exploited in Treason , wherein the new villains are kidnapping cross-species hybrids to make bodies to put their intelligence into and infiltrate the Federation. And Nechayev turns out to be one of them.
I See Dead People : Kalinda.
Jumping on a Grenade : During the Selelvian War, Soleta does this to save Elizabeth Shelby. Unfortunately, it was a dummy grenade. She'd save her in another way later.
Kiss Me, I'm Virtual : Lyla.
A running one that stands out is the characters calling attention to the difference between the original series and Star Trek from The Next Generation onwards, such as pointing out the changed characterisation of the Romulan and Klingon races.
Lawyer-Friendly Cameo : Shelby, looking through a holodeck recreation of comic book superheroes, takes the time to note one is dressed like an old-warrior, a specifically blond someone.
Longest Pregnancy Ever : See Retcon , below.
Xyon is introduced to the reader through a mission involving Si Cwan's lost sister. Xyon is introduced to his father through a right hook and a declaration that his full name is Xyon of Calhoun.
Morgan Primus is Robin Lefler's mom.
Mad Scientist : Dr. Bethom.
Magic Countdown : An in-universe version, with the Excalibur , which has a five minute countdown. Shelby notes she and Mackenzie managed to do a lot in that five minutes, and finds it very suspicious. Which it is.
Man Behind the Man / The Dog Was the Mastermind : The Gribble to Dr. Bethom. His most successful creation, the bio-engineered Gribble isn't just an odd pet; in fact it's running the entire operation.
Martyrdom Culture : The Xenexians, at times.
Mathematician's Answer : "May I ask why?" "Yes."
Mayfly–December Romance : The relationship between Selar, a Vulcan, and Burgoyne 172, a Hermat. The average Vulcan lifespan is 200 years, while the average Hermat lifespan is 40 years. They even produce a child...whose lifespan is barely 10 years at least until he comes across a life-extending drug.
Medal of Dishonor : Calhoun was very nearly given one for his actions in the Grissom incident. Everyone thought him a hero; he thought himself a failure. So he resigned and punched Jellico's lights out.
Mighty Glacier : The Brikar species, of which security chief Zak Kebron is a member. So much so, they're practically immobile in normal gravity unless they have anti-gravity devices available. Of course, this being Star Trek , that's usually not a problem.
Miles Gloriosus : The man himself shows up at The Captain's Table, and complains loudly that a 16-year-old M'k'n'zy of Calhoun is sitting at his table. He relents when Calhoun gains the upper hand and pins his beard to the table with his own knife.
The entirety of the Excalibur to Admiral Jellico's distaste.
Mind Rape : After Soleta goes Romulan, she hones the mind-meld for use as a weapon like this. She generally only uses it that way on really bad people, though.
Multi-Armed and Dangerous : Arex.
Naturally, later in the book, Shelby thinks it'll be great to share such a joke with M'Ress as "she's sure to like it."
Never Speak Ill of the Dead : When Calhoun shows up at Starfleet Academy, he's viewed by some watching upperclassmen as an ignorant farmboy from a backwater world (instead of the former warlord/killing machine). The upperclassman attempts to haze Calhoun and makes the mistake of talking smack about his late father. Calhoun takes out the upperclassman quickly with one punch - a cadet who happened to be one of the top security guys in his class - forever ruining his reputation.
Nigh-Invulnerability : Morgan Primus has this as a superpower.
90% of Your Brain : McHenry can tell you what percent of his brain is being used on any given task.
No Man of Woman Born : A variation in the prophecies of Ontear on planet Zondar; "no man or woman" will save Calhoun before he is ritually murdered. "No man or woman" would be a problem for most crews; most crews don't have Burgoyne 172, both man and woman.
No Matter How Much I Beg : Picard and Calhoun in Stone and Anvil , when testing Selelvian mind control.
A bizarre Noodle Subversion: The cliffhanger last line of Dark Allies is "Five minutes later, the ship blew up." The next book opens some months later, with the characters saying, "Hey, we've been through all that, let's not talk about it any more, or try to explain it." Oh, and, the captain apparently died in the explosion. This inexplicable catastrophe remains a noodle incident for most of three whole books until we learn the full explanation, just in time for the captain to come back from the dead and take command of a new ship. Oh, and because of McHenry, it was a really long five minutes .
To date, almost no details have been given about the Federation's war against the Selelvians and their allies, the Tholians (who were likely angry at being denied ambrosia by the Beings and having one of their ships destroyed by them...and somehow blaming the Federation for that). Of note, after the war, Calhoun and Admiral Jellico are great friends, with no explanation given.
Not Quite the Right Thing : Mac goes to elaborate lengths to prevent the genocide of a world via time travel in Double Time only to find out that it only resulted in them being a slave race in the future of another species he saved from extinction.
Not So Stoic : Dr. Selar sometimes snaps rather spectacularly, most memorably in After the Fall when discussing how she really feels about her son. (In fact, her son and her feelings towards him and his condition become a plot point that leads to her eventual death that drives most of Treason .)
Oh, My Gods! : A Danteri says the phrase almost exactly. Also, on the fictional gods angle, there's Xant, the god of the Redeemers. Xant is darkness. We are light. Praise Xant. Also, the inhabitants of Yakaba are good, Kolk'r-fearing people.
One-Gender Race : Sort of; all Hermats are both genders, as the name alludes to. One of the early books name-checks the other One-Gender Race in Star Trek , the J'Naii. Also, one of the stories in the No Limits anthology features Hermat character Burgoyne 172 and a J'Naii on a mission together. To Damiano, of all places - where the natives have three genders.
The Only One Allowed to Defeat You : Zoran si Verdin on Si Cwan. Subverted in that Zoran dies first.
Our Elves Are Different : The Selelvians. They're graceful, beautiful and have the most aesthetically appealing starships. They seem to glow with an inner light and are ridiculously attractive. They're also up to no good.
Out with a Bang : Selar's mate during her first pon farr .
The Phoenix : The Great Bird of the Galaxy. It's a giant bird-shaped creature seemingly made of fire, and apparently there's only one, which is periodically reborn (although the presence of a possible offspring while the parent had just "hatched" suggests the "only one" part might be inaccurate legend after all). It incubates inside planets, making them warm and fertile, until it's time to hatch; then it's an Earth-Shattering Kaboom .
The Plague : Both the Redeemer virus and the Double Helix qualify.
Planet Eater : The Black Mass. A star eater too; after consuming Rolisa, it moves on to the planet's sun, to the horror of the watching Thallonians.
Planet of Hats : Tulaan IV, the Redeemer homeworld. Of course, all non-conformists were killed off a long time ago. And any modern dissenters will probably end up being killed by the Overlord (See: Your Head Asplode ).
Powered Armor : The Brethren are encased in such armor. It regulates their volcano-like body temperature, and includes powerful pulse weapons in their gloves. It does lack actual eyeholes, using instead infrared-type sensors, a weakness that the Excalibur and Trident can exploit. Another weakness is, of course, the tiny vents on the side of the helmet. Block that up, and watch them fall.
Powers via Possession : In Treason , when Kalinda becomes possessed by Si Cwan, she gains all of his fighting abilities and intellect...and absolutely Squicks Robin and Xyon out. invoked
Pronoun Trouble : "S/he" and "hir" and the rejected "sheeit" for the hermaphrodite Hermats.
Prophecy Twist : The Savior in Martyr .
Public Execution : Possibly the only true form of entertainment on Barspens.
Punctuation Shaker : M'k'n'zy and most male Xenexians.
Ragtag Bunch of Misfits : It is quite possibly the greatest example of such in the history of fiction, let alone the Star Trek Expanded Universe . Several books Lampshade each of the crew of the Excalibur would be the resident Cloud Cuckoo Lander on their vessel but together they form a formidable but insane group.
Readings Are Off the Scale : lampshaded in Being Human . A character wryly points out that Starfleet really needs to invest in larger scales.
Redemption Equals Death : Selar in Treason .
Religion of Evil : The Redeemers. Their mandate is to teach others about the grace of Xant - which means imposing their faith on entire planets on pain of genocide. Ironically, they consider their evil to be serving a greater good. Thanks to Insane Troll Logic , they act in the opposite manner to how Xant would want them to. This will serve to speed up his promised return, apparently - so by being ruthless and genocidal now, the Redeemers will, in the long-run, help bring Xant's wisdom and light to the galaxy a lot quicker. Plus, how can they possibly measure up to his godly example? Best not to try, and instead encourage the god to return and bestow his incomparable wisdom himself. Or possibly the Redeemers are just utterly insane...
Remember the New Guy? : Kat Mueller, who was on night shift until she became a major character. Hash and Gold were with her on the night shift, as well, and Doc Villers became Shelby's CMO on the Trident .
Restricted Expanded Universe : Mostly avoided.
Retcon : The Time Travel hijinks of Double Time were introduced as a means of explaining an earlier continuity error, which saw Selar suffering what was apparently the Longest Pregnancy Ever . Turns out thanks to the Retcon that the central characters "missed" a year and a half. This turned out to be a convenient explanation for why they had no involvement in the Dominion War as well.
Royals Who Actually Do Something : Si Cwan and Kalinda (though they don't have much choice following the collapse of their empire).
Scary Dogmatic Aliens : The Redeemers are a culture of religious fundamentalists; indeed, the only members of their species left are this, as most were wiped out by the Redeemer virus the survivors later used to cower subjugated (converted, "saved") peoples.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy : Ontear was accused of making these when he was alive. When he specifically named a man who would do great things in the future, half of a country named their babies after that man. In reality, Ontear had access to a machine that was able to look into the future.
The crew of the Maru were already dead, meaning the whole thing was a Klingon trap.
The crew of the Maru were not dead and would become Klingon prisoners when he inevitably lost, an idea to which he considered a quick death by friendly fire preferable .
The crew of the Maru were actively assisting the Klingons by acting as bait for their trap, making them traitors to the Federation.
Morgan Primus, who now lives in the Excalibur's computer, offers to appear with an H on her head , to remind people she's a hologram.
Peter David has a habit of dropping in little references to his show Space Cases , particularly in the first few books. Select shouts include three appearances by the actors, one cameo from a character, as well as a city bearing the name of one of the characters. (That would be Catalina City, on Saturn. A real jewel of a city.)
Blind Man's Bluff has Seven of Nine introduce Soleta to the Doctor (the Voyager EMH). Soleta's reaction to that name:
Then later in that same book, this Doctor uses a familiar Catchphrase :
Also in Bluff , a character hears the story of how her parents met. Apparently, it's a long complicated story involving an umbrella .
Plus, there are the transporter chiefs of the Excalibur and the Trident , who are identical sisters named Halliwell .
From Double or Nothing (and remember that Peter David wrote for Babylon 5 ):
Jelico thinks Captain Kirk was a blowhard who liked to show just how little he thought of Star Fleet Command by filing the most ridiculous reports—like that one time that he claimed someone had stolen his first officer's brain . . .
In one combat, a security officer named Burton is knocked out by a piece of masonry dislodged by an over eager shot.
Someone to Remember Him By : Basically how Moke was conceived. Also, Si Cwan left Robin Lefler pregnant before he was captured and killed by his political enemies.
Space Is Noisy : Averted in Dark Allies , where the lack of sound in space becomes a plot point - sound is the only way to damage the Black Mass, yet naturally it's quite impossible to put that knowledge to use while the Mass is in a vacuum.
Spaceship Girl : Lyla; Morgan Primus ascends to Spaceship Woman after her physical body is killed.
In Double or Nothing , Calhoun is basically thrust into a Star Trek version of a James Bond film. Near the beginning he goes to pick up some new advanced weapons and technology from a nameless man; when Calhoun asks him his name, he simply says he's the man with the gadgets. It's then implied that he vanishes in a flash of light when Calhoun's back is turned. So, in other words, Star Trek's equivalent of Q is Q .
Also in Double or Nothing, we get " I've been wanting to say this for ages ...Fire at Will." Explanation Referring to Will Riker, in a guest appearance.
Straight Gay : Selar's brother Slon. You can't get any straighter than a gay Vulcan.
Take Care of the Kids : This is how Calhoun ends up with custody of his adopted son, Moke.
This Is Something He's Got to Do Himself : Calhoun in End Game .
Throw-Away Country : Played with in Dark Allies . Rolisa is indeed a Throw-Away Country , but the text informs us the world had a destiny, and if the Black Mass didn't exist it would become the galaxy's leading nation in time.
Throwing Down the Gauntlet : The son of the man Calhoun killed in the first novel challenges him to a "Final Challenge" duel to the death in the fourth book. note He was going to pin his father's murder on a captive Si Cwan, along with the Thallonian's own charges against their "deposed" ruler (think French Revolution), but Calhoun then produced the man's sword, which he kept as a trophy.
A literal, in-universe time skip in Double Time when they time travel backwards four days, then try to return and accidentally overshoot . . . by 16 months!
True Companions : The crew of the Excalibur is probably the single closest crew in the Star Trek Expanded Universe and only the original Enterprise crew probably comes close to being willing to go to the bat for each other.
Two Lines, No Waiting : Restoration alternates between what Shelby's up to with the Exeter and the events of the planet Mac's wound up on. Towards the end, a third line butts in dealing with Lefler and some escapades on Risa.
Tyke-Bomb : Moke.
The Unfettered : A Vulcan in the Shal'tiar state is basically this: when a Vulcan is presented with a problem that no form of logic can solve, that Vulcan will attempt to solve it by any means necessary. Selar is thought to have slipped into Shal'Tiar over her son's condition , and her solution was to kidnap her friend's baby and commandeer her other friend's ship with help of an accomplice, and heed a voice promising a cure. She gets better, but too late to rectify the situation with any other means than a Heroic Sacrifice . note Astute Trekkies might note that Shal'tiar is an anagram of Tal Shiar, AKA the Romulan secret intelligence agency, which itself has more than a few Unfettered.
Unperson : Si Cwan declares his intention to do this to a suspected traitor. A soldier believed responsible for turning off New Thallon’s defence network and allowing a bombardment of plasma bombs is to be punished by having his existence wiped from all records, and his family ordered never to speak of him again or share the fate. And then it turns out the guy is innocent.
Unusual Euphemism : The all-purpose Xenexian curseword grozit .
Unwinnable Training Simulation : Calhoun had a rather interesting solution to the Kobayashi Maru . note instead of trying to rescue the ship, he blows it up, figuring that the ship must be either a trap or is spying on the Federation. Shelby has a big problem with this; in fact, she can't carry out his orders, which actually leads to her having to repeat her final year, and ultimately to their breakup.
Warrior Heaven : The Xenexian afterlife of Kaz'hera is a single battle, repeated ad infinitum , basically analogous to Sto'vo'kor , Klingon heaven. In Kaz'hera , there are no regrets, no grudges, no responsibilities; only endless mayhem and the ability to fight and die over and over. Calhoun apparently believes in it; his human wife does not.
We Are as Mayflies / Younger Than They Look : Selar and Burgoyne's son, Xy, ages at a vastly accelerated rate, an unfortunate consequence of his mixed Hermat/Vulcan genetics. He appears doomed to die before he hits double digits; until his mother gives her life to save him .
We Want Our Jerk Back! : Inverted in Restoration : After getting her own command, Shelby staffs it with by-the-book, spit-and-polish Starfleet officers. Within a month, she realizes she misses the old, "unprofessional" crew she left behind, and accepts command of the new Excalibur until Calhoun reveals himself to be alive and takes it .
"Sir, I think you'd better get up here. We're receiving an emergency transmission." "From where?" "Xenex."
What Happened to the Mouse? : The last time we see the Dogs of War, their new leader is having an inauthentic epiphany that the Redeemers' Xant is the one true god. The Redeemers themselves haven't been seen since the Excalibur saved their homeworld from the Black Mass...save for a small gift that Xyon left for them...
Why Did You Make Me Hit You? : The Redeemers. The Overlord explains: "If you refuse to accept Xant, or act against his interests, then your life is nothing. Less than nothing. One has no right to complain about the extinguishing of something that is less than nothing. Those who attack a High Priest have rejected the name of Xant, and so rejected life itself. Don't you understand? In such circumstances, we have not killed them. They have killed themselves”.
With Due Respect : Jellico and Shelby both mention that this phrase usually precedes the least respectful things said to them.
Women Are Wiser : The Zarna to her husband the Zarn, in Cold Wars .
Words Can Break My Bones : The Redeemers' killing words. The Overlord has knowledge of "ancient" words that can be used to inflict pain or death. In one case, Your Head Asplode was the eventual result.
Working with the Ex : One of the central tenets of the series. Mac is in love with Shelby but she is now his direct subordinate and they broke up over their differences years before.
World of Snark : The crew of the Excalibur seem to have been chosen for their skill at their field, their completely broken personalities, their strong sense of loyalty, and their utter smartassery.
Young Rebel Warlord : Mackenzie Calhoun's origins.
Your Head Asplode : The Overlord of the Redeemers uses one of his Brown Note words to cause another Redeemer's brain to explode.
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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike. A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike. A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike.

Akiva Goldsman
Alex Kurtzman
Jenny Lumet
Anson Mount
Christina Chong
1K User reviews
38 Critic reviews
9 wins & 32 nominations total

Episodes 31

Melissa Navia Wants to Know Why You Aren't Watching Her on "Star Trek"

Captain Christopher Pike …

La'an Noonien-Singh …

Lt. Erica Ortegas …

Una Chin-Riley …

Nurse Christine Chapel

Nyota Uhura …

Dr. M'Benga

USS Enterprise Computer …

Lieutenant George Samuel 'Sam' Kirk

Jenna Mitchell

Captain Batel …

Admiral Robert April

Captain James T. Kirk …

T'Pring
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Trivia Bruce Horak , the actor who plays Hemmer, is legally blind, just like his character's species, the Aenar, who are also blind.
Goofs There are some rank insignia mistakes. Number One is introduced as "Lieutenant Commander Una Chin-Riley" yet she is wearing the rank insignia of a full commander: two full stripes. A Lieutenant Commander's rank insignia is a full stripe under a thin stripe (in TOS it is a full stripe and a staggered stripe). It is not uncommon for a ship's first officer to be a Lt. Commander if they have not been in the position long. Spock at this point is a Lieutenant but he is wearing Lieutenant Commander's stripes; a Lieutenant just has one stripe. La'an is the ship's chief of security and the ship's second officer. She is also wearing Lt. Commander stripes but is addressed as a Lieutenant, but it would make more sense for her to be a Lieutenant Commander. Either way both of their rank insignia are not matching the rank they are addressed by. Ortegas is addressed as a Lieutenant but is wearing Lieutenant Commander's strips. A Lieutenant Commander may be addressed as a Commander or Lieutenant Commander but never as just a Lieutenant, so either her rank insignia or the manner she is addressed by the rest of the crew is in error.

[opening narration]

Captain Christopher Pike : Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Connections Featured in Nerdrotic: Woke Hollywood is FAILING, and That's a Good Thing (2022)

Technical specs

Runtime 52 minutes
D-Cinema 48kHz 5.1
Dolby Digital
Dolby Atmos

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Screen Rant

Star trek is officially redefining what "where no one has gone before" actually means.

The phrase "where no one has gone before" has been a rallying cry for Star Trek fans for years, and now it has taken on an awesome new meaning.

The iconic catchphrase "where no one has gone before" gets an epic new meaning in Star Trek #19, by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly and Megan Levens.
Captain Sisko and his crew are heading into the Pleroma, Star Trek's newly revealed "realm of the gods," prompting Doctor Crusher to call it "where no one has gone before."
One of Star Trek's key tenets is that humanity can evolve and transcend, and the journey to the Pleroma is the first step in this quest.

For generations of Star Trek fans, the catchphrase “where no one has gone before” has been an iconic call to adventure, but now it has taken on a whole new meaning. In Star Trek #19, the crew of the Theseus is heading to the Pleroma, a mysterious new realm that promises great adventure–and great peril. As they prepare for the hazardous journey, the franchise’s catchphrase takes on new layers.

Star Trek #19 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. T’Lir, the enigmatic Vulcan, has been revealed to be the last of the Organians and has charged Sisko and company with a new mission: travel to the Pleroma and help fix the damage Kahless has caused. Sisko is wary of the Pleroma, having been forbidden to travel there by the Prophets.

He discusses the impending journey with Doctor Crusher, and she refers to the Pleroma as “where no one has gone before.”

For Over 60 Years, Star Trek's Opening Monologue Has Perfectly Set the Show's Tone

It has undergone several changes over the years.

The catchphrase “where no one has gone before” is one of the most memorable in pop culture. Part of a larger opening monologue, the phrase has undergone a few alterations. When Star Trek premiered in 1966, the line read: “where no man has gone before.” When Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted in 1987, it was updated to the much better and more inclusive “where no one has gone before.” This has since become, with a few exceptions, the standard across the franchise, still recited in both the Abrams Kelvin-timeline movies and Strange New Worlds.

In the pilot episode of Star Trek: Enterprise , it was revealed Zefram Cochrane coined the phrase "where no man has gone before."

Star Trek is a story of exploration and discovery, and this catchphrase perfectly sums up this philosophy. Every week, the crews of the various Star Trek shows encounter bizarre alien life forms and awe-inspiring stellar phenomena. Ships like the Enterprise, Voyager or Discovery expanded the frontiers of knowledge while keeping the galaxy safe. Star Trek’s opening monologs set the tone perfectly for the incredible stories that follow. Now, on the eve of one of the biggest discoveries in galactic history, it is taking on a new meaning.

Star Trek Already Confirmed Its Real Final Frontier (& It's Not Space)

Star trek is about more than just exploring space--it's about exploring the human heart too, the pleroma may hold the key to humanity's evolution.

Yet, Star Trek is more than just stories of the exploration of space, but also expanding the potential of humanity . In addition to featuring a future where strife and war have been eliminated, the franchise has shown humanity has great potential, something Q alluded to in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “All Good Things.” Humanity will one day be like gods, and the Theseus’ journey to the Pleroma is the first step along the way. The Pleroma opens new possibilities in the Star Trek franchise, giving new meaning to “where no one has gone before.”

Star Trek #19 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

Chris Pine To Narrate Documentary ‘Space: The New Frontier'

EXCLUSIVE: Chris Pine, who famously played Captain Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, is set to narrate Space: The New Frontier , a documentary made for IMAX, Giant Screen and specialty theatres by Definition Studios Australia in association with K2 Studios.

The doc examines how humankind has continued to push the scientific boundaries of what is possible in space, following the pioneers and visionaries from private companies as well as NASA and other international space agencies – expanding the limits of science, engineering and the human body to enrich life on earth. From new launch to reusable rocket technologies, commercial space stations to NASA's Artemis Moon to Mars program, living and working in space is closer than we think, according to the new doc.

Pine, who is coming off the back of his directorial debut Poolman and is a supporter of Children's Hospital and The Orchid Foundation, a mentorship and scholarship program for underserved girls, said: "I remember seeing these shows in IMAX when I was a kid, so to be a part of it is a real blessing and I can't wait to inspire kids."

Space: The New Frontier will roll out in 3D and 2D IMAX, Giant Screen and Dome theaters at space museums, science centers and other cultural destinations worldwide, starting with the Kennedy Space Center in this month. The film will roll out globally over the next several years. STEM outreach and resources include classroom visits from MIT alumni and space architects at Aurelia Institute seen in the film as well as hands-on activities and lessons for teachers.

Star Trek's Biggest Badass Reveals His Starship's Secret Name

From The Dark Knight to Discovery , David Ajala is a man of action.

A man stands in front of a vivid alien landscape with purple skies and rocky terrain, leaning on a f...

David Ajala’s journey in the Final Frontier is coming to a close. Although Ajala only joined the cast of Star Trek: Discovery in 2020, at the start of Season 3 , it certainly feels like his rugged space courier with a heart of gold — Cleveland “Book” Booker — has been on in the series longer than he really has. As Book, Ajala brought some Indiana Jones swagger to Discovery , albeit with a touch of Gene Roddenberry idealism .

The fifth episode of Discovery’s final season puts Book and Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) into a perilous and very familiar setting, one which connects back to The Original Series, Deep Space Nine , Discovery’s second season, and even Strange New Worlds.

Inverse caught up with Ajala — best known for his roles in The Dark Knight and Supergirl — to get his take on where he’s been, how Star Trek has “blessed” his life, and which franchise he wants to jump to next.

Spoilers ahead for Star Trek: Discovery Episode 5, “Mirrors.”

Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Book (David Ajala) in 'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5.

Book and Burnham fly a shuttle in a new daring mission to...the Enterprise !

While in pursuit of the latest clue to unravel the secret of the Progenitor tech , “Mirrors” leads Captain Burnham and Book into a wormhole where they find the ISS Enterprise NCC-1701, the wicked Mirror Universe version of the classic 23rd century Enterprise from The Original Series and Strange New Worlds. (ISS stands for “Imperial Star Ship.” Whereas USS means “United Star Ship.”) This evil Enterprise first appeared in the 1967 TOS episode “Mirror, Mirror.” But, for the sake of current visual continuity, it’s now clearly a redress of the USS Enterprise set from Strange New Worlds.

“We wrapped shooting before [ Strange New Worlds ] started to commence their next season,” Ajala reveals. “So, sadly, the crossover didn’t happen.” But, Ajala notes that being in the physical sets of the Enterprise sickbay and bridge was a refreshing change from some of his other work in Discovery .

“There is a lot of green screen usually, and you have to tap into your childhood imagination. You’re playing cowboys,” Ajala explains. “But, there was something very, very special about shooting that scene that made it a lot easier for me to act. Part of it was what Sonequa [Martin-Green] was doing. How she held the space in such reverence, how she really channeled into the memory of her brother [Spock]. It was really wonderfully special and the fans are just going to love it.”

When Ajala joined Discovery as Book in 2020, he was probably best known to genre fans for his role as a bounty hunter working for the Joker (Heath Ledger) in The Dark Knight . But, he’s equally recognizable as Manchester Black from CW’s Supergirl . Then again, he was also one of the “Smilers” named Peter in the 2010 Doctor Who episode “The Beast Below.” From Star Trek, and the DCEU to the Whoniverse, that’s a lot of sci-fi geek cred for one man. And now, that Discovery is winding down, Ajala doesn’t mind looking back on his pre-Star Trek work with fondness, and even, a hypothetical part of his future.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 10: David Ajala visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at SXSW 2024 on March 10, 2024...

David Ajala in 2024, a man for all seasons, and dimensions.

“There was once upon a time, a possibility. There was a very strong invitation to go back into one of those worlds,” Ajala says cryptically. Does this mean he was almost in the multiverse shenanigans of The Flash ? Another CW Arrowverse show? Even a later episode of Doctor Who ? Ajala can’t say outright, so we’re just guessing. But it seems like it almost happened and could happen again. “The timing didn’t work out,” he says. “If and when that opportunity does present itself, I would gladly take that invitation again.”

Ajala is also open to the idea of tackling franchises he’s never been a part of before. And because he was born in London, his accent does make some wonder if he could be the phantom menace of future James Bond contenders .

“That is a vicious rumor!” Ajala says with a laugh. “But it’s also a massive compliment. In all honesty, it’s a wonderful thought to even entertain the idea of [playing Bond]. My main thing is to always pursue roles that excite me, that turn me on, and that challenge me. Stranger things have happened.”

It’s not hard to see why some folks might think of David Ajala as James Bond material in the 2020s. When he debuted in Discovery Season 3, as Book, he was a space pirate with a heart of gold, a guy whom we believed was poaching alien animals, but, in reality, he’s an empath, bringing space creatures to better homes. But, Book’s also a badass, who had, for two seasons, his own Star Trek version of the Millennium Falcon. Sadly, Book’s sleek scout ship — complete with its morphing tech — was destroyed in Season 4. So, pour one out for... wait. What was Book’s ship called anyway?

“It was called Electric Chocolate ,” Ajala reveals with a grin. “Not many people know that, but I’ll share it with you.” Hopefully, the Star Trek fan wiki, Memory Alpha is paying attention, since, prior to this Book’s ship is referred to, off-screen, as either “the Nautilus” or “Vessel - C.” And, let’s face it, Electric Chocolate sounds way better.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 12: David Ajala attends the Star Trek Discovery: The Trailblazing Journey to t...

David Ajala at SXSW 2024, flashing a classic “live long and prosper” in support of Star Trek: Discovery .

Still, with or without his cool ship, Book’s story in Star Trek: Discovery will end this year. But, David Ajala’s journey with Star Trek will likely never be over. Recently, he was a part of the 2024 Star Trek Cruise, where he says he was thrilled to connect with Trek actors from the other series. “I got to hang with Michelle Hurd, Anthony Montgomery, and Todd Stashwick ! It was incredible.”

Ajala also says that he will continue to do Star Trek conventions for as long as he can, but that he will probably only select about “three conventions” a year. His reasoning for doing fewer is simply because he wants to be present for the fans when he is there.

“I'd probably choose three a year, but when I'm there, I'm fully there with very healthy energy,” Ajala says. “I think it's just been deeply humbling and special. We're not superheroes. We’re real people. So, I want to be really, really be there, when I’m there. I want to sign however many autographs I need to sign and give as many hugs as I need to.”

Star Trek: Discovery streams on Paramount+.

Phasers on Stun!: How the Making — and Remaking — of Star Trek Changed the World

Science Fiction

Fans on mission. To seek out autographs from Star Trek icon William Shatner

Several hundred fans came to Hartville Marketplace Saturday to get autographs from Star Trek star William Shatner.

LAKE TWP. − For many, it was a final frontier.

To boldly go where they had never gone before — into the presence of Star Trek actor William Shatner .

Several hundred people flocked Saturday to Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market to get autographs and pictures with the 93-year-old man known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original 1960s television series Star Trek. Those 79 episodes spawned a decades-long influential cultural franchise and phenomenon.

The crowd loudly cheered when Shatner appeared at 10:50 a.m. in an area by the food court cordoned off for his appearance that was arranged by Prime Time Sports and Framing of Kent. Fans, several arriving in wheelchairs, brought Star Trek uniforms, promotional pictures from the TV series and Star Trek films, a model of the U.S.S. Enterprise and sketches to be marked with his coveted signature.

Related: 'Star Trek' legend William Shatner to appear at Hartville MarketPlace

The cost of each autograph or picture with him was $149. If you wanted both, the cost was $275. For him to write three words or less with the autograph cost $79 more. Several also paid $100 for a VIP pass to skip the line.

Shatner could be seen for the next 74 minutes signing autographs, smiling and engaging in light banter with fans. After everyone who had paid for an autograph had been served, he got onto a scooter with balloons tied to it and going nowhere close to as fast as warp speed went to All Star Sports Gallery.

Someone wearing an elaborate costume as Bumblebee the Transformer led the procession. Then, Shatner switched from the scooter to sitting on a stool to take pictures with people, with the line of those waiting for pictures stretching back to the food court area.

Dave Bell, 74, of Lake Township, who watches the classic Star Trek episodes every night, said he wasn't willing to pay $149 for an autograph. But he came to Hartville Marketplace to get a glimpse and picture of Shatner.

"I'm a Trekkie. But this is ridiculous," Bell said about the crowd. "I'm not surprised. He's a very popular guy."

Jann Henthorn drove an hour from Orrville to see the man who played the beloved Star Trek captain.

"Is William Shatner here?" she said as she tried to spot him through the autograph seekers blocking her view. "I see him! ... All of us baby boomers are all excited!"

Henthorn recalled watching Star Trek when it first aired in the 1960s long before it achieved massive cult status in syndication.

"He looks good," she said about Shatner.

Cassedy Brennan, 28, of Wadsworth stood by one of the barricades snapping pictures of Shatner. Her father, a big Star Trek fan, was in line waiting for an autograph on a poster.

"He is like a kid in a candy store today. He is so excited. It's like Star Wars, Star Trek paraphernalia in the basement. ... Unopen toys. This is his jam," she said. "I think it's cool. Not exactly my thing. But here to support my dad. It's cool to see, too."

Brennan was one of the few people in their 20s in the crowd.

"I probably wouldn't know William Shatner out of context if it weren't for my dad," she said, adding that she saw classic Star Trek episodes with her father. "There's probably some millennials that are fans. But I'm not a sci-fi kind of girl."

Michael Rothman, 38, of Lake Township said Shatner autographed his set of Star Trek DVDs.

He said the actor said to him, "'Thank you very much.' That's all he said."

His wife Shandi Rothman clarified that, "He (also) said, 'Pleasure to see you.'"

Stacy Klotz of Massillon got Shatner to autograph her Captain James T. Kirk poster. She considered the $149 cost a "once in a lifetime type of thing." A sci-fi fan, she first started seeing Star Trek in syndication in the late 1970s.

Matt Merew, 56, of Zanesville got Shatner to sign his model of the Enterprise and his picture depicting the scene where Captain Kirk fights an alien captain known as a Gorn. The picture already had the autograph of the actor who played the Gorn that Merew got at a past Star Trek convention.

Cameron Blakey, 46, of Mogadore, who watched Star Trek in the 1980s with his uncle and mother, got Shatner to autograph his sketch of Captain Kirk that Blakey drew.

"He asked me how I was. And he asked me if I drew this. I told him I did. And I told him that we basically thank you for everything and he made my day," he said. "He made my life. Awesome, awesome experience!"

Karen Isaiah of Mogadore said she watched the original Star Trek in 1967.

"I'm ecstatic. I didn't want to miss him for anything," she said. "I met (singer) Johnny Mathis. I talked to William Shatner. My life is complete."

Reach Robert at [email protected]. X formerly Twitter: @rwangREP.

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A few people on X noticed something about the photo of a grinning Elon Musk with Argentina’s President Javier Milei recently. The emblem on Musk’s bomber jacket showed a picture of the Starship Enterprise, from the original TV series Star Trek . Underneath it was the motto: “Where no man has gone before.”

Musk loves the show. Last year when another X user posted a question asking what the best TV series of all time was, Musk jumped in to say, “ Star Trek .” But its appeal extends not only to billionaires trying to make humans a multi-planetary species. A whole generation of innovators and entrepreneurs entered the tech field because they fell in love with Star Trek’s utopian vision. Today, it’s one increasingly at odds with the messy realities of their inventions, and their dramas and rivalries .

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Published Apr 22, 2024

The 10 Plagues of Star Trek: The Original Series

As Passover brought 10 plagues to test Pharaoh, so too did The Original Series test the crew of the Enterprise!

Collage of episodic stills of plague-centric moments

StarTrek.com

Considering Gene Roddenberry stated that there would be no religion in the future when he conceived of Star Trek , a lot of Judaism sure did manage to creep it's way in!

From Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner bonding on the set of The Original Series over their shared Jewish background, and Nimoy being inspired by his Orthodox upbringing when creating Vulcan culture , to later series with Jewish actors and parallels such as Worf's diasporic experience, and Marina Sirtis drawing on inspiration from an Israeli friend as she created Deanna Troi. It makes sense, then, to spend some time during Passover reflecting on the many aspects of Jewish influence seen on Star Trek .

So, of course, I’ve decided to give you the 10 Plagues of Passover as episodes from The Original Series . Let’s get into it.

1. Rivers of Blood, " Amok Time "

As Spock is set to perform the Vulcan marriage ritual, the koon-ut-kal-if-fee; T'Pring stops him, rejecting him, and invokes the kal-if-fee and choosing Kirk as her champion in 'Amok Time'

"Amok Time"

When Aaron turned the Nile into a river of blood, it shook the Pharaoh to his core, much like how the blood fever of Pon Farr shook up Spock's usual calm and logic. Hormonal imbalances are no joke, and this quickly descended from throwing soup and nearly ended with Captain Kirk's death on Vulcan!

Much as I hate to parallel the Pharaoh, the villain of the Passover story, with Spock, a hero and a pacifist, they are both powerful men brought low (and emotional) by blood.

2. Frogs, " And the Children Shall Lead "

Aboard the Enterprise, a kneeling Kirk is surrounded by a group of tearful and scared children in 'And the Children Shall Lead'

"All the Children Shall Lead"

There is a debate in Judaism over whether the second plague was a swarm of frogs, or one giant frog that covered the land of Egypt. But if we go with the more traditional interpretation of a swarm, then the Star Trek equivalent swarm would be the children from "And The Children Shall Lead" who take over the Enterprise .

Not only are they a hive mind (very swarm-like behavior) controlled by an evil embodiment called Gorgon, but they also bring the majority of the bridge crew under their sway. Whichever frog interpretation you go with, Kirk was as deeply unhappy with this plague-parallel as the Egyptians were with their own froggy problem — and he was pretty hostile to the kids too!

3. Lice, " Operation — Annihilate! "

The landing party arrives on a planet's surface, the crew is surrounded by alien lice as they stand defensively with phasers drawn in 'Operation -- Annihilate'

"Operation — Annihilate!"

Whilst it may not be as scary or strange as the other plagues, the plague of lice always makes me wince and want to scratch my scalp in sympathy.

The episode "Operation — Annihilate!" also makes me wince, as a meeting with behavior-altering parasites is not how I imagine Kirk wanted his family reunion to go. But while lice do alter behavior, making people far more irritable, I wonder if they could cause the collapse of civilizations as this Star Trek parasite did before the crew of the Enterprise stopped it?

4. Flies or Deadly Animals, "Wink of an Eye"

"Wink of an Eye"

Here we find ourselves with another heavily debated plague. Some scholars believe it was the buzzing of flies that punished the Egyptians, while others believe it was a hoard of deadly animals destroying everything in their path. Luckily, "Wink of an Eye" covers both!

It begins when a landing party on Scalos and Kirk hears a mysterious buzzing noise like a swarm of insects before one of their party goes missing. Kirk continues to hear this insect buzzing on the Enterprise . However, it turns out to be a group of people living at hyper-accelerated speed, causing mischief all over the ship as they try to put the Enterprise into a deep freeze. Moreover, when they try to hyper-accelerate the humans, they end up causing them to age and decay rapidly. Deadly creatures destroying everything in their path indeed!

5. Pestilence, " The Trouble with Tribbles "

"The Trouble with Tribbles"

The fifth plague was a pestilence that killed all the Egyptians livestock, and what better episode to compare this with than "The Trouble with Tribbles."

The tribbles not only eat all of the grain supplies, they also end up dying en masse because the grain has been poisoned by saboteurs. This makes them not only the pestilence, but also the dead livestock in the Passover parallels! It's said the Egyptians grieved when they looked upon the dead animals they worshipped like gods, and whilst I doubt the tribbles were worshipped, I'm sure the Klingon vessel they were eventually beamed onto did indeed grieve having this fluffy plague.

6. Boils, " Miri "

"Miri"

When painful boils appear on the people of Egypt, it was meant to have caused horror and agony. Well, the episode "Miri" caused so much horror, it was banned by the BBC in the 1970s and 1980s!

In this episode, the landing party, except for Spock, begin developing purple lesions on their bodies and are told by the children of the planet they will die horribly in a week. Even Spock can't return to the Enterprise , because they don’t know whether or not he'll infect the rest of the crew. The boils end up being painful physically and emotionally, as the crew seek to save themselves and the children who have trapped them.

7. Hail, " Mirror, Mirror "

"Mirror, Mirror"

The seventh plague was a hail-storm of unprecedented strength that damaged every living thing in its path — much like the wrath of the Mirrorverse that Kirk and company discover in the episode "Mirror, Mirror"!

When negotiating with the Halkan's for dilithium, the council says there is no guarantee the Federation will always be peaceful. A violent and unpredictable ion-storm proves they may have a point when it causes the transporter malfunction that takes our Enterprise crew to a parallel universe of unprecedented violence!

8. Locusts, " The Conscience of the King "

"The Conscience of the King"

On Moses' eighth attempt to sway the Pharaoh, a devastating plague of locusts is summoned. The bugs devour everything green that has escaped the hail and previous plagues. This brings to mind one of Kirk's most famous pieces of backstory — the Tarsus IV massacre.

In "The Conscience of the King," we discover that as a teenager, Kirk lived in the Tarsus IV colony when a food crisis allowed Governor Kodos to take control and order the deaths of half the population. While it might not have been locusts that destroyed the grain on Tarsus IV, this event certainly caused untold devastation.

9. Darkness, " The Tholian Web "

"The Tholian Web"

Space, the final frontier. In the context of Star Trek , it's hard to think of darkness as a plague when it is the mission and adventure of our voyagers to explore it. But darkness in the Passover story was terrifying, as for several days all of Egypt was enveloped in a thick and impenetrable veil of darkness which extinguished all lights kindled. Remind you of "The Tholian Web"?

On a rescue mission for their sister ship, the U.S.S. Defiant , the Enterprise enters a sector of unknown space and finds the Defiant adrift, its crew dead, and slowly phasing out of existence, before vanishing entirely and taking Kirk with it. This episode focuses on the more terrifying aspects of space and the unknown, and how the hardest thing to do can be just having to wait for the darkness to pass.

10. Death of the First Born, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

First-born children don't have the best track record for surviving in Star Trek ; we've already covered Sam Kirk's death in "Operation — Annihilate!" and Kodos' daughter Lenore Karidian meets a grim fate in "The Conscience of the King."

Moving on to the movies, we see Spock's older brother, Sybok, die in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier . But for this plague I had to go with Captain Kirk's own son David Marcus, who is killed by Klingons in The Search for Spock . As the Pharoah's own infant son's death broke his resolve to finally allow the Israelites to be free, David's death so soon after they met causes Kirk to become embittered and colors his own attitude towards Klingons as a species.

Yes, the plagues make up a significant part of the Passover story, the main theme of the holiday is triumph over adversity and freedom —a fundamental tenet of Star Trek . For all of the dangers and threats the Enterprise crew face, from physical to emotional, they always overcome them together. And much like the Israelites finally leaving Egypt to wander the desert in search of the Holy Land, it tells us that perseverance is key and the journey and exploration it entails can be as important as the final destination.

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This article was originally published on March 29, 2021.

Emily Zinkin (she/her) is a writer based in London, UK, who also runs Moishe House Clapham. She once cosplayed as Captain Kirk but realised she was the mirror version when she met another one. You can find her on Twitter at @EmilyZinkin

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Comic books in 'Star Trek New Frontier (Novel)'

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